Know Atoms Science Lessons in Grade 4

The 4th graders are studying DNA.  In the pictures above they are creating DNA models.  Know Atoms supplies the materials and lesson plans generously funded through a GE grant.   In addition to financial support of young students in our community, the GE also sends volunteer engineers and scientists to work with students  execute the more complicated science experiments.  In the photo above GE volunteer Francesco Pancheri help students construct DNA models.   A great big thank you to the teachers.  While these lessons are impressive and effective they require a great deal of extra preparation.  Naturally the teachers at Lynn Woods have embraced this challenge.   

An author among us!!!!

We are so incredibly proud of Mrs. Parker who most recently published her first children's book.  It is called Fred Freckle.  The story is adorable and so far it is a huge crowd pleaser!  We have a few copies in our school library so check it out!   Despite being a mom of two young children and  a dedicated teacher, she found time to take on this monumental task.  How inspiring! 
Mrs. Parker will be doing her first book signing at the Lynn Public Library on Saturday, Febrary 19 @ 10:30.  In true Lynn Woods fashion let's show up and support her!

Kindergarten Show & Tell

The Kindergarten class was more than excited during Show & Tell on Friday.  It was a pleasure to watch as they each proudly shared their item.  In addition to being simply adorable, it served as an  opportunity for students to practice language skills and rules of discussion.  Although it was a challenge to wait patiently for their 3 minutes in the spotlight, they all waited and used good manners.  Brady B shared his prized Bruins hockey monkey that his cousin gave him.  Brady W demonstrated how his remote control care could climb walls.  When asked if it could work on the ceiling, he replied, "yes, but he would need a ladder."  Lilly did a most animated share of her memory book.  She was articulate and detailed in her explanation.  Ben shared his rocket ship and Micheal his Robin and motorcycle.  McKenna was kind enough to let the students pet her dog and Alexander shared his amethyst.  Sadly I could not stay to watch everyone, but I got to enjoy a good portion!

School House Rock.......Rocked!!!

This week-end our school was filled with excitement and pride.  The Drama Club presented School House Rock and what a show it was!  Just ask anyone who was there....and there were many as both shows were sold out!  The students learned so much about working hard and being part of something big, but this year's show was particularly rich with academics.  Students  had to study, rehearse lines, practice choreography but the entire show was immersed in curriculum content.   The performances were just amazing!  Mrs. Whitcomb and Mrs. Hemenway were the directors and their work with children is truly a gift.  I thank them for sharing their talents and passion for drama.  This year we did a third show during the school day on Monday for students who were unable to attend one of the evening shows.  We also extended the invite the our senior friends and neighbors at the Briar Cliff Lodge.  Mayor Kennedy graciously accepted out invite and we were thrilled that she could make it.  School Committee Member Vinny Spirito, former Principal of Lynn Woods School, also took time to come by and see our show.  Thank you both! 

Some cast members with Mayor Kennedy

The entire cast at curtain call

Mayor Kennedy congratulating Paris

The leads

Mrs. Zukas' Grade 2 Class

Good Instruction involves teachers checking frequently to see if the students are understanding the concepts being taught.  The new Write On White Boards are being put to good use.  Looks like they might be having fun too!                                                                                                                                                  

Best Teaching Practices: Formative Assessment

Formative Assessment is a teaching term that describes the practice of collecting data about a child's understanding of a given topic.  Typically a test is given at the end of  a unit.  However, a formative assessment is a tool that a teacher would use frequently BEFORE the actual test to measure how close the student is to the goal and to gauge what they need to plan next to help the student meet the objective.  As a staff we spent our second staff development day in November learning about formative assessments and building larger repertoires to check for understanding.  Teachers were given Write on White Boards as one tool to help them. They were also given color coded flip cards. 

3rd Grade Know Atoms Science

It is amazing to watch the Science lessons evolve. The new program that the GE is sponsoring for Lynn Woods School is proving to be very engaging for the students and very successful in terms of meeting Science goals academically.  The hands on aspect can't be beat!!!