Wanna Get Away?

Over the last few weeks, students have been learning about the geography of North America. Recently, they were tasked with researching and analyzing the countries of Canada and Mexico - specifically, the people, culture, environment, resources, and landmarks. The driving question: What is important about the geography of these locations and what might draw people to live or vacation there? 

In an effort to help our students develop important twenty-first-century literacy skills (including media literacy), we asked students to use their knowledge and understanding of the countries they were researching and analyzing in order to produce a travel/tourism video that communicates the important aspects of these countries' geographical features and why these countries would be ideal locations to live, work, or vacation to (appealing aspects about the climate, resources, culture, land/water features).

When we told our students that we'd be integrating a WeVideo production to help facilitate their connections to this content, their motivation and engagement skyrocketed. The critical analysis that was required in order to evaluate the most optimal multimedia features so that they were able to effectively communicate their messages, added an authentic component to an already complex task of mastering disciplinary knowledge. They navigated this learning experience with such enthusiasm and focus and the results were pretty amazing. We think you will enjoy them, too (you'll actually find some of them at the end of this post). This week's guest bloggers reflect on their experiences. Enjoy.

This was so fun! I was amazed at how interesting Canada is because I never really thought it was that cool. I really feel good about my video and how I timed my images with my voice because it was pretty hard getting to fit the part in the right place. One thing that I would do differently next time is speak more fluently in my voiceover.   - @SkullTrooper

I got to learn a lot about Canada's culture with this project. I feel good about how I read at a good pace and that I didn't talk too fast in my voiceover. One thing I would do differently next time is to make sure the images on the screen match what I am saying in my voiceover.    - @SoccerDog14

This was a fun experience. One thing about my video that made me feel good was that I took my time to research my country in detail and I made sure I included the details in my commercial. One thing I would do differently would be to have my music be more quiet in the background.    - @imadog697

This was a great experience. One thing that I felt good about my video production was that I put together all of the elements needed into a short one-minute video. One thing I would do differently next time is lower my music volume so that you can hear my voiceover more clearly.   - @ApplePie

I had a lot of fun and worked really hard on my commercial. One of the things that I liked about my commercial is my catchy slogan. Also, I like how I made it so the music faded at the end instead of just stopping. One thing that I did not like was how rushed my voice sounded. Next time, I will read more slowly.    - @LoonDog1

I like how lively my commercial is. One thing I would do differently next time is read my voiceover more slowly.    - @PumpkinPie

This was a good experience because it helped me learn about maps and how to edit a video. One thing that I would do differently next time is make the images in the background relate to my voiceover.   - @McGrimace

This experience really made me put myself out there. A few things that I feel really good about are my voiceover, background music, and the images I selected. Something I would do differently next time is to take my time and not rush because once I previewed my video, I realized I was saying everything wrong.    - @Rosita

This was a good experience. I learned about a country that I had only been to once and that I didn't really know much about. I really feel good about the ending of my commercial because I put extra music at the end that did not overpower my voiceover. One thing that I would do differently next time is not pause as much as I'm reading my voiceover.    - @Milly

I enjoyed this experience because I got to learn new things about a country. One thing I feel good about is my slogan because it's really catchy. One thing I would do differently next time is talk a bit slower during my voiceover. This was a memorable experience.    - @banana

This was a fun project. One thing that I feel good about is the part about the natural resources. I timed the images and the voiceover just right. One thing I would do differently next time is make sure that all parts of my video are timed the same way (the part where I talked about the people of Canada didn't have the right images).    - @Oreo17

I thought this experience was worth the time. It was good to view my classmates' videos too because it motivated me to push myself to do better. If I had to do this again, I would probably practice reading my voiceover over and over and over again so that I don't mispronounce words and read more fluently.    - @TheRing

This was a worthwhile experience. One thing I feel good about is that the transitions stayed the same the whole time. One thing that I would change about my commercial is to not have pauses in voiceover.    - @Beaker

This was a great experience. The part of my production that I felt good about was my slogan. One thing that I would do differently next time is not have so many pauses in my voiceover because it made my video too long. I want to give a shout-out to @ApplePie because he didn't have ANY pauses in his video.   - @RoxyDog

Goal Getters

Let's talk goals!

Setting goals around learning habits (aka learning behaviors) is crucial for overall success and achievement in school. These types of goals provide a clear sense of direction and purpose, helping learners stay motivated and engaged in everything they do. Goals also empower students to take ownership of themselves and their education, fostering a sense of responsibility and self-discipline, and contributing to improved learning outcomes. Teaching children to set and achieve goals from an early age instills valuable skills that will serve them well throughout their educational journey and in life beyond the classroom.

This week's guest bloggers reflect on their progress toward their learning habits goals. Enjoy!

It is important to have a lot of courage and stamina if you want to achieve your goal.    - @Fortnite

It is important for kids to set goals because you have to put in the effort and you learn to take healthy risks (not bad risks that will hurt you).    - @BlueBear

It is important to keep working on your goal and stick with it as long as you need to to achieve it. If one day you forget to work on it, that's OK - just try again the next day.     - @SODA

It is important for kids to set goals. For example, if you want to be great at lacrosse, you will need to practice at your house or park. Practice is what will help you reach your goal.    - @McWhopper

It is important to set a goal that is reasonable and one that you will strive to achieve every day.    - @RoxyDog91010

When you set a goal for yourself, it is important to make a plan for how you will achieve it.      - @imadog697

When setting a goal for yourself, it is important to remember to make sure it is achievable. Second, it can't be too easy. If it's too easy, it is not really something you need to work on.    - @TennisMan18

It is important to set goals because when we achieve our goals, we become a better person and our community becomes a much better place.    - @Ruff

It's important for kids to set goals because when you set one, you are setting yourself up for success.    - @Rosita

When you are setting a goal for yourself, it is important to choose a goal that is meaningful. If you just pick a goal that does not really matter to you, you might as well just not choose one in the first place. Also, you need to make sure you know how frequently you will work toward your goal. If you never work toward it, nothing will change.     - @LoonDog1

When you want to get better at something, you should set a goal for yourself so that you will be successful.    - @HockeyGirl14

It is important for kids to set goals because they need to develop good habits so that they can be successful in life. For example, setting a goal to be more organized would be helpful so that you don't lose stuff.    - @PotatoHead

I think it is important for kids to set goals because it will help us be better learners and be the best people we can be.  If you know what you need to improve on, you can set a goal for yourself so that you can work toward it.    - @TheRing

It is important for kids to set goals because when you know you have something you need to work on (like owning your learning or not talking with friends during independent work time), you can set a goal and work on it. It's a good idea to think about your goals and whether or not you are actually working on achieving them.    - @CookieDog and Coconut5

We're Banking On It!

By now, you've probably heard the buzz about our classroom economy. It's certainly been one of the most highlighted learning experiences since the start of the new school year. 

In a nutshell, our classroom economy provides an opportunity for students to learn the principles of economics and valuable financial life skills in an experiential way while promoting positive learning behaviors and skills. It teaches financial literacy and discipline and the rewards that go with it. Here are just some ways our students are benefitting from this experience:

• Taking part in a simulation of real-world economic activity

• Learning the responsibility that comes with completing a job and the value of earning a paycheck 

• Learning how to budget their spending and make scheduled payments (i.e. weekly rent and utilities) as well as unexpected expenses (i.e. fines)

• Understanding the importance of saving money to reach their goals

• Discovering that every decision has an opportunity cost

• Learning that the cost of goods and services fluctuates based on supply and demand and the rate of inflation

• Preparing to be responsible citizens in our nation’s economic system, not to mention the importance of developing a strong work ethic

This week's guest bloggers reflect on the first five weeks of engagement in our classroom economy. Enjoy.

One of the benefits of having a classroom economy is that we are learning about the importance of saving money for the future. For example, if something doesn't go according to plan and you have an unexpected expense, you'll have money to pay for it.    -@ SkullTrooper and @FortniteMA

An economy is one of life's biggest challenges and being a part of our classroom economy shows us what a real economy might look like when we get older. One benefit of our class economy is that it teaches us the importance of saving money and how to spend your money wisely. It is also teaching us about paying taxes and utilities.      - @SecretGuy

There are several benefits of having a classroom economy. One of them is that we are learning how to save and spend our money reasonably. We are also becoming better mathematicians. For example, say you were at a store buying milk, eggs, and butter to make a cake. You need to know the prices of the items and if you have enough money so that you don't go over your budget.    - @SODA

Our classroom economy does not just affect us, it is changing the school. When other classes see us walking respectfully in the hallway, we show them how to behave and help them improve their hallway behavior, too.   - @LoonDog1 and @Rosita

I am learning that you should spend a little and save a lot because if you spend all your money at the store on "stuff", you might not have enough to buy the stuff you really need later.    - @PumpkinPie and @Potato Pie

In my opinion, having a classroom economy is really smart. Kids are learning to save their money and not spend it all in two minutes. I have learned not to buy stickers with all my money. Trust me, I learned the hard way.    - @Avocado234

Our classroom economy will help us be better mathematicians because we are learning how to make change. It's important to make sure you are getting the right change back or giving the customer the right change. I am also learning that you don't have to buy something every time you go to the store. If you waste all your money at the store, you might not have enough money to pay for something important later.   - @CookieDog

Our classroom economy helps us learn the importance of spending a little and saving a lot. If you really wanted to buy something and it costs a lot of money, you have to save BIG!     - @RoxyDog91010

One of the benefits of having a classroom economy is that we are being taught how to manage money at a young age so that we are financially stable in the future.   - @ApplePie

I love the teamwork that comes with an economy. I love that some kids share jobs and you have to learn to work together and share the responsibility. We are learning how to do real jobs like working at a bank, a store, and a payment center.    - @Gummy_Worm

Step Right Up To Real-World Math!

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   Welcome to the realm of authentic math experiences, where mathematics comes to life and becomes a captivating adventure for students in The Hive! Let's dig into the transformative power of authentic math experiences and why they are essential for nurturing young minds.
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3. Authentic mathematical experiences bridge the gap between classroom learning and the practical applications of mathematics, igniting students' curiosity, building their problem-solving skills, and preparing them for a future where math is not just a subject but a valuable life skill. Authentic math experiences offer students:

4. • Real-world relevance: Authentic math experiences connect math concepts to real-life situations, making math more meaningful and relevant to students. When students see the practical applications of math in their daily lives, they are more likely to engage with and understand mathematical concepts.
   
   
   • Problem-solving skills: Authentic math experiences often involve complex, real-world problems that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By working through these types of challenges, students develop their ability to analyze situations, formulate strategies, and make informed decisions.
   
   
   • Application of knowledge: Authentic math experiences provide opportunities for students to apply the math concepts they have learned in the classroom to solve real problems. This helps reinforce their understanding and demonstrates the practical utility of math.
   
   
   • Motivation and engagement: Authentic math experiences can spark students' interest and curiosity in mathematics. When they see how math can be used to solve intriguing problems or address real-world issues, they are more likely to be motivated to learn and explore mathematical concepts further.
   
   
   • Transferable skills: Many of the skills developed through authentic math experiences, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis, are transferable to various aspects of life and future career opportunities. These skills are valuable beyond the mathematics classroom.
   
   
   • Long-term retention: When students experience math in authentic contexts, they are more likely to remember and retain what they have learned. This is because they have a deeper understanding of how the concepts are applied, making it easier for them to recall and use that knowledge in the future.
   
   
   • Improved confidence: Successfully solving real-world math problems can boost students' self-confidence and belief in their mathematical abilities. This increased confidence can lead to greater persistence and a positive attitude toward learning math.
   
   
• Interdisciplinary connections: Authentic math experiences often involve interdisciplinary connections, where math is integrated with other subjects such as science, engineering, or economics. This helps students see how math is interconnected with various fields and fosters a broader understanding of its applications.
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• Preparation for the real world: In the real world, people encounter mathematical challenges regularly, whether it's managing finances, analyzing data, or making decisions based on numerical information. Authentic math experiences prepare students for these real-world demands and help them become more mathematically literate individuals.

6. These types of math experiences enrich students' mathematical education by grounding abstract concepts in real-world contexts, fostering deeper understanding, and equipping them with valuable skills for both their academic and everyday lives. Our goal as teachers is to revolutionize the way we teach and learn mathematics, making it a meaningful, engaging, and authentic adventure for our students.

7. This week's guest bloggers engaged in a project-based learning experience related to estimating, planning, budgeting money, and subtracting with zeros. The scenario: You have been hired by the director of the Topsfield Fair to design and create a prototype for a NEW ride or game for the 2025 Topsfield Fair on a $100,000 budget. Here are our students' learning reflections. Enjoy!

8. If I could do anything different about this experience, I would for sure plan it out beforehand and that includes discussing the math and drawing a plan. My partner and I both got overwhelmed because we didn't take the time to plan first. I would like to give a couple of shout-outs to @SODA for offering to help us when she noticed that we were getting frustrated and also to @DollyParton101 because she was a fantastic partner to work with. - @Gummy_Worm

During this challenge, I had to bring my A-game. This means that I had to work collaboratively with my partner, listen, and be flexible. We both came up with different ideas for our ride/game, but I decided to go with my partner's idea for a Candy Land ring toss game. If I had to do something different, I would take my time to carefully plan and work neatly. - @TheRing

I had to overcome a few challenges during this experience. One of them was understanding the need to view failure as growth. It was easy to become frustrated when we messed up. I kept feeling like we were wasting a lot of time and we should have slowed down to get it right the first time. Something that I learned that was good was that it's OK to change your ideas as you're working. It's not always a bad thing. - @Coconut5

If I were to give someone else some advice about how to be successful with this challenge, it would be to plan a lot. Know what you are going to create, make a plan, and understand how to use the materials. Second, you need to listen to each other's ideas and be flexible. If you are constantly disagreeing, you're going to waste a lot of time. - @TennisMan18

If I were to do this again, I would attack this project differently. I would communicate better and not panic. It's important to take your time, communicate with and listen to your partner the whole time. - @CookieDog

I had to bring kindness, respect, patience, and listening to this challenge. The math part was very challenging and we should have slowed down and maybe asked for help. - @Sweetie

One of the habits I had to bring to this challenge was being kind and respectful so that I didn't get into any arguments with my partner. Another habit that was important was being able to listen to my partner's ideas, which were sometimes better than mine. We also had to be creative problem solvers because copying wasn't going to get us anywhere. Finally, we needed to view failure as an opportunity for growth because when we did something wrong, we didn't want to give up. One challenge that we had to overcome was finding the mistakes in our math. We sat with it and eventually found our mistake and corrected it. - @ApplePie

My partner and I had to overcome a lot during this challenge. The hardest part was staying under budget and calculating our expenses correctly. We struggled a lot with this. We got our answers wrong so many times and I'm not going to lie, it was really frustrating. We finally took some deep breaths and slowed down and were able to get them correct and complete the challenge successfully! - DollyParton101

If I were to do this challenge again, I would be more open to my partner's ideas. I learned that it is important to value other people's ideas because sometimes they can be much better than yours. - @LoonDog1

My partner and I had a few challenges to overcome. One of them was that we had to try really hard to make both of our ideas into one. If I had to do this again, I would try to listen to my partner's ideas and collaborate more. - @BlueBear