Learning Independently and In Community

In last week's post I highlighted the concentration and focus that students were bringing to their work- the time was right to  introduce IN SCHOOL book packs much like the leveled books that I send home for practice. The new routine involves students finding a solo space, working their way though on-level books using all their superpowers (see previous post), and logging the titles of books they have read in a reader's notebook. At other times during the day (Quiet Time and Explore) I pull children aside to check in on their fluency and comprehension and add a little note in their log. We are building independence each day!

You've seen what the children are doing independently and now you can have a look at the class meeting "The Marble Challenge" with their big buddies.  This was a hands on experiment connected to our Force and Motion unit in science.  Check out the ways in which children are making the marble: move without using their hands to push it, turn a corner, hit a target and move an object.

Lastly, I wanted to share the lesson on handwashing that Nurse Casani brought to our class.  Through the use of a special lotion and a black light, we were able to practice handwashing techniques that will insure the germs are scrubbed away!