I want to begin by offering my apologies for not using our class blog to update you about what is happening in our classroom. While I have sent many email updates and posted pictures on Instagram, I realize I have not taken the opportunity to regularly share the everyday events taking place at school. I plan to blog at least once a month to share this information with you. Now, onto the classroom…
Twice in the past two weeks, we put our geography skills to the test by Mystery Skyping with another class. During a Mystery Skype, each class tries to guess the location of the other by asking questions that can be answered by "Yes" or "No." During the Skype, each student is assigned a job. Two students act as spokesmen for our class, asking and answering questions. The “Think Tank” analyzes information in atlases, on wall maps, and on google maps to determine the next question to ask. Others are checking to accurately answer the questions posed by the other class. Two runners relay the answers and questions. One person is the greeter and photographer, another records questions asked, while another records what we learn after each of our questions is answered. It’s a busy and very productive half hour!
Our first Skype was with a 5th grade class in Evergreen Park, Illinois, and our second was with a 5th grade class in Irvine, California. After each class guesses the location of the other, we spend a little time sharing information about our town or city with one another. We learned at Orchard Hills Middle School there are 256 5th graders!
My plan is to Mystery Skype with other classes once or twice a month, keeping our geography skills fresh. Ultimately, my hope is to connect with a class in another country - which may present the opportunity for an evening Mystery Skype! You can keep up-to-date with the schools we Skype with on our class website.
In Social Studies, we are learning about three early American civilizations: the Mayans, Incans and Aztecs. By studying these civilizations, we will better understand the impact of early European explorers.
We ventured into the world of blogging by initially writing blog posts on paper. Next, we learned the art of commenting on blogs- how to add to the conversation. With blogging and commenting comes a high level of personal responsibility, so we discussed the dos and don’ts of making public posts. Our first blogs went public this week! Please take a moment to read and comment on the children’s blogs. You can access them at: https://kidblog.org/class/Bloggingin5R/posts.
I hope your family has a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.
 |
 |
| This slideshow made with Smilebox |
