Posted on Thursday, January 14, 2016

The Wonder of a Snowflake:

The Story of Snowflake Bentley

Like me do you enjoy watching the snowflakes fall, or walking in the snow and catching snowflakes on your gloves? Do you wonder about snowflakes? I do. Snowflake Bentley is the story of William Bentley, a young boy who loved snow and his discovery of how to photograph the beauty of each individual flake.

A student mention the Children’s book Snowflake Bentley. Not remembering the book, I went internet exploring which led to the discovery of a fascinating new book and wonder of the beauty and uniqueness of creation. (All grading of assignments stopped.) If you missed the book, watch the Scholastic video based on Snowflake Bentley. For fun, watch a snowflake as it grows into a six-sided snowflakes in slow motion. National Science Foundation production Snowflakes Photographed By a New High Speed Camera which introduces students to pioneer explorers and vocabulary related to different types of snowflakes. Both the vocabulary and photographs are awesome.

Six important concepts students can learn from Snowflake Bentley and William Bentley’s story.

Bentley pursued his interest with passion. He was committed to taking pictures of snowflakes to reveal their beauty. His parents helped to support him in his quest. Developing interests and following passions is an important character trait. Having adults who support, encourage, and affirm is also imperative.
Bentley shared his passion with others. He used his snowflake photographs as gifts, talked to groups, and published his pictures. Students need ways to share their interests with others as well. Often adults can help students to find creative and safe avenues to share.
Bentley worked hard for the joy of his discoveries, not for potential income. Some people are able to make large sums of money by pursuing their dreams. Others will find their joy in life through their passions, but support their interests through other jobs. Looking for entrepreneur opportunities is always positive and parents and teachers can provide valuable input.
Bentley persevered. When others made fun of him, he did not give up. When others were playing, he continued to work. When he took pictures for one whole winter and did not get one good photograph, he waited until the next winter and tried a new technique. He did not give up, and he looked for new solutions to his problems. Perseverance is an important life trait. Internal self-motivation is the secret, not external demands from parents and teachers.
Bentley was fascinated with nature. His research was finding ways to share the uniqueness of snowflakes. Bentley’s photographs of snowflakes are beautiful, filling the observer with the awe of the beauty in nature too small to observe without magnification.
Bentley had a personal mission. He wanted to take photographs of snowflakes so that he could leave the world with a gift of beauty. The photographs were not enough alone. He wanted to leave the world a special gift. How different our world would be if we all wanted to leave a gift.

When sharing this book with a student consider asking questions such as the ones below. Remember comprehension is increased with discussion.

Why do you think William Bentley loved snow?
How did Bentley know that the snowflakes were so beautiful?
Why do you think it was so important for Bentley to take the photographs of the snowflakes?
What did Bentley mean when he said his photographs were a gift to the world?
What do you like best about Bentley?
How are you like Bentley?
How would you like to be more like Bentley?

Snowflake Bentley led me away from my to-do list task for the morning, but it was an exciting day of learning and being appreciative of God’s creation. That’s my passion for children, that they too will discover the wonder and awe of their world. Leave a comment about how you are sharing the wonder and awe of the world with your students.

Posted on Thursday, January 7, 2016

The Wonder of Flotsam

"Reading" Wordless Books to Students

“You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax. All you need is a book.” Dr. Seuss. The 2007 Caldecott Winner, Flotsam by David Wiesner is one of these books full of magic. Wonder and delight make this a favorite of children (and adults).

Flotsam is a wordless book that tells the story of a young boy at the beach. He appears to have come with a variety of tools, ready to explore, and discover treasures from the sea. The captivating find of an old camera is a magical treasure with surprising secrets. A one minute video on Wiesner’s website does an excellent job of introducing the book.

Five reasons a student should “read” Flotsam.
1. Discussion: In contrast to a book where the student is listening to a story being read, a wordless book invites discussion. Flotsam demands a companion to share and discuss the wonder together. The caveat is talking about the pictures and the story promotes deeper and more significant comprehension.

2. Focus: Each page pulls the child into the story with each page pleading for a closer look and deeper thinking. The artistic drawings, the magical surprises, and the possibilities will bring the reader back for multiple reviews.

3. Vocabulary: How can a wordless book create vocabulary? Flotsam is one of two words used to describe debris in the ocean. Flotsam refers to debris in the water that is there accidentally. In contrast, Jetsam is a similar term, but comes from the word jettison. Jetsam is debris deliberately thrown into the water, such as material thrown overboard with a sinking ship. Names of shells, nautical tools, microscopes and magnifying glasses, and words such as magnification and encrustations are all potentially new vocabulary that can emerge through the discussions.

4. Imagination: the photographs found in the camera generate discussions about what is realistic, imaginative, and possible.

5. Fun: it is a book that appears to be realistic and somewhat predictable, until the camera is found and pictures are developed. Then the laughter begins.

Don’t miss this book! It is a perfect choice for reading to one or two children at a time. So sit back and relax. Flotsam is a book where you can find magic.

References:
http://quotesgram.com/dr-seuss-book-quotes/
http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottmedal/caldecottmedal
http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/flotsam-jetsam.html

Posted on Thursday, December 17, 2015

100 Things To Do!

Learning to Set Goals

The family all created their own private list of 100 things they want to do during their life time. After three days, when everyone’s list was complete they began discussing each family member’s ideas. Discussions continued over several days as lists were adjusted and common goals were identified.

Why might we want to do something similar with the children in our life?

1. 100 things is a great way to begin teaching creative thinking and brainstorming. All ideas are worthy of consideration. Start the list, but do not try to finish it in one sitting. Instead work on it over a week. Talk about “incubation,” times when resting from the brainstorming can help us think of new and different ideas. Encourage creative thinking by “piggybacking” ideas from others by listening and changing their ideas for personal preferences. Although 100 things seems like a lot, more ideas are likely to generate the best ones. (Great project for the 100th day of school.)

2. 100 things is appropriate for a four year old, 18 year old, or 70 year old. Some children might need some help writing their ideas or being realistic, but it is an awesome idea for all ages. This is not a list of things we want, but a list of things we will work towards achieving. A nine year old’s goal of having mind control like a video game is probably not a good option for the list. A ride on a Pirate ship may seem unrealistic, but with a little research it might be a possibility. (Check out www.piratecruise.net/) A trip to Hawaii might be the perfect vacation for the whole family, but maybe it will require time for the family to save some money. It still goes on the list. Everything on the list should be a goal or something to work towards, not something to be given. If the list is a toy, do not list the toy as the “thing,” but list earning the money to purchase the toy.

3. 100 things gives ideas of goals to work towards individually and as a group. The power of setting goals is not floating through life, but having direction. If we know what we want to accomplish, we can work towards it. Children learn an important life skill through this process.

4. 100 Things generates conversation where children learn to listen to others, support other’s ideas, and learn from each other.

Once lists are complete and have been shared, choose three items off each person’s list to focus on for the next few weeks or months. Choose an item which can be accomplished rather quickly with a little work, one which will take longer, and another which might include long term planning. Consider one item that everyone is working on together. Post the short lists where everyone can review and support each other. Make it a priority to encourage, discuss, and review the “things” each person is working on weekly.

When a “thing” is accomplished—celebrate. Put the date beside the number, and choose another goal to accomplish. Maybe even add another “thing” to the list, making it 101 Things I Want To Do! The list might be a life time project, or at least several years. It will be a great memory and the list is definitely something to save. Start the brainstorming and creative thinking for your “100 Things I Want To Do” list today.

Posted on Thursday, December 10, 2015

Have A Brain? Use It.

Creative Thinking and Estimation

A picture book enjoyed by tweens, Counting on Frank by Rod Clement is an excellent book for Elementary Students with the comical pictures of his absurd calculations and imagination.

The assignment: Choose a children’s literature book and explain why the book reveals something about you. Counting on Frank by Rod Clement was my first choice. Frank’s father tells him if he has a brain, use it, and so Frank creates mathematical problems with large numbers and significant estimation strategies. One of my favorites is his calculation for knocking off 15 peas from his dinner plate each night for eight years, bringing the pea level on the floor to the top of the table. Frank explains, “Maybe then Mom would understand that her son does not like peas.”

Like Frank, I am not a great fan of peas, but it is the mathematical thinking that draws me to the book and the questions: “What if?” or “How many?” What if his toaster was the size of a house? What if he grew at the same rate as a gum tree? How many cans of dog food are needed to fill the shopping cart? How many pieces of candy in a candy jar? How long of a line could I draw before the ink would run out? Frank is a pro at creative math, estimations, critical thinking, and thinking mathematically. He thinks like this throughout the day in all areas of his life. He has a brain and uses it, while taking a bath, watching television, going to sleep. He is a kid who has learned the fun of thinking critically and exploring with math.

As educators and parents it is a book we can use to inspire the same characteristics in our children. After reading the book, set up some estimation problems to get them started in the process. For younger children provide a small jar and a bag of M&M’s. Together create a strategy for estimating how many M&M’s will cover the bottom of the jar and then how many in half the jar, or a full jar. While we could say “guess,” increase vocabulary and mathematical and scientific language by using “estimate,” or “hypothesize.” (Counting to see how close the estimation is to the actual number is a great way to practice counting.) With older students compute the area of their bedroom, and then have a blast predicting how many of a variety of items it will take to fill the room. (Some will be ready to calculate the area minus the area of their furniture.) It would take 769 of my small dog to completely fill my empty office, or with my furniture 691. As active as Tilly is, there is no way that many dogs, could be shoved into place! Using our imaginations, math can be silly, fun, and an excellent way to create a love for math and creative thinking. Remember what Frank’s dad always told him: Have a brain? Use it.

Asking questions can be fun and insightful as well. Ask your kids, what is a book you have read which reveals something about you? How about you? What children’s book would you choose that reveals something about you? Leave a comment below.