A Scrapbook of Comprehension

It is always so entertaining to watch how students interpret their understanding. It could be as small as knowing how rain effects the Earth to big things like how changes works together to create order. I have simply fallen in love with the idea of using journals for every subject. This opens the doors for creating an interactive notebook with responses, quick assessments, and it is much easier to grade their work since it is always in the same place! If it's a cute little foldable, they just glue it in, and then have lined paper to write a quick response. The cool thing is that it acts as a keepsake for them (they love looking back on all that they have learned). In one particular subject, I use a bunch of different comprehension responses to see how they are understanding the lesson...take a peek!

Illustrate & Label

Sometimes after sharing a story, I might say "Okay, I want you to cut up this paper and re-create the scene, label the important parts, and then respond how this story is like you!"

Comparing Characters & Places

Sometimes I might just have them compare and contrast two different characters that we have already reviewed. This student chose Samson and Gideon (they were both "heros").

Story Sequence

Sometimes I have them create a window where they need to include "First, then, next, and finally" to create a sequence of what happened in the story that day. Labels, simple sentence, and illustrations need to be included. This was one student's account for what happened after they took Samson away:

First the Philistines took him away!

Then they chained him to a building.

Next he was forgiven and got his strength back!

Finally he broke the building (that had the Philistines in it) and Samson died!

Character Analysis

And sometimes I have them choose two characters that we learned and write about them in the 1st person. They need to include who they are, why they are important, and some other interesting facts about his/her story.

If it is too hard to read, here is his interpretation of these two characters:

Ruth

Hi. My name is Ruth. In my past, a man named Boaz left me lots of wheat when I was gleaning. What became of me you ask? I got married to Boaz and had baby Obed.

Samson

Hey. I'm Samson. As a Nazarite, I am very strong! My enemies are the Philistines. I wish I could kill someone with a tree. In the end I will die.

I wish I had thought of this idea at the beginning of the year! At least I can begin anew next year :)

I miss my real clothes....

From pajama day last Friday and Dr. Seuss day on Wednesday to Pirate day this Friday, I am getting confused about who I am anymore! "You get to be just plain old you on Monday!" were my parting with my students as they left the school "Arrghing" their way out the door. The reason for the extra jewelry, scarves, belts, and boots was because the Elementary had the chance to watch the first showing of the MS/HS play "Treasure Island". I had helped out a bit with props, so I knew the story line and saw different scenes, but boy was I in for an impressed shock! Those students did a fabulous job! Their fight scenes, monologues, and acting abilities just left me with so much appreciation for those directors. My good friend Julie had the vision for the drama program at this school, and she has gone over and above the community's expectations...both times (last year with Secret Garden as well). I commend you for all of your hard work, and your perseverance as you stuck it out even while you were drained from work and being pregnant. Phew...superwoman I tell ya.

Here are some pic's of our pirate gear before the day started....Dave forgot his bandanna so his "look" didn't get captured.

Looking forward to Monday....normal work clothes ;)