Blabber Mouth Pics

In moving ahead in our Civil War research I have some photos to share. I'm always so impressed with the creative efforts of my fifth graders. This is such a great way to incorporate so many skills. We researched, took notes, then wrote up our Blabber Mouths in 1st person narrative format. Now our Civil War folks have come back to life to tell their story from their side of the battlefield. 

Cornell Notes

Note taking with 5th graders can be a cumbersome task. The use of Google Docs has literally transformed the writing in my classroom in so many ways, one of my favorites being the ability to take notes directly in Google Docs while using the research tool. 

Cornell Note Taking is an excellent method of collecting information. It is streamlined, allows for students to remain organized and provides prompts of specific details for the students to take notes on. This is a two column note taking system. The summary portion at the bottom is great for having students summarize the main ideas from their notes. 

We're currently working on a Civil War Biography project. I'll share the steps throughout the next few days so you can follow our progress. Today we began with researching various Civil War people using the following website from PBS. Each student followed the link on our website and needed to read the short blurbs regarding each character. This afternoon after reading all the information students will choose one person who they will investigate further. 

I've already shared the Note Taking guide with the class using Google Docs. We reviewed the topic areas for specific note taking and tomorrow we will use Chrome Books to research our selected character. 

Civil War Short Biographies


Civil War Biography Note Taking Guide

Teach Like a Pirate!

Need something to rekindle your passion and motivation in the classroom? Need some reminders as to why you chose education as your life's work?  Need some inspiration to get through the rest of the school year? Read Teach Like a Pirate by, Dave Burgess.

I had the opportunity to be part of a Skype audience at a recent Edcamp where Dave Burgess was the guest of honor.  Dave's message is not filled with rhetoric or theory or educational fluff. His words breathe life into our lessons as he reminds us how we are THE catalyst for lighting the creative torch. We have the power to make our students WANT to come to school. The enthusiasm Dave shares will aid you in creating that classroom where kids are wanting to break down the door to get a piece of what you have to offer. Teach Like a Pirate is not a book of new ideas, but rather a reminder and affirmation of how important student engagement is in the learning process. 

In our high stakes world of teaching, with so much on our plate we need something like this to remind us who we are here for - the students. Don't walk away from the text feeling like you have to be "outrageous," "wacky," or put on a "horse and pony show" everyday. Use the ideas to meet your style of teaching and engagement. Use the book as a means of reigniting your passion as a teacher.  Read the book to be inspired!

 

White Boards/Write Boards

Need a spot to write while working in a small guided group? Need a spot to share notes with students when working side by side? There is no need to purchase the paint that turns any surface into a white board or even a fancy easel. Use your table top with dry erase markers. Have a container of wet - wipes or even a bottle of nice smelling hand sanitizer available for clean up. The dry erase marker comes off with a few simple wipes by those special children who love to help out in the classroom. 

Use the table top as your interactive white board surface while working in small guided groups. 

...and we're off to our first adventures in blogging.

Two Teach has officially launched.

We (Jeff and Lynn) have talked about this for a long time. We are Two Teachers - with 40 years experience between us. Fifth grade is our passion and the place where we feel the most at home. Our goal is to not only share our ideas, but also our enthusiasm and love for teaching.

To us, the "trenches" is where it is really at. In the trenches you get your hands dirty, the teaching can be messy and the learning exponential and FUN!

As this evolves, check in often for updates, tips, tricks and stories from the classroom. 

Welcome to Two Teach!

Jeff and Lynn