Feelin' the Creativity

I was thrilled to catch several teachers using very engaging DBI (drama based instruction) strategies in their classrooms this week.  They ran the gamut from vocabulary enhancement through demonstration of what the word looked like in movement (I will definitely remember what it means and looks like to "trudge" up a hill), to student cooperative groups creating a scene to explain estimation and rounding (thanks Mrs. Gates!), to some cool second graders in Mrs. Nudelman's class developing gestures to help them remember varied literary genres.  Specifically, her students created several easily identifiable body movmements connected to genres such as fantasy (think waving a wand) and mystery (pretending to use a magnifiying glass); they then  worked in pairs, creating their own genre posters.  Lots of fun, but most importantly, all strategies that help kids remember and connect terminology and concepts in motivating and engaging ways. Thanks teachers!



Additionally, don't forget that Paramount's Story Wranglers are in high gear down the third grade hallway.  I caught four of the Wrangler's and their Lit to Life program in action one morning.  High engagement, all actions tied directly to components of six trait writing, and truly can't wait to see final pieces, in full force on a stage!  The day I visited, Mrs. Golliher's students were participating in whole group writing about Playdough Man and the Great Wall of China.  Hmmmmm.  I hear that once this group story is complete, it will be performed, followed by the next step creations of individual stories.  Be sure to ask your child about the work they are doing with this talented group of actors and writers.  

Also loved the work I saw displayed this week when up and down the halls.  In honor of the US Constitution, third and fourth grade students created their very own family constitutions.  Some were very detailed, many were very humorous, and all showed connections in a very real and understandable way.  A terrific family project and a way to think about individual roles, rights, and responsibilities in the institution we call family. 

If you haven't visited the Kinder courtyard area lately, make plans to do so.  While there, stop by Ms. Ryan's breezeway display.  Her students have posted some really fun collages, all connected to text they've been reading, as well as furthering their understanding of how to use tools and varied media to create art.  You can even leave a note for the class and tell them what you think of their work.  I did and told them I was pretty darn impressed. 

Of course, other learning took place on campus for both students and teachers.  First, fifth grade students had the Legacy of Giving kick-off assembly on Thursday.  Students learned about the concept of philanthropy and heard about the two Fall organizations they will support - Coats for Kids and the Capital Area Food Bank.  Extremely worthwhile endeavors and we're glad, in addition to our own after school CLASS service oppportunities, that each fifth grader will build philanthropic skills and understanding over the course of the year. 

Grade 2-5 teachers participated in a refresher training on all things Accelerated Math one day after school.  We learned more about setting differentiated objectives within math classrooms, as well as the rationale for not assigning grades to practice and tests - AM is not a curriculum, but truly designed for skill building practice (individual teachers may assign a grade for the extended response word problems however; check with your child's math teacher about this extra component). Most importantly, we clarified much on the Home Connect piece, which several parents have been asking about this year.  Look for your child's Home Connect letter with username and password no later than mid-October.   



Teachers at Acclerated Math training, including future Scottie Baby Owen!



Don't forget about Coach DeLine's Fall Family Fitness Festival coming up next Sunday, October 7, 1:00-4:00 pm.  The day will start with a very special Scottie Stroll to Cure Juvenile Diabetes - thanks to Ellen Ray and the JDRF folks for a terrific idea to support the cause - and will have lots of family friendly activities for people of all ages.  Scottie Dog, seen below, encourages you to come out and participate, continuing the quest for all of us to be Scottie Strong! 

Final word.  Process and Product Displays are starting to appear in a few classrooms.  Be sure to ask a teacher about them when you see one.  Highlighting learning processes and the power of reflection.  Exciting days ahead!