Connecting with Common Core - Collaborative Discussion

Students in A-4 today enjoyed connecting with the Common Core State Standards through collaborative group discussion about the novel Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman.  After reading several chapters of the novel--while annotating and citing evidence of character's growth and transformation--students were given the challenge to come up with questions addressing different levels of questioning using Bloom's Taxonomy and Costa's Levels of questioning to prepare for collaborative group discussion.  Students wrote questions on index cards and noted which level each question addressed.  Then, in teams a group facilitator initiated the discussion choosing students to read questions, while tracking progress of students who asked questions, answered questions, and listened attentively.  Students took turns asking questions and called on their team members to answer their questions, often citing evidence or agreeing/disagreeing with their peers to show depth of thought and analysis.  After discussing the spectrum of low to high level questions, students exchanged index cards with partners and completed a writing task answering their partner's questions in writing on the back of their cards.  What a fantastic day--it was such a joy to be a "silent witness" to the deep and thoughtful conversation that was all student-led!  Enjoy the photos/videos below and check out another classroom engaged in collaborative discussion here!

(Sorry that the videos are sideways...)

Written Reflection at the end:

D.A.T.A. Featured on a Federal Website!

DATA is currently featured on the MSAP center website in the “Grantee Corner.”  Read the article by clicking on the image below to find out how D.A.T.A. has transformed over the past few years!

Also, check out how D.A.T.A. teachers are using DYKNOW classroom management and interactive learning software below:

Mini Mecca Models

Students modeled exemplary teamwork as they worked in teams of eight to construct a mini model of the city of Mecca--the origins of the religion of Islam--with the mosque as its focal point.  Each team of eight or nine was responsible for a different aspect of Islam including the mosque (Kabah, minaret, muezzin), trade (bazaar), spread of Islam (Muhammad, caliphs, conquest), and geography (Bedouin campsites).  Students began the activity with in-depth research and note-taking using Edmodo, where Miss Lukins had posted a variety of pictures, photos, web site links, a flythrough 3D video of the Kabah, a video of Muslims praying, and even MP3 music of a muezzin singing the call to prayer!  Then, students sketched a "blueprint" of their piece of the model in preparation for building.  Finally, students used their creativity to construct their piece of Mecca using art supplies, paper, paper plates/cups, and more!  Students worked together to make their pieces come together to recreate their version of this important city to Muslims.  Students then shared their creations at a class "Mecca Museum" in which students became "curators" and taught each other, while taking notes on "Unpacking Cultures" (systems, honor and beliefs, geography, and tools & technology).  Below you will see pictures of the process and finished products and reflections! Enjoy!

Watch video of students presenting as "curators" at Mecca Museum:

Watch video of students presenting as "curators" at Mecca Museum:

Watch video of students presenting as "curators" at Mecca Museum:

Watch video of students presenting as "curators" at Mecca Museum:

Watch video of students presenting as "curators" at Mecca Museum:

Watch video of students presenting as "curators" at Mecca Museum:

Watch video of students presenting as "curators" at Mecca Museum:

Watch video of students presenting as "curators" at Mecca Museum:

Interactive with Islam!

Students create interactive PowerPoint presentations to imitate iPads teaching about Muslim scholars' contributions to the world, design decorative brochures with audio recordings to teach the 5 Pillars of Islam, and creatively craft Wordles, collages, and GoAnimate videos to learn Islam key terms!  Enjoy the creativity below!

Click below to listen to a student's audio refections:

More AUDIO (Click icon below):

Click GoAnimate Video below to watch!