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.

Fall Festival Fun!

Why should all the fun happen only during the school week? This past Saturday, Liberty's PTA sponsored a fun filled Fall Festival. Children shared the afternoon socializing, playing games, decorating crafts and indulging in snack foods. Who knew a waffle on a stick could be so delicious? Couldn't make it? Don't worry! The Fall Festival is an annual event. Can't wait that long? Whatch the fliers for coming events.

Inspired Students Learn To Sing and Sign!

Today in class, we learned about a famous and influential women. Helen Keller!

As a child, Helen Keller lost her sight and hearing after an illness. Having a disability did not prevent Helen Keller from going to college or helping others.  Helen advocated for the blind developing awareness, money and support. Her influence on people created a better life for others.

Helen learned sign language to communicate. We had a lot of fun learning to use sign language while we sang a friendship song.