Columbus Day

Today was SO much fun. I love talking about historical figures and history {WAY more than I actually like to learn about it on my own...me + college history courses = no match made in heaven...just sayin'}.  My students get totally into it right along with me!  I hope they always love science and social studies as much as they do right now.

As my kids walked in from activity, they saw this sitting in "center stage":

A simple brown paper bag "crunched of course" to us...a complete treasure to a second grader. Their minds immediately began swirling.

We opened this little treasure map up that instructed us to watch a video about Columbus and record the facts. {I completely forgot to take pictures!!!}

After we completed our treasure map of Columbus facts, we read a few of Columbus' journal entries from a wonderful book that one of my students allowed us to borrow. The descriptive language in the entries was SUPER perfect since we have been working with descriptive writing and enhancing our vocabulary. Then the students set straight to work on a little quick write that included writing their very own entry {taking on a Columbus point of view...as we called it} that could be added to the collection. Here are a few entries from my crazy kiddos. I am LOVIN' the descriptive language.

 While they were hard at work, we created our very own treasure maps of the New World. I worked with the students in small groups {THE ONLY WAY TO PAINT} while the other students were writing. Here is a look at what we did:

Just a little painting tip that I am SO sure that you already know: When using permanent paint, add a little liquid dawn dish soap and it makes permanent paint washable! I am sure there is a much better "artistic" term that we could use to describe permanent paint...I guess I need a little "Art for Dummies" tutorial! It also makes cleanup a complete breeze!!!

Our Maps:

 Our maps were painted on brown paper bags. I cut a large square and burned the edges to give that old "vintage" feel!

Now for the final display:

The kiddos had a blast learning about Columbus. How did you celebrate today???

Extra...Extra....READ ALL ABOUT IT

One of things (among many) that I am MOST passionate about in my classroom is bringing the outside world in and showing my students all of the amazing things that our world has to offer. Many of my children have never had the chance to visit another country, much less another state or even town in our nation. So, in my classroom, I try my darnedest to recreate some of the most ridiculously beautiful places that I have been so fortunate to visit. Thank goodness that I have a crafty mama to help me "dress up" my room in lots of different themes to allow them to experience other cultures and give them a glimpse outside of our small town. I really want to give them a reason and motivation to learn and show them that their is no limit to what they can experience and achieve. 

Along these lines, I just have to share one of the most amazing websites that I use in my classroom. DOGONEWS! I am sure that you have probably heard of this site from many others, but it is just too great of a resource not to share! This site includes daily news articles and stories of current events happening all over our world. The best part...THE STUDENTS CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF IT!!! Their world is completely crushed if we do not make it to our daily story! If that isn't powerful motivation, I don't know what is! DOGOnews is one of the many ways that I attempt to open my students' eyes to some of the cultures that shape our world and the unique individuals and animals that inhabit this spectacular place! This site just gives them a taste of the goodness in our world and believe me, they will talk about these stories for DAYS! It is amazing how so many students who are still struggling with adding single digit numbers can recall and explain events such as the devastating Tsunami in Japan or the aftershocks that followed soon after the earthquake. {And yes...they really will use big words like aftershocks and tectonic plates! It is basically amazing!} I try very hard to read these news articles prior to our writing time which always provides them with a great topic to include in their journal if they can not think of an idea...BUT I incorporate these current events wherever and whenever possible. I am currently working on some activities to go right along with this amazing content! I will let you know when they are ready!

If you are looking for a great news site for kids...this is it! Check it out...it will not disappoint!