Tis the Season...

In school, the time between Thanksgiving and the December Holiday break is always an adventure. Between field trips and special school events, life is quite busy. From a social perspective, the past two Wednesdays have been exciting. Two weeks ago, our field trip to the Dartmouth Womens' Basketball game was a thrilling experience with Dartmouth winning the game and many positive life skills messages from Dartmouth student-athletes. Last Wednesday, we attended Northern Stage's musical production of "Matilda." The show lasted two hours and twenty minutes and the audience was captivated by the performance. Instead of worrying about who might need to go to the restroom, it was a "where did the time go" magical show.

Our fifth graders are have been exploring maps from the 1500s, 1600s, and 1700s together to discover information about the impact of the exploration of North America during those time periods. We are finishing our study of the Chinese explorer, Zheng He, who may have "discovered" the Americas before Columbus, and are about to go on to learn about Viking explorations in North America. In our Scholastic News magazines, students continue to learn about important events in our world.

In Sixth Grade, we are enjoying the finale of our study of ancient Greece and its impact on our modern world by watching a 1997 movie version of "The Odyssey." Sixth graders were excited to share their research and products at our recent "Ancient Greece Exhibition" night. Thank you for your support and the tasty, "mostly" Greek recipes shared that evening. This week, we will begin studying how our Connecticut River Valley was settled by colonial settlers and our Rivendell towns began. Independent current events articles continue and students are reporting out fascinating events taking place globally.

Happy Holidays everyone!

We are having many positive conversations these days!

Our Fifth Graders worked thoughtfully last week as they reflected on their work in Social Studies through their Personal Learning Plans. If you ever have any questions about our work together, please contact me.

We are reading Russell Freedman's Who Was First: The Discovery of the Americas. As we read and discuss, we are identifying key ideas together and students are now beginning to take notes in their journals on the ideas that stand out for them. I have been impressed with their insights and how they build on one another's ideas. We continued our Scholastic News current events studies. This week, students will write summaries of the feature article. Last week, we used our "close reads" to create outlines for the summaries. Later this week, students will begin a new issue of Scholastic News.

In Sixth Grade, student are beginning their Ancient Greece Research Projects. This week, they will decide on research themes, partners, create essential questions that drive their research, and take notes as they dive into their project research. Students will be bringing home project outlines for parents to approve. Students will continue to independently choose current events articles, summarizing their thinking in reflective writing.

Lots of learning adventures ahead!

In Fifth Grade, we are beginning to explore the "discovery" of the Americas. Together, we are reading, discussing and taking notes on, "Who Was First?: Discovering the Americas" by Russell Freedman. We are studying maps from the "age of explorers" as well as images of the time plus other texts. It is a challenge to reimagine our history. When I was growing up, there was no doubt that Christopher Columbus "discovered" the Americas. Now, we know that others visited the Americas before Columbus did. As we study together, students will have the opportunity to draw their own conclusions about who did discover the Americas.

Fifth Graders continue to read Scholastic News as a current events study. They have made real progress in learning to "close read" text in order to think carefully and determine the most important ideas in what they read. We are learning to create outlines so that we can organize and plan our written responses to what we read.

Sixth Graders are about to begin independent research projects on the "Golden Age" of ancient Greece. Last week, our Sixth Graders shared their oral storytelling of Aesop's Fables and Greek Myths with Kindergarten and First Grade students. There were many smiles and lots of laughter as students shared their stories. We are finishing our shared reading of "The Odyssey" by Homer. Students will be writing reflections on the "theme" of The Odyssey later this week. Through their reading and taking notes on the Kids Discover issue of "Ancient Greece," students have explored the many "firsts" that were created in math, science, architecture, the arts, and medicine during the "Golden Age." This week, students will be selecting topics based on the question, "How does the civilization of ancient Greece continue to influence our world today?" On Wednesday, December 28th, at 6:00 PM, students will share the results of their research, and the projects they create and build to express their understanding of their topics. Stay tuned...

I am impressed by the diversity and quality of the current events articles sixth graders are choosing to read, summarize and discuss together.

Busy Times in Social Studies

In Fifth Grade Social Studies, we are considering how historians use primary and secondary sources to refine our understanding of the history of human beings. We have been studying the discovery in 1991 of Otzi the Iceman in the Italian Alps. Through the study of this 5,300-year-old "ice mummy" and the possessions (artifacts) found with him, we have learned so much more about how people in Europe lived at the end of the "Stone Age." We are brainstorming key ideas, taking notes, and preparing to use our notes to prepare an outline, and write a one to two paragraph summary on the question, "How has the discovery of Otzi, the Iceman helped historians learn new information about how humans lived in the "Stone Age?" We continue to read our Scholastic News magazines. The latest issue focusing on fighting wildfires in the west. I am impressed with the creative curiosity and focus of our fifth-grade students.

In Sixth Grade Social Studies, we continue to explore the "Golden Age" of ancient Athens, Greece. As we read The Odyssey together in a readers theater format, we are identifying how this classic story informs us about ancient Greek values and their culture. (Students are demonstrating a real enthusiasm for reading this graphic novel version.) We are doing Critical Explorations of images of ancient Greek artifacts and their art. Presently, we are summarizing key concepts connected to Greek civilization as we read and take notes on the Kids Discover issue of "Ancient Greece." By the end of this week, students will begin making choices about their independent research projects based on the question, "How does Greece's "golden age" continue to influence our world today? Students continue to choose their own current events articles each week, write a summary of the key ideas in the article, then share their topics with one another.

Welcome to Tools For Learning!

Welcome to Tools For Learning...our fifth and sixth grade Social Studies blog at Samuel Morey Elementary School. I hope you will find this blog informative. Students may use this blog for general information and research purposes, to find current events articles, and to further explore themes we are studying in class.

Sixth Grade students are already using the Current Events section to select articles they want to read. Please check out our blog by exploring some of the features and let me know if you would like to add any links to make our blog even better.

Regards,

Gordon Christie-Maples

4Cs: Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Creativity

The "4Cs: Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Creativity" are the touchstones of learning. This past week in class, we viewed a short animated video together entitled, "Above and Beyond," by fablevision. The video was well received by our students. It fit right into the discussions and practice we have been sharing concerning the value of the "4Cs." Above and Beyond was originally posted on the Partnership for 21st Century Skills site. I saw it again tonight on the  elearning blog "Don't Waste Your Time" and thought it would be worth sharing directly on our blog. "Above and Beyond" promotes the creative potential and value of working with people who have different perspectives. The principles embodied by the "4Cs" have the real power to help us optimize our learning potential. Click here to check out "Above and Beyond."

The Value of Community & Collaboration

This is truly exciting work. This evening I developed a Mind Map which outlines the social learning and collaboration applications of several of the digital tools I am currently becoming acquainted with. I have included potential connections to ongoing Language Arts and Social Studies learning opportunities and projects. Embedded in the three center connections of the Mind Map are links to two exciting video clips on the value of social learning and collaboration in our 21st Century, digital world. There is also a link to an article entitled, "Minds on Fire" by  John Seely Brown and Richard P. Adle. The premise is that understanding is enhanced through social communication. It is worth a look. Click here to get to the Mind Map:

Bloom's Taxonomy: the digital version

Blooms Taxonomy is a classic educational matrix that identifies the human thinking process from lower to higher thinking skills. An article in Tech & Learning, entitled "Blooms Taxonomy Blooms Digitally"by Andrew Churches , provides an updated IT model.

 Below you find an excerpt from this article, a new adaptation of Bloom's design that includes verbs describing the thinking process as well "digital verbs" in blue, or learning application examples connected to these thinking skills. I understand that the font is tiny, but it is worth a "closer look" to consider the many ways in which the use of digital learning tools can promote higher level thinking and learning skills.

Click here to access the full article.

Critical Thinking Skills & Inquiry Based Learning

Would you like online tools that can help you solve problems, organize your thinking, collaborate with others and reflect on what you have learned? In our efforts to continue to define what it means to enhance "21st Century Education", it is important to emphasize the importance of developing and practicing critical thinking skills. Whether taken from the perspective of independent or collaborative learning, the inquiry based learning process is enhanced when you have effective tools to help you develop your work through out the learning process. Happily, there are wonderful tools today whose sole purpose is to help students organize their thinking process at every stage of inquiry. I have created and attached a mind map which provides examples of different elements of critical thinking and online digital tools students may access for support in the learning process. Enjoy. Practicing Critical Thinking Skills

CONVERGE: Center for Digital Education

One of the great challenges, and pleasures, of the Web 2.0 tools course I am currently taking is the many new learning opportunities and connections I am becoming aware of each week. There are more discoveries than I can do justice to at one time or in one week. However, I am bookmarking new discoveries and looking forward to future explorations and the possibilities of digital learning and education. Just now, I have spent a bit of time previewing CONVERGE: a blog sponsored by the Center for Digital Education. It is worth a look for parents and educators. This blog offers a wide variety of articles and papers on emerging learning possibilities in digital education. It was with some interest then that I read a review on: "Literacy: Traditional Reading Skills Necessary for Digital Literacy" by Jessica Jones on January 13, 2009. This paper focused on the skills needed in a 21st Century eductation: "Digital-age literacy...Inventive thinking...Effective communication...High productivity. Tucked within this list of key words were the words, basic literacy. '"Basic literacy is defined in the report as "language proficiency in English and numeracy at levels necessary to function on the job and in society to achieve one's goals and to develop one's knowledge and potential in the Digital Age."' The three Rs are still very important, learning to read comprehensively, to write effectively and to be proficient in math. Food for thought... For those interested in where "best practices" in digital eduction are headed, click here to check out CONVERGE.

Time To "Rev" Up The Postings and Web 2.0 Tools

Last year, I found this blog to be very helpful to us in our Social Studies classes. It made accessing student friendly Internet links that supported our inquiry much easier to find. We were able to log in and go. Over time I have added new categories to the links in an effort to streamline and make student options more visible.

At the same time, the communication that is possible through a blog has been lacking. I have decided to "rev" up the postings. I will share weekly updates on our work together. I will post project assignments and exemplars.

Presently, I am taking an online Web 2.0 Collaborative Instruction course through the Virtual High School. I have added some new links associated with the new tools I am learning about through VHS. One of my assignments is to post a link to a "mind map" that identifies digital tools that are designed to support our learning. The link below will connect you to mind42.com and the mind map I have begun:

Web 2.0 Curriculum Connections

Welcome!

I hope you will find this blog to be a useful resource in your studies this school year.

Welcome Samuel Morey Elementary School Students!

"educationworld.jpg." me.edu.eu. Web. 17 Aug 2010.

This blog is designed to be a tool you can use to access web based resources. You will be able to use the links on both sides of the blog page to connect to search engines, an online dictionary, as well as Language Arts and Social Studies websites. These websites will allow you to independently research topics we are exploring together in class, along with access to related learning games and activities. The Post section you are reading now will provide updates on class news and assignments. You, along your parents and guardians will be able to ask questions and make comments through the Post section.

Comments: You may post questions and comments to me. In order to do so, go to the bottom of the post section and click on "comments" in the lower right hand corner. A text box will pop up and you can write a question or a comment and "post" it on the blog. I will receive an e-mail notice on my Rivendell e-mail account whenever you do so.

Reactions: You may give me quick feedback about a post by clicking on "helpful" or "not helpful" on the last line of the post section.

Using Links: It is possible to open a link in another window without leaving the blog. With a PC, right click on the link you wish to open and select "open in another window". With a Mac, press the Control key, click on the link and select "open frame in a new window". This will open a new window on the desktop. Remember to use web based resources responsibly and safely.

Welcome Parents, Guardians and Colleagues!

Web. 16 Aug 2010. <http://me.edu.au>.

This blog has been developed as part of my participation in the Virtual High School course, “Best Practices-21^st Century Teaching and Learning. It has been my purpose to further develop my own understanding of the benefits of integrating technology as a part of my students learning experiences in school.

My central question has been: How can technology improve student motivation, attitude, and interest in learning? Our students are always excited by the use of technology. It is a normal part of their lives today. The use of technology as a part of our learning experience engages and motives students. It is my belief that it is important to support my students in developing their fundamental skill set as independent learners. This skill set includes learning how to use Internet Technology as a safe and productive tool for learning. Through the ongoing use of this blog as a resource, it will be possible to share a variety of methods / techniques that will demonstrate the value of the integration of technology throughout the curriculum. The ultimate goal is to demonstrate ways in which technology can improve student motivation, attitude, and interest in learning.

“The Essential Questions for the 21st Century Learner are:

How do you know information is true?

How do you communicate effectively?

What does it mean to be a global citizen?

How do I learn best?

How can we be safe?"

(Curriculum 2.0. http://newliteracy.wikispaces.com/)

During the course of the school year, we will explore each of these questions on an ongoing basis as we work together.

For the 21^st Century learner, the use of Internet Technology or “IT” is a fundamental component of life outside of school. In school, we need to evolve our thinking of how IT can be effectively integrated to support student learning, “that the skills of using technology become the habits of students and teachers - that technology is called upon when needed the same way a dictionary or pencil has been in the past. Search techniques or spreadsheet skills, for example, should be learned when they are needed, not only age appropriately, but also context appropriately.”

(Curriculum 2.0. http://newliteracy.wikispaces.com/)

Web. 16 Aug 2010. <http://web.bsu.edu>. 

Our fifth and sixth grade students need to develop the fundamental skills that will allow them to learn effectively and independently. “Every 21st century skills implementation requires the development of core academic subject knowledge and understanding among all students. Those who can think critically and communicate effectively must build on a base of core academic subject knowledge. Within the context of core knowledge instruction, students must also learn the essential skills for success in today’s world, such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication and collaboration. “

(Partnership For 21^st Century Skills http://www.p21.org/documents/P21_Framework_Definitions.pdf)

During the course of the school year we will use this blog as a point of reference and an integral component of our learning experience. As we explore curricular themes, we will:

   

1. Develop critical thinking and problem solving strategies.

2. Practice working together cooperatively and collaboratively.

3. Explore the effective and safe use of search engines and digital tools as a part of inquiry and research, including evaluating the credibility of a source.

4. Learn how to independently and collaboratively research a topic and evaluate sources.

5. Reflect on what we learn and what we can do to improve how we learn.

Web. 16 Aug 1010. <http://courses.govhs.org>. 

This blog is a work in progress and will evolve as we evaluate its effectiveness. Please feel free to offer feedback and suggestions about how we can improve this tool to enhance student learning.

Works Cited

Rogers, DL. “A Paradigm Shift…”, “New Assumptions About Learning”. Educational Techology Review. Web. 16 Aug 2010. <www.editlib.org/d/8058/article_8058.pdf>.

Harter, Dennis. Medvid, Marc. Curriculum 2.0. Web. 17 Aug 2010. <http://newliteracy.wikispaces.com/>.

Prensky, Marc. “Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants”. Nancy Young Visual Literacy Site. 2001. Web. 16 Aug 2010. <http://web.me.com/>.

Partnership For 21^st Century Skills. Framework for 21^st Century Learning. <http://www.p21.org/>.

Rogow, Faith. Scheibe, Cindy. “12 Basic Ways to Integrate Media Literacy and Critical Thinking into Any Curriculum”, (3rd Ed.). 2010.

<http://www.ithaca.edu/looksharp/12BasicWays.pdf>.

21^st Century Information Fluency. 2010. <http://21cif.com/index.html>.