My Robot

In Social Studies we spent several weeks studying various inventors such as Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Alva Edison, and Garrett Morgan. At the conclusion of our inventor unit, the students had the opportunity to become inventors themselves. With just two boxes covered in foil, a hot glue gun (used by the teacher, of course), and a bunch of junk, the students created their own robots. They turned out really great. The students created a plan, implemented that plan, and then wrote about what their robots could do.

Baseball Place Value

While at the Texas Ranger's game the other night, I came up with a baseball themed game to review comparing larger numbers: Baseball Place Value. To play the game, divide your class into two teams. One team will be the guests and the other will be the home team. A player from each team will draw a number card and each will build their specific number with the bats (tens) and baseballs (ones). The player with the largest number will move their player to the first base. The player with the least number will pick up a strike card. Play continues to the next players on the team. Once a team gets their player around all the bases, they mark their score on the scoreboard with tally marks. When one team receives three strikes during an inning, that inning is over and all players start back at homeplate. The team with the most runs at the end of the ninth inning wins! After modeling a few times, students should be able to play this game in small groups during math centers. To download the game, visit my Teachers Pay Teachers Store.

Voting Open: 2012's Most Fascinating Elementary Teacher Blog

Bishop's Blackboard has earned  a nomination for 2012's Most Fascinating Elementary Teacher Blog. Voting is now open and the blog with the most votes by May 21st will win. It is nice to know that others read and value what I write. So, if you find my content useful, feel free to vote by visiting the link above . If you do not have Google+ you will need to sign up. Once you sign up, you will see Bishop's Blackboard listed first under the comments section. You should see a +1 next to my blog. Click the +1 and you have voted. Thanks for your support!

Mother's Day Artwork

As gifts to their mothers, the students painted ceramic wall tiles with their handprint and polka-dots. I then added a ribbon on the back with hot glue.

Inventors: Garrett Morgan

In Social Studies, we have been researching various inventors. One of the inventors that we studied was Garrett Morgan. Garrett Morgan invented the traffic light. We began our study by reading about him on Reading A-Z. We then discussed why he invented the traffic light which led into a discussion about how inventors first identify a problem, then find brainstorm a solution, and finally create a plan to put that solution into action. We then created a class Circle Map to record facts learned about Garrett Morgan. The students then created a traffic light out of construction paper to write "Did you know?" facts about Garrett Morgan on each "light."

Inventors: Thomas Alva Edison

In Social Studies, we are studying various inventors. One of the inventors we are studying is Thomas Alva Edison. After reading about his various inventions and how they have led to other inventions we use each day, the students created a Bubble Map using Kidspiration software to brainstorm as many inventions that we use today that have a lightbulb. The students then wrote papers about at least one invention we would not have if it had not been for Edison's invention of the lightbulb and typed them in Microsoft Word. They then exported their Bubble Map from Kidspiration and imported it into Word at the bottom of their sentences. It is amazing how much technology students can learn if they are just exposed to it. Their final drafts were printed and displayed in the hallway. They also uploaded their Kidspiration Bubble Maps into their KidBlog.

Fraction Caterpillars

To review parts of a set, the students created Fraction Caterpillars that were inspired by a lesson I read about on The First Grade Parade. On Mrs. Carroll's lesson, the students used pom pom balls to create the fraction caterpillars but we used Do-A-Dot paint. The students chose three different colors to create their caterpillar and then recorded the parts of a set on the recording sheet. They then cut out their caterpillars and glued them to the top of the recording sheet.

David Shannon: Comparing Stories

After reading Toy Many Toys and A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon, we discussed how the books were the same and different. We charted the student responses on a Double Bubble Map. The students then completed a Venn Diagram independently to compare the stories.

Using the Venn Diagram for help, the students created a four-tier foldable to identify one way that the two stories were the same and then something that was different yet related.

A Bad Case of Stripes

As a part of our author study on David Shannon, we read A Bad Case of Stripes. After reading, we created a class chart to write down our discussion about the characters, setting, problems, and solutions found in the story. The students then created their own Story Maps on construction paper to put the elements in their own words.

The next day we reread the story focusing on retelling the story from beginning, middle, and end. The students then created a three flap foldable to write and illustrate a retelling of the story in their own words.

Too Many Toys

As a part of our author study on David Shannon, we read Too Many Toys. After reading and discussing as a class, the students created a Story Map independently to write about the characters, setting, problem, and solution of the story.

The next day, after rereading, the students created a three-flap foldable to retell the story from beginning, middle, and end.

Author Study: David Shannon

We recently conducted an author study about David Shannon. He is the author of David Gets in Trouble, No, David!, Alice the Fairy, and more. As a part of our study, we watched a video interview from David Shannon on Reading Rockets. We also read a transcript of one of his interview's with Scholastic.

Eric Carle: Comparing Stories

After reading The Mixed-Up Chameleon and The Foolish Tortoise, both written and illusrtated by Eric Carle, we created a class Double-Bubble Map to compare the two stories. The students then used the class chart to help them create their own Venn Diagram independently. The next day, the students created a foldable to write sentences: one thing that was unique, or different, about each story, and one thing that was the same about the stories.

The Foolish Tortoise

As a part of our study on author and illustrator Eric Carle, we read The Foolish Tortoise. As we read, we discussed and charted the characters, setting, problem, and solution. The students then created their own Story Maps on construction paper to identify and write about the information.

The next day we read the story again but this time we focused on retelling the story from beginning, middle, and end. The students then created a three-flap foldable to retell the story.

The Mixed-Up Chameleon

As a part of our author study on Eric Carle, we read The Mixed-Up Chameleon. After reading, we discussed the characters, setting, problem, and solution. The students then created Story Maps about the book.

We then read the book again focusing on retelling. The students then created a foldable to retell the story from beginning, middle, and end.

Field Day 2012

Thanks to the great organization of our P.E. Coach, the students had a great Field Day. They rotated through various stations including Tug-of-War, Shoe Fling, Ball Hug Race, Scooter Races, and more. Below are a few pictures from our fun day!