Engineering Challenge- Building Geodesic Domes

This week when our class was trying to decide what we should do for our next classroom celebration the idea of doing engineering challenges came up, so we decided that's what we wanted to do to. We started by talking about the 5 P's of engineering: Planning, Problem solving, Patience, Perseverance, and Presentation. Then the students were told their challenge. Using only newspaper and tape they were to build a geo-dome big enough for at least one member of their group to fit inside. We looked at some examples of geo-domes, and noticed the use of triangles to build a sturdy structure. Students because preparing materials, making a plan, and soon enough, building. I was so impressed with the level of teamwork and perseverance that I saw. This was not an easy task, and it took us a few days, but groups didn't give up.

Readers' Workshop

We have been spending a lot of time with books since the school year started. The students have been finding their way around the classroom library, learning how to choose "just right" books, and have building up their reading stamina. Most days students read independently while I meet with small groups, however on Friday we got together with friends and did some partner reading. It can be a lot of fun finding a place to get comfortable and sharing a story with a friend!

Our First Four Winds

This week we had our first Four Winds lesson. We learned about ecosystems. Through a puppet show, discussion, and guided discovery, the students learned about leaves, how we can tell what has been eating them, and the food web. The students especially enjoyed going outside to look for leaves that looked like they had been munch on, or perhaps used as a home for another creature.

Happy Dot Day!

On Thursday, September 15th, our class celebrated Dot Day! We read The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds. This books encourages students to be creative and to not be afraid to make your mark. After reading the book we used watercolor paints to create our own dots. Check out what we made!

Welcome Back 2016!

We are so excited to be back at school! Our class has been working on getting to know each other, building a sense of classroom community, and create and follow classroom expectations. We are in a new classroom this year, so it has been fun exploring the new space. While we have been getting used to the busy routines of the school day we have made sure to take some time for fun and games.

Four Winds- Birds

Before February break we had Four Winds. We learned about birds and their feathers. The students got the chance to observe a variety of feathers. They noted the difference between the downy feathers that help keep them warm, and feathers that help them to fly. They worked together and sorted the feathers into the different categories. At the end the students were able to take a look at an actual bird wings. We were very surprised how light the wings were. It was very interesting.