Breakout EDU

It's a Revolution!

Students in Mrs. Valzania's grade 5 social studies were recently called upon to bring together the 13 colonies, sign the Declaration of Independence and prepare for war with the British. Working together in teams students rose to the challenge!  But did they have what it took to find and interpret clues to open the locked box and save the day? Be sure to ask your revolutionary how they fared!

Successful Revolutionaries

Technology Essential Questions:
Why is exploration an important part of learning?
How can an "escape room" experience motivate students and inspire active participation? How can an "escape room" experience inspire critical thinking, collaboration, communication & creativity?

Google Slides

Stop Action Animation with Google Slides

Google Slides is so much more than just a backdrop for your presentation.  It can be used in many other ways as well.  Recently, students in third and fourth grade practiced using Google Slides to create stop action animation. Stop action animation with Google Slides is a great way to express creativity, practice simple digital skills like cut, copy and paste, and learn the basics of storyboard planning.  Stop action animation can be used in any subject area as these short films can demonstrate understanding of all types of concepts and curriculum.

Grade 3 students used stop action animation to create "Pun-y" virtual Valentines.

Click this LINK to see N.R.'s animated short, "Valentine":

Grade 4 students used it to create conversations where one character attempted to persuade another.

Click this LINK to see J.R.'s animated short, "Why I Want a Dog"

Click this LINK to see C.W's animated short, "Work is Reward"

In all classes students rose to the challenge and produced projects worthy of an Oscar for Best Animated Short Film!

Technology Essential Questions:

How can digital storytelling foster critical thinking skills?

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework: 3-5.CAS.a.1; 3-5.CAS.b; 3-5.DTC.a; 3-5.DTC.b; 3-5.DTC.c.2; 3-5.DTC.c.3

Podcasting

Spofford Pond Podcast:  New Episodes!

The Great Polar Bearier Riff is excited to announce we have recently added new episodes. Students in Ms. Davis's grade 4 classroom are proud to share their math knowledge with you in their series called "Math Matters" Check out this episode: Students in Ms. Boyle's grade 6 classroom are thrilled to share their expertise in a series called:  "Topic Masters". Check out this episode: Students in Mrs. Medugno's grade 3 classroom present their "Dear Anthony Letters". Check out this episode: The Great Polar Bearier Riff podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and more!

Podcasting Essential Questions:

How can we infuse classroom curriculum with technology that is easily accessible

and simple to use?

How can we use this technology to delve deeper into subject matter?

How does this technology strengthen research, writing and collaboration skills?

How does this technology strengthen speaking and listening skills?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:
3-5.CAS.a.3: 3-5.CAS.a.5; 3-5.CAS.c.4; 3-5.CAS.c.5; 3-5.DTC.a.3; 3-5.DTC.b; 3-5.DTC.c.4; 3-5.DTC.c.5; 3-5.CS.a

Time to Breakout!

Students in Grades 4 & 5 Use Growth Mindset Skills to BREAKOUT

Several fourth and fifth grade classes recently experienced BreakoutEDU with their classmates.  The challenge was to use clues, critical thinking, common sense and collaboration to solve puzzles and open a variety of locks on the BreakoutEDU boxes.  The theme was "growth mindset" and this competition against the clock sure put these young minds to work! Do you think you could BREAKOUT?

Technology Essential Questions:
Why is exploration an important part of learning?
How can an "escape room" experience motivate students and inspire active participation? How can an "escape room" experience inspire critical thinking, collaboration, communication & creativity?