Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Collaborative Conversations

At the beginning of the year, mini lessons teach students how to communicate with others in a respectful manner. The speech bubbles are a visual reminder of how to share opinions, ideas, and thoughts.
 A little time spent teaching students how to have respectful conversations can make a difference in cooperative learning groups.  

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Scream!


We jumped right into writing this year with an ear-piercing scream!  I often combine writing lessons with art lessons - what a pair! 

We all agree that the first day of school is an explosion of fun, energy, nerves, and excitement.  Our first writing assignment captured our feelings in an essay titled, "Scream."  

After writing our essay, we took a look at Edvard Munch's art titled, "The Scream" to see how expression can be created with lines and color. 




We worked on drawing a screaming face of correct proportions. We then had fun adding the hair color using watercolors and a straw to blow crazy hair.









 The kids had a blast with this project!

 Our hallway screams with excitement!

Credit to the inspiration for this project to Josyln who posted it on her blog in 2011.    

Monday, August 15, 2016

Pop Quiz


Who would give a pop quiz on the first day of school?  This teacher does! I have written a pop quiz into my lesson plans the last five years and it is always a hit with students. 

The middle school is a big change for most students. It is their first year in a new building, first day with several new teachers, first day with lockers, first day with new classmates. Clearly, first day jitters rule.  I wanted to do something fun for each of the students in my room. I got their attention {and smiles} with a soda pop theme.



To help students learn procedures and locate items in their new classroom, they were given a pop quiz. This quiz got students out of their chairs and exploring the layout of the classroom.  







The Pop Quiz included soda pops with encouraging notes. 

Team 1A teachers are soda-lighted to be teaching your child. There are so many fun things to do and learn in the fifth grade. We are looking forward to the adventure.  It is our goal that your child's fifth grade experience is filled with personal growth as a thinker and learner. We recognize that in order to be successful in school, children need support from both the home and school. We know a strong partnership with you will make a great difference in your child’s education. 

Let the adventure begin!