We are Problem Solvers!!!

Congratulations to the 3M for publishing their first book, titled We are Problem Solvers! They celebrated with a publishing party!!! A copy will be in the library soon for everyone to enjoy.

Physical activity helps students learn

A University of Illinois study shares evidence that aerobic fitness benefits the brain during childhood; fitness and cortical brain thickness directly relate to academic achievement. In other words, the more active and physically fit the child was during the study, the thinner their cortical sections were, creating significantly higher brain maturation. Ultimately, body activity equals brain activity.

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/opinion/commentary/sdut-physical-activity-helps-improve-academic-2012feb16-story.html

https://www.boredteachers.com/classroom-management/studies-show-physical-activity-helps-students-learn-behave-better

Third graders visited with Ms. Cindy’s Pre-K 4 class at PDO to help them celebrate finishing their month long reading program, Reading Adventure!

From the Sparks students

As a follow-up to the successful STREAM Night last Thursday, SPARKS students wanted to answer some of the questions parents and students posed when examining their fingerprints. So, we used our iPads and a teaching strategy called Consensus to determine the best answers to pass along to our curious crowd. 1. What type of fingerprint is most common? Answer: Loop (60-65%) 2. What type of fingerprint is least common? Answer: Arch (5%) 3. Are there any common traits found in people with the same fingerprint pattern? Answer: Yes. Certain personality traits are common among those with Loop, Whorl, or Arch fingerprint patterns. For example, those with a Loop pattern are said to have strong opinions, are easy going, are comfortable leading a group, not the best at being organized, and have good work ethics. Those with a Whorl pattern were found to prefer to lead than follow, be above average in intelligence, independent, and extremely organized. Characteristics of those with an Arch pattern include being analytical, practical, and cautious, not a fan of change, and can be difficult to get along with as they are very set in their ways. 4. Are fingerprint patterns inherited? Answer: Yes, there is an inheritable quality to fingerprints. Pattern types are often genetically inherited, but the individual details that make a fingerprint unique are not.

One interesting fact that we found was that koalas have fingerprints that are almost identical to human ones! 

Chimps and gorillas have fingerprints, too!

Research on our solar systems

Second graders are a little worn out for their ACE PE session, but they’re hard at work on their mini movies about the plants, sun, Hubble Telescope and more. 

Second grade ACE lesson: PE

Today we collaborated with Mrs. Angotti to work on  ACE Physical Fitness lesson: Think Fast!!

Students worked on a series of reaction time drills to improve reflex, coordination, endurance, and alterness skills. Students must also work cooperatively and communicate effectively.  All of these are skills that pilots and astronauts must have. Exercise and training improves our levels of endurance.

PreK-3 entomologists are exploring the life cycle of a caterpillar through science, literacy, and art. They even had a puppet show!

The Ultimate Guide to Internet Safety

The Internet has brought us a great many things in the virtual space. In fact modern society wouldn't be able to run without it. But just like the physical world it can be a dangerous place for our children, especially if they're not taught the rules and codes of how to navigate social media and the web safely.

When 97 percent of under 4s have used a mobile device at least once, it's clearly impractical to ban them from the net altogether. It's just not possible and would be a disservice to their education and adjustment to the world around them. However too much Internet use can also lead to a number of health and social problems.The following infographic looks at the facts and figures regarding children and the Internet, while offering tips and tools to encourage a safe and productive online environment. 

Click the link below for the entire infographic. 


environment.

http://www.everycloudtech.com/ultimate-guide-to-internet-saftey" href="Ultimate">http://www.everycloudtech.com/ultimate-guide-to-internet-saftey">Ultimate guide to internet saftey | EveryCloud

Crawfish Festival

Hanging with Libbyclaire and my friends at Mardi Gras in Memphis.

STREAM Night!