This post is part of my continuing series of weekly lesson summaries. My goal is to give parents and caregivers in our school community the resources needed to extend student learning at home, and to share my professional practice with teacher colleagues around the world in the interest of improving my craft.
Special Area Rotation ending 08/12/13
Primary (K-2)
What we learned/did/explored together:
In primary classes, I wanted to be sure everyone was comfortable with (and excited about) our new learning space. I started the lesson by giving everyone a classroom tour. We then moved on to a classroom Scavenger Hunt, based on an idea I saw in a Sid the Science Kid (PBS) episode. Kids scurried around the classroom with magnifying glasses in search of things to explore. I had strategically placed a variety of small items – sea shells, pipe cleaners, golf balls, clothespins – around the room. Students were so excited when they found the various treasures!
What I observed/inferred/connected:
Primary kiddos are super creative! Studies show that K-2 kids think creatively at genius levels. Unfortunately, we lose that as we get older. The STEAM Lab mission is committed to re-invigorating creative passion in all our students.
What students can do at home:
Magnifying glasses are inexpensive. Pretty much anything looks more interesting up close, so be sure to have a magnifying glass handy for explorations. Have students record their discoveries in a journal or some other place for safe keeping. Digital cameras can easily be used to photograph and send images to relatives and friends. You can even make free slideshows are a number of websites, like http://photopeach.com.
Intermediate (3-5)
What we learned/did/explored together:
All classes got a quick tour of the Lab and an introduction to me. We covered our Lab rules and expectations via the Whole Brain Teaching methods. Students quickly took to the five core expectations, as well as what I will use to get their attention for important information. Students participated in a Divergent Thinking exercise where they were asked to complete a picture that had been started with very little. The results were magnificent.
What I observed/inferred/connected:
Intermediate kids can be creative, too…it just takes a little more coaxing. They were quick to say teachers are the worst about stifling creativity and imagination. I would agree.
What students can do at home:
Begin researching Leonardo daVinci. A Google SafeSearch should do the trick. This artist, engineer, scientist and inventor is our guiding force in the STEAM Lab. Our goal is to think like the Renaissance men and women did. As progressive as the STEAM Lab idea is, it really is an example of classical education, where all disciplines are interrelated and connected.
Special Area Rotation ending 08/12/13
Primary (K-2)
What we learned/did/explored together:
In primary classes, I wanted to be sure everyone was comfortable with (and excited about) our new learning space. I started the lesson by giving everyone a classroom tour. We then moved on to a classroom Scavenger Hunt, based on an idea I saw in a Sid the Science Kid (PBS) episode. Kids scurried around the classroom with magnifying glasses in search of things to explore. I had strategically placed a variety of small items – sea shells, pipe cleaners, golf balls, clothespins – around the room. Students were so excited when they found the various treasures!
What I observed/inferred/connected:
Primary kiddos are super creative! Studies show that K-2 kids think creatively at genius levels. Unfortunately, we lose that as we get older. The STEAM Lab mission is committed to re-invigorating creative passion in all our students.
What students can do at home:
Magnifying glasses are inexpensive. Pretty much anything looks more interesting up close, so be sure to have a magnifying glass handy for explorations. Have students record their discoveries in a journal or some other place for safe keeping. Digital cameras can easily be used to photograph and send images to relatives and friends. You can even make free slideshows are a number of websites, like http://photopeach.com.
Intermediate (3-5)
What we learned/did/explored together:
All classes got a quick tour of the Lab and an introduction to me. We covered our Lab rules and expectations via the Whole Brain Teaching methods. Students quickly took to the five core expectations, as well as what I will use to get their attention for important information. Students participated in a Divergent Thinking exercise where they were asked to complete a picture that had been started with very little. The results were magnificent.
What I observed/inferred/connected:
Intermediate kids can be creative, too…it just takes a little more coaxing. They were quick to say teachers are the worst about stifling creativity and imagination. I would agree.
What students can do at home:
Begin researching Leonardo daVinci. A Google SafeSearch should do the trick. This artist, engineer, scientist and inventor is our guiding force in the STEAM Lab. Our goal is to think like the Renaissance men and women did. As progressive as the STEAM Lab idea is, it really is an example of classical education, where all disciplines are interrelated and connected.