Teaching Kiddos

PBL   (PROJECT BASED LEARNING) The old-school model of learning facts and reciting them out of context is no longer helpful to prepare the kiddos to survive in today's world. Solving highly complex problems requires that they have both fundamental skills (reading, writing, and math) and 21st century skills (teamwork, problem solving, research gathering, time management, information synthesizing, utilizing high tech tools).  With this combination of skills, our kiddos have become directors and managers of their learning process, guided and mentored by us ( teachers and parents). This month the kiddos used their PBL techniques to research and favorite sport or extra curricular activity . We love doing this research project at the start of the school year to better understand our kiddos interests outside of school. We could not of asked for better presentations. They were amazing!!! We had some google slides presentations, cartoon shows, posters, trifold poster boards, and so man...

Seesaws aren't just for the playground anymore!!! This week we introduced our new digital portfolios . We will once again be using SeeSaw but we are now working with the district to implement more activities at a higher thinking level. We are very excited to be involved with this special cohort. For the students' first entry they learned how to use the app, picCollage. They took a selfie, added adjectives that describe them, and then finished by adding colorful stickers. When this was completed they could download it into their new SeeSaw account. Once the entry was approved by us, the parents could see the fabulous work their child had done.  We love technology , we love home/school connection, and we love making lesson fun!

The year is officially up and rolling . We have been busy ( a good busy) introducing so many ways for our kiddos to be more independent. This week, we introduced a new vocabulary activity. At the start of the week the new book has new vocab to be learned prior to reading the story. The kiddos have a trifold with all the words ( and some definitions). They must use their chromebooks and look up the word in the ConnectED folder ( accessed through  " single sign on") This is an awesome way to learn because there are definitions, sentences, pictures, videos, and more. It makes learning so easy and more importantly FUN. After a word has been looked up, the kiddos get to decide if they want to write a definition, copy a sentence, write a new sentence , create an inference example or challenge themselves with an "ask" question that is on the WONDERS website. We love all the ways to challenge our higher thinking students. 

The year has been wonderful so far. We have the most amazing class of kiddos. The rule review week has been going well and each day the kiddos are getting a little more independent.We can't wait for the amazing adventures this year with these kiddos. Let the fun begin!

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 ...