AM or PM?

What do you know about AM and PM?  It seems like a simple concept, so how could we make the concept a little more interesting?  By using LEGO StoryStarters to build scenes with details specific to a time of day!

The class started by making a list of things you can only do during the morning or only in the afternoon.  You wouldn't think that would be so difficult, but many tasks we perform during a day could be done at any time, depending on your preference.  So, the class came up with these ideas...

Then we started to build!  Each student had 25 minutes to create a scene with specific details about the time of day they chose.  Some of the scenes were very creative!  Some were very elaborate!  All of the students were highly interested in our objective for the day.

Once the building was completed the students were asked to take one picture that would best explain their time of day.  Photographs are not always the best when young children are holding an iPad, so we talked about strategies to get the best picture.  Moving the camera in close was one suggestion.   We also discussed looking at the LEGO build from different angles to get the best overall picture to tell the story. We also set up a backdrop to avoid distractions at the table.

Students then used the StoryVisualizer app for their writing.  The app is free to download, but you have to pay for an activation code.   I like the simplicity of the app for writers.  There are many options for setting up layouts; along with various fonts, stamps, and so on.  There is also a desktop version of the software, but when you are using iPads importing the photos is simple!  Students were specifically told to use either am or pm in their writing.

Previously when we had used StoryVisualizer we used the export to PDF feature built into the software and app.  For this particular project we wanted the students to have a picture available for possibly adding it to their electronic portfolio in the future.  We had the students take a screen shot and cropped their pictures to have the best product available for future use.  This short term project turned out great!  Take a look at a few examples.

Adding creativity to a simple concept!

Robotic Poetry?

What a challenging and engaging week it has been working with a class of 2nd graders who want to learn more about Robotics and Poetry!  At the beginning of the week I helped facilitate learning the different types of poetry: Acrotstic, Shape, Haiku, Alliteration, Senses...to name a few.  I discovered I personally enjoy the challenge of creating a Haiku poem!

First, we worked with students to learn about the different types of poems.  We looked at examples and discussed how that type of poem was different or similar to other types of poems.  In each case students were asked to write their own example of each type poetry.  I enjoyed challenging our students to think beyond the simple and think of more complex examples.  Creativity!

Where does robotics and poetry meet, you ask?  With LEGO WeDo Robotics!  We spent time building a particular animal included in the set.  Students chose from an alligator, bird, monkey, or plane.  This is the second project this particular group had worked on, but they still were challenged with the building aspect.  If you have ever followed the directions using only the pictures in a LEGO booklet you will understand that many of the steps are clear, but there are always a few requiring a second look to make sure you have it perfect.  If you make a mistake at any point you will have to figure out the solution in order to proceed with the building.

Once the basic building was completed, it was now time to make these objects do something!  Students programmed the alligator to chomp, the birds to spin, the monkey, to bang a drum, or the plane to spin its propeller using the motion sensor.  Changing the basic program steps to add more actions or sounds is one aspect students enjoy when using LEGO WeDo.

Then the real work began!  It was time to bring the poetry back to the focus of our lesson.  Students were challenged to create an Acrostic Alliteration poem for the LEGO build of their choice.  Have you ever struggled to come up with words beginning with vowels for 2nd graders!  I'm very impressed with how the students worked with their partner to explore words and their meanings.  It's not always easy!

We had a great time exploring robotics and writing our own poetry, all at the same time!