Comparing Perspectives

Multiple Perspectives is one of my favorite concepts from Kaplan's Depth and Complexity to teach. I think particularly for our little ones-who believe the world revolves around them :) -this is a difficult concept. Not only to put yourself in the shoes of another but then compare how two or more characters view the world.

We are reading a chapter book right now called The Wild Robot. 

I asked my students to compare the perspectives of several different characters-how would they describe the robot in the story.

We did the same thing with The Lorax. It was hard for them not to just describe him but to describe him from the point of view of another character. The Once-ler and the Truffula Trees viewed the Lorax very differently.

helpful, savior for the trees-annoying, wasting time for the Once-ler

New Uses for Cotton Candy

New Uses for Everyday Things is a great way to get your kiddos to think outside of the box! It's challenging for them to think of a new way to use something. We read this story as part of our rodeo unit:

And then I asked the kids to come up with a new use for cotton candy. In the story it's a tutu, they talk about it "blanketing" everything. Instead of just eating it--what could we do with it? Here are some of the ideas they came up with:

Could you imagine a cotton candy bubble bath! :) 

Illustrating Poetry

I have always been a fan of poetry! I am in awe at how some poets can capture so many emotions with just a few words. We read a new poem each week. I introduce it on Monday and we read it together each day to help build fluency. On Fridays, I ask my students to illustrate the poem we read over the week.

Sometimes we read silly poems like Jack Prelutsky or Shel Silverstein. My favorites to use with them are Robert Frost and Langston Hughes. This is the poem Mother to Son by Langston Hughes (which is also, I believe, a great example of grit).

Mother to Son

BY LANGSTON HUGHES

Well, son, I’ll tell you:

Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.

It’s had tacks in it,

And splinters,

And boards torn up,

And places with no carpet on the floor—

Bare.

But all the time

I’se been a-climbin’ on,

And reachin’ landin’s,

And turnin’ corners,

And sometimes goin’ in the dark

Where there ain’t been no light.

So boy, don’t you turn back.

Don’t you set down on the steps

’Cause you finds it’s kinder hard.

Don’t you fall now—

For I’se still goin’, honey,

I’se still climbin’,

And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.

And these are the illustrations from my kiddos of this poem.

Ethics and the Cat in the Hat

Ethics is one of my favorite concepts from Kaplan's Depth and Complexity to teach. I can see so much progress in my students' thinking and their ability to make an argument for their opinions. Dr. Seuss books are full of good ethical situations to discuss.

We read the Cat in the Hat and at the end of the story the question is posed would you tell your mother about the Cat's visit? My kiddos were pretty split-those who said they wouldn't tell had that opinion because they didn't want to get in trouble. Those who would said it was the right thing to do.

Books About Making A Difference

I have been home sick this past week and have spent more time than I normally would following all the protests and speeches being given by the school shooting survivors in Florida. I am always impressed when kids stand up for what they believe in-but it helps when they are articulate and passionate as these students are. No matter what is thrown at them they are holding their own. This generation sure knows how to use social media to influence others. Many people are surprised at their political acumen-but I am not. When I did Student Council, one of my favorite aspects of it was seeing these youngsters ask questions and develop understandings for concepts I didn't comprehend the first time I voted. I am embarrassed to admit-I could not tell you the difference between a Democrat and  Republican the first time I pulled those voting booth levers. I think this generation will be different. 

Literature is the foundation of my lessons. If I want to help model courage and risk-taking for my students-I read them stories about characters with those qualities. I want my students to grow up and stand up for what they believe in-so I read them stories about others from history who have done just that.

Because of the efforts of Silvia Mendez' family, Hispanic students were no longer relegated to segregated schools.

She wouldn't even give in when they tried to prevent her from being left-handed. From a child RBG stood up for what she believed. My all-time favorite quote from her is about how she has had a successful marriage - ÿou have to be a little deaf sometimes". :) 

Alice Roosevelt was her own person. She wouldn't conform to what others wanted her to be (much to her father's chagrin). But she was also influential and became a darling of the people.

Imogene stands up to save a historical monument in her town. Protesting at its finest!

I like this story because it shows that just taking a little step can help change the world. She creates a bit of a sanctuary in her yard that grows and grows.

The true story of a town's efforts to save their sea turtles. The kids went door-to-door to ask people to keep off their external lights so it wouldn't confuse the babies. A community effort started by children!

I knew about the sit-ins from this time period, but I never heard the whole story. These college students endured threats and having food thrown on them to stand up for what they believed needed to be changed. And it worked!

Chapter Books:

Tua does not like the way the elephant is being treated by its trainers. So she helps it escapes and gets it to an elephant sanctuary-with a little help from their friends.

A girl goes back in time to help save her father from death row. It's a story about standing up to corruption in the name of justice.

Standing up to racism and segregation, the protagonist puts herself on the line. She knows changes are important, even if that begins with allowing all children to swim in a public pool. It starts with a letter to the editor and goes from there.

I am in awe of all the student protesters out there today. I hope they can be strong and hold out for the changes they are asking for.