Final Project Post #2: Field Experience

During summer school Mrs. Ashworth and I will be taking our students to Philpott Dam for their field experience. In order to reinforce the importance of plants to our environment for past and future generations our students will take a trip to Philpott Dam. Rangers will walk them along a trail studying the different species of plants in our community and explaining the uses of these plants. They will also tell us how the native Indians would have used these plants.

We will tour Philpott Dam and walk across the top of the dam as the rangers explain the importance of flood control. This is an exciting adventure for us and our students. It is such a powerful feeling to be standing on top of a dam and looking down at the water below. After out tour, we will watch a short film clip on flood control. We will also be hiking the trails including the fitness trail. The students will compare how our hiking is similar to the character’s daily travels in our novel.

History Exhibits

Philpott Lake

Pinterest

Park Ranger

Final Project Post #1: Looking Forward to Novel Study

 

I often get positive feedback from 5^th grade students who still express their enjoyment of things they learned last summer during my summer school class. I was able to build a great relationship with many 5^th graders that has lasted all school year. Many of my summer school students feel comfortable enough to request my help when they needed it this school year. This is the first year that I have had regular education students be so receptive to me and this helps my special education students to feel more comfortable and valued. Mrs. Ashworth and I will co-teach again this summer.

I will teach reading again using the novel, “Sign of the Beaver.” I have asked a friend if I can purchase a beaver pelt from him to use as an example, so the students will understand how valuable beaver pelts are. I also asked Mrs. Sullivan if she could plant corn in the school garden to go along with the novel and use the growing corn in our cooking lessons. Mrs. Ashworth and I work cooperatively to incorporate the math components into our lessons with hands-on activities that will include real life experiences; such as, cooking, gardening and building snares. Students will have physical activities daily.