Native American Resources and Regions Maps

This past week we learned about the four main American Indian Cultural groupings: the Pacific Northwest region, Southwest Desert region, the Prairie region, and the Eastern Woodland region. My class sits in groups of four so this ended up being an easy jigsaw activity. One person from each group was assigned a region to research. Information focused on climate and resources. Students reported out their findings to the whole class, so we could make sure that everyone’s information was accurate.

Once we had our notes on climates and resources, students were given a blank map to transfer the data to. The requirements: a map title, a completed map key that matched the information on the map itself, and each region had to have three pictures or symbols representing resources. They ended up beautiful!

We have also been analyzing the structure of a five paragraph essay. Next week we will be using our Native American region and resources notes to write a five paragraph essay. I am looking forward to reading their essays.

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Fabulous Feet Poetry and Art

After creating our adjective hand art,  I came across this 3D Hand Art project on Pinterest. I loved it, but didn’t want to do another hand art. So we used our feet as our subject.

First, we read and analyzed the poem “Her Daddy’s Hands” by Angela Johnson from Evan-Moor’s Read and Understand Poetry, Grades 5-6

Then we wrote a poem about our feet using an ABCB pattern. To do this we brainstormed phrases independently and shared them. Students were encouraged to change phrases to meet their needs. Students were required to write at least one stanza, but were encouraged to write a three stanza poem.

Here are a few examples of what my students were able to write:

“These are my feet.

My feet are small.

My feet are soft.

They swim and they fall.”

by L.W.

“These are my feet.

They aren’t very new,

They aren’t so very big,

but they make the perfect two.

These are my feet.

They’re no ones but mine.

They’re not different from any other,

but they are so very fine.”

by J.C.

“These are my feet.

My feet are really pretty.

But on really hot days,

they can get pretty sweaty.”

by P.A.

Finally, we completed our 3D foot art. First, we traced our feet. Then we made curved lines from one side of our foot to the other with marker or crayon. Finally, we drew straight lines from the edges of our feet to the edge of the paper. Our objective was to use lines to create an illusion of space. I think this was accomplished. Their projects look like fabric draped over their feet! I love the final product!

Poetry and Art

One of my goals this year is to incorporate poetry and art in the classroom. I’m pleased with our first projects. The poetry was I Am A Fifth Grader Poem from Runde’s Room. For the art, I decided to have my students trace their hands and write adjectives describing themselves on the inside. They enjoyed making them, and I love looking at  the final product.