Summary Performance

As our chapter 3 activity for Leonardo da Vinci that we're reading, the students were given a hands-on activity that was structured to utilize their creativity.  In groups students needed to first write a summary for chapter 3 of the story, then, using a narrator, find a way to enact their summary.  I enjoyed seeing the various interpretations of events that the students did.

Peer Check-ins

During reading today, students did a peer check-in activity when going over their work.  In their table groups the students took a part of the work we were checking and used their peers to help them in ensuring the accuracy of their work.  As each person shared, the table group would give a thumb signal to indicate if they felt the students work was as per requirements.  If changes needed to be made, reasons were given as to why, it was discussed and they'd work together to find an appropriate solution.

Graphic Organizer Use

Students use a graphic organizer to find main story elements from chapter 2 of our Leonardo da Vinci book.  They located the setting, major and minor characters, problem, listed a few main events, and gave the outcome of the chapter.

Leonardo da Vinci

In reading this week, we're continuing to look at biographies through the study of Italy's very own Leonardo da Vinci.  As we read, we are learning about his childhood, how he came to be an artist, and the journey he embarked on throughout his career.

Today we used a pyramid graphic organizer to illicit information from the first chapter of our book.  This organizer is set up similar to a poem where the students find information from the text but have to display it in a certain manner (ie write the problem in only 4 words).  Team work and collaboration are what count in 4th grade purple and it was nice to see the conversations and problem solving going on throughout the room during this task.