Shark Spotlight!

Today in Mrs. Jones' class, students built catapults using spoons, tongue depressors, and rubber bands! They were investigating how the placement of the fulcrum effects distance. All students were so engaged and had to draw a diagram of their catapult and give an explanation of this investigation! Love seeing STEM lessons in action -- check with Mrs. Jones and she might be able to give you a date so that you could stop by to check out some STEM lessons too!

Project Based Learning

Don't let this happen to your students -- check out the tips below!

PBL is a wonderful way to increase student curiosity and creativity! During the months of April and May, it's also a nice way to keep students engaged and reinforce the skills/standards they've learned all year! According to the NEA (National Education Association),

"This model helps make learning relevant to students by establishing connections to life outside the classroom and by addressing real world issues. In the classroom, PBL gives teachers an opportunity to build relationships with students by acting as their coach, facilitator, and co-learner. In the school and beyond, the model further allows teachers opportunities to build relationships among colleagues and with those in the larger community. Student projects can be shared with other teachers, parents, and others who have a vested interest in the students' education." http://www.nea.org/tools/16963.htm



Below are some links to resources that can help you plan and implement PBL in your classroom.



Why PBL?
http://bie.org/about/why_pbl



PBL Essential Elements Checklist
(For teacher planning phase)
http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2013/03/a-great-project-based-learning.html

Twenty Tips for Managing Project-Based Learning
(My favorite tip: #15 - Give Useful and Accessible Feedback)
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/20-tips-pbl-project-based-learning-educators-andrew-miller


Please reach out to me if you need any help in the planning or facilitating of classroom projects -- I always love visiting when you have display days, too!!

Shark Spotlight!

Below, one of Mrs. Swales' Kindergarten students got up from his seat and went to use the Word Wall to help him during writing! It was obvious that Mrs. Swales taught this strategy to her students -- what a wonderful way to make her Word Wall interactive and useful!

 

 

 

 

In Ms. Komisak's 5th grade classroom, the students have a Connections Wall, where they stick Stop and Jot notes with connections they have made while reading with the class, or during Independent Daily Reading. They write the connection and a small explanation! Such a cool way to build classroom culture while displaying reading comprehension through student work!

 

 

 

I'm so proud to be a SHARK!