AND THE OSCAR GOES TO...
In our first cluster, we discussed as a group the reasons why we chose this cluster on film. We brainstormed different genres of film and discussed characteristics and examples of each. We also brainstormed the different roles involved in film making and what the duties of these roles are. Students then shared ideas they had about what kind of project they'd like to do and the roles they'd like to take on.
We had an activity to show the kids the different kinds of equipment we had available and what could be done with it. They took pictures and short video clips of different things and next week we are going to show them what it looks like once it's all put together. We will also show a short video next week explaining the steps involved in film making. Students will spend this week gathering their ideas so that at the next cluster, they can form groups and choose the project they will work on.
EARTHQUAKES, TORNADOES, AND HURRICANES, OH MY!
In our first enrichment cluster meeting, the members of the "Earthquakes, Tornados and Hurricanes, Oh My" reviewed some of the different types of natural disasters. We shared our experiences and background knowledge about these types of disasters. To engage in thinking about designing structures that can withstand the wind forces of natural disasters, we used 7 index cards to design a house that could protect the 1 or 2 Little Pigs (glue sticks) from the Big Bad Hair Dryer. This experience inspired a discussion about wind direction and force as related to construction. As we constructed our buildings, tornado scenes from the Wizard of Oz played in the background. After testing and discussing our designs, we started our research about real wind forces involved in tornados and hurricanes by viewing video clips. Next week we will explore the forces involved in earthquakes.
Games! Games! Games!
Our first session started by playing a couple of quick, fun, games including, Apples to Apples,Outburst, and Heads Up. Students then completed a brief survey, recording their top 3 favorite games and their hopes and ideas for the cluster. After a brief discussion about their favorite games students got into groups, chose from a variety of board games, and played for the remaining time.
YOGA HAVEN
When asked how they felt after their first day in Yoga, some student responses were, "Relaxed. Peaceful. Happy. I'm glad I chose this as my first choice!" During our initial session we learned poses such as Mountain Pose, Child's Pose, and finding our heart center. The majority of the kids expressed that they were there for relaxation through Hatha Yoga. However, they are also interested in exploring Bikram and Vinyasa to build strength. Our yogis are excited to take their new skills and possibly lead a wellness session for the BCE staff or community members. We concluded our session with a Sun Salutation. Namaste.
CLAY CREATIONS
Our Clay Magic artists explored the different ways to hand build
functional and decorative pottery using the slab and coiling techniques.
We then viewed various examples of sculpture including “in the round”
and “relief sculpture.” The remainder of the time was used to sketch
our ideas for our first project.
1,2,3,FORE!
Our first meeting was met with a lot of excitement! We discussed all the ways you can be involved in the game of golf, the types of clubs, how to score the game, and good technique. Our cluster ended with a putting competition that was filled with suspense! Next week, we'll be heading outside to practice our swing.
KOOKY COOKIE KITCHEN CHEMISTRY
Cookie memories kicked off our Kooky Cookie experience in our first cookie cluster. Favorites were chocolate chip followed by a close second on sugar cookies. We tasted cookies, one very Scandinavian based, a sugar cookie recipe shared by Mrs. Stover. The other taste experience was a batch of gluten-free chewy chocolate chip cookies Ms.Ives prepared for members of our cluster. Videos of Cookie Monster talking about the virtues of cookies and a tour of an Italian cookie factory rounded out our short and quick beginning to our cookie exploration and experimentation. Our students left excited and ready to delve deeper into their cookie chemistry adventure!
SPORTS INNOVATORS
At our first meeting we discussed what it meant to invent a new sport or game. We talked about the “New Wave” sports of today and how sports equipment has changed over the decades. We watched snip-its of videos from the origination of the first “Frisbee” to the invention of the “Skateboard”. Students were broken up into small groups and given a bucket and four different pieces of equipment. All groups were given the same piece of equipment. They were then asked to develop a game using the equipment they had and were told they would be demonstrating their game to the others. There were five groups of 3. It was very interesting to see how different each game turned out. We ended the time playing their favorite game, “Snookie”.
BEHIND THE LENS: BOOK TRAILERS
On the first day, our “Behind the Lens” enrichment cluster group talked about what a book trailer is and how it is used to persuade others to read a book. We learned that a book trailer is not a summary, but more of a commercial or advertisement designed to spark interest in a book. We watched video examples created by others and we evaluated them in terms of how effective they were. We noticed and shared the effect that the creator’s choice of pictures, music, and words had on us as we viewed each one. Next we brainstormed ideas for developing products to share our book trailers with the students at BCE. And finally we discussed possible service project ideas that could benefit others in the larger community. For the next meeting on January 16th, we should each have one or two book titles in mind in order to begin planning our book trailers.
GAME ON! GAME DESIGN WITH SCRATCH
In our first Scratch session students learn to select, create, and manage multiple forms of media, including text, images, animation, and audio recordings. As students gain experience creating with media, they become more perceptive and critical in analyzing the media they see in the world around them.
The Scratch program encourages creative thinking, an increasingly important skill in today’s rapidly changing world.
Below are seven computer concepts the student will learn in this enrichment cluster:
Statements
Loops
Events
Booleans
Condition
Variables
Functions
Tech Blog Link:
http://bcejorozco.weebly.com/blue-jay-blog/game-design-first-day
SPRING TRAINING
12 very excited 4th and 5th graders are in the Spring Training cluster! Most of the them were there because they love sports and want to play; some were interested in improving their performance and we had good discussions about possible products or services we might be able to work on for the next several weeks.
BUILDING A BETTER RECESS
In our cluster, Build a Better Recess, the students generated ideas for recess games for the school that they could build out of wood. We discussed advantages and disadvantages of each game idea as well as materials/work involved. The students rotated through game stations where they had the opportunity to play the games they considered. At the end, we voted on our top 3 game ideas to build: dominoes, building blocks, and Jenga. Next week, we will have a builder come in to discuss the details of choosing building materials, sanding, and staining. The children will being the sanding process. They were all very eager to participate and generate games that will impact the entire school!
LIONS, AND TIGERS, AND BEARS...NO MORE?
In our first enrichment cluster meeting of "Lions, Tigers, and Bears....no more?", we shared with each other our favorite animals and discussed the ways that animals become threatened or extinct species. We learned about the top 15 animals that are currently threatened with extinction in the world, most of which we had never even heard of! We also talked about the species in Texas that are threatened, like Texas Jaguars??!! We decided as a group to call our selves Animal Defenders and we will be recording our thoughts and ideas in our Animal Defender notebooks. This is a very motivated group of Defenders!!!
WHODUNIT?-MYSTERY THEATER
4th and 5th graders were grinning ear to ear when they entered the music room for the mystery theater cluster. Some wanted to know what it is like to be an actor, some wanted to try something new, others wanted to do more of what they already love, and EVERYONE was extremely excited! We all did an acting icebreaker game as a warm-up for the morning. The students then received their own folder with a copy of their script called, The Mysterious Case of the Missing Ring. We did a cold reading of the first half of the play and discussed the different roles. They all left with a “fun” homework assignment to read the rest of the play and to come up with their top 3 choices of who they want to be. On Friday, they will find out what their part is. You would think that Friday is a year from now with all of the anticipation in the air! To be or not to be…we shall find out next time!
In our first cluster, we discussed as a group the reasons why we chose this cluster on film. We brainstormed different genres of film and discussed characteristics and examples of each. We also brainstormed the different roles involved in film making and what the duties of these roles are. Students then shared ideas they had about what kind of project they'd like to do and the roles they'd like to take on.
We had an activity to show the kids the different kinds of equipment we had available and what could be done with it. They took pictures and short video clips of different things and next week we are going to show them what it looks like once it's all put together. We will also show a short video next week explaining the steps involved in film making. Students will spend this week gathering their ideas so that at the next cluster, they can form groups and choose the project they will work on.
EARTHQUAKES, TORNADOES, AND HURRICANES, OH MY!
In our first enrichment cluster meeting, the members of the "Earthquakes, Tornados and Hurricanes, Oh My" reviewed some of the different types of natural disasters. We shared our experiences and background knowledge about these types of disasters. To engage in thinking about designing structures that can withstand the wind forces of natural disasters, we used 7 index cards to design a house that could protect the 1 or 2 Little Pigs (glue sticks) from the Big Bad Hair Dryer. This experience inspired a discussion about wind direction and force as related to construction. As we constructed our buildings, tornado scenes from the Wizard of Oz played in the background. After testing and discussing our designs, we started our research about real wind forces involved in tornados and hurricanes by viewing video clips. Next week we will explore the forces involved in earthquakes.
Games! Games! Games!
Our first session started by playing a couple of quick, fun, games including, Apples to Apples,Outburst, and Heads Up. Students then completed a brief survey, recording their top 3 favorite games and their hopes and ideas for the cluster. After a brief discussion about their favorite games students got into groups, chose from a variety of board games, and played for the remaining time.
YOGA HAVEN
When asked how they felt after their first day in Yoga, some student responses were, "Relaxed. Peaceful. Happy. I'm glad I chose this as my first choice!" During our initial session we learned poses such as Mountain Pose, Child's Pose, and finding our heart center. The majority of the kids expressed that they were there for relaxation through Hatha Yoga. However, they are also interested in exploring Bikram and Vinyasa to build strength. Our yogis are excited to take their new skills and possibly lead a wellness session for the BCE staff or community members. We concluded our session with a Sun Salutation. Namaste.
CLAY CREATIONS
Our Clay Magic artists explored the different ways to hand build
functional and decorative pottery using the slab and coiling techniques.
We then viewed various examples of sculpture including “in the round”
and “relief sculpture.” The remainder of the time was used to sketch
our ideas for our first project.
1,2,3,FORE!
Our first meeting was met with a lot of excitement! We discussed all the ways you can be involved in the game of golf, the types of clubs, how to score the game, and good technique. Our cluster ended with a putting competition that was filled with suspense! Next week, we'll be heading outside to practice our swing.
KOOKY COOKIE KITCHEN CHEMISTRY
Cookie memories kicked off our Kooky Cookie experience in our first cookie cluster. Favorites were chocolate chip followed by a close second on sugar cookies. We tasted cookies, one very Scandinavian based, a sugar cookie recipe shared by Mrs. Stover. The other taste experience was a batch of gluten-free chewy chocolate chip cookies Ms.Ives prepared for members of our cluster. Videos of Cookie Monster talking about the virtues of cookies and a tour of an Italian cookie factory rounded out our short and quick beginning to our cookie exploration and experimentation. Our students left excited and ready to delve deeper into their cookie chemistry adventure!
SPORTS INNOVATORS
At our first meeting we discussed what it meant to invent a new sport or game. We talked about the “New Wave” sports of today and how sports equipment has changed over the decades. We watched snip-its of videos from the origination of the first “Frisbee” to the invention of the “Skateboard”. Students were broken up into small groups and given a bucket and four different pieces of equipment. All groups were given the same piece of equipment. They were then asked to develop a game using the equipment they had and were told they would be demonstrating their game to the others. There were five groups of 3. It was very interesting to see how different each game turned out. We ended the time playing their favorite game, “Snookie”.
BEHIND THE LENS: BOOK TRAILERS
On the first day, our “Behind the Lens” enrichment cluster group talked about what a book trailer is and how it is used to persuade others to read a book. We learned that a book trailer is not a summary, but more of a commercial or advertisement designed to spark interest in a book. We watched video examples created by others and we evaluated them in terms of how effective they were. We noticed and shared the effect that the creator’s choice of pictures, music, and words had on us as we viewed each one. Next we brainstormed ideas for developing products to share our book trailers with the students at BCE. And finally we discussed possible service project ideas that could benefit others in the larger community. For the next meeting on January 16th, we should each have one or two book titles in mind in order to begin planning our book trailers.
GAME ON! GAME DESIGN WITH SCRATCH
In our first Scratch session students learn to select, create, and manage multiple forms of media, including text, images, animation, and audio recordings. As students gain experience creating with media, they become more perceptive and critical in analyzing the media they see in the world around them.
The Scratch program encourages creative thinking, an increasingly important skill in today’s rapidly changing world.
Below are seven computer concepts the student will learn in this enrichment cluster:
Statements
Loops
Events
Booleans
Condition
Variables
Functions
Tech Blog Link:
http://bcejorozco.weebly.com/blue-jay-blog/game-design-first-day
SPRING TRAINING
12 very excited 4th and 5th graders are in the Spring Training cluster! Most of the them were there because they love sports and want to play; some were interested in improving their performance and we had good discussions about possible products or services we might be able to work on for the next several weeks.
BUILDING A BETTER RECESS
In our cluster, Build a Better Recess, the students generated ideas for recess games for the school that they could build out of wood. We discussed advantages and disadvantages of each game idea as well as materials/work involved. The students rotated through game stations where they had the opportunity to play the games they considered. At the end, we voted on our top 3 game ideas to build: dominoes, building blocks, and Jenga. Next week, we will have a builder come in to discuss the details of choosing building materials, sanding, and staining. The children will being the sanding process. They were all very eager to participate and generate games that will impact the entire school!
LIONS, AND TIGERS, AND BEARS...NO MORE?
In our first enrichment cluster meeting of "Lions, Tigers, and Bears....no more?", we shared with each other our favorite animals and discussed the ways that animals become threatened or extinct species. We learned about the top 15 animals that are currently threatened with extinction in the world, most of which we had never even heard of! We also talked about the species in Texas that are threatened, like Texas Jaguars??!! We decided as a group to call our selves Animal Defenders and we will be recording our thoughts and ideas in our Animal Defender notebooks. This is a very motivated group of Defenders!!!
WHODUNIT?-MYSTERY THEATER
4th and 5th graders were grinning ear to ear when they entered the music room for the mystery theater cluster. Some wanted to know what it is like to be an actor, some wanted to try something new, others wanted to do more of what they already love, and EVERYONE was extremely excited! We all did an acting icebreaker game as a warm-up for the morning. The students then received their own folder with a copy of their script called, The Mysterious Case of the Missing Ring. We did a cold reading of the first half of the play and discussed the different roles. They all left with a “fun” homework assignment to read the rest of the play and to come up with their top 3 choices of who they want to be. On Friday, they will find out what their part is. You would think that Friday is a year from now with all of the anticipation in the air! To be or not to be…we shall find out next time!