One of the things that we know as educators based on research is that students are most motivated when they are given choices to help guide their own learning. Knowing that, I decided to give the fifth grade language arts group a chance to choose their own research topic, as well as their own method of presenting their learning. The two weeks before Spring Break were spent developing a burning question, choosing three appropriate resources, reading those resources, and synthesizing the information into the chosen format. I don't think there was a single day where the kids came in my room and didn't get right to work. Because they were in control, they were excited to continue learning more each day about their area of passion. We had students studying: * Revolutionary War's Battle of Trenton presented on a poster * How to build a computer presented through a Power Point * What is an atom? presented through a Prezi * Study of different types of apes presented in a brochure A side bonus of this project is that the students begin to learn organization and time management skills. They had to set goals and deadlines for themselves to stay on track for a longer-term project. They did an amazing job, and I'll share a few of them here: History of Donuts by Alexandra P. http://teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=281939 Study of an Olympic Gymnast by Madison M.
Wolves by Joshua M.
Orangutans by Kylie M
0 Comments
Grace's new flyer for the band from "Bud, Not Buddy" Fourth grade language arts students have been spending the last few weeks reading about courageous young boys. Through our study of the books, "Bud, Not Buddy" and "Hatchet," both of my groups of seven kids have entered the world of either 1936, jazz-era Michigan and summer in the remote northern Canadian wilderness. At first glance, I don't think the two groups saw any connection between their two stories. Upon analysis in the end, however, we explored the similar character traits these boys had that allowed them to survive the situations life threw their way. To wrap up our reading, question-answering, and discussion, the groups both were allowed to choose two creative projects to explore the stories further. The kids' work was (as always!) awesome. I share a few examples here (click on them to make them larger): Well my title for this blog might not be quite right - yet! If some of what you see coming home during the next two weeks from my your math student looks familiar, that is because we are in the final push to make sure we are ready for the big state test when we return from Spring Break. These are my last two weeks to cram any new knowledge into their little brains, as well as review concepts they may have forgotten. We will be doing some old-fashioned worksheets, playing some fun games, and trying a new computer program out to accomplish our goal of being read for TCAP.
My fifth graders have been trying this new website called TenMarks.com this year. I have just signed up 3rd and 4th grade now to use it, as well. The site will allow us to practice concepts from the grade level in a quick way, and it also has incentives built in so students earn some game time as they practice their math. If your child is a 3rd or 4th grader, they will be coming home with a letter later this week that explains how your child can log-in from home. There are also directions if you (as a parent) are interested in getting emailed updates on your child' progress. Please take a look at the letter and let me know if you have any questions. |
Tracey BeanWerner Elementary Archives
May 2018
Sign-up for updates: |
Knowledge Peak | Blog |