February 27, 2020
Students in fourth grade love to share their Joys & Concerns during our morning meeting. Without fail, I hear, “My joy is that we have Art (or Science Lab or ____________ – Insert your favorite complement class here.) today.” Complement classes aren’t only something extra. They complement the instruction in the regular classroom. They make it richer, fuller, more complete. They ignite students’ creativity and drive. They may even lead children to discover their passions in life. In short, complements classes bring joy.
Our complements teachers are talented, dedicated experts in their fields. For a glimpse into the joy they create each day, check out this sampling of engaging activities:
Library
Students have been hard at work reading and evaluating picture books to select their Mock Caldecott winner. They are nearing the end of the process and will announce their top honors soon. Beyond the library, we have the fabulous Bedford Falls Book Fair. Stop by the HAC commons before it closes Friday afternoon! Next week, Lower Schoolers will have the pleasure of meeting author Beth Ferry and learning about her writing process.
Technology
In the STORM Lab, students are using technology tools to create 3D images. To enhance their autobiography projects, second graders are designing 3D self-portraits using Maker’s Empire. Third graders are designing and 3D printing mazes to use with 3 mm ball bearings. This challenge allows the students to explore spatial concepts, solve problems, and build structures within the design constraints provided. Fourth graders are discovering the process of converting 2D drawings on paper into 3D printed shapes. Each student will get two completed designs to combine with the rest of their class into unique and changeable sculptures. The process has several steps including scanning the image, converting it to the correct format, and modifying the shape to printable dimensions. Working in collaboration with their biography projects, fifth graders have designed 3D portraits of their assigned biographical figures using Maker’s Empire.
Art
Students have been exploring architecture from the grandeur of Notre Dame cathedral to the castles of Paul Klee.
Music
Fifth graders have started their ukulele unit. They are learning terminology for the ukulele and the names of the open strings, how to play patterns on open strings, and how to play a pentatonic scale. Soon they will start revisiting songs in music class and learning them by ear on their ukes!
Science Lab
Kindergarten had a visit from the Chestnut Ridge animals this week. Students had the opportunity to learn about a spotted salamander, box turtles, a corn snake, and a bantam chicken. This exciting in-school field trip prepares our students for their next unit – all about animals!
Spanish
Inspired by Science Week and our STEM arcade challenges, fourth graders are making Battleship games in Spanish! It’s called Batalla Naval and they’re making boards using pizza boxes and sinking ships using verb conjugations.
