What I have learned?

I have to say that I have learned a great deal about the new essential and core standards. I feel more confident about implementing them in the future. I also really like the integrated units. I learned alot from that experience as well. Everyone seemed to do a great job! The units were phenomenal. I look forward to potentially using some ideas from them.

I hope that everyone has a super, safe summer! I plan to spend time with my son who will be leaving for college soon. August will be tough for me, so I will need to stay BUSY! Bye ya'll~Peace!

Assessment :)

ASSESSMENTS....Let's see...

As a Pre~K teacher, my assessments are ussually pretty informal. For example: Anectodal notes are essential in my classroom. I use a ring of multi~colored index cards that are tabbed for each individual student. I can easily carry them with me or attach them to my belt loop. I record notes that include "A~HA" moments, positive and negative choices, behavior, milestones and observations of center choices, peer preferences, etc.
I also have informal student~teacher conferences for reflection, feedback, and general praise and encouragement. In addition, I keep individual student portfolios of student work throughout the year.

One of the assessments that our group will be using in our unit is journal writing. This is a great way to self-assess and reflect.Iin addition, we will be using a KWL chart to establish what students know, want to know and what they have learned."

My great grandparents

Hey everyone! I came across this picture of my maternal great grandparents. This picture was taken in 1911 I believe. I am not sure of their ages, but I am investigating that.

integrated unit

So, after working on the integrated unit for soooooo many hours, I feel pretty good about where we are. We have a liitle more to add but, we are close. It was a little overwhelming at first, but with three heads, we figured it out and moved on. I think that the unit itself will be one that will be implemented in my classroom. I look forward to being able to do that since I love the whole theme and historical connections.
Good luck everyone and remember.....WE ARE HALFWAY TO GRADUATION!!!!!!!

Tracey

Task 3

Micronesian, Caroline Islands
Coconut grater,
Wood, mother-of-pearl (nacre), twine
1ft 3in x 11in x 2ft 0in (38.1cm x 27.9cm x 61cm)
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Hanes
LINK: http://ncmoa.org/artnc/artifact.php?artifactid=71

Grade level:
2nd/3rd

Content areas:
Social Studies
Language Arts
Art
Technology

I thought that this was a beautiful artifact especially when I realized it's purpose.Women could actually stradle the seat and grate coconuts from the top of the structure. Since coconuts were a primary staple, this structure was highly useful.

After introducing students to this work of art and the history and details of it,I thought that it would be interesting to have students write about an invention of their own. For example: given a prompt like" My invention will create ___________." I would then encourage students to brainstorm things that they could create to make life easier. I may even brainstorm some ideas pre-writing to assist students that may be having difficulty in ideas.  

I would also give students the option of drawing a picture of their creation or actually creating something from an array of materials of their choice. As a modification, students may do either the writing prompt, the art activity or both.



I also would show students the Caroline Islands and discuss further food sources or other interesting facts.
 Here is an informative link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caroline_Islands

Task 2~ Unit II Melber & Hunter

As I was reading Unit II, I decided to go with strategy 10 on p.70 (Incorporating Service Learning). Since I want to include responsibility and good citizenship in my unit ,I choose to modify the K-2nd grade activiites on p.72.

Activity one: Read aloud: The Little Red Hen

Activity two: Brainstorm small ways that students could help in the community, the classroom, and at home.

Activity three: Then write "I will help __________." sentences. Start by writing "I will help bake bread." (the cat)  Write each sentence on chart paper, writing their name at the end of the sentence. Reread each sentence tracking the print.

Activity four: Graph and discuss student's favorite version of the story.

Activity five: Plant grains of wheat and chart the growth: Note: students must be responsible when taking care of living things.

Activity six: Make stick puppets and role play responsibility and good citizenship.

Activity seven: Have fun with this song~

The Little Red Hen's Song
This is the way I plant the seed, plant the seed, plant the seed.
This is the way I plant the seed
so early in the morning!

Repeat using the following verses in the above blanks...
water the wheat.
cut the wheat.
go to the mill.
make the dough.
bake the bread.
eat the bread.

Task 1 ~ Chapter 4

As I read chapter 4, it was helpful in how I am planning to organize my integrated unit. First, the topic of my unit "Farming" is broad. But, I realize as I plan, I must be clear and direct about what specifically I want students to learn.
Farming is a theme that covers a large area of material. I can also see all subjects easily integrated. So, instead of focusing on a "farmer" it seems more beneficial to introduce "farms". Students will be able to see the big picture as a result.
Some examples of concepts that I plan to include in my unit are: Science~weather/seasons, community~ how farmers benefit the community, Technology~ virtual field trip to a farm and food chains. These are just a few of the ideas I have thought of.

The "big ideas" in the unit may include:
What did farms used to look like?
How have farms changed over time?
Why do we need farms?


I think I know what I want to teach, but I have to figure out how I am going to teach the material. This will come as I look at goals/objectives and standards! I hope?!!!

Good luck everyone! We can do this!