Imaginative Puppet Makers
Cluster participants were welcomed to “Pinocchio’s Puppet Pals”. An overview of different types of puppets was presented via a slide show. Next fifteen puppet ideas saved to Pinterest were shown to the students They chose their seven favorites, knowing each week they would be making a different puppet selected from their top choices. Students then discussed what they would like to do with any extra puppets they make. Cluster participants voted on several ideas and decided they would make extra puppets to give to an Austin Hospital or Shelter. We discussed changing the Cluster name and the new title is “Imaginative Puppet Makers”. Next examples of ready-made puppets were shown (e.g. hand puppets, marionettes, finger puppets, shadow puppets, specialty surprise puppets, and marionettes). The “Imaginative Puppet Makers” then explored how to move the puppets the last 15 minutes of time.
Rock Out!
Rock Out! had a rocking time during our first cluster meeting. Students examined a variety of rocks with magnifying glasses and examined identified rock and mineral specimens. We followed up our exploration with cutting, folding, and gluing various crystals into their three-dimensional representations. The best part of the cluster was creating our own crystal gardens. Can't wait to see what rocking adventures await our cluster next week.
Pet Palooza
At our first meeting, our “Pet Palooza” enrichment cluster group discussed which pets we would be interested in learning about and why. Each student drew pictures of the pets they chose and then explained to the group their reasons for their choices. We got to know one another through sharing pet stories and creating an chart listing our expectations. The students are very passionate about pet ownership and look forward to gaining more understanding about the roles and responsibilities. We can’t wait to get started!
Caring Crafters
We had such a good first meeting on Friday! The kids were so excited to brainstorm ideas for people (and animals) we'd like to help with our crafting. We also enjoyed making friendship bracelets to give to each other. In the upcoming cluster, we will decide on crafts for our causes and get to work!
iPad Blasters and App Masters
We started our cluster by getting to know each other. Then, the students downloaded the Nearpod app and did a live session created by Zane. The Nearpod had questions about why they chose this cluster, apps they want to know about, and ideas for the cluster showcase. Finally, they got to learn about some cool accessibility features like VoiceOver and magnifier. At our next meeting, we will be going over the NearPod results, learn how to create our own NearPods, and decide what to do for the rest of clusters and for the showcase.
Ready, Set, GO!
During our first cluster meeting we quickly discovered that we all have a passion for sports and exercise, we have lots of energy, and we are creative! We discussed ways in which we could utilize these three strengths during our cluster time together. This week we will play games we already know and love, and then discuss ways in which we could modify these games to make up completely new games. We will explore our inner athlete and become inventors in the upcoming weeks!
Death-Defying Defenses
In the Death-Defying Defenses Cluster, we started out getting to know each other - using lots of movement and repetition as part of a name game that helped us to learn each other’s names while simultaneously becoming more relaxed and comfortable. We then took turns talking about the animal defenses that we already know and then categorizing them. For the 2nd meeting, we’ll talk about what service or product our cluster may want to create and then buddy up to dive into a jungle of books about interesting and unusual animals. Can’t wait!
Magic Makers
We had a wonderful time watching, learning and practicing magic tricks during our first cluster meeting. It was fun discussing the student’s reasons for learning magic and hearing what they wanted to learn about regarding magic. We then watched a couple of students perform some magic tricks they learned last year in this cluster. The students had the opportunity to teach other students the tricks they knew and then they all practiced the tricks together. It was a lot of fun and the students were mystified by the tricks and then proud to perform them with their peers. We will be learning tricks every week and working on our smooth magician skills with all willing audiences.
Everything is Awesome
On the first day of “Everything is Awesome”, we discussed what Stop Motion Animation is and where we have seen it. Stop motion animation is the process of capturing one picture at time, with objects that are moved between pictures. When you play back the sequence of images rapidly, it creates the illusion of movement. We downloaded an app called iMotion and students then used Legos, clay and paper to explore the app.
Escape Room Game Design
During our first designer’s meeting, the participants brainstormed ways that they could go searching for a hidden object. They discussed the type of clues they would need, how they could communicate with a team member for help, and how when solving puzzles, there are often steps and “backward thinking” that happens. The designers explored ways to think like a game player and the importance of following a player’s path. Additionally, students were as a team to solve riddles that led them to finding their keys to the room, and then combined their teams and solutions to solve the final puzzle and get a code for the door. To get further ideas for designing their own physical game room, participants used their iPads to explore an online version of an Escape Room. In our first meeting, students were given their own secret keys, notebooks for designer ideas and clues, and expectations for working as a team.
Yoga Happiness
In Yoga Happiness, we discovered that yoga is not only a fun way to relax, but it is also a great way to exercise! We set the mood by using natural light, an oil diffuser, soft music, and deep breathing. We then learned some basic poses and did some sun salutations. The kids are so excited to develop yoga exercise routines for teachers to use to help kids relax, improve concentration, health, confidence, and more!
Paint Palooza
Our first day in Paint Palooza was filled with lots of fun and creative thinking. We learned about a few artists who use paint and canvases in very creative ways and then did a brainstorming activity about how we would like to think outside the box when creating art. The last few minutes of class we even had time to use thick yarn dipped in paint to make interesting marks on paper! This is the first of many masterpieces to be made in this cluster.
Cluster participants were welcomed to “Pinocchio’s Puppet Pals”. An overview of different types of puppets was presented via a slide show. Next fifteen puppet ideas saved to Pinterest were shown to the students They chose their seven favorites, knowing each week they would be making a different puppet selected from their top choices. Students then discussed what they would like to do with any extra puppets they make. Cluster participants voted on several ideas and decided they would make extra puppets to give to an Austin Hospital or Shelter. We discussed changing the Cluster name and the new title is “Imaginative Puppet Makers”. Next examples of ready-made puppets were shown (e.g. hand puppets, marionettes, finger puppets, shadow puppets, specialty surprise puppets, and marionettes). The “Imaginative Puppet Makers” then explored how to move the puppets the last 15 minutes of time.
Rock Out!
Rock Out! had a rocking time during our first cluster meeting. Students examined a variety of rocks with magnifying glasses and examined identified rock and mineral specimens. We followed up our exploration with cutting, folding, and gluing various crystals into their three-dimensional representations. The best part of the cluster was creating our own crystal gardens. Can't wait to see what rocking adventures await our cluster next week.
Pet Palooza
At our first meeting, our “Pet Palooza” enrichment cluster group discussed which pets we would be interested in learning about and why. Each student drew pictures of the pets they chose and then explained to the group their reasons for their choices. We got to know one another through sharing pet stories and creating an chart listing our expectations. The students are very passionate about pet ownership and look forward to gaining more understanding about the roles and responsibilities. We can’t wait to get started!
Caring Crafters
We had such a good first meeting on Friday! The kids were so excited to brainstorm ideas for people (and animals) we'd like to help with our crafting. We also enjoyed making friendship bracelets to give to each other. In the upcoming cluster, we will decide on crafts for our causes and get to work!
iPad Blasters and App Masters
We started our cluster by getting to know each other. Then, the students downloaded the Nearpod app and did a live session created by Zane. The Nearpod had questions about why they chose this cluster, apps they want to know about, and ideas for the cluster showcase. Finally, they got to learn about some cool accessibility features like VoiceOver and magnifier. At our next meeting, we will be going over the NearPod results, learn how to create our own NearPods, and decide what to do for the rest of clusters and for the showcase.
Ready, Set, GO!
During our first cluster meeting we quickly discovered that we all have a passion for sports and exercise, we have lots of energy, and we are creative! We discussed ways in which we could utilize these three strengths during our cluster time together. This week we will play games we already know and love, and then discuss ways in which we could modify these games to make up completely new games. We will explore our inner athlete and become inventors in the upcoming weeks!
Death-Defying Defenses
In the Death-Defying Defenses Cluster, we started out getting to know each other - using lots of movement and repetition as part of a name game that helped us to learn each other’s names while simultaneously becoming more relaxed and comfortable. We then took turns talking about the animal defenses that we already know and then categorizing them. For the 2nd meeting, we’ll talk about what service or product our cluster may want to create and then buddy up to dive into a jungle of books about interesting and unusual animals. Can’t wait!
Magic Makers
We had a wonderful time watching, learning and practicing magic tricks during our first cluster meeting. It was fun discussing the student’s reasons for learning magic and hearing what they wanted to learn about regarding magic. We then watched a couple of students perform some magic tricks they learned last year in this cluster. The students had the opportunity to teach other students the tricks they knew and then they all practiced the tricks together. It was a lot of fun and the students were mystified by the tricks and then proud to perform them with their peers. We will be learning tricks every week and working on our smooth magician skills with all willing audiences.
Everything is Awesome
On the first day of “Everything is Awesome”, we discussed what Stop Motion Animation is and where we have seen it. Stop motion animation is the process of capturing one picture at time, with objects that are moved between pictures. When you play back the sequence of images rapidly, it creates the illusion of movement. We downloaded an app called iMotion and students then used Legos, clay and paper to explore the app.
Escape Room Game Design
During our first designer’s meeting, the participants brainstormed ways that they could go searching for a hidden object. They discussed the type of clues they would need, how they could communicate with a team member for help, and how when solving puzzles, there are often steps and “backward thinking” that happens. The designers explored ways to think like a game player and the importance of following a player’s path. Additionally, students were as a team to solve riddles that led them to finding their keys to the room, and then combined their teams and solutions to solve the final puzzle and get a code for the door. To get further ideas for designing their own physical game room, participants used their iPads to explore an online version of an Escape Room. In our first meeting, students were given their own secret keys, notebooks for designer ideas and clues, and expectations for working as a team.
Yoga Happiness
In Yoga Happiness, we discovered that yoga is not only a fun way to relax, but it is also a great way to exercise! We set the mood by using natural light, an oil diffuser, soft music, and deep breathing. We then learned some basic poses and did some sun salutations. The kids are so excited to develop yoga exercise routines for teachers to use to help kids relax, improve concentration, health, confidence, and more!
Paint Palooza
Our first day in Paint Palooza was filled with lots of fun and creative thinking. We learned about a few artists who use paint and canvases in very creative ways and then did a brainstorming activity about how we would like to think outside the box when creating art. The last few minutes of class we even had time to use thick yarn dipped in paint to make interesting marks on paper! This is the first of many masterpieces to be made in this cluster.