at Two Writing Teachers #12 of 31
Tweet at #Slice2013
As I have written of earlier here last year, the students at my school each study an individual topic, called units of study. Activities within the units include creative writing like fiction and poetry, along with many kinds of ways of communication of answers found to questions asked. All curriculum areas are covered in order to help students gain expertise in those areas as they also learn about their chosen topic. One large culminating event is called Expo, where each student in the school, from 5 to 14, displays as much of their learning as possible that has happened so far during the year.
After Expo comes a week's winter break, then we all start again, with students sometimes continuing their former topic, but most choosing a new topic. I've created a slide show that shares a small sample of the many products students displayed in February at Expo. Students stay at their displays to "meet and greet" their visitors, answer questions about their learning, and celebrate their awesome accomplishments.
Here's a slideshow with some pictures that offer a glimpse of the excitement at my school-Expo Love!
Absolutely fabulous! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Terje. It's a grand evening!
DeleteI love the creativity and the LEARNING going on evidenced in your Expo.
ReplyDeleteI somehow don't think you have a state mandated adopted reading text that your school district monitors "program fidelity" to by a senseless set of checklists (having nothing really to do with the 5 big ideas of reading.)
I suspect that your teachers and school collaborate and have given this approach a good deal of thought.
Lovely.
Thank you. No, there is no specific reading program, lots of choice, but also support of each student. It's a nice place to be. Thank you!
DeleteThis is just the kind of learning I love! Hope your poem just flows tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteThanks Donna. Company leaves today, so after work I'll get going!
DeleteOh I loved seeing those moments again! And I also enjoy seeing how the individual field trips student go on impact those final projects. Thanks Linda!
ReplyDeleteI certainly know that too Katie. Amazing things the students accomplished! Thanks!
DeleteI love that your school does this - so amazing how you celebrate the students and learning.
ReplyDeleteThanks Katherine.
DeleteI remember you writing about this before, but it's so nice to see it in the slideshow. Independent projects like this are so engaging to students. I love it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mardie. It's a lovely time to show learning for the students.
DeleteSuch diversity of topics and presentations. I love it every year when you show a glimpse of this Expo.
ReplyDeleteThanks Elsie. Now that new topics are being chosen, we're all excited again.
DeleteThis is so cool....the vast diversity of topics and skill levels...but so much knowledge in each one. I am quite impressed. When students are given the tools, support and guidance....they can learn through their own creations and also from the creations of others...plus experience the work that is needed. As I said...so cool. Jackie http://familytrove.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jackie. I'm always thrilled to tell about it.
DeleteStudents can really take ownership of this learning fair. It's more than a term paper--it's communication at it's finest. So much will be remembered through this process.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Tam, it is the students' night, & they talk about it until the next one. Thanks.
DeleteCool! This helps your students to think critically about their learning and to put it in perspective.
ReplyDeleteYes, it really does. Thanks for noticing!
DeleteOh, wow! What a great way to show what they've truly learned!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mandy. It is a good tradition, a lovely culminating celebration.
DeleteI loved your post about this last year, Linda, and I can't believe it's already been a whole year since that! Looks like it was a delightful event again -- congratulations on another successful year!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jennifer. It's a crazy & busy time, but we always say it's worth it!
DeleteAfter a really, really long day of TCAP testing (do you get to do that?), it's really, really nice to look at some real learning. Love all of the different art and projects.
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol. No, we don't do any testing, sorry! I know it's tough. I remember when my children went through it, & now my grandson (in Texas) talks about it. Too bad they don't listen to the teachers!
DeleteAwesome! I wish I could be a student again at your school...or teach at you school...
ReplyDeleteI wish you could teach at our school too, but we often say we wish we could have gone too. We have our first alum teaching here now-the school is almost 30 years old. Thanks, Tara.
Delete