This week, 3rd grade students were introduced to the comparison matrix, an organization tool used for research to compare two or more components within a given topic. Although 3rd graders are wrapping up their life cycle unit in the classroom, we're building upon their new knowledge by introducing this research tool. By starting with a topic they now have some background knowledge in, students will hopefully be able to use a comparison matrix for future library projects in third and fourth grade regarding topics that they are less familiar with. This week began with researching facts related to animal life cycles for snakes, rats, dogs, and frogs by answering the specific questions on the matrix. Students worked with an iPad in small teams to gather this information from some of our nonfiction ebooks. Next week, teams will continue this same process with new matrix questions to learn more about specific plant life cycles. During our third and final week of this activity, students will learn how to use the comparison matrix in order to identify similarities and differences between the specific animals and plants they researched through this process. Below are the animal matrix and ebooks that students used to complete this first phase of our "mini-unit".
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This week, all of our grade levels participated in events to celebrate International Dot Day based on the book The Dot by Peter Reynolds. Our youngest Bobcats (K-1), watched a video rendition of the story, danced to "the Dot Day song", and colored their own dot circles to their their own mark here at Langston Hughes. Their dot project murals can be found on our interior library windows. Our 2nd-5th grade students also watched the video version of the story and used it as a jumping off point to discuss growth mindset. Students discussed how the following growth mindset statements applied to The Dot:
2nd and 3rd grade students completed a building challenge in teams of two attempting to create the longest paper chain using limited materials. Our longest chain was just over 100 inches! The only grade level to complete an individual challenge was 4th grade. They were required to use three predetermined dots on a piece of paper to create an animal (and possibly its habitat or items it might use - this was optional). Each class selected the three illustrations they believed integrated the dots into their pictures the best. Watching their creativity at work was lots of fun! 5th grade students completed a building challenge in teams of two or three, attempting to create the tallest dot sticker tower. We saw a wide variety of strategies, some of which are shown below.
This week, our 3rd-5th grade students learned about our 2018-2019 William Allen White book nominees and theme. More information is located in the William Allen White tab towards the top of the page. Please remember that participation is not a requirement. Students who would like to be able to vote come mid-April, need to have the minimum amount of books read by that time.
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CategoriesJenny WilliamsAfter 8 years in the classroom, I'm very eager and excited to be in my 5th year as Library Media Specialist in the Learning Commons of Langston Hughes! Archives
April 2019
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