School is winding down...only seven more days till summer vacation. Last week we finished our last unit in reading and took the unit test. Yesterday we finished our Math book. Assessments are done, report cards written and files are put away till next September. So what do we do with the time left? We keep on teaching, that's what. The last thing a teacher wants to do at this time of the year is give the message "it's all over". That's when behaviors change and it all goes down hill. Instead, you keep the same routines....little bit of reading from "real" books, as opposed to the reading series, as my kids say and more difficult math. Sprinkle in some hot topics to keep the kids engaged and we can ride out the storm.
Today at circle we read three books about insects and "recorded" their characteristics. Then we estimated how many were in a jar and counted to confirm our prediction. Then the children were organized into four teams (five in each, with one team having six members). They were shown white paper on the tables and told that they would be creating murals about all the things they learned about insects. They could use books as resources. Each team went to their tables and had to discuss (collaborate like working ants) what their mural would include. Once again, I was stressing "planning ahead", "working out individual ideas" and coming to some sort of consensus as to the role of each muralist. Only when they had a working plan were they given the markers and turned "loose".
Team A
Team B
Funny, the little boy in green was the "resource" man...he spent more time actually browsing the various books and bringing back information for his team.
Team C
Team D
As you can see, we were "busy as bees" and as "hardworking as ants" today. Later we hung our murals in the hall so everyone could enjoy them.
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Comments: 31
The kids all did a wonderful job on their murals!
They worked really hard Priscilla. Everyone seemed "engaged" in the project. I love listening to them as they discuss their work. We do not have a "quiet" room by any means. Good conversation, on topic, can be heard as I wander around from one group to the next.
A fun and colourful way to wind down the year, BOb. Excellent - as always.
This was a "fly by the bottom of your seat" project, Mag. I had no idea we were going to learn about Insects this morning when I headed off to school. But at circle time, Paige mentioned that she got a "bug catcher" for her birthday on Saturday and that led to a discussion about the various bugs....then I pulled out my rubbermaid container of Insect books and before I knew we had a project in the making. Flexibility is the word of the day.
You make learning fun. It's a shame that every child doesn't have such a fabulous beginning to their education.
Have you ever followed up on any of your children to find out what they became as adults? I think it would be fun to know. I would bet that a very large percetntage were successful as a result of the great start you gave them.
Oh, Marge, I have taught in this town for ages (32 years)...and many of my former students are living right here. The Fire Chief, several policemen, a few lawyers, a graphic artist, several teachers....the list goes on.
As for Alaska, many of my former Inuit students (I taught high school) are pillars of their society. They are bi-lingual teachers, shamens, nurses, song writers. linguists, and archealogists. Chris Mandregan, who I had in 5th grade and brought down to lower forty-eight, is now Director of Public Health in Alaska.
What an amazing legacy!
Elizabeth - I knew you had an impact on all your students.
My grandfather was a teacher and he had students drop by to visit him as long as he lived - grown men he had taught when they were in elementary school and high school. He had a true gift, just like you do:)
Beautiful essay - you can tell those kids are "engaged":)
I have a funny story. One day I was riding home from school (I only live 3 miles away) when I noticed a police car with lights blinking, behind me. Obviously he/she wanted me to pull over. It was Tracey, a girl I had when I was teaching 4th grade. "Mrs. Evans, if I didn't know any better, I would have thought you were drinking. You were all over the road."
"Ummm....I was just thinkin' about a student and how I might intervene to make school a better place for her."
Cute story, Elizabeth. I'll bet she felt a bit strange pulling over her former teacher.
Marge....I think she was a bit embarrassed....but then I just smiled and said, "So are you going to give me a ticket?" She laughed and said no..."but drive carefully, Mrs. E.
That was a wonderful subject to end up with. Now how are you going to top that tomorrow? Lol.
Ummmmm....dinosaurs? Frogs? Space? I always have something lurking in the back of my mind to pull out if the need arises.
They do such good work!
A beautiful photo essay ,Elizabeth . The children look so bright and eager to learn. Must be the good teacher .
As interesting as your classroom is, I'm surprised the children can be pried out to go home. Their artwork is quite interesting. I keep seeing a big foot. Wondering what that is. Very nice, Bob. What a nice way to spend a day.
A big foot? Where?
Looks like lots of fun learning
I went to a bug zoo this week... it was very, very cool.
I held a millipede - it was WAY bigger than any bug I've ever seen in my yard. Very cool though.
Have you gone to the Naturel History Musuem in Victoria?
i love those early years in the classroom and you do such a fantastic job.
Must be just about the end of the year in a couple of weeks and a brand new life for everyone, including you.
my daughter just graduated on Sunday and her dance recital on Sunday. Will be writing about that soon. The end of an era always comes way too soon, does it not, Bobbie?
Featured in the Triple Name Club.
It doesn't seem possible Katherine that I have been teaching for 41 years....imagine, I started in Aug. of '68. 4 more days left....unbelievable.
wow, 4 more days.....such a big change......
My favorite teachers were the ones who let our imagination and creativity grow....If I had had you for a teacher I know I would be one who goes back to visit with you in adulthood....I've said it before, but cannot reinforce it enough. You ARE a great teacher, Bob.
Thanks Sonia for the kind words. Have a lovely week-end.
You are so creative. Your kids are going to grow up to be wonderful creative artistic people.
Thanks Diva. You know I think all kids can be creative as long as they are given the opportunity. I love having them woork in groups...they bounce ideas off one another and they all learn from each other.
Oh my, Bob, I think "Bigfoot" is really a tree.
First there is Team A photo
2nd. There are 3 smaller photos of children
3rd. Painting on the chalkboard. On the right side toward the bottom, there is a big brown thing I think is a tree with green on top. The other night it just kept looking like a big foot to me.
Fun no matter what. And I do love the Pelican stone. Makes me want to get some bags of concrete and make one for myself.
You do make me laugh, girl. So that's what you thought was a Big Foot. I think you have been drinking too much of Magi's Potions.
What a great day! Pic are delightful.
Thanks Deb for commenting on my article.