We've continued exploring our senses through a series of sessions that have led to some new understandings. With the help of a mystery box, we saw how our sense of touch helps us identify unknown objects. Such vocabulary as hard, soft, spiky, bumpy, flexible and squishy came forth as we touched a variety of objects in the box. This vocabulary will prove to be very useful during writer's workshop as we examine how consciously thinking of our senses while writing can help develop a more interesting story for our readers.
The next day we went on a texture walk around the school and realized that our world is full of different textures. After making rubbings of the various textures, we discussed how textures can tell us more about objects. For example, the trunk of the tree on the playground was not only rough, but wet as well. This told us that it must have rained recently. The students also realized that we not only feel textures; we also see them! We discovered that sometimes we use multiple senses at the same time!
This discussion was followed up today with a closer look at textures and safety. One of the learner profile traits we are focusing on is being a "risk-taker". In order to be scientists and discover more about our world and ourselves we have to be willing to take risks. We did come to understand, however, that often our senses can warn us that something is unsafe, warning us that taking a risk is not such a good idea. The words sharp and hot were shared and we all remembered not so pleasant personal experiences involving items fitting these descriptions.
We will continue practicing being "risk-takers" under safe circumstances throughout this year. After reading the book Roller Coaster by Marla Frazee we developed a clearer understanding of what this term means.
Many students are already applying this trait to other areas of their lives. Aiden pointed out today during reading group, "I was a risk-taker today! I was a little nervous about reading because I didn't think I could do it, but I tried anyway and now I know I can. I read a book all by myself!"
The next day we went on a texture walk around the school and realized that our world is full of different textures. After making rubbings of the various textures, we discussed how textures can tell us more about objects. For example, the trunk of the tree on the playground was not only rough, but wet as well. This told us that it must have rained recently. The students also realized that we not only feel textures; we also see them! We discovered that sometimes we use multiple senses at the same time!
This discussion was followed up today with a closer look at textures and safety. One of the learner profile traits we are focusing on is being a "risk-taker". In order to be scientists and discover more about our world and ourselves we have to be willing to take risks. We did come to understand, however, that often our senses can warn us that something is unsafe, warning us that taking a risk is not such a good idea. The words sharp and hot were shared and we all remembered not so pleasant personal experiences involving items fitting these descriptions.
We will continue practicing being "risk-takers" under safe circumstances throughout this year. After reading the book Roller Coaster by Marla Frazee we developed a clearer understanding of what this term means.
Many students are already applying this trait to other areas of their lives. Aiden pointed out today during reading group, "I was a risk-taker today! I was a little nervous about reading because I didn't think I could do it, but I tried anyway and now I know I can. I read a book all by myself!"
Encourage your child to be a risk- taker at home!
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