Music

Happy Pi Day!

Science, Art and a Curious Squirrel

 

Much of this year, we have been using science experiments as a hands-on activity. Something we learn from, indeed, but more of a "brain rest" in our busy day. This time we took notes, made predictions and answered questions. Did we say "brain rest"? Learning can be fun!

Coming Soon: Introduction to the Scientific Method!  

Check it out! Amazing!

Field Trip to the Library for "Science Explorers: Rings, Wings and Other Flying Things " program. 

The best part about this age is most kids don't worry about what other kids think. 

Most don't worry about making a mistake or trying new things. 

Most fearlessly talk to the other kids at their table and quickly make new friends. 

When we began studying seeds and plants we "planted" kidney beans to see the process ourselves. How quickly these little seeds sprouted shoots and roots! Watching them continue to grow will keep what we've learned in the forefront of our mind as we begin our study on the human body.

Sprouting...

Growing...

Finally! This student has been anxiously waiting 7 months to begin studying the human body.

Is it too early start learning about the Circulatory System in first grade? Nope!

Lung Capacity Experiment: 

How much air do 6 year old lungs hold? 

The empty space in the bottle!

If you know where you are going academically, you can look at the teaching process differently. I did this experiment with 5th-7th grade students last year with a gallon jug. The difference? First graders don't calculate the actual amount of air their lungs hold –- that’s it. They learn visually. 

This is one reason why I trust the curriculum I choose. It exposes students to new concepts and adds onto these concepts year after year as students mature and their ability to understand at a deeper level increases. This means we don’t have to worry about students "getting it” right off the bat. We want initial understanding and curiosity, but the stress and pressure to master and memorize facts isn't there, which leaves room for enjoyment and the freedom to learn confidently. 

How do we at GTH survive the winter blues? 

We turn up the heat, wear leis, turn on tropical music and have a fruity drink out of a colorful cup! 

An afternoon spent at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art - a study in contrasts.

Add technology to an art museum and you have happy middle schoolers. 

Hunt Slonem: Magnificent Menagerie

"...Hunt Slonem focuses on the innocence and beauty of the natural world: the birds and the bees, the bunnies and the butterflies, all populating the layered canvases that reference an abstract menagerie of the mind" 

Art Class - who knows, maybe someday you will see our art on the walls of a museum!

"Every child is an artist. 

The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." 

- Pablo Picasso

I'm convinced that there is no better way to have a class pet, than to have one who visits your window daily. This gives students the opportunity to observe and enjoy wildlife without giving the teacher more work and the classroom a foul smell! 

In my book, that's a major Win-Win!!!

 

Not sure who is more curious about whom!