Hour Of Code

What is Hour of Code?

Hour of Code is a nationwide initiative to introduce computer coding to children. Hour of code activities demonstrates that anyone can learn the basics of computer coding. 

While in the computer lab, our class was presented with a series of character puzzles. Through these puzzles, students were challenged to move characters around the screen. To move the characters, the students had to decided how to tell the computer exactly how many steps and in which direction. 

Sounds simple don't you think? Give it a try! Links to Hour of Code puzzles can be found on our class / school website.   

Further information about Hour of Code can be found at : Hour of Code

Rust Sanctuary

Rain and shine, we had a              GREAT time! 

Rain before our trip brought out the best of Rust Sanctuary. The forest was alive, full of activity and ready to share all of its secrets. During our trail hike, students were encouraged to listen for all the differing sounds made in nature. Take a moment to think about what we may have heard. Ask your child, what did he/she hear?

Who could walk through such beauty without touching and exploring? NOT US! Our naturalist taught us to roll logs away from our body and explore all we could find underneath. Our most interesting items were lifted from the ground with spoons and placed in specimen jars to share and discuss. 

A bird house provides what for an animal?

Can you find the slug?

Do you remember the name of the invasive plant found in the pond?

Ponds, where no moving water exist, provides a great habitat for plants and animals alike. Even in the cooler weather, this habitat is working hard! No fall day is complete without playing in a pile of leaves!

No fall day is complete without playing in a leaf pile!

Many, Many Thanks to our chaperons; Mrs. Burgos, Mrs. Jain, Mrs. Kim and Mrs. Schroeder. It was wonderful having you join us. We couldn't have done it without you. 

Jamestown Visits Room 22

Virginia Classroom Outreach Program

When we can't go to the museum, bring the museum to the classroom! Students examined artifact replicas to gain a greater understanding of the Powhatan Indians. We learned how the Indians used natural resources from their environment to meet their day to day needs. How each and every tool, piece of clothing and food came from nature. Each student had an opportunity to try on clothing, tools or participate in an activity as they did in long ago. What better way to get acquainted with history than acting it out!

Habitats

What better way is there to apply our understanding of habitats than by creating one?

During the first quarter of school, students deepen their understanding of habitats; the tundra, the rainforest, the desert and the forest.  After exploring living versus non-living things, students identified the four things living things need in order to survive: food, water, shelter and space. Habitats have similar and differing climates, plants and animal but adapt and change over time. The class observed how the forest surrounding our school was currently changing due to construction and change of seasons.

Using our knowledge of habitats, students were challenged through STEM to create a habitat including all components needed for a chosen animal to survive. Because they are a classroom of thinkers, the students included three ways the habitat changes and a movable part. 

Materials for the project included: scissors, construction paper, tape, craft sticks, colorful string, strong hole punches, gold brads and great imaginations. 

Students planned, designed and created habitats. Upon completion, everyone gathered together to present and review the differing habitat designs. Who knew the same type of habitat could be represented in so many different ways?  With each presentation, the class discovered new ways to design and re-engineer work. The teacher couldn't help being impressed with all the hard and thoughtful work! Job well done! 

Super Search!

SEARCH!  Seeking Educational Alternatives to Reach and Challenge Higher

SEARCH teachers work within the classroom to stimulate curiosity, practice problem solving strategies, incorporate cooperative learning activities, provide opportunities for students to use higher level thinking skills, and to identify students with exceptional ability. During the lessons the primary classroom teacher makes observations to gain insight into the students’ various skills, strengths, and learning styles. Both teachers work cooperatively to recognize and develop the potential for excellence in each student.


Today's Halloween themed lesson combined the enjoyment of a story and the use of tangrams; a Chinese puzzle consisting of 7 pieces. Throughout the story,
students flipped, rotated, turned and slid geometric shapes to create the different scary animal characters. With great excitement, students found success with problem solving strategies.


While the classroom was noisy at times, conversations were engaging and strategic. 

We are looking forward to opening many new doors using our SEARCH thinking keys in future lessons!

The Thinking Keys:

Connecting

Reasoning

Creating

Perceiving

Evaluating

Mrs. Schoenly, our school SEARCH teacher, provides many resources for students. Please be sure to follow the link below and check out her web page. 

Link to Mrs. Schoenly's Web Page

Field Day

The weather was PERFECT for our October field day.

 The pictures tell the story best.