5th Grade Enrichment SPEAKEASY:
The fifth grade Speakeasy, our culminating event celebrating the students' hard work and knowledge, will be held April 25. Please consider donating food, beverages, or even helping to assist the day of the party by completing this sign up.
March 28, 2017:
In Mrs. Nguyen's class, the 5th grade Enrichment students had a special guest--Mrs. Meyer! Mrs. Meyer taught the students about housing in the early 1900s, particularly how many workers did not own a house. Instead, they rented houses from the company they worked for. In the 1920s, however, Americans finally starting buying their own home (with the help of loans). Today, the students took out a loan to purchase a home based on their net worth.
February 28, 2017:
In Mrs. Nguyen's class, the 5th grade Enrichment students continued trading stocks and taking out loans in order to increase their net worth. Many students are beginning to think strategically about how to earn big bucks in the stock market. This was evident as certain trades increased the price of two stocks to over $10,000 each!
The students also gained closure on the lives of John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie. Through the video, "The Men Who Built America", the students learned about the downfall of monopolies in America, as well as how Carnegie and Rockefeller realized the importance of being philanthropic as they became older.
Henry Ford was also a major player in industry at the turn of the century. Students discovered how he changed America by helping to standardize the work week and increase mass production. Of course, he also provided a car that was affordable enough for the everyday person to have.
In Mrs. Whiten's room, students worked on developing their communication skills by summarizing one or two events from their week off of school. Here are other notes and activities from our day:
Summer of Bright Ideas-- Brochures and registration forms are coming home today with information about the Summer of Bright Ideas program. If you have questions regarding this summer daycamp-styled program which is designed specifically for current 1st-5th grade Fayette County enrichment students, please contact one of the teachers on the brochure or me. The first day to register for courses is April 10. If you plan on your child(ren) participating in this amazing summer opportunity, please plan to register on that day. Classes fill quickly!
Logic Puzzle: 5th graders developed their logical problem solving skills by working with partners to solve several logic puzzlers. Students raced against time and their peers to try to solve as many as possible. Try your hand at these. Did you get as many as your student?
Bee's Knees: Students visited several stations to read and discover information about the pop culture of the 1920s. They evaluated the changes that came about in the 1920s and discussed how it relates to their lives today.
February 14, 2017:
In Mrs. Nguyen's class, the 5th grade Enrichment students learned about loans and how they can be used to purchase big-ticket items, like houses and cars. Students had the opportunity to take out a loan from the Crabapple Lane Community Bank.
February 7, 2017--5th grade Enrichment classes will be shortened this week. Mrs. Nguyen and Mrs. Earnhart will be visiting a neighboring school and collaborating with Enrichment colleagues to develop amazing units to bring some innovative ideas to Crabapple Lane's Enrichment program!
We will meet from 12:20-2:15.
During our time together, 5th graders will have the opportunity to trade stocks and calculate their net worth. Who will be the Big Cheese this week?
Additionally, students will analyze stakeholders in the Prohibition movement. They will give the class a brief synopsis of each stakeholder and then be given several scenarios in which they must make decisions based on their character's beliefs.
Time permitting, the students will work on developing their logical thinking skills by solving a perplexing puzzle with a Venn diagram. Today's puzzle is The County Fair.
Research Challenge: Which US city has an incomplete subway system beneath its streets?
The fifth grade Speakeasy, our culminating event celebrating the students' hard work and knowledge, will be held April 25. Please consider donating food, beverages, or even helping to assist the day of the party by completing this sign up.
March 28, 2017:
In Mrs. Nguyen's class, the 5th grade Enrichment students had a special guest--Mrs. Meyer! Mrs. Meyer taught the students about housing in the early 1900s, particularly how many workers did not own a house. Instead, they rented houses from the company they worked for. In the 1920s, however, Americans finally starting buying their own home (with the help of loans). Today, the students took out a loan to purchase a home based on their net worth.
February 28, 2017:
In Mrs. Nguyen's class, the 5th grade Enrichment students continued trading stocks and taking out loans in order to increase their net worth. Many students are beginning to think strategically about how to earn big bucks in the stock market. This was evident as certain trades increased the price of two stocks to over $10,000 each!
The students also gained closure on the lives of John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie. Through the video, "The Men Who Built America", the students learned about the downfall of monopolies in America, as well as how Carnegie and Rockefeller realized the importance of being philanthropic as they became older.
Henry Ford was also a major player in industry at the turn of the century. Students discovered how he changed America by helping to standardize the work week and increase mass production. Of course, he also provided a car that was affordable enough for the everyday person to have.
In Mrs. Whiten's room, students worked on developing their communication skills by summarizing one or two events from their week off of school. Here are other notes and activities from our day:
Summer of Bright Ideas-- Brochures and registration forms are coming home today with information about the Summer of Bright Ideas program. If you have questions regarding this summer daycamp-styled program which is designed specifically for current 1st-5th grade Fayette County enrichment students, please contact one of the teachers on the brochure or me. The first day to register for courses is April 10. If you plan on your child(ren) participating in this amazing summer opportunity, please plan to register on that day. Classes fill quickly!
Logic Puzzle: 5th graders developed their logical problem solving skills by working with partners to solve several logic puzzlers. Students raced against time and their peers to try to solve as many as possible. Try your hand at these. Did you get as many as your student?
Bee's Knees: Students visited several stations to read and discover information about the pop culture of the 1920s. They evaluated the changes that came about in the 1920s and discussed how it relates to their lives today.
February 14, 2017:
In Mrs. Nguyen's class, the 5th grade Enrichment students learned about loans and how they can be used to purchase big-ticket items, like houses and cars. Students had the opportunity to take out a loan from the Crabapple Lane Community Bank.
February 7, 2017--5th grade Enrichment classes will be shortened this week. Mrs. Nguyen and Mrs. Earnhart will be visiting a neighboring school and collaborating with Enrichment colleagues to develop amazing units to bring some innovative ideas to Crabapple Lane's Enrichment program!
We will meet from 12:20-2:15.
During our time together, 5th graders will have the opportunity to trade stocks and calculate their net worth. Who will be the Big Cheese this week?
Additionally, students will analyze stakeholders in the Prohibition movement. They will give the class a brief synopsis of each stakeholder and then be given several scenarios in which they must make decisions based on their character's beliefs.
Time permitting, the students will work on developing their logical thinking skills by solving a perplexing puzzle with a Venn diagram. Today's puzzle is The County Fair.
Research Challenge: Which US city has an incomplete subway system beneath its streets?
January 31, 2017--
Prohibition continues in 5th grade! This week, fifth graders are going to analyze the motives and actions of different groups involved in the prohibition of alcohol in 19th and early 20th century America. They are going to deliberate the issue of Prohibition by role-playing a major advocacy group or a stakeholder in the Prohibition movement. In Mrs. Nguyen's room, they are going to learn about the Dow Jones Industrial Average by comparing and contrasting today's 30 companies to the original "Dow Dozen" from 1896. They will also make judgments by ranking today's companies by greatest price-per-share and deciding which two companies they would like to invest in based on statistical data.
5th graders are also going to solve a logic problem using a Venn diagram. This week's puzzle involves skating in the park. Students will sift through clues to determine the number of people who skated, how many rented skates, and the amount of money generated by skate rentals.
Finally, fifth grade students are going to exercise their creative thinking skills by participating in a mind-blowing activity that will test their analytical skills as they brainstorm to discover commonalities between two seemingly unrelated items. Working independently or as a team, the students will race to connect randomly-chosen items in surprisingly new ways.
Prohibition continues in 5th grade! This week, fifth graders are going to analyze the motives and actions of different groups involved in the prohibition of alcohol in 19th and early 20th century America. They are going to deliberate the issue of Prohibition by role-playing a major advocacy group or a stakeholder in the Prohibition movement. In Mrs. Nguyen's room, they are going to learn about the Dow Jones Industrial Average by comparing and contrasting today's 30 companies to the original "Dow Dozen" from 1896. They will also make judgments by ranking today's companies by greatest price-per-share and deciding which two companies they would like to invest in based on statistical data.
5th graders are also going to solve a logic problem using a Venn diagram. This week's puzzle involves skating in the park. Students will sift through clues to determine the number of people who skated, how many rented skates, and the amount of money generated by skate rentals.
Finally, fifth grade students are going to exercise their creative thinking skills by participating in a mind-blowing activity that will test their analytical skills as they brainstorm to discover commonalities between two seemingly unrelated items. Working independently or as a team, the students will race to connect randomly-chosen items in surprisingly new ways.
01/24/2017--
Fifth grade students analyzed the 18th Amendment and recorded their reactions to the wording and the idea that the government regulated the personal choices of consenting adults.. Many students felt that after evaluating the reasoning behind the Temperance Movement and the Anti-Saloon League, the ratification of the Amendment was inevitable. However, most of the students thought that the Amendment would never be passed today.
After applying their critical thinking skills, students used their logical thinking skills to solve a puzzle. Today's perplexing logic puzzle required students to use clues to determine the number of volunteers at an Earth Day celebration. Fifth graders whizzed through the puzzle and most found the right answer without help from a friend. They remarked that the puzzles are getting easier. One student noted, "They are any easier, we are just way smarter!"
Fifth grade students analyzed the 18th Amendment and recorded their reactions to the wording and the idea that the government regulated the personal choices of consenting adults.. Many students felt that after evaluating the reasoning behind the Temperance Movement and the Anti-Saloon League, the ratification of the Amendment was inevitable. However, most of the students thought that the Amendment would never be passed today.
After applying their critical thinking skills, students used their logical thinking skills to solve a puzzle. Today's perplexing logic puzzle required students to use clues to determine the number of volunteers at an Earth Day celebration. Fifth graders whizzed through the puzzle and most found the right answer without help from a friend. They remarked that the puzzles are getting easier. One student noted, "They are any easier, we are just way smarter!"
01/17/2017--After a long, relaxing weekend, the students are going to have ample opportunities to use their critical, creative, and logical thinking skills!
In Mrs. Earnhart's room, the students are going to polish off and present their informational research regarding consumerism in the the 1920s and how our economy is still affected today. The six topics are:
1. Leisure time
2. Mass production
3. Business competition
4. Money spent on advertising
5. New products on the market
6. Buying on Credit
After their presentations, the students are going to begin gaining knowledge about Prohibition. They are going to watch a film clip titled, "A Nation of Drunkards." The clip discusses the historic role alcohol played in America and the anti-alcohol movement's motivations behind having it outlawed in America.
Today's logic puzzle is about Spring Break. The students are going to analyze facts concerning how Spring Break will be spent by various survey participants. Then, the students are going to use the clues to determine how many people were surveyed.
In Mrs. Nguyen's room, the students updated their net worth after trading in the stock market this morning. Many students are already developing strategies to help increase their net worth and others are engaging in thoughtful reflections about what they might do differently next week to increase theirs. Students then had the opportunity to analyze the stocks of Apple and Netflix from the Dow and NASDAQ. . They compared and contrasted these stocks over the course of 5 years, one year, months, weeks, and even days. The students were surprised to discover that Apple's stock chart shows a rather flat line while Netflix's shows a steady increase. Many students went above and beyond to research why Apple's stocks appear rather flat. Possible reasons included a drop in sales and a decrease in production in China.
Lastly, the students were introduced to syllogisms (we will be studying the most basic of syllogisms in 5th grade Enrichment). Syllogisms are a form of logical reasoning in which a conclusion is drawn from two given assumptions. The students learned that they are not looking for whether the premises and conclusions are factually true, but rather logically valid. The students had a fun time drawing conclusions from several odd premises! Next week we will continue with all + all premises and conclusions.
Research Challenge: Define "renaissance." Write a sentence using the word correctly.
In Mrs. Earnhart's room, the students are going to polish off and present their informational research regarding consumerism in the the 1920s and how our economy is still affected today. The six topics are:
1. Leisure time
2. Mass production
3. Business competition
4. Money spent on advertising
5. New products on the market
6. Buying on Credit
After their presentations, the students are going to begin gaining knowledge about Prohibition. They are going to watch a film clip titled, "A Nation of Drunkards." The clip discusses the historic role alcohol played in America and the anti-alcohol movement's motivations behind having it outlawed in America.
Today's logic puzzle is about Spring Break. The students are going to analyze facts concerning how Spring Break will be spent by various survey participants. Then, the students are going to use the clues to determine how many people were surveyed.
In Mrs. Nguyen's room, the students updated their net worth after trading in the stock market this morning. Many students are already developing strategies to help increase their net worth and others are engaging in thoughtful reflections about what they might do differently next week to increase theirs. Students then had the opportunity to analyze the stocks of Apple and Netflix from the Dow and NASDAQ. . They compared and contrasted these stocks over the course of 5 years, one year, months, weeks, and even days. The students were surprised to discover that Apple's stock chart shows a rather flat line while Netflix's shows a steady increase. Many students went above and beyond to research why Apple's stocks appear rather flat. Possible reasons included a drop in sales and a decrease in production in China.
Lastly, the students were introduced to syllogisms (we will be studying the most basic of syllogisms in 5th grade Enrichment). Syllogisms are a form of logical reasoning in which a conclusion is drawn from two given assumptions. The students learned that they are not looking for whether the premises and conclusions are factually true, but rather logically valid. The students had a fun time drawing conclusions from several odd premises! Next week we will continue with all + all premises and conclusions.
Research Challenge: Define "renaissance." Write a sentence using the word correctly.
01/10/2017--This week we will welcome in 2017 and new friends in Enrichment! Here are the critical thinking, creative thinking, logical problem-solving, and engaging activities for this week:
Trading Stocks: We had a special guest today--Mrs. Meyer! Mrs. Meyer rang the trading bell so the students could continue trading stocks. Some students were pleasantly surprised to see a sharp increase in certain stock prices (per share). All students reflected on their effectiveness of their trades and set goals for next week's trading. Net worths are on the rise!
Current Events: Current events included discussions on the newly discovered planet, Kepler-1647b, and how scientists determine whether the planet is terrestrial or jovian, particularly since scientists cannot actually visit the planet. Discussions also took place about the pros and cons of getting rid of the electoral college for presidential elections. Using an interactive map, students discovered and analyzed the effects switching to a popular vote would have on presidential candidates and the populations living within each state.
Consumerism: Fifth graders will be showing what they have learned about consumerism in the 1920s and how it has affected today's economy. The students will share what they have learned about the increase of mass production, greater competition between businesses, new products on the market, increased salaries, and buying on credit using Google slides. They will present their information to the class and field questions from "the audience."
Logical Problem Solving: Fifth grade students are developing logical problem solving skills by solving a perplexing problem each week. With the use of a Venn diagram to help them orgainize their information, students are using clues to determine the answer to the problem. This week's puzzle: Valentine's Day Gifts.
12/13/2016--In Enrichment this week, fifth graders began trading their stocks! What a great day for them.
After that, they enjoyed getting involved in candy cane creativity. They brainstormed ways a candy cane could be used that did not include eating it. Some of the ideas included the "swoosh" on a new type of Nike, as a detachable ice skate blade, and to form the sides of a "melt-away" mint chocolate cup. Their creativity was awesome. Check out your child's creativity on his or her Dojo page (classdojo). Students also expanded their knowledge of the history of candy canes and were shocked to learn that Bob's, a candy company still around today, was the first to mass produce and sell candy canes. They were also the first to wrap them in cellophane.
Fifth graders also engaged in logical thinking as they solved their perplexing puzzle with a Venn Diagram. Today's puzzle was entitled, "Making Ornaments." Students had to organize information from clues in order to determine how many teachers were involved in ornament making.
RESEARCH CHALLENGE: What is one fact that you learned over the break?
Enjoy your families and your time together during the holidaybreak!
After that, they enjoyed getting involved in candy cane creativity. They brainstormed ways a candy cane could be used that did not include eating it. Some of the ideas included the "swoosh" on a new type of Nike, as a detachable ice skate blade, and to form the sides of a "melt-away" mint chocolate cup. Their creativity was awesome. Check out your child's creativity on his or her Dojo page (classdojo). Students also expanded their knowledge of the history of candy canes and were shocked to learn that Bob's, a candy company still around today, was the first to mass produce and sell candy canes. They were also the first to wrap them in cellophane.
Fifth graders also engaged in logical thinking as they solved their perplexing puzzle with a Venn Diagram. Today's puzzle was entitled, "Making Ornaments." Students had to organize information from clues in order to determine how many teachers were involved in ornament making.
RESEARCH CHALLENGE: What is one fact that you learned over the break?
Enjoy your families and your time together during the holidaybreak!
12/6/2016-- Mrs. Nguyen and Mrs. (Whiten) Earnhart will be attending a conference and there will be no Enrichment classes today.
11/29/2016: This week in Mrs. Nguyen's room, the students received $100 in cash and the stocks they ordered last week. They then applied their understanding of assets and liabilities to determine their net worth. Right now, everyone's net worth is $100, but when the stock market opens on December 13th, each student's net worth will rise (and throughout the course, some may fall). The students documented their assets, liabilities (everyone is debt free for now), and net worth using an accounting sheet, which is how they will calculate their net worth each week after trading in the stock market. They finished their day by engaging in a choice of activities to strengthen and challenge their math problem solving skills, creativity, and research skills.
In Mrs. Earnhart's room, students used their deductive thinking to logically solve a perplexing logic puzzle. It seems that some children woke early to find it had been snowing for hours! The yards and streets were covered, and school was cancelled for the day. In one neighborhood, all the children playing outside were having a snowball fight, sledding, or building snowmen. Since the snow lasted throughout the day, some of the children participated in more than one activity. Fifth graders used clues to determine how many children lived in the neighborhood.
Additionally, students explored the world of 1920s advertising. Using images of ads from the 1920s, students analyzed techniques used by advertisers as well as the motivations behind the messages. Students compared and contrasted media of today with that of the 1920s and debated which time period’s advertisements are more effective. Finally, students compared and contrasted the role of consumerism historically with today’s consumer society.
11/15/2016: This week in Mrs. Earnhart's (Whiten's) room, 5th grade students were enthusiastic about consumerism, radio advertisements, mail order catalogs, and logical thinking. Students increased their knowledge of the economic boom of the 1920s and the idea of consumerism. They explored ways goods were bought and discussed the differences between shopping today and in the 1920s. They were surprised to learn that what the typical American felt he or she "had" to have is much like today's list. They finished the day by writing a paragraph exploring the idea of consumerism and how the lifestyles of Americans were significantly affected by the availability of labor saving products, luxury items and the emergence of mass advertising campaigns.
In Mrs. Nguyen's room, the students were excited to learn that the CLES stock market will open in 2 weeks! As a result, today we continued our study on stocks and investments. Through videos and analyzing political cartoons, the students discovered why stock prices rise and fall, and they learned how the stock market can be like a roller coaster. They also realized that even though the stock market may fall (like a roller coaster) it will rise again. Additionally, the students were introduced to the term diversification, and they evaluated why diversification is important to minimize risk when investing in the stock market. They finished the day by ordering student-created stocks, such as Yo-Yo Slay Me (a yo-yo company) and Ritzy Breezers (fancy convertible cars). Next week, the students will receive $100 in play money and begin calculating their assets, liabilities (none at this time), and net worth.
RESEARCH CHALLENGE: Who introduced frozen foods in 1923?
11/1/2016: This week in Mrs. Nguyen's room, the students broadened their understanding of investments and stocks. Using close reading strategies, the students analyzed a text about the stock market to evaluate how stocks and shares are related, why stocks are essential for company growth, and the reasons why people buy stocks. Finally, they worked in groups to prepare for the beginning of our CLES stock market by creating a company name (using slang) and setting a sell price per share. In the next few weeks, the CLES stock market will open and the Enrichment students will have the opportunity to learn first-hand about the risks and rewards of investing/trading in the stock market. In March, the students will participate in a speakeasy where those with the most return from their investments will be catered to at The Big Cheese table!
In Mrs. Whiten's room, students engaged their brains by solving a logic puzzle using a Venn diagram to organize the information. Students are developing and practicing their logical problem-solving skills. Fifth graders also discussed the idea of abolishing the voting age. Using facts about state and federal voting laws, students debunked reasons why children should not be allowed to vote. Then, they expressed their own opinions regarding the issue. Overwhelmingly, students believed that eighteen was an adequate cut-off age for the right to vote, although several students thought many adults shouldn't be allowed to vote, either. Students were shocked to learn that the reasons many give for not allowing children to vote were for the most part the same reasons that were given when women's suffrage was debated.
10/18/2016: In Mrs. Nguyen's room, we wrapped up our study on captains of industry at the turn of the century by evaluating how Andrew Carnegie was a philanthropist. Through learning stations, the students engaged in a variety of learning activities that required a lot of critical thinking! At one station, the students analyzed several Carnegie quotes where they had to not only interpret the message behind the quote, but also explain how it could be applied to their lives and the world. At another station, the students used a primary document to discover which institutions and organizations Carnegie donated to. They used inferencing skills to determine what causes were important to Carnegie, and then they ranked his donations from most important to least important. The next station allowed the students to analyze political cartoons about Carnegie. They identified symbols in the cartoon and evaluated how those symbols helped the illustrator convey a political message about Carnegie. Lastly, the students communicated interdependent relationships Carnegie or Rockefeller had in order to help increase the success of their businesses.
In Mrs. Whiten's room, we watched a montage of Charlie Chaplin movies and a short clip of the first movie to star his signature character, The Little Tramp.. The students learned a few fun facts about Chaplin and their research question involves him. They enjoyed the slapstick humor of Chaplin's clips and were surprised to learn that he was the first actor on the cover of Time magazine. The students also delved deep into their logical thinking skills to solve a puzzle using a Venn diagram. The title of this week's puzzle was Holiday Activities. This started a creative discussion on the shopping seasons versus the actual seasons. Finally, the students explored a time-line of voting history. They analyzed the dates and differences of the various voting laws. The students were surprised to learn that women have only had the right to vote for 96 years. The students also discovered that the voting age was lowered to 18 in 1971, only 45 years ago. They have interesting views on the political events happening right now in our country. Next week, they will debate whether or not the voting age should be abolished altogether.
RESEARCH CHALLENGE: What film company did Charlie Chaplin co-found?
10/11/2016: Mrs. Nguyen's room, we continued our study on captains of industry/robber barons from the late 1800s. Today we studied Andrew Carnegie, a well known entrepreneur who revolutionized the use of steel.. After learning about him through the video The Men Who Made America, the students discussed examples of economic interdependence, as well as how Carnegie showed creativity while building his steel business. After comparing and contrasting Rockefeller and Carnegie, the students evaluated how Carnegie demonstrated traits of a captain of industry and robber baron.
In Mrs. Whiten's class, students discovered that "Pollyanna" and "Mickey Mousing" are both slang words that came from the entertainment industry. Ask your student to define these words. Our "silent" movies today were actually more modern. First, we watched a clip of Pollyanna based on the 1913 book by Eleanor Porter. We discussed the characteristics of the main character and the roots of the meaning of calling someone a "pollyanna." Then, we watched a short clip of the Bugs Bunny Show. Today is the 56th anniversary of that show's first primetime airing.
Students also analyzed a fictitious letter from 1920. They worked together to "translate" the letter. Then, they wrote a response letter using 1920s slang. Fifth graders are enjoying weaving the 1920s slang into their conversations.
In today's logic puzzle, students used clues to determine how many people visited a buffet during Thanksgiving holidays. The students are becoming quite adept at using Venn diagrams to organize their facts and quickly reach the correct answer.
10/4/2016: As always, we had a busy and enriching day in Mrs. Nguyen's classroom! We started off our day by reviewing vocabulary words we have been discussing for the past 3 weeks (corporations, monopoly, stock, etc.). Next week the students will take a show-me-what-you-know (quiz) to demonstrate their understanding of these terms.
Last week the students assessed how John D. Rockefeller was a robber baron and/or a captain of industry. Today the word 'philanthropist' was introduced and the students evaluated how Rockefeller showed traits of all 3--robber baron, captain of industry, and philanthropist. They selected an activity based on process differentiation to show their understanding. Some students chose to create a cartoon, some students analyzed pictures/political cartoons and categorized them into the three categories, and some students evaluated how his being a philanthropist, robber baron, and captain of industry impacted people living then, as well as people living today.
In Mrs. Whiten's room, students explored the differences between SLANG and "academic" language. They used slang from the 1920s to create sentences or stories and their friends attempted to translate into more modern terms. Students were surprised that many of the slang words that began in the 20s are still in used today. One student remarked, "I use that word all the time! I didn't know it was slang."
Silent Movie: Today's silent movie was a clip from Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Students discovered that the star, John Barrymore was the grandfather of Drew Barrymore, an actress many of the students recognized. They made connections with the interdependence of movies, books, and advances made before, during, and after the 1920s.. One student shared how a modern television show, Once Upon a Time, is using the Jekyll/Hyde storyline currently.
Logic Puzzle: Students are mastering the Venn diagram as a graphic organizer to sort information. They are solving their logic puzzles quickly, and some students are discovering different methods to use to solve the puzzles. They are racing to finish, but they are cognizant of the fact that first to finish doesn't always mean first to be correct.
9/27/2016: In Mrs. Nguyen's classroom, we studied the life of John D. Rockefeller and how he impacted life before and after the turn of the century. The students were introduced to the terms 'robber baron' and 'captain of industry', and over the next two weeks they will analyze the lives of John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie to judge whether they were robber barons, captains of industry, or perhaps a little of both. The savvy and profitable business skills of these two men really helped propel America's economy in the late 1800s/early 1900s. Through the video The Men Who Made America, the students found examples of economic interdependence, compared business to a game, and discussed whether corporations benefit or harm society. The discussions were rich as students pulled evidence from the video to support their thinking. In Current Events, we examined an electoral college map from 2016 to determine which states Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are more likely to campaign in in order to garner more electoral votes.
In Mrs. Whiten's room, we discussed the four components of creative thinking: originality, elaboration, fluency, and flexibility. Then, students exercised their flexibility and originality while using observation, teamwork, and nonverbal skills in an activity called, "Silent Movies." Each student had to direct another another student to perform a two or three step activity. The class determined how successfully each director/actor pair worked together by how quickly they could identify the activity. The students enjoyed using gestures, facial expressions, demonstrations, and exaggerated movements to convey their meanings. After that, students watched "The Great Train Robbery." Produced by Thomas Edison in 1903, this film was the first silent narrative.. The students found it challenging to follow the plot without words. However, one student remarked that she really paid attention to the movie because she knew if she wasn't watching, she would miss something. Knowing that it was difficult to express themselves nonverbally as the result of the previous activity, the students appreciated the actors' ability to tell the story with no verbalization. However, one student voiced, "Of course it easy for them. They have props. Plus, they didn't know about sound movies. They didn't know any better."
For today's logical thinking puzzle, students had to use clues to determine the most popular activities at the Fall Festival. With Crabapple Lane's Fall Festival barely a month away, this puzzle was timely as well as excellent problem solving practice. The students are rapidly mastering using Venn diagrams to organize their information in order to solve their puzzle.
Finally, we began discussing SLANG today. Students began exploring the meaning of "slang" and examining a few of the words that have been changed into slang over time such as "good," "bad," and "crazy." Students learned that slang once separated classes where now it typically separates generations.
9/20/2016: In Mrs. Nguyen's classroom, we began our day by distinguishing new vocabulary words, such as corporation, monopoly, capitalism, and stocks. The students continued building on their understanding of stocks by evaluating the importance of investing in a company through stocks., as well as how buying stock is a win-win for both the business owner and the shareholder. The students then had the opportunity to think creatively and critically as they pretended to be a famous innovator/inventor through an "Encounter" game in which they had to think on their feet in order to explain their newest invention, how they created it, and the challenges they faced during its creation. Lastly, in Current Events, the students communicated positive character traits displayed by the inspiring athletes of the Paralympics, which just came to a close in Rio. Next week the students will have a short 'show-me-what-you-know' over how to take an idea and turn it into profit. They should study their notes on this topic (inside their Enrichment folder) throughout the week.
In Mrs. Whiten's room, we completed our pre-1920s research and discussed life in tenements and mansions. Students decided on jobs they would most like to have and least like to have if they had lived in the time before the 1920s. They also discussed coach riding manners and leisure activities. Plus, they explained why they thought an icebox might keep foods cold and what they might store in an icebox. Students were surprised by how inexpensive items were, kids played a game called kick the can, and that few people had electricity. Fifth grade logical thinkers also used their critical thinking skills to analyze information and solve a puzzle using a Venn diagram. Finally, we continued the class read aloud, Blue Willow.
In Mrs. Whiten's room, students engaged their brains by solving a logic puzzle using a Venn diagram to organize the information. Students are developing and practicing their logical problem-solving skills. Fifth graders also discussed the idea of abolishing the voting age. Using facts about state and federal voting laws, students debunked reasons why children should not be allowed to vote. Then, they expressed their own opinions regarding the issue. Overwhelmingly, students believed that eighteen was an adequate cut-off age for the right to vote, although several students thought many adults shouldn't be allowed to vote, either. Students were shocked to learn that the reasons many give for not allowing children to vote were for the most part the same reasons that were given when women's suffrage was debated.
10/18/2016: In Mrs. Nguyen's room, we wrapped up our study on captains of industry at the turn of the century by evaluating how Andrew Carnegie was a philanthropist. Through learning stations, the students engaged in a variety of learning activities that required a lot of critical thinking! At one station, the students analyzed several Carnegie quotes where they had to not only interpret the message behind the quote, but also explain how it could be applied to their lives and the world. At another station, the students used a primary document to discover which institutions and organizations Carnegie donated to. They used inferencing skills to determine what causes were important to Carnegie, and then they ranked his donations from most important to least important. The next station allowed the students to analyze political cartoons about Carnegie. They identified symbols in the cartoon and evaluated how those symbols helped the illustrator convey a political message about Carnegie. Lastly, the students communicated interdependent relationships Carnegie or Rockefeller had in order to help increase the success of their businesses.
In Mrs. Whiten's room, we watched a montage of Charlie Chaplin movies and a short clip of the first movie to star his signature character, The Little Tramp.. The students learned a few fun facts about Chaplin and their research question involves him. They enjoyed the slapstick humor of Chaplin's clips and were surprised to learn that he was the first actor on the cover of Time magazine. The students also delved deep into their logical thinking skills to solve a puzzle using a Venn diagram. The title of this week's puzzle was Holiday Activities. This started a creative discussion on the shopping seasons versus the actual seasons. Finally, the students explored a time-line of voting history. They analyzed the dates and differences of the various voting laws. The students were surprised to learn that women have only had the right to vote for 96 years. The students also discovered that the voting age was lowered to 18 in 1971, only 45 years ago. They have interesting views on the political events happening right now in our country. Next week, they will debate whether or not the voting age should be abolished altogether.
RESEARCH CHALLENGE: What film company did Charlie Chaplin co-found?
10/11/2016: Mrs. Nguyen's room, we continued our study on captains of industry/robber barons from the late 1800s. Today we studied Andrew Carnegie, a well known entrepreneur who revolutionized the use of steel.. After learning about him through the video The Men Who Made America, the students discussed examples of economic interdependence, as well as how Carnegie showed creativity while building his steel business. After comparing and contrasting Rockefeller and Carnegie, the students evaluated how Carnegie demonstrated traits of a captain of industry and robber baron.
In Mrs. Whiten's class, students discovered that "Pollyanna" and "Mickey Mousing" are both slang words that came from the entertainment industry. Ask your student to define these words. Our "silent" movies today were actually more modern. First, we watched a clip of Pollyanna based on the 1913 book by Eleanor Porter. We discussed the characteristics of the main character and the roots of the meaning of calling someone a "pollyanna." Then, we watched a short clip of the Bugs Bunny Show. Today is the 56th anniversary of that show's first primetime airing.
Students also analyzed a fictitious letter from 1920. They worked together to "translate" the letter. Then, they wrote a response letter using 1920s slang. Fifth graders are enjoying weaving the 1920s slang into their conversations.
In today's logic puzzle, students used clues to determine how many people visited a buffet during Thanksgiving holidays. The students are becoming quite adept at using Venn diagrams to organize their facts and quickly reach the correct answer.
10/4/2016: As always, we had a busy and enriching day in Mrs. Nguyen's classroom! We started off our day by reviewing vocabulary words we have been discussing for the past 3 weeks (corporations, monopoly, stock, etc.). Next week the students will take a show-me-what-you-know (quiz) to demonstrate their understanding of these terms.
Last week the students assessed how John D. Rockefeller was a robber baron and/or a captain of industry. Today the word 'philanthropist' was introduced and the students evaluated how Rockefeller showed traits of all 3--robber baron, captain of industry, and philanthropist. They selected an activity based on process differentiation to show their understanding. Some students chose to create a cartoon, some students analyzed pictures/political cartoons and categorized them into the three categories, and some students evaluated how his being a philanthropist, robber baron, and captain of industry impacted people living then, as well as people living today.
In Mrs. Whiten's room, students explored the differences between SLANG and "academic" language. They used slang from the 1920s to create sentences or stories and their friends attempted to translate into more modern terms. Students were surprised that many of the slang words that began in the 20s are still in used today. One student remarked, "I use that word all the time! I didn't know it was slang."
Silent Movie: Today's silent movie was a clip from Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Students discovered that the star, John Barrymore was the grandfather of Drew Barrymore, an actress many of the students recognized. They made connections with the interdependence of movies, books, and advances made before, during, and after the 1920s.. One student shared how a modern television show, Once Upon a Time, is using the Jekyll/Hyde storyline currently.
Logic Puzzle: Students are mastering the Venn diagram as a graphic organizer to sort information. They are solving their logic puzzles quickly, and some students are discovering different methods to use to solve the puzzles. They are racing to finish, but they are cognizant of the fact that first to finish doesn't always mean first to be correct.
9/27/2016: In Mrs. Nguyen's classroom, we studied the life of John D. Rockefeller and how he impacted life before and after the turn of the century. The students were introduced to the terms 'robber baron' and 'captain of industry', and over the next two weeks they will analyze the lives of John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie to judge whether they were robber barons, captains of industry, or perhaps a little of both. The savvy and profitable business skills of these two men really helped propel America's economy in the late 1800s/early 1900s. Through the video The Men Who Made America, the students found examples of economic interdependence, compared business to a game, and discussed whether corporations benefit or harm society. The discussions were rich as students pulled evidence from the video to support their thinking. In Current Events, we examined an electoral college map from 2016 to determine which states Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are more likely to campaign in in order to garner more electoral votes.
In Mrs. Whiten's room, we discussed the four components of creative thinking: originality, elaboration, fluency, and flexibility. Then, students exercised their flexibility and originality while using observation, teamwork, and nonverbal skills in an activity called, "Silent Movies." Each student had to direct another another student to perform a two or three step activity. The class determined how successfully each director/actor pair worked together by how quickly they could identify the activity. The students enjoyed using gestures, facial expressions, demonstrations, and exaggerated movements to convey their meanings. After that, students watched "The Great Train Robbery." Produced by Thomas Edison in 1903, this film was the first silent narrative.. The students found it challenging to follow the plot without words. However, one student remarked that she really paid attention to the movie because she knew if she wasn't watching, she would miss something. Knowing that it was difficult to express themselves nonverbally as the result of the previous activity, the students appreciated the actors' ability to tell the story with no verbalization. However, one student voiced, "Of course it easy for them. They have props. Plus, they didn't know about sound movies. They didn't know any better."
For today's logical thinking puzzle, students had to use clues to determine the most popular activities at the Fall Festival. With Crabapple Lane's Fall Festival barely a month away, this puzzle was timely as well as excellent problem solving practice. The students are rapidly mastering using Venn diagrams to organize their information in order to solve their puzzle.
Finally, we began discussing SLANG today. Students began exploring the meaning of "slang" and examining a few of the words that have been changed into slang over time such as "good," "bad," and "crazy." Students learned that slang once separated classes where now it typically separates generations.
9/20/2016: In Mrs. Nguyen's classroom, we began our day by distinguishing new vocabulary words, such as corporation, monopoly, capitalism, and stocks. The students continued building on their understanding of stocks by evaluating the importance of investing in a company through stocks., as well as how buying stock is a win-win for both the business owner and the shareholder. The students then had the opportunity to think creatively and critically as they pretended to be a famous innovator/inventor through an "Encounter" game in which they had to think on their feet in order to explain their newest invention, how they created it, and the challenges they faced during its creation. Lastly, in Current Events, the students communicated positive character traits displayed by the inspiring athletes of the Paralympics, which just came to a close in Rio. Next week the students will have a short 'show-me-what-you-know' over how to take an idea and turn it into profit. They should study their notes on this topic (inside their Enrichment folder) throughout the week.
In Mrs. Whiten's room, we completed our pre-1920s research and discussed life in tenements and mansions. Students decided on jobs they would most like to have and least like to have if they had lived in the time before the 1920s. They also discussed coach riding manners and leisure activities. Plus, they explained why they thought an icebox might keep foods cold and what they might store in an icebox. Students were surprised by how inexpensive items were, kids played a game called kick the can, and that few people had electricity. Fifth grade logical thinkers also used their critical thinking skills to analyze information and solve a puzzle using a Venn diagram. Finally, we continued the class read aloud, Blue Willow.
9/13/2016: In Mrs. Nguyen's classroom, we compared and contrasted inventors vs. innovators. The students used their critical thinking skills to evaluate whether various well-known figures from the early 1900s (e.g.. Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, etc.) were indeed inventors or actually innovators. There was even a great discussion on how Steve Jobs showed innovative thought in his development of the iPhone! Lastly, the students explored other inventors/innovators, such as Clarence Birdseye (frozen food) and John Wanamaker (department stores), to determine the need for their inventions/innovations at the turn of the century.
In Mrs. Whiten's classroom, students flexed their brains and employed their logical reasoning while solving a perplexing puzzle. They searched for facts through clues and organized their information in a Venn diagram. Using these figures, they drew inferences and decided the one right answer justified by evidence. Additionally, they developed their information seeking skills to gather historical data from a nonfiction text. They read informational texts and synthesized this information to answer questions and make judgements about life before the 1920s.
9/6/2016: In Mrs. Nguyen's classroom, we discussed if inventions are often improvements. The students supported their opinions with examples from the real world. Many students thought outside the box and considered that although inventions are often improvements for humans, they can be detrimental to the environment (ex: pollution from cars, factories, etc.). The students then worked in groups to add improvements to the cars of the future. We then learned more about Thomas Edison, including his achievements and struggles.. The students selected character traits that described Edison and justified it with examples from his life. Lastly, in Current Events, the students learned that drawing is one of the best ways to help our brains remember things. Check out the article here: http://goo.gl/GgTbgV
In Mrs. Whiten's room, we continued to research life prior to the 1900s. Students began to read a book called If you lived...100 Years Ago by Anna DeVito. They are really using their critical thinking skills to compare and contrast life in a New York City tenement to life in a mansion. Plus, they are evaluating which means of transportation they would prefer: horse, car, or bike. Fifth graders continued to explore the universal theme, interdependence, by creating a mind-map of personal interdependent relationships and the interdependent relationships those people have with others. The students defined the relationships in terms of the benefits received. Finally, students used their logical thinking skills to solve today's perplexing puzzle, Sports. Students had to use the clues to determine the number of boys that completed a survey. This week's puzzle included information that did not "fit" into their Venn diagrams but was quite important to correctly solve the puzzle. Several students were stumped, but most realized the seemingly irrelevant information was vital.
Research Challenge: What is slang? What are three slang words that originated in the 1920s?
8/30/2016: In Mrs. Nguyen's classroom, we continued our study on how the boom of inventions at the turn of the 20th century impacted life back then, as well as how it continues to impact life today. The students chose 1 important or interesting invention from the time period, and after conducting general research about that invention, determined what inventions/discoveries had to come before it to make it possible and what inventions have since occurred because of it. In Current Events, we analyzed the impact Rio Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte's "exaggeration" had on not only his swimming career, but also his endorsement deals. The students determined that one poor decision can negatively impact different aspects of a person's life.
In Mrs. Whiten's room, we discussed facts about the life of Americans in 1900. The students compared statistics such as average wages, life expectancies, and populations of that time period to the current time. Additionally, they predicted reasons for the population shift from rural to urban communities and the mortality rate. Finally, students used their critical thinking skills to distinguish how their lives would have been different had they lived over 100 years ago. They defended their thoughts by writing a paragraph explaining the differences and the reasons behind those differences.
Fifth graders engaged their brains as completed two number patterns and discussed how to find a pattern's rule. They also evaluated several analogies. Additionally, they used the counting principle to solve a problem which included several options. Finally, students used Venn diagrams to solve a perplexing logic puzzle by reading clues and placing the information into the proper section of the diagram. and connected the information they gathered to solve the puzzle. This week’s puzzle was A Book Signing. Students deduced how many people bought books at a local book signing.
Research Challenge: What are the current biggest industries in the US?
8/23/2016--Today was our first full Enrichment day! The students were so excited; Mrs. Nguyen and I were as well!
In Mrs. Whiten's room, our day consisted of "show-what-you-know" and playing with numbers. First of all, the students completed the 5th Grade Gifted pretest. This is a county-wide assessment that questions students on concepts that will be presented throughout the year in the Gifted classroom. At the end of the year, students will take the same assessment to show how much they have grown their brains this year. They worked hard and remained on task to truly show their current knowledge.
After that, students discovered the "magical" multiplication method called The Counting Principle. This is the mathematical way to compute the number of outcomes when there are multiple options. If you have a list of events (or choices) that occur in order(one after another). Ask your students to tell you about their "date options." Students also explored using Venn Diagrams as a method to solve logic problems involving multiple choices.Additionally, they completed number analogies and number patterns. It was exciting to see so many hands go up when I asked for volunteers to explain their thinking!
In Mrs. Nguyen's classroom, we began our unit on the Stock Market and 1920s. After sharing their existing knowledge of the Roaring 20s through Think/Pair/Share, the students analyzed sources of power over the centuries (ex: animals, steam, oil, electricity) and how this increase in power at the turn of the century helped create the economic and social boom of the 1920s. The students also compared and contrasted discoveries vs. inventions.
Research Challenge: How many US patents were issued in 1860?In 1921?
In Mrs. Whiten's classroom, students flexed their brains and employed their logical reasoning while solving a perplexing puzzle. They searched for facts through clues and organized their information in a Venn diagram. Using these figures, they drew inferences and decided the one right answer justified by evidence. Additionally, they developed their information seeking skills to gather historical data from a nonfiction text. They read informational texts and synthesized this information to answer questions and make judgements about life before the 1920s.
9/6/2016: In Mrs. Nguyen's classroom, we discussed if inventions are often improvements. The students supported their opinions with examples from the real world. Many students thought outside the box and considered that although inventions are often improvements for humans, they can be detrimental to the environment (ex: pollution from cars, factories, etc.). The students then worked in groups to add improvements to the cars of the future. We then learned more about Thomas Edison, including his achievements and struggles.. The students selected character traits that described Edison and justified it with examples from his life. Lastly, in Current Events, the students learned that drawing is one of the best ways to help our brains remember things. Check out the article here: http://goo.gl/GgTbgV
In Mrs. Whiten's room, we continued to research life prior to the 1900s. Students began to read a book called If you lived...100 Years Ago by Anna DeVito. They are really using their critical thinking skills to compare and contrast life in a New York City tenement to life in a mansion. Plus, they are evaluating which means of transportation they would prefer: horse, car, or bike. Fifth graders continued to explore the universal theme, interdependence, by creating a mind-map of personal interdependent relationships and the interdependent relationships those people have with others. The students defined the relationships in terms of the benefits received. Finally, students used their logical thinking skills to solve today's perplexing puzzle, Sports. Students had to use the clues to determine the number of boys that completed a survey. This week's puzzle included information that did not "fit" into their Venn diagrams but was quite important to correctly solve the puzzle. Several students were stumped, but most realized the seemingly irrelevant information was vital.
Research Challenge: What is slang? What are three slang words that originated in the 1920s?
8/30/2016: In Mrs. Nguyen's classroom, we continued our study on how the boom of inventions at the turn of the 20th century impacted life back then, as well as how it continues to impact life today. The students chose 1 important or interesting invention from the time period, and after conducting general research about that invention, determined what inventions/discoveries had to come before it to make it possible and what inventions have since occurred because of it. In Current Events, we analyzed the impact Rio Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte's "exaggeration" had on not only his swimming career, but also his endorsement deals. The students determined that one poor decision can negatively impact different aspects of a person's life.
In Mrs. Whiten's room, we discussed facts about the life of Americans in 1900. The students compared statistics such as average wages, life expectancies, and populations of that time period to the current time. Additionally, they predicted reasons for the population shift from rural to urban communities and the mortality rate. Finally, students used their critical thinking skills to distinguish how their lives would have been different had they lived over 100 years ago. They defended their thoughts by writing a paragraph explaining the differences and the reasons behind those differences.
Fifth graders engaged their brains as completed two number patterns and discussed how to find a pattern's rule. They also evaluated several analogies. Additionally, they used the counting principle to solve a problem which included several options. Finally, students used Venn diagrams to solve a perplexing logic puzzle by reading clues and placing the information into the proper section of the diagram. and connected the information they gathered to solve the puzzle. This week’s puzzle was A Book Signing. Students deduced how many people bought books at a local book signing.
Research Challenge: What are the current biggest industries in the US?
8/23/2016--Today was our first full Enrichment day! The students were so excited; Mrs. Nguyen and I were as well!
In Mrs. Whiten's room, our day consisted of "show-what-you-know" and playing with numbers. First of all, the students completed the 5th Grade Gifted pretest. This is a county-wide assessment that questions students on concepts that will be presented throughout the year in the Gifted classroom. At the end of the year, students will take the same assessment to show how much they have grown their brains this year. They worked hard and remained on task to truly show their current knowledge.
After that, students discovered the "magical" multiplication method called The Counting Principle. This is the mathematical way to compute the number of outcomes when there are multiple options. If you have a list of events (or choices) that occur in order(one after another). Ask your students to tell you about their "date options." Students also explored using Venn Diagrams as a method to solve logic problems involving multiple choices.Additionally, they completed number analogies and number patterns. It was exciting to see so many hands go up when I asked for volunteers to explain their thinking!
In Mrs. Nguyen's classroom, we began our unit on the Stock Market and 1920s. After sharing their existing knowledge of the Roaring 20s through Think/Pair/Share, the students analyzed sources of power over the centuries (ex: animals, steam, oil, electricity) and how this increase in power at the turn of the century helped create the economic and social boom of the 1920s. The students also compared and contrasted discoveries vs. inventions.
Research Challenge: How many US patents were issued in 1860?In 1921?
8/16/2016 Our half-day of Enrichment was filled with Dojo, word origins, and interdependence.
ClassDojo--The students were introduced to a positive behavior system Mrs. Nguyen and Mrs. Whiten will be using this year. Class Dojo is a behaviour management tool for the classroom. Each student has a profile – complete with his or her own avatar – to which we will assign positive and negative points (or 'dojos') throughout the day. Parents can monitor their students' behaviors by connecting with passwords specific to their own children. This site can also be used for communication and to share classroom experiences. We are excited to be able to share your child's day in this highly technical way!
Word Origins: Students analyzed and clarified the meaning of "Interdependence," the 5th grade Universal Theme. They brainstormed examples of relationships that were dependent, independent, and interdependent and highlighted the differences. Using the word origins, they formulated a definition for interdependent which they used for the next activity.
Interdependence: Fifth graders applied their knowledge of the meaning of "interdependence" to determine various interdependent relationships between the characters of the story, The Great Kapok Tree. They created a class interdependence web delineating the various relationships and demonstrating how each party benefited from the relationship. Then, they created a personal interdependence web based on mutually beneficial relationships in their own lives.
This year is going to be filled with opportunities for these 5th graders to stretch their brains, experience new thoughts and ideas, and continue on the path to being lifelong learners. We are excited with the possibilities!
ClassDojo--The students were introduced to a positive behavior system Mrs. Nguyen and Mrs. Whiten will be using this year. Class Dojo is a behaviour management tool for the classroom. Each student has a profile – complete with his or her own avatar – to which we will assign positive and negative points (or 'dojos') throughout the day. Parents can monitor their students' behaviors by connecting with passwords specific to their own children. This site can also be used for communication and to share classroom experiences. We are excited to be able to share your child's day in this highly technical way!
Word Origins: Students analyzed and clarified the meaning of "Interdependence," the 5th grade Universal Theme. They brainstormed examples of relationships that were dependent, independent, and interdependent and highlighted the differences. Using the word origins, they formulated a definition for interdependent which they used for the next activity.
Interdependence: Fifth graders applied their knowledge of the meaning of "interdependence" to determine various interdependent relationships between the characters of the story, The Great Kapok Tree. They created a class interdependence web delineating the various relationships and demonstrating how each party benefited from the relationship. Then, they created a personal interdependence web based on mutually beneficial relationships in their own lives.
This year is going to be filled with opportunities for these 5th graders to stretch their brains, experience new thoughts and ideas, and continue on the path to being lifelong learners. We are excited with the possibilities!
August 9, 2016--This week in Enrichment, although fifth graders only met with Mrs. Nguyen and Mrs. Whiten for an hour, they were certainly utilizing their critical thinking skills. The students introduced themselves to Crabapple Lane's newest Enrichment teacher, Mrs. Kari Nguyen. Then, they were presented with a list of facts about both Mrs. Whiten and Mrs. Nguyen. They analyzed the facts recognizing the differences and similarities among the two teachers and carefully distinguished which fact belonged to each teacher as they sorted the information into three categories: About Mrs. Whiten; About Mrs. Nguyen; and About Both Teacher.s. They were also evaluating the credibility of sources of information ("Can we really believe Mrs. Whiten or do you think she's tricking us?") After the students had an opportunity to sort the facts, the class created a Venn diagram based on information provided by the teachers.
Next week: Students will meet with Mrs. Whiten and Mrs. Nguyen for 1/2 day on Tuesday. Please remember to bring your supplies (pencil pouch to leave in the classroom and Enrichment folder to travel back and forth from school and home) as well as your Enrichment Student Information Sheet.
Next week: Students will meet with Mrs. Whiten and Mrs. Nguyen for 1/2 day on Tuesday. Please remember to bring your supplies (pencil pouch to leave in the classroom and Enrichment folder to travel back and forth from school and home) as well as your Enrichment Student Information Sheet.