Learning of the Week

So much learning, so little time to blog.   I wanted to post about some of our learning highlights this week.  Each had a different purpose and encouraged the students to use different skills (both socially and academically) 

Math Jigsaw

We have so many experts in our classroom that we spent a day teaching each other in math.  We've been working on using regrouping in difficult subtraction problems (some may have learned about this as "borrowing").  Students worked in groups to master a specific strategy to show their understanding of subtracting with regrouping.  

After they sufficiently taught each other and tested their skills, they were unleashed to new students where they had to instruct them about their expertise.  It was incredibly interesting to watch the students take ownership over their own learning and help each other learn new ways of solving problems.

Beliefs are Communicated through Actions

Students met in small groups and analyzed "secret" photos.  They looked at the people in the photos and what they were doing.  Then, they asked themselves, "what do these people believe?"

After analyzing their own photos, it was time to share with other groups.  Students loved seeing the variety of photos and it was fascinating hearing their different opinions about people's actions 

(ex: Why would someone climb a mountain?  Maybe they need to see something from up high?  Maybe they enjoy the exercise and challenge?) 

Math Stations

After a week of tackling methods of showing our understanding with subtracting using regrouping ("borrowing"), students visited different stations today to use their knowledge to play games and solve puzzles.  

Our stations included computer games, BINGO, a group task, puzzle races, and Marcy Cook tiles.  What a great way to end our week and celebrate our learning!