Color & Creativity

Last week, we read the book Scaredy Squirrel.  It may be our new favorite book!  Scaredy lived in a nut tree and felt very safe and comfortable there.  He was not very flexible and he was NOT a risk-taker! He worried about what might happen if he left the safety of his nut tree, so he had a very specific plan and an emergency kit in case disaster ever struck.  One day, a “killer bee” showed up and Scaredy’s emergency kit fell out of the tree.  As he dove for it, he discovered he was actually a flying squirrel!  He discovered that nothing bad happened to him in the “unknown.”  We related Scaredy’s anxiety to events in our own lives and drew the conclusion that “It is through our experiences that we gain courage to become a successful risk-taker.”  As a personal reflection, each student created their own mobile about a fear they overcame with support.  We explored how this would help us face future challenges and and become better risk-takers.

For more about Scaredy Squirrel, visit this website: scaredysquirrel.com

This week, we started our day by revisiting the math problem solving strategy “Use Logical Reasoning.”  Today's problems were in a different format than last time.  It really required us to do some very careful reading.  After our strategy lesson, we worked individually in TOPS math.

Today, the students met our newest Quirkle, Colorful Caroline.  We learned about primary and secondary colors and had a lot of fun with our experiment.  The students

discovered black marker ink is made from a combination of several different colored inks.  Have your child tell you about their hypothesis and observations.  We also sent the materials with the students to conduct and share the experiment with you too!

Next, the students were introduced to the Components of Creativity:

• Fluency- to brainstorm many ideas
• Flexibility- to redirect and approach a problem from a new angle
• Originality- to generate unique ideas
• Elaboration- expand on ideas by adding details

They also learned/reviewed the Rules for Brainstorming: 

• Accept the unusual
• Never criticize or compliment
• Piggyback when possible
• Never stop too soon.

They individually brainstormed "things you might find in a pocket."  Quinn thought of a Brown Recluse's spider web, Anastasia thought of a hand in your pocket, Giles thought of a lost button and Mia thought of lint.  We judged their ideas for their fluency and originality and if they were relevant to the problem.  Have your child tell you more about their list.  They are a very creative class and had several unique ideas!  

At the end of our day, each student evaluated his/her first quarter in SAGE.  I will have your child's self evaluation along with his/her progress report to share with you at our Fall Conference.

Have a great week!