Harbins Elementary 

What are we currently doing in FOCUS?

1st grade:  First graders will begin a new unit on divergent thinking, which is a core creative skill that helps us find multiple solutions to a single problem. We'll use activities like SCAMPER and "thinking showers" to explore our imaginations and create new products from everyday objects.  

First grade students will practice using pictures, drawings, and other visual tools to understand and communicate ideas, recognize patterns, and solve problems. They will practice making connections between images and concepts to enhance their understanding and creative thinking. During this time students will practice exploring visual thinking strategies using problem-solving and planning ahead while thinking carefully about moves to improve my game strategies.  

2nd grade:  Second graders will be developing convergent logical thinking, a crucial skill for effective problem-solving. Through puzzles, math tasks, and Venn diagrams, students will use facts and reason to find the single correct answer.  

Second grade students will be exploring narrative writing.  Students will also complete activities while practicing divergent thinking skills by examining things at various view points and perspectives.

3rd grade:   Third graders will be strengthening their convergent thinking skills by using deductive and analytical strategies to solve problems. In this hands-on unit, they will use a variety of puzzles and games to organize information, analyze clues, and draw logical conclusions. 

Third grade students will explore narrative writing, including breaking down and responding to prompts.  Students will also design a  food truck business plan and describe the basic steps of running their truck.  Students will present their final business plan at the end of each cycle. 

Students will learn about a planet and will be creating a presentation to teach to their classmates.  Students will also use some creative writing techniques to tell about their new knowledge.  

4th grade:  Fourth graders will be starting Genius Hour, a dedicated time for them to explore personal interests through self-driven projects. They will strengthen their critical thinking, literacy, and communication skills by formulating questions, conducting research, and sharing their findings. 

Fourth grade students will explore narrative writing and the writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing), emulating famous authors' mentor texts, providing specific feedback through peer editing, and utilizing technology to enhance publishing skills. Students will also design an obstacle course business by creating a layout that meets specific area and perimeter criteria.  They will use what they know about measurement to plan their course, and then write a business plan to advertise, and present their ideas.   

Students will also use creative expression including: a poetry publishing party, a formal debate, a Google Slides project presentation, and the use of robotics to recreate scientific phenomena like moon phases and the revolution of planets in our Solar System. 

5th grade:  Fifth grade students will embark on a journey into the world of William Shakespeare! They will explore his life and famous plays, and even "translate" a scene to develop their critical thinking, communication, and creative writing skills.

Fifth grade students will explore narrative writing.  Students will also identify the difference between needs and wants, explain how to create a personal budget based on career choices, and understand the importance of spending and saving money for future goals. 

Fifth grader students will extend the EL education unit on Human Rights by researching several real-world issues affecting humans around the globe.  Students will then choose one human right issue they feel passionate about and present it to the class.  Choices for their presentation include writing a play, designing a slideshow presentation, making a poster or writing from the perspective of a person whose human rights are being threatened. Our guiding question is- "What are some current human rights that are being threatened and what can we do to raise awareness?" 

😀  Activity Sites You Can Use!  (for yourself or your kids!)  😀