Just last month, Chardon Middle School teachers Shannon Monsman and Shalyn Swick set their classroom tables with checkered tablecloths, centerpieces, paper plates and pre-selected books while dressed as chefs for a book tasting event each hosted for fifth-grade enriched English language art students.
Book Tasting Event
Just last month, Chardon Middle School teachers Shannon Monsman and Shalyn Swick set their classroom tables with checkered tablecloths, centerpieces, paper plates and pre-selected books while dressed as chefs for a book tasting event each hosted for fifth-grade enriched English language art students. Students previewed the books to be paired with the classes’ Patterns of Change curricular unit.
“Providing students with choices in their learning promotes ownership over their education and they become more invested in their learning,” said Monsman. “Decorating the classroom and dressing like a chef gives an interesting twist to the book selection process and creates an engaging environment for students.”
All of the chosen books are centered on characters who encounter family challenges and societal patterns that are the catalyst for personal growth. Titles include “The Wednesday Wars” by Gary D. Schmidt, “Maniac Magee” by Jerry Spinelli, “The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs” by Betty G. Birney and “Feathers” by Jacqueline Woodson.
Monsman’s and Swick’s students rotated between tables and previewed each book by studying the cover, reading a printed synopsis, and reading the first chapter.
“As they tasted each book with their eyes, they completed a menu of questions to help them recall what each book was about at the end of the activity,” said Monsman.
Following the activity, students completed a form explaining which book they would prefer to read and why. Over the next several weeks, students are reading their chosen novels in class and making connections to the concepts of cyclic patterns in literature.
Preschool Mystery Reader
Tiny Toppers in Miss Katherine’s preschool class welcomed a surprise visit from mystery reader Michael P. Hanlon, Superintendent of Chardon Schools, on Dec. 18. Dr. Hanlon stopped by to read aloud “The Book with no Pictures” to the students and share a snack together. The story is a New York Times Best Seller written by B.J. Novak.
“The students loved the very silly story even though it contained zero pictures or illustrations,” said Linda Elegante, director of student services for Chardon Schools. “This is a fun, unique children’s book which will definitely inspire laughter and requests for repeated readings.”
Elf Trapping Project
At Park Elementary School, first-grade students in Tammy Carver’s class learned about cause and effect by working in groups on elf trapping projects. Using STEM bins, the students collaborated to creatively design traps in hopes of catching the classroom elf. Among the clever ideas generated by students were paper pyramids, as well as sticky traps made with tape.
When students and Carver later went to lunch and recess, one of the traps successfully caught the classroom elf. The trap was made by a group that comprised Paige Paterniti, Ben Dolsen, Grady Allen, Adelynne Baird, Peter Ward and Vince Ray. The group of students used connecting tubes to make the base of a maze, then wove pipe cleaners back and forth over the cubes and added a dead-end sign at the end of the maze. Ultimately, it is believed that the group’s use of a second elf to lure the unsuspecting elf to the complicated maze was the key that led to the group’s elf-trapping success.
Compliments to Chefs
Compliments to Hilltopper chefs, junior Courtney Meyer and seniors Logan Bjornholm, Madeline Houser and Katie Whiting, all four of whom are enrolled in Auburn Career Center’s Culinary Arts Program. At the Dec. 16 Chardon Schools Board of Education meeting, BOE member Paul Stefanko sung the praises of the students’ culinary expertise. Stefanko had recently attended an Auburn Culinary Dinner at Auburn Room Restaurant.
“This one was just off the charts,” said Mr. Stefanko. “Top two or three meals I’ve ever had in my life. It was outstanding.”
Chardon Schools’ Curriculum Supervisor, Kelly Moran, Ph.D., attended an event at the restaurant in November.
“What a neat experience observing first-hand our Chardon Schools students living out their curriculum in real-world application at Auburn Career Center,” said Dr. Moran. “It was a pleasure hearing firsthand from the Culinary Arts Program supervisor, Amy Ryan, the actionable learning students are engaged in every day.”
