We’re Brainy!

The 3rd graders had a great time exploring many different aspects of the brain through some brain centers. They were learning about the functions of the small parts of our brain, like the amygdala and hippocampus, by solving a cryptogram.  They worked on writing a script for a radio station sharing their understanding of the large parts of the brain.  The kids used 2 great sites to learn about the neuron and brain related issues.  They also had the opportunity to create their own neurons using pipe cleaners.  It was neat to see them working away.  The brain is a fascinating topic.  Enjoy the video below showcasing the kids at work.

Brain Centers on PhotoPeach

What do you wonder about the brain?  What questions do you have? 

Leave them in the comments.

 

The Lobes of the Brain

In 3rd grade we have begun our study of the brain.  We started our investigation with a look at the large parts of the brain…the brain stem, cerebellum, and cerebrum. The students learned the function of each part and considered how their life would be altered if one of the parts failed to work properly.

This week we took a closer look at the cerebrum, the thinking part of the brain, by studying the four lobes of the brain. The children used a great website called Neuroscience For Kids to research the function of each lobe.  As they researched they created a circle book to keep all of their information, which they glued into their Interactive Notebook. The children created Haikus about one of the lobes of the brain. I hope you enjoy their poems.

Testing Update

Kindergarten:

Testing is currently taking place for the Kindergartners. We are in full swing and I hope to be finished by the end of the week, barring any absences.  Qualification letters will come home sometime next week…probably closer to the end of the week.  Please email with any questions or concerns.

Middle School Testing:

I am currently taking nominations for Middle School testing.  Students can test for English, Math, or Both.  If a student is currently in GT, then I already nominated them.  Testing will begin in February and last through March.  Results will not come home until May.  If you have questions and/or concerns please email me.  BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR THE PERMISSION TO TEST FORMS.  I will send them home in the next week.

New Students:

If a student is new to our district, and was in a GT program in a previous school, then I will also be testing those students.  Please be patient.  Between classes, kinder and middle school testing my schedule is quite swamped.  I am working to be as quick and efficient at possible

Oxymoron…Say What?

In 3rd grade we have been reading a terrific book called Punished.  In Punished, Logan, the main character has a spell put on him by Professor Wordsworth and is only able to speak in PUNS!  As you can imagine, this is quite annoying for the people in Logan’s life.  They do not find him very “punny” at all.  🙂  In order for Logan to break the spell and go back to normal he has several tasks to take care of.  The first task was to take a picture of 7 oxymorons. 

According to merriam-webster.com, oxymoron is defined as: a combination of contradictory or incongruous words (as cruel kindness).

Today the kids sorted words to create different oxymorons.  They came up with several: Definite Maybe, All Alone, Freezer Burn…just to name a few. 

Can you help us think of other examples?  Add your ideas to the Answer Garden below.

 

List as many OXYMORONS as you can…… at AnswerGarden.ch.

Becoming A Thinker

What can I use as a guide to fulfill my potential?  This is the essential question for our 3rd graders on their quest to become THINKERS…thoughtful, creative, critical thinkers.  As we strive to become a Systems Thinker, we need to understand the Big Ideas about Systems.  The 3rd graders grouped up and took pictures illustrating each of the Big Ideas.   This project has allowed the children to see that there is more to systems than just parts working together to perform a function.  It has led them to look at the world in a deeper, more critical way.  Enjoy the videos below.

 

After Thanksgiving we will begin studying a great example of a Systems Thinker.  Use the Answer Garden below to brainstorm eminent people that are examples of System Thinkers.

List examples of System Thinkers… at AnswerGarden.ch.

3-5 Parent Meeting

GT Students Are…

At least according to our parents!

Wow, what a terrific turn out!  A big thank you to all of the parents that were able to take time from your busy schedule to come to the GT parent meeting.  As I mentioned it is important that we are a community working together for your children.  I feel blessed to work with so many wonderful students.  Thank you for allowing me to share in their lives.

I know that it was impossible for many parents to come this morning and a few of you had to leave early, so below you will find my presentation.  Please go through it and contact me with any questions.

Systems Are Everywhere!

Today we brainstormed systems using the Wall Wisher from last week’s post.  You will see that it is quite full now.  Based on the list of systems the students attempted to write a definition of the word system.  The students quickly realized that coming up with a list of systems was much easier than writing a defintion.  We looked at the BIG IDEAS about systems and discussed them.  Next week the children will break into groups and go on a System Hunt to find examples of systems that fit each Big Idea. 

We would love your help.  Please take a moment to fill in the Answer Gardens below to get our brains thinking.

Which systems increase efficiency?… at AnswerGarden.ch.

List systems that are procedures…. at AnswerGarden.ch.

List systems that are interdependent…. at AnswerGarden.ch.

List systems that are based on a set of rules or principles…. at AnswerGarden.ch.

Systems Thinking

Today was another fabulous day with the 3rd graders.  I am excited by their enthusiasm.  We started the day with a challenging Math Perplexor, but the kids handled it like champs.  I loved seeing their unwillingness to quit…even when they were struggling.  We also had the chance to spend more time getting familiar with an important tool in our classroom…Edmodo.  Edmodo is a web tool that allows the kids and I to be connected from home and school.  The kids will receive, participate and turn in assignments via Edmodo.  They will use the calendar function to stay on top of their due dates and reminders.  Edmodo will also be a place where we discuss topics we are working on in class.  Very soon we will begin our Book Clubs and most of our discussions will take place on Edmodo.  It is a wonderful addition to the GT classroom.  As parents you can receive a code so that you can see your child’s posts, assignments, and grades.

Next week we will begin our first novel, Punished.  Please do not allow your child to read this book outside of class.  I would really like for it to be a book that we work through together in GT.  In preparation for next week the children took a pre-test on some vocabulary from the story.  Enjoy reading the predictions the kids made for each word.  Please do not teach them what these words mean.  I would like the understanding to happen organically as we work through the novel.  Below are some of the definitions they came up.

This year we will work to become great System Thinkers.  Today the third graders began brainstorming everything that comes to mind when they hear the word Systems.  I hope that you will help add to our thinking using the Wall Wisher below.  We would love your input.  Please feel free to share our blog with other friends and family.  The more input, the better!

Wordle…What a Wonder!

This week the 3rd graders were introduced to an exciting new web tool called Wordle.  Essentially Wordle is a way that kids can create a word cloud.  I use it in many varied ways with all of my students.  This week the children used Wordle to share a little about who they are.  They started by typing their name 4 times (the more you type a word, the larger it is), then they typed each of their vocabulary words twice, and finally they typed 4 tidbits about themselves one time each.  They were all amazed after clicking GO and seeing their Word Art displayed.  I also taught the kids to use Print Screen to get a picture of their Wordle and paste it into PowerPoint.  Once there, they learned to crop their image and save their slide as a jpeg.  WOW!  So much learning from one activity.  Enjoy the kids Wordles in the Photopeach below.

Getting to Know Us on PhotoPeach

Sidenote:  Wordle can be a great way to practice spelling words, word families (or patterns), word choice, etc.  It is a free tool.  Click HERE to play.

We also did an activity called The Impossible Notecard.  The kids were asked to cut a 3×5 postcard in a way that they could fit it over their head without it breaking.  Of course the kids were certain I was crazy and that it was an impossible task.  When they reached a level of frustration I gave them a quote by Ford, “If you think you can do a thing or not, you are right.”  It was a great discussion that led us to the idea that a certain about of risk-taking is important for success.  Click on the link below and share why you think taking a risk has helped you in your life or someone who has accomplished greatness through taking risks.

Taking Risks