We don't really have a curriculum to follow for many things. The curriculum we do have is not great. (and can I say, as a first year teacher, it really stinks to not have those guides!) This has resulted in me spending a lot of time creating units and making resources. Our social studies curriculum is the worst...mainly because we don't have one. We also don't have a strong set of standards to follow. We have nothing.
Our plan as a second grade team has been to create units about each continent and connect with the Magic TreeHouse books. (Of course, half of my kids have already read all of those!) The current unit is Asia. I got a little lazy with this unit/short on time and decided it was going to be more of an 'arts-and-crafts' unit. We looked at maps and named some countries, talked about capitals, and landmarks. We looked at some famous landmarks and what not too. And instead of doing any real research, I found a few art projects and articles on 'games played in Asia.' I'm pretty sure this has been their favorite unit!
I have a little girl who was born in Russia and spent the last few years living in/traveling around Eastern Asia. I also have a little girl who is Indian. They have both brought in lots of real artifacts for us to look at. The first one was perfect...she brought in a Matryoshka Doll (Russian Nested Doll). The kids were amazed at how many different pieces there were and at how small they got (I was impressed too!). That was the day we made our own Matryoshka Dolls. I found a pattern online and they colored them while I read stories from/about Russia. Perfect! And cute! After that, we played games and did crafts from China, Korea, and India.
Today, was Japan! We did origami (obviously!). They loved it! Writing time was silent as they worked quickly knowing what was to come once they all finished! I had three patterns and 60 sheets for us to use. Apparently, 60 sheets for 19 kids to do 3 patterns each is not enough! They were begging for more! They did so great with it, too. They followed all the directions and made creases as tight as they could (since their motor skills are not so great, the creases weren't either!).
We made the dog first. Then an angel fish. And we ended with the Samurai Hat! Then they got to decorate them- which was my favorite part. I love when they get creative and make the work their own! (this was a struggle at the beginning of the year- they always want to be 'right'). Here are some photos from our Origami Extravaganza!
Omar LOVED the samurai hat! He came over to me, waited patiently to get my attention, and then said "Miss, can you look just for one second? WAHHH!" Until the crazy karate pose, I almost didn't recognize the kid!
Neil sporting his awesome hat! With his dog and fish friends!
SERIOUS work time! These are my non-stop chatters...please note that None of them are chatting!
Decorating the dog face! I put a nose and eyes on mine. They totally kicked it up a notch and added spots, pink under the ears, and tongues!
SAMURAI DOG!
They're so clever!
I guess my "lazy"lesson plans were a total hit!!
They know Japan is in Asia, it is an island, and origami is part of their culture.
Safi.
Our plan as a second grade team has been to create units about each continent and connect with the Magic TreeHouse books. (Of course, half of my kids have already read all of those!) The current unit is Asia. I got a little lazy with this unit/short on time and decided it was going to be more of an 'arts-and-crafts' unit. We looked at maps and named some countries, talked about capitals, and landmarks. We looked at some famous landmarks and what not too. And instead of doing any real research, I found a few art projects and articles on 'games played in Asia.' I'm pretty sure this has been their favorite unit!
I have a little girl who was born in Russia and spent the last few years living in/traveling around Eastern Asia. I also have a little girl who is Indian. They have both brought in lots of real artifacts for us to look at. The first one was perfect...she brought in a Matryoshka Doll (Russian Nested Doll). The kids were amazed at how many different pieces there were and at how small they got (I was impressed too!). That was the day we made our own Matryoshka Dolls. I found a pattern online and they colored them while I read stories from/about Russia. Perfect! And cute! After that, we played games and did crafts from China, Korea, and India.
Today, was Japan! We did origami (obviously!). They loved it! Writing time was silent as they worked quickly knowing what was to come once they all finished! I had three patterns and 60 sheets for us to use. Apparently, 60 sheets for 19 kids to do 3 patterns each is not enough! They were begging for more! They did so great with it, too. They followed all the directions and made creases as tight as they could (since their motor skills are not so great, the creases weren't either!).
We made the dog first. Then an angel fish. And we ended with the Samurai Hat! Then they got to decorate them- which was my favorite part. I love when they get creative and make the work their own! (this was a struggle at the beginning of the year- they always want to be 'right'). Here are some photos from our Origami Extravaganza!
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SERIOUS work time! These are my non-stop chatters...please note that None of them are chatting!
Decorating the dog face! I put a nose and eyes on mine. They totally kicked it up a notch and added spots, pink under the ears, and tongues!
They're so clever!
I guess my "lazy"lesson plans were a total hit!!
They know Japan is in Asia, it is an island, and origami is part of their culture.
Safi.
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