In the Classroom
Here you will find updates from the Kindergarten classroom. Scroll down to see experiences from our project, including visits from experts, informational texts we've read, and collaboration with 1st grade and 4th grade.
Check back soon for more process photos and information on:
Check back soon for more process photos and information on:
- Writer's Workshop
- Non-fiction Read alouds
- Student work samples
- Student and teacher reflections
- Teacher resources (videos, writing templates, and rubrics)
The Critique Process
Kindergarten artists studied their chosen animals closely, creating scientific drawings. During this drawing process, students learned about the critique and revision process, watched critique videos, and practiced critique in small groups. Each student created at least three drafts of their animal drawings, inviting kind, helpful, and specific advice from their peers to improve upon their work.
Ryan's Two-Spot Octopus Drafting process
Madison's Green Sea Anemone Drafting Process
Max's Navanax Drafting Process:
Sydney's Sea Cucumber Drafting Process:
Marine Biology Experts from San Diego State University
Marine Ecology and Biology Student Association (MEBSA)
February 5, 2016
Marine Ecology and Biology Student Association (MEBSA)
February 5, 2016
Questions we asked our experts:
- How do you research?
- Do you make potions?
- Which animal is yours?
- What are you working on?
- How do you get the animals without hurting them?
- How do you protect the animals in the world?
- Do you look at things really closely?
4th Grade Research Buddies & 1st Grade Collaboration
Kindergarteners paired up with their 4th grade buddies to research their animals. They asked, "How does my animal move?" "What does my animal eat?" "How does my animal protect itself?" and "What are my animal's special features (adaptations)?" After Kindergarteners worked with their buddies, they took their new ideas back to room 145 and wrote about their new findings. Each page in their all about books are crafted with care and perseverance, modeled by our buddies.
During the months of January, February, and March, we also met with 1st grade buddies to connect on our common goals for the Tidepool Treasures Project. Our role was to teach 1st grade about our animals. We learned about the tides and the moon from our buddies!