Weather Report/Cooperative Learning

In small groups, the class created murals of eight different weather topics. I was happy to see how well the children communicated, planned and completed their murals. Each group worked cooperatively and everyone was engaged and contributed to their assigned project. Research has shown that using cooperative learning in the classroom has positive effects on academic achievement,  personal relationships, language development, self-esteem and attitudes toward school.

• When students work together toward a common goal, academic work becomes valued by peers.

• Students are motivated to help one another learn.

• Students take responsibility for their own learning.

• Students translate the teacher’s language into kid talk for one another.

• Students learn to see situations from another’s viewpoint, justify their own viewpoints, and analyze ideas.

• Students have fun learning.

Leo, Tyler and Grace paint different types of clouds.

Zane and Emma--- somewhere over a rainbow.

Sam, Marlee and Saumya work on their tornado.

Weather Research

The groups moved on to collecting facts about their topics. The children will use their research to create  informative writing pieces. The main goal in grades 3 to 5 is for children to become enthusiastic, independent readers who can use their skills to learn new material in all subjects. Put simply, children focus on learning to read through 2nd grade. After that, they "read to learn," as well as read for pleasure.

Madeline visiting http://www.weatherwizkids.com

David and Zane reading  about floods.

Reading Comprehension

 Grace is carefully highlighting her reading passage to complete her weekly comprehension check.

 I have been struggling this year with getting the children to consistently answer reading comprehension questions in complete sentences using appropriate punctuation and capitalization.  As much as we talked about the expectations, I was not seeing follow through on many of their assignments. So, as you have noticed I began scoring their reading passages and answer sheets after winter break.  Although, I certainly do not want them to simply focus on what grade their get, the improvement and personal accountability has been nothing short of dramatic. This week the class noticed that many of their answers included the names of the story characters and asked if they could get extra points for using a capital letter on a proper noun!  I know I will not move towards scoring all their work-- but  grading this assignment has certainly been more effective than me jumping up and down everyday saying --

 "Remember you MUST write in complete sentences using capital letters and the correct punctuation".

Science

Before winter break the class used their mechanical engineering skills to explore different materials and shapes conducive to catching the wind by designing sails for small boats. After our attending our force and motion workshop this week at  The Works, we will apply what we have learned through these two experiences  and set out to  design windmill blades.

Field Trip

Remember our field trip to The Works this Wednesday, January the 22nd.  Your child will need a packed lunch and  drink.   Thank you to everyone that volunteered to chaperone, we are looking forward to having you join us for this special event.  We will be leaving Wickliffe around 9:15.  Let me know if you would prefer to drive and join us at The Works. You should arrive around 9:45 and meet us in the lobby of the museum.