Multitasking!

      I took a leap and decided to replace pen and paper with shaving cream and desks. With the 36 students we used about 3 cans of shaving cream.  Originally, I used this idea in a Kindergarten class I taught 2 years ago. We are still comprehending the meaning of fractions and also reviewed the meaning of a unit fraction. The shaving cream was an awesome hit with the kids, allowed for independent practice, and cleaned the desks! I also loved the fact I was able to provide instant feedback to the students whether it was for them to recheck their denominator or numerator because their answer was very easy to see. I know it is not "high tech" but I believe it is an idea I will incorporate again!

Field Trip Fun

Today, we traveled to USC Aiken to the Ruth Patrick Science Center for some hands-on fun!

The kids were able to apply their knowledge of minerals in the first session we attended. With their small groups, they used books, tools, inquiry, and prior knowledge to classify the different types of minerals. They loved discovering ones we had not particularly studied in class. With our rocks and minerals unit we were able to integrate the science, reading, writing, and ELA standards with the novel study using The Magic School Bus. I was so proud of the children of persevering through the activities and answering the questions the session leader asked them. They also were able to observe different properties of minerals.

 

Our second session was in the planetarium. We learned about the history of the song "Follow the Drinking Gourd" that slaves used to escape to freedom. The children were able to see the Big Dipper (the drinking gourd) in its relation in the sky. It was a great experience to connect the wonderful learning and research they have been conducting in Mrs. Rice's room!

 



Click here to visit our class website!