For weeks, Kim, John, Dave and I have been working to plan the integrated Zoo Project together. It's been bumpy to say the least (thanks, Mother Nature!). We've had tears and elation over habitat assignments, confusion over expectations and more tech troubles than I care to mention. There hasn't seemed to be enough time, and looking at the calendar, it doesn't look like there will ever be enough. But, we know this will be a project they will remember for the rest of their lives. As they stand before us and present their to-scale zoo exhibits and findings about their animals and habitats, each of these students will have created a memory that will last forever.
As I typed this today, I heard a couple women in the hallway, "Oh! I don't remember this at all!" one said to the other. "Where's the library?!" I peeked my head out the door and saw two women walking together. Wanting to be helpful, I showed them where the library was and struck up a conversation. They shared that they had graduated from Skokie in 61 and 57, and we got to talking. When we got to the bandroom (which was the library at the time they attended Skokie), memories came flooding back. Even though it was dark, one of the women exclaimed, "The fireplace! Remember the fireplace in the back?!" Her eyes got this far off look in them. The other looked down the hallway, "I remember running down this hallway to lunch! Lunch was so good here!" They each erupted into their own stories of home ec class and homemade lunches. These memories made here at Skokie School truly do last forever. And we are the lucky teachers who get to facilitate them!
Zoo Project Phase 1: Book Clubs
Students have spent the last two weeks in book clubs. The first round of book clubs wrapped up on Tuesday. The books we read for the first round of clubs all had settings that were unique habitats. Through their reading and discussions, students focused not only on the characters and plot but on the amazing settings presented. Students worked in clubs to discover the nonfiction settings behind the fiction they were reading. They created posters to show their learning.
The second round of book clubs started on Wednesday. Students began new books with new clubs. These books are focused on a specific species of animal. Students will work together to uncover the facts behind these fictional characters as they wrap up these book clubs in the week to come.
Throughout our first two reading units, we've been learning the "Notice and Note" strategies. As students have read these two books, they have kept track of their thinking either through the use of post-it notes or on Thought Tracker sheets. These notes have helped students to have meaningful conversations about their books, and they have given us insight into the connections students are making as they read.
Recommended Reads:
If your reader has expressed interest in these book clubs, I would highly recommend any of the books that we've had going in our clubs! Here's a list:
- The One and Only Ivan
- Never Say Die
- Jackie's Wild Seattle
- Tiger Rising
- Chomp
- Belly Up
- Touching Spirit Bear
- Flush
- Hoot
- Elephant Run
- The Summer of the Monkeys
