Star Elementary: 4th Grade Thursdays

Problem Solving

This month I am teaching my son's 4th grade class about problem solving.

First we solved a mystery:  There is a a small room, with an open window, a small table, broken glass & water on the floor & two dead bodies.  Can you guess what happened?

Next, we learned about how to solve problems with a human flowchart:
     Identify the problem
     Generate Solutions
     Evaluate Solutions
     Is the problem solved?  Yes - then you are finished
                                            No - go back & generate more solutions

We used our new found knowledge to solve a couple of scenarios.

As usual, I read a story that went with our theme.  Today it was:

Then, because they were so quiet during the story, we got to play a game of "Beat the Rabbit."  (It's a racing game, not a violent one.)

After we were done & the recess bell rang, I got the sweetest note.  The teacher is using a program with the kids about filling other people's buckets.  Last week, the kids were noisy & the teacher asked them if they were filling my bucket or emptying it by being noisy.  (Emptying, of course.)  So I used that today because they were getting all wound up during the flowchart exercise.  Hence the message from the note.

Makes it all worthwhile!

Volunteer

The school year has really begun for me.  I've started to help out with various activities at the kids' schools.

This past week I got to be a lap marker-offer at the Jog-r-walk event at Lucas' school.  For each lap, they earned whatever amount of money that their sponsors said they would donate.  It was fun cheering the kids on while they ticked off each quarter mile lap.  Although, I had one kid dis OSU (I was wearin' the colors!)

My next fun event was to teach a one hour class for Lucas' teacher.  Each week, I'll be doing a lesson/activity on the months' character trait.  We began the year with empathy.  I had the kids walking in Ivan's big shoes, role playing, and laughing.  (Have I ever taught a class without some laughter???)  It was loads of fun.  Lucas has a nice group of kids in this class!

Next week, I'll be starting my volunteering at the middle school in the library.  I've been asked to lead some teen reading groups and help with some book displays.  Don't know any details, yet, but I'll keep you posted!

P.S.  Tomorrow I'll be getting my first calling here.  What do you think it is?