tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18411399092210449232023-11-16T07:13:27.337-06:00SEM: Developing World-Class TalentNicole Levitanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138408051602491156noreply@blogger.comBlogger174125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841139909221044923.post-13952208115470100072017-04-04T11:02:00.000-05:002017-04-04T11:02:04.049-05:00Kindergarten and 1st Grade Enrichment Clusters<div>
Our kindergarten and 1st grade enrichment clusters are underway! These grade levels get an opportunity to meet with an enrichment cluster for three weeks and then switch to another for three weeks. This way, they get to explore two areas of interest for a total of six weeks. We have found this is a great way to expose our youngest students to their interest and talents. Please read below for the summaries of what is taking place during these clusters. #thisiswhySEM</div>
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Super Sleuths</u></b><br />In the first cluster meeting we talked about how law enforcement personnel solve crimes and what tools they use to help them. Our focus the first session was looking at fingerprints and talking about the differences in every person's fingerprints. We discovered there are 5 different patterns: right loop, left loop, whorl, arch, and tented arch. The children looked at each other’s' prints and had fun investigating. We then used our powers of scientific observation to test 4 substances. We wrote our observations in our Detective Notebooks. Based on what we discovered about these substances, we used deductive reasoning to test a mystery substance and determine what it was. Next week we will use <a href="http://breakout.edu/">breakout.edu</a> to simulate clues and opening of mystery boxes. <div>
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<b><u>Lava, Quakes, and Tectonic Plates - Oh My! </u></b><br />We watched a volcano erupt in the music portable and then studied how the Earth is constantly moving through tectonic plates. We learned about and did a puzzle of Pangeaand talked about the 3 ways plates can move. We made edible tectonic plates out of whipped cream, fruit roll-ups and graham crackers and got to practice moving them before we ate them! Next week we will be talking about earthquakes and why/where they occur and the following week we will be studying volcanoes and why they happen. </div>
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<b><u>Hocus Pocus</u></b></div>
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It was a magical time in the first meeting of the “Hocus Pocus” enrichment cluster! We explored new vocabulary and practiced our presentation skills as we learned 2 exciting illusions. We will perfect these “tricks” and more using cards, cups and other simply supplies in our next two meetings of the “Hocus Pocus” enrichment cluster</div>
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<b><u>Fairytale Builders</u></b></div>
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Our “Fairytale Builders” came to the rescue! Goldilocks broke Baby Bear's chair but our wonderful Kinder and 1st grader cluster participants used their makerspace skills to build him a new chair and bed! Our challenges will continue as we build a bridge over "the lake" to help the Gingerbread Man make his escape and create a home for the Three Little Pigs that will withstand the huffing and puffing of the Big Bad Wolf (a fan)! Our creativity is coming alive as we are builders and problem solvers!</div>
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<b><u>Do You Dig Dinosaurs?</u></b></div>
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We had a great time being junior paleontologists on Friday! First, we filled out a KWL chart so I could see what the kids already know about dinosaurs and what they want to learn about! Then we watched a brief video on Brainpop Jr. to learn what fossils are and how they form. Next, we used shapes to draw a T-Rex! Other activities included learning about specific dinosaurs with our iPads on Pebble Go and putting together a dinosaur puzzle! In the following weeks, we will answer the kids' questions from their KWL charts. We'll also work on a 3D dinosaur puzzle, enjoy some dinosaur books, do a dinosaur iPad activity, and more! For our final meeting, we will start by going on a real life fossil hunt in our outdoor preserve. The kids will also see some fossils that other students have found. They will return to the library for a dinosaur egg hunt and wrap up by documenting what they learned on their KWL chart.</div>
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<b><u>Out of this World</u></b></div>
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During week one, we explored and discovered all kinds of interesting things about space. We went through four stations with books about space and the solar system, games, toys and puzzles to get ourselves into the outer atmosphere!</div>
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<b><u>LEGOs: Everything is Awesome!</u></b></div>
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Did you know that the Lego bricks sold in one year could circle the earth 5 times? There must be a lot of people interested in Legos around the world. In the enrichment cluster “LEGO: Everything is Awesome”, our very own LME Kinder and 1st grade Lego enthusiasts talked about their interest in Legos. During our first meeting we learned about using LEGOs to create a video using stop motion. Stop motion uses lots of photos of small movements with the LEGOs. When the pictures are put together they make the Legos look like they have come to life. We also spent time building with the LEGOs (An overwhelming majority favorite). After looking at pictures of Laurel Mountain, we began constructing our own Lego version of the school. We talked about what makes a sturdy wall and how to build a stronger structure by over lapping the bricks. Students used their creativity to add details such as the flag pole, trophy case and landscaping. The next two weeks we will explore our interests in LEGOs through choice. Students will be given opportunities to complete more building challenges such as building the tallest tower, making a chair for a bear and following visual instructions to make a model. Students will also have the choice to use the LEGO Movie Maker App and Pic Collage App along with Legos to create a stop motion video or create a poster. Products may be used as reminders of upcoming events or helpful tips on our KPAW morning broadcast news. Everything is Awesome when we use our interest in Legos to build our knowledge and skills and create meaningful products to contribute to our school</div>
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<b><u>Calm Your Brain, Move Your Body</u></b></div>
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The “Calm Your Brain, Move Your Body” enrichment cluster started off to a relaxing and fun start. We learned about the connection between our brains, breath, and body energy, and spent our hour doing yoga that was led by Mrs. Justice, Nikhila (one of our 5th grade helpers), and Maximo from GoNoodle.com. Next week we will learn about and practice meditation and what it means to be 'mindful', and explore a variety of sensory tools and scents to learn what kinds of sensory experiences are calming to each student. We will conclude our cluster with a week on dance and active, flowing movement. Each week we will rate how we like the experience and how it makes us feel so that we can continue to choose activities that calm our brains as we move our bodies in intentional, fun ways.</div>
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<b><u>Origami Fun</u></b></div>
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At our first session of the “Origami Fun”, we talked about our experiences with origami and looked at a variety of paper origami models. We also learned that Origami comes from Japanese words meaning “to fold paper”. We followed step-by-step directions on a website, <a href="http://www.en.origami-club.com/">www.en.origami-club.com</a> to learn some origami-folding techniques. After that we made the face of a dog, a cat and a fox. Students will be beginning with simple models and move on to more complicated levels. </div>
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<u><b>Puppet Pals</b></u></div>
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Puppet Pals is off to a wonderful start. We began by learning about all kinds of puppets…even puppets made out of trash! We even learned you can make a puppet out of one finger or a puppet using your fist. Next we had the opportunity to explore a variety of commercial and homemade puppets. Finally we discussed what kind of puppets we will make next week. At our second meeting we will make a variety of puppets…a finger puppet from a rubber glove, a paper puppet and a matchbox puppet. Our third meeting will focus on stages. We will even make our own stage to take home along with some spoon puppets.</div>
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<b><u>Fairy Garden Adventures </u></b></div>
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In the “Fairy Garden Adventures” enrichment cluster we used pipe cleaners, beads, embroidery thread and silk flowers to create precious fairy dolls. We chose fairy names and had time to play with our friends. We looked through a craft book for ideas on ways to make fairy homes and wings. In our next two meetings we plan to add wings to our fairies, create garden homes, and use our imagination to have fun adventures together. Our fairies are so cute--we can hardly wait to take them home!</div>
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<b><u>Makerspace</u></b></div>
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For our very first meeting, we answered a few questions: What is Makerspace? What projects will we create? What materials and resources are we going to use? We found out this is the place for us to design, create, build, invent, collaborate, and share our ideas. It was a fun discussion! Then we went to work quickly. We were anxious to get our ideas and projects started. For the next two meetings, we’ll continue to use our time and materials to complete our creative plans. It was fun to be in a group where everyone loves to use their imagination, create amazing projects, and collaborate with each other.</div>
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<b><u>Cook with Books</u></b></div>
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“Cook with Books” read The Very Hungry Caterpillar and made fruit and yogurt parfaits to show some of the yummy treats the caterpillar ate. The students cut bananas and strawberries. They crushed graham crackers in Ziploc bags with rolling pins. Each student added these toppings to their vanilla yogurt. Then it was time to munch like the caterpillar. YUM! YUM!</div>
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<b><u>Wild Animals are Everywhere</u></b></div>
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We had fun today at the cluster. We did our brainstorming at the beginning of the cluster. We talked about what wild animals are and where we can find them. We named some wild animals and then we watched a video. We read book about the animal's feet and the students started a project on creating the wild animals' feet. In the upcoming meetings we will explore wild animals in the ocean and create whales, sharks and octopus. We will use books, Pebble Go and webcams to explore the ocean. Finally, we will make our own zoo.</div>
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<b><u>Bugs, Insects and More!</u></b></div>
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We had a great time in our first session of “Bugs, insects and more!” We focused on compost and all of the critters that live and work in the compost. We investigated the book Compost Critters by Bianca Lavies and looked at a few pictures online. We then examined some compost from my house and discovered many baby sow bugs (roly poly) and a baby millipede. We also examined some worms that I bought from Academy. Some were brown and others were green.</div>
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<b><u>Amazing Animals</u></b></div>
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What is a mammal? Which mammals would make good pets? Why and why not? But the most exciting thing we will learn this year is what it might be like to have and train a show dog. Mrs. Bretsch will bring her show dog Truman. The students will get to run Truman in a circle like a real show person would do. We learned all about what Mrs. Bretsch must do to get Truman ready for a show and what he needs to be well taken care of. It will be a blast!!! Next we learn a bit about birds. Yes, Mrs. Scott has a very unusual bird (the African gray) that sings, dances, and has a very unusual coloring. The students learn more than just the feeding a care of these great birds. Then after we observe the students get to hold and have a picture with this lovely bird. Birds in the wild often don’t have enough food so in the cluster as a service we will make a “surprise” bird feeder. For our last session we will explore the wonder of reptiles. We will meet the bearded dragons Snap. When Snap and Leader his brother were put together they ran across the floor, bobbed their heads and flicked their tongues. We even saw Snap’s beard go from white to black when he saw his brother Linder. We learned that bearded dragons do this as they protect their territory. We hope to see Mrs. Scott’s snake after it sheds its’ skin. Then we will get to make reptiles from modeling Magic all in all we will have an AMAZING time!<br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> </div>
Nicole Levitanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138408051602491156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841139909221044923.post-12221552374234962882017-03-02T12:05:00.003-06:002017-03-02T12:05:30.217-06:00Our 2nd and 3rd graders are super excited. And it is not because Spring Break is right around the corner. Our Enrichment Cluster Showcase is TOMORROW. Our students can't wait to be docents at their displays and share with our parents and community what they have learned and produced over the past eight weeks in their enrichment clusters. We hope that all of you can make it. Of course, I will post pictures of the showcase. But you don't have to wait any longer to read about what our enrichment clusters accomplished. Below are the summaries our 2nd and 3rd grade enrichment clusters. Giving our students a way to share their passions and their knowledge is one of the MANY ways that we develop world-class talent at Laurel Mountain. #thisiswhySEM<div>
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<b>Flying Lion Travel Agency </b></div>
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We had a GREAT time learning to be junior travel agents in the “Flying Lion Travel Agency” enrichment cluster. First, we learned about what a travel agent does and brainstormed ideas for exciting travel destinations. Our cluster learned about all elements of planning for a trip: picking where we'd like to go, booking a flight, selecting hotels, developing an itinerary, renting a car, and even choosing restaurants. We researched our destinations through print and online media and prepared presentations that highlight the amazing things you can do and see on our trips! Finally, our cluster members designed business cards and collected our best travel plans together to share with all of you! Welcome aboard!</div>
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<b>Girls in Technology</b> </div>
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Wow! What a fun time we had using technology to learn, create and implement. We had a group of girls with many different interests and ideas on how they wanted to use technology. There was a group of Urban Planners that used Minecraft to design a new community for the fast growth of Austin, TX. Music Engineers were in the making as they used Makey Makey to compose pieces with different instruments and beats to make beautiful music. Lastly, we had Designers creating a fun obstacle course for Spheros. The girls had fun exploring these technology and working together. We are ready to be hired by these companies. Girls in Technology Rocks! </div>
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<b>Drawing: The Magic of Your Pencil</b></div>
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The time flew in our drawing cluster. It was fun to see the children have time to engage in their passion for drawing. Every week, we all seemed surprised when the hour was over. Students experimented with different methods to help provide guidance to their drawings, such as online lessons and learning to work with various shading tools such as chamois, tortillions, stumps and various eraser types. We hope you will join us at the Showcase to see their art. Laurel Mountain has some very talented artists! I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them.</div>
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<b>Lost in Books</b></div>
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What a fabulous, fun-filled 8 weeks! We skyped with an author, Nikki Loftin, and learned about how she loves to sing opera to her goats. We then divided ourselves into groups where some of us wrote comics, designed a game with book prizes, wrote a script for KPAW for book recommendations, hung up signs to encourage LME students to donate gently used books to Book Spring, and created Lending Libraries for K-1st, 2nd-3rd and 4th-5th grades. We cannot wait to show off our hard work at the Enrichment Cluster Showcase!</div>
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<b>Crafting with a Purpose</b></div>
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“Crafting with a Purpose” students created many unique items to give to family and friends. This included picture frames and pencil cases as well as several individually designed items. They also made Valentine's' for veterans and children in the hospital. “Crafting with a Purpose” participants used a variety of supplies to make their creations. They really reached "out of the box" to stretch their creative juices.</div>
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<b>Clay Creators </b></div>
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Our “Clay Creators” have created many wonderful products using the clay techniques. They are looking forward to sharing their knowledge with you at the Showcase this Friday. For the last 3 Fridays they have been glazing their work. This week they are going to be fired in the kiln. Hope to see you this Friday!!</div>
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<b>Wonderful World of Watercolor</b></div>
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The “Wonderful World of Watercolor” cluster produced some fabulous works of art! We learned some interesting techniques, proper use of watercolors and were given the opportunity to explore our creativity and talents with painting. We were excited to make lots of bookmarks to send to the Libraries of Love in Uganda for the children to use while reading the many books that LME helped collect!</div>
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<b>Coding Fun</b></div>
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“Coding Fun” students created many projects using the Scratch website. Some students used tutorials to create a pong type game with different sprites (coded characters or objects). Other students created a music simulator. When you hit a key on the keyboard it would play music. There were some projects that were races. Throughout this cluster students used their imagination, problem solving skills and teamwork. They also learned patience and cooperation. </div>
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<b>Play Yard Planners</b></div>
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The “Play Yard Planners” rounded out our cluster with the completion of a final budget for our Mikey's Play Yard improvement plan. We included a pitch for a hydration station in September and May, the hottest months outside, as well as a first aid station and several new games and activities to add to the Play Yard. Thanks to Maya Granoff, one of our 5th grade students, we were almost able to fund the plan wholly with grant money she received for our plan. We up-cycled rocks gathered in the Play Yard to replace missing checkers pieces by painting them red and black and learned a lot about the planning and budgeting process as we worked in small teams on our various projects. We also practiced collaboration with stakeholders and decision makers in a team format, inviting Mrs. Kelley, Assistant Principal, to visit several times. Look for improvements to this space after spring break and e-news and KPAW announcements as we unveil the additions to Mikey's. We hope our 1st-5th grade students enjoy these additions and services. Come by our showcase booth on Friday, March 3rd for a peek at what is to come!</div>
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<b>Abracadabra</b></div>
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Sixteen boys have enjoyed gathering on Fridays for the “Abracadabra” enrichment cluster to discover the mystery of magic. We learned secrets and "slight of the hand" surprises from Magician Jay Garcia the first week, followed by many weeks of practicing and performing tricks taught by our cluster friends and coordinators Mrs. Pyles and Mrs. Bretsch. We discovered there are many opportunities where magicians can perform for others. Each student created a memory book with notes from Mr. Garcia's visit along with "how to" reminders of the card tricks we learned. The last few weeks was spent perfecting our performances and videotaping for our Showcase Video that will be on display. Everyone worked hard and encouraged each other while exploring the World of Magic.</div>
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<b>Help Save the Animals!</b></div>
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The students in Portable 4 have been busy discovering ways to help save endangered animals. They have also been busy brainstorming ways they can help everyone else develop a passion to protect these animals. After much research, exciting games, and a trip to the Preserve, the students have developed posters, puppets, paintings, Google presentations, and clay dioramas to inspire their audience to join the cause of saving the animals!</div>
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<b>Take One</b></div>
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We have spent the past couple of months on a cinematography quest. Students have honed their skills with IPads, created scenes, practiced their acting skills, and learned how to use Lego Movie Maker, Storyboard, and IMovie apps. All of our students have at least one movie saved in their Google Drive so that they can share their work with family and friends. Our cinematographers are very excited to present their work at the showcase!</div>
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<b>Global Cooking</b></div>
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The “Global Cooking” enrichment cluster excitedly hosted parent volunteers to assist us in preparing a recipe from each of their cultures. We "visited" India, Mexico, Russia, China, Turkey, and America through our culinary experiences. As their products and keepsakes the students chose to make a Global Passport Cookbook, an apron, and a chef's hat. Our service opportunity was contributing to the LME PTA Global Cookbook as well as advertising how students and families can also submit their favorite recipes by creating a KPAW commercial and handing out QR codes of submission form link at the 2nd/3rd grade cluster showcase. The cooking cluster was as fun as it was delicious! </div>
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<b>LEGO Challenge</b></div>
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The “LEGO Challenge” group had a blast with LEGOs this session. We had challenges for fastest LEGO car, tallest building, crazy creatures, coolest mode of transportation and finally we connected motors to LEGOs and programmed them to move up and down and all around. At the showcase we'll have examples of the best LEGO creation in each category. The motorized LEGOs include a giant being lifted up, a sailboat drifting up and down and an airplane with a moving propeller. We all wish there was more time to make more wonderful creations.</div>
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<b>Lions to the Rescue</b></div>
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Wow! We accomplished so much in eight weeks...from learning about shelters and dog trainers that help train shelter dogs to making blankets and toys for cats and dogs! We were also able to collect many donations to help Texas Humane Heroes in Leander. We will be delivering these donations to the shelter this weekend. Most of all, we learned that shelters are very important places that provide temporary homes for cats and dogs until they find their forever homes and there are many things we can do to help make their stay at the shelter more comfortable. We even have a couple of Lions that have volunteered at the shelter!</div>
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<b>Working with Whiskers </b></div>
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The "Working with Whiskers" enrichment cluster had a fun and exciting time learning about a few of the many careers available working with furry creatures of all sizes. We kicked our cluster off by learning about Dog Grooming, and even got to give a real dog, Rocky, a bath and some brushing. Everyone wanted to take turns, so Rocky was very well groomed, and happy, by the end of the class! Then we met Dr. Davies, who taught us all about being a veterinarian. She showed us how to care for our pet's teeth, talked to us about some of the foods dogs and cats should and shouldn't eat, and discussed some of the common ailments that affect dogs and cats. Dr. Davies showed us kidney stones that she removed form a dog, and she even had jars with real tape worms and flat worms to show us, while explaining about parasites. The following week we joined the Lions to the Rescue cluster and meet Megan and her dog, Penny. Megan is a dog trainer, and she showed us how she trains dogs, and we even got to help her teach Penny a new trick. Finally, we learned about becoming a Pet Nutritionist and made healthy dog treats with yummy ingredients like oats, sun butter, carrots and sweet potatoes! We hope you will join us at our showcase and learn all about how to keep your pets healthy and safe. While you’re there, please ask for a sample of the healthy dog treats we made for your dog.<br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> </div>
Nicole Levitanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138408051602491156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841139909221044923.post-89557422220482937982017-02-13T14:39:00.002-06:002017-02-13T14:39:26.900-06:00Sometimes, Pictures are Better....Our 2nd and 3rd grade enrichment clusters are well underway. This coming Friday, will be the seventh meeting of the enrichment clusters. The students are working hard on their student-driven products and services. I could write a lot words about all of the hard work, creative thinking, collaboration, problem solving and investigations that are taking place. Or I could post a lot of pictures so you can actually SEE the hard work, creative thinking, collaboration, problem solving and investigations that is taking place. I pick the pictures! Enjoy! And remember the learning that occurs while students are engaged in areas of interest is one way that we develop world-class talent at Laurel Mountain. #thisiswhySEM<br />
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Play Yard Planners</div>
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Flying Lions Travel Agency</div>
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Crafting for a Purpose</div>
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Working with Whiskers </div>
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Lions to the Rescue</div>
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Drawing: Magic of Your Pencil</div>
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Coding Fun</div>
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Girls in Technology</div>
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Abracadabra</div>
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LEGO Challenge</div>
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Lost in Books</div>
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Global Cooking</div>
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Wonderful World of Watercolors</div>
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Coding Fun</div>
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Girls in Technology</div>
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LEGO Challenge</div>
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Take One!</div>
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Help Save the Animals</div>
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Crafting with a Purpose</div>
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<br />Nicole Levitanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138408051602491156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841139909221044923.post-36830590124152238342017-01-16T21:58:00.002-06:002017-01-16T21:58:53.734-06:002nd and 3rd grade Enrichment Clusters are Going Strong!Our 2nd and 3rd graders are currently participating in their enrichment clusters for this school year. This coming Friday will be there third meeting out of eight. The students have been exploring and leaning about an area of interest and they will soon decide what product or service they want to create for their enrichment cluster. The products and services are student driven, with the teachers helping guide and facilitate the process. Below are the summaries (along with a few pictures) from the first and second enrichment cluster meetings. Student driven enrichment clusters are another way that we develop world-class talent at Laurel Mountain. #thisiswhySEM<br />
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<u><b>Wonderful World of Watercolors</b></u><br />
Today in the enrichment cluster, “The Wonderful World of Watercolors”, we learned that the first water-colorists lived many years ago. Archaeologists discovered cave paintings in Europe and also discovered that ancient Egyptians used watercolors to illustrate their writings! We learned that watercolor paintings can be realistic or abstract. We discussed the different jobs that water-colorists can have such as illustrations for books, artists for greeting card companies, sign painters and much more! We began brainstorming ways in which we can use our talents for painting to provide a service or a project. We learned how to properly use the professional watercolors and painted our first piece of work. <br />
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<u><b>Coding Fun</b></u><br />We started our meeting by discussing why we this enrichment cluster was one of their choices. We found out that some students have never been on Scratch and others have already created projects. Then we watched a video by Mitch Resnick, the professor at MIT who created Scratch. He talked about Scratch being a platform for creativity. He showed different tools students can use while creating, like adding video using the camera of the computer or having the characters move by sound! Very cool! After the video, students explored the site. Students will create a Scratch account at home so they can save all the projects they do at school and home. In future meeting, students will create a game or story using Scratch. The coders are excited to get started and create!<br />
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<u><b>Working with Whiskers</b></u><br />Our first meeting was purr-fect! This week's cluster was all about pet grooming. After watching a few short videos on how to groom a dog, we got a chance to give a real dog a bath! All the kids got an opportunity to check the water temperature, scrub, and then finally dry and brush Rocky, the Chihuahua. We also discussed proper nail trimming and basic pet care. Many great questions were asked and answered, and having a real dog helped to keep them captivated and focused. Rocky was a good sport and loved all of the extra attention.<br />
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<u><b>Lost in Books</b></u><br />Twenty eager readers crowded around the screen to meet a real author...Nikki Loftin- author of <i>Nightingale’s Nest</i>, <i>Sinister Sweetness of Splendid Academy</i>, and <i>Wish Girl</i>. Each student wrote questions to ask her during our Google Hangout. We learned that most of her books are based off of fairy tales and she sings opera to her goats. :) A piece of advice she gave our eager readers was to read everything they could get their hands on.<br />
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<u><b>Global Cooking</b></u><br />The “Global Cooking” enrichment cluster began with introductions from Mrs. Ferriola and Mr. Sparks. Our guest instructor this week was Mrs. Suchitra Chander, who provided the cluster students an opportunity to prepare an authentic Indian dish, Chana Chaat, which is an Indian chickpea salad. Students were given opportunities to peel and chop potatoes, green & red onions, and cucumbers, and were instructed on the idea of "mise en place", which means keeping your work station neatly organized with your chopped vegetables and other ingredients. After the paneer was sauteed and the other ingredients prepared, the students were provided an opportunity to eat and enjoy their Chana Chaat, along with various toppings.<br />
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<u><b>Take One</b></u><br />Our first enrichment cluster was spent discussing different apps for movie making. We created a stop motion video together using Lego Movie Maker. The students then enjoyed using Lego as well as other action figures to create their own short stop motion movies. In the next few weeks we will introduce the students to different video strategies and iPad apps that will help them produce and edit their own videos.<br /><br />
<u><b>Lions to the Rescue</b></u><br />“Lions to the Rescue” had a special guest come for our first meeting. Shayna Grassi from Texas Humane Heroes came and shared really good information about the shelter. Did you know that they were able to find homes for over 2,600 pets in 2016? We found out that they are a private non-profit organization, so they rely solely on donations to fund the shelter. Because of this, they are in constant need of supplies, volunteers and even though they do a big fundraiser, every little cash donation they get is greatly appreciated. We decided we are definitely going to help out in any way we can!<br />
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<u><b>Flying Lion Travel Agency </b></u><br />We had a GREAT time learning to be junior travel agents during the first meeting of the “Flying Lion Travel Agency” enrichment cluster. First, we brainstormed ideas for exciting travel destinations throughout the United States. Once we selected our destination, students started exploring and taking notes! We picked partners, walked through some planning considerations, and started working on our travel plans. Lions love to travel! Welcome aboard!<u></u><br />
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<u><b>Play Yard Planners</b></u><br />The “Play Yard Planners” began our first meeting with unstructured, exploratory play choices to get our creative juices flowing for different types of play opportunities we might create at Mikey's Play Yard. We are a service and problem solving cluster, so learned about the problem solving process and steps. We discussed how the problem solving process is used in various careers, particularly when it comes to design, technology, and service industry careers. Next, we physically walked the space we will be planning for improving, Mikey's Play Yard, and noticed any problematic issues or gifts of certain areas in the Play Yard. Mrs. Kelley was our guest speaker today, who spoke to the safety and supervision concerns we will keep in mind as we plan. We look forward to brainstorming, planning, and creating in our remaining 7 weeks, as we hope to provide a meaningful service to our school community.<br />
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<u><b>Magic of your Pencil </b></u><br />We had a great first meeting of the “Magic of your Pencil” enrichment cluster! Ms. Meme and I shared portfolios of sketches and drawings we have completed in the past year or so as we both began learning to draw with graphite and charcoal. Each child received a drawing kit with 8 pencils of varying hardness, 4 charcoal pencils, 3 graphite sticks and 3 charcoal sticks, 2 different types of erasers, a sharpener and a sketch book. We discussed and explored other tools of the trade such as: special erasers for different tasks including shading, other shading tools such as chamois, tortillions and stumps. In addition, we discussed what types of careers are available to people with a passion and talent for drawing. The children then spent time trying out their tools and began sketching. We are looking forward to several more weeks of using our creativity and having the time to draw.<br />
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<u><b>Girls Who Code</b></u><br />With technology being a huge part of our world today, our cluster did not stop to smell the roses. During our first meeting, the girls had the opportunity to explore a variety of technology devices. They were introduced to Makey Makey, Sphero 2.0, Ozobot, Scratch and various online coding programs. The exploration gave the girls a chance to trigger their interest and to choose a device that excites them. In the following weeks, they will learn more about their device, teach themselves how to program it and have fun. We are very excited to learn how to code and to be a part of this growing world of technology.<br />
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<u><b>Crafting with a Purpose</b></u><br />This morning was our first meeting with the “Crafting with a Purpose” enrichment cluster. We began by introducing ourselves, then set the students loose to design and create using a variety of arts and crafts supplies. Some kids chose to make duct tape creations, while others designed 3D pop-up cards. We had paper crafts, designer telephones made from plastic cups, picture frames, and all sorts of beautiful products. Once we cleaned up, we discussed what our cluster's purpose might be. We decided we will create handmade products for people in our families and community, and that we might like to learn how to make some new things. It was a fun and productive cluster meeting! We can't wait to see what else these creative kids will design<br />
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<u><b>Clay Creations</b></u><br />We began our enrichment cluster with two short Reading Rainbow videos about the Naranjo family in New Mexico, demonstrating how to mix the clay and make coil pottery. The second video showed a Hawaiian potter using the potter's wheel and raku firing. Everyone learned the pinch pot technique and some students had an opportunity to use the potter's wheel. Students are very excited to use clay and develop their own creations using ceramic techniques!<br />
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<u><b>Help Save the Animals!</b></u><br />Today in the “Help Save the Animals” enrichment cluster students were busy creating an animal out of clay that they wanted to protect. Many ideas were being shared about ways that a 2nd and 3rd grader could convince others to save their specific animal. Some students want to put up posters in the school and neighborhood, some want to pick up litter, and some want to go on KPAW to urge others to protect their animal. We realize that we need to convince others by using facts. So, for the next few weeks we will be creating presentations to convince our audience to help save the animals!<br /><br />
<u><b>Abracadabra </b></u><br />For our first meeting, students had the opportunity to hear from a real magician, watch him perform, and get inside tips on what makes the illusions seem so real. The sixteen boys were entranced by the magician's smooth moves and quick fingers as he performed amazing card tricks.<br />
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<u><b>LEGO Challenge</b></u><br />Students got into pairs and each had a box of LEGOs. We went over the possibilities of future classes. We talked about all kinds of challenges you can do with LEGOs. Then we just explored their big box of LEGOs. We took a group photo at the end with all their amazing creations. There were buildings, cars, flying things and more. Next week, we'll try our first challenge…cars that can withstand a crash and cars that can go the furthest. <br />
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<br />Nicole Levitanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138408051602491156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841139909221044923.post-34024592785902596912017-01-02T15:56:00.001-06:002017-01-02T15:56:29.657-06:00Ringing in the New Year (with enrichment clusters)Happy New Year! It is hard to believe that half of the school year has passed and we are in 2017. And we are not wasting any time at Laurel Mountain getting back to learning, working and focusing on those interests and talents. Our 2nd and 3rd graders will start their enrichment clusters this Friday. There is still lots to do to get ready, but below are the enrichment cluster descriptions. The students were asked to pick their favorite four out of the list and they will be placed in one of their choices. They will find out on Friday morning, so check back in for a first meeting update and pictures. Enrichment clusters are another way that we develop world-class talent at LME.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Working With
Whiskers!</u><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Have you ever wanted to learn about a career working with
pets? </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222;">In this enrichment cluster you will scoop up
enough knowledge to make your tail wag. Animals are fun, and learning about
jobs training, grooming, or caring for pets will make you feel warm and fuzzy!
So if you want to learn about being a veterinarian, groomer, or trainer this is
the purr-fect cluster for you! </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u><span style="color: #222222;">Coding
Fun</span></u></b><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Have you
ever played video games and wondered how the games are created? There are many
different parts to making a video game. Join this enrichment cluster and learn
the different parts. You will create and code your own game using Scratch!
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Flying Lion Travel
Agency<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Do you love traveling to exciting places and seeing new
things? Would you like to explore famous destinations all over the United
States? Then come explore with us at the “Flying Lion Travel Agency”!
Become an amateur travel agent and plan perfect trips to see all the sights!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Take One<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Does
putting a video camera in your hands put a smile on your face? Do you
dream of directing your own movies or writing your own script? Perhaps
you are a budding young actor who comes “alive” in front of a camera!
Does the idea of using a computer to edit your movies get you excited?
If so, join me as we explore the art of cinematography!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Girls in Technology<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Calling All Girls!!! How many of you girls out there love to
build with Legos, play video games, tinker with computer codes, navigate
through mine craft, program robots such an Ozobot, WeDo LEGOs and Sphero.
In this enrichment cluster, girls will have the opportunity to explore the
field of programming and technology. Sorry gentlemen… this one is for the
ladies. <span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Drawing: The Magic
of Your Pencil</span></u></b><b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Did you know artists have many "tricks" or rather
tools and techniques that help them make their works of art look amazing and
realistic? Da Vinci and other famous artists have used these techniques. There
are many special pencil types, blending tools and shading techniques. You can
experience many of them if you join this fun art class. If you would like to
learn to use the magic of your pencil and a few other simple tools to create
realistic drawings, this is the cluster for you!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Lions
to the Rescue<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Are you passionate about wanting all pets to have a loving home
to live in? Do you ever wonder how you can help out your local shelter? Then “Lions
to the Rescue” is the enrichment cluster for you! We will spend our time together
learning about shelters, their needs and how we can help.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Global Cooking<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Exploring cultures
and countries by preparing their cuisine has never been more fun than during
the “Global Cooking” enrichment cluster! We hope to have some amazing
parent volunteers from all over the world teach us about their country of
origin, their culture, and the recipes they prepare. Be ready for a
hands-on experience as we create recipes from all over the world while we
utilize our cooking skills of slicing, mixing, and baking. Don't forget
the best part of all.....tasting and sharing!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Wonderful
World of Watercolor Painting<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Dream of being an artist of watercolor painting? Dream of
creating beautiful canvasses of vibrant colors? Enjoy mixing colors to
get just the right hue for your masterpiece? If you answered yes to these
questions, then this is the cluster for you! Join me as we discover our
talents of painting with watercolors and learning techniques to enhance those
talents! What will we do with our paintings? It's up to you!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Crafting with a
Purpose</span></u></b><b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Do you enjoy creating with paper, fabric, paint, and everything
under the sun? Let's use our arts and crafts skills to help others! Join this
cluster to make fun and useful items for our community!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Clay Creators!</span></u></b><b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">If you are interested in what you can do with clay this
enrichment cluster is for you. Using many different clay techniques you
will make your own creations. What is the process of making a finished ceramic
piece? How does clay stay together? How do you add color to your
work? Come to the “Clay Creators” and you will find some mysteries of clay!
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>Play Yard Planners</u></b><b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Do you like helping others and solving problems in our community?
The “Play Yard Planners” enrichment cluster will look at what we do and
have out at Mikey’s Play Yard to develop ideas and activities that make this
space even more awesome than it already is. We won’t be playing games as
much as we will be providing a real service to our school community, by
planning and creating to improve Mikey’s Play Yard for LME Lions of all ages
and abilities. Creative problem solvers, thinkers, and helpers--unite!
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>Lost in Books</u></b><b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Do you love to read? What is the one time of the school day
that you look forward to the most? Is it reading? Then this is the enrichment
cluster for you! We will get to read, recommend some of our favorites,
Skype with an author, create a book project and discover new books that we
haven’t read before! So come get lost in a book with us!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222;">Abracadabra</span></u></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="color: #222222;"><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Does the mystery of magic light up your
eyes? Do you enjoy performing and surprising your family and friends with
illusions and the slight of the hand? Come learn, share, and explore the
world of magic with us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>Help Save the Animals!</u></b><b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">If you love animals and want to help protect them, then this
cluster is for you! You will research and learn about animals in danger, spend
some time outside, play animal games, and create a special way of convincing
people to protect animals. Join our cluster and become a hero to endangered
animals!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">LEGO Challenge<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222;">Do you like
challenges about building the fastest car or the sturdiest bridge, out of
LEGOs? Are you a problem solver who can think outside the box? Are you
interested in architecture and building? LEGOs can be used to create the most
amazing things. If this sounds interesting to you, join our cluster and let
your LEGO building skills free.</span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br />Nicole Levitanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138408051602491156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841139909221044923.post-18887539423764679242016-12-07T10:57:00.001-06:002016-12-08T09:30:00.863-06:00It's a Wrap (almost)Our 4th and 5th grade enrichment clusters are officially over. However, we have one more thing to do, the SHOWCASE! Our Enrichment Cluster Showcase for 4th and 5th grade will take place this Friday, from 8:30-11:00 am. Everyone is welcome to come and see what our students have accomplished and learned in their enrichment clusters over the past eight weeks. I guarantee that you will be very impressed. Until then, please take some time to read the summaries below and check out the pictures from enrichment clusters.<br />
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Clay Creations </span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">During the enrichment cluster, students experienced several
methods of working with clay including: pinch pots, coil, and slab. The
students were able to use the methods they were taught to design their own
pieces of art. After they made their masterpieces, they were fired and then
glazed. The students decided to donate some of the bowls they made to the Empty
Bowls Project as philanthropy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Inspiring Illusionist<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The “Inspiring
Illusionist” honed their magic skills and improved their illusions during these
8 weeks. We were inspired by a local magician, who came and shared his
background, how he got started, and some of his tips on making a magic trick
memorable. We researched how illusions tricked our brain and different
types of illusions. Each week, they learned a new trick and then chose
one to practice and record into a movie. The group decided to find other
LME classes that were interested in magic and teach them a magic trick.
Five younger classes were chosen based on their interest surveys; two
Kindergarten classes, two first grade classes, and a second grade class.
On<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="aqj">December 9</span>,
each group of three students will go into their chosen class and present their
magic trick to the students. They will then provide the materials for the
younger student to do the trick as well. Then they will show the video of
all the tricks.<b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Traveling Lions<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Where in the World did the Traveling Lions explore for the past eight
weeks? We have crossed continents and oceans wide and far studying Spain,
Portugal, China, Kenya, The Galapagos Islands, Mexico and the good 'ole USA -
Maine and Hawaii. Our enrichment cluster looks forward to presenting clay
models, PowerPoint presentations, brochures, books and trifold boards at the
showcase. We will also have clip on KPAW.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Easy as 123D <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">We learned about 3D
printing and its current capabilities and possible future applications, and
explored a variety of 3D design tools such as Tinkercad, MakeThingsNow, and Blender.
Each student designed at least one 3D element for printing, and discovered how
to better design items that will print correctly. Some students chose to
explore 3D animation using Blender to create Minecraft animations. We welcomed
some guest speakers who helped us learn more about engineering, design, 3D
printing, and 3D animation. The students learned quite a lot and made some
fabulous 3D products!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">I Dream of Paint </span></u></b><u><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">In the "I Dream of Paint” enrichment cluster students
grabbed a paint brush and unleashed their imaginations! Students explored their
own creativeness creating works of art using ceiling tiles! Yes, ceiling
tiles! Who would think a simple white ceiling tile and some paints could
be transformed to brighten up and liven up LME? Students narrowed down
their service project, spending time adding inspirational messages and
beautiful pictures to the ceiling tiles around LME. Be on the look-out
for inspiration, up ABOVE! </span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The Lion Ledger <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“The Lion Ledger” staff celebrated the publication of their
first issue! We reviewed the articles and the design and continued with
plans for Issue #2. Journalists edited articles, including an upcoming
article on the Westwood volleyball team. Photojournalists were sent
around campus to snap additional photos needed for Issue #2. All articles
were input into the template for issue #2 and revision by the editors took
place. Issue #2 is tentatively scheduled for print and distribution
on Friday, December 9.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The Groundwork</span></u></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“The Groundwork” enrichment cluster thoroughly enjoyed our eight
weeks together. Our purpose was to work in small groups to create a
design for the natural exploratory/play area, which will be created this spring
outside the 2nd-5th grade playground thanks to funding from a district
grant. We learned about land formation, topography, site maps, and other
things related to landscape architecture, thanks to the expertise of rock-star
landscape architects in the field, Mr. and Mrs. Doerle, who are LME parents of
a 4th grade student. We also had a visit from Mr. Nuccitelli, a civil
engineer and LME parent, to help us learn about erosion and drainage. Our
plans will presented to the Tier II Innovative Action Team, school district
staff and planning professionals, parent/guardians, and other stakeholders at
the showcase on Friday, December 9th, in room 210. Please join us
for a presentation (or few) to support the student voice in planning for this
unique, upcoming space at LME as we share our designs and ideas with those attending.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Got Science?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Got Science?”
enrichment cluster ended their last session by creating a simple machine, a
catapult, out of a staple remover, spoon, and tape. Shooting marshmallows
is always fun! We also used simple ingredients to create a lava lamp as
chemistry is one of our strongest interest areas. For the showcase we
have compiled a symbaloo of our favorite science video games that can be
accessed through a QR code we will be handing out. A padlet QR code will
also be handed out linking our authentic audience of scientists to science
videos they may want to use to perform their own experiments at home.
Lastly, we will be providing teachers a QR code link to a padlet we created
with all of our Owl Dissection resources (songs, instructions, virtual lab, and
more) so they can perform Owl Dissections with their classes. We will
also be performing experiments for our audience!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">LME Explorers Guild</span></u></b><u><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">We had a great time delving into the unknown for the past eight
weeks. Our cluster was all about exploring famous monsters and
mysteries, and the students were allowed to choose their own
topic. Their choices were diverse...from Atlantis to the Bermuda
Triangle to Werewolves! Once the students had made their selection, we
began researching our topics using a variety of print and digital media. When
it came time to create something for the showcase, the products were as diverse
as the topics. They included Google Slides presentations, Google Map
collections, Minecraft landscapes, stories and more. We hope you enjoy their
products. Students were asked to look at the evidence and make their own
conclusions. The truth is out there!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Games! Games! Games!<i> </i></span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The fifteen boys who participated in the “Games! Games! Games!”<i> </i>enrichment
cluster had a good time learning how to play several new games and sharing some
of their own games from home with other members of the group. We played
dice, word, card, board, strategy, and domino games. Sometimes reading
and following instructions on how to play a new game can be challenging, but
the students did a nice job of breaking the directions down into smaller
chunks, following those directions, and then moving on to the next step.
Silent Ball seemed to a favorite new game; it can be used in our LME
classrooms, especially on rainy days that make indoor recess a necessity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Cupcake Wars <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">In “Cupcake Wars”, the bakers learned how to read a recipe,
measure ingredients, bake a cupcake to perfection, and mix together a fluffy
bowl of icing...all while having to convert their ingredients to make the
cupcakes and icing gluten free and vegan. We were able to have the owner of
Cuprimo Cupcakes and Ms. Elliott, a former LME teacher, visit us to learn tips
on working under pressure, baking, and the secrets of how to pipe on icing. For
the finale, bakers had to bake two dozen cupcakes, incorporate their secret
ingredient, pipe on icing, and build a display to show off all they have
learned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">It's All About Sewing <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“It's All About
Sewing” </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">enrichment cluster is wrapping up eight weeks
of learning to use a sewing machine and making crafty cloth creations.
Students in this cluster first learned how to use the sewing machine. On the
first day of class, we practiced sewing straight lines on paper and controlling
our speed on the presser foot. The remainder of classes we worked on a
variety of products from pillow cases, tote bags, stuffed teddy bears, doll
clothes, hand bags, and even a t-shirt dress. Some students even learned
how to use a pattern to make their creation. We will donate pillow cases
to Dell Children's hospital. This e-cluster has definitely sparked an
excitement for sewing...who know, we might even have the next big fashion
designer in our mists. Special thanks to our parent volunteers who helped
us each week. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Movie Maker
Madness <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The “Movie Maker Madness” enrichment cluster
explored many aspects of movie making over our 8 weeks. First off, the group
set a central theme and audience for their films. The theme was to be the
school's conduct code or PRIDE (positive, respectful, independent, dependable,
and engaged). Movie makers decided to illustrate and reinforce the ideas
of PRIDE in short films to broadcast to the school during our morning KPAW
feature. Students explored how the "pros" do it and applied
techniques to create a storyboard to plan their films. They then turned their
attention to script writing and stage direction. Once they had their
vision captured and planned, they turned to production. Students created backgrounds
and settings for their scenes. They experimented with camera angles, using
tripods, recording sound and filming. A variety of genres were explored
including live action and stop action filming techniques. A few groups reached
the editing stage where they uploaded their videos and began working with clips
and adding transitions. Overall, the students in “Movie Maker Madness” learned
a great deal about the process and practice of making movies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Hello? Is Anybody Out There<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The "Hello? Is
Anybody Out There" enrichment cluster didn't find any life in outer space,
but they did complete a study of Mars which included what NASA is working
on. The students then broke into groups and began organizing and building
a model of what a colony might look like. They included homes, a
hospital, an area where food could be grown, and land rovers. Finally,
the students created the surface of Mars and placed each item on the surface.
Teamwork and creativity flourished!</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Girl Power Robotics<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The “Girl Power Robotic” members learned and applied a variety
of collaboration, creative and coding skills to build and program their NXT
Lego Robot. Several girls from the Westwood High School Robotics club
mentored and supported the girls during cluster time. The robots perform
a variety of tasks using multiple sensors and program code. The girls
worked hard and had fun creating models of robots that save kittens from a
burning house, move pebbles off the playground, change direction when
approaching walls or objects, and much more. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">To Be or Not To Be?</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">In the “To Be or Not to Be?” enrichment cluster, we learned about
the terminology of the theater (complicated things like “stage left,”
“downstage,” “apron,” and much more) and learned some acting strategies. We
did some improv and did some “quick plays.” Then . . . we actually
selected a play (two plays, one for each group of thespians), rehearsed, and
performed for an audience of one iPad. We will be showing that play at
the Showcase and the kids will get a copy of the video. Some kids
preferred the backstage jobs, so that’s what they focused on. Other kids
wanted to perform, so perform they did! It was fun! Bravo!</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Nicole Levitanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138408051602491156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841139909221044923.post-21116048184895020922016-10-21T11:35:00.001-05:002016-10-21T11:35:17.393-05:00Our Kids Love Cooking (and fun pictures from Enrichment Clusters)Cooking is one of the top interests in ALL of the grade levels at Laurel Mountain. The Tier III grant we were awarded will turn our current science lab into a demonstration kitchen. We are all super excited about the possibilities. But our fabulous teachers are not going to wait for an official kitchen to cook (however, it will be SO MUCH EASIER AND BETTER to cook when we have a real kitchen). Our students interest and love for cooking was very apparent today. So many of our classes cooked or baked during their E-slot. Check out the pictures below.<br />
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PS - Of course, our 4th and 5th graders were busy as well today in the third meeting of their enrichment clusters. I included some pictures of those as well. Enjoy!<br />
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Cooking and clusters, another reason #thisiswhySEM<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JGwirZcH7vyRAYsprJT9oIHvquhywJnm3N-d-qTww-2YPGvdrOsdOpovk0yi3iqhH93pgI8Kyjlv7RixWi5qhnImEwb98ZAdVA4GYULeGdtBfj_Ja8dve4qwFa3yJDfOQVAY2g-zYBM/s1600/IMG_9578%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JGwirZcH7vyRAYsprJT9oIHvquhywJnm3N-d-qTww-2YPGvdrOsdOpovk0yi3iqhH93pgI8Kyjlv7RixWi5qhnImEwb98ZAdVA4GYULeGdtBfj_Ja8dve4qwFa3yJDfOQVAY2g-zYBM/s320/IMG_9578%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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According to Mrs. Markle's 3rd grade class' interest survey, they love cooking. So today, they baked cupcakes....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf50WbfZ28bZjS5NsfXlGh-4spQaYuXfLrVEEPQLciXUbPuEBlwGIpVAsZyBef87XyuXA6cMxBQ5oK_eelJJNtReRY6OSZSHUJp4HTACZxi2SKNX6qsYOSEeF-u09hhE1d22lWh5vtjfU/s1600/IMG_9576%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf50WbfZ28bZjS5NsfXlGh-4spQaYuXfLrVEEPQLciXUbPuEBlwGIpVAsZyBef87XyuXA6cMxBQ5oK_eelJJNtReRY6OSZSHUJp4HTACZxi2SKNX6qsYOSEeF-u09hhE1d22lWh5vtjfU/s320/IMG_9576%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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and cookies! Their classroom smelled AMAZING!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpC0eG57BRNgz0ZmEObRUubeLj-he46ljviSxQxvJvu1cDxYo9AmpHTDnfyPh2_Uc_W2Y5b8Rvjdo_JYL3jVAQu6Ew9gy_JEYbqPViZbiFmLBzC0xvbRhgjPlHKG4_lmNYRDPd3CX69Jc/s1600/IMG_9573%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpC0eG57BRNgz0ZmEObRUubeLj-he46ljviSxQxvJvu1cDxYo9AmpHTDnfyPh2_Uc_W2Y5b8Rvjdo_JYL3jVAQu6Ew9gy_JEYbqPViZbiFmLBzC0xvbRhgjPlHKG4_lmNYRDPd3CX69Jc/s320/IMG_9573%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mrs. Nguyen's class also has cooking as one of their top interest areas. </div>
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They cooked Chinese Vegetable Soup, perfect for the fall morning we had this morning.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFF4sltrwESCVQrrKQtHwA4goWeRYk0m-G_R8gkh7VMzu024jRm4J99N1ZbHzJU7ccmQqktWEq8UWEQ_vyC0R3qMAZGi80yfvvot8QUfy3Xs92QtFoILdJaaZ4JUlCMP_P0ORMhEk8vM/s1600/IMG_9572%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFF4sltrwESCVQrrKQtHwA4goWeRYk0m-G_R8gkh7VMzu024jRm4J99N1ZbHzJU7ccmQqktWEq8UWEQ_vyC0R3qMAZGi80yfvvot8QUfy3Xs92QtFoILdJaaZ4JUlCMP_P0ORMhEk8vM/s320/IMG_9572%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Ms. Aldridge's second graders cooked healthy snacks today.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3XnZr5-rVJRY7t8QUoehG9D4pmr4eLqxgwg4cP2ip3gWo4wNOaBjONegDFD8cyMuHWEZ6_3xuU8Ap-QMrcrnpG93Iri8-pQxWhq91xYUZye3HtMh1BixkgZDVKDb0VARkVoNYxVyxMs/s1600/IMG_9570%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3XnZr5-rVJRY7t8QUoehG9D4pmr4eLqxgwg4cP2ip3gWo4wNOaBjONegDFD8cyMuHWEZ6_3xuU8Ap-QMrcrnpG93Iri8-pQxWhq91xYUZye3HtMh1BixkgZDVKDb0VARkVoNYxVyxMs/s320/IMG_9570%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The "I Dream of Paint" enrichment cluster worked on their design plans for painting the ceiling tiles in the nurse's office.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTJzZeABmYb76zB-u7frpl6pOiTSi5KotyonV28NkYQ4yEuc-9sQlOnSQBVx8ylqcTE_uk32E4NMOUbwcna6vsfdl43n5PAUXmXoHD_4JaZ3xE8lRt3yUUZpDEjKS648haceChu8khTI/s1600/IMG_9568%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTJzZeABmYb76zB-u7frpl6pOiTSi5KotyonV28NkYQ4yEuc-9sQlOnSQBVx8ylqcTE_uk32E4NMOUbwcna6vsfdl43n5PAUXmXoHD_4JaZ3xE8lRt3yUUZpDEjKS648haceChu8khTI/s320/IMG_9568%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The "Clay Creators" were creative with clay.</div>
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"Got Science" watched an instructional video on how to do experiments with Alka-Seltzer. </div>
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Today's science theme was experiments involving gas.</div>
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Amy Brown, LME parent and owner of Cupprimo, presented to our "Cupcake Wars" enrichment cluster. Here, she was explaining to the students how to test the cupcakes to make sure they are not under-cooked.</div>
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Two photojournalist from the "Lion Ledger" took a picture of me taking a picture of them!</div>
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"The Groundwork" enrichment cluster got their hands dirty learning about water and erosion.</div>
<br />Nicole Levitanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138408051602491156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841139909221044923.post-68849152359108280002016-10-14T12:42:00.001-05:002016-10-14T12:42:16.820-05:00Read All About ItToday was the second meeting of the 4th and 5th grade enrichment clusters. The students are already getting down to business, thinking as a professional within their interest area and coming up with product and service ideas. Next week, I am excited to tour parents around the enrichment clusters so they can see for themselves the engagement and learning that takes place during this time. I will also offer tour on Friday, October 28 and November 11. Please look in the LME E-news to RSVP for one of the tour. Until then, read below to find out what went on during our first enrichment cluster meetings.<br />
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<b><u>Games! Games! Games!</u></b><br />
The students in the “Games! Games! Games!” enrichment cluster generated a list of specific games and types of games they'd like to play. We also learned to play a dice game called Snake Eyes and divided into groups to play Spoons, a card game. Students began developing a calendar for what we'd like to do in the coming weeks. And, we also discussed making and producing a video that would teach other students how to play some of our favorite games.<br />
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<b><u>Movie Maker Madness</u></b><br />
The “Movie Maker Madness” enrichment cluster got off to a great start. Students feasted on popcorn as we learned about the process of making movies. Students shared their movie making experience and passions. The cluster group decided to create short films to illustrate the code of conduct for LME students, PRIDE (positive, respectful, independent, dependable, and engaged) to be shared with the school through KPAW. In the end, three groups formed around their production interests; one group is interested in stop action filming. A second group wants to incorporate acting. Finally, our third group will use animations as the characters.<br />
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<b><u>LME Explorer's Guild </u></b><br />
The “LME Explorer's Guild” had a great first meeting. A short Reading Rainbow segment hosted by LeVar Burton kicked things off on a spooky note. Next, we encouraged our guild members to look through some provided materials and think of a monster or mystery that they would like to investigate further. Next, we brainstormed products or services we could produce, what resources we will need, and what people with an interest in this topic do in real life. In the coming weeks, I'm going to encourage them to perform research and think critically as we look at the evidence. Are these monsters and mysteries real or fake? How did we come to that conclusion? We look forward to sharing our findings with you at the showcase in December!<br />
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<b><u>Got Science! </u></b><br />
Our first meeting of “Got Science!” was a great success. As a real world connection to Hurricane Matthew we created water cycle cups with shaving cream and food color. We found out that physics is one of our greatest interests so we challenged ourselves with balancing entwined forks on a a toothpick on the side of a cup. Chemistry was named as our second greatest interest so we combined baking soda and vinegar in a bottle to blow up a balloon. Our engineering challenge of the day was to "Save Fred" a gummy worm who capsized his boat and needed our junior scientists to find a way to get his gummy lifesaver on him and back on his boat only using paper clips. I can't wait to see what these budding scientists choose for their product and service!<br />
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<b><u>It's All About Sewing</u></b><br />
“It's All About Sewing” is an exciting group of young boys and girls eager to start sewing and creating their own projects using a sewing machine. Kristian Castro, senior at WWHS, was our guest speaker. She shared her story of how she learned to sew in an e-cluster when she was in fifth grade at LME, showed some examples of her projects, and how she plans to study fashion design in college. We also learned about parts of the sewing machine and how to use it safely. Next, we brainstormed ideas of sewing projects that we could create and the best part of all, we started sewing. Every student had an opportunity to sew. This group of young budding designers is ready to create!<br />
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<b><u>I Dream of Paint!</u></b><br />
This Friday the students in the "I Dream of Paint" enrichment cluster had an opportunity to use not a paint brush but a SLINKY & neon acrylic paint to create their very own masterpiece. That was just the start! Students decided they wanted to add more "color" to LME and the community around them. Seeing beautiful artwork sure does brighten up our lives and keep our spirits high! How are we going to boost the mood of the students and community of LME? Stay tuned!<br />
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<b><u>The Traveling Lions</u></b><br />
“The Traveling Lions” explored the GLOBE today. We had a giant blow-up globe that students walked around to discover one city, state, country, or continent that they had never heard of before. We also discussed the countries that each students' family originated from. We discussed what we want to study about different countries, how we want to study it, jobs or roles each person will take to showcase what we have learned. The students are especially excited to do segments on KPAW for “Where in the World Wednesdays”.<br />
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<b><u>The Groundwork</u></b><br />
“The Groundwork” enrichment cluster began with an introduction into Landscape Architecture, a field where only 22,000 professionals exist in the U.S. We learned a bit about hydrology, topography, and the design process, and viewed several large and small scale natural play-exploratory areas across the worlds which were designed by Landscape Architects, including our own Lady Bird Lake Wildflower Center Family Area. Students voted on their favorite design elements from 75 pictures of natural play-exploratory areas to start giving input on the natural exploratory area which will be constructed at LME before June 2017, thanks to funding from a sizeable (tier II) grant from RRISD. We practiced using architecture "scales" (like rulers) on topography maps of the Laurel Mountain area to be developed, to measure how much land space we have to work with. We look forward to creating plans and designs as a Student Advisory Council for this area, exemplifying Laurel Mountain's vision of developing talents, having fun learning, and using innovation to contribute and make decisions in the creation of a unique space on our campus that will serve LME students and our community for generations to come.<br />
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<b><u>Easy as 1,2,3D</u></b><br />
The first meeting of the “Easy as 1,2,3D” enrichment cluster began with a discussion of 3D printing and how it's currently being used in many industries, such as 3D printed human organs in medicine, chocolate art in the culinary field, and by astronauts to print tools they need in space. We also looked at a YouTube channel called Derpy Duck Animation (created by a former LME student - now at Canyon Vista), who animates Minecraft stories using a complicated 3D tool called Blender. We discussed Pixar's movies, and how artists often render a clay model of a character before moving into digital design. We then used Model Magic to make our own three-dimensional clay models, and brainstormed possible products for our cluster to create in future meetings.<br />
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<b><u>Hello? Is Anyone Out There?</u></b><br />
The “Hello? Is Anyone Out There?” enrichment cluster met on Friday. The students had a list of sixteen items and they had to decide if they were essential, helpful, or useless to take with them into space. Some of the items were a compass, air tank, matches, flare gun, etc. Next week, the students will begin researching different topics about space and decide on a product from there.<br />
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<b>Girl Power Robotics</b><br />
The “Girl Power Robotics” enrichment cluster showed their interest in robots by starting to build one. We welcomed several members of the Westwood High School Robotics Team, Claire, Jacqi, Parthavi, and Julia, who shared their interest in robotics with us. They shared a video of the challenge their team will be tasked with for this year. Then, we watched a video of 10 Amazing LEGO Machines using the LEGO NXT kits and lots of LEGOs. We were so excited that we wanted to build and got to work! In our cluster, we will explore and build using LEGO NXT kits to complete challenges and create machines. We can’t wait until our next Friday meeting!!!<br />
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<b><u>To Be or Not to Be</u></b><br />
In the enrichment cluster “To Be or Not to Be,” the students watched five different interpretations of that speech. We noticed the different settings and costumes. We talked about what that speech has to do with our cluster! We talked about all of the different aspects of putting on a play, including scenery, props, costumes, lighting, and sound. Students shared about their experiences and what they most would like to do--write a play, act in a play, do the costumes, etc. We began generating ideas about what our enrichment cluster showcase experience would be. We played a couple of Improv games and, most importantly, we had fun!!!!<br />
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<b><u>Cupcake Wars</u></b><br />
Our first meeting of “Cupcake Wars” was a ton of fun! We talked about the Cupcake Wars television show, and the students brainstormed possibilities for future challenges, such as mystery ingredients and themes. The students formed their teams, created team names and designed team aprons. We then practiced piping icing onto vegan and gluten-free chocolate and vanilla cupcakes and wrapped up the meeting by eating our creations. Next week, we will decorate our aprons, talk about our final product or service, and plan for our first baking day.<br />
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<b><u>Fitness Fun 101</u></b><br />
For our first meeting, we watched a short clip covering five amazing athletes from all over the world that are giving back in some way to their community. We created a list as a group of some struggles that people may have in our community and of the privileges we share (like our health, family support, shelter, and food). Mrs. Bretsch and Mrs. Shepardson described how we will be working with a local athlete on an upcoming event called Family Fitness Night that will be held on November 15th. Brainstorming was encouraged on how we may be able to help with the event.<br />
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To end the hour, we played two games. The first game all students were blindfolded, placed around the room, and instructed to come to the center of the room and form a square with their bodies in any way they could. Any form of communication was accepted without using their sight. The second game we played was Hungry Hungry Hippos on scooter boards. Everyone ended the hour with laughter as they were trying to capture as many foam balls as possible for their team. Next week, we will explore more about their ideas on how we can help give back to our own neighborhood through Family Fitness Night.<br />
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<b><u>Lion Ledger Newspaper </u></b></div>
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After watching a video clip about the creation of a newspaper, our students creatively answered all of the "Key Questions". As the students sat on the carpet in Ms. Toewe's room they discussed the necessary jobs for LME's first every Newsletter: Editor in Chief, Sports Editor, Publisher, Feature Editor, Entertainment Editor, Creative Art Editor, and News Editor. The students worked in partners creating the newsletter logo, and discussing the potential name of the newsletter. What will the newsletter look like? How many pages will it have? What font will we use for headlines and copy? Will we use different fonts for headlines and copy? How many columns will we use in our newsletter? Next week Mr. Sparks will create and distribute the official press credentials for all the cluster students. Mrs. Schnier will assign job positions based on student interests. The first ever Laurel Mountain Elementary newsletter is underway, soon to be hot off the presses!</div>
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<b><u>Clay Creators</u></b> </div>
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Clay creators watched two reading rainbow videos for 20 minutes showing Dolly Naranjo and her family making coil pottery and an artist that lives near a volcano in Hawaii making pottery on the potter's wheel. They were interested and motivated by the videos. After demonstrating the pinch pot techniques student artists made their own pinch pots carefully trying to make the pot walls the same thickness. They are excited to move on to the next techniques using coil and slab techniques.<br />
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<b><u>Inspiring Illusionist</u></b><br />
The “Inspiring Illusionist” started with some visual illusions. After that, each of the students shared an experience or person who inspired them to learn more about illusions and we discussed some of the famous illusionists. We then created our first illusion; turning water into ice by placing a sponge in the bottom of a Dixie Cup then adding an ice cube. As the students poured the water into the cup, it was absorbed by the sponge and then they tipped it over and let the ice cube fall into their hand! Then they practiced the correct placement and demonstration technique so they could wow their audience. They were excited to share this illusion with their friends and family members.</div>
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Creating aprons for "Cupcake Wars"</div>
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Playing board games in "Games! Games! Games!"</div>
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Learning tricks in "Inspiring Illusionists"</div>
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Watercolor in "I Dream of Paint"</div>
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Practicing techniques in "Clay Creators"</div>
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Using a sewing machine in "It's All About Sewing"</div>
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Building with NXT Kits in "Girl Power Robotics"</div>
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Designing in "Easy as 1,2,3D"</div>
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Researching ghosts in "LME Explorers Guild"</div>
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Creating a cloud in "Got Science?"</div>
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Seeing where in the world we have traveled in "Traveling Lions"</div>
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Playing games to emphasize teamwork in "Fitness Fun 101"</div>
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Nicole Levitanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138408051602491156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841139909221044923.post-67061852906492386162016-10-05T08:35:00.003-05:002016-10-05T08:35:45.378-05:00Getting Ready!October is always a busy time around a school. The first grading period is almost over, beginning of the year assessments are wrapping up, parent conferences are starting. And at Laurel Mountain, we have our 4th and 5th grade enrichment clusters starting this Friday. There will be pictures and summaries posted next week, bit for now take some time to read over the exciting enrichment cluster descriptions and check out the variety of interest topics!<div>
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<b><u>Cupcake Wars</u></b></div>
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What do creativity, teamwork, and taste buds have in common? CUPCAKE WARS!! Come put on your cupcake Ninja apron and hone your best baking ideas, tools and skills to take on competitors in a LME cupcake battle. Helping to make this not just any ordinary cupcake war; you will be taught by the Ninja cupcake masters to make great tasting gluten free vegan goodness. Are you up for the challenge?</div>
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<b><u>LME Explorers Guild</u></b></div>
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Do you love exploring the unknown? We need some brave volunteers to join us on an expedition to discover the truth behind famous monsters and mysteries. Are they real or can they be debunked by science and logic? What is the evidence? Become an amateur cryptozoologist and delve deep to get the answers! The truth is out there! Can you find it?</div>
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<b><u>Clay Creators!</u></b></div>
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If you are interested in what you can do with clay this enrichment cluster is for you. Using many different clay techniques you will make your own creations. What is the process of making a finished ceramic piece? How does clay stay together? How do you add color to your work? Come to the “Clay Creators” and you will find some mysteries of clay! </div>
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<b><u>Got Science?</u></b></div>
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Do you love a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) challenge like building or inventing something to solve a problem? Have you ever wondered about chemical reactions, the laws of physics, or where science is hiding in the real world? Do you love explosions and big messes? Future chemists, physicists, and engineers unite for some great fun (and challenges) in the science lab. Let's roll up the sleeves of our lab coats, put on our safety goggles, and learn some science! </div>
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<b><u>I Dream of Paint</u></b></div>
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Have you ever wanted to paint outside the lines? Does painting color your world? Grab your paintbrush! Acrylics, watercolors, pastels, canvas, paper, boxes and more! In this cluster you will explore a variety of mediums; not only in the types of paint used, but also on the surfaces the paint is applied. After all, life is all about using the WHOLE palette of paint! </div>
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<b><u>Hello? Is Anyone Out There?</u></b></div>
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Hello? Is anyone out there? Have you wondered if we are the only ones living in the universe? What makes a planet hospitable? What do you mean there's such a thing as a dwarf star? I'm still mad that Pluto isn't considered a planet anymore! Who made that decision and why did they do that? Space travel is expensive and has many limitations. Luckily you don't have to even leave LME to explore what lies outside of the earth's atmosphere.</div>
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<b><u>Easy as 123D!</u></b></div>
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Have you ever wondered what it takes to create those awesome animated movies you see in theaters, or wanted to try your hand at 3D printing a design of your own? Join this cluster to learn about designing scenes and objects in 3 dimensions! We will use apps and software, such as 123D Sculpt, Tinkercad, and Minecraft, to create our own projects to share with others. </div>
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<b><u>It’s All about Sewing!!</u></b></div>
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Love working with your hands to create amazing projects? Want to learn to use a needle, thread, and sewing machine to make cool crafty cloth projects? This is the e-cluster for you. It’s All about Sewing! We will sew, sew, and sew. What will you sew? You decide. Yes, you’re only limited by your imagination and creativity. Come join the fun and sew with us!</div>
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<b><u>Inspiring Illusionists</u></b></div>
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To become a master of illusions, you must first learn what makes magicians and illusionist great. In this cluster you will study the great artists and learn how to create illusions that amaze and bewilder spectators. You will investigate the different types of illusions which include clever manipulation of props and slight of hand. By generating new and mystifying tricks, mastering your performance and execution, and by learning from notable forerunners like Harry Houdini, your dreams of becoming an illusionist could become a reality.</div>
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<b><u>Games! Games! Games!</u></b></div>
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Do you have some favorite games that you would like to introduce to friends? Do you enjoy the challenge of learning to play new games? Board games, card games, number games, strategy games, and much more! And, what about creating your own movie to motivate others to learn to play a new game? Join us for “Games! Games! Games!”</div>
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<b><u>Lion Ledger Newspaper</u></b></div>
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Do you want to be one of the first students at LME to start the Lion Ledger Newspaper? Are you a good writer and communicator? Can you draw? Can you create a logo for the newspaper? Are you an IDEA person? Come and be a part of the first ever Lion Ledger. We want you!</div>
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<b><u>The Groundwork</u></b></div>
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Outdoors... Architecture... Play... Nature... Science... Acting... Performance... Fossils... What on earth do these things have in common? YOU! If all of those things interest you, sign up to be on our Natural Playground Student Advisory Committee where you will help design our new Natural Playground! That's right, LME has received a grant to transform the woods by the upper-elementary playground into a "natural playground" and amphitheater, using things like logs, gentle hills, streams, and boulders (instead of metal and plastic) to create space to play. You will work with professional landscape architects, campus administration, Round Rock ISD executives, and some fellow students, providing a vital voice to the master plan for our amazing new space. </div>
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<b><u>Traveling Lions</u></b> </div>
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Where in the world do you want to go? Come to our “Traveling Lions” enrichment cluster to discover and explore peoples and cultures from far and near. We will adventure to new lands by way of magazines, books and the internet. Join us on this journey.</div>
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<b><u>Girl Power Robotics</u></b></div>
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Empowering girls in science, technology, engineering and math. Robotics is the branch of technology that deals with the design, construction, operation and application of robots and computer systems. Are you ready to be a robotics engineer? If you are interested to learn more about building robots and programming it to your demand, sign up for “Girl Power Robotics”. Maybe one day in the future, you will be given an opportunity to invent a robot of your imagination. What will you have your robot do for you?</div>
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<b><u>Movie Maker Madness</u></b></div>
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Have you ever daydreamed about being a famous movie producer one day? Or making a movie of your own that goes viral on YouTube? Do you just like to work with images and technology? If so, join Movie Maker Madness! This cluster will explore the art of movie making using Windows Movie Maker. We will learn the tricks of the trade to create our very own movies.</div>
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<b><u>Fitness Fun 101</u></b></div>
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Is sports and fitness your passion? Do you want to learn how professional athletes give back to their community? You will learn how a local athlete is giving back to our neighborhood and help be part of a special event if you're part of this cluster. We will use your creative skills and knowledge about health and fitness to educate others, and learn the responsibilities of being a professional athlete. Come join the fun!</div>
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<b><u>To Be or Not to Be</u></b></div>
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Have you ever wondered if you wanted to be an actor? Do you love performing in front of friends and family? Do you look forward to giving reports in class because you don’t just “give” your reports, you PERFORM them? If this describes you, join the “To Be or Not to Be” cluster and discover acting! Develop your skills! Learn techniques! The cluster will decide whether to perform an already written script or whether we should write our own. Should we perform for an audience? I would think so, but it’s up to us to decide! If you’ve ever wanted to “trod the boards” and develop your acting skills, “To Be or Not to Be” is the cluster for you!</div>
Nicole Levitanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138408051602491156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841139909221044923.post-19384750773300176772016-09-16T13:32:00.004-05:002016-09-16T13:32:58.831-05:00New Year...New You!Well I guess it should say "New Year...New Goals". We are well underway in the 2016-2017 school year. Summer seems like a distant memory at this point. But we have to keep looking and moving forward. Part of that for me is setting goals at the beginning of each school year. Some of the goals are to continue doing the great things we already are doing. And some of the goals are new and exciting initiatives for myself and the school. I am proud to share with you our <b>2016-2017 Goals for the Schoolwide Enrichment Model at Laurel Mountain</b>.<br />
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<b><u>New goals for the 2016-2017 school year:</u> </b><div>
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<b>Type III Learning Lab:</b> Mrs. Levitan will create an opportunity during the school day for students to pursue a Type III project, or Passion Project. According the Dr. Renzulli and Dr. Reis, Type III Enrichment activities are individual or small group investigations of real problems based on students interests and skills with the aim to produce a product for real audiences.</div>
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<b>PRIDE Portfolios: </b>This year, we will be adding in a learning style inventory to help both the teacher and the student in the classroom.</div>
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<b>Differentiation through Intervention:</b> This year, Mrs. Levitan will differentiate instruction for students who need more academic support. She will be working with Mrs. Kaplan and Mrs. Jackson of the Rocket Room. Her goal is to focus on the students’ interests and learning styles while reinforcing the academic concepts taught in the classroom.</div>
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<b>The Schoolwide Enrichment Model Reading Framework (SEM-R):</b> According to the Neag School of Education, SEM-R is an enrichment-based reading program designed to:<br />· Stimulate interest in and enjoyment of reading<br />· Promote and develop higher reading achievement<br />· Improve self-regulation and automaticity in reading<br />· Encourage students to select high-interest books that are slightly to moderately above their current reading levels<br />· Create independent, lifelong readers</div>
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<b>Enrichment Team (E-Team):</b> This year, the Enrichment Team will be comprised of representatives from each grade level who have attended Confratute. This team will be the liaison between Mrs. Levitan and the teachers. They will help facilitate the growth of the Schoolwide Enrichment Model and be an advocate for its’ continued development at our school.</div>
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<b><u>We will continue to grow in the following areas already in action at LME: </u></b></div>
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<b>Independent Investigative Method (IIM): </b>The Independent Investigative Method (IIM) of research will continue in all grade levels K-5. We will continue to focus on increasing the level of questioning in the students’ research questions by focusing on Bloom’s Taxonomy and Kaplan’s Depth and Complexity Model. We will increase the quality of authentic products by focusing on what professionals would make who work in the field of study.</div>
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<b>Differentiation in the Classroom: </b>Mrs. Levitan will help in various classrooms during math and language arts to provide differentiation support in a variety of grade levels. She will work alongside the classroom teacher to help differentiate instruction and work with small groups of students. Based on their academic needs, she will either enrich or provide more support within the curriculum.</div>
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<b>Collaboration and Resource:</b> Mrs. Levitan collaborates with teachers in a variety of areas, such as IIM, service learning, enrichment clusters, enrichment slot activities, differentiation, and more. This helps LME to reach all of our diverse learners.</div>
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<b>PRIDE Portfolios: </b>The major purposes of the PRIDE Portfolios are:</div>
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· To collect several different types of information that portrays a student’s strength areas, and to regularly updates this information.<br />· To periodically review and analyze student work in order to make purposeful decisions about providing opportunities for enrichment experiences in the regular curriculum, the enrichment clusters, and the continuum of special services.<br />· To use the information as a vehicle for educational, personal, and career counseling and for communicating with parents about the school's talent development opportunities and their child's involvement in them. <br /><br />This year, we will continue to work towards giving students’ ownership of the PRIDE Portfolios. The PRIDE Portfolios will provide a time for students to reflect on work and create a collection of the students’ talents and strengths.</div>
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<b>Enrichment Clusters:</b> In grades K-5, students will continue to participate in Enrichment Clusters for 6-8 weeks. We offer a wide variety of topics based on student’s interests. We work towards more student driven clusters guaranteeing that each enrichment cluster round is different, since the students participating are different. Furthermore, we will work on developing more student driven authentic products and services by focusing on what would the enrichment cluster look like in the “real world”.</div>
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<b>Enrichment Cluster Tours: </b>Enrichment Cluster Tours are for parents and interested community members. These tours allow our parents and guests to witness enrichment clusters in action.</div>
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<b>Enrichment Cluster Showcases:</b> Students will continue to be the docents for the displays from their enrichment cluster showcases. They will share what they accomplished and learned during their enrichment cluster. This provides a more authentic experience for the parents and guests. But most importantly, it provides an authentic experience for our students.</div>
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Parent and/or Community Experts: We utilize parent and/or community experts to assist with enrichment, enrichment clusters and/or Enrichment slots (E-slots) taking place in the classroom. </div>
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<b>Communication:</b> We communicate with parents and community through the LME website, E-news, SEM blog, Twitter, Instagram, emails and Parent University classes.</div>
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Nicole Levitanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138408051602491156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841139909221044923.post-12118400884647265972016-09-06T13:50:00.000-05:002016-09-06T13:50:05.198-05:00Confratute 2016<span id="docs-internal-guid-6eba0794-00cc-59ad-a033-96ace2bba72b"> </span><span id="docs-internal-guid-6eba0794-00cc-8c1b-4fca-8b86a768dbc0"> </span><br /><span id="docs-internal-guid-6eba0794-00cb-5363-8a65-c8e6a1928882"> </span><span id="docs-internal-guid-6eba0794-00cb-9b23-4eb6-9412767d67ce"> </span><span id="docs-internal-guid-6eba0794-00cb-cad3-379f-71f6c706ce61"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For a week this past July, nine Laurel Mountain Elementary teachers had the opportunity to join hundreds of educators from across the United States and world at Confratute. Confratute is a week-long program at the University of Connecticut that provides educators with research-based practical strategies for engagement and enrichment learning for all students. For the past 39 years, The University of Connecticut has attracted educators worldwide for this highly acclaimed, enrichment-based program sponsored by the<a href="http://www.gifted.uconn.edu/"> Neag Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development</a>. It blends educators interested in gifted education, differentiation of instruction and curriculum, and creativity and innovation in education.<div>
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Thanks to our parents’ and community’s generous donations to the Excellence Fund, Laurel Mountain has been able to send staff members for six different summers to Confratute. Attending this summer was:</div>
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Mrs. Kim Clements, 1st grade teacher</div>
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Ms. Chelsie Douglas, 1st grade teacher</div>
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Mrs. Cheryl Fox, 2nd grade teacher</div>
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Mr. David Jurecka, Librarian</div>
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Ms. Rachel Kothmann, 4th grade teacher</div>
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Mrs. Debbie Kownacki, 2nd grade teacher</div>
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Mrs. Nicole Levitan, Enrichment Coordinator</div>
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Mrs. Lien Nguyen, 2nd grade teacher</div>
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Mrs. Marci Shrull, TAG teacher</div>
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Confratute started in 1978, when Dr. Joseph Renzulli and Dr. Sally Reis decided to host a summer conference focused on Enrichment Teaching and Learning. They didn't want it to be just any conference, though. They wanted to combine the best qualities of a <b>CON</b>ference with a summer insti<b>TUTE</b> and add a whole lot of <b>FRA</b>ternity in between. Confratute was born and focuses on the 3 E’s, enjoyment, engagement and enthusiasm for learning.</div>
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Through exposure to differentiation, talent development and enriching learning experiences, the communities of adult learners at Confratute are able to share similar interests, as well as foster professional growth. Our staff members returned home energized, excited and ready to enrich the lives of our students at Laurel Mountain Elementary. Teaching from a strength-based model is the best way to educate our children. Confratute enforces our mission at Laurel Mountain to develop world-class talent.</div>
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Below are reflections from the nine Laurel Mountain staff members who attended. </div>
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<b>Kim Clements:</b></div>
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I was privileged to attend Confratute with 9 other LME staff members this summer. Many of the keynote speakers, strands and wisdom from Dr.Renzulli himself, confirmed the value and importance that our school puts on knowing our students as individuals, and helping them develop and discover the talents and interest that truly engage their minds. Two strands in particular caught my interest and gave me strategies and skills that I'm bringing back to share with our staff and the students in my classroom. The first was the 2E, twice exceptional, seminar led by Dr. Susan Baum. As a classroom teacher and teacher representative on our SST team, I will be taking an even closer look at students' talents and learning styles as we work to develop the intellectual environment that best fits each student. The SEM-R reading seminar, led by Dr. Rebecca Eckert, inspired me to put a new spin on Daily 5. With book hooks during my mini-lessons, a continued emphasis on student choice for independent reading and a first try at the phase 3 interests and choice component of SEM-R, I'm ready to dive into literacy with renewed excitement and challenge. Confratute also allowed me to attend strands on other topics of interest such as STEM and CSI. The choices and opportunities for learning were endless. It was a wonderful week of learning, fun and collaboration with colleagues from schools in our district, our state, our country and around the world. </div>
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<b>Chelsie Douglas</b>: </div>
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Attending Confratute this summer was a great experience. I am so grateful for the opportunity to attend Confratute with my colleagues. It was amazing to learn from experts in education and SEM. There were so many great topics and experienced presenters to choose from. It was definitely hard to narrow it down to just a few a day! Being around such knowledgeable educators was so powerful. I enjoyed spending time with my colleagues and meeting other educators from around the country. I am looking forward to implementing what I learned at Confratute into my classroom.</div>
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<b>Cheryl Fox: </b></div>
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I am bringing back a whole new way to approach lessons across the curriculum using CSI. I cannot wait to see the fun and excitement in the students as we incorporate these engaging lessons that are absolutely packed with problem solving!</div>
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<b>David Jurecka: </b></div>
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Confratute was a great experience for me. It was an amazing opportunity to refresh my brain with new insights and ideas for the coming school year.</div>
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Here are five takeaways that I will be using in my library: <br /><ul>
<li>The importance of modeling learning during my library lessons...especially research skills. </li>
<li>New ways to use my iPads to blend learning with student interests. </li>
<li>New tech education products like <a href="https://www.arduino.cc/en/Guide/Introduction">Arduino boards</a> to share with my ITS. </li>
<li>Confratute strands and my visit to Jeff Kinney's <a href="http://www.anunlikelystory.com/">An Unlikely Story</a> bookstore filled me with ideas for my library refresh and how to make an inviting space while integrating maker spaces and enrichment clusters into the design. </li>
<li>Presentations from Caldecott honor author Aaron Becker (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Aaron-Becker/dp/0763660531">Journey</a>) and Karen Romano Young (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Doodlebug-Doodles-Karen-Romano-Young/dp/1250010209/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1469742307&sr=1-3&keywords=karen+romano+young">Doodlebug</a>) shared new ideas about how to get kids excited about reading! </li>
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<b>Rachel Kothmann:</b></div>
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Confratute 2016 was a journey through mathematics in which I discovered creative ways to understand basic math concepts by using games and everyday math manipulatives in a new way. Place value was used to connect the four basic operations to algebraic thinking in a course led by the famous Ms. Math, Dr. Rachel McAnallen, which I was thrilled to attend. I learned a variety of ways to incorporate Project Based Learning Activities into mathematics so that students are thinking and reasoning at high levels in a course titled "Mentoring Mathematical Mind." Differentiation of math instruction was targeted in yet another course I attended, in which I learned how to use pattern blocks to teach students how to add and subtract fractions that do not have common denominators. Central to each math course I attended was math modeling, which is used to target visual, spacial, tactile, kinesthetic, right-brained learners. This new approach to mathematics is the exact opposite of the traditional way of doing and teaching math, which is why historically only left-brained learners have succeeded in math. Confratute 2016 taught me how to make math fun for everyone!</div>
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<b>Debbie Kownacki: </b></div>
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This year I had the pleasure of attending Confratute in Hartford, Connecticut for the first time. Confratute is a conference where educators from around the world come together to share ideas and strategies to spark interest and passion in education. Having the opportunity to attend classes given by some of the top leaders in the field was inspiring and motivating. I was able to get fresh perspectives and ideas to implement the Schoolwide Enrichment Model into my classroom. </div>
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The class I attended on CSI taught observation, attention to details, using critical thinking and problem solving in a fun and exciting way to capture the interest of students. The atmosphere of camaraderie and unity sparked and renewed excitement and passion for education for everyone who attended. </div>
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<b>Nicole Levitan: </b></div>
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This was my fifth time attending Confratute! I am surprised by how energized and excited I get by the experience. Confratute validates everything that we do with our students at Laurel Mountain. It is powerful to be surrounded by professional educators from all over the United States and the world who have the same educational beliefs as we do at Laurel Mountain. We believe in the importance of teaching from a strength based model, which provides our students with an education like no other in Round Rock. It was also amazing to continue to learn and explore with the experts in education and the Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM). It is an awesome experience to participate in week long classes about SEM-Reading and Addressing Underachievement and Motivation in Students taught by the people who wrote the books on those subjects. Marci Shrull and I presented one night to teachers who are new to the Schoolwide Enrichment Model. We were able to talk about what we do at LME that works and help them feel comfortable bringing in SEM to their schools acorss the country. I am positive that we are on the correct path and journey with the Schoolwide Enrichment Model at Laurel Mountain. This is something that I am VERY proud of. I can’t wait to get into the classrooms and share what I learned with the students and teachers.</div>
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<b>Lien Nguyen: </b></div>
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This summer, I had the pleasure of attending the SEM conference in Connecticut. I have gathered many new ideas and practices that have given me a renewed and refreshed perspective about school-wide enrichment. I come back not only ready to help students identify and develop their talents but to also be aware of their learning styles while creating an environment where they feel safe to express their gifts. I also want to help students be able to envision where their talent(s) beyond the classroom. Do you like to draw? Well, you can become an architect, fashion designer, multi-media graphic designer, cartoonist, book illustrator, advertisement, and the list goes on. I am so excited to implement these ideas and to take the school-wide enrichment method to the next level. This will be a fabulous year!</div>
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<b>Marci Shrull: </b></div>
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I very much enjoyed my time in Connecticut at Confratute and am so grateful to have attended. I thank the district, LME administration and the LME parents for making this possible. One of the intangible things I received while at Confratute was the improvement of the strong friendships I already had with my coworkers. I am so lucky to work with people I consider my close friends. Another intangible thing I received was the inspiration and excitement from not only the VIPs of the industry, but also from my counterparts across the world. Most of my classmates work directly with gifted kids and all of my teachers work with gifted kids. Hearing their thoughts, struggles and methods was very valuable. One of the intangible things I learned was how to lead a Socratic Seminar in reading. I very much look forward to doing this with all grades that I work with this year. Another intangible was more math games involving fractions. I will alter those games so they can work for all grades as well. Again, I thank you for the opportunity. Confratute was amazing!</div>
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Nicole Levitanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138408051602491156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841139909221044923.post-29881598133213192352016-08-24T09:29:00.001-05:002016-08-24T09:29:16.914-05:00New School Year, New SEM GoalsHow many of you are thinking that it is crazy that summer is over and we already starting another school year? I know I am. However, one of the benefits of a new school year is looking ahead to the future and setting goals for the new school year. I am excited to share Laurel Mountain's Schoolwide Enrichment Model Goals for the 2016/2017 school year. And here is to a GREAT year!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>New goals for the 2016-2017 school year</u></b></div>
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<b>Type III Learning Lab:</b> Mrs. Levitan will create an opportunity during the school day for students to pursue a Type III project, or Passion Project. According the Dr. Renzulli and Dr. Reis, Type III Enrichment activities are individual or small group investigations of real problems based on students interests and skills with the aim to produce a product for real audiences. </div>
<br /><b>PRIDE Portfolios: </b>This year, we will be adding in a learning style inventory to help both the teacher and the student in the classroom. <br /><br /><b>Differentiation through Intervention:</b> This year, Mrs. Levitan will differentiate instruction for students who need more academic support. She will be working with Mrs. Kaplan and Mrs. Jackson of the Rocket Room. Her goal is to focus on the students’ interests and learning styles while reinforcing the academic concepts taught in the classroom. <br /><br /><b>The Schoolwide Enrichment Model Reading Framework (SEM-R): </b>According to the Neag School of Education, SEM-R is an enrichment-based reading program designed to: <br />· Stimulate interest in and enjoyment of reading <br />· Promote and develop higher reading achievement <br />· Improve self-regulation and automaticity in reading <br />· Encourage students to select high-interest books that are slightly to moderately above their current reading levels <br />· Create independent, lifelong readers <br /><br /><b>Enrichment Team (E-Team): </b>This year, the Enrichment Team will be comprised of representatives from each grade level who have attended Confratute. This team will be the liaison between Mrs. Levitan and the teachers. They will help facilitate the growth of the Schoolwide Enrichment Model and be an advocate for its’ continued development at our school. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>We will continue to grow in the following areas already in action at LME:</u></b></div>
<br /><b>Independent Investigative Method (IIM): </b>The Independent Investigative Method (IIM) of research will continue in all grade levels K-5. We will continue to focus on increasing the level of questioning in the students’ research questions by focusing on Bloom’s Taxonomy and Kaplan’s Depth and Complexity Model. We will increase the quality of authentic products by focusing on what professionals would make who work in the field of study. <br /><br /><b>Differentiation in the Classroom: </b>Mrs. Levitan will help in various classrooms during math and language arts to provide differentiation support in a variety of grade levels. She will work alongside the classroom teacher to help differentiate instruction and work with small groups of students. Based on their academic needs, she will either enrich or provide more support within the curriculum. <br /><br /><b>Collaboration and Resource:</b> Mrs. Levitan collaborates with teachers in a variety of areas, such as IIM, service learning, enrichment clusters, enrichment slot activities, differentiation, and more. This helps LME to reach all of our diverse learners. <br /><br /><b>PRIDE Portfolios:</b> The major purposes of the PRIDE Portfolios are: <br />· To collect several different types of information that portrays a student’s strength areas, and to regularly updates this information. <br />· To periodically review and analyze student work in order to make purposeful decisions about providing opportunities for enrichment experiences in the regular curriculum, the enrichment clusters, and the continuum of special services. <br />· To use the information as a vehicle for educational, personal, and career counseling and for communicating with parents about the school's talent development opportunities and their child's involvement in them. <br /><br />This year, we will continue to work towards giving students’ ownership of the PRIDE Portfolios. The PRIDE Portfolios will provide a time for students to reflect on work and create a collection of the students’ talents and strengths. <br /><br /><b>Enrichment Clusters:</b> In grades K-5, students will continue to participate in Enrichment Clusters for 6-8 weeks. We offer a wide variety of topics based on student’s interests. We work towards more student driven clusters guaranteeing that each enrichment cluster round is different, since the students participating are different. Furthermore, we will work on developing more student driven authentic products and services by focusing on what would the enrichment cluster look like in the “real world”. <br /><br /><b>Enrichment Cluster Tours: </b>Enrichment Cluster Tours are for parents and interested community members. These tours allow our parents and guests to witness enrichment clusters in action. <br /><br /><b>Enrichment Cluster Showcases: </b>Students will continue to be the docents for the displays from their enrichment cluster showcases. They will share what they accomplished and learned during their enrichment cluster. This provides a more authentic experience for the parents and guests. But most importantly, it provides an authentic experience for our students. <br /><br /><b>Parent and/or Community Experts: </b>We utilize parent and/or community experts to assist with enrichment, enrichment clusters and/or Enrichment slots (E-slots) taking place in the classroom. <br /><br /><b>Communication: </b>We communicate with parents and community through the LME website, E-news, SEM blog, Twitter, Instagram, emails and Parent University classes.Nicole Levitanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138408051602491156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841139909221044923.post-16442161987584306062016-08-13T16:26:00.000-05:002016-08-13T16:26:00.803-05:00Check Out Our Adventures at Confratute 2016 via StorifyI think the title of this post says it all. :) ENJOY!!<br />
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<a href="https://storify.com/Nicgold2000/ten-laurel-mountain-teaching-superheros-head-to-co" target="_blank">https://storify.com/Nicgold2000/ten-laurel-mountain-teaching-superheros-head-to-co</a>Nicole Levitanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138408051602491156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841139909221044923.post-68059814333118408352016-07-21T11:31:00.001-05:002016-07-21T11:31:09.403-05:00Confratute Prezi PresentationFrom July 10-15, ten Laurel Mountain staff members attended Confratute at the University of Connecticut. Confratute is THE CONFERENCE about the Schoolwide Enrichment Model. We had a great time and learned many new things, which I will share on the blog soon.<br />
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But for now, I wanted to post the Prezi presentation that Marci Shrull and I presented titled "Pick Our Brains About SEM". The purpose of the presentation was to give a little background information on what we do with the SEM at LME and to give attendees a chance to ask questions and get some advice. Thanks to all that attended. It was fun getting to know you a little better. Hopefully we helped answer some questions and calm some anxiety about bringing SEM to your school.<br />
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Here is the Prezi:<br />
<a href="http://prezi.com/k254oluad1qr/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy" target="_blank">Pick Our Brains About SEM</a><br />
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And here is another Prezi from two years ago from another presentation at Confratute:<br />
<a href="http://prezi.com/6ls1h8t8vbue/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy" target="_blank">It's All About the Baby Steps</a>Nicole Levitanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138408051602491156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841139909221044923.post-73915023296226277782016-04-06T09:15:00.000-05:002016-04-06T09:15:06.748-05:00Kinder and 1st Grade Enrichment Clusters<br /><br />We save the best for last at Laurel Mountain. The kindergarten and 1st grade enrichment clusters started last Friday and the students were excited and ready to learn. Please read below for a summary of what each enrichment cluster did during the meeting and what they plan to accomplish over the next two meetings. Our youngest students will get to participate in another enrichment cluster for three weeks starting on Friday, April 22nd. Our goal in the younger grades is to gives these children an opportunity to explore areas of interest and expose them to a variety of interest areas. And having them participate in two enrichment clusters in kindergarten and another two in first grade accomplishes this goal. At Laurel Mountain we believe in giving all of our students an opportunity to explore areas of interest DURING the school day and this is another thing that creates our world-class talent.<div>
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<b><u>LEGO: Everything is Awesome</u></b></div>
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Everything really was AWESOME in our first meeting of the “LEGO: Everything is Awesome” enrichment cluster. The kids were working together in three small groups building and creating. Fun was had sorting the LEGOs (Math!), helping friends find a piece, and building something new and creative. Some of the kids have never worked with LEGOs without using a guide. One person said, "I never knew playing with LEGOs could be so fun." For the next two meetings we will continue to create and build with different challenges.</div>
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<b><u>Origami Fun</u></b></div>
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Today during our first session of the “Origami Fun”, we talked about our experiences with origami and looked at a variety of paper origami models! We also learned that Origami comes from Japanese words meaning “to fold paper”. We followed step-by-step directions on a website, <a href="http://www.en.origami-club.com/">www.en.origami-club.com</a> to learn some origami-folding techniques. After that we made the face of a dog and a cat. Everyone did a great job and our paper friends were so cute! Students will be beginning with simple models and move on to more complicated levels. We cannot wait to make our wonderful creations next week!</div>
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<b><u>Amazing Paper Airplanes</u></b></div>
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In the first “Amazing Paper Airplanes” enrichment cluster, we made a basic model called the Arrow together. We talked about folds, symmetry, elevator flaps, and wings. We made several samples of the Arrow so that we could save the best one in our Airplane Hangar and take the rest home. We then practiced our flying technique and found out it's better to throw the airplane gently. Most of the students felt their planes flew really well. We talked about some things we could do to trouble shoot if the planes keep diving or spinning. Next time we will make a harder model. </div>
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<b><u>Out of This World</u></b></div>
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Three, two, one, liftoff! Our space friends participated in four different space stations: space books and stamps, space puzzles of all types and sizes, space sticker booklets, and hands on space toys/rockets. The manifest listed twelve kindergarten students and six first graders on board. Stay tuned to our next space adventure!</div>
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<b><u>Animal House</u></b></div>
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Our enrichment cluster had a great time at our first meeting! We dived right in and watched a video so we could meet several wild animals. Students were then able to pick their favorite to research further using books and the iPads (online resource Pebble Go). Each kiddo filled out a simple form with the name of the animal and a quick sketch. Then we learned where the animal lives, what they like to eat, and one interesting fact. In our remaining two meetings, we're going to build clay models and create puppets of our animals. At our last meeting, kids will share out their findings with a quick puppet show!</div>
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<b><u>Hocus Pocus</u></b></div>
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It was a magical time in the first meeting of the “Hocus Pocus” enrichment cluster! We explored new vocabulary and practiced our presentation skills as we learned two exciting illusions. We will perfect these “tricks” and more using cards, cups and other simply supplies in our next two meetings of the “Hocus Pocus” enrichment cluster!</div>
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<b><u>Reading Garden Party</u></b></div>
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The members of the “Reading Garden Party” enrichment cluster went to have a look at the Reading Garden. We saw lots of beautiful art there and noticed that there was room for more. We introduced ourselves to our new friends and shared thoughts about reading books outside. Everyone liked the idea of making the Reading Garden even more beautiful so we painted water bottles to make colorful flowers. Next week we’ll finish our flowers and design interesting painted rocks to add to the garden. Then we’ll make plans to celebrate with a Book Party at our final meeting.</div>
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<b><u>Sybil's Sensational Science Experiments</u></b></div>
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During our first enrichment cluster meeting we introduced ourselves and Sybil the Scientist, brainstormed what scientists do and how they stay safe and then got to the fun part...EXPERIMENTS! The students made predictions and observed what raisins would do when placed in club soda. They quickly noticed that the soda was filled with bubbles. The raisins initially sunk to the bottom of the cup. Excitement filled the room as the raisins began to "dance" in the club soda. We answered questions about what made the raisins move, discovered that bubbles are pockets of air and then tested other objects in the club soda to see if the results would be similar. We also predicted and observed what would happen to the raisins in water, water with baking soda, and water with baking soda and vinegar. Good think we safely secured our goggles during that explosively good time! At the end of our first cluster meeting we took time to share new discoveries we'd made and brainstormed a list of activities the students are interested in doing during our next two enrichment cluster meetings. Working from their interests, new experiments and tests will be performed during our next 2 cluster times together. </div>
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<b><u>LME Production Company</u></b></div>
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The “LME Production Company” got right to work creating our "productions" during our first cluster meeting. We started by watching some examples of stop motion, claymation and Toontastic cartoons. Then the directors decided whether they would work alone or in groups, which app they would use to produce their movie and what their movie would be about. After all our brainstorming we got our hands on the iPads by making a Chatterpic videos of ourselves sharing our movie plan.<br /> <br /> The next two weeks we will do the hard but creative work of making our movies, polishing them and sharing them with others. Watch out for exciting plots from flying dinosaurs, busy beaver kits, hatching chicks and growing butterflies. We have directors and stars in the making at the “LME Production Company”!</div>
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<b><u>Games Galore</u></b></div>
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For our very first meeting of “Games Galore”, we spent time talking about games. What do you know about games? What categories are there for games? What makes a game fun and one you want to try again? What makes a great game player? What if someone does not play fair? Do you always need a game board and game pieces? With seventeen game players in the group, it was a fun discussion! Then we played some of our favorite games like Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, and Memory. We also enjoyed playing a few logic games. It was fun to be in a group where everyone loves to play games!</div>
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<b><u>Hats Off to Chefs</u></b></div>
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“Hats Off to Chefs” spent our first session together creating personal size pizzas and making aprons! We talked about safety in the kitchen, careers in cooking, and future recipes we may want to create during our cluster. We related this to math by reading a mystery about pizza fractions as parts of a whole and to social studies by speaking about Italy and how different recipes originate in different places around the world. Our enrichment cluster participants voted on pancakes for next week's cluster as well as creating chef's hats in the near future! We look forward to having great book extensions for all of our recipes!</div>
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<b><u>I Heart Seuss</u></b></div>
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“I Heart Seuss” started off with delight as Thing 1 and Thing 2 picked us up in the gym. We read The Lorax, and then got to make Lorax finger puppets or Truffula tree crafts. Next week we will read Horton Hears a Who to discover that "A person's a person, no matter how small". We will finish with The Sneetches as we learn how our differences on the outside, like skin color and culture, are not something to fear or scorn about each other, but rather should be celebrated. We look forward to crafting and learning together.</div>
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<b><u>Fur, Feathers, Scales and Fun!</u></b></div>
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“Fur, Feather, Scales and Fun” began with birds. Yes, Mrs. Scott has a very unusual bird (the African gray) that sings, dances, and has a very unusual coloring. The students learned than just the feeding a care of these great birds. Then, the students got to hold and have a picture taken with this lovely bird. Birds in the wild often don’t have enough food so as a service we will make a “surprise” bird feeder.</div>
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For session #2 we will focus on the questions, “What is a mammal? Which mammals would make good pets? Why and why not?” But the most exciting thing we will learn is what it might be like to have and train a show dog. Mrs. Bretsch will bring her show dog Truman. The students may get to run Truman in a circle like a real show person would do. We will learn all about what Mrs. Bretsch must do to get Truman ready for a show and what he needs to be well taken care of. It will really a blast!!!</div>
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For our last session, we will explore the wonder of reptiles. We will meet the bearded dragons Snap and Leader. When Snap and Leader his brother are put together, they may run across the floor, bob their heads and flick their tongues. We might see Snap’s beard go from white to black when he saw his brother Linder. We will learn that bearded dragons do this as they protect their territory. We hope to see Mrs. Scott’s snake but it is shedding its’ skin, so we have to wait a bit. We will get to make reptiles from Model Magic. All in all, we will have an AMAZING time!</div>
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<b><u>The Puzzle Piece Makers</u></b></div>
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During our first enrichment cluster we spent time getting to know one another and discussed why the students wanted to be in this particular cluster. Each student told the group what their favorite types of puzzles are, such as: picture, word, or number puzzles. The most favorite for the group was picture puzzles. Then the children broke in to groups and worked on a picture puzzle of their choice. These were 100 piece puzzles and many of the groups were able to complete the whole puzzle. We used the edge piece strategy to complete the puzzles. Our 5th grade helpers helped the students finish their puzzles and created word puzzles for the students to work on next week.</div>
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<b><u>Start Your Engines!</u></b></div>
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In our first meeting, we set a goal and completed 2 challenges. The first challenge was to create a track that would allow our Hot Wheels car to go in a loop. The second challenge was to create a ramp for the cars that would land in a box. There will be more challenges ahead, however during the next two cluster meetings, we will be working in teams to create a Hot Wheels city and e able to take home a smaller city of our own.</div>
Nicole Levitanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138408051602491156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841139909221044923.post-87232474916911524702016-04-01T10:23:00.002-05:002016-04-01T10:24:12.406-05:00No Fooling Around...No fooling around here at Laurel Mountain on April 1st. Our kindergarten and 1st grade enrichment clusters started today. I will post summaries of what took place in each enrichment cluster later. But until then, I thought that I would share some pictures I took today as I walked around to each cluster. Notice the smiles, engagement, listening, sharing, learning and fun that is taking place during this hour long enrichment cluster. Giving our youngest students these experiences in areas that they are interested in helps develop world-class talent at Laurel Mountain. #thisiswhySEM<br />
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Ms. Schnier is going to outer space and Thing 1 (aka Mrs. Toibin) loves Dr. Suess.</div>
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"Start Your Engines" tested out the race tracks they built.</div>
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"Sybil's Sensational Science Experiments" discussed chemical reactions and what made their raisins dance.</div>
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"Fur, Feather, Scales and Fun!" concentrated on feathers this week. They got to meet Homer, Mrs. Scott's bird.</div>
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"Games Galore" played a variety of board games, including the classic Hi Ho Cheerio!</div>
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"Origami Fun" learned the basics of paper folding.</div>
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"Hats Off to Chefs" made their our personal pizzas.</div>
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"The Puzzle Piece Makers" worked on and finished 100 piece puzzles.</div>
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"Out of this World" explored different activities about space and space travel.</div>
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"LME Production Company" watched some examples of kid made movies before they start their own.</div>
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"Hocus Pocus" learned how to make cups float.</div>
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"Amazing Paper Airplanes" learned how to make some basic paper airplane models.</div>
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"LEGO: Everything is Awesome" built and explored with LEGOs. For some, this was their first time to play with LEGOs.</div>
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"Animal House" watched some movies to learn about animals before creating their own.</div>
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"I 'Heart' Suess" listened to <u>The Lorax</u> before making a Lorax finger puppet. </div>
<br />Nicole Levitanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138408051602491156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841139909221044923.post-21926972387673190322016-03-03T10:38:00.002-06:002016-03-03T10:38:22.721-06:00Summaries of 2nd and 3rd grade Enrichment Clusters<div>
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It is amazing how fast time flies. I can't believe we are about a week away from Spring Break. And I can't believe that 2nd and 3rd grade enrichment clusters are over and we have the Showcase tomorrow. What they say is true, time flies when you are having fun. Please check out the summaries below to find out what fun and learning took place during the eight weeks of our enrichment clusters. </div>
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Magic of your Pencil</u><div>
The time flew in our drawing cluster. It was fun to see the children have time to engage in their passion for drawing. Every week, we all seemed surprised when the hour was over. Students experimented with different methods to help provide guidance to their drawings, such as online lessons and a grid method to help with proportioning their drawing. We also spent time learning to work with various shading tools such as chamois, tortillions, stumps and various eraser types. Come see their art at our Enrichment Cluster showcase. Laurel Mountain has some very talented artists! I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them.</div>
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<b><u>Behind the Lens</u></b></div>
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The students of “Behind the Lens” enrichment cluster accomplished exactly what we set out to do in the beginning of our cluster. Each student created a book trailer using iMovie (with the help of our iMovie experts: Henry C, Arnov and Amoli) incorporating pictures, music and words to persuade students to check out the book. Then, with the help of Mrs. S. Richards, we generated a QR code so the students can scan the code when they are in the library to view the trailer. We are so excited to share our trailers with the students, teachers and parents of LME at our Enrichment Cluster Showcase. </div>
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<b><u>Lego Lovers</u></b></div>
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Did you know that the name "Lego" is an abbreviation of the two Danish words, "leg godt", meaning "play well"? Or, that a Lego brick from 1958 would still interlock with a Lego brick today? These are just a few of the fun facts that we learned in our “Lego Lovers” enrichment cluster. With imaginations sparked, our Lego Lovers were motivated to build a Lego City together to share at the end of cluster showcase. They decided that one week they would build buildings, the next week cars, the next week boats and on from there until the city was complete. The fun of designing and building was well appreciated during the sharing time at the last 5-10 minutes of our sessions where we got to hear all about the creations that were made that day. After watching a video on "How Legos Are Made", our Lego Lovers decided that being a Lego Creator would be a pretty cool job!</div>
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<b><u>Robotics Rock</u></b></div>
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The “Robotics Rock” enrichment cluster really enjoyed learning, building, and programming together. The President of the Westwood High School Robotics Team, Govind Girish, met with the students almost every week to share his knowledge and competition journey with Robotics. He also led us through building and programming Lego WeDo and Lego Mindstorms NXT robots. We learned about the history of robots and how robots help with real-life tasks, but we spent the majority of our time building and programming. Everyone programmed their robots to perform different tasks, so come see our creations at the cluster showcase on March 4th!</div>
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<b><u>Games Galore</u></b></div>
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Over the last eight weeks, students in “Games Galore” have learned how to play many different types of games and have even created one of their own. We spent time practicing the card games Uno and Old Maid and students also learned the dice game Farkle. They had an opportunity to bring in their own games from home, teach their friends, and play a variety of board games together. During the second half of the cluster, students were given the opportunity to create their own game from scratch or inspired by another game. Many children chose to create outdoor sports-type games, while others designed their own board games. One group even made a combination dice-and-card game. Once their games were finished, students spent time testing them out and making changes when necessary. We even invented our own video games! All in all, it has been a fun and productive eight weeks in “Games Galore”!</div>
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<b><u>Flying Lion Travel Agency</u></b></div>
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We had a GREAT time learning to be junior travel agents in the “Flying Lion Travel Agency” enrichment cluster. First, we learned about what a travel agent does and brainstormed ideas for exciting travel destinations. Then we got to work developing a travel plan: picking where we'd like to go, booking a flight, selecting hotels, writing out an itinerary, renting a car, and choosing restaurants. We researched our destinations through print and online media. Finally, our cluster members designed a Google Slide show presentation, printed business cards, and collected our best travel plans together to share with all of you! Welcome aboard!</div>
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<b><u>Clay Creator</u></b></div>
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In our “Clay Creator” enrichment cluster, second and third graders learned about ceramic processes and techniques. Using pinch pot, coil, slab and potter's wheel techniques they created their own products with clay. Students learned how to connect clay by scoring, slipping and smoothing pieces together. While their work was drying they continued to learn more techniques. After the bisque fire, the first firing in the kiln, students glazed their work. The final glaze firing was very exciting since their products came out of the kiln bright and shiny. <br /><br /><b><u>The Mindbenders</u></b></div>
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The Mindbenders enjoyed exploring various logic game apps on the ipads. Each week they rushed into the cluster excited to play and work together. Several students wrote reviews of the various games played. Our favorite games were Doors and Rooms, Free Flow, and Unblock me Free. The room was filled with chatter and laughter each week!</div>
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<b><u>Help Save the Animals!</u></b></div>
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The students in Portable 4 have been busy discovering ways to help save endangered animals. They have also been busy brainstorming ways they can help everyone else develop a passion to protect these animals. After much research, a trip to the Preserve, a visit from 2 snakes (this visit was planned), a visit from a floppy eared friend named Beau, the students have developed posters, puppets, and dioramas to inspire their audience to join the cause of saving the animals!</div>
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<b><u>Wonderful World of Watercolors</u></b></div>
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The artists in this cluster learned many things about creating art with watercolors! We learned how using different brush strokes produce different effects. We also discovered ways to make our watercolors brighter or more muted depending on the amount of water we use. Using a black sharpie after painting the picture can produce a nice contrast and make our paintings look more professional! We learned that by using salt and alcohol, we can totally change the look and feel of our paintings. All in all, we discovered that each of us has talent and vision in our own unique way and by participating in this cluster we were able to explore more deeply our desire to become artists!</div>
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<b><u>Hocus Pocus</u></b></div>
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It's Maaaagic! “Hocus Pocus” enrichment cluster was a huge success! We made the necessary props of all magicians, a wand and cape. Students learned a variety of tricks! We learned how to pull a stuffed animal out of a hat. We practice several card tricks like 21. In 21, the magician reads the audiences' mind. We also mastered the coin in the bottle trick. How do you get a coin in a plastic bottle without opening the lid and dropping it in? Find a magician from the Hocus Pocus cluster to show you the trick but a magician never reveals her tricks! During our last cluster meeting, the magicians performed for all Kindergarten and First grade classes. The audiences were amazed! </div>
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<b><u>Take One</u></b></div>
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We have spent the past couple of months on a cinematography quest. Students have honed their skills with flip cameras, created scenes, practiced their acting skills, and learned how to use WeVideo to edit their film clips. Many students experimented with adding special effects to their videos. We even learned some “tricks of the trade” from Mr. Roby Brown, an expert cinematographer from RRISD! All of our students have a published movie saved in their Google Drive so that they can share their work with family and friends. Our cinematographers are very excited to present their work at the showcase!</div>
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<b><u>Culinary Creators</u></b></div>
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Best Cluster Ever! Our “Culinary Creators” had eight wonderful weeks of cooking all around the globe. We made guacamole and pico de gallo served on tostadas from Mexico. Our Indian dishes and dumplings from China were delicious! Sugar cookies, fruit smoothies, and grilled cheese sandwiches were great representations of traditional recipes from the U.S.A. For a breakfast dish we made French toast (learning that its history goes back farther than France). We are forever grateful to our parents that came in and shared cooking from their culture or from their country of origin. We learned the history of some of these dishes as well as measurement and cooking techniques. Designing our own aprons, chefs hats, and passport cookbooks just added to our fun! Many students have already cooked these wonderful recipes at homes for their families as an act of service. </div>
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<b><u>Minecraft Masters</u></b></div>
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Eight weeks ago the 18 second and third grades embarked on a journey to become “Minecraft Masters”, and boy we did! Working together, we were able to build an entire community called Metro. After deciding what to include in our community, the students worked in small groups to create buildings. Some of the places they built included a rodeo, hospital, hotel, pet store, library, airport, bank, police station, and many homes. It is amazing to see all of the details they added to each place. They thought of everything, including a safe room with an escape ladder at the hotel in case of a fire! It was inspiring to watch each “Minecraft Master” blossom as s/he explored their passion.</div>
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<b><u>FUN!</u></b></div>
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There were seventeen active second and third grade students in our FUN e slot. We also had five fifth graders who very capably assisting our group. We participated in many fun activities including Cup Stacking, Steal the Bacon, Connect 4 relay, Floor Hockey, Kickbasket, Asteroids and Ankle Biters and Snatch Basketball. Our “FUN” group said that their favorite activities were Steal the Bacon and Giant Cup Stacking! <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> </div>
Nicole Levitanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138408051602491156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841139909221044923.post-71553750988769879962016-01-27T09:22:00.001-06:002016-01-30T13:31:43.894-06:00Excellence Fund + iPads + Byrd = World Class TalentWe are extremely fortunate at Laurel Mountain to have the support of an involved community. Parents and businesses give their time, talent and treasure to ensure that our students get the best education possible. One way that this happens is through the generous donations that our parents and their companies make to the Excellence Fund, which supports the Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM) at our school. <br />
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The Excellence Fund provides for my position as the Enrichment Coordinator (THANK YOU!). It also allows for us to purchase needed supplies for enrichment clusters and E-slot activities. Another way the Excellence Fund helps develop world-class talent is providing funds for our staff to attend professional development, like attending the Differentiation Workshop hosted by Region 13 which featured Ian Byrd.<br />
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Ian Byrd, who was a teacher of gifted students in California, is a differentiation expert. To learn more about him and check out his website, click here: <a href="http://www.byrdseed.com/" target="_blank">http://www.byrdseed.com/</a><br />
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Laurel Mountain was able to send six teachers to his workshop on January 14. Marci Shrull (TAG), Lisa Ferriola (TAG), Chelsie Douglas (1st), Debbie Kownacki (2nd), Cindy Eiland (3rd) and I were able to attend the all day training thanks to the Excellence Fund (THANK YOU again!).<br />
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We spent the day engaged in a variety of activities focusing on raising the level of thought and questioning in the classroom. The idea of differentiation is meeting the individual needs of all the students in the classroom. This may mean bringing a challenge to some students who have mastered the concept, while reteaching a concept to others who have not gotten it yet. Differentiation is a huge component of SEM.<br />
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No matter where a child is at, he/she deserves to be engaged, having fun and be challenged with a variety of questions. And that is what Ian Byrd focused on. Even though his presentation is geared towards "gifted students", at Laurel Mountain we believe that these best practices are good for ALL of our students. After all, all of our students are talented and gifted, it is our job as educators to help develop those talents and gifts (#thisiswhySEM).<br />
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Mrs. Shrull said, "My favorite lesson idea that Ian Byrd gave was to create a type of "March Madness" bracket out of whatever you are studying. Seeing his examples, as well as the examples others in the room gave, made me think about compare & contrast in a whole new way."<br />
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Ms. Ferriola commented, "Ian Byrd demonstrated more ways to differentiate in the classroom to meet all learner's educational needs. He also taught us many ways to get groups to work as teams to accomplish a task or have a meaningful conversation/debate about content area demonstrating deeper understanding.<br />
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This was an opportunity where the teachers at Laurel Mountain were able to be learners for a day and bring back that new knowledge to their classroom.<br />
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LME teachers working together to build the tallest free-standing tower out of spaghetti and masking tape in only 18 minutes. It stood for a good 20 seconds before it came crashing down. Mrs, Eiland led the charge on this activity.</div>
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This was a new way of looking at the March Madness brackets. We decided to pair off different math concepts taught across the grade levels. In the end we decided that money was the over winner, even though measurement put up a good fight.</div>
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On a totally different note, we were able to purchase a brand new cart of iPads this year thanks to the Excellence Fund (one more time- THANK YOU!). We budget every other year for staff members to attend the SEM conference, Confratute, at the University of Connecticut. On the odd years, we use the Excellence Fund to bring the experts here to train our staff and to purchase "big" items for enrichment. Well, a cart of iPads is a BIG item. <br />
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This new cart will be used for enrichment clusters and E-slot activities on Fridays. All of the other times, the iPads are available for check-out by classroom teachers to support SEM in the "everyday" classroom. We all know that our children love using technology. And now thanks to our parent and community support, we have a brand-spanking new set for our students to utilize. <br />
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5th grade helpers demonstrating how to use iMovie on the new iPads to the "Book Trailers" 2nd and 3rd grade enrichment cluster.</div>
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2nd and 3rd graders using the new iPads in the "Mindbenders" enrichment cluster.</div>
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Byrd, iPads and the Excellence Fund are more ways that we develop world-class talent here at LME.Nicole Levitanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138408051602491156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841139909221044923.post-39077299541782772772016-01-13T07:41:00.001-06:002016-01-13T07:41:37.467-06:002nd and 3rd grade Enrichment Clusters Have Begun!Last Friday was the first meeting of our 2nd and 3rd grade enrichment clusters. We have fifteen different clusters meeting that involve a variety of topics based on our 2nd and 3rd graders' interests. Please read below to find out what exciting and engaging activities took place during this first meeting.<br />
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<b><u>Take One</u></b><br />
The "Take One" enrichment cluster jumped right into things by getting all the students on the Chromebooks and showing them how to join the LME WeVideo group account. The students added a link to WeVideo on their Chrome favorites bar with the assistance of our awesome 5th grade helpers. We also spent some time exploring flip cameras learning how to record and delete video. Next week we will learn how to upload videos into WeVideo, so that we can begin to explore all the editing options available in WeVideo. We will also talk about our goals for the cluster and form groups based on project interests.<br />
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<b><u>Wonderful World of Watercolors</u></b><br />
Today in our first meeting of the “Wonderful World of Watercolors” we learned that water coloring started many thousands of years ago. Ancient people used water colors on cave walls to tell a story. We also learned that the German <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Renaissance">Northern Renaissance</a> artist <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albrecht_D%C3%BCrer">Albrecht Dürer</a> (1471–1528), who painted several fine botanical, wildlife, and landscape watercolors, is generally considered among the earliest water colorists. Lastly, we watched a video on how to use our water colors and painted flowers using the blending technique from the video.<br />
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<b><u>Games Galore</u></b><br />
Today during the first session of “Games Galore”, we all played a name game called Slap Pass. Students passed energy around a circle by slapping their hands together and saying the name of another student in the cluster. After our name game, students told the rest of the cluster what their favorite game was and explained why they were excited to join Games Galore. Finally, we learned how to play the card games Uno and Old Maid and practiced playing them with a small group. Overall, it was a fun and successful first meeting!<br />
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<b><u>Flying Lion Travel Agency</u></b><br />
We had a GREAT time learning to be junior travel agents during the first meeting of the “Flying Lion Travel Agency” cluster. First, we learned about what a travel agent does and brainstormed ideas for exciting travel destinations throughout the United States. Once we selected our destination, students started exploring! They looked at books on their state, visited the Culturegrams website on our iPads, and more! Finally, our cluster members came up with a name for their agency, picked partners, and started to work on their travel plans. Lions love to travel! Welcome aboard!<br />
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<b><u>Hocus Pocus</u></b><br />
We arrived excited to start learning magic tricks in our Hocus Pocus cluster with Ms. Rumpf and Mrs. Hwang. First, Ms. Rumpf showed us a trick. She guessed the number we were thinking. It was maaagic! Then we watched a few videos on different magicians including Houdini and David Copperfield. One video was a 4 year old boy performing tricks on China's Got Talent. He was very good! After that, we learned the floating cup trick and performed it. At the end, Ms. Rumpf told us the secret of guess the number trick. Finally, we will be learning card and dice tricks. We might even learn how to pull a rabbit out of a hat!<br />
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<b><u>Clay Creators</u></b><br />
“Clay Creators” began with two Reading Rainbow videos about the ceramic process the Naranjo family, in New Mexico, used in making their amazing pots. Then we watched an artist from Hawaii, inspired by the volcanoes on the Big Island, demonstrate processes of using the potter's wheel, glazing and raku firing. One student worked on the potter's wheel while other students learned the pinch pot techniques to make a variety of works. We used math to figure out how to divide the clay evenly. Nice work Clay Creators! Every student will have a turn to use the potter's wheel.<br />
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<b><u>Mindbenders</u></b><br />
The “Mindbenders” enrichment cluster had a fabulous first meeting. We brainstormed a list of different types of ways we like to challenge our brain using puzzles and logical thinking. Crossword puzzles, mazes, logic elimination grids, mind benders, sudoku, and ken kens were just a few named. Next, we spent time exploring apps that had to do with logic games. We were able to help each other to solve the different levels. We cannot wait to explore on the logic apps again next week!<br />
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<b><u>Culinary Creations</u></b><br />
Delicious smells filled the room and hallway as we kicked out off our first enrichment cluster of “Culinary Creations” by making an Indian dish called Churumuri. Mrs. Priya led us in a fabulous power point presentation about types of rice and the history of this dish. Students enjoyed cutting herbs, tomatoes, and cooked potatoes. Lots of measuring, stirring, and adding spices made this a super tasty dish served in a cone. Our chefs understand the importance of washing dishes and keeping our kitchen clean. Students voted for next weeks "travels" to take us to the country of Italy to create customized pizzas. Students are thinking about "passport" style cookbooks as our final product!<br />
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<b><u>Robotics Rock</u></b><br />
The “Robotics Rock” enrichment cluster had a grand time today kicking off our robotics cluster. We welcomed the President of the Westwood High School Robotics Team, Govind Girish, who shared his interest in robotics with us, how he got started building robots, and showed videos of robots in competitions doing cool things, like shooting a large ball into a target zone. Then, we got to choose which Lego WeDo robot we wanted to build and got to work! In our cluster, we will explore and build using Lego WeDo, Lego MindStorm, Sphero and a special project that Govind is going to do with us when he comes back. We can’t wait until our next Friday meeting!!!<br />
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<b><u>LEGO Lovers</u></b><br />
The “LEGO Lovers” showed their creativity during the first cluster meeting. After we discussed 11 little known facts about the history of LEGOs, the students divided up into teams of 3 and made their own creations. Everyone got to share their creation with the group and explain what it was and how it worked. The group decided that in future sessions everyone would work on parts on making a LEGO city. Some want to make skyscrapers; others want to make houses, cars, helicopters, museums or boats. For the showcase we will have a LEGO city to display.<br />
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<b><u>Help Save the Animals</u></b><br />
Today the students discussed the animals they are interested in and would like to save (e.g. snow leopard, cheetahs, dolphins, gorillas). Each student also reviewed an article in “Time for Kids” about an endangered species and discussed why these animals are endangered and how we can help them. They made clay models of animals they would like to save and presented the model to the cluster. We brainstormed about what kinds of presentations we could do to educate adults and kids alike about saving the animals. The children suggested having presentations on iPads, poster boards, building a website, flyers, doing presentations at different companies or to kindergarten/preschools and fundraising with a bake sale or lemonade stand. The students are very passionate about animals and protecting them.<br />
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<b><u>Behind the Lens: Book Trailers</u></b><br />
At our first meeting, our “Behind the Lens” enrichment cluster group discussed what a book trailer is and how it is used to persuade others to read a book. We learned that a book trailer is NOT a summary, but more of an advertisement designed to spark interest in a book. We watched several book trailers created by other students and we evaluated them in terms of how effective they were at persuading us to read the book. We noticed and shared the effect that the creator's choice of pictures, music and words had on us as we viewed each one. Finally, several of us chose our books and the rest of us will choose books in which to create a trailer and bring them to the cluster meeting next Friday. We can’t wait to get started!<br />
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<b><u>Magic of your Pencil</u></b><br />
We had a great first meeting of the “Magic of your Pencil” drawing enrichment cluster! I shared a portfolio of sketches and drawings I have completed in the past year as I began learning to draw with graphite and charcoal. We also looked at all of the supplies and tools we will use in during our eight weeks together. These include: pencils with various hardness from 2H-8B; special erasers for different tasks including shading, other shading tools such as chamois, tortillions and stumps and different paper types. Each child received their own sketch book and practiced a few of the shading techniques and began sketching. The cluster group decided they would like to give some of their drawings to the Dell Children's Hospital to brighten the day of sick children. We are looking forward to several more weeks of using our creativity and having the time to draw.<br />
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<b><u>Minecraft Masters</u></b><br />
The “Minecraft Masters” had an exciting first meeting. We kicked things off by getting to know one another and talking about our past experiences playing Minecraft. Many of the students had experience playing Minecraft on a video game system but not on a computer, so our first mission was to practice using Minecraft on the computer. The students were split up into six groups with three of four students working together to design and build either a house, a skyscraper, or a castle. Over the next few weeks, we will continue working together to decide how we can use Minecraft to create a product or service to share with LME.<br />
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<b><u>FUN</u></b><br />
The “Ready, Set, Fun, Play” enrichment cluster was fun so the students decided to rename the enrichment cluster "FUN"! The premise of this cluster is to play activities that we do not regularly do in Physical Education classes, but also ones that could be played in their neighborhoods. First, the 17 students played a tag game called Asteroids and Ankle Biters as a warm up. The main attraction, however, was an old fashioned contest call "Steal the Bacon". "Steal the Bacon" challenged many of their abilities: quickness, fearlessness, and competitiveness. The students participated individually but their score counted collectively toward the team score. If a student actually stole the bacon and returned back to their side without being tagged by the opponent then they earned 1 point. If the opponent tagged the person who originally stole the bacon, then the opponent earned a half point for their team. It was very interesting and exciting to see the students start to understand and employ the strategies necessary for the game. Our 5th grade helpers helped the 2nd and 3rd grade friends identify different types of strategies. Fun was had by all in the “FUN” cluster!<br />
<br /> <br /><br /> Nicole Levitanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138408051602491156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841139909221044923.post-90966531515030600542015-12-15T12:44:00.002-06:002015-12-15T12:44:27.932-06:004th and 5th grade Enrichment Cluster Showcase - Our Journey....This past Friday was our 4th and 5th grade Enrichment Cluster Showcase. This is the time when the students have the opportunity to share what they have been working on during the eight weeks of their enrichment clusters. Touring the showcase, you get to see and hear about the students' journeys in areas of their interests.<br />
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I was going to write something up and share the pictures I took, but my very own RRISD did this for me (thank you)! And their pictures are much, much better than what I took. So I will share their words and photos instead. <br />
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Enrichment clusters and developing students' interests is one way we develop world-class talent at <b>Laurel Mountain Elementary</b>.<br />
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Patnerships between schools and Central Office is one way we develop world-class talent in <b>Round Rock ISD</b>.<br />
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<b>Link to article about showcase: </b><a href="https://roundrockisd.org/laurel-mountain-hosts-fall-enrichment-showcase/" target="_blank">https://roundrockisd.org/laurel-mountain-hosts-fall-enrichment-showcase/</a><br />
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<b>Link to photos:</b> <a href="https://roundrockisd.smugmug.com/Schools/Laurel-Mountain/10-11-2015-Enrichment-Showcase/" target="_blank">https://roundrockisd.smugmug.com/Schools/Laurel-Mountain/10-11-2015-Enrichment-Showcase/</a><br />
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<br />Nicole Levitanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138408051602491156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841139909221044923.post-19772232254612091242015-12-10T08:21:00.002-06:002015-12-10T08:21:49.733-06:00Wrapping Up 4th and 5th grade Enrichment ClustersWe are SUPER excited about our 4th and 5th grade Enrichment Cluster Showcase tomorrow, December 11 from 8:30-11:00 am. Please come by and check out our students' amazing work and progress over the past eight weeks in their enrichment cluster. I will update the blog next week with pictures and highlights from the showcase. Until then, enjoy the summaries of what our 4th and 5th graders did during their enrichment clusters. <br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Artistic Edibles
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the “Artistic Edible” enrichment cluster students grabbed a
plate and unleashed their imaginations! Students explored their own
creativeness creating works of art. Who would think a simple grape and
strawberry could be transformed into a beautiful flower arrangement?
Students narrowed down their service project, spending time teaching the
kindergartners and first graders here at LME. Each week students
visited classrooms, read to classes, cooked then taught a craft using tasty treats.
The crafts were too yummy to make it home!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Voracious Volunteers <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
“Voracious Volunteers” began our enrichment cluster by discussing what we know
about volunteering and talking about why people volunteer. We learned
about the difference between philanthropy and volunteering, watched videos to
teach us more, and brainstormed possible audiences for a product or
service. We hosted the guests Mrs. Andrews and Emma (a golden retriever)
to teach us about the Austin Dog Alliance and the Bow Wow Reading program.
Mrs. Andrews talked about how volunteering is meaningful in her life,
while Emma provided a fun interaction time by being sweet and letting us pet
her. We also hosted the director of the Rock Serving Center and learned
how we can help people in need. We then honed in on our service projects and
decided we wanted to help homeless animals and people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">During
subsequent sessions we made leashes, dog treats, dog blankets and chew toys. We
also wrote thank you cards that the shelters can give out when someone adopts a
pet. That is how we helped animals in the community.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To help
people in need in the community, we organized a hygiene drive. We made posters
and flyers to advertise the drive. We also filmed videos that ran on KPAW
morning announcements to let students know what to bring in. We collected over
1500 hygiene items to give to the Round Rock Serving Center to be distributed
to Round Rock residents in need!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We are
glad to serve needs in the community and combine our efforts for the benefit of
others. We are leaving the cluster energized and grateful for the experience of
helping others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Serious About Science<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Chemistry, physics,
botany.....oh my! Our serious scientists were able to conduct hands-on
experiments in almost every branch of science during our time together!
Our experiments spanned from growing crystals to working with solar energy and creating
vampire slime to lava lamps. We also used technology to create a Padlet
(virtual wall) to post Steve Spangler Science videos of many of the experiments
we conducted. For the cluster showcase we will be handing out QR codes
that will take you to our Padlet so you can have fun with hands on science
too! We hope to engage our audience in a little bit of science Pictionary
we played to teach and learn science vocabulary.<span class="apple-converted-space"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Minecraft Masters<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The” Minecraft
Masters” decided to create a redstone tutorial world to teach others how to
make redstone projects. The students divided themselves into three teams, each
headed by a team manager, then elected an overall project manager to keep the
work on track. The project consisted of a giant hollow cloud full of redstone
projects, linked to an underwater glass dome (also full of redstone projects)
by a beautiful stained-glass rainbow bridge. The students did a fantastic job
working together in teams, and learned lots of new things from each other about
the more complicated aspects of Minecraft. Their "Rainbow Cloud
World" looks amazing! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">LME Explorers Guild</span></u></b><b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We had a great time delving into the unknown for the past eight
weeks. Our cluster was all about exploring famous monsters and mysteries,
and the students were allowed to choose their own topic. Their choices
were diverse...from Banksy the street artist to Bigfoot! Once the
students had made their selection, we began researching our topics using a
variety of print and digital media. When it came time to create something
for the showcase, the products were as diverse as the topics. They
included Google Slides presentations, PowToon videos, Inklewriter interactive
stories, and more. We hope you enjoy their products. Students were
asked to look at the evidence and make their own conclusions. The truth
is out there!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>WRITING IS
RIGHT!</u></b><b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the “Writing is
Right!” enrichment cluster, we spent a lot of time . . . writing!
The first three meetings, we talked about writing and the different types
of writing and purposes of writing. We read examples of writing to
entertain and writing to inform. We also listened to a few songs that
were written to educate. We then decided that the best thing for this
cluster was for the facilitator to not take up any more valuable writing time.
After that, we came in and started writing--and had a great time doing
it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Games! Games! Games!<span class="apple-converted-space"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The students who
participated in the <span class="apple-converted-space">“</span>Games! Games! Games!<span class="apple-converted-space"><i>” </i>enrichment </span>cluster had an
enjoyable time learning how to play several new games and sharing some of their
own games from home with other members of the group. We played dice,
word, card, board, strategy, and domino games. The interactions during
our cluster time were meaningful, fun, and sometimes quite exciting!
Hopefully, the students who participated will have an opportunity to teach and
play some of these games with peers and younger students at LME and friends and
family at home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">B2<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our enrichment cluster, B2, is a fun hands-on
activity time where your creativity guides you to endless possibilities. We
make objects out of bottle caps such as coasters, wind chimes, key chains,
magnets, necklaces, murals, and various other creations. We use bottle caps,
decorations, spray paint, magnets, hot glue, modge podge and more. Our cluster
encourages others to be creative and make what they want to make which led us to
many different unique results. B2 stand for Bottlecaps 2, which means we used a
variety of different bottle caps to create these creations. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Giggles, Games,
and Greatness <o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">In “Giggles, Games, and Greatness”, we have
participated in numerous challenges. From egg toss, to water relays and
mini-shuffleboard to Twister with shaving cream, we have discovered that we all
have hidden talents that we didn't know existed. Students decided on a
few games to display at the Showcase to help other students find their
strengths. Come play with us!!!</span><span style="background: white;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Photography Fun<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The “Photography Fun”
Enrichment Cluster learned how to use a digital camera by learning the
important parts and functions. We then took portrait pictures of each
other to create 'Press Badges'. Each cluster, the students would wear
their press badge as we learned another technique using our digital
cameras. Here are a few of the techniques we learned: point of view,
perspective, rule of thirds, limb chop, and focal point. The cluster
created a website to display their photos and a calendar for each of the 14
members of the “Photography Fun” enrichment cluster.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">The Future is Coming Soon</span></u></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"> </span></u></b></span><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"> <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In our first meeting of <i>The Future is
Coming Soon</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> enrichment </span>cluster, we
discussed some of the challenges facing our future population like fewer
resources and more people to feed. Members shared ideas of their own and
we learned about innovations others have developed to produce food more
efficiently. Through this process, the group decided to try growing plants with
hydroponic, or soilless, systems. Students learned about system designs and
gathered supplies to build them. Problem solving was a big part of our cluster
as we experimented with different designs and materials. In the end, we created
two hydroponic systems capable of producing eight heads of lettuce at a time.
The seeds of innovation were definitely planted in our cluster.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">B.Y.O.Ball <o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For the past eight weeks, kids in the B.Y.O.Ball enrichment cluster
have worked on two things: (a) learning about ways their favorite team,
athlete or sport helped support charitable causes or build communities; and,
(b) PLAYING SPORTS! While clusters can often be a way for a student to
showcase what they already know, this cluster included several students with
very little exposure to sports -- an incredibly bold and brave move on their
part! Each week, students would spend the first 15-20 minutes of class
focusing on the philanthropic/charitable aspect of the cluster before heading
outside to participate in sport. The sport chosen changed weekly, with
one week being a sport most students had previously played (such as football
and soccer) and the following week a sport they likely had not (such as
ultimate frisbee!). For the showcase, students decided to create a google
classroom to house videos and links featuring their "favorite" doing "good
work."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jr. Wildlife Explorer<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Jr. Wildlife
Explorer enrichment cluster spent time together researching animals that they
were interested in, going out to the preserve to find signs of wildlife, and
watching live animal cams online. Each student then chose a specific
animal to research. Many students chose endangered animals, while other
chose unusual animals. Finally, they either made a slideshow, a poster, or
constructed a habitat. During the last couple of meetings everyone shared
what they learned.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222;">Movie Institute</span></u></b><b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our enrichment cluster started out with having professional
movie maker come in and share with us the process of movie making. We learned
about using a video to tell a story about the world around us (documentary), as
well as the process of creating a movie by developing planning tools such as a
story board and script. Then we learned how to use cameras to capture our
story. Some students chose to use Legos and stop motion animation to tell their
story, and some used other students as actors. Once we had our raw video, students
uploaded their shots to Wevideo and editing began. Students worked in
collaborative groups to edit their shots, and published their video to a movie
gallery.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Clay Creators<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What a blast we’ve had using our imaginations and skills to
create unique works of art from clay. Our creations range from sculpture to
potter’s wheel pots to pieces made with clay slabs, coils and pinch pot
creations. Many of our pieces have been glazed and fired and are waiting to be
seen by others. We have produced over 70 works of art. Not only have we been busy
learning how to make different clay products, we have had a lot of fun creating
and sharing with each other. We are also sharing with the community by donating
several of our bowls to the Empty Bowl Project Auction, which provides
financial support to the Round Rock food bank.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u><br />
</u></b><b><u><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222;">Boxes, Boxes, Boxes <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We had tons of fun
in “Boxes, Boxes, Boxes!” Students started the cluster 8 weeks ago by
researching what they could create by reusing cereal and other household
boxes. After creating individual lists of projects, each student sketched
their product and determined what materials they would need. Each week,
our student were measuring and cutting boxes and other materials to
specifically fit their project. They learned how to use a variety of
crafting materials including hot glue guns, spray paint, mod podge, duct tape
and fabric in creative ways. Final products varied from student to
student and include desk organizers, notebooks, musical instruments, gift tags,
costumes, and airplane models. Our students truly enjoyed creating
something from nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ready, Set, Play!<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The first day of our cluster we had an obstacle course set up
for students as a means to ignite their creativity in designing their own
obstacle course. Students watched some film clips of the popular show
"American Ninja" and footage from the Spartan races to get them
excited about our mission. The original plan was to have all the students
create a comprehensive obstacle course, but after a group vote, half of the
students decided to create their own team sport instead.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The obstacle course group designed a new obstacle course each
time we met. They were allowed to peruse the equipment room and collaborate as
a team to come up with creative, fun new obstacles each week. On the last day
of the cluster students picked one of their favorite segments of the obstacle
from each of the seven meetings to create one, massively fun finale obstacle
course.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The team sport group created a game called Powerball. It is a
capture the flag, soccer, and handball hybrid. Each week students worked on
perfecting the rules of the game and learning through experience what needed to
be altered to make the game run smoothly.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Nicole Levitanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138408051602491156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841139909221044923.post-38554786769442767742015-12-07T12:49:00.003-06:002015-12-07T12:49:41.291-06:00Busy, busy, busy!!!Things have been very busy around here at Laurel Mountain. Our 4th and 5th graders just finished their last meeting with their enrichment cluster. The Enrichment Cluster Showcase is this coming Friday. And our 2nd and 3rd graders are starting to make their selections for enrichment clusters, So much to talk about. <div>
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<div>
But for now, I am going to share the 2nd and 3rd grade enrichment cluster descriptions. The topics reflect the top interest areas in 2nd and 3rd grade. The students will make their selections in class this week and will begin their enrichment clusters on January 8, 2016. The clusters will meet for eight weeks and the showcase will be on Friday, March 4. </div>
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There will be more updates later this week including the 4th and 5th grade enrichment cluster summaries and highlights from the Enrichment Cluster Showcase. </div>
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<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
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<b><u>2nd and 3rd grade Enrichment Cluster Descriptions</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><u>Mindbenders: Riddles, Puzzles, and Problem Solving </u></b><div>
Are you a wiz at solving puzzles? Is problem solving a snap for you? Stretch your mind as you discover the magic of challenging your thinking while having fun trying number puzzles, brain teasers, logic twisters, and optical illusions! Play, learn, create with your fellow puzzlers! </div>
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<b><u>Wonderful World of Watercolors! </u></b></div>
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Are you interested in creating beautiful pieces of art using your imagination and watercolor paints? Join this cluster and we will explore famous watercolor artists and paint beautiful works of art!</div>
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<b><u>Minecraft Masters</u></b> </div>
<div>
Do you love creating amazing projects in Minecraft? Are you a wizard at using redstone, or an expert at designing fantastic structures? Would you like to learn even more about using Minecraft? Join the Minecraft Masters cluster and work together with like-minded kids to make something you'll be proud to show off to the world! </div>
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<b><u>Behind the Lens: Book Trailers </u></b></div>
<div>
Have you ever thought of writing, directing, or producing a movie? Now is your chance to do all three! In this cluster, you may work alone or in a small group to create a movie trailer based on one of your favorite books. As the producer(s), all creative choices are yours. If you like books, and you like movies, then this is the cluster for you!</div>
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<b><u>Take One </u></b></div>
<div>
Does putting a video camera in your hands put a smile on your face? Do you dream of directing your own movies or writing your own script? Perhaps you are a budding young actor who comes “alive” in front of a camera! Does the idea of using a computer to edit your movies get you excited? If so, join me as we explore WeVideo and the art of cinematography! </div>
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<b><u>Ready, Set, Fun Play </u></b></div>
<div>
Do you like playing games that are "out of the ordinary"? Does Cup Stacking, Troll Mountain, Make it Take it, Bacon, or track races sound fun to you? How about making up your own game? We can play inside and outside, both in individual and team activities. Fun, Fun, Fun! </div>
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<b><u>Hocus Pocus! </u></b></div>
<div>
Choose a card, any card! Do you like to entertain people? Are you brave enough to stand in front of a crowd and perform? Have you ever wondered how magicians always know which card you picked or how they make coins disappear? In this cluster you will have the opportunity to discover the mysterious secrets behind magic as well as explore, refine and perform real magic tricks that will amaze your family and friends! If you are a performer, come check out the "Hocus Pocus" cluster! </div>
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<div>
<b><u>Clay Creators! </u></b></div>
<div>
If you are interested in what you can do with clay this enrichment cluster is for you. Using many different clay techniques you will make your own creations. What is the process of making a finished ceramic piece? How does clay stay together? How do you add color to your work? Come to the “Clay Creators” and you will find some mysteries of clay! </div>
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<b><u>Culinary Creations</u></b> </div>
<div>
Would you like to learn to cook famous dishes from all around the world? Would you prefer to create food that is also a work of art? We could focus on food from one agreed upon country or make food that is served during special celebrations around the world. Would you like to make some gluten free or vegan recipes? It will be your choice in “Culinary Creations”. Get ready to get messy, try some new recipes, and be creative with food! </div>
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<b><u>Flying Lion Travel Agency! </u></b></div>
<div>
Do you love traveling to exciting places and seeing new things? Would you like to explore famous destinations all over the United States? Then come explore with us at the Flying Lion Travel Agency! Become an amateur travel agent and plan perfect trips to see all the sights! </div>
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<div>
<b><u>Drawing: The Magic of Your Pencil </u></b></div>
<div>
Did you know artists have many "tricks" or rather tools and techniques that help them make their works of art look amazing and realistic? Da Vinci and other famous artists have used these techniques. If you would like to learn to use the magic of your pencil and a few other simple tools to create realistic drawings, this is the cluster for you! </div>
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<b><u>Games Galore </u></b></div>
<div>
Do you enjoy spending your free time learning new games and teaching them to your friends? If so, join a group of fellow game-lovers as we learn how to play a variety of hands-on games together. Whether we play board games, card games, video games, or outside games…the choice is yours! You might even have a chance to create your very own game and teach others how to play to it. If you love working together, friendly competition, and having fun, then this is the cluster for you! </div>
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<b><u>LEGO Lovers </u></b></div>
<div>
If you like to build, design and create your own LEGO masterpieces this cluster is for you! Come explore the world of making LEGO creations. You can use LEGO designs or create your own. There are endless possibilities. Come ready to be creative! </div>
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<b><u>Robotics Rock </u></b></div>
<div>
Can you imagine a generation where a robotic car is driving you to school? How about one that will clean your room or make you breakfast every morning? If you are interested to learn more about building robots and programming it to your demand, sign up for Robotics Rock Cluster. Maybe one day in the future, you will be given an opportunity to invent a robot of your imagination. What will you have your robot do for you? </div>
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<b><u>Help Save the Animals! </u></b></div>
<div>
If you love animals and want to help protect them, then this cluster is for you! You will research and learn about animals in danger, spend some time outside, play animal games, and create a special way of convincing people to protect animals. Join our cluster and become a hero to endangered animals! <br /><br /> </div>
Nicole Levitanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138408051602491156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841139909221044923.post-75459040936125508382015-10-14T12:40:00.000-05:002015-10-14T12:40:15.076-05:004th and 5th grade Enrichment Clusters are a GO!!!This past Friday was the first meeting of our 4th and 5th grade enrichment clusters. The students were excited and there was a TON of activity, inquiry and learning taking place. Please take some time to read the summaries below to find out what happened in each meeting. I think you will be impresses as I am. Enrichment clusters are another way that we develop world-class talent at Laurel Mountain.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">B.Y.O.Ball<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“B.Y.O.Ball”
started with an introduction from Mr. Hance's Scientist-in-Residence partner, Robin Hartman,
who was on a nationally ranked Ultimate Frisbee team when she was in college at
the University of Southern California. Ms. Hartman introduced the
students to Ultimate through an initiative called Ultimate Peace, which brings
together kids from Israel and Palestine to meet, compete and friend one another
through Ultimate Frisbee. The class agreed to create a Google Classroom
as a platform to create their final product, which will include some demonstration
of a connection between philanthropy, community building and sports. From
there, teams were selected, and the kids, Ms. Hartman and Mr. Hance spent 40
minutes playing a wicked-good game of Ultimate Frisbee and finished the hour
celebrating their sweaty t-shirts with high-fives and salutations
until next Friday. For the next several weeks, students will participate
in different sports, ranging from familiar games like basketball and football,
to less familiar, like Olympic lifting and yoga. For more on Ultimate Peace,
visit: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://vimeo.com/50026514" target="_blank">https://vimeo.com/50026514</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNZZtNNc1dglz_w-k0kDvR8TPS75fJxuk9zzqq-ca2Te1XBsFb70lmdvZu_dqarIxVHi8slaW812AXIobxwXKGMbvdzZXWhRh-_xXQLEKkQn8HuzT8sX7YliqbqTfEIQg0XheWv080iA/s1600/IMG_7669%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNZZtNNc1dglz_w-k0kDvR8TPS75fJxuk9zzqq-ca2Te1XBsFb70lmdvZu_dqarIxVHi8slaW812AXIobxwXKGMbvdzZXWhRh-_xXQLEKkQn8HuzT8sX7YliqbqTfEIQg0XheWv080iA/s320/IMG_7669%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Games! Games! Games!<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The students in the Games! Games! Games! Enrichment cluster
generated a list of specific games and types of games they'd like to
play. We also learned to play a dice game called Snake Eyes and divided
into two groups to play Scattegories and another game called Blurt!<i> </i> Students
developed a calendar for what we'd like to do each week when we meet. And, we
also brainstormed and discussed a couple of options for some sort of service
project to benefit our community.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Boxes, Boxes, Boxes</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In “Boxes, Boxes, Boxes” enrichment cluster today
we explored a variety of arts and crafts ideas & projects using cereal
boxes. Each student went to a website to see different ideas for creating
cool cereal box projects. They used a planning sheet to narrow down their
top two creations and listed all the materials they will need to complete these
tasks. From personal journals, to airplanes, to boats, to shadow boxes, to
endless ideas….and some decided to do something completely their own. We
can’t wait to show off our cereal box creations. It’s all about
boxes in our cluster!! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXc7TdqS_Ik_VtzzVbbK8ejCjlJrhO-LjwgVY6v6YfsT_CXlrAs3EVwgZx0CdJZtTwrMk5sipmHiXVJCYIjIvLYFRXvI0Jk-5KlFX3VVTpBDyofZuqvs1Mge0SnLbQiT3s5vKoefC_1qY/s1600/IMG_7671%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXc7TdqS_Ik_VtzzVbbK8ejCjlJrhO-LjwgVY6v6YfsT_CXlrAs3EVwgZx0CdJZtTwrMk5sipmHiXVJCYIjIvLYFRXvI0Jk-5KlFX3VVTpBDyofZuqvs1Mge0SnLbQiT3s5vKoefC_1qY/s320/IMG_7671%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Moviemaking Institute<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For our first
cluster meeting, we had Mr. Roby Brown, Director of Video Services for RRISD, come
in. He is the RRISD video expert, and he showed us several different ways to
create a movie. We then acted out and performed it for the class. In the next
few weeks we will introduce the students to different video strategies that
will help them produce and edit their own videos.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzg8X7R77iWy_r617nr1_kmN7DKseqpmYKkc6BsoQJqMWQPVJVDFdQUPGu7P-BMFQ3IYeAoFSH849bhuT-ESUhE0opnFAP9k0UZcR_m20qGGxAK82GYrF2dxAYMQyjN5Qvrw-b721m4jI/s1600/IMG_7680%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzg8X7R77iWy_r617nr1_kmN7DKseqpmYKkc6BsoQJqMWQPVJVDFdQUPGu7P-BMFQ3IYeAoFSH849bhuT-ESUhE0opnFAP9k0UZcR_m20qGGxAK82GYrF2dxAYMQyjN5Qvrw-b721m4jI/s320/IMG_7680%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">LME Explorer's Guild</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The “Explorer's
Guild” had a great first meeting. A short <i>Reading Rainbow</i> segment hosted by LeVar Burton kicked things off on
a spooky note as we gave a first look at the classic monster Bigfoot and the
mystery of UFOs. Then our guild members were encouraged to come up with
their own monsters or mysteries that they would like to investigate. In
the coming weeks, I'm going to encourage them to perform research and think
critically as we look at the evidence. Are these monsters and mysteries
real or fake? How did we come to that conclusion? We look forward
to sharing our findings with you at the showcase in December!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4XudEoFRqg_GE074b-fPa9-b2hFpp1XQKS4SvaZVmpg4O4FbxOc1bgi1L_LaVcoTmcKYc5pHkAU24t_W2B3910IHUnDmRJDvu3J9tYw0EoofWqLMTtz6zDHxQz1NzeY-HBzXcO-aZ8Y/s1600/IMG_7650%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4XudEoFRqg_GE074b-fPa9-b2hFpp1XQKS4SvaZVmpg4O4FbxOc1bgi1L_LaVcoTmcKYc5pHkAU24t_W2B3910IHUnDmRJDvu3J9tYw0EoofWqLMTtz6zDHxQz1NzeY-HBzXcO-aZ8Y/s320/IMG_7650%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Photography Fun<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The “Photography Fun”
enrichment cluster met on Friday and shared what photography was; the
study of drawing with light and shadows. We discussed Elliott Erwitt's
quote, </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Photography is an art of
observation. It has very little to do with things you see and everything
to do with the way you see them.” </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We shared ideas on what product or service we
wanted to have from our eight week cluster. The group decided they wanted
to learn the basics of photography which includes how to compose an image,
checking background, and style basics like finding a point of interest, rule of
thirds, and perspective. They were interested in learning about Macro
photography and using editing software.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After learning about the basic parts
of a camera; how to turn it on and off, keeping it safe while not in use, and
using the flash, the students created their very own "Press Badge" by
taking their picture and adding their credentials.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffMODjD04OzxnocDtakXxkdRDE-Eua73ddoHPjD-m5UGootgUhe_ybgCRUcoHCUGn-qObh3coBXARDsA88_S5n2MjtbDnLxQx8fTPNz2h3dusswOf086mNLJ0OMSfWG6ao8-zqSvtf1o/s1600/IMG_7677%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffMODjD04OzxnocDtakXxkdRDE-Eua73ddoHPjD-m5UGootgUhe_ybgCRUcoHCUGn-qObh3coBXARDsA88_S5n2MjtbDnLxQx8fTPNz2h3dusswOf086mNLJ0OMSfWG6ao8-zqSvtf1o/s320/IMG_7677%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Minecraft Masters<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At the first meeting,
the students established guidelines for how to interact in the game, and then
we played through the tutorial world to make sure everyone knew how to play.
Some of the kids found secret passageways or raced through mazes, while others
focused on mastering Minecraft PC controls. During future meetings, students
will decide what product they might like to create and work together to achieve
that goal.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0b8IWmbfBh9E3Ir4jxxt6XeSK7ehn-w5pohyqpuLDpP4Z9rAP4VHTjWFpD6tcaLNDTCVGlj_mFFjJJJ_Q5GIU2_3g4wB8NznmysgGCvXYeIEb8Wuqv11-6F5G4h72bBgVYpcLIlAbnoA/s1600/IMG_7660%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0b8IWmbfBh9E3Ir4jxxt6XeSK7ehn-w5pohyqpuLDpP4Z9rAP4VHTjWFpD6tcaLNDTCVGlj_mFFjJJJ_Q5GIU2_3g4wB8NznmysgGCvXYeIEb8Wuqv11-6F5G4h72bBgVYpcLIlAbnoA/s320/IMG_7660%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75"
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Volunteers</span></u></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The Voracious Volunteers began our
cluster by discussing what we know about volunteering and talking about why
people volunteer. We learned about the
difference between philanthropy and volunteering, watched a couple videos to
teach us more, and brainstormed possible audiences for a product or service our
group might take up in the next 7 weeks.
Halfway through cluster, we hosted the guests Mrs. Andrews and Emma (a
golden retriever) to teach us about the Austin Dog Alliance and the Bow Wow Reading
program. Mrs. Andrews talked about how
volunteering is meaningful in her life, while Emma provided a fun interaction
time by being sweet and letting us pet her.
We will host a couple more speakers from local non-profit organizations
in the next few weeks to help us learn about them and how volunteering is
important within their organization. We
will then get started on a service project or two of the students’
choosing. We look forward to serving a
need in the community and combining our efforts for the benefit of others.</span><br />
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Serious About Science<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our “Serious about
Science” enrichment cluster first meeting was a BLAST.....literally! We
used film canisters, water, and Alka-Seltzer to create a chemical reaction
ending in an explosion! In teams of two we explored physics by creating
catapults (simple machines) out of school supplies and shot marshmallows into
our partners’ cups. Exploring centrifugal force is always fun so we
created spooky Halloween sounds by putting a hex nut in a balloon, blowing it
up, and spinning it in circles. Students are considering science lab books,
more experiments, and their own science show as possible products!</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;">WRITING IS RIGHT!</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">In the “WRITING IS RIGHT!” enrichment
cluster, we . . . wrote! But first, we played a game of “Whose Line?”
where the kids wrote a random sentence on a strip of paper. Two
improvisers acted out a scene and, at the appropriate time (like “I remember
when my granny said to me…”), pulled out a slip and read the sentence. It
was very funny and fun and made us feel “fun.” We talked about dialog, we
talked about settings, and we talked about the structure of the class. If
the kids want to write and want Mr. Holmstrom to just let them do that, then
that’s what those students will get to do (at least 95% of the time).
I’ll share scripts so they can see the correct format, we’ll talk about
types of poetry, and we’ll talk about . . . whatever they’re interested in.
But, mostly we’ll write. The kids will guide us to an end product,
but I’m going to suggest writing about something that is taught at school and
have their writing inform as well as entertain. We’ll see!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;">B2<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">In the “B2” enrichment cluster, we
created<b><u> </u></b>magnets, coasters and
decorations with bottle caps in all different colors. We used our imagination along with some Mod
Podge, stickers, glue and gems. We can’t wait to come back again and see what
we will create. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14OB6C06VUozFJeIcU65JKjDRyW75OtH4dKMv9OI4cyXZpsdPVXIk2ET0MZSI8tmRuYP2-93u5_Vfd3kuoDYmEolmxt-UA8HS81fh0lx_JgfEEUMFG7OzSKNK6SESdrzKdqr-ZMlLBqs/s1600/IMG_7674%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14OB6C06VUozFJeIcU65JKjDRyW75OtH4dKMv9OI4cyXZpsdPVXIk2ET0MZSI8tmRuYP2-93u5_Vfd3kuoDYmEolmxt-UA8HS81fh0lx_JgfEEUMFG7OzSKNK6SESdrzKdqr-ZMlLBqs/s320/IMG_7674%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Games, Giggles, and Greatness<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Games, Giggles,
and Greatness” was a HIT!!! Students paired up for an egg toss with a
partner, walked, ran, and hopped around the track with an egg on a spoon and
competed to see who could say their name with crackers in their mouth.
Students brainstormed other competitions and games they would like to test next
week. Whether we become the 1st Annual LME Guinness Book of World Records,
share our Fun Games with an audience, or put together a video of our
competitions or something else, the students will lead us there!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Artistic Edibles</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On Friday in
the” Artistic Edibles” enrichment cluster students grabbed a plate and
unleashed their imaginations! Utilizing healthy fruits and vegetables
students explored their own creativeness creating works of art! Who would
think a simple grape and strawberry could be transformed into a beautiful
flower arrangement? Students will narrow down their service project
this coming Friday; expect something delicious both on the eyes and in
your mouth!</span><br />
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">In the “Jr. Wildlife Explorers”, the
students brainstormed what they wanted to learn about animals. We watched some
videos on animal rescue groups, ways animals have helped save people's lives,
and unusual animals. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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watched two short videos about hand building pottery in New Mexico and an
artist inspired by the volcanoes in Hawaii using the potter's wheel, glazing
and firing with the Raku process. Students used the pinch pot technique to
make their own creations. They are very excited to use different techniques to
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">The Future is Coming…Soon</span></u></b></div>
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt;">“The
Future is Coming…Soon” enrichment cluster is full of creative minds bent on
creating a better future for us all. In our first meeting we spent some time
discussing some of the challenges facing our future population. Members shared
ideas of their own and we spent some time learning about innovations others
around the globe have developed. There were so many amazing ideas floating
around that we decided to create a shared google document to catalog them over
the week. We are going to change the world!</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ready, Set, Play</span></u></b></div>
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In "Ready, Set,
Play," our first day began with an obstacle course challenge that
consisted of eight different obstacles. Each obstacle physically challenged the
student's athletic abilities ranging from core and upper body strength, to
agility, coordination, balance and endurance. Each student showed a great deal
of determination and excitement to push through the course. After all students
completed the course we viewed two video clips of worldwide events in which
people participate in to challenge their physical abilities as we did in
our opening activity. The two events are "The Spartan
Race" and "Ninja Warrior." We then discussed what different
activities we could participate in to stay physically active, while still
challenging our athletic abilities at the same time. Half of the cluster had an
idea to create a new game stemming from traditional games while the other half
was interested in designing and creating an obstacle course. So, in the next
few weeks we will be experimenting with a variety of equipment and modifying
games to create a new one, as well as, begin to design an obstacle course/fun
run.</span></div>
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Nicole Levitanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138408051602491156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841139909221044923.post-75794785863066017132015-10-08T15:31:00.002-05:002015-10-08T15:31:23.106-05:00There is so much going on...I am excited because 4th and 5th grade are starting! At Laurel Mountain, there is a lot of energy and attention placed on enrichment clusters. But today, I wanted to take a moment highlight a few other awesome things that have been going on that are related to the Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM). Because SEM is more than just enrichment clusters.<div>
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At the beginning of the school year all of the students completed an interest survey. Each class and grade level got their results. You can see the top interest areas posted outside each classroom. And you can see the top interest areas displayed on the enrichment board. This gives teachers a great insight into the interests of their class and individual students. The interest survey results allow us to create meaningful learning experience centered around our kids' interest areas.</div>
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And the interest survey data drives the various activities that have been taking place during the Enrichment Slot, or E-slot, on Friday. There have been a TON of different activities taking place, all centered on the students' different interest areas. I have seen cupcakes being baked, space murals being created, volcanoes erupting, LEGO constructions being built, dog trainers presenting...the list goes on and on.</div>
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PETS (Primary Educational Thinking Skills) lessons have started. These lessons center around a group of characters who live in Crystal Pond Woods. Each character represents a different type of thinking we use everyday to solve problems (convergent, divergent, visual and evaluative). These lessons take place in kinder, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and some of 4th grade. </div>
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So far this year, I have been able to go into 2nd and 3rd grade classrooms to help with math differentiation. The purpose of this is to create learning opportunities based on the students' skill level and needs. Sometimes I work with students who have mastered a concept, so I bring a challenge activity that focuses on the math concept being taught in class that day. Sometimes, I work with students who need some extra support or a reteach of a certain math concept. </div>
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We have also started to revamp our Total Talent Portfolios. We are renaming them our PRIDE Portfolios. According to Dr. Renzulli, the major purposes of the PRIDE Portfolios are: <br /><ul>
<li>To collect several different types of information that portrays a student’s strength areas, and to regularly updates this information. </li>
<li>To periodically review and analyze the information in order to make purposeful decisions about providing opportunities for enrichment experiences in the regular curriculum, the enrichment clusters, and the continuum of special services. </li>
<li>To use the information as a vehicle for educational, personal, and career counseling and for communicating with parents about the school's talent development opportunities and their child's involvement in them. </li>
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This year, we are working towards the students taking ownership of the PRIDE Portfolios. The portfolios are a tool for the teacher to get to know his/her students better. But more importantly, we want to students to be able to use to portfolios to learn more about themselves. We want the kids to focus and discover their interests and talents that will hopefully lead to a life-long passion. The PRIDE Portfolios are a new work in progress and will be shared at PRIDE Night in the spring.</div>
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So like the title of today's blog entry says, there is so much going on! But all of these things are positive, exciting, engaging and fun for the students, All of these activities create world-class talent right here at LME.<br />
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Nicole Levitanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138408051602491156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1841139909221044923.post-74518547769670634262015-09-21T08:21:00.003-05:002015-09-21T08:21:37.382-05:004th and 5th Grade Enrichment Cluster Descriptions<br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;">
September 2015</div>
<br />Dear <b>4th and 5th </b>Grade Parents, <br /><br />It is time for your child to participate in enrichment clusters. The enrichment cluster program reflects our commitment to nurture and celebrate the gifts and talents of ALL our students. Enrichment clusters provide important extensions to our curriculum and closely reflect the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. The enrichment cluster program offers children another opportunity to participate in meaningful and interest-based activities while acquiring new skills.<br /><br />Below, you will find the descriptions for the <b>fourth and fifth grade</b> enrichment clusters. The enrichment clusters were based on the children’s interest surveys which were completed in the classroom at the beginning of the school year. <br /><br />We are asking the <b>fourth and fifth grade</b> students to think about four enrichment clusters that they are most interested in attending. Please take a moment to read through the descriptions with your child and discuss where his/her interest and talents may lie. Your child will be making the final decision in class. Placement into enrichment clusters will be made based on students’ choices and available space within each enrichment cluster. Every child will be guaranteed a place in one of his/her four selections.<br /><br />Students will register for their four selections in class this week. Students will receive their enrichment cluster assignment at their first session, which is scheduled to begin on Friday, October 9, 2015. <b>4th and 5th grade</b> Enrichment clusters will continue to occur through December 4, with the Enrichment Cluster Showcase on December 11. Enrichment clusters will take place during our Friday E-slot time of 8:00-9:00 am. <br /><br />If you are willing to share your talents or expertise in one of the cluster areas, feel free to contact Nicole Levitan at 512-464-4384 or <a href="mailto:Nicole_Levitan@roundrockisd.org">Nicole_Levitan@roundrockisd.org</a>.<br /><br />Sincerely Yours,<br /><br />Jan Richards Johanna Kelley Nicole Levitan <br />Principal Assistant Principal Enrichment Coordinator<br /><br /> <br />______________________________________________________________________________________________________________<br /><br /><b><u>LME Explorers Guild</u></b><div>
Do you love exploring the unknown? We need some brave volunteers to join us on an expedition to discover the truth behind famous monsters and mysteries. Are they real or can they be debunked by science and logic? What is the evidence? Become an amateur cryptozoologist and delve deep to get the answers! The truth is out there! Can you find it?</div>
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<b><u>Moviemaker Institute</u></b></div>
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Stop Motion Animation...Claymation...Movie making... and more! If you enjoy imagining stories with Legos, stuffed animals, or other toys at home this is your cluster. Anything or anyone can be a star in your movie. In this enrichment cluster you learn how to plan, video, and edit your own movies!</div>
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<b><u>Serious About Science </u></b></div>
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If you are serious about science, don't mind getting a little dirty and love to perform hands-on experiments then “Serious About Science” is for you! Chemistry, astronomy, botany, biology, physics and more....the possibilities are endless. Do you have a favorite experiment you have been hoping to try? We are ready! Safety first, fun second with “Serious About Science”. </div>
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<b><u>Boxes, Boxes, Boxes</u></b></div>
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It's all about boxes in this enrichment cluster. What can you do with a cereal box and other recycled boxes? If you like using your hands, mind and being creative than this enrichment cluster is for you. Come in and let’s explore the world of arts and crafts using cereal boxes, other recycled boxes, tape, glue and much, much more. The world is your box...now let’s see what you can do!</div>
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<b><u>Games, Giggles and Greatness</u></b></div>
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Have you ever been interested in creating your own Olympics, LME Book of Record Holders, or Who Can Do That the Longest? If you have, but want to be a little different like egg tossing, keeping a ping pong ball in the air with a blow dryer, rolling an old book over and over to the finish line… or wherever your imagination takes you. Then join us in “Games, Giggles and Greatness”.</div>
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<b><u>Minecraft Masters </u></b></div>
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Do you love creating amazing projects in Minecraft? Are you a wizard at using redstone, or an expert at designing fantastic structures? Would you like to learn even more about using Minecraft? Join the “Minecraft Masters” enrichment cluster and work together with like-minded kids to make something you'll be proud to show off to the world!</div>
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We are going to “bottle up” all kinds of creativity and fun in this enrichment cluster. Bottles and bottle caps…bottle caps and bottles. So, bring some bottles, bottle caps and your imagination to see what you can create!</div>
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<b><u>Games! Games! Games!</u></b></div>
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Do you have some favorite games that you would like to introduce to friends? Do you enjoy the challenge of learning to play new games? Board games, card games, number games, strategy games, and much more! Join us for Games! Games! Games!</div>
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<b><u>B.Y.O.Ball</u></b></div>
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We'll learn about and play a variety of sports and have a chance to see what athletes' foundations do for the charities they support -- and maybe build life sized board or table games to be played at LME and maybe even beyond!</div>
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<b><u>Clay Creators!</u></b></div>
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If you are interested in what you can do with clay this enrichment cluster is for you. Using many different clay techniques you will make your own creations. What is the process of making a finished ceramic piece? How does clay stay together? How do you add color to your work? Come to the “Clay Creators” and you will find some mysteries of clay! </div>
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<b><u>Ready, Set, Play!</u></b></div>
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Do you love being active? Have you ever wanted to challenge your physical abilities through games, sports or any physical activity? This cluster will be high energy and fun! You will challenge and help each other find their inner athlete to become the best teammate around! Join us in this enrichment cluster if you're ready to play! </div>
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<b><u>Photography Fun</u></b></div>
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Do you like finding something interesting in an ordinary place and capturing that moment with a picture? If explaining what you see with pictures is something you would love to do then this enrichment cluster is for you. We will learn to create art with a camera, frame and compose objects or people and display our greatest pieces for others to enjoy.</div>
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<b><u>Junior Wildlife Explorers</u></b></div>
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Do you enjoy learning about wild animals? Have you always wanted to go on a safari? Do you spend an excessive amount of time watching YouTube videos of animals in their natural habitat? If you answered yes to any of the above questions than the “Junior Wildlife Explorers” enrichment cluster might be the one for you. Join us as we explore wild animals that live in Africa, the mountains of the US, Asia and just about anywhere else in the world. It will be just wild!</div>
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<b><u>WRITING IS RIGHT!</u></b></div>
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Do you enjoy writing? Do you love to write stories, plays, poetry, lyrics, essays, reports, and/or memoirs? Do you want to develop your skills? Do you want to be left alone so you can just write, write, and . . . write? If the answer to these questions (or most of these questions) is a resounding “YES!”, then “Writing is Right!” is the enrichment cluster for you! Why? Because you will have time to write! </div>
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<b><u>Artistic Edibles</u></b></div>
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It's time to play with your food! Do you enjoy cooking? Do you enjoy crafting? If so, grab a plate and unleash your imagination in "Artistic Edibles". It might not look like food, but it totally will be! In this enrichment cluster you will take fun and healthy snacks to the next level. Your lunchbox will never look the same!</div>
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<b><u>The Future is coming...Soon</u></b></div>
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The current world population is 7.2 billion. Over the next 12 years it is expected to grow by another BILLION people. That means by the time your get out of college, there will be 8.2 BILLION more people on Earth. We already have a hard time feeding our world. With the current limits on fertile soil and fresh water, how will we produce enough food to feed all these people? Join this enrichment cluster to explore modern garden techniques to produce more food with fewer resources. It’s YOUR future.</div>
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<b><u>Voracious Volunteers</u></b></div>
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Have you ever wished that you could make the world a better place, but aren’t sure how or where to start? Do you like to fill others’ buckets by doing small things to make their lives better? If so, then “Voracious Volunteers” is a good enrichment cluster for you. We will learn about some of the ways people in our local and global community use their interest for helping others to change our world in a positive way. We will then take our interests and talents outside of our school to assist those around us. Come ready to have fun, learn, serve, and be transformed.</div>
Nicole Levitanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13138408051602491156noreply@blogger.com0