The beginning of the year. New friends. New teacher. New classroom. Most kids struggle with the reality that friends are really important in third grade and oh my, none of my friends are in my class. By third grade most kids know how to walk in line, know how to raise their hands, know the routines of a normal school day -- and if they don't, well, they learn quick. The biggest challenge a teacher faces in third grade is building a sense of community, quick! It makes or breaks a school year. It's important in my class because we do a lot of cooperative learning, group projects, and I teach the students to rely on one another for help, answers, and teamwork. But building that when you only know one kid, or maybe no kids....it's really tough. This activity was a turning point in our classroom! It was the moment I think they all got it, they felt safe, cared for, and most of all they ALL accomplished something together. It was the AHA...we are a community, a family, we are all in this together. I pull "sticks" with the students numbers on them and form random groups and they resist...but it's effective. I gave them 6 red cups, 4 pieces of string, one rubber band and a task. They had to set up the cups then move them working as a group and moving them together at the same time. I told them no strategy or "trick". They were so scared of how hard it would be. They all thought they couldn't do it. Some had a few failed attempts, but they were determined to figure it out. And when they did.....the beaming faces in the photos tell how proud they were! This is why I have the BEST job in the world! We are off to such a great year...you can feel it when you walk in the classroom :0)
How fortunate are we??? We have an amazing technology lab a.k.a. SPARK LOUNGE and Mrs. Couvillion has prepared it with some really neat things. These include top of the line specialized furniture to optimize free learning and movement of the space like hokki stools, fatboy bags, a comfy couch, and sleek chairs. We were the FIRST class to embark on some new center rotations that she set up, including programming, typing, iPad apps, and will eventually transition into lego robotics. Here are some photos of our adventures
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