Lenape Display

It's so interesting to watch 3rd graders create something using their own research and materials. Their creativity really shined through when they were given the assignment to create a Lenape Village based on the information they researched. Let me back track...

This is what they had to do:
1. Each student was assigned one of these four topics to research (using books and pre-determined websites)
                  --food
                  --personal appearance
                  --tools/weapons
                  --shelter/transportation

Once they filled out their graphic organizer, we did a jigsaw activity; every student was now part of a new group. Their new group consisted of one child from each topic. With their new group, a rubric, a pizza box and a bunch of materials, they had to plan how they were going to create a Lenape Village model. Each child was an "expert' in one area, so he/she was in charge of that aspect of their project. To finish their model, they added labels and captions (to tie in NF text features) and  presented their village to parents, staff, and the entire student body at my school, in a carousel-type way.

It was a huge success!

3rd graders sharing their project

Example Lenape Village

Example Lenape Village

Native American Homes

Well, the 3rd graders worked for 3 days on 6 different types of Native American homes. I was so impressed with how well they worked together, for the most part. I am very satisfied with the outcome. The houses the kids made were: Teepee (Plains), Longhouse (Northeast), Hogan (Southeast), Igloo (Arctic) and Round/Rectangle home of the Cherokee Native Americans.

Next up is the journey to a new land mini unit where the students will be directing their own learning. The kids will be broken into three groups to complete three different technology enriched projects. At the end, they will be able to discuss what the pilgrims' journey was like and the role that the Native Americans played.

Benefits of this Blog

After blogging for several weeks, I have decided to continue posting my thoughts and ideas about technology integration, curriculum and teaching. I think we all have a lot of offer each other so I am hoping my blog posts will offer other educators resources and/or ideas.

In the meantime, I am very excited about a new project we (my grade level partner and I) are doing with our third grade classes. We are currently working on our Native American Unit. Yesterday, we watched short video clips about the various Native American houses and brainstormed materials we could use to make model houses. Then, we split the students into groups, and using this hotlist, they came up with more materials. Next week, they will be planning and creating one of the houses. I am so excited to see how this turns out, and I know the kids are too!