The Apple Balance Challenge

This week in enrichment students were challenged to use ten straws, two feet of tape, and a piece of paper to create a structure that would hold an apple at least three inches off of the table.  Students worked in teams to design build and test!  

Team challenges are a great way to begin our year of learning together.  These challenges support the idea that we all can contribute great ideas and can work together towards a solution.  I also love that students are willing to try things, take risks, and move on when something does not work.  There are many articles about the importance of risk taking in learning. These types of challenges not only provide a fun and collaborative environment for a start to our year, but they give students a chance to innovate in a risk free supportive culture!

I was particularly impressed today when a group of first graders asked me if they could have a spare piece of paper to draw out their design plans. They wanted to make sure that they used their materials wisely, as well as coordinate all of their ideas so they could reach an agreed upon plan.  They were learning the key elements of good design.....independently! 

Collaborative Activities

One of the four main cornerstones of the enrichment curriculum is collaboration.  We begin the year collaborating with each other.  In the older grades these skills will then transfer to work with others in our community.  In the younger grades this work continues all year as we develop the social skills that support shared learning through a variety of projects.

In kindergarten we played some name games ( students taught me their favorites!). We also participated in some sample centers.  Students built letters with a variety of mediums.  They worked together to build a unique alphabet, each contributing their individual knowledge and skill.  In first grade we began with partner interviews.  Students were responsible for interviewing a classmate to find out about their favorite outside activity. The interview was collaborative because the student had to draw their interviewees activity...interviewees had to be descriptive and add details so that the picture reflected their interests.  In second grade we worked in teams to create a structure that would support an apple, with limited resources.  Students had to talk, plan, try different things, and build together!  In third grade we are working in teams to begin our study of geography by creating a " my place in the world" project.  Students will be driving the design of this project in future classes.

Collaboration is not an easy skill to learn.  Students need a variety of avenues to practice the skills it takes to be part of a group while valuing their individual talents and desires.  I look forward to watching these skills grow and learning alongside students. 

Creating a Community in the Enrichment Classroom

The first enrichment classes of the year focus on creating a classroom community through the development of relationships.  We get to know each other through a variety of activities.  I want students to feel comfortable sharing their interests, as it is these interests which will drive our learning as the year evolves.

Students in grades 1- 4 are contributing to a wooden classroom mural that will include a piece done by each of them.  The piece includes their name and a few of their interests.  K students are creating paper people that represent them and include an interest on their shirt!   We also used an iPad app to create rap songs that share our interests!  After we made the songs, students grooved as we listened to our creations!  Fourth graders examined their learning styles and talked about how they learn best.  They also took interest surveys that were titled "If I ran the school" In third grade we brainstormed the tools and techniques we will want to use to learn this year.  In the primary grades we began conversations about our passions!

I have also requested that each student bring in a photo or drawing of them doing something they are 'proud of'.  These pictures extend our knowledge of each other' s interests and allow us to create richer connections.

Using a variety of tools and strategies, we are actively reflecting on our own interests.  The diversity of our passions promises to make this a great year of learning!

The Never Bored Board

This year in enrichment I am introducing a new method for students to make sure that they are always actively engaged in the process of learning.  Over the next few weeks we will review a variety of things that students can always do when they are finished with their tasks.  This week we began practicing the Read and Write options. Students had a chance to read in the classroom library. Students also learned about our classroom "Please Write in This Book" notebooks.  Students will be able to share stories, facts, ideas and pictures and then pass the book on for the next person to add to their ideas!  I am excited to see what great things students will create.  I also love the idea that these books will be shared across grades so that we can build school community writing connections.

Important 2013-2014 Enrichment Dates

Here are some I important dates for RES enrichment in 2013-14.  

The after school enrichment program will be back again this school year with many great offerings!  The program will continue to be on MONDAYS after school from 2:30 - 3:30.  Sessions will provide many opportunities to try out a variety of classes in six week increments.  Here are the scheduled session dates:

Session 1 October 14th - November 18th

Session 2 January 6th - February 17th (but not Jan 20th)

Session 3 March 10th - April 14th

As the school year begins look for updates and information about specific offerings and sign ups on this blog and in home/school folders.

Students will also participate in Flynn trips again this year.  These are a great opportunity for parents to chaperone!  Here are the scheduled dates for these trips by grade: 

Grade K
Performance:            Step Afrika!
Performance Date:       Nov  1 2013 10:00AM

Grade 1:
Performance:            "Swimmy, Frederick, & Inch"
Performance Date:       Mar 10 2014 12:00PM
Performance:            "Seussical" the Musical
Performance Date:       Apr 16 2014  9:30AM

Grade 2:
Performance:            "Dream Carver" (with Senora Harris)
Performance Date:       Jan 22 2014  9:30AM

Performance:            "Stuart Little"
Performance Date:       May  7 2014  9:30AM

Grade 3:
Performance:            "At Nightfall"
Performance Date:       Mar 25 2014  9:30AM

Grade 4 :
Performance:            Step Afrika!
Performance Date:       Nov  1 2013 10:00AM

Notification will be sent home about these trips a few weeks in advance of the performances.

Please direct questions to Darcie Rankin, Enrichment Teacher at darcie.rankin@cesuvt.org.

Welcome Back to School!

It is with lots of excitement and enthusiasm that I begin my fourth year as the enrichment teacher at RES.  Last year, for the first time I was given the opportunity to meet with each student in the school once a week during the regular school day.  The enrichment program took on new meaning as we strove to develop a new program that would reach all students in an engaging and meaningful manner via the enrichment teacher.

I am happy to report that these classes will continue this year! Here are the days of the week each class will visit the enrichment space!

Mondays:
Berliner Grade 4
Darby Grade 3
Agner Grade K
Purvee Grade 1
Gilbar Grade K

Wednesdays:
Erickson Grade 4
Ayer Grade 3
Riggs Grade 2
Cross Grade 1
Darling Grade 2

Fridays:
Senning Grade 4
Ankerson Grade 3
Robinson Grade 2
Mumford Grade K
Hackett Grade 1

Students taught me an enormous amount last year about their interests and passions and how we could use those to create meaningful learning choices in the enrichment classroom. I know this year we will continue to learn from each other as we think, create, collaborate and share!

I welcome all comments and feedback about the enrichment program. Please contact me at darcie.rankin@cesuvt.org.