sutton007

"I feel pumped up now!" shared Domenic after our first official Walking Classroom  (TWC) lesson.  Other student comments included: "I'm more awake now - sometimes I'm tired when I come to school." and "I think this is going to be great - we get to go outside and learn!" Last year I saw a tweet about the "Walking Classroom" program and I knew I HAD to use this with my classroom.  The premise: get kids moving and learning - the perfect combination. I had to find a way to get the WalkKits (WalkKit is a device-like an mp3 player-that is preloaded with podcasts specifically geared towards 4th grade) into the hands (and ears) of my class.  So I applied for a GO! Grant but my proposal was not accepted. Knowing that this program would have many benefits to my class I reached out to TWC to see what else I might try.  They suggested applying for a donation through their site. My application was reviewed and our class was put on a waiting list (...

Building and fostering a " Growth Mindset " doesn't happen overnight.   The year began with several activities to help inspire the idea that "intelligence can be developed" and that "you can learn anything through hard work and effort!" On the first day of school we watched this video created by the Kahn Academy titled " You Can Learn Anything ! " The video really resonated with many students because they could directly relate to it. Students posted their thoughts on a sticky note which were displayed in the classroom. Take a minute to watch the Khan Academy video to see what positive message you take away from it. The following video was shared at another time.  From this video we talked about the idea of  "Training Our Brain" to accomplish things we want to learn. This happened to coincide with International Dot Day so we completed an activity where we drew on a dot something we wanted to learn. For the first school assembly w...

At the 2014 MassCUE conference held at Gillette Stadium in October, I attended a session presented by  +Greg Kulowiec   on "Advanced iPad Video Creation." He immediately caught my attention by talking about " app smashing " (the idea of mixing apps to create content!). Well, one of the apps Greg shared is called ChatterPix , which is an app that "can make anything talk"! ChatterPix is so easy to use, just take a picture, draw a line to create a mouth, decorate the picture & add your voice! Share it through email or upload it to Youtube. It's quick and fun!  (Of course there is one catch:  You only have 30 seconds!)  ( There is an app called ChatterPix Kids but the drawback is the inability to 'share' the creation. ) Something I especially liked about this app is that students can create content (across the curriculum) which can be shared globally via Social Media but doesn't necessarily contain their image. In ELA this week the skil...

"Quiet on the Set! We're ready to record! 3, 2 1 Action!" shouts the director.  The long wait was over...finally, the students were in front of the Green Screen, behind the camera and handling the teleprompter. Last year a colleague and I wrote a grant for the "Green Screen Chroma Key Project"   The idea was to work with the kids to create a movie as a way to share something related to their learning.  Using a Green Screen background allows you to add whatever background you like in the editing process. It took quite a while just to order the "Green Screen," camera, and software.  When it finally arrived we were on our Winter break.    The weeks passed and still I hadn't started the process with the students.   On Thursday of this week I decided to take the last hour of the day and have my own GENIUS HOUR.   I needed to take a chance, take a risk to figure out the whole "Green Screen" idea.  While students worked at their desks I began s...

For several weeks the topic of conversation in our classroom surrounded our trial of Genius Hour .   Students were excited about being given the time and opportunity to pursue topics of interest to them.  They LOVED the term - Student Driven Learning ! Most students had an idea right away - while others needed time to think and plan .  Some students decided to work together while others chose to work independently.  Some students would use the computer, while others would use different tools. Our 'hour' began at 1:45 p.m . Students excitedly collected their supplies and went straight to work. The level of engagement was something at which to marvel.  For over an hour students were completely engrossed in their learning while they created comic strips on the computer, sewed a pillow, researched hedgehogs, experimented with volcanoes, created mazes from wood, researched a Brazilian Gospel singer, and so many other topics. Experimenting with a Volcano There w...

Tadpoles feasting During a science lesson yesterday about Vertebrates, the life cycle of a frog became a focus.   This of course led to a discussion about tadpoles.  In a weak moment, I shouted "Okay, tomorrow wear your old sneakers and jeans because we are going to go in search of tadpoles in the stream behind the school!"  The chairs went flying as the kids jumped out of their seats with joy. When the cheers died down, I instantly realized what I had done. My lesson for the day was done as the students couldn't think about anything other than the upcoming science class outdoors.  Then came the questions and comments: "What about poison ivy? Last time I was in those woods, I got a bad case." "How long are we going to be out there?" "I don't have any old sneakers." "Wow, my mom can come because she knows all about poison ivy."  "Where are the tadpoles? Did you see them?"  I realized I was over my head on this one. As ...

Still Life created by Sam C. using The Art Zone " Chiaroscuro! " shouted one of my fourth graders in answer to the question: "What technique did the artist use in this painting to show the contrast of light and dark?" " ELBOW: Every day life, Light, Brushstrokes, Outside, Weather !" answered another ten year old child to the question: "What are the characteristics of Impressionist's paintings?" If you ask me, most fourth grade students (and many adults) would not know the answers to these types of questions, yet they are common place in our school when the children are involved in our "Docent" lessons.   This program which started over 15 years ago by one of the teachers and several parents continues today. Parent volunteers, also known as, Docents, visit our 3rd grade - 5th grade classrooms once a month and present a different artist or genre. At that time it is not unusual to see students dissecting the paintings of the Old Master...

In the teachers' lounge early in the year I noticed someone was donating some "freebies" to any interested party. There were children's books, books for middle readers and even novels for adults. It just so happened that this one day, there among the books, was an AM/FM Radio Kit. You know, it's the kind that you have to put together. Quickly, I snapped it up and brought it to my classroom. The kit sat among my games and forgotten for most of the year. Just the other day I was organizing the shelves and found it again. A few students were waiting to be dismissed and asked about it. After listening to the explanation I asked if they would like to try building it together during indoor recess. Little did I know the hubbub and stir that would ensue! Before any assembly could occur the kids realized they would need a screwdriver and started trying to decide which type was necessary. One student offered to bring one a small phillips head. Another said that w...

While some people expect them, to others they're a welcome surprise! Either way, right after the holidays people love to receive them! Thank You notes! However, most kids hate to write them!  I know it's a battle with my own two children.  Since they were very little they have been (reluctantly) writing them.  I think they don't enjoy it because "it takes too much time." Regardless, it's important to show appreciation for a gift received. In school, my students have occasionally written thank you notes to their parents as a way to recognize all that is being done for them at home.  This year I will have them write a note for one of their Christmas or Hanukkah gifts.  Of course, an accompanying lesson will be  ' How to Write' a thank you note. and " How to Address an Envelope . To make it less painless I will give the students a choice when creating their notes. They may choose one of the following:  Use blank construction paper to create their...

It hasn't happened in so long that we were all caught off guard.  It must have happened because of the extreme heat we have been having.  Just when we were getting ready to sit down and watch our favorite shows - the lights went out!  No television or internet! What's a child to do?  What's a child to do?   Why, hone up on their math skills with some fun and easy games of course! Just like we did!  Playing board games or games on the computer will help keep math skills from sliding during the summer.  Here are some family favorites! Yahtzee .  My daughter, her girlfriend and I played this game of strategy and probability that involves addition.  It was especially fun as we played by candlelight with lots of chatting and laughter.  Meanwhile, the girls, who are teenagers were practicing their basic math operations.  (For those who like playing games online there is a Yahtzee Online Version . Just make sure to turn off chat feature.)...