Grade 4

So I have moved to a Grade 4 class this year having been on a Grade 5 for 5 years. Bit of change to life at school. I have really enjoyed meeting my Grade 4 students and setting up the classroom routines. 

Australian Curriculum for Grade 4 seems to focus specifically on sustainability and also a close look on perspectives of different cultures. I'm learning what needs to be covered and how I will engage students while covering the curriculum. I have set a goal of making sure multimodal assessment are used that will allow students to think at a deep level and show understanding. 

I will endeavour to blog throughout the year with some teaching ideas aimed at Grade 4.                 Stay tuned...

Science Inquiry

My Grade 5 students have finished their science inquiries today ready for a few different upcoming events. The first is an Open Day tomorrow where our local member of parliament will be attending along with our Scientist in Schools professional. Grade 5/6 parents have been invited along also to celebrate the wonderful work that students have completed. Parents will be encouraged to question the children about their inquiries in preparation for next week. 

Next week will be our whole school science expo where we have invited some scientists from the local community along to judge our 5/6 students on their scientific knowledge of their chosen topic. The top groups will then be selected to compete in the UTAS Science Investigation Awards where they are in with the chance to win some money. 

Later in the year the science reports will also be entered into the Tasmanian Science Talent Search. If students work is good enough they can then be selected for the National Awards. 

It's been great to see the engagement of students and the pride they have had when completing their report and display board. Student engagement= quality work. 

Zentangle art

It's been a long time between blogs. I have been busy this year on a Grade 5 class. Having a great year so far.

Recently my students designed their own zentangle on a triangular piece of fabric which was then made into a bunting for display. During whole class novel a strategy of mine is to allow students to doodle in a doodle book. There are two reasons for this, it stops students from talking to one another and it is also a calming activity for students to do. It's amazing how much information they take in from the whole class novel when they are doing this routine. 

Completing the zentangle was an extension of this process as it built on student's doodling skills and it resulted in a joint piece of artwork. The students used felt tip marker and were allowed to choose one small aspect of their design to colour in. The end product turned out amazing.

Vestibular stimulation- Sensory Processing Disorder

A while ago I wrote a blog about sensory processing disorder and some of the effects it has on my daughter. Today I wanted to share a bit more about what I have been doing to support her with her sensory problems.

A month ago, after having a sensory diet for my daughter completed, I decided to turn the toy room, that is never used, into a sensory room. I started by cleaning the space out. We have one side of our cupboard with shelves and the other side with hanging space. We turned the hanging side into a little cubby house with pillows, blankets and a weighted lap blanket. She also puts in lots of teddies and dolls when she gets in. This place has been great as it is a quiet, small space that she can use to self regulate if need be. She gets herself in there and shuts the door and I don't even realise she is in there sometimes until I call out and she answers. So yes I can now say that I put my daughter in the cupboard, lol.

The second thing I did was make a lycra tube which she can put on in the cupboard when she wants to. So easy to make and offers pressure if she is seeking. 

Today though I finally completed my daughters Christmas present and she has been in it for two hours straight and just loves it. It is a lycra swing that hangs from the ceiling. It can be hung from two, three or four attachment points. As a hammock it provides vestibular input, with increased deep pressure providing a calming effect. The three or four-point hookup increases the challenge by allowing my daughter to climb through the layers. Or, it can provide a calming tent-like space. This swing is great for developing body awareness and addressing motor planning skills. And I must say it is a hit! My daughter LOVES IT. 

I have a few other things I plan to do for the sensory room in the near future. The aim is to hopefully allow my daughter to self calm through using the sensory room rather than the Need to chew or consume food. I will keep you informed of her progress. 

Grade 5 book review blog

http://booksarelife456.blogspot.com/


I have decided to start a blog in my Grade 5 class. The blog is called Books are Life. It is a place for my students to post book reviews on the books they are currently reading. The blog is aimed at other Grade 5 students and other people who have an interest in books.
From a teaching perspective I feel the blog gives students a purpose for writing. The purpose of writing a book review is to inform an audience about whether they should or should not read that book. The blog gives students that audience. Take a look at their work :-)

UTAS Science competition

The 5/6 UTAS Science competition was held today at our school with over 77 entries from schools across the North West and North of our state. We had 123 students engaged in science as they were judged by science experts from the University. I had ten entries from my grade 5 students and we managed to have 6 of those eateries short listed to the top 9 in this section. Super proud of the students and their achievements. The poster boards looked amazing and the students ability to talk the science was well worth the hard work that went into the classroom. Looking forward to the presentation evening tonight. Well done  to all involved.

History final assessment task

I have recently completed a unit of work on 19th Century Australian History with a focus of the impacts that events and people had on colonies during that time. I decided to move away from a written task this time to provide opportunities for kids that don't necessarily work to their potential when having to write. All students learn differently and therefore all assessments should vary to support that fact. The assessment task allowed for a high level of engagement by students and also allowed students to really demonstrate their full understanding of the topic. 

The task I set involved using a brown paper bag. Students needed to choose five items to represent people or events that had a significant impact on colonies in Australia during the 19th Century. The selected items were then placed in the bag. Items were made during class time
and also brought in from home. Once the items had been selected students could decorate the outside of the bag. When they had completed this they had to prepare a speech. The speech involved students pulling out an item one at a time and informing an audience about what the item represented and what impact that item had on colonies of Australia using factual information to support their claims. 

Students all got up in front of their peers without any hesitation to deliver their speeches. Sharing of knowledge broadened students understanding further. Beyond the five items they selected they learnt from their peers on other items. 

Both Grade 5 classes completed this task. Upon reflection my colleague teacher and I both felt this task allowed students to really demonstrate their understandings. I will certainly be using this again in my future practice. 

Brown bear, Brown bear, what do you see? Read by a two year old with exp...

I like to show my Grade 5 class this video of my daughter when she was 2 reading Brown bear, brown bear, what do you see. I always get my students to focus on expression, fluency, speed and tone of voice. The kids love watching it. If a two year old can read with fluency and expression there is no reason why ten and eleven year olds can't. It also helps develop that relationship with students by sharing a part of you and your family.

I'm back!

So I have finally taken the time to write a blog. I have had a massive five months which I have survived and made it out the other end. I had back surgery three months ago as I was laid up in bed for five weeks straight with a massive prolapsed disc. Couldn't walk, stand, sit or do pretty much anything. I was bed ridden and in so much pain. I had surgery which involved a lumbar microdiscectomy and rhizolysis. I have recovered really well and have made it back to teaching for the last two weeks full time. I certainly missed my work while I was incapacitated and know that I have chosen the right profession. I am looking forward to blogging some more this year with hopefully some insightful thoughts and practices about the world of teaching. 

All the best for 2014

Wishing all the people that have read over my blog this year, 2013 all the best for the new year. May happiness come your way always and keep smiling! I'll be back on board ready to do some blogging early next year. 

What will 2014 bring in the classroom and the school in which I work? Let the new adventure begin! 

Science success

It's been a while since my last blog. My class have spent time completing science inquiries. They are now currently working on their integrated inquiry on Earths Place in Space. At the end of last term and success at PICSE students had the option of entering their inquiries into the Tasmanian Science Talent Search. This was open to Grade 5 and 6's. The results for this competition haven't been released but judges select the best inquires to be sent off to BHP science awards which is a national level science competition. 

I received news on the weekend that we had five enteries (8 students) from our school that had been selected to enter BHP and three of those students were from my class. I was extremely excited to inform my students and demonstrate that a good science topic and hard work will take you places. The boys were very proud when they found out the exciting news which was great to see. 

As I have mentioned in previous blogs I place a big emphasis on purpose in the classroom. Purpose =engagement! 

The boys topic was on finding the best egg replacement for the binding quality in muffins. This has a strong link to helping the community as there are a lot of people who have anaphylactic reactions to egg. I wish my grade 5 students all the best of luck and also the grade 6 students who I taught last year. Great to see so many students engaged in science. 

Success at PICSE science competition

The last six weeks Grade five and six at our school have dedicated their time to science. They have chosen their own inquiry to run. There were so many different inquiries happening in class which took a lot of organisation but it was well worth it. The students ran their investigations and then wrote a science report. After their report they displayed their information on a display board. We had an open day were parents came to visit the classroom and observe students work and also ask students questions. This was a good practice for students before the PICSE science competition judging. 

On judging day scientists from the community judged students on their science inquiries. Students had to speak to their inquiry which demonstrated a good understanding of their science knowledge they had gained. 

Their were five or six different schools and many entries. From Grade five we had two students win and another two win best environmental for 5/6. We  got 1st, 2nd and 3rd in Grade 6 and also multiple high school winners that were ex students and had been through our program which was great. 

The kids were so engaged throughout this experience and can't wait to do it all again next year. 

All students science reports can now be entered into a state science competition for further judging. 

I am extremely proud of the work my students have done and the sound science inquiry skills my students have gained in the last six weeks. 

Science Inquiry

Term 3 has begun and my students are into their PICSE science investigations. PICSE is a science competition where students run an inquiry of their own choice, write a science report and then head to the University to be judged by a variety of scientist. The kids at school love PICSE and can't wait to be a part of it when they reach Grade 5 and 6. In Grade 5 students complete their inquiry in pairs and then individual when in Grade 6. During their science inquiry my students are learning about dependent and independent variables and controls. They are using scientific language throughout their written report and are creating hypothesis and conclusions. Some of the topics my students have chosen are: absorbency of tissues and paper towels, best paint based on drying times, plant growth using grey water, the best egg replacements for binding properties, bread and vegetable mould, the amount of salt in different salt water locations from Tasmania and which chewing gum keeps its flavour for the longest. Student choice= student engagement which improves student outcomes. Looking forward to watching my students discuss their scientific findings with the judges.

Sensory processing disorder

I would like to blog about something close to my heart today. Sensory processing disorder. My daughter has it and we found out this year. So many aspects of her life are now in perspective and make sense to me as her parent. A little bit about her which will be completely different to other children with SPD as they are all unique. My daughter has cried every day of her life when we have brushed her hair or tried to put it up. She is always wanting to eat and has no feeling of fullness. She occasionally complains of a sore heart as she can feel it beating in her chest as she is more aware of it. If she hurts herself she is hard to settle as pain is multiplied by ten for someone with SPD. She wont wear many clothes as they itch her and put her in Sensory overload. She constantly is bottoms up, in other words she has her head on the ground and bottom and legs above her as this helps her to self regulate. She hates loud noises and will often run away from them or put her fingers in her ears. She has high anxiety about lots of things that wouldn't bother other kids. The list goes on but when she is in sensory overload she wants to eat because of the deep pressure associated with chewing. After seeing an OT she has a few strategies in place like chewing gum to help her calm. She also has a brushing routine for her body to help with sensory overload to touch. She has a weighted blanket for her bed and I have recently made her a weighted blanket for her to have at school. We have made lots of little adjustments that are helping. 

With my teaching hat on I find a lot of the signs are present in certain kids in the classroom which I haven't ever noticed or linked my knowledge with before. Through educating myself with this disorder I am able to see ways of supporting other students who might benefit from strategies. Please read up on this disorder if you are a teacher and educate yourself. Many autistic children suffer from SPD. I am currently making weighted blankets to sell. They cost $50 plus postage. My daughter has hers in class to help calm her when she in overload. If you are interested in ordering one please email me on tameika.munday@gmail.com

SPD is a neurological disorder and something that my daughter will always have but through treatment and understanding she will certainly improve. If you have any questions blog away and I will try my best to answer them.

Oceans alive work in progress

 

Ocean Alive unit is in action with high levels of engagement from all students. Students are learning about adaptations of ocean animals and are utilizing their learning strengths to choose a variety of activities to complete. Students are producing work with a high level of thinking and are organising their time efficiently to work through their independent learning contract. 

Science Integrated unit

I love to integrate units in my learning program. There is just not enough time to teach in isolation and also by integrating units, students have the opportunity to transfer knowledge across curriculum areas. The most recent unit I have designed and given to my Grade 5 students is called 'Ocean's Alive' and it is a science intgrated unit focusing on an understanding that living things have structural features and adaptations that help them to survive in their environment. The unit is handed to students as a learning contract where depending on the level of thinking involved in the activity more points are rewarded and depending on points students at the end of the unit are rewarded with an A-E. It follows the philisopical thinking of Ralph Pirozzo. The unit integrates Bloom’s Taxonomy and Multiple Intelligences. It provides for the thinking skills and learning styles of all my students. It is an engaging, exciting and challenging learning environment for all my students.The best thing is it helps improve independency and time management in my students. If you would like to check out the unit head over to Teachers Pay Teachers and preview it. I also have a picture of half of the unit provided in my blog. I hope it inspires some of you out there to get on board with the importance of catering for all students through student learning styles and Blooms Taxonomy. http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Mrs-Mundays-Memoirs

Completion of history unit

My Grade 5'a completed their student led inquiries yesterday with oral presentations. I was amazed at the engagement level and pride these kids had in their work. Student choice dramatically increases engagement in their learning. All students had to choose an event or person that had a significant impact on a colony in Australia in the 19th Century. We had an array of subjects. Students also had choice over how they presented their work. Some chose PowerPoint, some posters and others made books. The final result was rewarding as a teacher as it allowed me to reflect on the teaching and learning and see that this experience was worthwhile. Engagement=Learning!

Term 2

NAPLAN complete and feeling great to be back into a normal classroom routine. My grade 5's are currently working on an integrated historical inquiry of the 19th Century. Timelines have been completed and now students get to choose an event or person from the 19th century to do an Inquiry on. They can present the information however they choose. Students are so engaged which is fantastic. When completed students will complete an oral presentation on their Inquiry. I have found many historical resources on Scootle which have been helpful. 

NAPLAN nearly completed!!

My Grade 5's have been working so hard on their NAPLAN tests this week. Only one more to go tomorrow. I felt like a proud mum watching them all focused and working hard on their test the last few days. I am really looking forward to getting back to my normal routine. Bring on final test tomorrow so some normality can occur. 

Sunrise/sunset art

My Grade 5's have been working on an integrated unit on light so I decided to integrate art by drawing a sunset. We looked at images of sunsets on google and discussed observations. The forefront in a lot of images was dark with the sunset and sky as the focus. With this in mind I offered students the use of charcoal for the forefront and oil pastels for the feature. Students also discussed perspective and distance and the use of a horizon for a focal point. I also modeled how to shade. The students enjoyed working on these and they are now proudly displayed on the wall.