In our new ELA unit, students have worked together in multiple ways to gain understanding of building bridges- literally and figuratively. Below are pictures from (1) students working together to create a bridge using a limited number of carpet squares to get from point a to point b, (2) students building bridges using only paper, straws, and tape, and (3) students working as groups to present their strategy they used and steps they took to build their bridges. I was very impressed by all students teamwork, stamina, and creativity they used throughout these activities!
Kickball Tournament!
Electricity Simple Circuit Exploration
Students used their schema of electricity to create their very own simple circuits. Students were given a small light bulb, tin foil, and a battery. They were very excited when they created electricity...you can tell by their reactions in the pictures below :)
Book Talk Time
Students have been enjoying discussing their reading through various activities including share square, think-pair-share partners, and stop-and-plop discussions. Below are some pictures of students 'stopping and plopping' to talk about their reading.
Mis-Match Reward Day!
Students had a great time coming to school in their best mis-match attire. I enjoyed seeing all of the creative clothing combinations and hair styles :)
Pajama Day
Walk-a-Thon 2012
Field Day 2011-2012
Our Class Field Trip to the Louisville Zoo!
Think-Pair-Share in Reading
Throughout the week, students participate in whole-class book talk circle and also think-pair-share partners. Here are a few snapshots of students discussing their reading with their partners.
Inside Social Interaction Time
With the cold, rainy weather students have had time to participate in inside social interaction time. Many students have gotten very creative with their games, projects, and activities they choose. They are always very eager to ask for me to take a picture of what they have done, so here are a few!
Holiday Party!
Thanks to all of our great parent volunteers, students were able to enjoy making holiday ornaments, singing songs, and reading a few classic holiday story!
Reading Campout
Thank you for sending in flashlights with your children, they absolutely loved their reading campout!
Our FIRST Free-Write Friday!
On Friday's students are allowed to work in partners, groups of three, or independently to show their creativity in writing. Students get to use clipboards and markers and choose a cozy spot in the room to create their writing! So far, students have created poems, books, comics, and stories. Some of my favorites so far include a group of boys that have began a story about the planets (giving them names, faces, and stories for each one) as well as some great poetry :) Here are some photos of students working.
Walk-a-Thon
Here are some photos of the students during the walk-a-thon! Thank you to the parents who shared photos :)
Metacognition
September 7th, 2011 This week, we have been studying metacognition. Students have learned how to "think about their thinking" while reading. We have been using a 'real' thought bubble (or brain bubble as we like to call it) :) during reading to show our metacognition and thoughts.
*At home when reading, ask your child what they are feeling, noticing, seeing, thinking, or wondering. We have been using these works as our 'thinking stems' during reader's workshop!
Math Exploration Workshop
Last week, students explored math manipulatives to see what tools mathematicians use to solve problems!