2014-2015 School Year
Analyzing Theme in Poetry
Super Bowl Un-Ads!
An Un-Ad? Yeah, you know what they are. The product that "says" it can do this or that when actually it is really worthless! The advertiser makes the audience THINK and/or BELIEVE that the product is fabulous, but when you receive it, the product doesn't do half of what the advertiser claims!
Fourth and fifth grade PASS students wrote un-advertisements for a product that they disliked for this year's Super Bowl. Students were asked to include all the lousy characteristics that the purchaser should know before buying. Our classes utilized the OREO persuasive organizer to draft the ads. A target audience, transitional phrases, figurative language, and negative word choice should have been embedded in each ad. Upon completion of the ads, our classes uploaded their drawings to the iPad app ChatterPix. Watch the videos below. Do you agree with their Un-Ads?
Fourth and fifth grade PASS students wrote un-advertisements for a product that they disliked for this year's Super Bowl. Students were asked to include all the lousy characteristics that the purchaser should know before buying. Our classes utilized the OREO persuasive organizer to draft the ads. A target audience, transitional phrases, figurative language, and negative word choice should have been embedded in each ad. Upon completion of the ads, our classes uploaded their drawings to the iPad app ChatterPix. Watch the videos below. Do you agree with their Un-Ads?
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Soda Santa!
Students in grades 4 and 5 PASS used the soda image of Santa above to answer several relevant math questions. Upon completion of the Yummy Math activity, classes brainstormed several holiday images and designed their own displays. Examples from Northeast Elementary are below.
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Play Free Rice!
Students at NEES read Ooka and the Honest Thief from our Junior Great Book series. Gonta, the thief, stole rice to feed his hungry family. He was a laborer who was out of work. Gonta promised to pay the rice back when he was able.
Many children across the globe are hungry due to a variety of reasons. NEES 3rd graders were introduced to the game Free Rice (www.freerice.com). The children were tasked with playing the game and then writing a paragraph that persuaded others to play as well. Students organized their thoughts using the Persuasive Writing Organizer below.
Many children across the globe are hungry due to a variety of reasons. NEES 3rd graders were introduced to the game Free Rice (www.freerice.com). The children were tasked with playing the game and then writing a paragraph that persuaded others to play as well. Students organized their thoughts using the Persuasive Writing Organizer below.
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2013-2014 School Year
Can You Solve Our Seasonal Equations?
Using Project M3's Seasonal Symbols as a guide, 3rd and 4th graders brainstormed a list of symbols that remind them of the Easter holiday. Next, they created four equations using various operations and incorporated Easter symbols of their choosing. Finally, students designed a PowerPoint presentation that presents the equations. So, can you solve them?
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Hop Aboard a RAFT
First and Second graders read the text The Jade Stone from our Junior Great Book Series.
Summary- When the Emperor of China is given a perfect piece of jade, he orders master carver Chan Lo to form from it ``a dragon of wind and fire.'' But Chan Lo can carve only what he hears in the stone, and the gentle, playful sounds emanating from this noble piece speak of a graceful trio of carp. The outraged Emperor vows to let his dreams determine Chan Lo's punishment. Fortunately, he too dreams the soft, lazy sounds that inspired Chan Lo's masterpiece, whose beauty now overcomes the Emperor's anger.
After reading the text, students were asked to take on the following RAFT!
Role- a piece of jade
Audience- Chan Lo
Format- Comic Strip
Topic- Carve me in to our school mascot!
Here is an example by sweet Aubrey (1st Grader)
Summary- When the Emperor of China is given a perfect piece of jade, he orders master carver Chan Lo to form from it ``a dragon of wind and fire.'' But Chan Lo can carve only what he hears in the stone, and the gentle, playful sounds emanating from this noble piece speak of a graceful trio of carp. The outraged Emperor vows to let his dreams determine Chan Lo's punishment. Fortunately, he too dreams the soft, lazy sounds that inspired Chan Lo's masterpiece, whose beauty now overcomes the Emperor's anger.
After reading the text, students were asked to take on the following RAFT!
Role- a piece of jade
Audience- Chan Lo
Format- Comic Strip
Topic- Carve me in to our school mascot!
Here is an example by sweet Aubrey (1st Grader)
raft_ppt_the_jade_stone.pdf | |
File Size: | 809 kb |
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The Important Thing About Mathematical Practices
The Important Thing About...
the_important_book_math_practices.pdf | |
File Size: | 500 kb |
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Should Tigers Be Our Pets?
First and Second grade PASS students read The Banza from our Junior Great Book Series. After reading the text, students were give a second text titled "Should Tigers Be Our Pets'? Using the Reasoning Through Events Graphic Organizer, students looked at this question through multiple lenses. Here is the lesson!
The Four Components of Creative Thinking
Students were asked to create a PPT of The Four Components of Creative Thinking using a topic on gift-giving. Based off of a text they recently read, I asked the classes to think of gifts one of the characters would like to receive. They took this idea and ran it through the 4 Components.
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Kaddo's Wall African Choice Board
Here are a few images of the students playing the African games they learned (Mancala and Jarabadach). They taught us all how to play. Some of the students chose to investigate Ancient Egypt. They learned how to decode hieroglyphics and interesting facts about pyramids and mummification. Photo Safaris by several of the girls peaked our interest in those animals that are endangered in Africa. Great job!
Metaphorical Thinking
To begin this new year, I asked my students to think of themselves metaphorically. I wanted to get to know them again. :) Plus, I have two new schools with several new students. This was our "Ice Breaker" activity so to speak. They brainstormed three or four characteristics that best described who them. Next, they thought of objects, animals, etc... that also shared these characteristics. I asked that they provide reasoning behind the connection. Here are a few that were translated onto Kerpoof and TuxPaint.
2012-2013 School Year
The Important Thing About...
I love this little book by Margaret Wise Brown! It is so simple as far as the writing pattern goes, yet a plethora of activities abound from it.
After review of the cognitive strategies we use during reading, I asked my 1st and 2nd graders to choose a strategy, grab "The Important Thing About..." template, and write away!
Hope you enjoy. More to come. In fact, I might alter this for my older students as well.
The Important Thing About...(various problem solving strategies, math practices, parts of speech, Civil War leaders, US Presidents, etc...)
After review of the cognitive strategies we use during reading, I asked my 1st and 2nd graders to choose a strategy, grab "The Important Thing About..." template, and write away!
Hope you enjoy. More to come. In fact, I might alter this for my older students as well.
The Important Thing About...(various problem solving strategies, math practices, parts of speech, Civil War leaders, US Presidents, etc...)
the_important_thing_about.pdf | |
File Size: | 17 kb |
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One person's trash is another person's treasure...
With April being Earth Month, I thought we could put some of our trash into creative action!
Activity: Create a piece of art from recycled objects.
Recycled Objects to consider:
Styrofoam: egg cartons, packing peanuts; food containers; meat trays
Cardboard: food boxes, paper boxes, corrugated boxes, ice cream containers, drink trays
Plastics: soap containers, lotion bottles, shampoo bottles, laundry bottles & lids, plastic shopping Bags, soda 6-pack rings
Aluminum: soda cans, clean/used tin foil, food wrapper linings
Paper: shredded paper, envelopes, letters, junk mail,
Odds & Ends: CD’s, broken pieces of furniture, chipped plates/mugs, jewelry pieces
Wire: old coat hangars, twist ties from garbage bags
Metals: nuts & bolts, screws, soda tabs/lids
Fabric: old tablecloths, sheets, scrap fabric swatches, torn clothing, old curtains
Recycled Project Ideas to consider:
Recycled Art Evaluation
1. Is your work clean and neatly presented?
2. Did you use recycled items only (with the exception of adhesives to hold items together)?
3. Was it original? Did you utilize the materials in a unique way?
4. Did you meet the deadline?
5. If you worked with a partner, what percentage of work did you complete?
Activity: Create a piece of art from recycled objects.
Recycled Objects to consider:
Styrofoam: egg cartons, packing peanuts; food containers; meat trays
Cardboard: food boxes, paper boxes, corrugated boxes, ice cream containers, drink trays
Plastics: soap containers, lotion bottles, shampoo bottles, laundry bottles & lids, plastic shopping Bags, soda 6-pack rings
Aluminum: soda cans, clean/used tin foil, food wrapper linings
Paper: shredded paper, envelopes, letters, junk mail,
Odds & Ends: CD’s, broken pieces of furniture, chipped plates/mugs, jewelry pieces
Wire: old coat hangars, twist ties from garbage bags
Metals: nuts & bolts, screws, soda tabs/lids
Fabric: old tablecloths, sheets, scrap fabric swatches, torn clothing, old curtains
Recycled Project Ideas to consider:
- Create a two-dimensional wall hanging using layers of cardboard/paper pieces…relief sculpture with a flat back and items glued on top to add depth/thickness
- Create a wearable piece of jewelry made from unusual pieces of recycled materials
- Create a three-dimensional sculpture of an animal, person, figure, insect, plane, train, etc.
- Create a painting of a landscape on a surface made from Styrofoam or cardboard
- Create an artwork out of soda cans by cutting them apart and using the metal pieces
- Create a purse out of recycled Wal-Mart bags or anything!
- Create a piece of functional furniture
- Create a wearable piece of clothing or accessory
Recycled Art Evaluation
1. Is your work clean and neatly presented?
2. Did you use recycled items only (with the exception of adhesives to hold items together)?
3. Was it original? Did you utilize the materials in a unique way?
4. Did you meet the deadline?
5. If you worked with a partner, what percentage of work did you complete?
1st and 2nd Grade Catalog Cats Activity
After reading "Catalog Cats/Our Garden" from the Junior Great Book Series, these students created an entertaining piece including adjectives and adverbs. Once compiled (still waiting on a few to finish), all of the entries will go in to a CATalog. :) Thank you to Ms. Bisgaard for the wonderful idea!
Mind Benders!
Can you Add-A-Letter? First and second graders worked on completing and then creating word puzzles that require critical and creative thinking. They focused on the REARRANGING part of SCAMPER to aid in completion and creation of these. Will more than one letter work for each? Tell us!
Did you know?
Psychologists use anagram-oriented tests, often called "anagram solution tasks", to assess the implicit memory of young adults and adults alike. Also, did you know that multiple anagramming is a technique used to solve some kinds of cryptograms? A cryptogram is a type of puzzle which consists of a short piece of encrypted text. Other frequently used cryptograms are substitution ciphers (or cyphers) where each letter is replaced by a different letter or number. To solve the puzzle, one must recover the original lettering.
Did you know?
Psychologists use anagram-oriented tests, often called "anagram solution tasks", to assess the implicit memory of young adults and adults alike. Also, did you know that multiple anagramming is a technique used to solve some kinds of cryptograms? A cryptogram is a type of puzzle which consists of a short piece of encrypted text. Other frequently used cryptograms are substitution ciphers (or cyphers) where each letter is replaced by a different letter or number. To solve the puzzle, one must recover the original lettering.
Second Grade Valentine SCAMPER
Second graders at Northeast and Kenwood chose one of the elements of SCAMPER to create something new. Gabi and Cody utilized Tux Paint to create their drawings and inserted them onto PowerPoint. Jillian chose Kerpoof as her method of technology.
valentines_day_scamper.pdf | |
File Size: | 1886 kb |
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Personification Activity Part One
After reading "A Game of Catch" in our Junior Great Book Series, 4th and 5th grade students chose an inanimate object to personify. Below you will see images of the first part of this activity.
Personification Part Two
After a lesson on summarizing, students browsed a plethora of wonders from Wonderopolis. Once they found an interesting topic that related to their inanimate object, students summarized the article, and told the summary from the point of view of the object using Little Bird Tales. Enjoy!
Jade
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Yamilet
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Katie
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Roy
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Jacob
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Jacob J.
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More to come...
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Kaddo's Wall Project Update!
Here are a few projects that were turned in from various 5th graders in the PASS program.
Many of you went ALL OUT! I was extremely impressed with each of you.
Many of you went ALL OUT! I was extremely impressed with each of you.
african_choice_board.pdf | |
File Size: | 818 kb |
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Colby's reenactment of Kaddo's Wall with the help of some friends.
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Durrett's African Wildlife Project...Amazing!
Camera will not cooperate! More photos to come. However, here is Gavin explaining his African board game to the class...upside down. :) Also, the Barksdale 5th graders can be seen playing an African version of tag thanks to Nathenael's research. Meanwhile, Nora chose to research a variety of African folk tales and compare/contrast them. Oh yeah, did someone say CORN MUFFINS? Half of you decided to Chef It Up. I have to admit, a few of you could be the next Top Chef!
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Holiday s.c.a.m.p.e.r
First and second graders in my PASS classes were asked to think outside of the box by utilizing the SCAMPER thinking technique (see teacher resource page for a copy). For example, how would you construct a snowman in a climate that never had snow? Which of your favorite (or not so favorite) holiday dishes would you modify and why? Here are a few examples below. Click each image to enlarge.
You're a Sweet One, Mr. Grinch!
What? The Grinch sweet? Students in 4th and 5th grades at Kenwood Elementary listened to the lyrics of this holiday favorite, located the multitude of similes and metaphors, and created a KINDER GRINCH by rewriting the lyrics with figurative language. Click each image to enlarge.
The Grinch Wordles
Using a thesaurus, 3rd graders located antonyms that would describe the new and improved GRINCH after listening to the lyrics of You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch and identifying the nasty adjectives that were used to describe him.
A Most Nutritious Election!
Click on the images to enlarge.
A nutritious election R.A.F.T.My 4th and 5th graders recently read a variety of books related to government. I then asked them to use the RAFT writing process to create a campaign speech for the most nutritious fruit or vegetable.
Idea from Writing Fix Brainstorming page and rough draft organizers from Writing Fix may be downloaded below.
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and the winner is...Parker Pineapple with 102 votes! Congratulations! Thanks to everyone who contributed to our election.
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Fall Foliage Project
During fall break, I have assigned a project related around my favorite time of year...Autumn. See below for each of the steps that you will need to take. This activity is ongoing until Thanksgiving!
Materials Needed: a composition notebook labeled "Fall Foliage Project" and pencil
1. Letter to a friend or family member
Begin by writing a letter to a personal family member or friend in another state requesting fall leaves. The more the better. Let them know it will be for a PASS project at school.
2. Research fall foliage
Using the below website, research the normal peak times for each region in the USA. Compare the normal peak time map to the current fall foliage going on all over the nation. Print the maps and paste into your fall foliage notebook. Summarize all similarities and differences.
http://www.weather.com/activities/driving/fallfoliage/index.html
3. Get out there! Nature walk and survey
Using the below document and website (for those of you who choose to get out of your backyard!), take a hike and experience one of the most beautiful times of the year! You will observe the fall foliage from different perspectives along with other members of your family. Record your data on the Fall Foliage Survey document (adapted from Appalachian Mountain Watch).
http://tntrailsandbyways.com/
Materials Needed: a composition notebook labeled "Fall Foliage Project" and pencil
1. Letter to a friend or family member
Begin by writing a letter to a personal family member or friend in another state requesting fall leaves. The more the better. Let them know it will be for a PASS project at school.
2. Research fall foliage
Using the below website, research the normal peak times for each region in the USA. Compare the normal peak time map to the current fall foliage going on all over the nation. Print the maps and paste into your fall foliage notebook. Summarize all similarities and differences.
http://www.weather.com/activities/driving/fallfoliage/index.html
3. Get out there! Nature walk and survey
Using the below document and website (for those of you who choose to get out of your backyard!), take a hike and experience one of the most beautiful times of the year! You will observe the fall foliage from different perspectives along with other members of your family. Record your data on the Fall Foliage Survey document (adapted from Appalachian Mountain Watch).
http://tntrailsandbyways.com/
fall_foliage_survey.pdf | |
File Size: | 212 kb |
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4. Why do leaves change colors in the fall?
Using the Weather Channel website above or another one of your choice, read all about the story behind fall's changing colors. Print out the article and where you found your information. Paste into your notebook.
5. Bring your leaves and notebook to school for further PASS investigations that include:
Leaf Chromatography
How Does Light Affect Color Development?
Using the Weather Channel website above or another one of your choice, read all about the story behind fall's changing colors. Print out the article and where you found your information. Paste into your notebook.
5. Bring your leaves and notebook to school for further PASS investigations that include:
Leaf Chromatography
How Does Light Affect Color Development?
leaf_chromatography_1.pdf | |
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leaf_chromatography_2.pdf | |
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leaf_chromatography_experiment.pdf | |
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Observing Nature at Nature's Notebook
In my back yard I found several yellow leaves from a black walnut tree. I typed in black walnut and hit search.
OPTIONAL Nature's Notebook
Observe a tree in your yard or community! Follow the steps as directed.
http://www.usanpn.org/species_search
Make sure to collect data using this attachment (it can also be found on the website).
Observe a tree in your yard or community! Follow the steps as directed.
http://www.usanpn.org/species_search
Make sure to collect data using this attachment (it can also be found on the website).
data_observation_sheet.pdf | |
File Size: | 1198 kb |
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Still not enough? Try a night time nature walk!
Materials: flashlight, lantern, or spotlight
warm clothes
camera
your backyard
Adventure out and about when the sun goes down. Use your senses! What do you hear? What might you see that doesn't go on in nature during the day? How do the leaves, grass, and bark feel at night in relation to daytime? Capture it with your camera! Maybe jot it down in your Fall Foliage journal. Share with us when you return from Fall Break!
Camp out in your backyard! Make this adventure last all night long.
warm clothes
camera
your backyard
Adventure out and about when the sun goes down. Use your senses! What do you hear? What might you see that doesn't go on in nature during the day? How do the leaves, grass, and bark feel at night in relation to daytime? Capture it with your camera! Maybe jot it down in your Fall Foliage journal. Share with us when you return from Fall Break!
Camp out in your backyard! Make this adventure last all night long.
Picturing the Engineer
My third, fourth, and fifth graders were asked to illustrate an engineer. Just simply draw what comes to mind first! Next, each student created an autobiographical sketch to go along with their drawings. Who is this person? Where does he/she work? What does he/she do on a daily basis that involves math, science, and technology? Later, each of the classes then compiled all of the data to come up with the overall stereotypical engineer. Finally, we read articles and watched videos on real engineers. We learned that there are many different types of engineers...civil, product design, biomedical, environment, and many more! Fifth grade students chose an engineering path that interested them and researched more about that specific engineer.
Here are some of the products that were created based upon the data collected and student research.
Here are some of the products that were created based upon the data collected and student research.
Double bar graph created by Ellie. She created questions to go along with her graph asking other students to think about which gender was most represented and why. Also, why do you think the majority of students illustrated a male engineer? Post your answers to Ellie's questions in the comment section below!
Bret's double bar graph is similar to Ellie's, however, his data is different. Why do you think this is? What if Bret would have chosen to create his double bar graph based upon ethnicity? Which race do you feel would have been represented the most in these drawings and why?
Kinsey chose to create two pie charts to represent her data. This one shows the compiled numbers for each school that drew females as engineers. Based upon the above double bar graph, create your own pie chart like Kinsey's using the male data. Go to http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/ to create your own graph!
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