What are kids learning? Snapshots from LaPerche classrooms!
Incase you missed it, you can view the last LaPerche Ledger by copying and pasting this link-- https://www.smore.com/app/pages/preview/9s294
Mrs. Schnell's fourth graders prepare for a debate. The two teams were debating whether you should adopt a pet from a pet store or an animal shelter. The students were expected to determine if the other team provided strong or weak reasons and then write a persuasive essay including their personal decision. Where would you adopt from and why?
Mrs. Caswell's kindergarten class investigates different types of paper and how each absorbs or does not absorb water. They used droppers to carefully place one drop of water at a time onto each surface. They were amazed as some repelled water while others quickly absorbed it and ended up tearing.
Everyday, LaPerche students receive direct instruction in reading from a classroom teacher, reading teacher or special education teacher. Here, Ms. Paolino's kindergarten students use the strategies they have been taught to read the informational book about birds. Check out the fancy fingers students use to keep their focus on the words. Strategies checklist is right next to the reader if a quick reminder is needed.
Every Friday, Mrs. Hegarty hosts Open Mic time in second grade. Students can sign up to perform live in front of the captive audience. Great public speaking opportunites!
Each week, Mrs. Elefsiades and Mrs. Clapprood challenge their third and fourth graders to complete a STEM challenge before they do! The two teachers work as a team and complete against teams of third or fourth graders. The students learn to work as a team as they analyze the problem and determine the process they will follow to find a solution. Many times the first attempt does not work and then the group heads back to the drawing board.
First grade scientists record their data!
A first grade friend models how to create the pinwheel for her classmates. Look at the focus! I see a future teacher or engineer in this photo!
In the first grade Science Air and Weather Unit, students made pinwheels to check wind speed. The wind waves they created were used to determine the direction of the wind. After learning about wind direction and wind speed, the first graders made kites and then tested how strong the wind was by the way the kites flew and what direction the wind was blowing. The students determined it was a strong breeze as they watched the kites fly!
LaPerche kindergarten, first and second grade students enjoy the first snow at school!