Thursday, March 29, 2012

Geoboard Symmetry

Yesterday Michelle's 3rd graders and my 4th graders got together and they completed their last day of symmetry center activities. This is a picture of a partnership using geo boards to create symmetrical designs. They really enjoyed this activity!!!


This is an example of symmetrical design developed by a 3rd grade and 4th grade partnership using pattern blocks. You will notice that there are different shades of the colored pattern blocks, but we only have a minimal number of supplies! 

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Digital storytelling


Picture taken from google images
What an awesome past couple weeks it has been! My class and mrs. Klock's third grade class have been working collaboratively together on a common unit in both grades:symmetry. Last week and the week before we introduced the topic and explained what the unit would like and how they would be working together to complete different activities practicing identifying lines of symmetry and reflection. Last week we started implementing different hands on manipulatives to use to help the students identify line symmetry. Last week we used geoboards, pattern blocks, and overhead transparencies to practice identifying and reflecting different patterns. This week we began exploring kid pix and we make reflective bookmarks and painted kites. I am very pleased with the amount of collaboration and cooperation that my class and the third graders have been implementing into the activities. They have been working so well together and they have been communicating effectively. They have been very upbeat about the collaborative aspect of the unit and the activities and they have been very motivated to complete all activities in a positive way. They are looking forward to completing the final digital storytelling activity!

I found a great digital story that helped show different ways to help teach different organizing skills to help students in the area of reading and language arts. I particularly liked the idea of using a cluster map to help brainstorm the different ways your could use a vocabulary word.