Winter Wonders
Making tide pools, studying rocks and minerals,
searching for fossils, narrative writing, journaling, reading, building,
practicing yoga, 2 trips to Aullwood Nature Center, and Ohio and Dayton history projects
are among the activities that have filled our busy days.
Science
Students learned about earth's landscapes. Through the study of rocks, minerals, fossils, erosion, weathering, and landforms, students gained understanding of what our earth is made of and how various landscapes, such as canyons, valleys, and mountains are formed.
Observing and documenting characteristics of rocks; young geologists at work
Students chose among a number of books to read about a variety of geology topics.
They took notes, recording new and interesting facts.
Aullwood Nature Center
Field trips to Aullwood never disappoint. We loved observing nature while learning about Ohio's interesting geological past. Did you know that a HUGE glacier made its way through Ohio, giving the Buckeye State its very own Lake Erie? We learned that the glacier traveled south from Canada, stopping around Cincinnati, leaving flat land in its path. We also learned that the trilobite is Ohio's state fossil.
Students held genuine animal skins.
They learned about the many different animals that are native to Ohio.
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| The WHOLE class joined hands around one of the largest OAK TREES in the area! |
Peering through the window to observe a bird sanctuary was a highlight of the day. An outdoor microphone allows visitors to hear the birds' songs.
Engineers in Training
Middle Students love to build things. STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) is a favorite activity and is often built into math class or chosen as an activity during indoor recess.
Our yoga practice improved each week thanks to Ms. Marsha, our yoga instructor. Each week we learned a new mudra (symbolic gesture).
Mentoring at Morning Prayer
Middle students lend a hand to younger students, guiding them through morning prayers.
Literary Arts
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| Collaborating during Word Work Center time |
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| Reflection for Writer's Notebook time |
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| Quiet moment of Reading |
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| Ready to put on a show! |
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| Getting ready for student led Parent-Teacher Conferences |
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| Gratitude Projects |
Morning Meetings
Time for Loaves of Love at Chabad!
Focus on Literature
Written responses to...
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Read Aloud: James and the Giant Peach
and Guided Reading book Sarah, Plain and Tall
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| Guided Reading: Wonder by RJ Palacio |
Celebrating Tu B'Shevat with Chris Rollands at Aullwood Audobon Center
The students enjoyed sharing their fiction writing pieces with the primary class! Having a friend listen to our stories makes it more purposeful and fun!
Ohio and Dayton Biography Projects
Each student researched a famous Daytonian or Ohioan. After completing a written biography, students constructed life-sized portraits, utilizing photographs or pictures of the individuals in order to replicate the styles of clothing they may have worn.
