Fridays I like to get artsy fartsy. It’s something I look forward to all week. We do one round of D5 and then we add a special project that incorporates our science or ELA for the week. This week we are working on a culminating technology project to go with our big cross-curricular study of insects. I don’t know about you but no matter how amazing the artist…it just looks…well–like a six year old made it. ((don’t be a hater)) Well I found a way that makes even the not so gifted with fine motor kiddos look A-DOR-A-BLE!!! Just add their face! Talk about motivating them too! A total bonus. 🙂
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| praying mantis and ladybug |
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| butterfly and beetle |
We began by watching a powerpoint on the 6 insects we mainly studied. They then voted for the insect they wanted to report on. Next, I handed them their face and full reign on the scrap cupboard. Be sure to make an example insect using your cut out face in front of them showing them the big easy shapes that can make up the body parts. If they see you build it first, they have more confidence. Also remind them to make the insect BIG…I make black frames by folding around a large square of black construction paper and pinching the corners. It really makes them POP!
After lunch we had an introductory lesson on photobooth and then they were off to practice introducing themselves and reporting two facts about their insects.
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| COMPLETELY ENGAGED!!!! |
Once we do our final takes, I compile them all into an imovie for my class to watch. It ends up going on our end of the year DVD…It’s such a great tool to use to teach them the basics of public speaking. The first time they watch it play back they freak out and they immediately want to retake!
Fun with Fiction
Gone Buggy!
Fall Science Themes
Totally Bugged.
Those insects are tooooo cute!!! I am going to have to do that soon!!!
4th Grade Frolics
Super cute. But I am distracted by the laptops . . . HOW MANY DO YOU HAVE????? Can I come teach with you?????? That is awesome!
PS Yes, they are engaged! Why wouldn't they be engaged?? I AM ENGAGED!!!!!
PPS The earlier comment was me, too, but I forgot to identify myself. That's how distracted I was.
WAIT A MINUTE! (slapping myself in the head) I just did it again. Hi Reagan. It's me, Kristin. The doofus.
A Teeny Tiny Teacher
We have a COW-computers on wheels–So the first grade can wheel in the cart and use it. There are 20 macs in a COW. I can sign up for the COW anytime but I usually save it for about a 45 minute block on a Friday. It's a great way to end the week! Yes please move here and we can TFFs! (teacher friends forever)
ha ha…but it says Kristin says….at the top so I always know it's you!!! 🙂
very, very cute! I am absolutely going to use your idea when we start our 'minibeasts' topic
Oooh that sounds fun Shar! Glad you can use it!
Wow! Laptops, Ipads, Smart Boards….oh my. I need those!
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Shelly