So a journalist, a therapy dog and a private detective walk into a school...

Sounds like the start of a joke, right?  But it is not.  This is exactly what happened last Friday at Laurel Mountain during enrichment clusters.

Enrichment clusters are one small part of the Schoolwide Enrichment Model.  But they do provide an awesome experience for our students.  Not only do our students get to work with other students who share a similar interest and passion, but our students get to learn from the experts.

Part of the cluster experience is learning and investigating with adults who share the same interest areas, so much so that it has become part of their career.  What a positive and insightful way for our students to realize that if they are truly passionate about a topic, that topic can become their career as an adult.  So with SEM, we do more than just a career day at Laurel Mountain.  We make a real world connection between interests and adult life.

We had the pleasure of welcoming many guests over the past couple of weeks to work with and teach our students.

Roby Brown worked with our "Movies, Videos, Reporting...Oh My!" enrichment cluster. Mr. Brown is the Director of Video Services for RRISD.  He discussed with the students the steps taken when making a video or movie. Then, to give the children a hands-on experience, Mr. Brown worked through those steps with the students.  Here is a link to the video that the students created with Mr. Brown:
https://drive.google.com/a/groundbreaking/file/d/0B6_bxpaRGdShRDQyQnhtalNxMkE/view

Corey Ryan worked with our "Word Up!" enrichment cluster. Mr. Ryan is the Associate Director of Communications for RRISD. The students in this cluster decided that their product would be a newspaper for the school. Mr. Ryan's background is in journalism and newspapers, which was his first career. He talked about the different components that make up a newspaper and he taught the students the skill of interviewing. Here is what the members "Word Up!" had to say about Mr. Ryan's visit: "He was GREAT! It was lovely to share with the class an authentic, real journalist. He shared with the enrichment cluster, then sat down and interviewed with one student. She plans to add his interview to our upcoming issue of "The PRIDE Prophet".

Julia Lenz and Rover worked with our LME Pet Troupe.  Ms. Lenz works with the Austin Dog Alliance and Rowdy is a Golden Retriever pet therapy dog.  The students got to meet and pet Rowdy. Ms. Lenz shared with the students the process that a trainer and dog have to go through in order to become certified as a therapy dog. Ms. Lenz talked about training and the responsibility of owning a pet.  Rowdy was quite calm during the presentation, showing off his pet therapy skills.  He also shared a few of his tricks and commands with the group.

Steve Russo and Bruce Kingsley worked with our "CSI: Let's Solve Some Mysteries!" enrichment cluster.  Mr. Russo and Mr. Kingsley work for Watchful Eye Investigations.  Both are a Private Investigators and one is a former police officer. They talked to the students about their career and the basics of what they do.  They demonstrated several of the surveillance tools they use with their job. And the children had an opportunity to try out the different tools.  They were "spying" on the cluster across the hall and students working down the hall.

I feel that learning and listening to experts in fields that our students are interested in is a priceless experience.  Of course, private investigation is interesting and lots of kids would want to listen to that presentation.  Some may listen for a few minutes and fade out and some may be intrigued the entire time. However, in the "CSI" enrichment cluster we KNOW that all of the students in that group are REALLY interested in solving mysteries and detective work.  They share that common interest.  And to provide them with a chance to meet someone who does PI work as a career, to ask questions about detective work to a REAL detective, to be able to put their hands on "spy" tools...that experience makes a lasting impact!! How awesome is that, especially when you are in 4th or 5th grade?

Learning from the experts is one way that we are creating world-class talent at Laurel Mountain.

So, what went on in enrichment clusters last week?

Last week, I heard the same comment over and over from our 4th and 5th grade students. "What enrichment cluster am I in???" And I had to be "mean" and not let them know until Friday morning. And boy, were they excited to begin on this journey.

Our 4th and 5th grade students met with their enrichment cluster for the first time last Friday.  They will meet for a total of eight hours, spread out over eight E-slots.  The enrichment clusters are small groups of students, who share a similar interest and passion. The enrichment clusters are based on our students' interests, are chosen by the students and are student driven in deciding what product or service will be created by the end of the eighth meeting.

On Friday, as I walked around students were getting their hands dirty, were questioning, exploring, analyzing, coloring, experimenting, drawing conclusions, watching demonstrations, listening, playing, learning to code, thinking creatively, collaborating, discussing safety rules...the list goes on and on.   This is how we develop world-class talent at LME.

Please read the summaries below to explore what took place in each specific enrichment cluster.  And if you would like to see enrichment clusters in action, please join Mrs. Levitan for a tour this coming Friday, October 17 or October 21 or November 14.

CREATIVITY WITH COLOR

What is Color? The word “COLOR” has many definitions and concepts. Students closed their eyes and shared what they thought color meant to them. There are three basic categories of color theory that are useful. At our first enrichment cluster meeting, we modeled COLOR HARMONY to express color. Color Harmony is defined as pleasing to the eye. This is expressed through music, poetry, and color. From Positive graffiti, to classical movement with color scarves, to discussing artists while exploring with Kaleidoscopes, the students were able use a visual sense to define color. We are excited to see where this journey with colors takes us next.

League of Extraordinary Crafters

We have sixteen excited “Crafters”, most of whom have played Minecraft on various platforms like XBox, Apple Tablets and PC computers. We made a mission statement that lists the guidelines to make our in-game experience enjoyable and kind to all. Reviewing the mission statement will help ensure online safety for all.  We watched a YouTube video of the ten greatest builds of all time and saw some amazing buildings. We are making a list of ideas that we can build together as a “league of crafters”. We can't wait until next Friday to start to put our building skills to the test.

TAPE IT UP!

During our first enrichment cluster meeting, we kicked off with a flurry of tape and creativity.  The students began with their first service project of creatively taping up pumpkins to be used as decorations at the LME Fall Carnival.  This is just one more reason to go to the carnival on November 1^st.  Come see just how “TAPE IT UP!” taped it up!!  There was discussion about design and pattern coordination.  Next week, the students will continue with this art project and then explore different duct tape and Washi tape products that can be created during this enrichment cluster of the student’s choosing. 

Crazy Chemist and Mad Scientist

The “Crazy Chemist and Mad Scientist” enrichment cluster students explored science by performing many experiments.  The students applied the scientific method and worked backwards in conducting the experiments.  Then the asked the why and how behind the science.  Each of us stuck a straw through a potato (how did they do that?), stuck a skewer through a balloon without popping it (the power of polymers), blended a dollar in the blender to release the iron and then viewed the iron by using a magnet to pull the iron to the side, lit an alcohol absorbed dollar on fire without burning it (did you know alcohol is 30% water?), and so much more.  We look forward to creating lab books to document our learning and enjoyed making predictions and drawing conclusions.  

Movies, Videos, Reporting…Oh My!

The students in this enrichment cluster were introduced to various types of videos/movies that can be produced. An expert video creator, Roby Brown from RRISD, came in to explain documentaries and movies. Mr. Brown modeled for the students the steps he takes to create media and then the enrichment cluster created our own video by using everyday classroom items, a script, a storyboard and voice overs. Next week, the students will be introduced to WeVideo, an online media tool that was purchased with Excellence Funds, to explore video editing.

Games! Games! Games!

The students in the “Games! Games! Games!” enrichment cluster generated a list of games that are their favorites and games they'd like to learn to play.  They also played Mrs. Sorrell's version of tic-tac-toe, learned to play a dice game called Snake Eyes, and used Mrs. Sorrell's phone to play Heads Up!  We started developing a calendar for what we'd like to do each week when we meet.  We look forward to playing the games and discussing the strategies and types of thinking (convergent, deductive, visual) taking place as the students try out different games.

TO BE OR NOT TO BE

In our first enrichment cluster meeting, the kids first watched five different movie versions of the soliloquy from Hamlet, including one from Laurence Olivier. We noticed the difference in how the speech was said—the pace, the emphasis, and the pauses—as well as the setting of the scene (for example, one was done speaking into a mirror; one was on the edge of a cliff). We talked about how the way you say the words make such a difference. An example of this was a scene that involved being chased through the house by an intruder, but the tone was so matter-of-fact that it wasn’t scary or suspenseful. Another example was the teacher read a definition of a word from the dictionary, but it was frightening because of the tone of voice used when reading the definition. Next, we did a little improv and kids volunteered to “be” a 75-year-old man.  The students got to hear how that character reacted to a scene. The kids decided that they would like to perform a play.  Next week, we’ll begin choosing which play (or plays) we’ll do, including the possibility of the students writing the play.

Texas Techies

During the first meeting of the “Texas Techies” the students introduced to a variety of technology options. There were so many options available, having an opportunity to explore and figure out the different presentation tools was important to the students.  The students decided they might want to design a web site OR begin a blog OR create a Google presentation OR present information using Powtoon or a Prezi!  And these are only the few options they were introduced to at the first meeting.  Some students were so excited about the possibilities; they were going to work on this at home over the weekend. It will be exciting to see where the technology takes us.

Into the Wild: Citizen Scientist

The first enrichment cluster meeting was the introductory meeting.  The first item on the agenda was student safety expectations, so this was central to the meeting.  Students reviewed safety precautions regarding outdoor learning experiences and reviewed the school's "place" on iNaturalist.  Finally, the students had an opportunity to explore the outdoors.  They went on a walking field trip through the school's preserve to set a foundation for the scope of items they would like to photograph and identify over the course of the enrichment cluster experience.

TEAM Work!

During our first enrichment cluster meeting, we started the time together by jumping straight into a team building game called “Cookies in the Cookie Jar”.  The students were split into groups and used “cookies” (items in the center of the room) to fill their team's “cookie jar” (hula hoop). The object of the game was to gather one of each item, one at a time, from a list and place it in their team’s “cookie jar”. Teamwork was needed to communicate which items were still needed and where they are located.  Teams were allowed to steal cookies from each other’s cookie jar; however that meant their cookie jar was left unguarded.  After playing the game once, the students talked about which strategies were successful and what could've been done differently. They played a second time to watch the TEAM work skills improve.  Next, the students were shown the "Pulling Together" video.  Students discussed what they observed the geese doing in the video and how it applies to their lives in and outside of school.  Next, each student told why they chose “TEAM Work” at their enrichment cluster.  Also, they brainstormed enrichment cluster names and options for a service or product.  With only a few minutes remaining, the students played basketball with a limited number of balls to practice TEAM work skills.  It was a very busy, productive and fun time!

LME Software Development Institute

At the first meeting of the “LME Software Development Institute”, the group started off with a collaborative discussion of what programming and what it involves.  The students were also asked about what aspect of programming was appealing to them and discussed their vision for the enrichment cluster.  Next, we chatted about the tools that could be used to learn programming on our computers and iPads.  Some suggestions included code.org and scratch.mit.edu.  Mr. Jurecka offered some other suggestions including Inklerwiter (writer.inklestudios.com/).  Students were given some time to individually evaluate these resources and share out with the group interesting websites and concepts they found via the interactive touch screen TV.  We will use these as a starting point for our next meeting.

Word Up!

On Friday in the “Word Up” enrichment cluster, students quickly discovered the variety of writers within the group.  After analyzing the various audiences they wanted to write, create and publish for (parents, teachers, peers, LME) it appeared the written work should address the entire LME community.  Students came to the conclusion that a newspaper for Laurel Mountain would allow each of them to write in an area they were passionate about.  Likewise, this would make the experience more meaningful and target an authentic audience.  Please keep your eyes peeled for The PRIDE Prophet, due to be published school-wide in the upcoming weeks!

Up to Our Ears in Clay!

In the first meeting of the enrichment cluster, we learned the basics of clay creations. The students discovered that there are different types of clay, there are many places where clay is obtained and there are some wonderful ceramic artists all over the world. They also learned how to make a clay creation that will stick together. First, you score the edges and then use water to make slip which allows the clay platelets to stick together. Our first project will be a pinch pot. We also started our potter’s wheel rotation. Each student will get a turn to learn the potter’s wheel and to create their very own pot. We had a squishy fun time!

Mission Kindness

During our first enrichment cluster meeting, our group watched a couple of videos of children who are making a difference in big and small ways. The students decided to make bookmarks with positive messages. The students made about two dozen bookmarks. We will sneak the bookmarks into popular library books to hopefully bring a smile to someone's face. We decided to change the name of our group to "Mission Kindness" and make t-shirts with that theme on them. We would like to involve the whole school in our missions of kindness.

Got LEGOs?

At the beginning of this enrichment cluster, we brainstormed ideas of what/where we can take this cluster. What do we want to do in this exciting cluster? First and foremost, the class wants to explore with LEGOs.   Ideas about creating scale model of various places and famous landmarks...you'll have to wait and see what we actually create.    We also discussed building online a virtual design using a Google Lego site. The remainder of the time was spent on creating and building!!! Lots of dialogue and creative building was going on.  This is definitely a hands-on/minds-on group! 

LME Pet Troupe

The “LME Pet Troupe” had a fun first meeting talking all things pets! We got to meet each other and share what interested us in choosing this enrichment cluster, and then watched a short video on pet care and had some craft, reading, and research time. We spent most of our meeting talking about types of pets and deciding what we would like to do with our remaining seven meetings. The students decided that they want to learn about dogs and cats—specifically about the adoption and foster care process through shelters and rescue organizations, dog grooming, training, and dog shows, and they want to see some dogs. We will have speakers and organizations (with pets!) come teach us about our areas of interest, and hope to provide a product or service that helps pets and people in our community. We look forward to sharing our learning at the showcase in December.

Made from Scratch

In “Made from Scratch”, we spent our first meeting exploring the creative possibilities of ‘Scratch’ programming and learning about the program itself. Some of our members had experience with ‘Scratch’ and shared games and projects they had created previously. We decided that our focus would be to create some sort of learning game that would benefit other elementary students. The programmers decided to split into groups of two or three to benefit from teamwork.  Over the next few weeks we will plan out our projects and identify key skills we need develop to complete them.

Lego Stop Motion Film Academy

The “Lego Stop Motion Film Academy” rolled off to a great start.  We watched examples of LEGO stop motion films produced by experts, students, and student experts.  We discussed the characteristics that make a stop motion film great.  We identified the multiple scenes needed to create a 30 second film.  Then the students were able to create a hands-on example of frame-by-frame thinking by making a flip book using post-its.  They took a simple sequence and broke it down into individual scenes with movement portrayed by slightly adjusting the repetitive scenes.

CSI: Let's Solve Some Mysteries

In “CSI: Let's Solve Some Mysteries”, we discovered where our fingerprints come from and how each of them are different.  Students investigated the loops, arches, whorls of their individual fingerprints and then tried to classify some on their own.  In thinking like a detective, students observed how different material burned.  We looked at the rate that various materials ignited, if smoke was produced, and how a material smells after being close to a flame.  Coming this week, students will gather some clues and decide on our mission.  

Yes, we have PETS in First Grade...

Actually, we have PETS in kindergarten, first, second, third and some of our fourth grade classes.  I am not talking about the four-legged furry pets (even though I would love an official LME puppy).  I am referring to the Primary Education Thinking Skills, or PETS, lessons.  These lessons were created by Margaret Wolfe, Sally Thompson, Dodie Merritt and Jody Nichols.

The PETS lessons teach our students the different ways that we think.  The students learn about convergent, divergent, visual and evaluative thinking through the fun friends who live in Crystal Pond Woods.  Each friend represents a different way of thinking and the lessons are taught through stories and activities revolving around these characters.

Throughout the school year, I visit the first, second, third and some fourth grade classroom and teach the PETS lessons to each class.  I  see each class every other week for about thirty minutes. Usually, there is a story that involves a character (type of thinking) and an activity that allows the students to practice that type of thinking.

For the past two weeks in first grade, we have been talking about Dudley the Detective (he is dog detective).  He uses deductive thinking, which is a type of convergent thinking.  Dudley is logical and looks for clues. He never jumps to conclusions. Instead, he re-reads the clues and takes time to analyze and think.  In the end, he comes up with one right answer.  I focus on teaching the first graders the type of thinking and the three steps, or strategies, Dudley uses with deductive thinking.

So far, I read a story about Dudley's missing detective badge.  The students had to listen to the story, analyze the problem, reflect on the story for clues and finally come up with the one character who took his badge.  Don't worry, Dudley did find his badge.  His friend Rosalyn Robin took the badge on accident.  It was so pretty and shiny, she could not help herself.  She did give it back and apologize.

The next time I came into the first grade classrooms, the students continued to practice their deductive thinking. I read the students clues describing different creatures that live in the forest.  The students had to use their listening skills and put the clues together in order to find the one right animal that fit ALL of the clues.  It was a fun activity, plus the kids really have to think and put together different pieces of information to come up with the one correct answer.

The PETS lessons happen in a variety of grade levels because of the Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM). A huge part of SEM is teaching the students critical thinking skills.  Teaching the students HOW we think and solve problems is the best way to teach them TO think. When we understand the process, then we are able to apply to a variety of situations.  This is another way that Laurel Mountain creates world-class talent.

Enrichment Clusters are Coming!!!

Our 4th and 5th graders are getting very excited!  And it is not because it is almost Friday.  Their enrichment clusters start next Friday, October 10.  The enrichment clusters will meet for a total of eight hours (one hour a week during our E-slot time on Friday).  There will be an enrichment cluster showcase on Friday, December 12 to give students an opportunity to share what they learned and produced over the eight meetings.

This year, we are able to offer nineteen different enrichment clusters for our 4th and 5th graders.  We looked at the combined top interests from the 4th and 5th grade interest surveys that our students completed at the beginning of the school year.  Then, the teachers pick a topic from the list that interests them and narrow the focus a bit.  We want the clusters to be student driven, meaning the students are the ones deciding on the product or service that will be created during the enrichment cluster meeting time.  However, it is important to create an area of focus for the students.

The teachers then write a description for their cluster that was sent home with our 4th and 5th graders.  We want our parents to have a chance to see what is being offered so they can discuss the options with their children.  But in the end, we want the enrichment clusters to be student driven, which means the students are the ones deciding for themselves which ones they want to participate in. So, our 4th and 5th graders ranked their top 4 enrichment cluster choices this week in class.  We feel it is powerful for our students and necessary for them to be making these choices.

Once the children have ranked their top four choices, the data is sent to one of our fabulous parents, Eric Deal.  Eric created a program that sorts the students into their clusters.  Of course, we want to give every child their first choice.  But, enrichment clusters need to be small groups of students (about 15 students to one facilitator).  Therefore, giving everyone their number one choice is not possible.  So, if a child does not get their first choice, the program then goes to their second choice, then third and finally fourth.  But even if a child gets his/her fourth choice, it is still four out of nineteen and those are still pretty good odds.

The 4th and 5th graders will find out which enrichment cluster they are in on Friday morning, October 10th.  It is a very exciting morning for everyone.  I do offer tours for our parents.  These tours will take place on Friday, October 17, 31 and November 14.  Please look for the RSVP in an upcoming school E-news.

Below is the list of the enrichment cluster topics for our 4th and 5th graders.  As you look over the list, I hope you agree that  there is a really nice variety of topics.  Our goal is to have several options that excite our students and engage their passions.  This is how we make world-class talent at Laurel Mountain.

Texas Techies
Do you enjoy technology? Are you tired of Power Point? Are you ready to Google or Weebly??Have you been to Powtoon? Let's have fun and learn some new skills. Boost your presentation skills or learn programs - the sky just might be the limit.

Got Legos?
Have you ever wondered about Legos? Who made them? Why? What’s the meaning of Legos???? What’s all the excitement about Legos? During this time we will explore and have fun with Legos! Our team will help craft where we go and what we do with Legos. So if you like Legos and can’t seem to get enough….than this cluster is for you. “The world is your LEGO!”

League of Extraordinary Crafters
Are you a master at creating fantastic structures? Do you love using Redstone to make incredible constructions? Maybe you've never explored a blocky 3D world with friends but want to try it out? If Minecraft is one of your passions, join the League of Extraordinary Crafters! We will use MinecraftEdu to work together as we mine, forge, and explore new worlds. Let's see what awesomeness we can create!

To Be or Not to Be
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” 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 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.

Games! Games! Games!
Do you have some favorite games that you would like to introduce to friends? Are there some new games you'd like to learn to play? Board games, card games, and much more! Join us for Games! Games! Games!

TEAM work!
Do you like to play team sports? Do you know how to be a good teammate? We will be playing team sports with an emphasis on working together and understanding the roles for each member of a team. We will get the opportunity to play both indoor and outdoor games.

Up to Our Ears in Clay!
There are so many things you can imagine with clay. Using clay techniques such as coils, slabs, pinch pots or the potter's wheel there are endless possibilities. Who will you make something for? What will it be? Will it be useful?

Creativity with Colors
Can you imagine a world of color when observing it through a kaleidoscope? What do YOU envision when you think of colors? If interested in exploring YOUR world of colors... come share that vision with us!

Word Up!
Do you enjoy expressing yourself with the written word? Does your imagination soar when you are given an opportunity to creatively write? If so, grab a pencil and unleash your imagination in "Word Up!” This cluster will be the playground for your creative mind as you explore, compose and create various forms of writing.

Into the Wild: Citizen Scientists!
Are you interested in using the latest and coolest ecological science technology to explore the pulse of life in our preserve and support researchers throughout the world? If so, grab one of our tablets or a camera and meet me at the gate to the Preserve -- this cluster is WILD!

LME Software Development Institute
Do you want to know more about how to program computers? Would you like to learn how a programmer thinks about problems and designs solutions? Then come explore with us at the “LME Software Development Institute”! Enter the world of information technology!

Mad Scientists and Crazy Chemists
Do you love to conduct science experiments? Are you curious about how things work and wonder "How did they do that?" Do you find yourself memorizing the periodic table for fun and humming The Elements Song to your friends? Let's reveal the secrets of science together, uncovering the how-to and why behind some of your favorite science experiments. Get ready to "oooh” and "aaaah” in Mad Scientist and Crazy Chemists.

Tape it Up!
What do you get when you mix duct tape, washi tape, and a roomful of creative minds? Join “ Tape It Up!” to unleash the possibilities. Armed with a pair of scissors and a roll of tape...what can you make?

World Class Helpers
Are you a person who likes to help others and tries to make the world a better place by your attitude and actions? Here’s an opportunity for you! Good ideas inspire more good ideas. Come join us to learn about and inspire yourself and others to make social changes that make our school and community a more positive and caring place in which to live.

CSI: Let's solve some mysteries!!!
Do you observe your surroundings well? Do you have an eye for things that are out of place? Discover the excitement of being a detective each time you successfully solve a mystery. Work along with other young detectives as you solve mysteries. You will solve everyday problems and enjoy challenges, as well as, sharpen your deductive thinking and reasoning skills.

Lego Motion Picture Institute
Do you dream of becoming a director or producer of an animated film someday? Did you go home and create a Lego set in your bedroom after watching the Lego Movie? There are many roles when making an animated film. You will learn how to set up a scene, develop characters and back story, as well as direct and produce a short animated film using Legos and a digital camera. Bring your stories and character ideas here.......and make them come to life!

Movies, Videos, Reporting...Oh My!
Explore the many ways we can express ourselves through video. Students will get the chance to create something from their interests that reaches other through the art of media. Bring your ideas, we have the technology, and let’s create something!

Made From Scratch
If you ask kids how they like to learn, most say through games, especially video games. Have you ever wondered how those games are made or thought about inventing one yourself? If so, you should join "Made From Scratch". In this enrichment cluster, we will explore SCRATCH programming and create our own video games, animations, and interactive stories to share with the world. So if you want to help someone and learn an awesome skill, bring your creativity and ideas to “Made From Scratch”!

LME Pet Troupe
Are you passionate about puppies, crazy about cats, fixated on ferrets, or go ga-ga over guinea pigs? If so, then the LME Pet Troupe may be the enrichment cluster for you. This cluster is open to learning more about and doing all things pet-related based upon the group’s interest, so we could learn about pets, pet anatomy, pet care, and/or grooming, provide a product or service to a rescue organization, make bird houses or pet treats, or much more. The sky is the limit! Join this enrichment cluster to find out more and have some fun with pets.