Ipads and Kindergarten Students

This blogpost on http://creatinglifelonglearners.com/?p=876 asks the question, "Should kindergartners use ipads?"  Why not? Besides, they probably already are at home! I've found that I've had to explain how to use the ipods and laptops in my classroom less and less every year.  Most already know  how and those that don't quickly pick it up from the children who do. Why should children unplug when they come to school?

All About Comprehension: Something to Talk About...

All About Comprehension: Something to Talk About...: "In light of the fact that several of my recents posts have centered around oral language, I think it’s time to create a list of books that m..."

Ramps and Marbles Project

My colleagues and I decided that our students needed to participate in investigations involving force and motion so we applied for and received a grant to purchase materials. Our goals for this project were for students to develop inquiry skills and provide opportunities for curriculum integration.

This project is based on the study of Dr. Constance Kamii and Rita DeVries and research done by the Freeburg Early Childhood Program. We read their research and watched videos of children exploring the concept of force and motion by working with ramps and other materials. We have engaged in ongoing conversations about this year long project.

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These are the objectives we included in our grant proposal:

Students will obtain physical knowledge from observing the reaction of an object and then acting on it.

Students will do this by:

·         Making an incline with a support
·         Making a marble follow a steep path
·         Aiming at a target
·         Connecting ramps
·         Making a marble go up and down peaks and valleys
·         Using objects varying in size, shape, and weight
·         Making a marble turn a corner on the ramp
·         Making comparisons with other students’ ramps and revising own ramp

Teachers will provide opportunities for curricular integration by:

·         Providing opportunities for math experiences such as counting, comparing, predicting, positioning, and   measurement
·         Providing literacy opportunities such as using photos of ramps for writing prompts
·         Providing opportunities for students to use structures in art projects
·         Providing opportunities for students to see how ramps/inclines are used in real world applications

Making an Incline with a Support

Aiming at a Target

Steep Incline

Making a Turn

Ramp Going Over Another Ramp

Celebrating Success!

More pictures coming soon.