Lewis and Clark Learns

To finish out the school year with a reading focus, each year I issue an A to Z Mystery challenge to my third graders.  The goal is to read each of the books in Ron Roy's A to Z mystery series.  The kiddos below met that goal and were invited to a mystery party.  When they came to the library for the reading celebration, they found that they needed to answer clues based on the A to Z mysteries and books in our library in order to open the box with the party inside!  Each of those nine pieces of tape could only be removed if the clue was solved.  I am happy to say they did it!

I love how MaKey MaKey requires my students to seriously problem-solve issues.  We start by learning about circuits, conductive materials, and just what a MaKey MaKey is.  Following a few days of learning, we embark on a few challenges using different conductive materials and the piano app from the MaKey MaKey website.  So much collaboration is needed in our groups to be successful.  Of course, we have some problems working together so we stop, talk, and model how to work together when necessary.  

Our LCTV Broadcast Club set up a display at the LPS TEN 1.0 night held at Liberty North High School.  Seven of our eight members were in attendance [one was in Florida] to share our broadcast club with others.  The kids answered questions, showed past broadcasts, and taught adults and kids how a green screen works.  The kids were very professional when sharing their knowledge, hard working, and had fun at the same time.  

Twenty one years ago, I planned a Reading Adventure Night for 1 credit hour toward my Master's Degree. Every year since I have planned and pulled off a night attended by over 100 kiddos. I have tons of support from Mrs. Haynes and the staff, administration and PTA of Lewis and Clark...couldn't do it without them. From 4:00-7:30pm kids have a snack, travel to four activity rooms, listen to our favorite storyteller, Mr. Haynes, and have pizza for dinner.  Check out our photos from this year's event...

Years ago, I showed the video, Caine's Arcade to introduce my students to learning through the Genius Hour philosophy.  The inspiration from that video encouraged my students to make cardboard games as well. We have been designing and making games every year since.  Each year we learn from past mistakes and improve the process and the final products.  Plus we now have a dynamic MakerSpace! My third graders have finished working through the design process and we are ready to share our games with the entire school.  E-V-E-R-Y student will have time throughout the week to play the games.  This week is obviously a favorite of my students.  Our third graders are so proud to share their games as they put their hearts into making the very best game possible. Most important are the skills that the kids practice along the entire process.  So many... planning and designing compromise when working in a group submitting ideas with kindness and respect wo...

Here is a quick look at the cardboard arcade games my kiddos have been building.  We took a break from making and spent some time sharing and getting feedback to make our games the best they could possibly be.  For the next couple of weeks we will work toward finishing our games so that they can be played by the ENTIRE school!