Problem-solving
Math is everywhere
Math thinking doesn’t just happen during math class!
As usual, students in Room 123 started the day with our calendar routine and noted that it was the 50th day of school. I asked students if that meant we were half-way through the school year. After a pause for thinking time, students said no. Challenged to justify their thinking, students explained that 50 + 50 = 100 and we have more than 100 days of school each year. In fact, we have about 176 days of school each year.
I next asked if 176 is closer to 100 or to 200 and drew a number line to illustrate the question. After talking with partners, students determined that 176 is closer to 200. They shared three different methods they used to arrive at that conclusion. Take a look, and remember to click on the photo for a larger image!
You just never know…
You can never predict when a teachable moment will arise–but when one does, you have to go with it!
One arose last week when students in Room 123 were sitting down in front of the easel for a vocabulary lesson. So that our discussion wouldn’t disturb the class across the hall, I asked a student to please close the classroom door. Because I frequently make that request, another student asked if it would make sense to add “Door Closer” to our weekly classroom jobs.
So, instead of a vocabulary lesson, we discussed how best to make that decision. I asked students to recall how they decided whether to trade places and live in another country: they listed pros and cons about taking the action and weighed their importance. Students applied this method to the current question, and soon made their decision. Take a look at their thinking:
With this background in place, we can use this process in the future when other decisions arise!
Lights, camera, action!
In the first days of school, students in Room 123 wrote our Class Promise. Since then, they have been thinking about and discussing what it means to keep that promise.
Last week, students performed short skits showing both how to and how not to follow our promise. They worked in small groups to plan and rehearse their skits. Then, students performed for each other as well as for Mrs. Gardner’s class. After each skit, the audience discussed which actors remembered their promise and which did not.
That students have truly begun to understand our Class Promise was evident throughout this project: they acted on our Class Promise as they worked together to act it out!
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Room 123 presents….
Inspired by our recent field trip to the First Stage Theater’s production of Miss Nelson is Missing, students in Room 123 decided to create their own plays. More specifically, they decided to act out several of their favorite songs they’ve learned in our classroom. Over the last week, students worked in small groups to plan choreography, create sets and props, and rehearse. Finally, they presented their plays to other first grade and senior kindergarten classes!
Harry, Thomas, Leyla, and Ondine presented Ken Lonnquist’s “Wrap a Rainbow ‘Round the Sky.”
Nate, Jaki, Will, Ben S., Hannah, Erin, Ander, Emilie, Lauren M., Lauren H., Niko, and Eric acted out Pete Seeger’s “If You Miss Me at the Back of the Bus.”
Ava, Naomi, Michael, Paul, Hunter, Peter, Ben G., and Mike performed Ken Lonnquist’s “Jaws of the Crocodile.”
Thinking after reading
Readers in Room 123 know that you have to think about important information as you read–that’s the velcro that helps the reader understand and remember new facts.
When they’ve finished a text, though, thoughtful readers take their thinking one step further. They organize the important information into a coherent whole so they can understand the big picture.
That’s what first graders did this week as they learned about reptiles. During reading, they noted and thought about important information. (This week, I was the scribe and compiled their thinking.) After reading, they worked in groups to organize that information. Each group accomplished this task a little differently, but effectively. When they were finished, we discussed what worked well for their group; some of their comments are included in the slideshow below.
Take a look at their thinking:
Another free photo slideshow by Smilebox |
Roller coasters!
Last Friday, first grade scientists used all they have learned about balance and motion to create miniature roller coasters! Of course, still photos don’t do justice to the energy and excitement (and noise!) during this experiment. But here is at least a glimpse into the process!