Pruett's AIG Blog for IBJ

Jones' PTO is quite the organization! I'm amazed and thankful at their support of teachers. If anyone is interested in further information (like volunteering!) definitely check out the new website at: http://www.jonespto.org/

Here's a group of fourth graders working with collaborative math problems. This has been a great activity not only for the mathematical practice but also some communication/team building aspects. Let's see how they collaborate...

I will be at Jones the morning of parent-teacher conference day, leaving around 11:30. If you're on campus feel free to drop in room 13. If not, and you'd like to chat about any AIG concerns, let me know a convenient time, and we'll set up a time. Below are some shots of our fourth grade ESG as they research four sciences for an upcoming simulation. Ms. Sorensen, IBJ's awesome instructional technology facilitator, was INCREDIBLY helpful in getting students up and running with Google docs. Thanks a million for her time!

Some of our fifth graders have been thinking about and working with mathematical analogies. Here's a video of the process...

Here's a video of some of our ASG Math students working on a shared problem.

Here's a snap of an attribute game for fourth graders. 

As we have discussed, we will begin work soon for an organization called "Star Fleet." Your mission as a member of Star Fleet's science research team is to locate four lost space probes. Before we begin our missions, you will apply for one of four science positions. The jobs are: meteorology geology history astronomy Today, you will research each of these positions and draft a presentation that includes: -a brief definition of each science -no less than five sentences that describe which science you will apply for We will be using ipads for this work - so please remember all the safe/secure practices you have learned about their use! Bon chance!

Here's a snap from our class bulletin board displaying student logos. Come check them out if you're on campus!

Here are some fifth grade students working with an attribute game called SET. I highly recommend it for students - and enjoy playing myself!

A paper copy of a brief introductory letter will go home with our AIG students this week. Fourth grade may already be in transit. I did have students write the times of our groups on the bottom. I'll complete fifth graders with our Friday groups and send them along! Ask your kids about our groups! Thanks for all your support! Jones has been an awesome place to be! John September 2014 Hola! My name is John Pruett, and I’m the new AIG specialist for Jones Elementary. I say new, but this is my eighteenth year with Asheville City Schools. I am excited to work at Jones for many reasons. This school has a sterling reputation, and I know Ms. Cain has had great success here as evidenced by student growth and a huge enrollment. I will primarily work with grades three through five, and those folks have impressed me with not only their commitment to excellence but also their kindness.  I’ve been made to feel very welcome. As I’m sure you know, AIG services are specific in qua...

Our fifth grade ASG Reading group discussed Ben Franklin and his kite experiment. They used words and pictures to describe what they know. We then moved on to reading "A Spark Of Genius", a play about Franklin. They'll work in even smaller groups in the coming weeks to present this as a readers theatre.

Our fourth graders participated in our first seminar. Today's text was the Jones CUBS acronym for student behavior. Ask them about it!

Here's our Friday group hard at work! I'll be sending a letter out to every one next week, so look out for it! Thanks to all the kids for a great week!

Fifth graders measuring the room to draw a scaled diagram. They are redesigning the space. Another is completing her logo. 

Here's a couple of shots of our fourth grade enrichment study group. All of our groups have been designing logos to help us get to know each other. More to come!

Our AIG groups are up and running at Jones! It has been awesome starting to get to know some really cool students! I'm preparing a letter for students and parents which will probably be sent home next week. Until then, check out some snaps of our first meetings!  BTW, the kids are designing logos to represent themselves as learners. Thanks for your continued support of the AIG Program!