IPS/Butler University Laboratory School

Each day we ask the kids to answer a lot of questions.  Instead of telling them what to do, it is more effective if the kids problem solve to figure out the process and answer themselves.  Today, I posed two questions.  In Math Workshop I asked, “Which line is longer?”  During our science exploration I asked, “How do you grow grass?”  I am very proud to say that both questions were answered quite well!

During Math Workshop, we have been focusing on measuring.  So today, there were two tape lines on the floor.  Once I asked the kids about the lines, I observed them brainstorm.  One student said, “Maybe we can use a ruler, no wait…that didn’t work for the straight line yesterday.”  Another student jumped in and said, “Wait!  We can use the tape measure that we learned about yesterday!”  (In my head I thought ‘connection!’)  After the group had decided what their process was we went off to measure and answer the question.  With the use of the tape measure, we actually found out that the zig-zag line was longer even though it appeared shorter!  The group’s conclusion was it is always important to measure!!

Which line is longer?

This afternoon, I was working with a group of students on this week’s science exploration.  Once I posed the question we had a list of ideas!  “Grass needs soil!”  “Grass needs water!”  “Grass needs food!”  With very excited students I introduced the idea of growing grass in gloves.  By putting a water soaked cotton ball into each fingertip of the glove, the kids had their “soil” and water.  They then added grass seeds to each cotton ball.  Once this process was complete, I posed another question.  “Can you grow grass in a dark room?”  The students all thought I was funny and instantly responded, “NO!  We need sunlight!”  Then as a group, we decided to tape the gloves out in the hall on the window so the grass would have a chance to grow.

A few of our grass gloves taped in the window.

When reflecting back on just these two situations, I am so proud of the kids and how they were constantly problem solving!  They are continually working together to accomplish goals 🙂

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