This week the grade levels are building a tower with time and material constraints in place. The teams have 50 note cards and 24" of masking tape. The teams work together to build the tallest possible tower in 60 minutes AFTER they brainstorm and plan for 25 minutes. After the teams measure and debrief they are allowed to return to the towers to make improvements based on what they learned from each other.
Today, second grade is rocking the tower build challenge! I have seen so much cooperative problem-solving at work! I love how they are learning from their mistakes and working together! Kinder had a creative and squiggly first day! I am impressed with my new friends! Each student was able to draw from their own creativity to create something from a simple squiggle. We talked about how we each have different ideas and how it is okay to not be perfect! We also learned a good bit about each other! Our guest speaker from the PTA reinforced the idea that we are all differently-abled and should embrace our uniqueness! Check out the LLOYD BACHRACH video at Yes You Can. Thank you PTA for giving us this program.
I look forward to next week! First through 5th will be building geodesic domes with newspaper and tape. Send your papers in if you have any! We'll also learn about several architects along the way. Kinder will continue to work on creativity and problem-solving! We'll throw in a building activity, as well. Please check the MORE... pages at the top of this page for more information on Destination Imagination, KPGT, and Camp Invention. All of these organizations work to better our GT community and provide services for your children. As always, thank you for the privilege of working with your children. -Mrs. Swindell Welcome to the MJE Challenge website! I will use this to communicate with parents beginning this week. It is my goal to provide links to important district paperwork and dates, as well as keeping you updated on our weekly happenings.
Thank you to everyone who helped out with the HMNS field trip! We couldn't have had a successful field trip without your help! Shout out to Mrs. Storemski for hauling our lunches on both days! If you have any newspapers ready to recycle can you please send them my way? You can send them with your child or drop them at the front office. I appreciate donations in any amount! |
AuthorTanya Swindell, MJE Challenge teacher Archives
September 2017
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