Anasazi in Action
May - Open-Minded
How can imagination and creativity help us to be open-minded?
"We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience."
May 4, 2022
May 5, 2022
Students participated in an activity related to the book Not a Stick by Antoinette Portis.
Students used their creativity to examine other points of view and decide what the little pig is really doing.
3rd Grade - Inventions
3rd Grade Unit of Inquiry - How the world works
"People use their understanding of scientific principles to invent and create."
During this unit of inquiry, students used a design process to create an invention that would solve a problem.
Click on the videos below to see some of the inventions...
April - How can you stay balanced?
PYP Learner Profile Attribute - Balanced
"We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives—intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live. "
Click on the button below for videos that promote Balance
Ms. Tenpenny's 2nd Grade Class
Mrs. Albrizzi's 3rd Grade Class
4th Grade - Student Agency
4th Grade Unit of Inquiry - Sharing the planet
"The Earth's surface evolves over time influencing the availability of resources."
During this unit of inquiry, students were able to choose how they wanted to share their learning. Below are some examples of posters, 3D models, and a dodecahedron. It is important for students to have "voice, choice, and ownership of their learning."
March - What does it mean to have courage?
PYP Learner Profile Attribute- Risk-Taker
"We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change. "
March 3, 2022
March 9, 2022
March 23, 2022
March 24, 2022
Anasazi Makerspace
What is a Makerspace?
A collaborative work space for learning, exploring, sharing, creating, testing, and having fun!
Our Anasazi Makerspace has officially re-opened after a brief break due to COVID. The students and teachers are so happy to be able to use this space again!
Mrs. Javinett's Class creating inventions
Mrs. Coates' class creating and experimenting with materials
February - The Golden Rule
PYP Learner Profile Attribute- Principled
"We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences."
What does it mean to be principled?
Morning Announcements
February 2, 2022
What does it mean to be principled?
February 3, 2022
What is The Golden Rule?
February 8, 2022
The Golden Rule by Ilene Cooper, part 1
February 10, 2022
The Golden Rule by Ilene Cooper, part 2
Kindergarten - Fire Safety
Kindergarten Unit of Inquiry - How we organize ourselves
"Cooperation is essential in communities."
The Scottsdale Fire Department came to visit our Kindergarten students. They got a tour of the fire truck and read a special story about fire safety.
Anasazi Student Council
Food Drive
The student council is running a food drive from January 10-26, 2022. The goal is to collect 1,234 donated items! This food will go to St. Mary's Food Bank, which helps with food insecurity that exists in Arizona.
Anasazi Student Council collected 1,644 items, which exceeded their goal! This was equal to 1, 566 lbs. of food, which is enough to provide 1, 305 meals in our community!
January - Developing a Growth Mindset
PYP Learner Profile Attribute- Reflective
"We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development. "
Students will work on developing a growth mindset, which promotes perseverance, dedication, and hard work.
Morning Announcements
January 5, 2022
Growth Mindset
January 7, 2022
The Mindset of a Champion
January 11, 2022
Mojo discovers a secret...
January 12, 2022
Reflection Cube #1
January 13, 2022
Mojo bounces back...
January 13, 2022
Reflection Cube #2
January 18, 2022
The incredible power of yet...
January 19, 2022
Reflection Cube #3
January 20, 2022
The mysterious world of neurons...
January 21, 2022
Reflection Cube #4
January 24, 2022
Mojo puts it all together...
January 25, 2022
Reflection Cube #5
January 26, 2022
Reflection Cube #6
January 27, 2022
Reflection Cube #7
Reflection Cubes
1st Grade - City in a Shoebox
1st Grade Unit of Inquiry - How we organize ourselves
"Location influences community and trade."
Students built a 'City in a Shoebox'. They considered what the city would look like, where it would be, and what it might produce and trade with other cities. Below are a few examples.
Beautiful Ocean City
This city is a vacation destination that floats on the ocean near the beach. It has restaurants, hotels, and everything else you might need for a relaxing vacation!
City Life City
This city is located near a beach and is mainly known for its production of french-fries.
Glitter World City
This city happens to be warm and cloudy today, but it is usually very cold. The city produces clothing and glitter.
Glow in the Dark City
This city is near the ocean and is known for its dessert factories. The city specializes in making cookies and donuts.
Perry City
This is a city is overrun by chameleons and crocodiles, but if you can manage to overlook this you will find a beautiful camping destination near the ocean with lots of ice cream. They even have their own replica of the statue of liberty!
Sparkle Beach
This city is located near a sparkling ocean with glittering purple sand. All of the mirrors here are rainbow and the weather is always nice. They produce clothing, lanyards, and masks.
December - Winter Around the World
PYP Learner Profile Attribute- Knowledgeable
"We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance. "
Students will become more knowledgeable about celebrations that occur around the world in the winter. Students will consider: Why do people celebrate? How do people celebrate? & What do these celebrations have in common?
Morning Announcements
December 1, 2021
Harvest Celebrations
December 3, 2021
Diwali
December 6, 2021
Hanukkah
December 8, 2021
Kanzaa
December 10, 2021
Christmas Around the World
December 13, 2021
Winter Solstice
December 14, 2021
Chinese New Year
December 15, 2021
New Year Around the World
December 16, 2021
Where do fireworks come from?
December 17, 2021
New Years Eve Time's Square - History
Students have been thinking about what they have learned and are answering the question:
"What do celebrations around the world have in common?"
Students have been looking for things that different celebrations have in common. One thing, this time of year, is the element of light. Some students have been working on making lanterns to symbolize this shared light.
Mrs. Trappen's Kindergarten Class
Mrs. Coates' 5th Grade
Mrs. Coates' 5th Grade
Mrs. Kirsch's 1st Grade Class
Mrs. Cryderman's Kindergarten Class
2nd Grade - Help Rapunzel escape!
2nd Grade Unit of Inquiry - How we express ourselves
"Storytelling expresses culture and creativity."
Students completed a steam project to help Rapunzel escape from her tower.
5th Grade - Math - Mrs. Diggins' Class
5th Grade Unit of Inquiry - How the world works
"The laws of the solar system dictate life of earth."
Students designed, built, and launched rockets!
November - How do we communicate?
PYP Learner Profile Attribute- Communicators
"We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups. "
Morning Announcements
November 9, 2021
November 10, 2021
November 16, 2021
November 18, 2021
November 29, 2021
November 30, 2021
Action Project
Students created cards for residents of Belmont Village Senior Living Scottsdale and Vi at Grayhawk Assisted Living and Memory Care.
They used color to communicate their feelings and share some joy.
Front of Cards
Back of Cards - Examples of Student Work
1st Grade and PK - Health Activities
1st Grade Unit of Inquiry - Who we are
"The choices people make influence health and well-being."
The 1st Grade students took action and decided to create activities that would teach the PK students about different parts of the human body and how to stay healthy. These activities focused on the nervous, cardiovascular, and muscular systems.
October 6, 2021 - International Dot Day
5th Grade Unit of Inquiry - Who we are
"Understanding diversity creates compassionate citizens"
The 5th Grade students took action and organized an International Dot Day at Anasazi. This celebrated the creativity and diversity we have at our school.
Morning Announcements
September 29, 2021
October 1, 2021
October 4, 2021
October 6, 2021
Organizing Materials
Each Student PK-5th created a Dot
2nd Grade then took action and created special Thank You cards for the 5th Grade students!
October 2021 - Critical Thinking Skills
PYP Learner Profile Attribute - Thinkers
"We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyze and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions. "
Students have been using their critical thinking skills in class and to solve riddles during morning announcements.
October 5, 2021
October 7, 2021
October 20, 2021
October 21, 2021
Action Challenge - Find or Create a Riddle to Share
October 27, 2021
October 28, 2021
October 29, 2021
Students brought in riddles to share with their classmates.
September 2021 - Anasazi Wonder Wall
PYP Learner Profile Attribute - Inquirers
"We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life. "
Students created a whole school wonder wall to document all of their questions and things they are curious about.
Anasazi Morning Announcements
1-Inquiry and Curiosity, Sept. 8th
2-Inquiry and Curiosity, Sept. 10th
3-Why is Anasazi Elementary called on Anasazi?, Sept. 13th
4-Who invented school?, Sept. 15
5-Curiosity, Sept. 17
6-Are dinosaurs extinct?, Sept. 22
7-How do you make ice cream?, Sept. 24
In the classroom...
Inquiry Week - Sept. 27-Oct. 1
Students were given time during the week to investigate some of the questions on the Anasazi Wonder Wall. Below are some helpful websites that support inquiry and curiosity.
August 2021 - Kindness Project
Students are challenging themselves to complete as many acts of kindness as possible during the month of August.
PYP Learner Profile Attribute- Caring
"We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us."
Anasazi Morning Announcements
1 - Kindness, Aug. 16, 2021
2 - Kindness, Aug. 18, 2021
3 - Kindness, Aug. 25, 2021
4-Kindness, Sept. 2 , 2021
In the classroom....
Anasazi Students documented some of their acts of kindness with a photo!
Walking the family dog
Made French waffles to share with teachers and friends
Drew a kindness picture for her class
Taking special care of her turtle
Helping a friend get to school
Anasazi Students completed 601 acts of kindness in the month of August!
Each Gold Sticker represents an act of Kindness!