Expert Projects

Today, the kids chose their expert project topics. We have been studying weather for the past few weeks, but this is the stage in the learning process where the kids are really going to be delving deeply into one topic. By the end of the project, they will be true experts on their subjects. (A detailed description of the project will go out next week.) The kids generated a list of possible topics that is quite expansive, so we have some great projects going on. Some of the topics are tornadoes, precipitation, weather phenomena, the atmosphere, and cultural views of weather. I am so excited to see what the kids make of this project. I know I will learn a lot!

We spent time at the Richland County Public Library today, and we encouraged the kids to find some resources that would help them in the research phase of their projects. Most of us found at least one or two books. We spent some time in the afternoon reading and taking notes off of the books; it was nice to see how involved they were with their topics. Several kids came up to me sharing neat facts from their books or showing me the cool format they were using for note-taking. Darius even had a "fast fact" section in his notes! In addition to two print resources, we're also asking that everyone uses at least one internet resource. Below are the links to some handy weather sites for kids. (Of course, if you type "weather kids" into Google, you will find a similar list.)

Expert projects are such an important part of CFI. Thanks for all the support you offer during this special time for the kids. We're already looking forward to the end products, but most importantly, we are so excited about the process.

http://www.weatherwizkids.com/

http://www.theweatherchannelkids.com/

http://eo.ucar.edu/webweather/

http://www.education.noaa.gov/sweather.html

http://www.wxdude.com/kidres.html

Writing and Partial Products

We've spent some time throughout the past week working on different types of writing. Wednesday, the half day, gave us a nice span of time that is usually used in other ways. Mr. Johnson led us in a neat activity about forming proper sentences. As always, the kids delighted in the chance to write on the SmartBoard, and it was a nice reminder of some things to add in our own writing. The sentence read: "Kleenex is my favorite tissue!" Susie exclaimed. (The kids laughed at how excited Susie was about tissue...she must have had a really runny nose.) We also had a chance to get to some free-writing. The kids had been missing it, so they all were so focused with their writing. We also have been completing writing responses in social studies and reading. This has given them great practice with things like using indentions, forming paragraphs, and just putting their thoughts onto paper.

Partial products is a type of multiplication that many adults, including myself, weren't taught as young students. While this isn't the traditional method, it is one that really makes sense. It explains how place value plays a part in multiplication. It also removes the need for "carrying" and "place holders," minimizing errors that often occur in the traditional method. Honestly, I wish this method had been more "in vogue" when I was a student. I might have understood the process, rather than just learned the steps. The partial product method of multiplication is also foundational for certain concepts in algebra...anyone remember the F.O.I.L. method? The kids will be well-prepared for this. We had a check-up this Monday on partial products and estimation. Overall, the students seem to be learning the method and using it effectively.

Hope everyone is having a great week!