Pruett's AIG Blog for IBJ

This is a story about Fat Cat. Third graders began our latest work with this single clue as to the code used for Fat Cat's story.  The story, however, was not complete until students used the code (with their own creativity and art work) to craft an ending. Here are a couple of examples. Check 'em out!

Here are some diary entries, written from the perspective of Liz, the main character in our last Junior Great Books story, Crow Call by Lois Lowry. Students reflected on what Liz learned about her father in the story. These samples were sent home awhile back. I hope you enjoyed them. Please ask your kids about our work!

Here's a shot of a BUNCH of fourth grade ESG students collaborating to find and save lost space probes through the simulation Great Solar System Rescue. Looks chaotic (we do have to meet during lunch!), but there is a TON of reading and reasoning going on! Two such groups are in competition to find four probes for the least money spent; it's a simulation, so they spend money for decisions they make. Cheers for making the right decisions are the highlights of my day! Great to see kids engaged!

Julie Brown and myself led small group enrichment for 5th grade with a simulation called Lost! earlier in the year. Here's a snap of kids hard at work.