Kathleen Krull: Gossipy and Generous!

Grade four students packed into the Library Media Center on a Friday afternoon in December to learn from a biographer.  Thanks to our generous P.T.O., fourth grade students had a wonderful opportunity to connect with talented biography author, Kathleen Krull.  Her biography writing is never dull and includes information about the lives of famous people in vivid and clever ways.  We were lucky enough to host Kathleen last year as part of our Author/Illustrator Program. Her writing tips included being nosy and learning all of the gossipy details about someone's life, including what mistakes they made and even their hair woes! She encouraged students to not write like an encyclopedia but to add interesting details to their writing. The students took notes and will use Kathleen's advice when they craft their own biographies.  Grade four students have chosen a special person to interview. This project will include additional research about the time period their person grew up in; all special persons will be invited to GES for a special celebration of their lives.  

We are so excited about this project and for the opportunity to learn from our mentor, Kathleen Krull once again. To learn more about Kathleen or her writing, please visit her website at http://www.kathleenkrull.com/.

Fourth grade students learn insider tips about biography writing.

Coding Mania at Gainfield School

The library was hustling and bustling this week, but not over a love of books.  This week, December 7-11, at G.E.S., all students participated in National Computer Science Education Week.  Just like last year, students learned about coding or computer programming.  Kindergarten students learned about algorithms, while grade one students participated in pair programming (one student was the driver and the other the navigator) to complete some simple block moving tasks. Students in grades 2-5 began coding course work using https://code.org/. Teaching children coding skills improves their mathematical (spatial and problem solving) abilities and helps them understand an d experience perseverance. It was a fantastic week of coding at G.E.S.!

Grade one students participating in pair programming.

Bringing Yellowstone to Connecticut

What better way to enhance a third grade unit on rocks and minerals than to Skype with a Yellowstone park ranger?  On a dreary afternoon in November, third grade students gathered in the LMC to meet Ranger Travis and learn how rocks and minerals are important at Yellowstone and in the world around us.  The students asked questions such as What is your favorite rock and why? What was your most valuable find?  Ranger Travis even shared his favorite rock: obsidian, and that it is used in tools eye surgeons use. How cool is that?  The students took notes during the visit, recording three new pieces of learning, two re-learned ideas, and one lingering question. We can't wait to "visit" more places soon!

Making Their Mark at G.E.S.--Dot Day 2015!

How will you make your mark on the world?  This is the main question and theme of the amazing picture book The Dot by Peter Reynolds.  Vashti, a young art student lacks confidence in her abilities until her teacher convinces her otherwise.  On Friday, September 25th, all Gainfield students at G.E.S. read an electronic version of this book during library class.  In art class, students made a dot using different mediums.  In music class, students learned The Dot Song, a wonderful tribute to this book.  Finally, in P.E. students are playing games related to circles and dots.  Throughout the school are dot posters for how students can make their mark at G.E.S.  We will continue to reflect on the message of this book as the year progresses.  Dot Day Rocks!

Mrs. Clough, the art teacher, showing off her students' artwork.

Mrs. Clough and Mrs. Parker show pride in the students' marks.

Mrs. Parker and some 2nd grade students showing off their dots on Dot Day (September 25th)!

The Power of Technology

On May 21, 2015, many Gainfield students and families came together to celebrate technology.  Student presenters showed off their knowledge of tech tools such as Google Drive, Discovery Education, Voice Thread, Destiny Quest (book reviews), and much, much more!  The night began with a brief presentation by Mrs. Smith and me about the recent technology shifts that are shaping our teaching practices.  Then, families ventured to the LMC to learn about various tech tools students use at our school.  Parents reflected on their own new learning by commenting via an online Padlet.  A fun, informative night was had by all.

 Third grade students demonstrating the power of Google Earth software.

Fourth grade students smiling about using their Voice Memo app to gain greater reading fluency.

A kindergarten student shows a parent the capabilities of Pebble Go database for early reader research.

Tasty Books

Most everyone knows about food and wine tastings. The gist is that you get a sampling of many different flavors without consuming too much of one specific thing, right? Same goes for a book tasting.  The students at Gainfield School have experienced this before. To get to know Kathleen Krull's wonderful biographies this past fall, students sat before one of her books, had a recording sheet to write down their opinion, a SmartBoard timer and their own "getting to know book" strategies---then they were off! It's amazing what you can learn about a book in just two minutes. After their tasting, students rotate to another spot at their tables to "taste" another gem.

Each year in Connecticut, librarians, teachers and students wait in anticipation for May 1st. On this day, the Connecticut Nutmeg Nominated books make their debut.  At Gainfield School this May, second graders were the first to get their hands on the 2016 Elementary Nutmegs. Students took their job as tasters very seriously. The only sighs I heard were those when I announced that the books were not yet available for checking out. Aaaah, I love my job!

Gotta Love a Goldfish!

I came across this book, Not Norman, a Goldfish Story by Kelly Bennett and immediately related to the concept.  Growing up, I longed for a dog, a pet I could play with and call my own. Because my father was a bit afraid of dogs, we never got one. During one carnival after school, my sister won a goldfish. Rose was her name. Rose, the only pet we ever had was loved, cared for, admired. Yes, she was only a goldfish, but she was all we had. After three long days, we found Rose floating at the top of her bowl. My sister and I were devastated. No, Rose wasn't what most people would call a super pet, but she was ours.  The boy in this book soon realizes the same about his goldfish Norman.

I liked this book so much that I decided to create a two part lesson for kindergarten with it. First, we discussed the qualities of a good pet. While reading students were to think about ways Norman was a good pet.  Students then completed the sentence, "Norman, the goldfish, was a good pet because... (opinion writing in disguise)!" Next class, students illustrated Norman in his bowl and created him by using their hand and a little paint. As you can see, they enjoyed the lesson and I enjoyed remembering my pet goldfish Rose.

Try Something New in the New Year: Coding!

Recently, millions of students and adults took part in the "Hour of Code," (http://code.org/) a worldwide event that introduced computer programming and its "awesomeness" to anyone willing to give it a chance.  I had never really known much about computer science; in fact, I was a bit intimidated by it all.  But once I saw the faces of the students, I knew its value and appeal.

The excitement was palpable as students reached new levels of their programs.  To the students, coding feels like games.  After spending this time K-5 witnessing the "Power of Code"--I am hooked. We need to carve out more opportunities like this for our students--play on!