Russian Nesting Dolls Project

Today in 7th grade we are creating Russian nesting dolls (Matryoshka). The students get to choose the subjects and I have seen some amazingly creative choices. While many of the students have used popular characters such as superheroes, Disney characters, and sports teams others have created their own 'line'.

The next step will come later when they reflect on their choice for subject matter. We will do this later in the week and hopefully will have a few students record their reflections on video to share here. 

Kiva Loan Update

Only a couple months from being able to make another loan! How cool is that?

Skyping with Brayden's Grandmother from England

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We were fortunate to have a 20 minute Skype call with Brayden's grandmother today. She shared about the cultural similarities and differences between us and the United Kingdom. 

Making Explorer Board Games

Fun in St. Louis

I just returned from attending two teaching/learning conferences in St. Louis. While I was there I took the time to do some personal learning and sightseeing. This is a .gif that I took from the top of the arch. My Galaxy Note 3 phone's camera app allows me to make them really easily. How cool is that?

Snow Day Survey

This survey is intended only for staff at Noel Elementary School. 

NOVA: The Great Incan Rebellion

Today we are watching Great Inca Rebellion. The students are observation a fascinating video that combines archaeology with forensic science and historical records to examine how what we know about the battle for Lima doesn't fit the Spanish accounts.

Atlantic South America: Traditional Music

As we learn about the countries of the Andes Mountains we will be listening to music from those cultures. Here is a short video of a concert we will view:

Here is the Spotify playlist we will be listening to during the unit.

Critique of the Painting Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze

NPR Morning Edition October 28, 2002. This NPR program discusses the painting Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze. We are listening to this after we read the Introduction to Washington's Crossing by David Hackett Fischer.

Guest Speaker in Geography

The students in seventh grade are studying Mexico in geography. Today Mr. Layne brought in a guest speaker, Mrs Salas, to speak on her experiences growing up in Mexico. She shared a folk tale and talked about how as a child she had to carry water from a local creek to her home so they had water.