Thanks to all the teachers who submitted feedback on our Math Enrichment iBooks. Fifth grade teacher Meredith Chambers from Oakdale was the winner of a $10 gift card to First Watch. When asked how she is using the Math Enrichment iBooks, Meredith said:
I have a group of five students who passed 5th grade math as 4th graders. I still pretest them to see if they need any reteaching on these topics, but for the most part, after our whole-group lesson, they work with the iBooks for their guided math assignment.
We love getting feedback on the various resources we provide. Please leave a comment on our blog or email us directly with your feedback, input, and suggestions!
So there I was, looking through my Twitter feed when it appeared…Totem Head’s Story Contest. I’m always looking for great writing opportunities for students and this one looks like one YOU should enter!
Details
Categories: Ages 8 and under, 9-10, 11-12, 13-15, 16-18
Deadline: December 31, 2014
The first sentence should start with, “So there I was”. Stories must be tasteful and contain more mystery or suspense than gore. Think of it as a mysterious adventure story, without the happy ending–an ending with a lesson instead of warm fuzzies. Read more about the guidelines by clicking here.
Westside Community Schools does not sponsor or endorse the organization or activity described here. The sharing of this information is provided as a community service.
The Metro Reading Council is taking submissions for their 2014-2015 writing contest.
Deadline is December 15, 2014
Intermediate Prompt (4th-12th grade): Write a story about our world in the future. What would this world be like for young people? Is life better or worse? Click here for the rules and submission form.
Primary Prompt (K-3rd): Tell a story about a talking animal. Does the animal talk to you or other humans? Or does your animal just talk to other animals? Be sure to describe the animal in your story. Click here for the rules and submission form.
Westside Community Schools does not sponsor or endorse the organization or activity described here. The sharing of this information is provided as a community service.
The EY team created a Symbaloo this summer and so far, we’ve made it into all 3rd-6th grade classrooms to show students how to bookmark it on their iPads. We will continue to tweak it as the year goes on and appreciate your feedback and suggestions.
Do you have an idea for a business that you want to get off the ground? Submit your original business idea(s) for a product or a service and you could win up to
$1,000 and a sought-after seat at a celebration event with Warren Buffett!
Westside Community Schools does not sponsor or endorse the organization or activity described here. The sharing of this information is provided as a community service.
Be creative! You can make a story. Or a game. Or a story with a game in it. Or a game with a story in it. Just make it spooky!
Westside Community Schools does not sponsor or endorse the organization or activity described here. The sharing of this information is provided as a community service.
2. We have access for the next 30 days (from Nov. 10-Dec. 10) to a website which contains several resources. Scroll down to the “Books” section and look for “How to Ace the National Geographic Bee Official Study Guide,” and the “Nat Geo Wild Animal Atlas: Earth’s Astonishing Animals and Where They Live.” http://www.galesites.com/trial/geobee/district66
3. There’s an app for that! If you are interested in having a Geo Bee app on your iPad, let the EY coordinator in your building know and we will do our best to get it installed on your iPad.
Story problems come up in all levels of math and being able to solve problems and explain your thinking is a skill that needs to be practiced over and over again.
This activity provides a way for you to practice your math problem solving skills. Watch the video explanation below and create a math problem of your own.
Question: What do you get when you bring together 90 young creative minds?Answer: A group of engaged learners demonstrating critical and creative thinking skills while collaborating, working as a team, and solving problems!
At the end of August, third through sixth grade students at all 10 elementary buildings were invited to submit a “Choose Your Own Adventure” story. Over 100 stories were submitted and 90 students were invited to attend the Creative Problem Solving seminar at the Westside Community Conference Center.
As students came in, they were given a VIP name tag with a group name on the back. You can read more about the group names on our wiki page.
The first challenge of the day was to build the highest structure possible given 15 index cards, 2 straws, and 5 mailing labels. The structure had to be on the yellow piece of paper taped to the table. The challenge? Hands could not enter the yellow area! Students were given 2 straws, a fork, and 4 popsicle sticks to use as tools. The result was a lot of communicating, problem solving and creative thinking! Our judges (5 former Destination Imagination participants from WHS) measured the final height of the towers. Check out what the kids built!
Deciding how to use the materials
Using a popsicle stick to place the index cards
Creative design!
How tall can it go?
The winning towers!
Building outside the yellow paper
Next, the students rotated through five stations that put their communication and teamwork skills to the test. Throughout the challenges, students were given tickets for displaying good teamwork and communication skills. Students also earned tickets for their creative designs and solutions. Tickets were placed in sacks for a chance to win a variety of prizes.
Building a 3-D model out of PVC pipes
The prize table!
What are some creative uses for these items?
Lego building challenge
Here is a brief synopsis of each station:
Random PVC parts are on the floor. How fast can you construct a 3D figure using all of the parts?
How accurately can you recreate a Lego structure after only looking at it for 2 minutes? This station required students to pay attention to details and communicate effectively.
How fast can you raise a hula hoop up from the ground, over someone’s head, and back to the ground? Oh, and by the way, only using spoons!
What are some alternate uses for a pool noodle? A 5-gallon bucket? A seat cushion? Teams scored points for original and creative ideas.
How quickly can you pass a ball around the group making sure every person’s hands touch the ball?
The afternoon was spent working on an Explain Everything (app installed on all iPads) video. Students were given a brief introduction to the app and a link to some additional resources. Students were able to choose any topic for their video. Some chose to explain the basics of a favorite sport and others chose brainteasers. Most students didn’t have enough time to finish their video, but we encouraged them to use their E/I time back at school.
Overall, it was an exciting day and truly inspirational to witness the creative and innovative problem solvers of Westside Community Schools come together!
Thank you to those of you who could attend the parent meeting on September 18th. Below is a link to the presentation. Feel free to contact your building’s EY Coordinator if you have any questions.
