Medieval Times Project Based Learning Kick Off!

 This week was bursting with excitement and engaging activities!  We began with a word ladder for  our morning Jumpstart.  Our word work and vocabulary connections are growing with each Jumpstart activity we complete.  Next, I introduced our new Medieval Times projects and we got in the spirit with some middle ages activities!  First, students created their own Knight helmets with aluminum foil which provided challenges in problem solving and creativity.  There were definitely some creative thinkers at work!  Then we 'mounted our horses' to compete in a jousting tournament.  We had some pretty impressive lance wielders!  We began our discovery and discussion of the types of transportation and protection used in the Middle Ages.  Wrapping up the day, students navigated an online investigations of castles through Nearpod, chose their knightly names, and began their Chess sketchbooks by completing 'The Pawn' entry.    

"Medieval Times Lancing Champions"

Temperature Check, Measurement Masterminds, and Cheerful Chess Players!

 Last week, we embarked on a quest for a deeper understanding of our own Mindset Temperature.  Students assessed their current mindset temperature to discover if they currently operate under a Fixed Mindset, Growth Mindset, or an Uncertain Mindset showing characteristics of the two. We then completed a Growth vs. Fixed Mindset "Language Sort" to make ourselves more aware of the ways we use "self-talk" and the direct influence it can have on our Mindset.

We also completed our "Search for the Yeti" in Math.  Students were tasked with honing their measurement skills using different standard and non-standard units.  They took varying measurements of themselves to create foundational understanding and then we were off to search for the illusive Yeti.  Students used benchmark measurements and "doubling" to create a representative "Yeti" for the class. 

We broke out our new chess sets for their first games.  We have been focusing each week on a different piece on the board and the moves of the game so the games were much anticipated!  We will continue to look at the historical significance of the game of Chess as well as the Middle Ages as we learn new strategies and build our critical thinking skills!  We will blend our knowledge of Chess our year-long Medieval Times project we will kick off next week!

A Superb Start!

During our first two SPARK meetings at Langford, we have been able to get to know a lot about the program, goals, our classmates, and even ourselves.  During our first meeting we focused on the "C" of collaboration by completing a word ladder and classroom scavenger hunt for brain puzzle pieces. The class worked together in two groups to identify the correct word on the word ladder and locate the corresponding clue and puzzle piece throughout the room before combining efforts as a whole group to assemble the puzzle.  We then shared the book A Walk in the Rain with a Brain to discuss the importance and functions of the brain as it relates to our learning, emotions, and overall well-being.  Way to go TEAM!

During today's class, we focused on the "Cs" critical thinking and communication.  Each student completed a "MINDSET" survey and can now identify whether they currently have a mostly "fixed" or mostly "growth" mindset.  The goal of SPARK is to increase their understanding of the importance of practicing a growth mindset.  Our take-away today is belief--->behavior--->results.  What we believe influences our behavior and has lasting results.  Growth mindset simply suggests that anyone has the opportunity to influence their abilities with changed effort.  Interested in your mindset results? Take the mindset survey.

Students also had the opportunity to work on communication skills via email by sending their first SPARK Reflection.  Check your email to see what your student shared about their learning today. :)

Until next time,

Keep the SPARK!