A Little Creativity, A Little Exploration & A Little Addition to Our Class

This week, we started our day with our second Creative Problem Solving exercise.  The students were given 20 minutes to complete the "squiggle" below.

In this task, students are asked to create a single, cohesive picture that includes all of the given squiggle figures and lines.  This exercise focuses on the students' flexibility and elaboration.

Flexibility is the ability to change your way of thinking about a problem or situation.  It is the ability to think of alternative ideas and to adapt to different situations  

• You are flexible in your thinking when you approach a complicated math problem you missed in a different way.
• You are flexible in your thinking when you can think of indoor games to play when your birthday swim party is rained out.

Elaboration is the process of expanding an idea by adding detail.  To elaborate, you must understand the original idea and see a way to clarify or improve it by adding specific details.  

• You are elaborating when you add to, enlarge, enrich, or expand descriptions, designs, drawings, explanations, instructions, reports or  stories. 
• You are using elaboration when you edit your stories and add more descriptive vocabulary and more details.

Next, we met our newest Quirkle scientist: Density Dan.

Ask your child to tell you about our experiment to see which solution has a greater density, fresh water or salt water?

After recess, we took some time to meet, Rosie, the newest addition to our class.  Rosie is a Chilean Rose or Rose-hair tarantula, Grammostola rose, donated to our class by the family of a former student, Samantha.  Samantha knew that in the past, I had two tarantulas as class pets.  When her  great Uncle decided to reduce his collection, she suggested we might make good caretakers for one of his tarantulas.   I'm glad she thought of us!  Rosie is definitely an exciting addition to our classes.  Ask your child to tell you a little about what he/she learned about tarantulas today.  If you or your child would like to learn more about Rosie, check out this link on tarantulas.

 










In math, the students were introduced to the strategy: Use or make a picture or diagram. We had to read the clues carefully, but we were successful using the strategy.

 Next, the students worked at their Exploratory centers.

They worked hard and had a great day!

Colorful Caroline & Strengthening Our Creativity

Last week, we read the book Scaredy Squirrel.  It may be our new favorite book!  Scaredy lived in a nut tree and felt very safe and comfortable there.  He was not very flexible and he was NOT a risk-taker! He worried about what might happen if he left the safety of his nut tree, so he had a very specific plan and an emergency kit in case disaster ever struck.  One day, a “killer bee” showed up and Scaredy’s emergency kit fell out of the tree.  As he dove for it, he discovered he was actually a flying squirrel!  He discovered that nothing bad happened to him in the “unknown.”  We related Scaredy’s anxiety to events in our own lives and drew the conclusion that “It is through our experiences that we gain courage to become a successful risk-taker.”  As a personal reflection, each student created their own mobile about a fear they overcame with support.  We explored how this would help us face future challenges and and become better risk-takers.

For more about Scaredy Squirrel, visit this website: scaredysquirrel.com

This week, we welcomed a new student to our class.  He is going to be a great addition to our group!

We started our day by revisiting the math problem solving strategy “Use Logical Reasoning.”  Today's problems were in a different format than last time.  It really required us to do some very careful reading.  After our strategy lesson, we worked individually in TOPS math.

Today, the students met our newest Quirkle, Colorful Caroline.  We learned about primary and secondary colors and had a lot of fun with our experiment.  The students

discovered black marker ink is made from a combination of several different colored inks.  Have your child tell you about their hypothesis and observations.  We also sent the materials with the students to conduct and share the experiment with you too!

Next, the students were introduced to the Components of Creativity:

• Fluency- to brainstorm many ideas
• Flexibility- to redirect and approach a problem from a new angle
• Originality- to generate unique ideas
• Elaboration- expand on ideas by adding details

They also learned/reviewed the Rules for Brainstorming: 

• Accept the unusual
• Never criticize or compliment
• Piggyback when possible
• Never stop too soon.

They individually brainstormed "things you might find in a pocket."  We judged their ideas for their fluency and originality and if they were relevant to the problem.  Have your child tell you more about their list.  They are a very creative class and had several unique ideas!  












At the end of our day, each student evaluated his/her first quarter in SAGE.  I will have your child's self evaluation along with his/her progress report to share with you at our Fall Conference.

Have a great week!

Getting to Know Botanist Bert & the Briarcliff Garden

Let me start by thanking you for attending our Fall Open House last night.  We had a great turn out and everyone seemed to enjoy and celebrate the students' efforts and work.

 

This week the boys and girls were introduced to Botanist Bert and the study of botany. We started our day by brainstorming what we already knew about plants and what we wondered about them.  We were very excited and fortunate to have Mrs. Garrett and Mrs. Poole, Briarcliff's Community Garden mentors, give us a tour of our school garden.   They answered many of our questions, shared their knowledge and expertise with us and inspired a whole new round of questions.  

Today, we learned:

• Briarcliff does three plantings a year; our spring planting in late March, our summer planting in June and our fall planting in mid to late August.
• Our garden currently has several herbs growing as well as lettuce, radishes, swiss chard, kale, sweet potatoes, celery, carrots, bush beans and beats.
• In some vegetables, we eat the root, some the stem, and some the leaves.
• Some vegetables grow slowly all summer, while lettuce and radishes grow pretty quickly in the spring.
• Some of the garden plants have really long, leafy vines that take over the garden bed.
• Briarcliff's community garden is organic.  That means they use no chemicals like fertilizers or pesticides on it.

Mrs. Garrett and Mrs. Poole also asked for our help.  They need garden markers to show everyone what each plant is that is growing in our beds.  Our K/1st grade SAGE students are creating new plant stakes to mark the fall garden.  We are glad we are able to help with the garden.

In the afternoon, the students worked on "Making an Organized List" in the Problem Solver and then continued their work in TOPS Math.  

 





 


We ended our day working at our individual Exploratory centers.  Ask your child what he/she learned about the center topic?

Welcoming a New Friend

Today we welcomed our newest classmate.  She is outgoing and friendly and will be a great addition to our class!

This morning, I introduced the boys and girls to our math programs.  We began by working together in the Problem Solver series.  This program breaks down and targets one of ten strategies for solving math problems in each of its lessons.  This week's focus was on the strategy, “Use Logical Reasoning.”  The students worked well together to identify each clue and to solve the problem. 

Next, I introduced them to the TOPS (Techniques in Problem Solving) Math program.  TOPS is a challenging, individualized program that allows students to progress at their own pace.  As the students learn each of the 10 Problem Solver strategies, they will build their personal "toolbox" of skills and be better equipped to solve their TOPS Math cards.  Your child will have an opportunity to show you their TOPS Math work at our Oct. 2nd, SAGE Open House.

Today the students met our 2nd Quirkle Scientist, Andy Acid.

As a part of our experiment, the students used litmus paper to test lemon juice and a baking soda/soap solution to see if they were an acid or base. 

We moved through the scientific process, recording our hypothesis, observations and conclusions.  We also had an opportunity to discuss what a chemical reaction is. 

Next, we reviewed our procedures for using our Exploratory centers and how to keep our Exploratory learning contract up to date.   The students worked on their individual Exploratory tasks.  Ask your child about their progress and what they are learning.

Exploratory Work on PhotoPeach 

We also looked at some of the comments that have been posted by our Quadblogging friends.  This week, our blog is the focus for our group.  The classes from Gisborne, New Zealand, Formby, England and Norwich, England are stopping by our blog to see what we are learning, ask us questions and leave us their comments. 

 

 

In the computer lab, the E day students addressed the comments and questions from our new friends.  Each student chose one question to address in their very own blog comment.  We discussed how to post a comment and what is included in a "Quality Comment."  I am very pleased with their thoughts and efforts.  Each day, our different classes will read and respond to the comments left on our blog by our Quadbogging friends.  Take a moment to read some of their comments on It's Our Turn.  If you and your child have a little time, go and visit each of their blogs.  They would love your complimentary comments too.

Next we spent time discussing our classroom rules:

1. There is no such thing as a dumb question or answer.
2. This is a safe place to try new things.
3. It’s okay to say, “I don’t know.”
4. If you don’t understand, ask.
5. If you still don’t understand, ask again.
6. Be respectful of other peoples’ feelings and ideas.
7. It’s okay to disagree– try explaining your ideas.
8. It’s okay to be yourself, originality is in!
9. None of us are perfect.
10. This is a safe place to make mistakes- jump in a give it a try!

I am confident the boys and girls will find success with these rules.

Week two and we are in the groove!

At the start of our SAGE day, the boys and girls finished writing the rough draft of their "Take a Closer Look at Me" poem.  They also typed them on their own.  Their projects are great!  They will be display at our Oct. 2nd Fall Open House.

Next, the students learned about International Dot Day and we read the book, The Dot. International Dot Day is a time to celebrate creativity in our children.  More than a half a millions teachers and students are participating in the global project.  Each child is asked to create their own dot image.  

The students came up with a diverse gallery of dots.  Check out the video below to see their creative dots!

 For anyone who has been afraid to express themselves - from a child in art class to an adult whose fear has shut down a dream, Peter H. Reynolds' book The Dot (Candlewick Press) is there to remind us all to "Make your mark, and see where it takes you."

After recess and lunch, we discussed Bloom's Levels of Thinking and what each level might look like.  I introduced our Exploratory centers and the procedures we follow to select and complete a center.  The students had an opportunity to look through the choices and list their top three picks.  The boys and girls met with me individually to be sure their first choice center is a good fit for them.  Ask your child which center he/she chose and what drew them to that center. 

The first step in beginning any center is to fill out their Exploratory Contract.  This helps me keep track of their individualized work and it empowers the children to become more independent in their learning.

After filling out their contracts, they had about 20 minutes to begin the reading at their chosen center.  Next week, they will have time to continue their reading and/or watch their center’s video.  (The Knowledge Level task usually takes 2-3 SAGE days to complete.)

Today, we also wanted to take advantage of our new podcasting booth.  Below you will find our very first individual podcasts.  We used the site, Audioboo.fm to make our recordings.  Each student made their podcast about something they learned from the center’s Knowledge Level reading task.

listen to ‘Rotation E-1’ on Audioboo

listen to ‘Rotation E-2’ on Audioboo

listen to ‘Rotation E-3’ on Audioboo

listen to ‘Rotation E-4’ on Audioboo

listen to ‘Rotation E-5’ on Audioboo

What Terrific First Graders & What a Terrific Day!

The Rotation E day first graders are a tiny but mighty bunch.  This is our smallest class of the week, but they are full of energy, fun and wit!  (In case your worried or maybe hopeful, depending on your perspective, our class will grow to a full quantity by winter.)  It was nice to see my returning students and to have a chance to get to know our new classmates.   To learn more about one another, the students played a game.  They took turns asking a question of the group such as "Who else likes art?" or "Who else has a baby in their home?"  Each person won a point each time they raised their hand.  In the end, they each won four new friends and learned more about one another.

With that, we were off to our outdoor laboratory to discover how objects can be connected to a field of science.

 

They are a sharp class.  They quickly caught on knowing ways to connect hermit crab food, a sea shell, light bulb and pine cone to a field of science.  In the end, I stumped them on the nail polish and silk scarf.  Ask your child how they are connected?  There is a definite love of science in these boys and girls!  We have a lot of fun E Days ahead of us.

After a short recess, the students were introduced to the Quirkles Science Program.  Today, they learned about Inquisitive Inman.  We read an interesting story with numerous vocabulary words like: intelligent, immediately, instruments, and investigate.  Then we conducted our first investigation of the year.  Watch the video below to join us on our explorations.  Be sure and have your child share their science experiment log with you too.

After lunch, we used the Smart Board to refresh/ introduce some of our computer skills.  The boys and girls learned to log in to our computers with their new user name and password.  They also practiced accessing our class blog.  There are many wonderful student and parent resources on the tabs along the top of our Primary Thinkers "home" page.  We hope you will check back each week for new updates and to allow your child to practice commenting on our blog posts and to access the variety of resources here.

At the end of the day, the boys and girls learned about our newest classroom "feature."  Today, was the first day for our podcasting booth.  The students will use it for making audio podcasts and videos.

The boys and girls helped me make our very first podcast to thank Mr. Porras, my neighbor, for building our booth.  Each class will contribute a part of the project we will give him to show our appreciation.


 This is the beginning of our Thank You project:

Did they enjoy their first podcast.....

I think so...  Have a great week!

Our Quadblogging Friends

This year we will be participating in a global learning collaboration called Quadblogging.  The Quadblogging project matches four classrooms from around the world to share their blogs and share their learning.

For more information, go to our Primary Thinkers home page.