BOLD BREAKOUT EDU!

We got the chance to tackle another Breakout challenge. Breakout is an activity where students get clues to solve the code to unlock a series of locks. They need to work as a team to find solutions and persevere. BreadkoutEDU focuses on critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity~ The 4 C's. We love it!

DETAILS, DETAILS, DETAILS!

The fourth grade was treated to a visit from author Steve Krasner thanks to TESPTO enrichment.  He was a sports reporter who covered the Boston Red Sox for years and has written several books as well. He shared his talents with the students along with lots of humor!

Each class worked with Mr. Krasner for an hour learning about the craft of writing. Our class worked together to create a story about the theft of a recipe for a new candy flavor right before it was about to be auctioned off. As Steven "nudged" them to add details, details, details, to help the reader understand, they expanded on the mystery. The challenge next is for each child to write an ending for our story.

SPECTACULAR SPEAKERS!

The fourth grade was able to work with the "PARTS AND CRAFTS" teachers to build their own working speakers using plastic water bottles, paper plates, magnets and wires. This activity fits in perfectly with our unit on sound waves and energy transfer.

This program was funded by the generosity of TESPTO and all the parents who support it.

DASH!

This year, DASH taught us all about multiple intelligences and learning differences.The first session allowed children to discover their learning preferences and strengths. Our second session, the students of 4K engaged in a variety of activities that simulated what children with a learning difference may experience when they do everyday learning tasks. The class gained an understanding of how some children may struggle with tasks they find easy. This hopefully leads to empathy for others and what they go through.

BUILDING WITH BUCKETS

Can you design and build a load bearing tower that includes a suspended container?

This was our challenge today. We worked in groups to construct a tower that would support a bucket that could hold a load of pennies. The materials we were given were:

• 20 straws
• string
• 1 meter of masking tape and
• a plastic cup with holes punched in it.

Each team received their materials and had 3 minutes to plan a design. They were then given 10 minutes to execute their plan. We learned a lot about teamwork, perseverance, design and redesign, problem solving and having fun while learning.

Each team worked cooperatively to create very different towers. Take a look to see what we invented.