Residents of Virginia know that the state has a wide variety of landscapes. This week, students took a deeper look into the five geographical regions of Virginia; the Coastal Plain, the Piedmont, the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Valley and Ridge region, and the Appalachian Plateau. Each student was given a geographical region to research. After conducting research, they found peers who researched the same region. This lead to the formation of five groups. Each group then created a power point presentation about their geographical region. When their presentations were finished, each group presented their power point to the class. In this particular assignment, students practiced research, collaborative, and technological skills and taught each other the five regions of Virginia!
Did you ever get bored in school growing up? This was probably due to something else being on your mind instead of what was being taught at that particular moment within the classroom. This is common, and teachers handle it in different ways.
One way to address inattentiveness and foster personal student interest is to give students time during the day to pursue their interests. In our class, students are given twenty minutes daily to pursue their interests and create something. Being a “producer” as opposed to a “consumer” is emphasized. Many students gravitate to technology to help them make their projects. Collaborative groups form on their own as student-ran projects take off. It’s amazing what fourth graders can do if you five them freedom! |
Brian A. Valentine
This blog will serve as a visual representation for the exciting events that occur in fifth grade throughout the 2016-2017 school year. Archives
December 2017
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