“From Under Our Big Tree” NEWSLETTER (Week 21-5 to 7 Class): Spotlight on TKG’s Innovation Lab

“Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth.”

Good Morning!

You may have heard that our Innovation Lab/Project Time has a new layer.  We began with role playing in the neighborhood and developing characters and making mini books.  For one of our books, my provocation (definition) was to think about a problem their character has in the neighborhood.  Litter was a problem that many of them encountered.

Our emergent plan continued when, as the Mayor, I asked them to create inventions that would help solve the litter problem.  I introduced two parameters: the plan must fit on a paper I gave them and everyone begins with the same building materials.  In order to access more materials, they would come to the Studio Store (video) and make a proposal – as in, explain to me the details of what items where needed, the quantity or volume, and the projected use.  After each session we regroup and reflect and plan on what they intend to do and experience in the next session.  During the first reflection they all agreed they would like to use money at the store and have more time.   Talk about real world, who doesn’t want money and time?  So the next meeting Mayor Wooly gave them a budget of $10.  With each session I add a layer, such as collaborating and designating one spokesperson from your group to represent your proposal.  I create the opportunity for equity by asking that every group member have an opportunity to visit the store.
Both classrooms have been thinking about the city and the neighborhood, so our upcoming field trip is a way to take this learning out into the world. We are grateful that the City of Redondo is opening up their doors to show us the inner workings of several of the important city services that the City provides its citizens: City Hall, the Police Department and the Library. This insiders’ look at the goings-on at these valuable city services is sure to provide a deeper understanding of how a city functions and how we as citizens can both contribute to and benefit from our city.

Starting with a ten dollar bill customers had to determine the amount of change they should receive (their tools include readily available paper and a math rack).  The money concept not only supported subtraction practice but it revealed some growth edges.  Some groups quickly ran out of money and realized they need to slow down and not buy everything so quickly.  Fortunately Studio Store takes returns if the items are in good condition.  The store also has a security system so if customers try to walk off without paying for an item the alarm will sound.  Knowing that budgets were running low I offered a chance to come work for Wooly during Deep Learning.  I have to admit, I’m having fun right there with them!

Currently Studio Store is having a sale and most items are 25 cents (video).  Yes, this was my way of introducing coin values.  I read Cliques Just Don’t Make Cents which not only supported our understanding of the coins, but helped us dig into some of our social struggles.  We’ve been practicing chanting 25, 50, 75, 100 and are getting comfortable using quarters as currency.

With the excitement of Studio Store I feel they have been finding ways to stretch out their projects, so the mayor will ask them to submit their proposals by a specific deadline.  We look forward to sharing our inventions with you soon!

Happy Learning,

Michelle

COMMUNICATION CHANNELS
Michelle Goldbach-Johnson, Founding Teacher/5 to 7 Classroom
Yvette Fenton, Co-Teacher, 5 to 7 Classroom
Dawn Smith, Co-Teacher, 5 to 7 Classroom
Lena Garcia, School Builder/5-7 Class Mentor and Collaborator
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