Before school started in August, I discovered a vine growing by my classroom window. At first I thought it was a pumpkin vine because I had placed an old pumpkin there last fall. However, after a closer look I realized it was a watermelon vine. At the end of last school year, my students enjoyed watermelon after a splash day event. They spit the seeds here and "Woolah!" a magical watermelon vine.
Pictured above is the watermelon in August. The vine goes around the corner and spans the length of my classroom. All that vine, lots of flowers, but just ONE watermelon. Hmmm! sounds like a scientific mystery to me. I'm pretty sure there is some Devine influence too.The ONE watermelon grew right outside my science window where the students could observe it everyday without leaving the classroom.
Here's the watermelon on the 5th of September.
Today we picked the watermelon. When the children were trying to pick it up it slipped, fell, and busted open. It was rainy out so our camera fogged up.
Here they are enjoying this juicy pink treat! I must say it was one of the sweetest watermelons I have ever eaten. Tomorrow we will be drawing and writing about what we LOVE about watermelon. Interestingly enough last Friday I received an email advertising a watermelon poster contest, entries are due September 30th. I can't wait to see how creative my students get, especially since they've had this recent SWEET experience. These are the best lessons, I just love teachable moments!
Oh, and I have to mention, children are fascinated by seeds. Most of the children wanted to save their seeds. One of my students even stuffed his pockets full of seeds. So moms, if you are wondering why there are seeds in your washer....wonder no more.
YUM!
Tuesday, September 24th
The class worked on their watermelon contest posters. We talked about staying on topic; using few words to communicate the message ; making large drawings that pop; and framing our work. Hard concepts to teach in a short amount of time. Like anything, some students got it, some need more time. I think we will have a critique tomorrow and let the students decide what works and what does not. We will begin with a self-assessment, my homework tonight, to design a rubric that is fitting for the project.
Some students used mixed media, like oil pastels and marker.
Some used acrylic paint and oil pastels.
Tuesday, September 24th
The class worked on their watermelon contest posters. We talked about staying on topic; using few words to communicate the message ; making large drawings that pop; and framing our work. Hard concepts to teach in a short amount of time. Like anything, some students got it, some need more time. I think we will have a critique tomorrow and let the students decide what works and what does not. We will begin with a self-assessment, my homework tonight, to design a rubric that is fitting for the project.
See Contest Rules at www.watermelon.org
Some students used mixed media, like oil pastels and marker.
Some used acrylic paint and oil pastels.
No comments:
Post a Comment