Build a Spooky Creature

Our most recent problem solving challenge was to design a spooky creature using Base Ten blocks that equaled 125. The groups were given 100's blocks, 10 sticks, and 1's cubes. They had the option (and challenge) to mix and match their pieces while designing. After each group finished and counted their pieces to make sure it equaled 125, we reviewed the various ways to reach 125. Several groups chose to use 1 hundred block, 2 tens sticks, and 5 ones cubes. Others chose to use 12 tens sticks and 5 ones cubes. We also discussed how many ones cubes would be needed if they used 9 tens sticks, or 8, or 6 etc. No one really wanted to change their design though, they were very proud of what they built :)

Design a Realistic Spider Web

This design challenge took us two attempts. The team work was difficult and we just couldn't agree on what a spider web should look like with dental floss!! The second attempt went much better but we still discussed the meaning behind this challenge: to learn how to work together and listen to everyone's ideas. A lifelong lesson :)

Little Authors in Training

Last week we finished our narratives and shared them with some second grade buddies! The children were incredibly proud of themselves and were more than happy to show off their work!

Little Math Thinkers!

Yesterday's problem solving challenge involved quite a bit of math! The task was to design the tallest, freestanding structure using 100 toothpicks and a cup of candy corn.
First,  the children drafted a plan and made a sketch. They were placed in groups and shared their individual plans and next decided how to incorporate everyone's ideas into one design!

After a decision was made, each group was given a handful of toothpicks. The first task was to count how many they had and how many more they needed to have a total of 100. The requirement was to show their work on paper. Groups used many tools to help them solve this first challenge. Some used a 100's chart to count up by tens and ones. Others used strategies they knew in their heads such as taking the amount of toothpicks and first making it a ten and then adding groups of ten to reach 100. Other groups used tally marks to count and figure out the missing number.

As they defended their work they were given another handful of toothpicks. They worked again adding the new toothpicks to the first group and determining how many more were needed. EVERY SINGLE child was engaged and determined to find the answer!!

                                                  Check out all this math!!!!

After each group had 100 toothpicks they were given 15 minutes and a handful of candy corn to get to work. Unfortunately, the structures were incredibly difficult to build but the kids never complained or gave up! We determined that the toothpicks weren't sturdy enough and the candy corn was too hard. But they kept at it!

This group improvised after  several attempts and made a big pile of materials!

Paper Bag Basket Challenge

Another fun problem solving challenge!

After planning, building, testing, and revising, the students were ready to see which bags made the cut!

Closing Circle

We end each day with a closing circle. Somedays we each share one word to describe our day. Other days we name something we would love to do later in the week. A favorite of the kiddos is called circle of hands. They interlock thumbs to create a circle!

Can You Build a Toy From a Cardboard Tube?

Today's challenge was inspired by the book, The Most Magnificent Thing. 

A little girl loves to tinker and build so she sets out to build something magnificent. It doesn't go according to plan and she gets angry to the point of almost giving up. After taking a break, she can see the magnificent work she has all around her and combines her ideas to make the most magnificent thing ever! 

We talked about the lesson she learned and how we can apply that to our own learning. The kiddos continue to refer to Rosie Revere and her first time flop and it makes my heart tingle with excitement!!!

I showed the kids a cardboard tube from a papertowel roll and asked them what they could build. Their challenge would be to create a toy from the papertowel roll. 

Step 1. Brainstorm. List or sketch as many ideas as you can.

Step 2. Choose one idea and share with a buddy. Give and get feedback on how to build the toy.

Step 3. Sketch and plan your idea. 

Step 4. Build your prototype!!!

Step 5. Reflect. Share your toy with a buddy and explain how it works. Were you successful? Why or why not?

The children took home their prototypes to share with their families! 

Elite Eagles

Our SLC is named Elite Eagles. We met with our families today (2,3,4, and 5 grades combined) to design a logo for our SLC. The kids collaborated in groups of mixed grades to complete a design. 

Thinkbooks

We use Thinkbooks to record our thinking- questions, facts we know, wonderings....

Playground Fun

Recess is a very important part of our day. Learning to interact with others, build friendships, and have empathy is JUST as important as math and literacy. 

What is Fact Fluency?

Part of fact fluency is using known facts to solve unknown facts. It is understanding flexibility between numbers and using that to efficiently solve an unknown fact. It is using and explaining your strategy. 

What Do Author's Write?

The students came up with a "wish list" of what they would love to write this year. 

Below, a few eager authors began fiction stories!