When we ask kids “which one is not like the others”, our cleverest students love to find ways to pick the non-obvious answer. So why not use this as a framework for pushing students deeper into our content.
All AboutCross Disciplinary
Projects that take students across multiple disciplines, asking them to synthesize information and create their own ideas.
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Mathy Art
A few artists who create awesome mathematical art!
Skits With Constraints
For many years, I shied away from skits, because they typically de-evolved into silly giggle-fests. For teaching grammar, however, they became an essential tool once I gave students clear constraints.
Academic March Madness!
The bracketed tournament isn’t just for college basketball. Set up a tournament to determine best president, state, element, or literary character and challenge your students to make interesting judgements.
Coats of Arms, Seals, and Other Heraldry
Symbolic seals, crests, and coats of arms are a common concept across cultures. From the simplicity of Japanese mon to the regality of English coats of arms all the way to America’s Great Seal, humans around the world create graphical representations of themselves.
Inspiration From Socrates
As my students learn about Socrates, countless avenues of discussion open up. Time does not permit a deep enough study, so here are three raw ideas inspired by Socrates: taking a stand, the truth of history, and the power of questions. Have fun!
From Silent Reading To Creating Art
I’ve been continuing the idea to explore classic music during silent reaing, and incorporated Gustav Holsts’ “The Planets.” My students, who have an affinity for memorizing gods and goddesses, took a special interest in this idea. I figured, let’s see how far their interests will take us?
Motivate Writing With Space Imagery
Have your students write to a narrative theme established through imagery. Allow them to view some exciting photos, and then develop a well-structured story. Embed an enjoyable and meaningful writing process, and you just might have a fun monthly system established.
Getting More Out Of Silent Reading
After recess, my students have a ten minute chunk of time to read a book and listen to some relaxing music. This serves as a “settle down” period as well as a time for me to check homework or finish up other administrative tasks. Why not add in a way to expose students to something interesting as well?
Towel Folding Robot
Tell me your gifted learners won’t be fascinating and inspired by this video of a robot capable of folding hand towels.
