Our young engineers enjoyed another session of robotics. Some of the students improved their previous creations while others started over with new ideas. Many experimented with the motion, light and sound sensors. During sewing students worked on various projects including pillows, stuffed animals, costumes and capes. As always they found time during morning workshop to do their Math-U-See.
Two groups played games after lunch. The first, played our ever popular Capture the Flag while the second played Hopscotch on the sidewalk in front of the school. Our hopscotch group drew a variety of boards, naming shapes and practicing writing numbers.
All of our students once again worked on writing in their various genres. Several began sharing their writing and gaining insight from others. Peer conferencing is an important component of our writing program.
Our youngest scientist documented their observations of the crystals they created last week. They also participated in chemistry experiments using baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice. They just love anything that bubbles, fizzles and overflows.
A Life Science theme was introduced to our older student. They discussed the nature of life and what all living creatures need. There was an intense debate as students added to an otherwise typical list the idea of existence, motion and technology. We observed that these students are quite capable of presenting and defending their positions.
During Global Studies the older students concluded their discussion of context in culture while the younger students created music with the instruments they purchased at Ten Thousand Villages and read about children’s lives in other countries.
Tuesday
Children were off but the staff was hard at work. We assessed our progress to date, reviewed children’s work, examined our hypotheses, and planned for future work in all subject areas. We also played a variety of new games in hopes of gaining an understanding of the academic value of each and learning the rules of play. Finally, we picked our first two books for our professional book club. We will read, Educating Citizens For Global Awareness by Nel Noddings, followed by In Defense of Childhood: Protecting Kids Inner Wildness by Chris Mercogliano. These authors will be speaking at our conference in January. If any of you want to read along with us let Karen know and she will give you further details.
Thursday
Students designed and created more beaded jewelry after a mini lesson on symmetry. Our card players learned new games while speaking Italian. They practiced numbers, learned the names of card suits and short phrases.
During gym class many of the students participated in a new game called Burning Bridges. This exciting game is similar to Capture the Flag. The children were faced with a few challenges while learning the rules. They debated fairness and the nature of physical play. We are certain that this discussion will continue as they decide whether to add this game to their repertoire.
Authors continued their stories and research papers. After a mini lesson our middle and older students work independently while teachers visited one-on-one to offer writing tips. Two teachers supported our youngest writers as they wrote and dictated stories, reacted to each other’s work and listened to a story read to them. The focus of their mini lesson was the importance of a strong opening sentence
Our older scientists considered the study of Biology. They decided to engage in a series of experiments on plants. They also expressed a strong desire to dissect something. Finally, they giggled as they considered whether sexuality was part of a good biology curriculum (more to come). The younger students met the members of our composting team – several thousand red worms. We now have classroom pets.
Finally, all students created art using wire, paper and Modge Podge. They created everything from flowers to abstract designs. Our words of the day were symmetrical, similar and congruent. The children asked, “are these the same or are they different?
Friday
Our day began with reading and writing. Our youngest writers revisited the rules of Story-telling time and went to work. The middle group read portions of their work aloud and asked for reaction to or help with the content. Their writing includes works of realistic fiction and fantasy. They displayed strong skills in conveying feelings and physical experiences through metaphors and simile. Our researchers continued gathering sources and facts while learning to highlight and take concise notes.
Everyone revisited his or her wire sculptures with more fanciful ideas and creative freedom. After a thorough clean up we closed our day with math.
