Julie’s Class Notes

These first few weeks of school, have been spent forming our classroom and greater school community; setting norms and expectations, acquainting ourselves with routines and protocols, and having fun!

Our first class project was building a solar oven. Students learned how to maximize the use of material without causing excess waste, use tools carefully and effectively, and help out classmates when they could. We also got to eat yummy s’mores which cooked very nicely in the ovens.

We then transitioned to working collaboratively in small groups to design and build, “Challenge Bots”. The one expectation was that the bots needed to walk when completed, anything beyond that, the kids could decide. Each group had to agree on one cohesive element that connected their bots. Each student in the group could design their own bot, including the element agreed upon. This was our first intentionally collaborative project, and we will soon reflect on what worked, what could be improved, and each students’ own role in their group.

The kids have started writing creative stories. We have dedicated time for them to identify misspelled words from their own writing. They are bringing home the words they need to practice spelling, so please, check in with them about that. They could use support practicing the spellings at home, as well as in school. They will add to their list each week.