Present & Parcel Problems
12/15/2018
Students in Bridges 2 math class have been working over the last few math sessions to identify the key information in a story problem, working collaboratively as well as individually to solve story problems, expanding their repertoire to create their own story problems, and then solving the problems created by their classmates. Many different skills go into a project like this. Students are applying their knowledge of operations to create a solveable story problem, they are employing language arts content by creating a succinct and clear problem with proper conventions, and they are using critical thinking and collaboration to not only create these problems, but also to solve them. Bridges mathematics curriculum presents various problems and investigations that develop children’s mathematical thinking in all strands of math. Some of these problems and investigations simulate experiences students might experience in everyday life—such as this present and parcel problem activity. During these types of activities, students explore, develop, test, discuss, and apply ideas allowing them to view mathematics as something that is fluid, creative, and relevant...a much more comprehensive approach than simply a "kill and drill" assignment.
Writing Workshop: HotWheels Edition
12/8/2018
Our writing curriculum allows for a variety of genres to be explored within the structure of a writing workshop model. A typical session begins with a mini-lesson and is followed by real and authentic writing time. Students are collaborating with each other and discussing ideas. They help each other and learn from each other during this time. I circulate the room, stopping for conferences and helping out where needed. For the most part though, students are engaged in the very real work of spelling, ideas, writing and revisions, using different resources such as mentor texts to help them create their written works. One of the genres that students study in second grade is that of non-fiction. They learn that non-fiction can come in many different forms and are able explore and learn how to write in different styles. For example, one part of non-fiction is noticing details and applying those observations to the writing. Students practiced this skill by looking at money. They wrote down their observations and questions that were raised by looking a little closer. Taking what they are learning about writing non-fiction, students began to explore how to write a simple lab report. They were excited by the experiment topic: Hot Wheels! Guided by the question "Will this car travel farther on the carpet or bare floor?", students learned how to put together the different parts of an experiment and how to write each part. In addition to the question, they had to write a hypothesis and procedure as well as recording the data or results from their experimenting. Finally, they had to summarize their findings in a clear and concise conclusion. Everything is a little more interesting when you add Hot Wheels to the mix!
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Marcella HitchcockMs. Hitchcock teaches second grade, is a mom of two, an avid reader, lifelong learner, and a seeker of sunshine! Archives
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