Biography bottles

Biography Bottles

They created props that were important to their careers

The children read different biographies and created the person out of a 2 liter bottles. They created presentations for their biographies and presented them in class.

Monets Landscapes and Landforms

Monet and Land forms

We began this investigation when we went on a field trip to Philbrook Museum that had the Monet exhibit. We had been working on space and the planets. After the field trip the children began discussing what in on the surface of the earth.
Monet was a great way for the children to discover land forms. Monet technique was used throughout the process. We watched different videos on Monet's life and how he painted.

They used Monet's technique of painting their canvas a solid color. Then they allowed it to dry.
He then painted over the canvas with many tones of color. 

Documentation on Monet

Continents

Land forms to Continents

South America

Antartica

Asia

Volcanoes

Blocks in a 2nd grade classroom

Construction

Providing Opportunities in Construction

                                                                                           I know what your thinking and what

everyone in the building was saying, "Blocks in a second grade classroom!" I believe construction is important because of my inspiration by the Reggio Emilia  Philosophy that construction and experiments are important for the children to synthesize information and construct their thoughts. Gardner's theory of multiple intelligence  is another researched based theory that I was able to use to reinforce my decision to put a block center in my room. I have a stage in the block center that is used during our literacy block for  Readers Theater. In the math and science block the children can explore concepts and ideas about our investigation.I have to have literacy blocks of time that is not  interrupted by distractions ):  In the upper primary grades engineering is a key to finding balance between blocks and science. I use STEM projects to balance between expectations of administrators and My belief that children need to construct their own ideas. I have an old drafting table in my block center for the children to draw plans. I provide rulers,triangles, compasses, and other drawing tools. They have access to tracing paper to add details just like the artchitects use. Another important component to the block area is having different types of lighting and mirrors. I place mirrors on the shelves for the children to use. I also place mirrors on the wall for the children to see different perceptions of their work. They like to use projectors, rope lights, and flashlight during their work.

Materials for Construction

birdhouse/ 2X4 houses 

Your imagination and resources can take a ordinary block center and transform it into a area that inspires young minds.The children are allowed to bring materials from around the room and from home to add to their creations. I will add and take things out of construction as investigations are begun or change so that the children can utilize as many authentic and natural items to their ideas.

laminated flooring samples

small PVC Pipes

PVC Pipes

Assorted Materials

Ceramic tiles

Knex

Welcome to the Detectives Room

Entry into my Classroom

I think that when you open the door to your classroom that it should be a welcoming environment for the teacher, parent, visitors, and students. This is one of the elements in a Reggio Inspired classroom that should be your first decision. How do you want it to look and what does it say. I want my parents to have a place to get information and feel that they are a part of our  classroom. Since, I'm in a public school setting it is crucial that you have elements about objectives that you are meeting in the classroom. Parents and administrators know that I am prepared and put thought into what is planned. One of the drawbacks about following the Reggio Emilia philosophy is that many people are not knowledgeable about what the children are learning. They portray your  environment, materials, centers, and lessons  that the children are just playing, that the classroom is not structured, or it does not have enough rigor. To counteract that view, I have objectives on the wall for the parents and administrators to see as they walk in the room. Information is on the walls for the parents to read. Communication about what is happening in your room can make the difference in parents believing in what you are teaching their children.  I am a big believer in quotes. I place them around the objectives so that parents can read what theorist in Early Childhood Education , famous artist, inventors, and scientist say about education. My objectives are made using frames (seen on pinterest). I placed stickers on the outside of the glass saying: Objectives of the Day, Math, Language Arts, Literacy, Social Studies, and Science. I write the common core statements with a sharpie on the glass. They are mounted to the wall with Command Stripes. I wipe the marker off with alcohol wipes.