The Countdown is ON!!

My last day of student teaching will be Tuesday, April 21st..only 2 weeks away. Today, my supervisor observed me for the last time and gave me a great evaluation! Next week, she comes to do my overall evaluation, but doesn't have to watch me teach another lesson. All that is left are 2 Seminar classes on the Friday and Monday before GRADUATION!!! I graduate MaY 1st..in only 3 weeks!! I can't believe it.

Fun Lessons:
Over the past week, I've done a lot of hands-on Science lessons and taught about Immigration in Social Studies.

In Science, students are learning about physical changes in mixtures and solutions, and how to separate mixtures. They got to use screens, funnels, coffee filters, evaporating dishes, salt, powder, and gravel. It was a lot of fun, and these students get SUPER excited over Science.

In Social Studies, they did a variety of activities. For one, I read the Memory Coat, which is an excellent picture book about a Russian Family coming to America during the Holocaust. The students got to take an Interactive Field Trip tour to Ellis Island, and learned about the stations. Then, they got to interview an immigrant by using the Library of Congress website.

"Blanket Story"
For the culminating activity, the students each got a felt square. On the square, they could either use geometry foam shape stickers or fabric to sew an illustration of something that symbolized Immigrants Coming to America. I brought in a variety of fabrics, ribbons, strings, and buttons. The students were very excited to learn how to sew, even the boys! Next, they are going to sew their square to their partners until we have a blanket. This will be our "Blanket Story" of Immigration! The kids told me I could keep it to remember them, and it would be my early Graduation present! :)

Eye & Hook: At Ellis Island, the eye examiner used a button hook to lift an immigrant's eye lid up to check for trachoma.

Worm-Ridden Food: Immigrants usually had to ride steerage on the ships, where it was unsanitary. Their food often had worms in it.

Statue of Liberty: When they reached Ellis Island, many immigrants were ovewhelmed with joy to see this statue of freedom and hope.

Country Flags: Immigrants came from many different countries.
Luggage: They were not allowed to bring all of their belongings because there simply wasn't enough room on the ship. Usually, they were able to bring about 1 bag per person in the family.