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!

I Am A Puzzle Piece…Are You?

In 4th grade we learned about metaphors and what a strong role they can play in any writing piece, but especially in poetry.  The students and I started brainstorming ways we are like a puzzle piece.  Can you help us think of even more wonderful ideas?  We would love to hear from parents, friends, kids, anyone willing to contribute.  We are hopeful that the great ideas coming from out community will help us to develop some wonderful poems.  We will share them as soon as we are finished.

To share your ideas, just double click to add a post it to our WallWisher!  Thanks for your help.  It is wonderful to open the walls of our classroom this way.