We found that our young kindergarten students asked the 4th grade students so many interesting questions as they explored the wide variety of topics including Erosion prevention solutions, models of Plate Tectonics, and many other complex concepts our students chose to explore. We are proud of our students developing as communicators.

Today our students participated in a school-wide climate strike. In preparation for our Climate Strike, students started having discussions a few weeks ago. Students asked: What can we do?

Students quickly decided that parents and members of our community love the art students create. In fact, we regularly have artwork shared at art shows throughout the school year at wide variety of levels (K-12). Why not create art? Older students (3rd, 4th, and 5th grade) created two screen print designs. Next, cardboard was cut into signs, to create ecoFriendly artwork and signs.

We are very proud of all of our students who participated in the Climate Strike. We recognize that children in countries all around the world demanded the attention of adults and leaders to recognize that global climate change is not an issue to be solved in the future, but it’s a major problem that we must face today.

Small groups of students were very creative as they found realistic problems they wanted to solve. Ideas included a playground light to communicate when it’s a bad air quality day and it is unhealthy for students to run outside. Another idea was a cafeteria light system to help students know when lunch was ending, when they can clear their trays, and line up for the playground. Other ideas included composing songs and using sound waves with various patterns to alert students throughout the school day.

As a culmination to the learning process, students presented their ideas and attempted to persuade other students of the value and importance of creating their communication signal. All groups were poised and professional as they communicated the importance and value of the various innovative ideas. Nice work young engineers!

During a whole day event, various students and teachers at our K-12 school stopped by the festival to be transported through time. Complete with food, music, games, inventions, knights, peasants, the clergy and more. We couldn’t be more proud of the way our students read and researched bringing their learning to life.

From royalty to peasants our students lived and experienced the feudal system. These students created something memorable they will never forget.

After several weeks of studying angle measurement, geometric shapes and concepts, our students became mathematical artists. Students were encouraged to explore the pattern blocks and imagine the art within the various shapes.

Next, students committed to a design, carefully traced and colored their Pattern Block Art. The final step was to share angle learning, vocabulary, and understanding within their art.

After a four week process of studying nonfiction text features and conducting research, our students completed their Natural Disaster Magazines and shared with 1st grade students.

The first steps were to fully understand the various nonfiction text features. These concepts were later applies as our students wrote five different styles of nonfiction writing: description, cause & effect, compare & contrast, problem & solution, and sequence of events.

Our students chose from six different topics: Tornado, Earthquake, Tsunami, Flood, Hurricane, and Wildfire. These topics were explored through books and professional research databases. We are very proud our students even learned how to create a work cited page to share their references.

Finally, once the diagrams were completed, students had finished their pictures (with captions), and even added a glossary with key words. Once all of these incredible nonfiction elements were completed, students “published” their magazine to share. Our 4th grade student leaders were thrilled to share with the 1st grade audience. After countless weeks the culmination of sharing the project was fantastic for all.

Our young readers have become experts in how to expertly craft a Book Talk and build excitement and interest for a reader. These students are excited to share their passion for reading with our entire audience. We hope to inspire students, teachers, and parents to pick up a book over the weekend. Happy reading!

Students began by identifying all of their geometry vocabulary words on the playground. Everyone gained huge confidence finding every word (except the word protractor). The angles, the intersecting lines, rays, line segments, and more.

Next, students were challenged to create a geometry diagram of something on the playground. With so many choices, the first step was selecting the specific location they wanted to base their diagram on.

The final step was to use the dozens of geometry vocabulary words to label their diagram. Identifying geometry in the real world is the best way for students to form life long connections to the content. Our students love the playground and therefore geometry is meaningful and fun!

After a few weeks of practicing, these two grade levels came together at the assembly before a live audience. They shared their dance skills to such a fun song. Dance for health!

Our visit to the Lightning Museum was great. Students were able to explore their energy learning and make new science discoveries. Many students learned new vocabulary words and expanded their science concepts.

Students even experimented with static electricity. Some were in for a surprise, especially when they experienced their hair lifting. Or even a feather duster getting static shocks.

Students enjoyed the cloud exhibit. Floating on cloud nine. I was corrected by a student, “Cloud four Mrs. Boyd, we are 4th grade!”

We even ended our day on the roof of the museum, creating a sign with the large metal lightning conducting letters. We are SJA Jeju!