Enrichment Slot (E-slot)

Every Friday morning at Laurel Mountain we have our Enrichment Slot, or E-slot, from 8:00-9:00.  This is a time when teachers plan different activities based on the students' interests and talents.  The E-slot is one of MANY ways that the Schoolwide Enrichment Model is implemented in our classrooms. 
This past Friday, was our first E-slot of the school year.  Teachers used this time to get to know the students better and build their classroom community.

Here are just a few exciting happenings in the classroom from Friday:

Ms. Hieronymus 3rd grade class: We worked in the garden, pulling weeds, cleaning out beds and adding soil, refilling bird feeders, etc.  We planted vegetables and flowers to attract birds and butterflies. I had some awesome parent helpers.

Mrs. Watson, Ms. Fredrickson, and Mrs. Hieronymus 3rd grade classes:  We did a watermelon investigation. As a prequel to our matter unit and to connect with Lucy Calkins we described physical characteristics of a watermelon, weighed it, learned it would float in water, then caused a physical change by cutting it and having it for a snack. We also composted the rinds.

Mrs. Watson 3rd grade class: Today Mrs. Watson's Bridge Builders created imaginary lands using all different mediums of art. After reading the book Westlandia they built a bridge from LME to a land of discovery, learning and helping others. Our creations will soon be refined and ready for Parent Night on Thursday.

Mrs. Myrick's 5th grade class:  Mrs. Myrick's Mustangs went to the preserve. We were using our senses to observe wildlife.

Mrs. Sen's 1st grade class: We got experience with four different stations: 1) Watercolors. 2) Drawing 3) Building with Geoblocks and Pattern Blocks 4) A very hard jigsaw puzzle. While the students worked in their stations Mrs. Sen walked around and observed their creations, problem-solving strategies, frustration tolerance and their levels of enthusiasm. We also practiced cleaning up. We loved it.

Ms. Lofaro's 2nd grade class: We shared "All About Me" bags to learn more about each others interests.  Then we use oil pastels to make "Todd Parr Self Portraits".

Mrs. D. Lee's kindergarten class: We had the Annual "Kindergarten Teddy Bear Parade".  Then the Lovebugs came back to our room and made Honey Butter and Biscuits for our Teddy Bear Brunch! The kids always ask for the recipe: honey and butter. Hilarious.