Franklin Week of 11/18

Wednesday Team Enterprise continued the set blueprints for their "Page to Stage" PBL Unit. Last week they took measurement of the stage and this week used a 1/4" to 1' scale to map out their set diagram on graph paper. Groups needed to collaborate to make decisions about set pieces to include, sizes, and placement.

Some groups used the square foot floor tiles to help envision the size of their props. Most groups are problem solving and collaborating to compete their work. A couple of groups are struggling to reach decisions and come to a common ground. We discussed the importance of being able to hear one another and problem solve when conflict or disagreements arise. Students are learning the dynamics of their collaborative groups and how to approach decision making and distribution of work. We're are trying to allow students to navigate these challenges and drive the solutions at a peer level.

Today 3rd Graders from Team Promise took part in a brainstorming Protocol, "50 Things", to continue work on their Literary Entrepreneurs Project Based Learning Unit. They have each selected an indpendent book and chosen one character from that book. They have spent our last few sessions recording character traits, text evidence, and skills related to those traits. They will be analyzing those traits to determine what type of business their character could successfully create were they to come to life.

We used the 50 Things Protocol to come up with as many types of businesses as we could. Student had 10 minutes and followed these norms: everyone participates, go for quantity, reserve judgement, and have fun. This group of kiddos could have brainstormed for another 30 minutes! They sure would have needed more space though.

When we completed the brainstorm they reviewed the ideas and jotted down types businesses that could connect to their character. Next week they will build on this brainstorm and develop a few ideas further. Eventually they will narrow down the business. From there they will create a business web, a business plan, a logo design, and a live website for their character's business. Way to go James, Maddy, Sofia, and Rosie!

The 1st Grade Mouse and the Motorcycle Book club in Team Pursuit read Chapter 3 today. Students made predictions before we read aloud and we discussed unfamiliar words and meanings throughout the chapter.

This group will be creating a map of Franklin as part of their PBL unit in connection with this book club. Thus far we have looked at a variety of different types of maps, mostly of the US comparing different features. We looked at a simple state map, road maps, topographical maps, and even a typography style map. Today we narrowed in to think about what a map of our classroom might look like. We discussed bird's eye view and using simple shapes to represent objects in the room.

Students began sketching what they saw. Some had trouble with perspective, naturally-this is our first go at cartography :). We talked about imagining being a little person traveling in the door of your classroom (where they had drawn it), what do you see and where. They loved this image and scenario and their classroom maps began to emerge.

Next week we'll look at maps of the school (on emergency plans) and think about what we want our school map to include. What would be helpful for visitors? The idea is to use our new knowledge to create something that will help and enhance our community in an authentic way.

Have a great weekend!