My First Adventures with PBL (project based learning)

Hallelujah!  State testing is done.  Everyone was a little anxious this year since we were making the transition to the computer-based testing (out with the old standards being assessed and in with the new ones)!

As a way to make our time in the classroom less stressful, I have had students studying caves in a mini project-based learning unit.  Our driving question was: How do caves form?  This was my first go with a PBL unit and having no real formal training in the area, I do find my classroom results match what the research has to say about motivating students and keeping them engaged despite what a highly exhaustive week this was with AzMERIT testing and all.

My 5 for Friday showcases my attempt to transition to a PBL classroom since we're breaking up with the Math and ELA rigid block schedule.  Hooray for freedom and the independence to integrate science and social studies more freely across the curriculum!

1. - PBL (project based learning)

PBL = Project Based Learning.  This is my PBS Focus Wall - sets a purpose for our study!  From the visuals I had seen posted, you need a driving question as well as a Know/Need to Know... chart.  The other thinking maps we used as we took notes and this has helped to scaffold and organize new information into digestible bites for the kiddoz.

2. Student Generated Cave Posters

I loved assigning my ADHD boys the role of "engineer."  I sent my engineers to gather supplies from the "building table" loaded with tubs of PlayDoh, construction paper, cardboard recyclable items, and let their imagination run wild!  The Lava Tube Cave engineer really thought creatively with his use of half of an egg carton to represent the Earth, Play-doh for the lava, and red pipe cleaners to represent the lava tubes that would cool and dry up over time.

3. Cave Day - Draw Like a Caveman (Towel Spread Out on Floor Beneath Desk)

Luckily my local grocery store was completely understanding of my request to have them "donate" paper bags to my classroom for our Cave Day art project.  After testing had wrapped, we celebrated with Cave Day - I had kids bring in old towels, pillows and flashlights.  Kids laid on top of their towels underneath their desks as they created cave art while on their backs.  

4. More Cave Art Fun!  (I had them connect to Rafiki's tree sketch of Simba from The Lion King)

This girl said she wasn't finished but I think the "less is more" really works well on her cave art.  She did an excellent job rubbing the pastels to create a more authentic feel to her artwork.  Pikachu, anyone?

5. Did I graduate with my Masters Degree to turn into a full-time test proctor? {apparently so}

Had to officially log-in and give students an online testing session ID on FIVE different occasions this week.  So long state testing and a week-long of proctoring, I'm ready to get back to teaching!!! Poor, over-tested kids all in the sake of "more accountability."  Who's winning here??  No way did my cell phone go anywhere near the computer lab, talk about an automatic "invalidation!"

Discover more Five for Friday finds at Doodle Bugs Teaching's linky party!

LUCKY YOU! St. Patrick's Freebie

So, I've teamed up with Layla from Fancy Free in Fourth for a St. Patrick's themed blog hop giveaway!

Can you believe it's the second Friday 13th this year? Two months in a row!!  I guess it's time to count my blessings, and truthfully I would be so lost without my supportive family.  Just had to packup my life in boxes, the house that I was set to close on fell through, and I now have a relaxing and comfortable place to stay because of my great familia!  So lucky I live so close by to them! :)

Last year, I created a St. Patrick's Day Printables pack for the Big Kids.  My GOLDEN FREEBIE comes from this set.  You will be able to enjoy the Shamrock Shimmy page to assess your students' knowledge of multiplication facts and prime/composite numbers.  Enjoy this St. Patrick's Day goodie by clicking the image below and downloading this sample from my TpT store!

See what other Golden Freebies you can find by hopping on over to Layla's blog (click the button below)!!

May the Luck of the Irish be with you! :)

Happy 2015 [FREEBIE, Thoughts, & Currently!]

NEW YEAR? NEW FREEBIE!

As I thought about how soon it will be Monday morning, and the official end to winter break, I considered how highly unmotivated I will be to spend time (in line) at the copier!  Therefore, I figured I'd do a no printable required New Year's Traditions activity to expose my students to the various customs of countries around the world. 

Also, I want to know if they have any unusual family traditions for ringing in the new year.  This also builds classroom community - BONUS!  For example, my childhood neighbors had a tradition of clanking pots and pans at the stroke of midnight, whooping and hollering at the start of a new year.  I think it must have been a way to ward their home of bad spirits, but who knows, I never did ask!  My family and I always usher in the New Year with a fresh batch of menudo and a midnight toast.  

Long story short, that's how my NEW YEAR Traditions Presentation was born!  But, for those of you in need of a note-taking guide or something that shows your admin team that students are truly learning, I've added this companion freebie, which is indeed a printable! (Click IMAGE above)  

 I've seen posts similar to the one above on Instagram recently and feel like there's a lot of good energy and signs pointing to 2015 being a GOLDEN year.  It will mark ten years since my high school graduation, and 2005 was a great year for me, so I feel like this decadent anniversary will only have grandeur to offer!  Also, I have found so many cute gold home decor accents, which I LOVE!!

Currently 2015 - I guess I should make it a resolution to participate in all the monthly currentlys this year.  If I do it within the first 5 days of the month, I can treat myself to a glass of wine!  OMG... I am so like the children, MUCH better inclined to follow through when bribed!

CHEERS to the NEW YEAR!  Oh, and don't forget to visit Farley's Currently linky for January 2015!