Pioneer Journals, Poetry, and Engineers

Welcome back! This week students began writing  historical fiction pioneer journals. To get the creative juices flowing, they worked in groups to write and perform skits about a family preparing to depart from Missouri and travel the Oregon Trail. They practiced created an engaging, imaginary story in which the setting and many details are based on real historical events and information. They also practiced making sure that they'd included all of the required content and vocabulary in their skits.

We went outside for Poetry Club and wrote poetry about going on a walk. The kids were really inspired and their writing turned out beautifully.

 Some examples:

I stand on a platform
I feel my feet touching the earth
And feel them pounding the ground
I see green mixing with blue
People taking walks just like me
I run down the hill
The air brushes my face
I walk into the shade
And I find myself
In a patch of trees

I see the dry creek

Waiting for some

Rushing

Water

I feel a little breeze

Bouncing off

My body

I smell bay leaves 

as I 

Walk through the trees

I walk to the dead tree

And sit down

In peace andquiet

I see a rope

waiting for someone to climb it

a bird is singing

I feel soft moss

and smell sweet bay leaves

as I run I feel the wind in my face

I climb the hill but gravity won't let me

When I look down I feel the urge to run

So I did

When I'm outside I feel free

because

I am

 Playing a math game called "Scratch it Out"

Students are searching for England, Switzerland, and Jamaica because they played games from each of those countries in P.E. earlier in the day!

 Friday afternoon engineering challenge: Students built Pom Pom Launchers, with the goal of launching a pom pom with force and accuracy.

Have a great weekend :)