Hungry for Learning

As promised, our December Book Projects are a fun event! Students are invited to read a book in December. There isn't even an "approval" step in the process, to welcome any new titles from the holidays that might grab student interest. We talk about the change in procedure in class and in the weekly newsletter throughout December to prevent any anxiety or students spending their Winter Break time working on our usual projects.

Then, the first thing on our return, we get to work!

checking our facts, organizing our supplies, writing out our ideas

some planning and thought

many details

lots of focus

motivated, engaged learners

Students created "Book Project Placemats". In the rim of the plate, they recorded the title, the author, and their name. In the center, students drew an illustration from their story. There were three utensils: fork, knife, and spoon. Students had to record the main characters, the conflict, and the solution on the utensils. Next students had to create a border using "relevant" pictures of details from the book (fancy lines, doodles, and shapes need not apply). Finally, students had to organize their information in the traditional table setting format.

Finally, the best part, the extravaganza, students were invited to eat lunch with Ms. Leom in the classroom and share their projects. It was an informal speaking opportunity, for a small group, offering students the chance to practice their table manners.

It was fun to watch students interact and share their projects! It was interesting to hear the connections they made and the questions.

Speaking is a life skill. Sometimes, a formal speaking situation is necessary, and other times, you need to represent yourself in a smaller, informal situation, maybe over a meal ... we are preparing fourth graders for many life opportunities ... it makes us hungry for more!