Becoming Independent Researchers

We started our day by finishing a Squiggle for Creative Problem Solving.  Our first grade basic academic vocabulary includes:

• brainstorming

• fluency

• flexibility

• originality

• elaboration

These lessons are fun, but they have an academic purpose as well.  Students that are "fluent" in their thinking are successful problem solvers because they are able to think of many solutions to a problem.   With practice, they become more "flexible" in their thinking enabling them to approach problems from a new or different angle.  When students get better at flexibility, they find unusual, "original" themes for their Squiggles.  This can transfer to original, unique topics and perspective when they are given a writing prompt.  Finally, "elaboration" is about adding details.  Whether in their artwork, projects or creative writing, an understanding of the purpose of elaboration allows them to extend their writing by using a richer vocabulary.  They are able to focus on a quality product by adding more detailed illustrations, models and projects.  Ask your child to share their Squiggle with you.

In the computer lab, the students explored Microsoft Power Point.  They learned to insert shapes, resize them, and move them around the slide.  They also learned to use the "arrange" tools to bring objects forward or to send them backward.  Next, the boys and girls learned to fill a shape with textures, patterns and gradient colors.  They did a great job!

Our 2nd grade, basic academic vocabulary includes:

• knowledge
• comprehension
• research
• independent
• plagiarism 

After lunch, the students worked with a partner to highlight a digital article from World Book Encyclopedia Online.  The article, "Endangered Species" has important information they will need to answer questions in our research packet.  They will need to prove their answers by by showing us where they located their information.  While  schema or background knowledge is very important, in this case, they can only record what they can prove out in their resources.  I want the students to understand this kind of research is about using quality, current informational sources, accuracy in their note taking, avoiding plagiarism and documenting their sources with a bibliography.  

We were very pleased with their focus, effort and ability to work cooperatively.  

Bravo A Day 2nd Graders!