Thursday, September 12, 2013- What a Busy Day!

Don't forget about tonight's PAGS (Parents of Academically Gifted Students) Event, (I've got my ice cream scoop ready!)

Today we welcomed a new 2nd grade SAGE student.  She is going to be a great addition to our class!

We began our day with our math problem solving work.  We discussed problem solving strategies we use regularly such as using objects and drawing a picture.  

Then I explained I needed to figure out how many pencils, ink pens and markers I had in the containers on my desk.  They tried using their fingers to keep track, but as I called out, "Ink pen, ink pen, pencil, marker, marker, marker, pencil, pencil..." they quickly lost count.   The students talked about other strategies to help them keep track so they could determine how many I had of each.  They tried the strategy of drawing pictures, but it was quickly ruled out as it was too slow.  

They finally settled on making a table.   With the three headings on their paper, they started again.  This time the tally marks or "X's" had each student with a perfect count.  This was definitely an appropriate strategy for solving a problem like this.  The students finished their math time working independently in our TOPS Math program. 

In the computer lab, the students worked on typing information about themselves for our SAGE Profile.  They shared about their outside interests and activities as well as academic strengths and weaknesses.  This will help me get to know each of them as a learner and as an individual.

In the afternoon, the students worked independently in our Exploratory Centers.  We are learning some interesting facts about constellations, robotics, teeth, puppets, volcanoes, scorpions, tarantulas and seahorses.  Most of the students have finished their knowledge level task and are currently working on the comprehension worksheet to show their understanding of the topic.  Ask your child about his/her current Exploratory work.











We ended our day working on our 2nd grade research skills and our SAGE Academic Vocabulary.  The boys and girls looked up and recorded the definition of the words:  independent, research and knowledge.  They really worked hard today!  They should be very proud of the efforts!

Have a great week!

Thursday's SAGE Class is Up & Rolling!

Woo Hoo!  I now have everyone's paperwork, and most importantly, their media release.  Thank you parents for helping me get these important "nuts and bolts" in place.

The boys and girls are settling in well.  This will be a two week, blog post mashup....

On our first SAGE day, the boys and girls spent some time getting to know each other a little better.  By the end of a fun game of "Would you rather...." we knew we all had some things in common.  

We discussed things for which we might wish.  Then looked at some folklore about wishes such as wishbones, coins in fountains, eyelashes, dandelions etc.  

After that we each wrote four wishes of our own and made a very special wish project that will be on display at our Open House on Thursday, October 3rd between 5:30-7:00 PM here in our SAGE classroom.

In the afternoon, the students took some time to look through the Exploratory Centers to find at least three they might be interested in starting.  

This week, they completed their Exploratory contract and were able to begin the Knowledge and in some cases Comprehension Level tasks.  They each made a podcast to tell you something special they learned during their Exploratory time.

 We ended our first day discussing ways we can communicate.  Besides blogging as a class, we will also be sharing our learning on Twitter.  Each of the students designed a bird of their own and posted their first "tweet" outside of our classroom on our bulletin board.

You can follow us @KochSAGE on Twitter.

This afternoon, the students had a few moments of frustration during our partner math problem solving work.  We began by working in pairs/groups on a cooperative learning math challenge.  The students were able to work together to find meaning in the problem, determine a strategy for solving the problem and then work it out showing their thinking.  

For many, this was a very different way to work on a problem.  Some of the students would have preferred to work on the problem alone.  A few sat back and let their partner lead the thinking and problem solving.  Some groups really showed cooperation and collaboration skills.  We will have pair/group math lessons about once or twice a month.  This is a great way to cement the learning of skills and strategies as they talk, analyze and explain their thinking to each each other.  

It is going to be a great school year!  Don't hesitate to call of email me if you or your child have any questions or concerns.