During Hispanic Heritage Month, our 3rd grade students explored the inspiring lives of Ellen Ochoa and Sonia Sotomayor. Using a Venn diagram, students compared and contrasted the accomplishments and personal journeys of these two influential women.
To extend their learning, students designed an original invention, program, or school that Ochoa and Sotomayor might create based on the values they represent. Each student presented their project to the class, sharing their design, their motto, and the reasoning behind their ideas.
This activity encouraged creativity, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for the contributions of Hispanic leaders.
Fourth grade students have been demonstrating strong depth of knowledge in place value during math. In a creative real-world scenario, students stepped into the role of math experts to help “real estate agent” Joe Money sell Old McDonald’s farm. Their task was to teach him place value strategies, including how to multiply whole numbers and decimals.
Students worked collaboratively to create Google Slides presentations that explained their strategies clearly and confidently. They then presented their work to the class, showcasing both their mathematical understanding and communication skills.
During Hispanic Heritage Month, 5th grade students researched and analyzed the impactful lives of César Chávez and Roberto Clemente. Building on this foundation, students began a unit titled “What Makes a Hero?” where they used logic and reasoning to engage in rich, thoughtful discussions about the qualities that define heroism.
This exploration of character, courage, and contribution will continue as we transition into our Percy Jackson unit this winter, allowing students to deepen their understanding of heroes across history, literature, and mythology.