Inquiry Into Endangered Species

This unit can be used to support a 4 week inquiry or as an "All In A Day" center rotation.  It makes connections with biographies, Critical Thinking, Fluency, Perspective, and Adaptations.  I used it in a 2nd grade Gifted Classroom, but it can be modified for grades 1-3.  A great science lab activity to add is the exploration of Blubber.  the teacher will prepare one plastic glove with Crisco or another vegetable shortening.  (The tub of white shortening)  Then, place another plastic glove on top.  You'll have a glove within a glove with "Blubber" in between.  This adaptation will be put to the test as students dip the insulated hand in a bowl of ice water.  They will they dip the other hand without insulation.  Draw Conclusions!  Perfect for the connections with penguins and whales.

Available at http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Carla-Walk

Rhyming Words

Just posted my rhyming words flashcards.  These are perfect for Literacy Centers or Independent Projects.  

Inquiry Based

My first inquiry based center is up and running on Teachers Pay Teachers.  Great "Thought Provoking" activities to be used for individuals or collaborative groups.  Go to http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Carla-Walk
Inquiry Based

Communicator Pumpkin

Be a communicator!  I used Dr. Seuss as an addition to my Pumpkin Patch.  He represents the encouragement to be a communicator.  Reading, Writing, Drawing, and Speaking are wonderful ways to express our thoughts and ideas.  This is the perfect time to connect with the work of Dr. Seuss and have children work on rhyming words.  Stay tuned for learning center connections!

The Principled Pumpkin

This is a sample of my first pumpkin in my Inquiry into Being Principled.  It offers many opportunities for children to add questions, thoughts, and connections.

Fall Festival

Nothing says, "Fall is here!" like a school's Fall Festival.  Milam School celebrated a time honored tradition and they did it with great style.  Haunted House, Dunking Booth, DJ, And Cotton Candy provided a good time for all who attended.  This put me in the mood for a little pumpkin fun.  I'm working on a pumpkin patch that will support the characteristics of The PYP Learner Profile.  My first entry is a representation of someone who is Principled.  I chose former President Jimmy Carter for his work with World Peace and Habitat For Humanity.

Back to Blogging

I'm back!  So many exciting things are going on for me, I decided to give blogging another try.  I'm also taking the plunge with Teachers Pay Teachers.  My first downloadable file is Wild Weather Station.  This is a short weather play that I wrote about 17 years ago.  I've made a few changes, but the play continues each year.  It's great for a Readers Theater also.  http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Carla-Walk