Juggling to a Growth Mindset

I have taught juggling many times for a daily body break. I made 75 juggling balls out of balloons and rice. I made the juggling balls myself because of time constraints but having students make their own juggling balls is also a great activity if time allows!

I teach the students a three step juggling process found HERE

Juggling encourages a growth mindset as students must fail multiple times before seeing any progress.

I have noticed that most students discover the benefits of having a growth mindset when they see progress in their juggling skills!

For those students that I see struggling, I pull them aside into for a one on one lesson (which they love) to improve their confidence!

I also play fun upbeat music while the students are practicing to help create a safe environment.

Modifications:

This activity can be easily modified for a variety of learners. Students can start with just one ball and practice throwing it back and forth, or start with something lighter such as a plastic bag. It is a great low floor, high ceiling activity!

Visits from Jingle the Classroom Elf

During my 4 week placement in December I found things in the classroom for the classroom Elf to get into. My class decided to have a classroom elf since all the students celebrate Christmas, in a class where Christmas is not celebrated by all I would not have a classroom elf. I also did a writing activity where I had the students write notes to Jingle the elf and wrote back to them!

Creating Rainforest Biomes

Grade 4 students created their very own self watering Rainfiorest biomes. They got to see their plant grow and be self sufficient. They only needed to water their plant once as the water cycle was trapped in the bag, causing the water to drip back onto the plant and water it again. This displayed how the rainforest stays so damp (the water gets trapped in the canopy and falls back down onto all the plants).

The Proudest Blue SEL Lesson

Here is the lesson plan I used with the book "The Proudest Blue"

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CKX96U7N8SNVd9Rn4iWEFIC1AVxspYjC/view?usp=sharing

⭐ Learning how to listen to each other

⭐ Creating Empathy

⭐ Learning about different cultures

⭐ Hands on activity (creating a paper boat)

⭐ Community building

Wild Hat Day!

Me and another student teacher on wild hat day!

Jump Rope for Heart

Along with 2 other student teachers, I organized a school wide Jump Rope for Heart even. This involved creating a presentation and presenting to the school, organizing an event, and running an event with jump rope activities for all grades. I had a lot of fun and enjoyed seeing the school community come together for a common goal.

Hibernation

In this engaging STEM activity, students become architects as they design and build bear dens using toothpicks and marshmallows. Inspired by the concept of hibernation, students work collaboratively to construct sturdy dens that can withstand the winter months. Through trial and error, they learn about structural stability, geometry, and problem-solving while honing their teamwork skills. This hands-on activity sparks creativity and curiosity as students explore the science behind animal behavior and habitat construction.

Mystery Science Lessons

Mystery Science lessons offer engaging and interactive experiences designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding of scientific concepts. Through hands-on activities, captivating videos, and thought-provoking questions, students explore real-world phenomena and uncover the mysteries of the natural world. Each lesson encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and inquiry-based learning as students investigate scientific phenomena, make predictions, and draw conclusions. Mystery Science lessons cover a wide range of topics, from life sciences to physical sciences, tailored to various grade levels, providing an immersive and enjoyable learning experience for students of all ages.

Esti- Mysteries

Before every math class, I would do a "Esti-Mystery" with the class. For example, you might show students a jar filled with candies and ask them to estimate how many candies are inside based on its size and shape.Through estimation mysteries, students develop important skills such as:

Number Sense: They learn to make reasonable guesses about quantities without counting each item individually.

Spatial Awareness: Estimation activities often involve visual elements, helping students understand size, shape, and space.

Critical Thinking: Students are encouraged to analyze information and make logical guesses based on available clues.

Problem-Solving: They engage in solving real-world problems in a playful manner, fostering creativity and resilience.

Collaborative Gym Games

IIn this collaborative hula hoop game, students work together to pass a hula hoop around a circle without breaking the chain. Standing in a circle, students must find creative ways to maneuver the hula hoop around their bodies, passing it from one person to the next without letting go of their hands. As the hoop makes its way around the circle, students must communicate, strategize, and coordinate their movements to keep the momentum going. This fun and energizing activity promotes teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills while fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie among students.

Coaching the Junior Boys Badminton Team

During my Year 2 placement I got to help coach the boys badminton team. I enjoyed learning a new sport and sharing my passion for coaching with the school community. I also got to help host a badminton tournament at our school which gave me valuable insight on how inter school sports are run at the elementary level.