We're back...after a short break

Well, we've had some scheduling *stuff* going on over the past couple of weeks (school pictures...then book fair...then Thanksgiving break) which has prevented us from having our regular MMC classes.  We're back now...for a bit anyhow!

Table display - Scholastic Book Fair

Book display - Scholastic Book Fair

During our hiatus, I was able to fix our SMART table.  Hooray!  I replaced the table top so now we have a nice, new (functioning) SMART table.   We're so excited about this that we're going to be introducing it this week to the classes.

We're getting ready to start the new theme - Seasons All Around - so the activities on the SMART table (and in the other centers as well) will all be focused on the seasons.

On the SMART table, there are 4 activities for this theme that can be accessed from the main screen.

Main menu - Seasons activities on the SMART table

 One is a "Media" activity: in this activity, students will explore pictures of activities from all of the four seasons.  There is also a short "seasons" video they can watch as well.  They can manipulate the pictures--making them bigger or smaller, turning them around and upside down.  The purpose of this activity is really to encourage language and vocabulary related to the theme.  In order for this to work, it's really important that there be an adult present to facilitate it.  That's not to say that we want the adult to "quiz" the kids--"where's the winter picture?"  Rather, something along these lines: "Oh, wow!  Look at all the colors on those trees," or "That looks like fun! Have you ever been on a slide like that?"

"Media" activity

 In the "Multiple Choice" activity, there will be a picture in the center (just of a scene or of an activity) and the students will need to decide which season best goes with that picture.  To answer, each student (4 allowed at this center) will have their own set of four season cards in front of them and will drag the correct answer onto the picture in the middle.  Everyone has to get the right/same answer or it will spit all the cards back out.  When everyone gets the correct card in the center, it'll let them know they got it correct.

"Multiple Choice" activity

 The "Paint" activity is just what it sounds like.  They can use their fingers to *paint* the leaves different colors.

"Paint" activity

 In order to exit an activity, each student will have to touch his/her "X" (in the corner near where he/she is sitting at the table).  Once everyone has touched his/her "X", the table will return to the main menu.

We hope that by the time we return after Winter Break, we will be all finished with our center introductions, and ready to get to work in these centers.