Creative Thinking

The students really seem to be using their independent study time wisely.  Please remember to send enough work for a full 45 minutes, as well as a book to read just in case!

Agriculture-  Today, we divided our song into parts.  There are 9 students who requested singing parts, so I explained that even though someone may have wanted more lines to sing, it is important to give each and every student an equal chance to shine!  I did my best to divide things up in an equal manner, and I think everyone seemed pleased with the breakdown.  We had a great discussion about supporting each other, and providing our friends with positive feedback.  One of the kids added that we don't need to "act like guineas!"  Love it!  I adore this group of children, and I am so very proud of their loving hearts!  We practiced singing a few times.  I am working on getting a practice cd made for each student.  In the meantime, they will have their lyric sheets.  Between songs, I gave a farm update.  We sold all of our extra roosters, and now are only buying grain for hens and roosters that we plan to keep.  Hooray!  I also explained to the children that it is not only important to gain knowledge, but to be able to come up with creative ways to solve problems.  As an example, I told the class about a recent problem I was having with our chickens.  I combined the pullets with the laying hens (pullets are young hens that are not yet laying).  Because of the "pecking order", the pullets are choosing to sleep in the nesting boxes instead of the roosts... which means poop in the laying boxes!  I talked to the class about different ideas that we had to fix the problem.  I decided to hang curtains over the openings to the boxes, using fabric I already had.  So far, they are working.  We shall see if the chickens keep up the good work!

Spanish-  The class split up into groups again today, working in Spanish "centers".  They have really opened up with the review songs and games!   Ms. Cindy also introduced the class to a new unit on Spanish words for foods.  The kids will be studying these words and phrases, and will eventually be using them in games and role playing activities!

Art-  The class continued to work on their watercolor projects.  Last week, they used watercolor techniques to create a wintery scene.  They crinkled plastic wrap to make an icy landscape, and the salt technique to make snowflakes in the sky.  Today, the class talked a little more about cool colors.  They added a polar bear to their picture today.  Each student drew their own polar bear silhouette on cardstock before cutting and painting it.  They used a dabbing technique to create the texture of fur.  "Can we add a fish in his mouth?"  "Can I make bear cubs?"  "How do they fish in the ice?"   I love the wonder and imaginations in this room! 

Social Studies- Mr. Dennis reviewed the at home assignment, and the class discussed their answers.  They have been studying the Communist revolution in China.  They moved forward, learning about the Cold War from the 1950's to the 1970's.  They read through material together, taking turns reading aloud while everyone followed along.  After each passage, Mr. Dennis explained what they had read.  Then, he introduced the next poster project.  The students drew a name from a bag.  This Cold War Leader will be the subject of his or her biography poster.  They were each given a detailed set of instructions, as well as a copy of the rubric which will be used to grade their projects.  Mr. Dennis went through each of these sheets with the class.  The poster projects will be due on February 20th.