Capstone Projects, Hackschooling, Red Clover Reading

By Anonymous -

Fourth graders are beginning work on their Capstone Projects in their Enrichment Library classes. They will be spending the next five months working on these individual research projects on topics they choose themselves. Today they started by brainstorming possible topics they might want to learn more about. A few possible topics included:

  • Wolves
  • The Civil War
  • Music
  • Aliens
  • Sasquatch
  • Redwoods
  • The Mars Rover...

...and that was all from just one class! Mrs. Rankin and I can't wait to see the learning that goes on as these projects progress. A few more topic brainstorms:

Redwoods

Mars Rover



In connection with their classroom unit on persuasive writing, third graders watched a video of a 13 year old giving a persuasive speech about changing his education. They were impressed that he wrote his own talk about "hackschooling" and delivered it in front of an auditorium of adults as part of the TEDx talk series. They were able to identify his big idea and supporting details...what a great way to put their new skills to the test! The video will show below if you are interested in watching it (several students said they would like to watch it again with their families).




First and second graders began sharing this year's Red Clover books in the library. Named after Vermont's state flower, the Red Clover Award is Vermont's children's choice award for picture books. Every year, a group of teachers and librarians puts together a list of 10 Red Clover books. Students who read or listen to at least five titles from the list get to vote on their favorite book. Their votes, along with votes from students all over the state, help choose the Red Clover Award winner. More information about the program is available at the Red Clover website. Both first and second graders enjoyed our first Red Clover Book: One Cool Friend by Toni Buzzeo, illustrated by David Small.

One Cool Friend!

It was wonderful to see everyone back after holiday break! Have a great weekend. -- Mrs. Redford

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