Activities · 07-26-2015
Last week, I wrote about “big ideas” in stories and how students can discover these ideas through a discussion of evidence. Another way for students to build upon ideas is by interacting with others through blogging. By practicing the skills of critical thinking, elementary (and older) students can explore questions, collaborate in groups, and give or receive feedback. The practice of blogging with elementary students might require a bit of scaffolding. Assess students’ prior knowledge...
Activities · 07-18-2015
Good stories keep us thinking. They encourage metacognition and enable children to think critically about the "big ideas" within the details. One way for children to discover these “big ideas” is through a discussion of evidence. For example, after reading Jack and the Beanstalk, you might: 1. Present the following question: Since the giant wanted to eat Jack, was it okay that Jack stole the giant’s goose and harp? 2. Have children reread the story to mark passages (the evidence) that...
Creativity · 07-10-2015
Children have many ideas about the creative process and bring unique experiences to their artistic adventures. Creating art helps them learn more about themselves, others, and the world. Writing about their art further refines their ideas, thoughts and experiences.
Resources · 07-03-2015
“Twenty years ago, a small group dreamed of reconstructing an exact replica of General Lafayette’s 18th-century ship called the Hermione. Today, the majestic vessel is the largest and most authentically built Tall Ship in the last 150 years.” (hermione2015.com) History In 1777, Lafayette, at the age of 19, secretly and against the wishes of the French government, sailed to America and volunteered to fight on the side of America in the Revolutionary War. Lafayette served with General...
Books · 07-02-2015
Firebird: Ballerina Misty Copeland Shows a Young Girl How to Dance Like the Firebird Written by Misty Copeland, Illustrated by Christopher Myers Winner of the 2015 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award