Learning Strategies

Today in 5th grade spellling/vocabulary, we used the strategy of concept/definition mapping.  First, i put up a blank concept/definition map on the overhead projector and asked questions that the definition would answer.  Then I was able to model how to use the Map using the vocabulary term "miscellaneous" and getting relevant information for the Map from the class.  Then I presented a new term and had the students work in pairs to make a concept/definition map for the new concept.  They were allowed to use the dictionary to help them complete their map.  I think that this activity allowed them to expand their understanding of several of the vocabulary words beyond the simple definition.

Reading activity

Today the students practiced an activity to help them construct, process, and question as they read.  The students used sticky notes to mark spots in the texts and jot responses to help remember discussion questions to get involved in after they read the material.  I gave them simple directions about what they should watch for as they read, and what to write on their sticky notes.  They were able to use different colors of notes to distinguish between various kinds of responses and then they were able to transfer the notes to a separate sheet of paper with their names on it after they were through reading.  I think the activity went well and it helped the students to better be able to return to important spots in their reading.

Active Learning

In 5th grade social studies today, we had 20 minutes of direct teaching and then the students were asked to make a three-by-three grid and record three things they learned in the squares.  Next, they got up and moved around the room and talked with other students.  They were able to share their ideas and gave one of their ideas in their squares to another student and receive an idea they had not considered.  They had fun filling in the squares. 

Charades

Today the 6th grade science class had to review for a test so we decided to play charades as a way to help us review.  The only material we needed was pieces of paper with the terms/concepts written on them.  The students used a jigsaw approach and each member of the team would learn a different aspect of the term/concept presented, then the group would gather and each student would perform a charade to communicate the term to the rest of the group.  It was great fun but a little noisy.

Book Review--Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell

In the Pacific there is an island that looks like a big fish sunning itself in the sea.  Around it blue dolphins swim, otters play and sea birds abound.  Once, Indians also lived on the island..When they left, some sailing to the island of Santa Catalina and others sailing further east, one girl, Karana, was left behing all alone.  Karana is the Indian girl who lived alone for many years on the Island of the Blue Dolphins.  Year after year she waited for her people to come and rescue her.  They did not come.  While she waited, she kept herself busy and alive by building shelter, making weapons, finding food, and fighting her enemies, the wild dogs who had killed her brother, Ramo.  Karana's is a story of survival and personal discovery.
Island of the Blue Dolphins was a very good book for 4th and 5th graders.  This book is exciting and mysterious for young readers and I think everyone would enjoy it.

Writing Activities

Today in Science class for the 7th grade, we completed a writing activity.  The students could choose between two topics.  The first topic was to write a report about a scientific discovery that changed the world and the second topic was to write a report on the life story of a scientist.  The students were allowed to use their books but many seemed to have writing anxiety.  Many studetns could not get started and said they had writers block so to speak.  In the end I think they all did fairly well but they are not used to getting a writing assignment in science!

Book Review--True Believer by Nicholas Sparks

Jeremy Marsh is a young New Yorker and part of the media elite.  An expert in debunking the supernatural with a regualr column in a Scientific magazing, he's just made his first appearance on national TV.  When he receives a letter from the small town of Boone Creek, North Carolina, about ghostly lights that appear in a legend-shrouded cemetery, he can not resist driving down to investigate.  Here, in this tightly knit community, Lexie Darnell runs the town's library, just as her mother did before the accident that left Lexie an orphan.  Lexie has been hurt by past relationships but believes her life is here in Boone Creek with her grandmother and all the other friends she loves.  Jeremy expects to spend a quick week in the small community before speeding back to the city.  Lexie and Jeremy meet and fall in love in this small community.  Now, if they are to be together, Jeremy Marsh must make a difficult choice:  return to the life he knows, or do something he has never done before--take a giant leap of faith.
This is a novel for older high school students such as 11th or 12th graders or for adults and I really enjoyed reading it.  I think Nicholas Sparks is a wonderful author.  I have read and enjoyed several of his other books including "Dear John", "The Notebook",  and "Message in a Bottle".  He writes in great detail with unbelievabley realistic characters.  This story, "True Believer" is about taking chances and following your heart.  It is a story of hope and faith in people.