International Day of Peace and The Chickens Build a Wall

I recognized International Day of Peace with most of the grades this year and for the fourth grade classes I read Jean-Francois Dumont’s book, The Chickens Build a Wall.  After reading the book, I posed several questions about the book and asked them to respond to one of them.

Padlet: Student Writing

I introduced Padlet to these students.  The questions were posted in columns and the students used their tablets (we are a 1:1 school) to access Padlet and write a reflection.  Time did not allow for the students to respond to their classmates ideas, but I hope the teachers will take this digital tool and use it in the classroom where they have more time.  They did enjoy reading what other students wrote.

Making a Connection with the Real World

One of our students made a connection with the central idea of the book to something they heard was happening in the United States today.  Check out Kate’s response:

 

International Day of Peace and The Enemy

We recognized the United Nation’s International Day of Peace during the week of September 18-22.  I wanted the students to be aware of and reflect on the concepts surrounding IDP, but I also wanted to introduce/use a digital tool to 5th grade students.

I read the book, The Enemy: A Book About Peace by Davide Cali and Serge Bloch.   I think  some the students were a little surprised by the simplicity of the illustrations and text.  But, for the most part they really got into the story and had definite opinions about it.

Padlet as Response Method

We are a 1:1 school so I had the students bring their tablets with their keyboard and mouse so that the students could share their ideas on Padlet.   (I attempted to use Padlet once in the past without a keyboard and mouse and it was a disaster.  The tablet case’s covering bounced as the student typed and Padlet kept opening up multiple windows!).

I handed out the questions after I read the book and we went over them as a group and they chose one question to respond to. 

My time with each class is limited so the students did not have the opportunity to respond to each other, although they did enjoy reading their classmate’s writings.  I will use Padlet again with this grade and as they have been exposed to it, time will likely permit a more interactive experience.