I decided to make little books with the students. I thought it would bring them a lot of joy to be authors and illustrators. This activity included science, literacy, fine motor skills and directed drawing. These books were made over the course of two blocks of time on Thursday (before and after music). I was at first planning on doing this activity over the course of several days but the students were so engaged my SA encouraged me to keep going while I had their attention!
I think the reason why this type of activity was so engaging for the students is because of all the hands on activities we have done with pumpkins up to this point. Doing this type of activity at the beginning of the project probably would have been a flop, at this point however the students have tons of knowledge about pumpkins that they wanted to represent and share with others. The book is simple, a cover and three pages. “Outside my pumpkin. Inside my pumpkin. My pumpkin on Halloween.”
I was really happy with the outcome of these little books. The highlights for me were the students “reading” the predictable text to me when they were done. The students were really proud of their work. Many students indicated they wanted to show their families and put the books in their journals. Also nice, was that my SA really liked them. I felt like she was really proud of me and that was a good feeling. She’s so supportive, I’m really lucky to have her.
Now my students are scientists, authors and illustrators- we are on a roll!
You are really understanding of and facilitate the growth of these young students in art, science, math and literacy as well as their social and emotional young selves. It is wonderful to see the amazing activities, games, communication and learning you have engaged in, in just this past week. Well done Mahima!