This week we started peer tutoring lunch bunch. The students volunteered to work with their classmates to improve their understanding of current math topics. Some of the students wanted extra help and support while others wanted to be supportive and help another student understand something they already know. Either way all the students involved will continue to get so much out of the experience and learn from one another. I hope that students continue to volunteer on their own accord for the extra help they need and deserve. Take a peak at our special lunch! In order to prepare for our upcoming the tests, the students participated in a self guided review. The review required the students to go around the room in search of answers to different word problems that would be similar to those found on their math test. Once they solved the problems they would self check their answers, correct their answers, and move on to their next problem. The students were able to ask questions, review skills, and work towards better their own knowledge of the material.
Check out the math workshop model we use in 6th grade math. The students are paired in small, flexible groups to allow them to interact with the math in multiple ways. Some examples include hands on games, problem solving strategies, and intervention time with the teacher. This week the students were asked to write about a memory from their summer. Once they picked a favorite part of the summer vacation they were asked to zoom in to a very specific part of that memory, a small moment. From that point we began the writing process, beginning with the brainstorming of memories and the initial outlining of our ideas. As we continue writing using the writing process, we will model our small moment paragraph after the "sandwich" paragraph model. Using the bread as the opening and conclusion, while all the insides act as the support to make the sandwich taste better.
In our first two weeks beck and school we began to get to know one another better through activities that both had us sharing a little bit about ourselves and activities that had us engaging with people that we don’t always talk to. The students each had an opportunity to share about themselves through our Shoebox Autobiographies. Each student presented some objects, in a shoebox, that represented who they are and painted a picture of the things that make them tick. Some students shared trophies, pictures, and Jerseys, while others shared trinkets from collections or souvenirs from their travels. This was just one way we spent time getting to know one another. I appreciate how open each member of the class was in sharing the things most personal to them.
We also took time practicing acts of kindness. The students were each asked to compliment one another in a anti-bullying campaign activity. Throughout the year we will continue to practice anti-bullying strategies and finding ways to make one another feel safe and confident in the classroom. Enjoy some positive music to continue to promote kindness (and some pictures from our first week).
To add to our colorful day of clothing the students worked with their buddy to create a coloring book. The students had to interview their buddy and learn about what they enjoy. When they were done interviewing the students colored in the book and illustrated the pictures of their buddies. Legacy TennisAs as 6th grade we were fortunate enough to attend the Legacy Tennis program. The sixth graders had the chance to play tennis, learn about nutrition and health, and write about their passions. Benjamin Franklin came to visitThe school was graced with the presence of Benjamin Franklin. While he was with us he taught the students about all of his creations and his life. The students were able to help him relive some of his fond memories and recount his successful moments. Pond CleaningDuring recess this week the students got the chance to help the 7th and 8th grade students weed the pond. By pulling out the growth of plants closest to the stream the water will better flow in the cycle to keep the pond water fresh and full of water.
We were able to end our week meeting with our 2nd grade buddies. During this time the students and their buddies partnered to build the tallest free standing building with only 4 sheets of paper, 1 meter of tape, and a pair of scissors. The students came up with some very creative designs and were able to practice their communication and teamwork skills.
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June 2018
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