A Skype Call with Author Lauren Tarshis

We were so excited to have a Skype call with author Lauren Tarshis! The author of the "I Survived" series talked to our third, fourth, and fifth graders about her writing process; how she decides which historic events she chooses to write about; and what authors inspire her. She was so kind, the students asked great questions, and we had a great discussion! The next installment in the I Survived series will focus on the eruption of Mt. St. Helens and will feature a girl on the cover for the first time in the series.

Thanks to Lauren for an enjoyable afternoon!

Google Expeditions Pioneer Program

Today, Miss Carney and Mrs. Ardizzoni were at the Memorial Elementary School to learn about the Google Expeditions Pioneer Program.  This program allows teachers to take students on a virtual reality expedition to a variety of locations.  It was exciting to participate in and see students interacting with their Google Cardboard, virtual reality environment, and one another.  Thank you too Mr. Musselman for teaching us more about recycling during our lesson!

 

Pine Glen Coding Club

A Batastic Visit With Brian Lies

We were so pleased to welcome best selling author and illustrator Brian Lies to Pine Glen! Brian talked to our students about his writing and illustrating process. He also drew two fantastic pictures that will hang in the Pine Glen Learning Commons!

Brian also stressed the importance of practice and perseverance. He stressed that he had to work long and hard to become the artist and author he is, and that success isn't always about talent. As he noted, "practice makes better!"

Thanks to the PTO for sponsoring this great enrichment program. Our students had a great morning!

We're Ready for a Visit!

The library is all ready for our visit tomorrow with author/illustrator Brian Lies! Our K, first, second and third grade classes read Bats at the Beach and made adorable bats to hang in and around the library. Thanks to all who made our book pre-sale such a success! Stay tuned for pictures and a report on Mr. Lies' visit!

Water Cycle Videos

Wow, are students are talented both behind and in front of the camera!  Take a look at the following green screen videos, but also recognize the work going into these final publications.  In collaboration with our grade four team of Mrs. Finn, Mrs. Visocchi, and Miss Merlino as well as specialists Miss Fallon and Mrs. Ardizzoni, our fourth grade students leaned about the water cycle in a creative way.  First, students learned about the various stages in the water cycle and took that knowledge to draw appropriate backgrounds to be used during the video recording.  Miss Fallon, using a reader's theater script from Enchanted Learning, assigned roles and passages to every student.  Students reviewed and practiced their lines as performers do. Before we knew it, recording day arrived.  Mrs. Ardizzoni used the iPad app, Green Screen by DoInk along with student's own background illustrations to record their performances.  Last, using iMovie, Mrs. Ardizzoni created the final versions of the fourth grade water cycle videos below.  Super work!  Enjoy!

Reminder to Pre-Order Author Brian Lies' Books

Author and illustrator Brian Lies will be visiting Pine Glen on Tuesday, March 22nd. He will be speaking to our K-3 students about his work. Pre-sale order forms for Brian's books will be sent home this week. Take advantage of the 45% discount- autographed books make great birthday and holiday gifts! Please contact Miss Carney at 781-221-7798 or mcarney@bpsk12.org for more information.

Introducing Ollie

Fourth graders in Mrs.Visocchi's class had an opportunity to work with Ollie, an app controlled robot. Students first learned how to steer Ollie and had the chance to "drive" it around the room. Once everyone had a "test drive," it was time to see if students could complete a challenge. They were asked to move Ollie three meters in a straight line, turn it around, and bring it back to the starting line. Students designed a runway using meter sticks. They measured three meters and discussed strategies to complete the challenge. Students recorded their strategies and observations with each attempt. With each attempt, students got closer to completing this challenge. The students had a wonderful time using Ollie, and it was a fun, engaging way to work collaboratively incorporating math, technology, and the design process.

Author Brian Lies to Visit Pine Glen

Author and illustrator Brian Lies will be visiting Pine Glen on Tuesday, March 22nd. He will be speaking to our K-3 students about his work. Pre-sale order forms for Brian's books will be sent home this week. Take advantage of the 45% discount- autographed books make great birthday and holiday gifts! Please contact Miss Carney at 781-221-7798 or mcarney@bpsk12.org for more information.