The Big Dig!

Our students have loved to dig on the playground. However, they were bringing in rocks leaving giant holes (which can be very dangerous) and cleaning them in our sinks (leaving a big mess) so the teachers asked them to stop. This prompted the students to form a petition thinking it was unfair. So, as the problem solvers we are trying to be, we decided to have one day where they can dig and keep rocks WHILE beautifying the playground area! (We didn't buy nearly enough mulch though...) We also each brought back a rock that 'spoke to us' and after reading the book, Only One You, decorated the rocks to create our very own rock garden (a work in progress...).

In math today, we began a project where students pick a number that is special to them. They are also doing many different mathematical things with that number and creating a presentation. This work prompted a discussion about doing the minimum to meet requirements compared to doing their personal best and pushing themselves. Many worked quickly and got the first part finished, however, although it met the requirements of being done, it was very mundane and not at all challenging (adding 16 + 9 for instance).

In meeting, we shared who we sit with at lunch and why. First, however, we discussed listening to UNDERSTAND, not listening to RESPOND. I hadn't even finished the question when hands shot up which tells me they were listening to respond. We also talked about a fine line between sarcasm and being rude. Some are starting to cross that line when sharing because they are trying to be funny... We also seriously discussed goals for the week and what we are going to do to accomplish them.

Many students ate lunch with me in the room today. :) After recess and quiet time, we continued building with materials and will be "Dreaming Up" later in the week.