A Change for the Better

After giving my grade 4 students a First Nations study assignment students were allowed to work alone, in partners or groups.   "B" was actually able to make a decision on the Inuit as the tribe he would like to focus on.  Unlike most students who chose 'posters' as a way to demonstrate their learning "B" opted to create a Power point. "B" has been working on his project independently when we have project work time, a major step for "B".  He remained on task for the majority of the forty-five minute block.  "B" had actually read some Inuit information on his own and was typing from memory the information he had gleaned.   For "B" to be able to stay focused and self motivated is a huge accomplishment. At this point I am not even thinking about the quality of his finished project.  Still trying to figure out what has made the difference for this one student on this assignment?

Math/Art

We've been trying to link Art with math, linking our geometry lessons.  The lesson for horizontal, vertical,intersecting, point, line, parallel and perpendicular was to draw in perspective following step by step directions.  The art came out wonderful however, the students didn't seem to transfer the knowledge from geometry to the art.  To reinforce Judith suggested I have students write the terms on post its and then attach to their art.