Animal Homes Writing Project

First, we learned about different kinds of animal homes by reading non-fiction selections.  One of our main texts was our Weekly Reader.  After reading the text both together and independently, we watched some video clips on the topic too.  Next, students completed a graphic organizer like the sample below.  Each student needed to choose four of the animals and list three details about their home using bullets to keep themselves organized.  

After that, students used their graphic organizer to help them complete a rough draft.  We used elements of Step-up to Writing again in this stage.  The rough draft was done on a guided sheet, as seen in the partial photo of the sample below.  We reviewed topic sentences, details, and examples. When students completed their rough draft, they edited them with the teacher.  Students needs varied from reminders regarding capitals and periods, a topic sentence that solely focuses on the topic without giving supporting details, grammar, spelling, and overall format.  Some students needed to refer back to their text again to ensure accurate information. 

Last, students typed their work on the iPads.  Usually, we work in the computer lab on our KidBlogs when we can.  We don't go through all of the writing stages though.  But, we had the iPads for a couple of weeks.  It was amazing how having access to our blogs right in our room, instead of the lab proved to be so helpful with the organization aspect of this project.  Throughout the use of our KidBlogs this year, we've also covered digital writing topics such as correct spacing, how to copy and paste, how to make a capital and punctuations, how to check spelling, how to read over our work before we publish, as well as how to comment on another person's post.  Please click on the link to view this student's completed blog post title Animal Homes.  

http://kidblog.org/MrsGriffithsClass2012-2013/4ed478a8-ea9f-4af5-9bee-05e0ab9df00e/animal-homes-5/

Nice job students!  You've made a lot of progress! 

Toontastic

Yesterday our room was filled with a lot more laughter and giggles than normal.  Small groups of students collaborated together to create their own cartoon using the Toontastic app on the iPads.  Each group worked together to decide on different elements of the story.  I really like this app for story creation because it reinforces the different steps of story writing.  For example, the use a "Story Arc" that includes conflict, climax, resolution, and more.  It gives a brief description as they pass through each part of the "Story Arc."  Plus, students can move their characters and give them actual animation, record their voices, add music that fits the mood, watch their cartoon in a movie format, and more. 

During centers, students worked around the room at different stations.  Each group was able to work with Mr. Carls or myself.  Later, groups shared their cartoons using the Ladibug to project them on the SMARTboard.  Here's a picture taken with our Ladibug of one scene from each group's cartoon.  I would have loved to get an embed code to share them with you, yet that wasn't an option with this app.  But, we enjoyed them together as a class.  

 Predicament at Sea and in Space by

Evan, Jack, and Clayton

 Sharing Treasure by

Hannah, Jileena, and Shawn

 The Big Adventure by

Hunter, Kamden, Brendan, and Andrew

 The Knight Who Saved the Day by

Zachary, Madison, Tailyn, and Torrey

 The Magic Kingdom by 

Reagan, Kendall, and Kyra

The Mean Monkey by

Kyle, Mathurin, and Joseph

Merry Math!

 Mr. Lienhart helping with shape ornaments for gift giving.

 Mr. Eddy helping with creating repeating math patterns through art.