I wrote and had an article published about split-grade classes, after a journalist asked me about it. There is much less impact on the students, than on the teachers. Funnily enough, the article, published in the Ontario Action Research Journal, led me to being a reviewer for their journals. Now, I am now the Canadian Journal of Action Reasearch Book Review Editor. Funny how one thing leads to another!
Back to my split-grade classroom. We created Reading Buddies! We did Book Talks. We did mentoring of the SK Immersion class. We grew bulbs. Each student was placed into a group. Each group watered, tended, took photos of, graphed and measured the progress of their bulbs. It cost me a bit of money, but it was so fun!
It was with great delight that we planted bulbs one school year. I had a student teacher who took part of my class, and I planted bulbs with the other. It was so much fun!
We divided into groups, randomly assigned, and began on Remembrance Day, 2003. The bulbs took forever to grow. The students were very proud. They must be in their mid-twenties, now!
9 comments:
You are doing important work!
My favourite class was a kindergarten - grade one combination. We were on a split schedule to teach reading with a smaller group in the morning and afternoon. I had the kindergarteners come in early and they went home before lunch (we weren't on full day kinder then). The grade ones came in an hour later and stayed until after lunch. I ended up with a small class size most of the day and was able to give the kids more attention. It was great. - Margy
I see it was February according to the calendar on the wall!!! What a great way to teach students about growing, having patience, things taking time, and the beautiful flowers at the end. Well done to you for taking a split/grade class to a whole new level. Maybe that teacher could also learn a thing or two or more.
Although growing bulbs in containers is not the real thing, and it costs money (the containers), it nevertheless provides fun and learning both to the teacher and the children. I'm in favor of any method or gimmick that can help the teacher perform his work.
Your bulbs are sure looking great. Mine are absolute duds this year. I think it's time to get some fresh ones.
I was in split grades 4/5. 6/7. and then a 7/8. I honestly think it was very beneficial to this student who wasn't quite challenged enough in a straight grade. I was in a straight 8 for about a month, then moved back into the 7/8 split because I was having some difficulties with math. I personally believe these split grades often serve a better purpose than settling class size problems.
The final results were pretty!
nice photos!
You'll never forget the excitement kids have when they first see the bulbs poke above the ground.
Thank you so much for sharing all these great photo's.
Lovely to see the kiddies!
All the best Jan
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