Using the RADCAB Strategy to Evaluate Online Information and Sources

Our next research topic in Individuals & Society focuses on finding information on the government structure of a different country in the Western Hemisphere. Up to this point, students have been relying on databases and trusted resources for much of their research. Now, it's time for them to find their own resources to supplement their research! Due to the fact that there is endless information and websites out there, it is very important for students to learn and practice specific strategies to help them determine if the information they come across is relevant, appropriate, detailed, current, has authorship, and to be aware of bias when necessary. That's A LOT to consider!! We began our discussions this week with a great book:

Next, students were given sample websites and asked for what they thought made the information trustworthy or untrustworthy. Even though this was very early in our discussion, the students demonstrated that they already had some background knowledge in this area to help them make informed decisions. 

Then it was time to really dig into the RADCAB strategy itself! We ended the week working on "R"-Relevancy and "A" Appropriateness. Relevancy teaches the students to determine if the information is directly connected to their research topic. They can test this by coming up with focus questions and keywords based on their topic and using the search tool on a website to identify what is presented. We explored websites on pets and the students found some really relevant sites  and some "not so good" ones too!

Appropriateness teaches the students to ask themselves the following questions:

*Can you understand what is written on this website?
*Who do you think this website is intended for?
*Does this website match my values?

After break, we will continue to work on the RADCAB strategy which will set us up for our government research!!

Analyzing Historical Documents!

In Individuals & Society this week, we analyzed the words and phrases of both the Preamble and The Bill of Rights. At first glance, we determined that both documents contained complex language that was really difficult to comprehend! We worked with partners to break down portions of both documents into kid friendly language. The students used each other as well as their resources to support their work. So many "A-HA" moments as we went along!!

Camouflage Roz Contest!

Our next O.S.O.B. activity this week involved a school-wide camouflage contest in which classes had to plan and design a disguise to hide Roz. The camouflage needed to connect to The Wild Robot in some way. During our class meeting, the students came up with ideas and we voted on our design choice. The class decided to use natural materials such as moss, grass, sticks, and flowers. Volunteers brought in materials (THANK YOU!) and we all took turns adding a piece to Roz's disguise! Thank you to Lilly for organizing and making sure everyone had an equal part!

We had another group of students who wanted to write up an explanation for Roz using Google docs. Nate even demonstrated his technology skills and designed a visual representation of the book cover using Google drawings.

Here is the finished product!! Love our collaborative projects!

One School One Book-The Wild Robot!

I hope you are enjoying reading The Wild Robot with your families!! The kiddos are so excited about this book....tons of conversations about reading. As an ELA teacher, this makes my heart SO happy!

For the remainder of the month, students will be focusing on O.S.O.B. for their reading homework. Below is a schedule of the assigned chapters for each night.In addition to their reading, students will be given comprehension questions each week to answer. As with all of our reading homework this year, assignments are due on Fridays and students can work through the questions at their own pace.  Please encourage your child to read the book with you or their siblings...what a great reason to spend time together as a family!

To continue with the fun, we stopped by Mr. Carr's room today to visit our buddies and do some  activities surrounding the book! Our second grade friends were just as excited and loved sharing their experiences with our class!

Here is the link to Village's O.S.O.B. blog...check it out!

https://villageoneschoolonebook.blogspot.com/p/solve-puzzle.html

We are Inquiring About....

Here are some of our most recent "WONDERS" from Inquiry Time! 

Learning about the Greek language!

Exploring the importance of learning a variety of subjects in school. 

Researching the benefits of incorporating more art instruction in school.  

 Which is healthier: chocolate milk or strawberry milk? 

How is plastic made? 

In which months is the Big Dipper visible in the sky? 

Understanding Balance of Power with a Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament!

After learning about the three branches of government this week,  many students began to ask: "Which branch is the most powerful?". We explored this question in more depth. Here are some of our responses:

*"Executive is the most powerful because they approve our laws and make sure they are followed."
*"Legislative is the most powerful because it has representatives for every state."
*"The judicial branch is the most powerful because they decide what the laws actually mean."
*"They are equal because they all have an important part.

Next, we had a "rock, paper scissors" tournament. You may be thinking....WHY?? During the tournament, we began to ask ourselves which item is the most powerful (rock, paper, or scissors). The students discussed how each had an advantage and a disadvantage. Although one item may have seemed more powerful because it was used often, that didn't mean it could actually beat out the other two. The tournament really helped students to understand the concept of checks and balances and how all of the branches are considered "equal".

Reminders for the Week!

Spring Pictures: Wednesday, March 7th....don't forget your smile!

Report Card Distribution: Report cards will be available online using Infinite Campus Friday, March 9th. Please click the link below for more information:

Report Card Information for Parents

Transition "FAVES" in Writing

Our argument essays on chocolate milk are coming along! This week we are focusing on transitions. Transitions are words or phrases that link paragraphs and information. Transitions help the writing "flow"!

Our first step was to collect our "FAVE" transitions for body paragraphs, elaboration, and conclusions. This was a great way to review using a variety of transitions within a piece.

Our next step was to edit two argument essay samples for transitions. Students replaced "boring" transitions with their "FAVES" in order to make the writing flow more smoothly. This also helped to sharpen our editing skills!

Our final step was to work with our partners to edit our own body paragraphs for transitions. Next up-counterclaim/rebuttal statements and conclusions!