Arts Update: Transitions & Transformations – 2D into 3D
This week in the studio, fifth graders transitioned from making prints with their printing block, which they designed and carved earlier in the year, to impressing their printing block into a clay slab to create an image in bas-relief. Students then carefully added a flange to the underside of the clay, as it will ultimately be a removable lid for their unique clay ‘design cube.’ In the coming weeks, students will work with a partner as they impress several clay tiles, and then attach the tiles together to create the base and walls of their cube. After the cubes and lids have been fired in the kiln, students will finish their ceramic pieces with glaze. Be on the lookout for these treasures from the studio in the coming weeks!
– Anne Armstrong, visual arts teacher and arts coordinator
First Grade Feature Their Expertise In New Books
First graders are finishing their “All About Books” in writing. First graders began this writing project by brainstorming their “expert” lists: different topics that they know a lot about and topics they are excited about. They then chose different topics and began planning the parts and sub-topics of their books. As they wrote, they revised their work and added sketches. First graders then spent time adding more detail to their work and editing their writing by looking at punctuation, spelling, upper and lower case letters, and handwriting. In the final stages of their project, writers began publishing their work. They carefully copied over their work from their first draft to their final copy and added illustrations. To put the finishing touches on their books, writers created an “about the author” page and thoughtfully crafted covers that included the author’s name, picture, and title. First graders are excited to publish their books and showcase them very soon!
– Geoffrey Fox, first grade teacher
Sixth Grade English Tackles “The Giver”
This week in sixth grade English, students are rewriting chapter 8 of The Giver, by Lois Lowry. They finished reading the book this past weekend and now they are being asked to imagine it from a different character’s perspective (not the protagonist). They have to rewrite the scene through the eyes of the titular character, The Giver but keep the same setting, plot, and dialogue. During our unit on The Giver, students are also learning discussion techniques (talk moves) that they can use to discuss a book. Talk moves include “I heard [name] say and I would like to add . . .” as well as “Can you repeat that using different words?” Students came up with some brilliant ideas and theories about this classic dystopian YA novel.
– Becca MacKillop, sixth grade English teacher
Martin’s Big Words Inspire Second Grade’s Banner
In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the second grade class read Doreen Rappaport and Brian Collier’s bold and vibrant pictorial biography, Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Martin Luther King Jr. We discussed how powerful words can bring about change. We are creating a second grade banner to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy and remember what a gift it is that “his big words are alive for us today.” We brainstormed a list of words that remind us of Dr. King’s work, such as justice, hope, together, and peace. Each student will design a flag featuring one of these powerful words. We will continue to highlight the importance of equality, love, and understanding in our community as we honor Dr. King’s service to all.
– The Second Grade Team
Eighth Grade French Lesson Hits Home
Eighth grade French students have been talking about family dynamics around household chores. Last week they had role-play family discussions about who should do which chores and why. This week they are learning how to describe what they appreciate in a house. They played a game where they described a house to their partner, who had to figure out which one they were describing. Next week they will explore a French version of Airbnb and play the roles of realtor and buyer.
– Jen Friborg, middle school French teacher
The Kindergarten Is Now Taking Reservations
Meet the hottest restaurant in the Boston area: The Kindergarten Cooks! This year in kindergarten, students voted to learn more about chefs as community helpers. After exploring videos and books, and even meeting chefs, kindergarteners decided to open their own restaurant. They came up with a name for their restaurant, decorated the walls, planned what tools were needed for the kitchen, designed the menus, and even created coloring pages for any patrons waiting for their food. So far they’ve welcomed and served their sixth grade buddies, specialist teachers, pre-kindergarten teachers, and even the BDS chefs themselves. Bon appetit!
– Missy Hartvigsen, kindergarten teacher
