After one ELA lesson this week a student said to me " Maybe I like Math more because we have to do a lot of thinking in ELA. (hesitates then says) I kind of like thinking though so maybe I like ELA too."
This made my heart explode! Getting the students to think and learn deeper instead of just on the surface has been a challenge but a fun and exciting challenge. When those words were said to me I knew this program was a blessing for us all. I am excited to continue all this thinking as we head into the 2nd Quarter. A few notes about report cards and parent teacher conferences.
As always reach out with any comments or questions. Amber Nill
0 Comments
I think this week has finally brought the fall weather! Time is flying by. Thats what they say when you are having fun. :)
It was another great week really watching students learn and grow. In ELA we are working on changing our thinking and not only looking at things differently but also reading things such as poems differently. This is a huge challenge for students but it has really had them thinking deeply. Math was also full of growth in learning how to write as mathematicians with all the things we have learned and being able to prove our work. This prove part was very important as many students thought they were sharing correct information. When they went to prove it they discovered they actually had some errors in their thinking. Such a huge moment of growth! Thank you for those of you that meet with me. If at any point you would like to check in or touch base never hesitate to reach out. Important Dates: October 23 is the end of the 3rd Quarter. October 30 Language Interview Due for 3rd Graders November 6 Language Interview Due for 2nd Graders This past week I introduced third grade students to the beginning of our research project . Second graders will learn about it this upcoming week. Throughout the unit students will explore how language changes. Their first assignment for this project is to interview family members and any others to find out how the language of individual people has changed over time, how language changes from place to place, and how language can cause change in peoples individual lives. At the end of their research students will present their work through an oral and written presentation (which I will guide them through). Their task for the next two-three weeks is to think about any family members who are generationally older, have lived in other places, their parents and themselves. They will then use the interview question sheet to ask them questions about how language has possibly changed for them over time or from place to place. They will also be asking you the some questions that I've asked students to think about themselves as well. Questions for you and students Has there ever been anything you have read, watched, or studied that changed your thinking about a topic. For example has there ever been one bible verse, book of the bible or story that changed your thinking or relationship with God? What words changed your thinking (focus in in the language). This can also apply to any songs, books, or articles you have read. Questions for Family/Community Memebers How has your language changed as you have grown? What are some words you used for things when you were younger (that maybe we don't say anymore ie. automobile)? Have there been any words you have had to learn with new inventions (computer words maybe)? If they are from another state or country: Are there any words you use where you live that we do not use in Michigan? Did you notice language changing from where you live to other places? The goal is for students to understand that words are important in our understanding of things. I also want them to understand that words change over time and from place to place. Currently we have been working on the understanding of figurative language and how it is meant to change out thinking. This research project does not have to be that deep yet. I am telling the students that the assignment is due by the end of the month October 30/ November 6. However, this is just to prevent them from forgetting about it. If you need more time or you know of a time you will get to spend time with people or family the students can interview let me know and I can extend the date for them. As always if you have any questions never hesitate to reach out. Have a great week/weekend!
You might have seen this week on the student "what we learned" page a lot of items such as brain smart start, how to be a speaker/listener, ways to be kind and more. This has been a large part of our day to start this GATE program and it is meant to teach and improve students SEL or social emotional learning.
The following website is a great place to learn more about SEL https://casel.org/what-is-sel/ . Everyday in GATE starts with our Brain Smart Start. This involves uniting as a class, disengaging our stress, connecting with one another, and making a daily commitment. The goal is not only to get out brains ready to learn but to also bring in laughter to start our day. We also worked on bringing kindness to others through wish wells in our morning prayer and committing to helping each other learn everyday. In GATE we have also been spending time talking about our important roles in a community. One of them on being a speaker and the other on being a good listener. We spent time practicing with stories about ourselves and then learned how to do this as mathematicians with "I agree or I do not agree" statements. Both of these are a huge part of gifted education. We want our students to not just know everything but know how to learn more about everything from each other. I have to say the students did an amazing job and it was so rewarding to watch them learn new concepts from each other while practicing these roles. I encourage you to ask your students about any of these sometime and listen to their explanations. It is my goal to have them transfer these strategies and skills to their classrooms, families, and everyday activities in life. I know I will be speaking to some of you next week and I look forward to it. If you have not signed up for a time and would still like to feel free to do so. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
May 2024
Categories |