The World of Geometry with Kindergarten!

The difference between a square and a rectangle was mastered today as a small group of kindergarteners worked on understanding geometry rules and showing their knowledge by creating a design in a free app.  Called Geoboard.  Great designers!

Hour of Code

"TAG Time" math students learned about a new language this week-the language of coding!   Enthusiastic students opened up their Chromebooks and "coded" as many as 70 lines  during our TAG Time math classes.  Students also proudly wore stickers that stated:  Hour of Code...I "coded" today....Do YOU?      Students used the website www.code.org/learn to accomplish their Hour of Code.   This Hour of Code is known world wide and is an initiative that started to increase the need for future computer programmers.  It has been said that by the time our students are out in the work force, 68% of jobs will require some type of computer programming knowledge.  Now is the time to start educating our children for their future.  Log on to www.code.org/learn and experience "coding" with a child.  It is an exciting experience!

"TAG Time" Equals Busy Time!

Many students spanning from kindergarten all the way to 6th grade are spending valuable minutes enhancing their learning with a variety of activities from creating restaurant menus to publishing a school newpaper.   A group of second graders have each chosen a "place" in our world to research and create a book while a group of 3/4 students are finding every fact availble about Mt. Everest and creating an iMovie or a trailer!   Students are also learning high level vocabulary words and testing their knowledge with analogy quizes using Wordmasters.   If you would walk into our TAG Time Classroom while 5th graders are there you would see them all intently reading their chosen chapter book with the plan to create a promotional video to show on "theater day".   Lots of student driven activities are happening in our TAG Time classroom every day.   Stop in and join the fun!  

Beyond Words.....

A group of 6th grade students will be involved in a Reader's Workshop type atmosphere every other day during 8th hour.  High level literature, advanced vocabulary, and literature discussions will be explored.  Students were engaged in taking a Reading Survey on their iPads and reflecting about themselves as readers.  This time will be well spent reflecting on and judging different forms of text.  Looking forward to a great year with this group of creative students!

Back to School 2015-16

Well the hot summer days may not be done but we are back to school and the hallways and classrooms are filled with excited voices, bright eyes, and curious minds.  Before long students will start engaging in advanced learning opportunities and I will start to post all the exciting projects and events!  So, stay tuned and check out this TAG Blog again soon!  

 

Second Grade Book Bowl

After months of reading a list of entertaining and informational books, a group of second grade students were put to the test in a Book Bowl competition  at the EPAC.   The two final teams, The Green Bay Readers and The Librarians, competed by answering questions that started with the words, In What Book.  After 20 questions, The Librarians earned the 2015 Second Grade Book Bowl Championship Title!  A great motivational reading experience for over 70 second grade readers!

Chess Champion Crowned!

Ryan Tronnes earned the honor of becoming the 2015 EMS vs. Oaklawn Academy Chess Champion' He played through a double elimination tournament and had to meet James Harvey from EMS to capture the title.  Students from both schools appreciated the opportunuty to visit the opposing school and lunch was shared at both schools to give the chess players a chance to see what both schools offer their students.   A great sharing and competitive experience for both groups of students.