Independent Studies

What an amazing day I had with my 5th graders yesterday!  It was one of those days when most everything went perfectly.

To get the day started I had the kids go to A Google A Day for a research challenge.  I think the kids thought it was going to be a piece of cake because they all live on the internet…it was NOT!  After 10 minutes we discussed what we discovered as we were researching.  The kids made some wonderful observations and I think it will help change the way they search.  We will continue to participate in these challenges from time to time.

Next we discussed Independent Studies…what they are and their purpose. We discussed diving below the surface and going beyond the simple.  I think the 5th graders were starting to understand, but it will be a year long process.

Next came the step the kids had been anxiously waiting for…GOOGLE DOCS.  Each child learned how to log in to their account.  They learned how to tie their doc account to their Edmodo account…truly amazing!  Then we collaborated on one spreadsheet to share the Rules, Details, Language, Big Ideas and Unanswered Questions about Independent Studies.

Finally, the students were able to use Google Docs and Visuwords to begin planning their Independent Study.  Success!

Below is a photograph made with Wordfoto (app) showcasing the things the kids had to say about doing Independent Studies.  The reviews were positive.

A Portrait of a Hero

A Portrait of a Hero

A son leaves his family to serve, A father leaves his wife to fight, A veteran leaves the earth after their hard work and dedication to our country.

  Those are just a few examples of a hero. To me, a hero is a veteran, someone who fights in the war, trying to clear the fog, to see clearly, to end war.

   When you go to school, parties, and other activities, just think, it is our brave men and women that give us that opportunity. When you go to sleep at night without any worries of gunshots or wars, it is our veterans who make that possible. When you look at our beautiful American flag, say the pledge of allegiance, or sing our national anthem, it is our heroes of America who make that real.

  Without our brave men and women, there wouldn’t be any schools or buildings. Without our veterans there would be no peace or freedom. Without our heroes, there wouldn’t be an America.

Our heroes battle day and night to give us the freedom we have today. They risk their lives for people they don’t even know. They leave the caring arms of their families.

They shine like the brightest star in the sky.

They are incredible human beings we could not live without.

They are the reason us and our beloved America are still standing strongly today

Our brave men and women…

Our veterans…

OUR HEROES OF AMERICA!

Thanks to Student Blogger Diana.  

She understands and appreciates the what makes a hero.