April 27, 2013

Well we survived MAP testing this week, and we are thrilled with the results.  Our students put forth their best effort and were successful (thank goodness).

This week we tried to keep our lessons filled with hands-on activities since they used all their energy in the mornings taking their MAP tests.  We had fun reading Lisa Blau's reader's theater script called "Talking Trees."  The students got into small groups to read this nonfiction script.  Then they created a graphic organizer to record the main ideas and details.  This was difficult, but the students enjoyed the challenge and were eager to it.

The end of the script informed the readers of the importance to conserve trees, which is one of earth's most valuable resources.  To connect with the script, as well as celebrate Earth Day, we decided to make our own recycled paper.  This simple project elated our children.  Below are the step-by-step instructions.

Tear a strip of toilet paper into small pieces.

Add water to cover the toilet paper, and shake until it becomes pulp-like.

Pour it into the square frame which is placed on top of a screened can.

Use a sponge to push out all extra water.

When all extra water is out, lift it off of the screen and let it dry on a paper towel.

After the paper completely dried, we decorated them and made them into magnets.

The next activity included writing an extended response.  In the script the Redwood Tree says, "Trees are one of earth's most valuable resources."  Forming an opinion and supporting it with arguments is an important writing component of the Common Core.  So the students had to decide whether they agreed or disagreed with the statement and support it with evidence from the script.  Below are some of their responses.

Brain Pop Jr. has a great video called Reduce, Reuse, Recycle that we showed our students.  We just wanted to solidify the importance of conserving our natural resources.  

Our next hands-on activity came from Steve Spangle science.  We recommend checking out his site if you have a chance Making Science Fun.   Below is his video that we used to help our students make their own growing newspaper trees.  We did modify his instructions by only using two pieces of newspaper rather than ten.  It was super simple and again elated the students.  One student was overheard saying, "This is so cool I am so doing this tonight at home."

Here are some of our trees.

These are the main reading, writing, and activities that we did this week.  We look forward to sharing more with you next week.  Have a great week.  If you are in the same boat as us, good luck with MAP testing.  We wish you well.

Kim and Anne