Teaching Kiddos

Spread Your Wings And Fly   We were fortunate enough to get the caterpillars that were with us during Olive's science night. Each kiddo got to pick, name and share his/her desk with his/her new caterpillar friend. Once each caterpillar turned into a chrysalis , it was transported into the mesh cage until it was time to spread their wings.   We were delighted to release our first butterflies last week.  At first they were a bit hesitant to leave their third grade friends and our welcoming classroom, but once they felt the warm sun on their wings, off they went.  We watched healthy butterflies bid us farewell, but one hung out for a while, perched high on an oak tree, for our viewing pleasure.  It's been an exciting mini unit about butterflies and the variety of life cycles.   

 

 reSHAPE you brain power!!!   For today's math test prep review we decide to throw away the worksheet ( something we live to do) and let the brain verbally and visually answer the questions . First, the kiddos watched a clip about geometric 2D and 3D shapes. We discussed faces, vertices, and sides.       After learning about 2D and 3D shapes, we built them using toothpicks and marshmallows! Each partner groupwas given a plate, toothpicks and marshmallows and allowed to let their creativity flow! This lesson allowed the kiddos to think critically and covered several common core Geometry standards. We also allowed the kiddos to use  some shape building cards.The kiddos were able to look at the shape first, then build it.      After all eight 2D shapes were constructed, the kiddos proceeded to construct 3D shapes! Overall, anytime they get to construct and create to show what they know.... is a good day ...

Our Brains Are Soaring!   Inside the Outdoors is a unique, hands-on environmental education program administered by the Orange County Department of Education.   Its mission is to empower kiddos, teachers, parents, and the community to explore natural areas and expand their knowledge, understanding, and stewardship of the environment. Inside the Outdoors curriculum is designed to support the current California state standards and allows students to interact with these concepts in a real world setting.   This year our class was able to be visited by this amazing group. This particular assembly was titled - FEATHERS. The kiddos  discovered what makes birds unique as they work cooperatively and visit different lab stations to learn about the natural history of birds. The Traveling Scientists even brought live birds to show the students their special adaptations.    After a quick introduction , vocabulary review, and rule review the students got to rea...

 

This last week our class started our morning routine with our morning work. It was a comprehension piece about Sea Otters.  A lesson that normally takes 5-10 minutes turned into 20! One of the question's asked was about KELP. Only one student had actually seen KELP ( she had been up to Monterey , CA). Only about 10 had ever seen seaweed ( I was trying to integrate inference )so we decided to turn to some technology for help.    We brainstormed with our partners different places we could go to on the web to find out more about sea otters and KELP. There was so much information and better yet, so many illustrations and video clips to broaden our "horizons" on this particular subject. Our personal favorite was a live video cam streaming from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. We watch the cutest little animals roll around in their KELP. So one question about a simple vocabulary word like KELP turned into such an amazing lesson for all of us , not just the students.   Later that...

Perfect Parachuting for Thrill Seeking Gummy Bears     This week our kiddos were able to work again on the STEAM Design Process.  They reviewed all of the steps of the process and were given a challenge to solve.  They utilized the steps in the design process to design a parachute for a gummy bear that was to  stay in the air as long as possible and safely land the gummy bear.  Since we are currently learning about space and how astronauts have ( in the past) landed and how currently NASA equipment is carefully brought back into the atmosphere, this was a perfect lesson.    They worked in groups to research how parachutes work and then began to brainstorm and design their own parachute.     After the kiddos took their materials and created fabulous designs on paper, it was time to put the engineering process into action. All five groups made wonderful ( and one comfy one with extra tape pillow) parachutes! Each group CEO was in charge of...