Biography Study

Annie Oakley was nicknamed Little Sure Shot by a famous Native American chief.  Albert Einstein hated the methodical, military-like atmosphere of his school.  Walt Disney was a practical jokester long before he conceived of that famous mouse.  Queen Elizabeth had savvy political strategies and a temper not to be reckoned with.  Pablo Picasso was a Casanova with the ladies of Europe (this fact possibly makes us roll our eyes).



We discovered these facts - and a vast trove more - while studying the biographies of these famous stars from history.  Each student selected the person whom he or she wished to learn about.  We utilize the Who Was? series for this unit.  These books are phenomenal:  challenging, sure, but full of such high-interest information.  These books don't shy away from the Alabama that Rosa Parks experienced, the annex that Anne Frank hid and dreamed of a better future in, the high drama of Ford's Theater on April 15, 1865.  And because the books are direct, the kids so respect and value the text.  They ask critical questions and speculate on what life must have been like for these heroes and heroines.  It is a phenomenal and moving experience with history.


As we read, we summarize and sequence.  When the groundwork has been laid, we move onto our favorite bit:  creating the posters.  Each child is tasked with mining the most interesting and relevant parts for public display.  Captions, photographs, and illustrations are a creative must.  It is laborious - a bonafide labor of love.  But oh, the pride:

Victory.  Amazing poster.

Surveyor, farmer, soldier, commander, president:  what did George Washington NOT do?  Ben displays another incredible poster.

Teddy is our resident historical whiz kid.  He selected a very appropriate choice in Thomas Alva Edison.

Next week, we'll don appropriate costumes as we celebrate our Biography Unit conclusion with some parents, teachers, and special guests.  We can't wait!

    

Reading Groups

Have I told you about how much I love reading groups?  No?

I love reading groups.  A crazy amount.

It is all about witnessing the barely concealed glee when the kids learn who will be on their "team".  It is sneakily listening in as they debate a team name.  It is all about watching the true leaders who rally their peers and attempt to organize a group to function seamlessly.  These kids shine.  They are tasked with large challenges.  I deliberately offer limited instruction in the hope that they will be able to resolve issues and work outside of the box to achieve their goal.  And they do.  They achieve the task at hand in the way that only an 8 year old could:  creatively, bravely, uniquely.

The Blue Storm read about George Washington Carver

Mia, Teddy and Ben help to organize their informational poster.

The Superstars organize their poster about Bessie Coleman.

Gabe, Hannah and Sophia work on the final details about Helen Keller.

Amazing teamwork.

It is so cool to witness what kids can produce when they are tasked with a challenge.  It is equally cool to witness the reaction when they are told to complete a team assignment.  They are competitive but also so supportive of one another.  I learned so much about three historic figures, but I also learned new ways to collaborate, question, and discuss.  All thanks to a group of incredible eight year olds.