The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. WhiteEach day after lunch, one of students walks around the classroom and turns on all of the lamps and then off go the overhead lights. In this most serene setting I read a chapter of our first Read-aloud, The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White. The students are mesmerized by this lesser known title by the author of Charlotte's Web, E.B.White. The story chronicles the adventures of a cygnet without a voice and how being different not only sets him apart, but how this challenge sets him up to be determined to work harder to be heard. The story takes the audience from the wilderness in Canada, to the lakes in Montana, across the country to Boston and Philadelphia and back to Montana. There are many songs and composers woven into the text and we have enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about a genre of music not as prevalent today. Below are photos of the students working in small groups on Character Analysis of Louis, Sam Beaver, The Old Cob (Louis's father) and Serena. The YouTube video of one of many examples available of "Taps" being played on trumpet. Lastly, the students thought it would be cool to include links to some of the settings mentioned in the book: MONTANA: Red Rocks Lake, Billings; BOSTON: Swan Boats, The Public Garden, The Ritz Carlton; PHILADELPHIA: Philadelphia Zoo https://www.fws.gov/refuge/red_rock_lakes/ http://ci.billings.mt.us/1776/Explore-Billings https://swanboats.com/ http://www.cityofboston.gov/parks/emerald/Public_Garden.asp http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/boston http://www.philadelphiazoo.org/ http://www.audobon.org
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Our first ALP (Advance Learning Project) will begin this week. Students will be learning about Scientists, Inventors & Innovators. Our class will be learning about the array of careers within the STEAM field and specifically studying Benjamin Franklin together and completing a short biography on him and his scientific contributions. This will provide students the framework for completing a short biography on a scientist, inventor or innovator of their choice. We will have all needed resources, at appropriate reading levels, available in the classroom. The project will be completed in class, however, students are welcome to obtain additional research materials on their own after the topics have been chosen and approved. On Wednesday the ALP will be introduced and students will learn about the available options. The list (available below and to be distributed in class tomorrow) includes 36 men and woman who made significant advances in their fields. Some names will be very familiar, while others are less known. Please discuss the list and guide your child to making their top 3 choices. Students need to submit their choices no later than Tuesday, September 13. Students were ALL punctual about turning in their top 3 choices and everyone was assigned a Scientist, Inventor or Innovator! Books and PROJECT REQUIREMENTS will be distributed to students on Thursday. This will also include a template for TAKING NOTES, VOCABULARY & DEFINITIONS and the GRADING RUBRIC.
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Education National Louis University Master of Arts Teaching Archives
March 2017
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