Wonderful Days

Even though we have just come back from Thanksgiving break, yesterday and today have been such a treat! We started Monday with a lengthy discussion of revamping many classroom structures. To do that, I went straight to the kids. I asked them how they wanted to structure the day. In other words, when did they want to have sharing, math, social studies, etc. As a class, we created a structure, not much unlike what we had, but somewhat different. We placed the new schedule on the board so students know exactly what we are doing each day. Next, after a lengthy discussion concerning the importance of choosing good groups to work with, students created their own groups they felt they could work with. I will admit, I was a bit worried about this. But students did not choose groups based on who their best friends are, but who they felt they would work well with. I have had to speak very little to any group or individual for not working. In fact, classroom life has been a treat and I think everyone is aware of the difference.

We are moving in some new directions curriculum wise. In social studies, we have concluded our colonization simulation and are now in the direction of studying the early colonies such as Roanoke and Jamestown. In science, we are going to be studying the weather and in math, we are moving towards decimals. In writing, students are finishing their nonfiction writing. I will post some of their work after this Thursday.

I always enjoy this time of the year (between Thanksgiving and Christmas break). It gives us a nice chunk time with few interruptions. As we move forward, I will begin adding pictures to the blog so you can see your children in action.

By the way, our classroom is in charge of gathering this Friday, December 3. Hope to see you all soon.

"Discovery" Groups

We have officially begun participating in our Colonization simulation! These are the flags from each group. Happy sailing everyone!

"Discovery".

On Monday, we spent the better part of the morning deciding on the provisions each group will take to the New World. We first read the provisions list from the Mayflower. We discussed why those on the Mayflower would choose the provisions they did. This pushed us to think about the kinds of things each colony would bring on their trip.

Each colony had to decide how many people to bring, number of seeds, tools, muskets, household items, and farm animals. What each group decided would determine the success of their colony. For instance, a colony's hunting capabilities is dependent on the number of muskets - no musket, no hunting. In these pictures, each colony is deciding on the provisions they are taking on their trip.

PS: We finished four rounds of sailing from the Old World to the New World. In the course of those four rounds, one group didn't make it past the first round because they did not purchase enough food for all three ships, one group lost one ship, and one group landed.

Week of Nov. 8 - 12

Beginning tomorrow, we start the first major phase of "Discovery" - our colonization simulation. We will spend the morning looking at the cargo list of the Mayflower before turning our attention towards the cargo lists of each group. This is the most important part of the game. What each group decides to bring will determine their success in the simulation. Everyone is excited about reaching this point! By the time Curriculum Night comes around, we should begin the first rounds.

Ms. Madona, our MAT, will be in class full time (except Fridays) until Thanksgiving break. Starting Monday, she will begin working with students in a study of non-fiction texts. This will be a fun, and informative study, since students become more and more exposed to this type of reading material. What makes non-fiction reading even more interesting, is that meaning is carried in not just the print, but also the pictures, captions, titles, and labels. Students have to know how to navigate and comprehend this material. But not only do students have to navigate and comprehend this material, but they must also share information via writing, using their familiarity of this type of reading. This is what we hope to accomplish over the next several weeks.

Don't forget this Thursday is Curriculum Night at 6:30 pm. We will continue sharing some of what we have been working on in class. I also ask if you have questions about your child, please schedule an appointment instead to waiting for Curriculum Night.

Thanks,

Scott