Upper Elementary students are a beautiful mix of black, white and gray perception and communication; a blend of "tell me what to do" and independent thinking; goofy kid jokes and the beginning of understanding more adult humor; they test boundaries, are inquisitive and emotional. Our days are filled with the silly and the serious - conversations, curriculum, behavior and feelings. This is us!
Here's what we've been up to:
How America Works - Government
Voting - We welcomed two new office products to our classroom. There's nothing UE kids like more than a vote! We used this opportunity to engage in two types of voting.
Direct democratic vote
Representative vote
Branches of government - For this group project, students are assigned to one of the three branches of US government: judicial, executive or legislative.
Group dynamics: communication, emerging roles, compromise, support - use of time…,
Skills: reading, research and note-taking
Amendments in cursive - Everyone was assigned two amendments or the preamble to the Constitution to practice their cursive.
News
Russian war against Ukraine - Together, we examined the history of Russia's efforts to "subjugate" Ukraine.
Encanto, Disney’s first Latino musical with a focus on the diverse family perspectives and the culture of Colombia
New US postage stamp honoring Indigenous Black American sculptor Edmonia Lewis (1800s)
Math
Angles
Parts and types
Montessori Protractor and fraction equivalence
Fractions work - beginning, advanced and story problems, materials to compliment
Language Arts - cursive, appositives, figurative language, poetry intro, Master Class research and presentations
Animal Care - rabbits, chickens, worms, fish
Tea Time - It's been wonderful to have afternoon tea a couple of times a week with kids who sign up on their own or in groups. This provides a relaxed environment to chat and learn a little more about one another.
Spring Production - All things Seussical! Ms. Maya deserves a spa day and these kids are amazing. They practice all the time, singing through the classroom and at recess. The passion is real!
Social-Emotional Learning - Who would have thought that the movie "Encanto" would provide such a wonderful foundation for reflection and discussion of our emotions. We enjoyed this as part of our Valentine's Day/Birthday extravaganza.
What the characters showed us:
Acceptance of self and others
Feelings - what happens when you hold them in and when you let them out
Self-awareness and self-regulation
Continued gratitude for these children!
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