Jackie Robinson

In 1947, Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play Major League baseball.  To prepare for our discussion on Jackie Robinson, we read the story "The Bat Boy & His Violin" by Gavin Curtis.  This allowed us to explore the idea of segregation in an age appropriate manner.

We then moved onto discuss Jackie Robinson playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers.  Not only was Jackie the first African American to play Major League baseball but he was also named Rookie of the Year! Two years later he was honored by being named the National League's Most Valuable Player.  Robinson went on to be the first African American to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.

Jackie Robinson was not only a great baseball player, but also an important person in American history.

What Wonderful Skin You Live In!

6-B's current discovery unit celebrates Black History Month.  Today we read the story, "The Skin You Live In" written by Michael Tyler and illustrated by David Lee Csicsko.  I love the vibrant, engaging illustrations in the story paired with the positive, cheerful look it takes on diversity.  Below see a small excerpt from the story:

This story allowed us to revisit age appropriate topics regarding diversity.  We discussed human skin and enjoyed a fun kinesthetic experience.  We felt our skin and described it to one another.  Did you know that our skin feels different in different areas? Ask your child to describe how their forearm feels compared to their elbow.  We also felt our skin with our eyes closed.  I asked the class if you could tell the color of someones skin by the way that it feels.  The answer is no! Our skin is actually quite similar in many ways.  Drawing on our prior knowledge from celebrating MLK day we had a wonderful discussion about how everyone should be treated equally. Afterwards I introduced our new poem to the class. It is prominently featured on our white wall written in marker. After practicing, a few 6-B students asked me to place it on the blog so that they can share the poem with you at home. Please feel free to read this poem with your child:

Unity Poem
I have a dream, said Martin Luther King
We're gonna make that dream come true.
Let freedom ring, said Martin Luther King,
It's up to me and you.
It's not the color of your hair,
It's not the color of your skin,
It doesn't matter what you wear,
It's the character within.

9-1 Character Partnership

6-B meet with our 9-1 buddies this week to practice introducing ourselves to adults.  6-B friends have been working all year on proper handshakes.  We discuss grip strength of the other shaker, displaying a friendly smile, and holding good eye contact while we speak clearly.  All of our practice prepared us for our partnership lesson with 9-1. Students were paired in groups of Sixth Agers and Ninth Agers.  They were charged with the task of walking throughout the school and introducing themselves to adults in our community. The students filmed the project on flip cameras and recorded the eye colors of all of the adults that they greeted. This was a challenging task.  It can be a little intimidating to speak clearly, maintain a firm grip, and look someone in the eye as you greet them.  We practiced what we would say before heading out. I am so proud of our hard work.  Practice makes perfect, and the more we practice this lifelong skill the more comfortable we will be.  Take a look at us in action above! We are greeting each adult by saying: "Hello Mr./Mrs. ________.  My name is (first name) (last name). Thank you for helping us with our project."

A special thank you to Ms. Gentry who compiled all of our footage and made the above video.  Also to the 9-1 boys for their friendship and leadership as we continue to grow and learn together.

Oysters

6-B enjoyed learning about oysters and reading an amusing story of marine life, "Pearlie Oyster: A Tale of an Amazing Oyster".  After reading I announced that we were having a Pearlie Party! We made our very own oysters with wafers, frosting, and a small marshmallow. Poor Pearlie didn't know what she was in for. We all ate our little oysters right up!

Under The Sea Poem

6-B has done a wonderful job reciting ane memorizing our ocean poem. Listen below, and ask your child if they can recite if for you at home.

Aquarium Field Trip

6-B's current discovery unit came to live during our field trip to the Aquarium.  Thank you to all of the parents who joined us! Please take a look at all of the fun above.

Happy Valentines Day from 6B

6B had such a wonderful times celebrating Valentine's Day together.  Thank you to all of the parent's who helped put on our party and joined us for the festivities!