Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Kindergarten Update - January 30
Well, we had a quiet day. Half of our class was missing. For this reason I had the students do a variety of problem solving activities that I use to assess where they are in their understanding of geometric terms, visual thinking and problem solving skills. The students also completed an on line word making activity based on the book Chrysanthemum. We will do more of these in the future.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Fifth Grade Update - January 26
Video Update - Super Humans - Two weeks ago your children did a fabulous job with their Super Human newscasts. I promised the students I would burn the videos onto dvds for them. When I went to do this last weekend, the files were too large for the basic dvds. So, this week I gave the children three options.
1. Have just their own newscast burned.
2. Choose which groups they'd like to have burned
or 3. If you have the capability at home, I can have the files zipped smaller, but that requires the students to have the ability to "unzip" the files. IF you choose this options I am pretty sure I can get all six videos on one disc.
I asked the students to check with you, the parents, and then let me know next week what they would like. I will then burn the disks and bring them the following week.
Thursday was another day of inventions. For their group problem solving activity the children built towers with ONE piece of paper and 3ft of scotch tape. Remember, last week is was 10 pieces of paper and 1 ft. of masking tape. The winning tower was built by Amit and Rowan, with a tower that stood at 26.5 inches tall. This is the second week in a row that Amit was in the winning group.
Next, we learned about Rube Goldberg. Some of the children had seen this before, so it was a chance for them to expand on that learning with their new invention. We have some very interesting ideas on ways to accomplish simple tasks. Also, some of the tasks chosen were very creative. If you'd like to see all the inventions, stop by room 213, they are all on display outside the classroom.
In reviewing the Most Important Invention in History we learned about toilets, computers, plumbing, light bulbs, electricity, pencils, books and more. I really enjoy these short research activities to see where the student's interests direct them when choosing important people or things.
HOMEWORK: This week's assignment is to research a famous inventor. This can be anybody your child chooses. Below are the guidelines as given to the students yesterday.
Also, next week is our first transaction day for the Stock Market Game. Students should be ready for their first purchase. They have had lots of time to research stocks, they need to know which stocks they will want to recommend to their teammates.
1. Have just their own newscast burned.
2. Choose which groups they'd like to have burned
or 3. If you have the capability at home, I can have the files zipped smaller, but that requires the students to have the ability to "unzip" the files. IF you choose this options I am pretty sure I can get all six videos on one disc.
I asked the students to check with you, the parents, and then let me know next week what they would like. I will then burn the disks and bring them the following week.
Thursday was another day of inventions. For their group problem solving activity the children built towers with ONE piece of paper and 3ft of scotch tape. Remember, last week is was 10 pieces of paper and 1 ft. of masking tape. The winning tower was built by Amit and Rowan, with a tower that stood at 26.5 inches tall. This is the second week in a row that Amit was in the winning group.
Next, we learned about Rube Goldberg. Some of the children had seen this before, so it was a chance for them to expand on that learning with their new invention. We have some very interesting ideas on ways to accomplish simple tasks. Also, some of the tasks chosen were very creative. If you'd like to see all the inventions, stop by room 213, they are all on display outside the classroom.
In reviewing the Most Important Invention in History we learned about toilets, computers, plumbing, light bulbs, electricity, pencils, books and more. I really enjoy these short research activities to see where the student's interests direct them when choosing important people or things.
HOMEWORK: This week's assignment is to research a famous inventor. This can be anybody your child chooses. Below are the guidelines as given to the students yesterday.
Also, next week is our first transaction day for the Stock Market Game. Students should be ready for their first purchase. They have had lots of time to research stocks, they need to know which stocks they will want to recommend to their teammates.
Research Assignment: Inventors and their Inventions
Your homework is to research an inventor.
Include the following things in your ONE page report.
1. Name the inventor.
2. Diagram of an invention developed by this inventor
3. Background information on the inventor
4. How and why the invention illustrated in #2 came about.
5. Did any earlier inventions influence the inventor in this invention?
6. What difference did this invention make in the world?
7. What is the source you used to find your information?
You are limited to one page. You may type or handwrite your report. Be sure your final report is error free.
Example:
Alexander Graham Bell
Invention: The Telephone – 1876
By Suzy Student
Alexander Graham Bell was a teacher of the deaf. He became very interested in the source of sound. Soon he….etc.
INSERT A DIAGRAM HERE
Source: My two main sources were the website www.britannica.com and the World Book Encyclopedia in the Flynn Park Library.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Third Grade Update - January 25
We focused on just one main activity today. Mental discipline. I introduced the students to Hanoi's Tower. This is an activity that was introduced to Hindu priests-in-training to help them increase their ability to concentrate. At the same time it also has a math variable in that the number of moves it takes to complete the task is static. I don't want to explain too much here yet, because we will look at the math aspect next week.
Here is a link to an online version. I am sure there are more, but I just want the children to have fun and yet practice at the same time. http://www.mazeworks.com/hanoi/.
Here is a link to an online version. I am sure there are more, but I just want the children to have fun and yet practice at the same time. http://www.mazeworks.com/hanoi/.
Second Grade Update - Jan 25
Today we went on to lesson three of the Hands-On Equations program. The initial problem today was 4x + 2 = 3 + 9x. Yes, your children can do this problem. First they solve for the x, then they find the answer to the problem. Today was a great day. Most of the children really seemed to click this week. They worked quickly and got the right answers. They have gotten over being scared of the work and now seem to be enjoying it.
Then the students wrote a news article on their inventions from last week. I will be putting these on the bulletin board outside my classroom in just a few days.
There is no homework, but I would like you to look at the algebra pages. If there are only stars your child is getting the problems right the first time. I circle the parts of answers that are incorrect and then the students must fix their errors. Everyone is successful, it just takes some longer than others, which is perfectly normal. I'm not looking for speed, especially at the third lesson, I'm looking for understanding. The speed will come as we progress.
Then the students wrote a news article on their inventions from last week. I will be putting these on the bulletin board outside my classroom in just a few days.
There is no homework, but I would like you to look at the algebra pages. If there are only stars your child is getting the problems right the first time. I circle the parts of answers that are incorrect and then the students must fix their errors. Everyone is successful, it just takes some longer than others, which is perfectly normal. I'm not looking for speed, especially at the third lesson, I'm looking for understanding. The speed will come as we progress.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Fourth Grade Update - January 24
The Language Arts Mind Builders have really revealed to me the need to cover grammar terms. The questions often have grammatical terms that the children aren't familiar with, like possessive noun. I know that can identify these words, they just didn't know they had a "name." The students have a reference book available to them during the work time which they are learning to use.
We did another evaluative thinking activity during our PETS time. Today they were give three pictures that belong in a set, then from another three pictures they had to pick one to go with the first set and tell why in a clear, concise sentence. Almost everyone got tripped up on at least one problem. The bases of criteria is that it must be factual and in this case must also fit ALL the pictures put into the final group. The explaining part is what was so difficult for the children. Many found it hard to put into words what they were thinking. After they told me out loud they were better able to put it in writing. There are a couple of students still struggling with the concept, which is ok as this is their first introduction to the idea of explaining with a factual basis on what could be abstract or random groupings.
Last, I shared the student written division problems with the whole class. I wrote the problems on the overhead and then the students had to solve each others problems. This was fun. Some were very challenging and others straight forward. This type of activity allows each child to rise to their ability level. It's a great way for me to see where they are in their mathematical understanding. Most of the students that didn't include division didn't because they missed that part of the assignment when reviewing the directions. We will wrap up the division unit next week and then move on to a Lewis and Clark Unit.
We did another evaluative thinking activity during our PETS time. Today they were give three pictures that belong in a set, then from another three pictures they had to pick one to go with the first set and tell why in a clear, concise sentence. Almost everyone got tripped up on at least one problem. The bases of criteria is that it must be factual and in this case must also fit ALL the pictures put into the final group. The explaining part is what was so difficult for the children. Many found it hard to put into words what they were thinking. After they told me out loud they were better able to put it in writing. There are a couple of students still struggling with the concept, which is ok as this is their first introduction to the idea of explaining with a factual basis on what could be abstract or random groupings.
Last, I shared the student written division problems with the whole class. I wrote the problems on the overhead and then the students had to solve each others problems. This was fun. Some were very challenging and others straight forward. This type of activity allows each child to rise to their ability level. It's a great way for me to see where they are in their mathematical understanding. Most of the students that didn't include division didn't because they missed that part of the assignment when reviewing the directions. We will wrap up the division unit next week and then move on to a Lewis and Clark Unit.
First Grade Update - January 24
Gung hay fat choy! or Have a prosperous New Year. Today we learned a little about Chinese New Year and the country of China. Your child should have a small book that we made that explains just the basics of Chinese New Year, China and the phases of the moon. I hope they share it with you.
Next, we worked on our visual thinking skills. Max the Magician teaches visual skills. He looks for visual clues that will lead us to the solution. So, today we did four puzzles. Two we did together using the overhead and helped each other. Then I gave the children visual subtraction problems. They did a fabulous job. Next, I gave them a picture of Max that has been overlaid with a numbered grid. Their job was to redraw Max using the grid as their guide. This is a technique that many artists use when painting or drawing from another source such as a photograph. Based on the work I saw today, we have many artists in first grade.
Last, we worked on our retelling of The Lost Button, a Frog and Toad story. The children read the story with a partner and then had to retell the story to their partner using buttons to guide their storytelling.
It as a wonderful day of learning.
Next, we worked on our visual thinking skills. Max the Magician teaches visual skills. He looks for visual clues that will lead us to the solution. So, today we did four puzzles. Two we did together using the overhead and helped each other. Then I gave the children visual subtraction problems. They did a fabulous job. Next, I gave them a picture of Max that has been overlaid with a numbered grid. Their job was to redraw Max using the grid as their guide. This is a technique that many artists use when painting or drawing from another source such as a photograph. Based on the work I saw today, we have many artists in first grade.
Last, we worked on our retelling of The Lost Button, a Frog and Toad story. The children read the story with a partner and then had to retell the story to their partner using buttons to guide their storytelling.
It as a wonderful day of learning.
Welcome Kindergarten
It was the first day of school on Monday afternoon. I was able to finally meet the Kindergarten GATE / Enrichment class. The afternoon was treated just like a first day. I sat with the children while they made name cards that were decorated to tell about themselves. Next week I'll have them share their cards with the group. While we were sitting I asked each student to tell me about themselves. It's so fun to get to know new students. I took the students on a tour of the classroom also. We discussed the Primary Education Thinking Skills (PETS) program that we will work on throughout the year.
PETS introduces students to six types of thinking through stories and activities. Our first set of thinking activities will center on deductive thinking. Dudley the Detective is a character used to deliver the stories and activities. He's one of many animal characters the children will meet as we work our way through the program.
We also went for a tour of the MySci Van. This activity was already scheduled for the Kindergarten classes and I wanted to make sure my students didn't miss out.
We had just a little time left after our MySci tour and the students were given choice time. The could choose reading, Rubik's Cube, tangrams or pentominoes. Ask you child what they chose.
PETS introduces students to six types of thinking through stories and activities. Our first set of thinking activities will center on deductive thinking. Dudley the Detective is a character used to deliver the stories and activities. He's one of many animal characters the children will meet as we work our way through the program.
We also went for a tour of the MySci Van. This activity was already scheduled for the Kindergarten classes and I wanted to make sure my students didn't miss out.
We had just a little time left after our MySci tour and the students were given choice time. The could choose reading, Rubik's Cube, tangrams or pentominoes. Ask you child what they chose.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Fifth Grade Update - Jan. 19
It was a day of cooperation and invention.
After our Language Arts Mind Builders and Word Plexers, each table group was given 10 pieces of paper and just 12" of masking tape. Their task: Make the highest free standing tower you can with just those materials. Only one group was able to succeed, but there were others very close behind. It was fabulous to see the teamwork, the concentration and determination. It's good to be frustrated at times, and I am going to try to give the children more of these kinds of activities so they can see that when they work together and problem solve, almost anything is possible. Oh: the winners were D'Avion, Thomas, Amit, and Leanne.
Next I introduced the Inventions Unit we will be working on until Spring Break. Today's activity was a group invention. Most of the work in this unit is individual with just a few in class group activities. The students were given fairy tale dilemmas and asked to invent an item to help solve the problem. The inventions can be seen on the bulletin board outside the GATE classroom. The inventions ranged from a new food source for the Big Bad Wolf to a way to put Humpty Dumpty together again.
Groups that finished early on their fairy tale invention either worked on stock market research or in preparing the hundreds of box tops we've received. The fifth graders are the work force behind preparing and counting all the box tops before they are submitted. Last year Flynn Park earned over $600 through this project. I've heard Delmar Harvard earned over $200. Together we can really support all the wonderful activities that reinforce our curriculum.
SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday evening, May 8, at Jackson Park we will have a district wide 5th Grade GATE Showcase. All the fifth grade GATE students in the district will display their work from throughout the year. Please plan on attending. As soon as I have a specific time, I will let you know.
HOMEWORK: Your child was given a handout describing a quick research activity. I've put the requirements below, just in case the paper is misplaced. :) They will be sharing their invention choice with the class next week.
After our Language Arts Mind Builders and Word Plexers, each table group was given 10 pieces of paper and just 12" of masking tape. Their task: Make the highest free standing tower you can with just those materials. Only one group was able to succeed, but there were others very close behind. It was fabulous to see the teamwork, the concentration and determination. It's good to be frustrated at times, and I am going to try to give the children more of these kinds of activities so they can see that when they work together and problem solve, almost anything is possible. Oh: the winners were D'Avion, Thomas, Amit, and Leanne.
Next I introduced the Inventions Unit we will be working on until Spring Break. Today's activity was a group invention. Most of the work in this unit is individual with just a few in class group activities. The students were given fairy tale dilemmas and asked to invent an item to help solve the problem. The inventions can be seen on the bulletin board outside the GATE classroom. The inventions ranged from a new food source for the Big Bad Wolf to a way to put Humpty Dumpty together again.
Groups that finished early on their fairy tale invention either worked on stock market research or in preparing the hundreds of box tops we've received. The fifth graders are the work force behind preparing and counting all the box tops before they are submitted. Last year Flynn Park earned over $600 through this project. I've heard Delmar Harvard earned over $200. Together we can really support all the wonderful activities that reinforce our curriculum.
SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday evening, May 8, at Jackson Park we will have a district wide 5th Grade GATE Showcase. All the fifth grade GATE students in the district will display their work from throughout the year. Please plan on attending. As soon as I have a specific time, I will let you know.
HOMEWORK: Your child was given a handout describing a quick research activity. I've put the requirements below, just in case the paper is misplaced. :) They will be sharing their invention choice with the class next week.
Your homework is to choose what you consider to be the “most important invention in history.”
Follow these steps:
1. Talk to other people to get ideas, but you must make the final decision as to what YOU believe is the world’s most important invention.
2. Research the invention you have chosen.
3. Complete the index card as shown below. This is to be your neatest work.
|
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Third Grade Update - Jan 17
Congratulations to Ava Barvian who won our Kalah Tournament. She was able to beat four competitors. Next week we'll be doing an activity called Hanoi's Tower. This is a problem that requires a great deal of concentration to complete. There is also a formula to figure out the "answer". Your child will be bringing home their own version of this puzzle to practice and show to you.
We also worked on our critical thinking activity. I asked the children to come up with five criteria (fact based) that they would use to choose a restaurant for the family. It's always very interesting to see what they feel is important when making these kinds of decisions.
We also worked on our critical thinking activity. I asked the children to come up with five criteria (fact based) that they would use to choose a restaurant for the family. It's always very interesting to see what they feel is important when making these kinds of decisions.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Second Grade Update - Jan. 18
Today was the second lesson in Hands-On Equations. I did a complete review of the first day then moved on to today's lesson. Today they did problems with multiple Xs. For example 3x = 9. They had to figure out what x equaled and then check their answer. What I have discovered is that the children need to work on their addition and subtraction facts to 20. Please spend some time this week with the basic drill of facts. The more comfortable they are with their facts the less frustrated they will get while doing the Hands-On Equations problems.
Also today they wrote descriptions of last week's SCAMPERations. This is also very interesting. I can see that many of the children are not comfortable with their writing. We will do more writing to give them more exposure and then hopefully more comfort with the writing process. I know in class they are working on main idea and supporting details, so I will look for those ideas in their writing here in GATE also.
HOMEWORK: Work on addition and subtraction math fact to 20.
Also today they wrote descriptions of last week's SCAMPERations. This is also very interesting. I can see that many of the children are not comfortable with their writing. We will do more writing to give them more exposure and then hopefully more comfort with the writing process. I know in class they are working on main idea and supporting details, so I will look for those ideas in their writing here in GATE also.
HOMEWORK: Work on addition and subtraction math fact to 20.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Fourth Grade Update - Jan 17
Today the fourth graders learned about adjectives, adverbs, predicates, proper nouns and more with our Language Arts Mind Builders. Ask your child to show you the answers.
Next we did a Problem Solving Matrix to choose a restaurant that your child would like to eat at on Friday night. I kept this page, but you can see it next week in their binder. You can ask them what criteria they used to determine the best restaurant for your family.
Last we did more of the multi-step problems from Maharaja's Task. After doing three more problems I have challenged the children to create their own problem that the others will solve next week.
HOMEWORK:
Create a multi-step problem that requires division. On one sheet of paper, write the problem in four lines or less. Then, on a second sheet of paper, show how to solve the problem and fully explain why your solution works.
Be creative, write a problem no one else might think of, that might make me think twice.
Remember, if you need help, don't wait until next Tuesday morning to come see me, come sooner.
Next we did a Problem Solving Matrix to choose a restaurant that your child would like to eat at on Friday night. I kept this page, but you can see it next week in their binder. You can ask them what criteria they used to determine the best restaurant for your family.
Last we did more of the multi-step problems from Maharaja's Task. After doing three more problems I have challenged the children to create their own problem that the others will solve next week.
HOMEWORK:
Create a multi-step problem that requires division. On one sheet of paper, write the problem in four lines or less. Then, on a second sheet of paper, show how to solve the problem and fully explain why your solution works.
Be creative, write a problem no one else might think of, that might make me think twice.
Remember, if you need help, don't wait until next Tuesday morning to come see me, come sooner.
First Grade - January 17
Today's activities related to math, social studies, and reading. We began trying to think of ways to come to the number 10. I was really surprised to see multi-digit subtraction problems. Next, we read about Benjamin Franklin. Today would have been his 306th birthday. This was done simply to expose the children to a famous person. We read a short passage and then used the passage to answer questions. This paper should be in your child's backpack.
The unit lesson for the day brought us back to Frog and Toad. We read the story, A Lost Button. Then using a cup of buttons the children worked in pairs to read through the story and find buttons that would fit the descriptions in the story. After they finished rereading, the pairs looked for ways to sort the larger group of buttons. The language and discussion was terrific. When they finished we wrote down all the words they had used to describe their button collection. Next week we'll write detailed descriptions of just one button.
The children were so engaged with the button activities that we didn't get to the PETS activity for the day. We'll be sure to revisit Max the Magician next week.
The unit lesson for the day brought us back to Frog and Toad. We read the story, A Lost Button. Then using a cup of buttons the children worked in pairs to read through the story and find buttons that would fit the descriptions in the story. After they finished rereading, the pairs looked for ways to sort the larger group of buttons. The language and discussion was terrific. When they finished we wrote down all the words they had used to describe their button collection. Next week we'll write detailed descriptions of just one button.
The children were so engaged with the button activities that we didn't get to the PETS activity for the day. We'll be sure to revisit Max the Magician next week.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Fifth Grade Update - Jan. 12
Fantastic doesn't begin to describe how well today went. We were able to do all six presentations in less than a half hour because your children were so helpful, cooperative and just terrific examples of everything we are trying to instill in our children here at Flynn Park. When one group finished, the next was up and ready to present. They helped each other set up and take down their props. When it was time to be silent and listen they did just that. I am jumping with joy. The children were so proud of themselves too. This was a wonderful ending to a fabulous project.
We will begin our Inventions unit next week. This unit will require weekly homework, so check back here to see the assignment listed.
Book orders have been extended to next Tuesday, Jan. 17. Feel free to place an order online through Tuesday or send in a paper order with your child on Tuesday morning.
We will begin our Inventions unit next week. This unit will require weekly homework, so check back here to see the assignment listed.
Book orders have been extended to next Tuesday, Jan. 17. Feel free to place an order online through Tuesday or send in a paper order with your child on Tuesday morning.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Second Grade Update - Jan. 11
Today was our first day of Hands On Equations. This is an algebra program aimed at younger children. Today's lesson went very well. Ask your child to show you their page that we completed today. We did numbers 1 - 5 together, some stayed with me for #6 while others who felt confident were allowed to continue without my guidance. Each week I will review the previous week's lesson, teach the new lesson then the children will be on their own to complete the problems in their binder. I have help from Mrs. Debbie Schwartz who has been helping me for the last two years. Between the two of us we are able to help any one who might be struggling with the concept of the day. Each week you will be able to see how your child did on their independent work. I always mark the problems they do wrong, but they do have to correct them, then I recheck the work. If necessary I do a 1:1 reteaching session.
I also continued with our PETS lessons. Today I introduced the SCAMPER method of modifying a product. Your child has a description of SCAMPER in their binder along with a sketch of an item they applied this concept to during class today. Next week they will write a detailed description of their new invention.
I have extended the book order deadline to next Tuesday, Jan. 17.
I also continued with our PETS lessons. Today I introduced the SCAMPER method of modifying a product. Your child has a description of SCAMPER in their binder along with a sketch of an item they applied this concept to during class today. Next week they will write a detailed description of their new invention.
I have extended the book order deadline to next Tuesday, Jan. 17.
Gifted Resource Council Winter Learning Lab
I have a few of the brochures for the Winter Learning Lab classes sponsored by GRC available in my classroom. You can also get all the information at their website at www.giftedresourcecouncil.org or by calling them at 314-962-5920.
This Spring's offerings include..
Matter
Chess
Architecture
Writing
American Girls
Math
Olympus
Bridges
Solar Powered Cars
Debating and
Much much more.
Also there are parent classes at the same time the kids are in class. These are $20 per class or $80/indiv/$100/couple for the series. If you are a member of GRC they are free.
Feb 18: Self-Advocacy: Who Needs it? Gifted Children with Dr. Agnes Meyo
Feb 25: Exercising your Mind with Dr. Denise Ford
March 3: The Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda and What if's of Worry with Nancy Bonn-Winkler
March 10: Best Practices for Communicating with Your Gifted Child with John Yunker
This Spring's offerings include..
Matter
Chess
Architecture
Writing
American Girls
Math
Olympus
Bridges
Solar Powered Cars
Debating and
Much much more.
Also there are parent classes at the same time the kids are in class. These are $20 per class or $80/indiv/$100/couple for the series. If you are a member of GRC they are free.
Feb 18: Self-Advocacy: Who Needs it? Gifted Children with Dr. Agnes Meyo
Feb 25: Exercising your Mind with Dr. Denise Ford
March 3: The Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda and What if's of Worry with Nancy Bonn-Winkler
March 10: Best Practices for Communicating with Your Gifted Child with John Yunker
Fourth Grade Update - Jan 10
Yesterday began a new brain teaser unit. I've begun a series of lessons that use language arts concepts combined with challenges to teach some of our basic grammar concepts. Yesterday's focus was on words that can be both a noun and a verb. Also, we looked at words that become plural without adding S. Using the dictionary we had in the room two of the words the students came up with were proven wrong. As is often the case one student felt the need to find the REAL answer. The students were sure that the plural of platypus was platypi, well, our dictionary said platypuses, so that's what I went with. Thanks to Gabe's dogged research we are corrected. Platypi is acceptable. (Interesting: My spell check doesn't like platypi either. :) )
The next activity was to look at word problems with multiple steps, possibly having multiple answer or just not enough information. I gave the students many examples and they attempted to solve the problems. Next week we'll review a few more before I ask the children to write their own problems similar to the ones we've been doing.
Also, in PETS we looked at the Problem Solving Matrix. This activity required the students to come up with possible solutions to how to organize a house full of magic trick supplies. The conversations the children had were fabulous. Our rules require that criteria be factual. This is a tricky component as each child had their own opinions. I, of course, had to throw a few wrenches into their thinking. Next week, we'll review the work they did this week and see if they are still willing to support their choices.
The next activity was to look at word problems with multiple steps, possibly having multiple answer or just not enough information. I gave the students many examples and they attempted to solve the problems. Next week we'll review a few more before I ask the children to write their own problems similar to the ones we've been doing.
Also, in PETS we looked at the Problem Solving Matrix. This activity required the students to come up with possible solutions to how to organize a house full of magic trick supplies. The conversations the children had were fabulous. Our rules require that criteria be factual. This is a tricky component as each child had their own opinions. I, of course, had to throw a few wrenches into their thinking. Next week, we'll review the work they did this week and see if they are still willing to support their choices.
First Grade Update - Jan. 10
After completing a fourth grade level activity on homographs we gathered to find out about Flat Samantha's adventures in Seattle, Washington. We were able to add Washington state to our list of states the flat people have visited. The children get so excited every time we add a new location. Please keep those letters coming. We also learned about the seven continents and four oceans. We used a very simplified world map to identify the continents. Since we have had a few of our flat people jetting around the world I took that opportunity to introduce the children to the map.
Max the Magician is our next PETS character. Yesterday we heard his story and how he uses visual and spatial thinking to help him solve problems. The icon for Max is a magic hat which the students made and should have brought home. The key ideas for Max are:
- Thinking skills don't occur in isolation; spatial perception can combine with the other thinking methods to solve a problem
- Shapes can be manipulated mentally, without concrete devices.
- Visual patterns are predictable.
- The eye and the brain must work together to think about given information.
- Tolerance for ambiguity and perseverance are essential components for flexible, high-level thinking skills.
I think that last statement really sums up the activities I use to engage the students. Often they are used to already knowing an answer or being able to get it quickly. Then they come to GATE and they can't get the answer right away and they get frustrated. The visual puzzles really require a longer focus than most of the others. It will be a real learning experience for us all as we move through the visual problems each week.
Book orders were also sent home with those that chose to take a set. The due date is actually Jan. 17(Tuesday).
Max the Magician is our next PETS character. Yesterday we heard his story and how he uses visual and spatial thinking to help him solve problems. The icon for Max is a magic hat which the students made and should have brought home. The key ideas for Max are:
- Thinking skills don't occur in isolation; spatial perception can combine with the other thinking methods to solve a problem
- Shapes can be manipulated mentally, without concrete devices.
- Visual patterns are predictable.
- The eye and the brain must work together to think about given information.
- Tolerance for ambiguity and perseverance are essential components for flexible, high-level thinking skills.
I think that last statement really sums up the activities I use to engage the students. Often they are used to already knowing an answer or being able to get it quickly. Then they come to GATE and they can't get the answer right away and they get frustrated. The visual puzzles really require a longer focus than most of the others. It will be a real learning experience for us all as we move through the visual problems each week.
Book orders were also sent home with those that chose to take a set. The due date is actually Jan. 17(Tuesday).
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Book Order Extension
I have extended the deadline for January book orders to Tuesday, Jan. 17. You may order on line or send in a paper order form with a check made payable to Scholastic Book Clubs.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Fifth Grade Update - Jan. 5
If things always went as we planned there would be no excitement to life. Anyway, the children worked very hard to prepare their newscasts. We are hoping for presentation and recording next week if we have enough time prior to the MLK / Citizenship Assembly at 2:15.
In the meantime... I assigned the Spring Stock Market Game teams. We have seven teams this time and each team is from a single class. Mrs. Schuler and Mrs. Thompson each have two teams while Mr. Christensen's class has three teams. I gave the students about 15 minutes to meet and confer about what stocks they want to watch for the next few weeks. On January 26 they'll make a decision as to how to spend their money on our opening day which will be February 2.
Homework: Keep an eye on the business news, watch your favorite stocks to help you make that educated decision about your purchases later in the month.
In the meantime... I assigned the Spring Stock Market Game teams. We have seven teams this time and each team is from a single class. Mrs. Schuler and Mrs. Thompson each have two teams while Mr. Christensen's class has three teams. I gave the students about 15 minutes to meet and confer about what stocks they want to watch for the next few weeks. On January 26 they'll make a decision as to how to spend their money on our opening day which will be February 2.
Homework: Keep an eye on the business news, watch your favorite stocks to help you make that educated decision about your purchases later in the month.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Second Grade Update - January 4
Today was the second and final day of playing the student made games. The children did such a wonderful job. I love seeing their creativity come out when they are inventing the rules and the game board itself. I am very proud of the work they have done.
We also took a pretest for our next unit, Hands-On Algebra. This unit will be done completely in class beginning next week. But, I'm sure you'll hear all about it at home. The children were unable to complete the pre-test which is what I had expected. I had one or two students who were able to do the easier problems 2x = 8 and
x + 4 = 7. However, when they got to the harder problems there was really no way they could know the answers. At the end of six weeks of classes the students will be able to solve the equations: 2(2x + 3) = x + 9. Yes, I know, you may not think this is possible, but it is. I will post updates each week with sample problems from that day's lesson so you can ask the students about the work we are doing.
We'll also be continuing with the PETS activities. We'll be learning the SCAMPER method of modifying work.
We also took a pretest for our next unit, Hands-On Algebra. This unit will be done completely in class beginning next week. But, I'm sure you'll hear all about it at home. The children were unable to complete the pre-test which is what I had expected. I had one or two students who were able to do the easier problems 2x = 8 and
x + 4 = 7. However, when they got to the harder problems there was really no way they could know the answers. At the end of six weeks of classes the students will be able to solve the equations: 2(2x + 3) = x + 9. Yes, I know, you may not think this is possible, but it is. I will post updates each week with sample problems from that day's lesson so you can ask the students about the work we are doing.
We'll also be continuing with the PETS activities. We'll be learning the SCAMPER method of modifying work.
Book Club Order Forms
Scholastic Book Club Orders – Due Date: Thursday, Jan. 12
New Due date is Tuesday, Jan. 17
New Due date is Tuesday, Jan. 17
You can order online by following the directions below. If you would rather, you can send a paper order form to me along with a check, made payable to Scholastic Book Clubs. OR you can send cash with your paper order.
If your child’s classroom teacher also does the book clubs, please order from them first. I provide above grade level clubs to enable you to find those books your child might be able to read and enjoy. However, the grade level selections are often of the most interest to the students so don’t overlook those either.
On Line Ordering
Click on I am a parent. The first time you will need to set up a login id and password.
Classroom Activation Code: GL7HN
First and Fourth Grade - January 3
I am sorry that I missed the January 3 classes. I will see these students next week at our regular times.
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