Research and presentations in Enrichment Group

For our final Enrichment groups the students were tasked with choosing a topic, doing some research, preparing a presentation, and presenting first to the group and then to their class.  We started with a lesson on how to find information in the library and the students played a game that required them to utilize the Dewey Decimal System to find books.  The following week we talked about how to do research online and how to determine if the information if fact or opinion.  After the lesson both days the students had time to do some research on the topic of their choice.  For the third lesson we talked about different ways to present information, either physically or digitally.  The students were given a choice of three presentation methods (poster, Padlet, or Google Slides) and had time to start their presentations.  For the remaining classes they worked on their research and presentations.

I was surprised and pleased with the variety of topics they chose.  We learned about gorillas, dolphins, Labradors, dog behaviors, Ancient Egypy, common languages of the world, God, Phillipa Soo, and how to speak Hawaiian.

Second graders presenting on Ancient Egypt.

A Padlet presentation about chimpanzees.

A Padlet presentation about dolphins.

A Google Slides presentation about dogs.

Unfortunately we had some scheduling conflicts so the fourth and fifth graders didn't get to present to the group.  I encouraged them talk with their teachers about presenting to the class instead.

Inquiry-based learning is where we are all headed, so I really enjoyed this chance to let the students choose their own topics and fully own their learning.  I was impressed with the information they learned.

Presentations (click on the images to view full presentation)

Google Slide presentations
Simone Biles

Hawaii

Dogs

Still in progress...

Google Slide presentations still in progress...
Languages

God and the Bible

Dynamic Landscapes

I'm here at Dynamic Landscapes in beautiful Burlington, Vermont today and yesterday (which was rainy and less beautiful).  There is so much great information here and inspiring student projects.

 

Yesterday I attended a presentation panel about Book Battles and a variety of ways do host them.  I am excited to do a Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Battle with my 4th and 5th graders next year! 

In the afternoon I went to a fun workshop about "Putting the Creative in STEM" where we played with Spheros, Dash, and a basketball that can provide feedback to help you improve your game!

This morning I attended a presentation by Diana Laufenberg about how help kids determine what is true in this age of alternative facts and truthiness.  There was a great discussion about what it means to be a kid these days and from that I came away with several ideas include in my digital safety lessons. I just finished an eye-opening presentation on copyright and the Creative Commons.  So much to know and so much knowledge to share!

On deck for the afternoon is info about Vermont Online Library, Red Clover books, and putting it all into action! 

UPDATE:  The Red Clover presentation was excellent and full of creative ideas by Beth Redford and M.C. Baker.

Tiny little rock penguins to accompany the book Penguin Problems, by Jory John.  Art project by M.C. Baker.

M.C. Baker had a fun "marbled box" project to go along with Daniel Finds a Poem, by Micha Archer.  The box is a beautiful place to keep your words or poetry, and the project is so easy and fun!

Art project by M.C. Baker.

This is the box I made!  The rubber bands are holding it together while the glue dries. 

After the Red Clover presentation I ended up going to a panel discussion called "Empower, Educate, Engage: Combining Data, Stories, and Conversations to Develop Community Partnerships at All Levels," led by Heidi Heustis.  This was panel covered a variety of topics including data collection, identifying key stakeholders, promoting your library, and more; all around the idea of increase awareness about who you are and what goes on in the library.  I came away with a better understanding of the importance of tracking data, communicating with stakeholders, and documenting accomplishments (and data) each year.  

A Think3d! paper chain

Airplane Engineering

In 1B this afternoon we read Rosie Revere, Engineer and Violet the Pilot, both books about creative children building flying machines.  The kids loved the books and were inspired!

            

The first graders were inspired and went right to work building their own airplanes out of paper and Legos.  Everyone wants to fly!

Last week to check out books!

Believe it or not the school year is quickly coming to a close!  This is the last week for students to check out books from the school library.  I am talking with each class this week about why we need to stop check-outs before the end of school and about the importance of returning all library books before June 15th.  I have the big job of inventorying all the books in the library and it will be much easier if the books are here. :)

Next week I will send home overdue notices.  Please help your child find any missing books and send them back to school.  If you find books that have been damaged, please send them back as well.  I'd like to see them and update our catalog appropriately.  If you cannot find a book after searching high and low, please let me know.  I'll mark it lost in the catalog.  I don't want any child to have to start the new school year in August with "over due book" notices.

Imagination Playground kindergartners

Because sometimes you just have to build!

Thank you notes

A sweet delivery girl.  :)

Today the students who earned Standing O's got to deliver all the thank you notes to the teachers.  The children wrote adorable and thoughtful notes.  I felt very appreciated when I read my notes and very happy when I ate some treats.

My thank you note bundle.

And tasty treats galore!

Thanks DBS community!