Week 43: One and Done
It's hard to believe that we have finally come to the end of the school year. Way back in August when we first started, it seemed like this day would never arrive. There was too much to do, too many projects to plan, too many math lessons to perfect, too many memories to create... and yet, here we are. The projects are finished, the math is complete and I have more memories than my heart can hold.
When I graduated from Columbia last summer, my professors threw a party for all of us who were leaving. They all offered words of encouragement and advice for us brand new, doe-eyed and optimistic teachers, and much of this advice centered on the theme of: "your first year of teaching will be the hardest year of your life" and "if you can make it past year five, you'll do just fine." Recently I wrote to one of my professors, my advisor in fact, to wish him well on his retirement and to let him know that not only was my first year of teaching a huge success, it was, without a doubt, the best year I could have hoped for.
I truly believe that if you do what you love, you never work a day in your life. All of my late nights, weekends and holidays spent working is time I wouldn't trade for anything else. I love what I do. I love where I work. It's not just my career, it's my life, and it's the only life I want.
When I graduated from Columbia last summer, my professors threw a party for all of us who were leaving. They all offered words of encouragement and advice for us brand new, doe-eyed and optimistic teachers, and much of this advice centered on the theme of: "your first year of teaching will be the hardest year of your life" and "if you can make it past year five, you'll do just fine." Recently I wrote to one of my professors, my advisor in fact, to wish him well on his retirement and to let him know that not only was my first year of teaching a huge success, it was, without a doubt, the best year I could have hoped for.
I truly believe that if you do what you love, you never work a day in your life. All of my late nights, weekends and holidays spent working is time I wouldn't trade for anything else. I love what I do. I love where I work. It's not just my career, it's my life, and it's the only life I want.
Week 42: Exhibition
After many months of hard work, our final exhibition of the year went off without a hitch this week. The students put in a great amount of effort to finalizing their game handbooks and perfecting their method for playing Hop Dodge, the game they decided to exhibit on Friday evening.
It was so wonderful to watch families playing together and having a great time! I am extremely proud of the community that has formed in the nine short months High Tech Elementary has been open, and I cannot wait to see how our school family continues to strengthen and grow.
It was so wonderful to watch families playing together and having a great time! I am extremely proud of the community that has formed in the nine short months High Tech Elementary has been open, and I cannot wait to see how our school family continues to strengthen and grow.
Week 41: It's All Fun And Games
We all worked diligently this week to finish up the handbooks for our games. We studied some principles of graphic design and layout, including balance, contrast and alignment, which we then applied to our own work. After a series of peer critique and revision, we are ready to send our handbooks to the printer!
As part of our preparation for exhibition, we also spent time playing one another's games so that everyone can have practice playing and explaining their games to a group of people. We had so much fun playing that it almost didn't feel like work!
As part of our preparation for exhibition, we also spent time playing one another's games so that everyone can have practice playing and explaining their games to a group of people. We had so much fun playing that it almost didn't feel like work!
Week 40: Rock Climbing in Joshua Tree National Park
We have finally started creating our manuals and the students have done a great job collaborating on the writing and layout of their piece. We have had many conversations about the "professionalism" of our work, focusing on producing high-quality products, rather than rushing through just to get done.
Although we've been having a lot of fun working on our game project, the undeniable highlight of this week was the two days we spent in Joshua Tree National Park camping and rock climbing with Mr. Scott! We left San Diego early Wednesday morning and once we arrived at the park, we went on a ranger-led geology walk to learn all about the rock formations in the park. After setting up camp and cooking dinner, we sat around the campfire telling stories and making s'mores. We were up early the next morning to clean up camp and head to Hidden Valley for a day of climbing and scrambling. The kids were all so brave and supportive of their classmates. It was a great opportunity to get out in nature and challenge ourselves to do something difficult.
Although we've been having a lot of fun working on our game project, the undeniable highlight of this week was the two days we spent in Joshua Tree National Park camping and rock climbing with Mr. Scott! We left San Diego early Wednesday morning and once we arrived at the park, we went on a ranger-led geology walk to learn all about the rock formations in the park. After setting up camp and cooking dinner, we sat around the campfire telling stories and making s'mores. We were up early the next morning to clean up camp and head to Hidden Valley for a day of climbing and scrambling. The kids were all so brave and supportive of their classmates. It was a great opportunity to get out in nature and challenge ourselves to do something difficult.
Week 39: The Game is Afoot
Even though state testing got in the way of some of our project time this week, we still managed to try out all of the games that the students have created. We have been talking a lot about critique and revision, a major facet of all High Tech schools, and the kids got a chance to re-work and revise their games on the spot while watching their classmates play. We are looking forward to starting our manuals next week!
Week 38: We Rock!
The highlight of our week was getting to go rock climbing at Mesa Rim as part of Mr. Scott's Outdoor Leadership class. The kids have been practicing tying knots and learning rock climbing safety in preparation for our rock climbing adventure in Joshua Tree National Park in a couple weeks. This was our first opportunity to practice what we've been working on. Everyone had a blast and challenged them to push beyond what they thought they were capable of.
With regards to our game project, we have been testing the initial design concepts of our games to see what works well and what needs improving. It's been so much fun to see the games that have up until now lived only on paper, come to life!
With regards to our game project, we have been testing the initial design concepts of our games to see what works well and what needs improving. It's been so much fun to see the games that have up until now lived only on paper, come to life!
Week 37: Badminton and Toss Games and Soccer, Oh My!
We played hard this week and worked on perfecting our badminton abilities (or at least trying to hit the birdie with the racquet!). I think we all gained a little appreciation for the time and dedication it takes to become good at something that is initially challenging. Along with badminton, we played a series of "toss games" such as corn hole, horseshoes, bocce ball and frisbee. It was so much fun to spend our afternoons outside getting fresh air and exercise, all the while doing research for our project!
This coming week we will begin to start brainstorming our brand new games and look at how we're going to craft the handbooks to go along with them.
This coming week we will begin to start brainstorming our brand new games and look at how we're going to craft the handbooks to go along with them.
Week 36: Sportsmanship
At the beginning of the week, we watched a few video clips of games we won't be able to play at school: ice hockey, cricket and rugby. While discussing cricket (where it originated and where it's played today), the students noticed that the countries where cricket is most popular (England, India, Australia) are nowhere near one another! This launched a discussion about the British Empire and how, through colonization, other countries were forced to adopt many English customs and practices, including their games. Such a great and authentic incorporation of a little world history!
This week wrapped up with some Capture the Flag in an effort to think of games that incorporate a large number of players. We also talked about sportsmanship and did some free writing in response to three questions:
Next week we continue with toss games and the initial brainstorming for their new games will begin!
This week wrapped up with some Capture the Flag in an effort to think of games that incorporate a large number of players. We also talked about sportsmanship and did some free writing in response to three questions:
- What does it mean to be a good winner?
- What does it mean to be a good loser?
- How will other people feel about you if you have bad sportsmanship?
Next week we continue with toss games and the initial brainstorming for their new games will begin!
Week 35: Soccer Stars and Swashbucklers
We began a unit using Lego math this week, much to everyone's enjoyment. We explored concepts of multiplication and division by looking at the arrays made from the studs on each Lego brick. Math is a subject often met with groans and eye-rolls because it can be, at times, very dry. However, getting to explore with a fun manipulative makes all the difference, and every kid had a smile on his or her face during our math lessons this week. The Legos will come back once we get into fractions!
On Friday, in addition to it being Pirate Day, we had a very special visit from the Albion Pros, a local professional soccer team. Three of the team members and their coach came to talk to us about making smart life choices, working hard in school, and following your passions, whatever they might be. They then did a few interactive demonstrations, much to the excitement of the kids. Afterwards, each student received a season pass to the Albion games, and the players signed autographs. It was a great opportunity to expose the kids to a collision of passion and purpose.
On Friday, in addition to it being Pirate Day, we had a very special visit from the Albion Pros, a local professional soccer team. Three of the team members and their coach came to talk to us about making smart life choices, working hard in school, and following your passions, whatever they might be. They then did a few interactive demonstrations, much to the excitement of the kids. Afterwards, each student received a season pass to the Albion games, and the players signed autographs. It was a great opportunity to expose the kids to a collision of passion and purpose.
Week 34: What's In A Game?
This week began with the launch of our last project for the year! In groups, students will be creating a brand new game to play outside. They will be writing the official rule book for their new game, and the books will be compiled into a library so that any student at the school can learn to play. We will be exploring a variety of games from around the world in order to gather inspiration. We will also be talking about fairness, the importance of rules, and what makes a game fun to play!
This week, we focused on ball games (dodgeball and wiffle ball). We played against Mr. Wheat's class which resulted in several afternoons of fun and friendly competition. We also talked about the concept of "divergent thinking" (an idea explored by Sir Ken Robinson) which is the ability to see multiple different solutions to a given problem. We are exercising this skill because the students will need to be able to come up with brand new ways to play with familiar sports equipment. How many different games can you invent using a basketball and a hoop?
This week, we focused on ball games (dodgeball and wiffle ball). We played against Mr. Wheat's class which resulted in several afternoons of fun and friendly competition. We also talked about the concept of "divergent thinking" (an idea explored by Sir Ken Robinson) which is the ability to see multiple different solutions to a given problem. We are exercising this skill because the students will need to be able to come up with brand new ways to play with familiar sports equipment. How many different games can you invent using a basketball and a hoop?
Week 33: Delivering the Dog Houses
Welcome back from a much-needed Spring Break!
This week, we had the honor of delivering our finished dog houses to the San Diego Humane Society. We met with the chief of Humane Law Enforcement, Stephen MacKinnon, and a couple members of his team who will eventually distribute the dog houses to pet owners in need. It was a bittersweet feeling to say goodbye to the houses we spent so much time working on, but we are proud to know that they will be put to very good use.
We spent the rest of this week preparing to Student Led Conferences, and welcoming two new students to our classroom family!
Our final project for the year will launch early next week.
This week, we had the honor of delivering our finished dog houses to the San Diego Humane Society. We met with the chief of Humane Law Enforcement, Stephen MacKinnon, and a couple members of his team who will eventually distribute the dog houses to pet owners in need. It was a bittersweet feeling to say goodbye to the houses we spent so much time working on, but we are proud to know that they will be put to very good use.
We spent the rest of this week preparing to Student Led Conferences, and welcoming two new students to our classroom family!
Our final project for the year will launch early next week.
Week 30: Exhibition - "The House That Built Me"
At the very beginning of this project, way back in January, I told my students that when I went to Romania with Habitat for Humanity to build a house, I never imagined how much the house would actually "build me." This comment was met with 24 confused looks, but I think that now, having built houses of their own, my students may understand just how impactful their work can be.
Over the past few months, I've watched my timid students bloom with bravery, using power tools, communicating with their teammates and giving interviews for Channel 10. I've seen followers become leaders, watchers become doers, and every one of my students working together towards a common goal. If asked at the beginning of this year whether or not I thought it would be possible for a group of 9 and 10 year olds to build 4 dog houses in 4 days, I would have said, "no way." But this just goes to show that sometimes all kids need is a little encouragement and a chance to shine, and then there's nothing they can't do.
Over the past few months, I've watched my timid students bloom with bravery, using power tools, communicating with their teammates and giving interviews for Channel 10. I've seen followers become leaders, watchers become doers, and every one of my students working together towards a common goal. If asked at the beginning of this year whether or not I thought it would be possible for a group of 9 and 10 year olds to build 4 dog houses in 4 days, I would have said, "no way." But this just goes to show that sometimes all kids need is a little encouragement and a chance to shine, and then there's nothing they can't do.
Week 29: Newsworthy Work
After four solid days of building, sanding, priming and painting, I am proud to say that we finished our dog houses ahead of schedule and they are beautiful! The students worked hard together to produce a high quality product which they are excited to give to the San Diego Humane Society in a few weeks.
As an added bonus, we had the special privilege of being featured on ABC10 News during their Wednesday evening segment! The day before, a reporter and cameraman spent a couple hours in our classroom discussing our project with us, getting interviews and learning a thing or two about construction. We were honored that the media took an interest in our project, and tickled to see ourselves on TV! An authentic audience certainly makes work much more meaningful.
As an added bonus, we had the special privilege of being featured on ABC10 News during their Wednesday evening segment! The day before, a reporter and cameraman spent a couple hours in our classroom discussing our project with us, getting interviews and learning a thing or two about construction. We were honored that the media took an interest in our project, and tickled to see ourselves on TV! An authentic audience certainly makes work much more meaningful.
Week 28: Construction Begins
and a Trip to the Humane Society
This week kicked off the start of our dog house construction, and we couldn't be more excited! We measured and labeled all of the pieces, and sanded them down to be extra smooth so that the dogs don't get splinters. The students worked together to critique each other's sanding work -- putting our critique and revision skills to practical use!
At the end of the week, we were invited to visit the San Diego Humane Society and meet the Humane Society Law Enforcement officers who will be distributing our dog houses to dog owners who can't afford proper shelter for their pets. Each of the students got a SD County Humane Law patch and the group was "sworn in," promising to protect animals from harm. We can't wait to return in a few weeks with our completed dog houses!
At the end of the week, we were invited to visit the San Diego Humane Society and meet the Humane Society Law Enforcement officers who will be distributing our dog houses to dog owners who can't afford proper shelter for their pets. Each of the students got a SD County Humane Law patch and the group was "sworn in," promising to protect animals from harm. We can't wait to return in a few weeks with our completed dog houses!
Week 27: Habitat for Humanity
We are heavy into the dog house portion of our project now, and had the opportunity to visit a Habitat for Humanity construction site in El Cajon this Friday. We learned that Habitat for Humanity builds homes for people who would otherwise not be able to afford housing. These homeowners must put at last 500 hours of "sweat equity" into the building of their home, which helps to establish a sense of community in the Habitat neighborhood.
While in El Cajon, we got to tour a nearly-finished Habitat house and talk to one of the foremen, who gave us some construction tips for building our own (dog) houses. Measure twice, cut once!
Construction begins next week!
While in El Cajon, we got to tour a nearly-finished Habitat house and talk to one of the foremen, who gave us some construction tips for building our own (dog) houses. Measure twice, cut once!
Construction begins next week!
Week 26: How We Measure Up
In gearing up for constructing our dog houses in a few short weeks, we focused our math lessons on measurement this week. First we discussed why it is important to have accurate measurements when it comes to our dog house (otherwise the pieces won't fit together!), and then we looked at a ruler and learned how to measure objects to the nearest 1/16 inch. The students were excited to see that measurements were all about fractions, a concept which we've touched on briefly and will revisit soon.
Having a practical application (dog houses) for our math lessons made the students all the more likely to pay attention to what they were learning. This type of accountability gives much deeper meaning to what we're learning and why we're learning about it.
Having a practical application (dog houses) for our math lessons made the students all the more likely to pay attention to what they were learning. This type of accountability gives much deeper meaning to what we're learning and why we're learning about it.
Week 25: Eagle & High Peak Gold Mine
Eureka! What better way to learn what life was like during the gold rush than to spend the day exploring a real gold mine? The Eagle and High Peak Gold Mine in Julian, CA was in operation from 1870-1930, and encompass 11 levels of mine tunnels and shafts.
During our visit we got to walk through two levels of mining tunnels, learn about the various mining tools used over the decades, let our eyes adjust to candlelight working conditions, and try our hand at panning for gold. Of course, no trip to Julian would be complete without a slice of apple pie from the Julian Pie Company. Yum!
During our visit we got to walk through two levels of mining tunnels, learn about the various mining tools used over the decades, let our eyes adjust to candlelight working conditions, and try our hand at panning for gold. Of course, no trip to Julian would be complete without a slice of apple pie from the Julian Pie Company. Yum!
Week 24: Gaslamp Quarter & Davis-Horton House
This week we embarked on our first field trip for our current project. We went to visit the Davis-Horton House Museum, which is the oldest house in San Diego. The house has been restored to look exactly as it did in the mid-19th century, the time period about which we are currently researching. Part of our visit to the museum involved an architectural walking tour of the historic Gaslamp Quarter, where we saw lots of historical buildings and marveled at original Victorian architecture hidden away in modern structures.
Week 23: Striking it "Rich" with Knowledge
We began our Gold Rush simulation this week, much to the delight of the whole class. They are in "mining teams" of three or four, and together must research information, complete worksheets and answer questions in order to mine for gold, jump claims, and ultimately strike it rich! We are learning all about the hardships of working in a mining camp, and the unexpected dangers and pitfalls the original 49-ers faced -- disease, harsh weather conditions, hostile natives and thieving outlaws.
Our perspective journals are well under way, and the students have written at least two complete entries to this point. They are enthusiastic about their writing, and so proud of their ability to embody the mind of a person who lived several hundred years before their time.
We are looking forward to our upcoming field trips to visit the oldest house in San Diego next week, and the Eagle Gold Mine the week after!
Our perspective journals are well under way, and the students have written at least two complete entries to this point. They are enthusiastic about their writing, and so proud of their ability to embody the mind of a person who lived several hundred years before their time.
We are looking forward to our upcoming field trips to visit the oldest house in San Diego next week, and the Eagle Gold Mine the week after!
Week 22: Gold Dust or Bust
As our Gold Rush research continues, we have begun to craft our first of many perspective journal entries. We have learned all about how challenging it was to establish a new life as a gold miner out west, and the many strenuous hours it took to pan for gold in the icy river. As resources for their writing, the students have been watching a History Channel documentary on the California Gold Rush, they have been conducting their own research using credible online sources, and we have started reading By The Great Horn Spoon! a historical fiction novel by Sid Fleischman.
With a focus on housing and community, the students have had to think about the type of home/shelter their character would have lived in upon arriving in San Francisco. We have learned that many of the miners lived in canvas tent cities, while the shop keepers and townspeople lived in one-room wooden houses. In a couple weeks, we will be taking a historic architectural walking tour of San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter and the Horton-Davis House (the oldest house in San Diego!) to further learn about how structures and the communities that create them work in tandem.
With a focus on housing and community, the students have had to think about the type of home/shelter their character would have lived in upon arriving in San Francisco. We have learned that many of the miners lived in canvas tent cities, while the shop keepers and townspeople lived in one-room wooden houses. In a couple weeks, we will be taking a historic architectural walking tour of San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter and the Horton-Davis House (the oldest house in San Diego!) to further learn about how structures and the communities that create them work in tandem.
Week 21: Becoming Historians
This week we began researching our Gold Rush characters. We are learning all about how miners panned for gold, what types of diseases doctors encountered, the food that the brave women who ventured to California cooked, and the supplies shop owners kept in high demand.
In order to conduct proper research, we learned all about finding credible sources, and what to look for to make sure the websites we find are conveying trustworthy information. We will continue in our research next week, and begin constructing our journals!
In order to conduct proper research, we learned all about finding credible sources, and what to look for to make sure the websites we find are conveying trustworthy information. We will continue in our research next week, and begin constructing our journals!
Week 20: The House That Built Me
Welcome back and Happy New Year!
We kicked off the start of a brand new year with a brand new project. This trimester, we will be studying the California Gold Rush through the lens of housing and community. We will discuss what makes a home, how structures affect community, and what life was like in a mining town. The students will "become" characters from the Gold Rush period and keep a journal from the perspective of that person. They will be miners, robbers, vigilantes, doctors, shop owners and entrepreneurs.
The housing portion of this project will include a study of housing needs in California and worldwide, as well as a trip to El Cajon to visit a Habitat for Humanity building site.
The students were excited to learn that we will be building dog houses for the San Diego Humane Society!
We kicked off the start of a brand new year with a brand new project. This trimester, we will be studying the California Gold Rush through the lens of housing and community. We will discuss what makes a home, how structures affect community, and what life was like in a mining town. The students will "become" characters from the Gold Rush period and keep a journal from the perspective of that person. They will be miners, robbers, vigilantes, doctors, shop owners and entrepreneurs.
The housing portion of this project will include a study of housing needs in California and worldwide, as well as a trip to El Cajon to visit a Habitat for Humanity building site.
The students were excited to learn that we will be building dog houses for the San Diego Humane Society!
Week 17: Social Thinking & Snowflakes
This week one of our Inclusion Specialists, Ms. Angee, taught a mini unit on social thinking in our class. We learned that our actions affect what other people think of us, and we have the ability to control whether they have positive thoughts or negative thoughts, based on how we behave and what we say.
We also had a morning of team building with Mr. Scott, the Outdoor Leadership teacher. We had to work together to overcome challenging tasks, and we learned that we have to support one another so that we can all be successful. It was certainly a week of growth and enlightenment.
As a final Winter Break sendoff, we met up with our Kinder buddies and helped them practice folding and cutting by making paper snowflakes! What a fun way to end the week.
Warm wishes for the holidays, and a happy New Year -- We'll see you in 2016!
We also had a morning of team building with Mr. Scott, the Outdoor Leadership teacher. We had to work together to overcome challenging tasks, and we learned that we have to support one another so that we can all be successful. It was certainly a week of growth and enlightenment.
As a final Winter Break sendoff, we met up with our Kinder buddies and helped them practice folding and cutting by making paper snowflakes! What a fun way to end the week.
Warm wishes for the holidays, and a happy New Year -- We'll see you in 2016!
Week 16: S.T.E.A.M!
With Student Led Conferences this week, we thought it might be fun to take a break from our regular coursework and participate in S.T.E.A.M (Science Technology Engineering Art Mathematics) week, along with the other High Tech elementary schools (in Chula Vista and North County). Our project for the week was to build a Rube Goldberg/chain reaction machine. Who knew science could be so much fun? We watched plenty of Bill Nye, experimented with different toys and materials to see how they would react with one another, and ultimately used all our powers of teamwork to come up with a great end result. Who knew learning could look so much like play?!
Week 15: Organizing and Art
After a relaxing week off for Thanksgiving, we were back at it in full force this week. With Student Led Conferences just around the corner, we spent most of the week organizing our work and reflecting on all of our challenges and successes. We looked back through all of our math activities, writing pieces and project work to pick what we are most proud of to share at SLCs. We also chose some work that was not our best, so that we can talk about how we are going to continue to grow in 4th grade. It's not easy being so introspective (a new word we learned this week!).
A couple other highlights included starting our new Exploratory class -- Art and Dance with Ms. Araceli! In art, we practiced creating different lines and shapes. We also learned some new stretches to help get our wiggles out when we are having trouble sitting still. And last, but certainly not least, one of the greatest highlights from the week was a dodge ball game versus Mrs. Alli's class!
A couple other highlights included starting our new Exploratory class -- Art and Dance with Ms. Araceli! In art, we practiced creating different lines and shapes. We also learned some new stretches to help get our wiggles out when we are having trouble sitting still. And last, but certainly not least, one of the greatest highlights from the week was a dodge ball game versus Mrs. Alli's class!
Week 13: First Exhibition!
Congratulations to all students and families! We did it! After months of hard work, confusion and uncertainty, our project finally came together and culminated in a beautiful first exhibition. We worked hard and played hard and now it's time for a nice break to relax and reflect on how far we've come since the start of the year.
Cheers to us!
Cheers to us!
Week 12: Let Your Light Shine
With one full week left before exhibition, we had plenty to do this week! I am very proud to say that we got everything accomplished that needed to be done, and we are well on our way to a beautiful first exhibition.
One of the highlights of this week was being able to video chat with my brother, who helped us construct the circuits we needed to light up our star projectors. The students came up with a list of questions to ask him, and he patiently answered every one, much to our delight. We learned all about the type of circuit we need for our can (a series circuit) and each student was able to put his or her circuit together so that it lit up.
We also used the drill press to put our constellations into our cans and finished the squares for our 4th grade periodic table!
During Kinder buddy time on Friday, our buddies hid treasures for us throughout the school and we followed their hand-made treasure maps to find them. We love collaborating!
One of the highlights of this week was being able to video chat with my brother, who helped us construct the circuits we needed to light up our star projectors. The students came up with a list of questions to ask him, and he patiently answered every one, much to our delight. We learned all about the type of circuit we need for our can (a series circuit) and each student was able to put his or her circuit together so that it lit up.
We also used the drill press to put our constellations into our cans and finished the squares for our 4th grade periodic table!
During Kinder buddy time on Friday, our buddies hid treasures for us throughout the school and we followed their hand-made treasure maps to find them. We love collaborating!
Week 11: All Art, All the Time
Less than two weeks and counting until our very first exhibition and we are in full-on project mode. Our star projectors have all been painted with galaxies, our periodic table is underway, writing pieces are being wrapped up and circuits start next week!
We had the fortune of visiting High Tech Elementary Explorer's exhibition this week and talked with other 4th graders about their skateboarding project. We got to see what a successful exhibition can look like, and we reflected on what we liked and how we might apply that to our own upcoming exhibition.
Ms. Araceli, HTe's art and dance teacher, had her exhibition this week as well. Thank you to those of you who came to support! It was truly a magical evening, and our kids are excited to be in her Exploratory class next trimester.
We had the fortune of visiting High Tech Elementary Explorer's exhibition this week and talked with other 4th graders about their skateboarding project. We got to see what a successful exhibition can look like, and we reflected on what we liked and how we might apply that to our own upcoming exhibition.
Ms. Araceli, HTe's art and dance teacher, had her exhibition this week as well. Thank you to those of you who came to support! It was truly a magical evening, and our kids are excited to be in her Exploratory class next trimester.
Week 10: HTe-alloween!
Thanks to all the wonderful tin can donations, we will finally be able to start constructing our star projectors next week! We spent some time this week discussing the project and how all of its many components fit together. The students are starting to see that everything is beginning to take shape and that all the work they have been doing will have its place.
On Tuesday of this week, a group of high school students from High Tech High International came to read us their original adaptation of Sleepy Hollow. We have decided to partner with their class so that they can help us edit and revise our star stories! It is so wonderful to have a network of other High Tech schools from which to draw resources. We can't wait to collaborate!
Friday was the first ever HTe Halloween Parade! We spent the morning dressed up in spooky costumes, and kept the Halloween theme going all day with some Halloween mystery math and a jack-o-lantern lesson on critique and revision. Later in the afternoon, we helped our Kinder buddies construct their marble mazes. Such a fun day for ghouls and ghosts alike.
On Tuesday of this week, a group of high school students from High Tech High International came to read us their original adaptation of Sleepy Hollow. We have decided to partner with their class so that they can help us edit and revise our star stories! It is so wonderful to have a network of other High Tech schools from which to draw resources. We can't wait to collaborate!
Friday was the first ever HTe Halloween Parade! We spent the morning dressed up in spooky costumes, and kept the Halloween theme going all day with some Halloween mystery math and a jack-o-lantern lesson on critique and revision. Later in the afternoon, we helped our Kinder buddies construct their marble mazes. Such a fun day for ghouls and ghosts alike.
Week 9: Star Stories
Our project is finally starting to take shape as we begin to finish up the heavy writing portion. Students finished their personal narratives this week and have gotten started on their star stories for the constellation they created. We should be getting into creating our tin can star projectors next week, much to everyone's excitement.
We have also been talking about being kind towards one another and taking care of our classroom and school. New procedures for safe playground play and lunchtime expectations were introduced, and the kids took to them right away. Starting a new school requires constant trial and error and flexible thinking!
As a Friday treat, we met up with our Kinder buddies and participated in a team-building challenge. Each group of 4th graders and Kinders had to create the tallest structure they could using four pieces of lined paper and a strip of blue tape. The 4th graders could not touch the materials, and they had to direct their kinder buddies on what to do. We learned a lot about communication and team work!
We have also been talking about being kind towards one another and taking care of our classroom and school. New procedures for safe playground play and lunchtime expectations were introduced, and the kids took to them right away. Starting a new school requires constant trial and error and flexible thinking!
As a Friday treat, we met up with our Kinder buddies and participated in a team-building challenge. Each group of 4th graders and Kinders had to create the tallest structure they could using four pieces of lined paper and a strip of blue tape. The 4th graders could not touch the materials, and they had to direct their kinder buddies on what to do. We learned a lot about communication and team work!
Week 8: Write, Right?
Unfortunately, I was out for most of this week with pneumonia. However, through the magic of Google Docs I was able to give the students feedback and suggestions on their personal narratives while they were working on them in class! They got a kick out of watching my comments pop up in real time. Maybe I should teach from home every week .... just kidding!
In my absence, the students made great progress on their writing pieces under the fantastic guidance of our wonderful Academic Coach (and my replacement for the week), Ms. Heather. They worked on incorporating dialogue into their pieces, properly punctuating and capitalizing, and writing an ending that appealed to the emotions.
Soon we will be getting into the constructing part of our project where the students will begin assembling their periodic table square and tin can nightlight.
I did manage to make it in one day this week (had to rally for picture day) and the only picture I snapped was of Max just after he yanked out his tooth! Good thing this was after we had our pictures taken.
In my absence, the students made great progress on their writing pieces under the fantastic guidance of our wonderful Academic Coach (and my replacement for the week), Ms. Heather. They worked on incorporating dialogue into their pieces, properly punctuating and capitalizing, and writing an ending that appealed to the emotions.
Soon we will be getting into the constructing part of our project where the students will begin assembling their periodic table square and tin can nightlight.
I did manage to make it in one day this week (had to rally for picture day) and the only picture I snapped was of Max just after he yanked out his tooth! Good thing this was after we had our pictures taken.
Week 7: What is an Exhibition?
In just a little over a month we will be having our very first school-wide exhibition! We've talked about it a little bit, but the mystery still remains as to exactly what an exhibition is. Is it a presentation? Do parents get to come? Does it look like a museum? So many questions.
In an effort to further our understanding, we visited the 9th graders at High Tech High International who were putting on an exhibition all about light. We learned that an exhibition is often interactive, with many groups presenting their information at one time. We learned that an exhibition is about asking questions and being active learners. We also learned that an exhibition is fun!
This was a short week -- just three days long -- so we will be back in full project mode coming Monday.
In an effort to further our understanding, we visited the 9th graders at High Tech High International who were putting on an exhibition all about light. We learned that an exhibition is often interactive, with many groups presenting their information at one time. We learned that an exhibition is about asking questions and being active learners. We also learned that an exhibition is fun!
This was a short week -- just three days long -- so we will be back in full project mode coming Monday.
Week 6: Multiplication Madness
This week we started working on multiplication and division. We are practicing building our fluency with multiplication combinations by working together to quiz each other with flash cards. By keeping each other accountable, we are more likely to be successful!
We also worked pretty heavily on the computers this week. We are using Khan Academy to help supplement what we are doing in math, and we all set up a 4th Grade Google Doc folder to keep track of our project work this year. The computers are a loved tool in the classroom and a constant obsession. We are doing a great job of taking good care of such lovely equipment.
In Engineering (our Exploratory class this trimester), the students are working on writing user-friendly manuals for the various project materials in Mr. Riley's classroom. They are testing out Snap Circuits, Scratch Jr. and a Lego Robot kit and are taking careful notes of how everything works so that they can create instructional materials for the students in lower grades.
We also worked pretty heavily on the computers this week. We are using Khan Academy to help supplement what we are doing in math, and we all set up a 4th Grade Google Doc folder to keep track of our project work this year. The computers are a loved tool in the classroom and a constant obsession. We are doing a great job of taking good care of such lovely equipment.
In Engineering (our Exploratory class this trimester), the students are working on writing user-friendly manuals for the various project materials in Mr. Riley's classroom. They are testing out Snap Circuits, Scratch Jr. and a Lego Robot kit and are taking careful notes of how everything works so that they can create instructional materials for the students in lower grades.
Week 5: Science Galore!
We began this week with Peace Day (9/21) and an all-school minute of peace which was truly special to watch. Our Kinder buddies have been studying peace and held onto the peace doves they made while we all stood in silence.
This week we were finally able to take our learning into the real world! On Tuesday, we loaded into cars and headed to the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park to view the IMAX film "Journey to Space" and see some of the museum exhibits. What an exciting day! We learned all about the effort NASA is making to send humans to Mars by 2030. Who knows, some of these 4th graders might be the next astronauts on their way to a whole new planet!
This week we continued to work on our personal narratives for our 4th grade periodic table of the elements as well as our constellation stories. This was a writing-intensive week, but writing will get much easier soon as we started handing out computers for the students to use in class. We certainly are putting the "high tech" in High Tech Elementary!
This week we were finally able to take our learning into the real world! On Tuesday, we loaded into cars and headed to the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park to view the IMAX film "Journey to Space" and see some of the museum exhibits. What an exciting day! We learned all about the effort NASA is making to send humans to Mars by 2030. Who knows, some of these 4th graders might be the next astronauts on their way to a whole new planet!
This week we continued to work on our personal narratives for our 4th grade periodic table of the elements as well as our constellation stories. This was a writing-intensive week, but writing will get much easier soon as we started handing out computers for the students to use in class. We certainly are putting the "high tech" in High Tech Elementary!
Week 4: Reading Buddies, Arrays & Birthdays
This week we did a mini-project in math which involved learning factors for different numbers. We talked about what a factor is and how to find the factors for various two-digit numbers. After we found our factors, we represented them using arrays created with graph paper.
We continued with our current project by learning about the Periodic Table of the Elements and brainstorming what "elements" make up who we are. We will soon be writing personal narratives and designing our own element squares which will eventually be laser cut into squares of wood put together to create a 4th grade periodic table.
To close out our week, we visited with our Kindergarten buddies and read stories with them.
We also celebrated two birthdays this week! Happy Birthday Josh (9/14) and Daniel (9/18)!
We continued with our current project by learning about the Periodic Table of the Elements and brainstorming what "elements" make up who we are. We will soon be writing personal narratives and designing our own element squares which will eventually be laser cut into squares of wood put together to create a 4th grade periodic table.
To close out our week, we visited with our Kindergarten buddies and read stories with them.
We also celebrated two birthdays this week! Happy Birthday Josh (9/14) and Daniel (9/18)!
Week 3: Three... Two... One... Blast Off!
We launched our first big project of the year this week! Students have been getting clues to pieces of the project and have been ardently trying to put everything together to make sense of what we'll be doing. Our launch began on Wednesday when we had Abel Silvas a.k.a Running Grunion, a Kumeyaay storyteller, share Native constellation stories with the entire 4th grade. Some of the other clues have included light-up, singing greeting cards, and a picture book of constellation stories. What on earth could we be doing?!
Our first project will be a study of self, community, constellations, circuits and stories. It's going to be out of this world!
Our first project will be a study of self, community, constellations, circuits and stories. It's going to be out of this world!
Week 2: Mini Project, Kindergarten Buddies & Field Day Games
This week we worked on our first mini project: What if Everybody Did That? Modeling a popular children's book with the same title, our class created problematic scenarios on the playground to show the right and wrong way to play on the equipment. Students were paired up and chose topics ranging from jumping off the giant web to leaving trash on the tables after lunch. Each pair staged two photographs and wrote an appropriate caption. For example, "I did not line up at the end of Recess. Ms. Michelle looked at me on the play structure and said, "What if everybody did that?" The photos are being compiled and bound into a hard-cover book which will be on display at Back to School Night!
We continued our team bonding this week with field day games, and on Wednesday we walked our Kindergarten buddies to our all-school community meeting. We helped our buddies remember to stay quiet in the hallways and respectfully listen to Ms. Anne speak.
We continued our team bonding this week with field day games, and on Wednesday we walked our Kindergarten buddies to our all-school community meeting. We helped our buddies remember to stay quiet in the hallways and respectfully listen to Ms. Anne speak.
Week 1: Team Building & Tangrams
Welcome to the first week of 4th grade! This week we got to know each other and start to establish our classroom community by doing a series of team building exercises. We had to work together to build the tallest structure out of cups and straws, move plastic cups with just a rubber band and yarn, and do a puzzle without talking! We also had plenty of time to explore our new classroom and challenge ourselves to make shapes out of those tricky Tangrams.