Since we do boxes in fourth grade, students bring in consumer boxes all the time. I also have people leave boxes in my school mailbox, or parents bring them in. We even had a parent from another class give us a polyhedron given to her. It was not made out of one piece of paper, but I sketched something out on how I would make it one from one piece. One student took up the challenge and using all of his problem-solving skills, figured it out on his own. He finished it today! WOW!
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Fourth grade students just finished their Magnum Opus projects, which included months of research, a written summary, a well-designed presentation and a 8-15 minute speech! Yes, 8-15 minutes! They were impressive and showed a lot of heart and courage. Besides learning about their subject, students are required to design a dynamic presentation that can include a poster, slideshow, guest speakers, models, diaramas and other ideas.
As part of adding "heart" to class, we share stories, bring in special guests like Molly and John (see previous posts) and listen to music with caring lyrics and messages. Songs like "Happy" might be suggested by students. We also listen to deeper songs like the one below, which I brought in to help students think of others. I think it connects with all of us. A very good friend of mine, named John, visited class on Tuesday. I invited John to visit class because he has a special story of survival and "heart." He was in a car crash when he was twenty-one that left him in a coma for six months, with brain damage and little chance of survival. He is one of the most special people I know, and I wanted my students to meet him, hear his story, see how he lives his life, and empathize with someone who might seem "different." John talked about his journey, and the hard work it took to learn again how to talk and walk. His journey is a miracle and the kids got to see just how different his life is, but also saw John's special way of living, even to the point of having a unique way of tying his shoelace.
In fourth grade this week, we've been talking about having "heart" to persevere, put in great effort, and work through obstacles to be the best you can be. What better example than ULS's own, and current University of Notre Dame student-athlete, Molly Seidel to come and join our discussion. Molly is an NCAA 10K and XC champion. She talked to the kids about life, obstacles, and the ups and downs of working hard to reach goals. The kids were engaged, and asked great questions. We even gave her a specially designed dodecahedron box! Thanks much to Molly for joining us!! And good luck this semester and in the next season.
I figured one of the best ways to start a new year's blog would be to start with the first unique boxes, so here you go.
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December 2016
© 2015 Peter J. Wilson
AuthorPeter Wilson teaches fourth grade at University Lake School, in Hartland, WI. |