Fifth Grade Language Arts ( about 11 years old)
@GardenGerty (157485)
United States
May 7, 2019 7:42am CST
We read a lot at school. We also get read to a lot at school. The class I am in the most has just finished listening to Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
In the book it talks about Ma Ingalls stitching clothes and mending clothes. The teacher has gone to great lengths to help these kids appreciate that there is no Wal Mart or Old Navy or Rue 21 to buy new things if they have a rip or hole. Also, no sewing machines or factories.
To end that unit, Monday the kids were shown a video from Facebook about creative ways to repair and remake clothing. Then the fun began.
The teacher had cut out circles of felt about three inches across. She brought needles, and thread. Instruction was given on how to thread a needle, how to make a knot in the thread, how to sew the circles together--a couple of options. They had instructions about tying off their thread.She had buttons and beads they could sew on as well.
The students ALL loved it. It is amazing what they will talk about while doing these projects, and what they will dream up as well. Even the boys who only do and talk about sports.
It was good for me, because I could help with this. I told them I have been sewing for about fifty five years. Since I was about their age.
One boy used the thread to make an emoji. Others sewed on beads. The girl who wants to be a fashion designer turned her project inside out once it was sewn so she could stuff it to be a pillow or plushie. Some made coasters for their water bottles.
I wish language arts was this cool when I was their age.
8 people like this
9 responses
@GardenGerty (157485)
• United States
10 May 19
@just4him I have my weird worries as well. I am disturbed when every kid in the class has an IPad or Chrome book and much of the instruction or free time is spent on electronics.I am glad I could clear it up that this is a real live teacher reading and explaining and asking questions as they go.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157485)
• United States
8 May 19
The kids have a certain number of books they must read independently and take "lexile" tests on. At this grade level there is an incentive to read a million words and get an extra field trip to laser tag. They are expected to have a book on hand to read any time they have nothing to do. However, the teacher reads to them for a few minutes twice a day from different books. The children each have their own copy of the book for one of the learning block times and that is when they expand activities on the book.Like the sewing project. At another time in the day they get a book read to them, while they are allowed to doodle and create or just listen. Also, in the fall they do "One school, one book" where the students all read or listen to a book and have learning activities to go with it and sometimes do research projects. The librarian also reads to them once a week. The librarian is finding partner poems to read this year. She prints a copy for each class and students get to read to each other in the poem, like reader's theater.
2 people like this
@just4him (305442)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
8 May 19
@GardenGerty That's great! I was worried about the audiobook takeover to reading. I'm hearing so much about audiobooks now, I was afraid kids wouldn't know what a book was anymore. I know that's silly, but it's just me being weird.
1 person likes this
@Courtlynn (66921)
• United States
9 May 19
Oh wow. That's so cool. Im glad they all enjoyed the learning experience.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (157485)
• United States
10 May 19
There is so much more to learn beyond worksheets. I wish I was back in school.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157485)
• United States
14 Jun 19
@Courtlynn My daughter is homeschooling her four. The oldest is beginning to pester to go to public school, she did in Kdg. and first grade. I do not think it will happen though.
1 person likes this
@Courtlynn (66921)
• United States
13 May 19
@GardenGerty yes there is. which is the one of the two reasons why i would homeschool.
1 person likes this
@ShyBear88 (59273)
• Sterling, Virginia
7 May 19
That was a very good life lesson. Sewing can be fun. I’m not very good st it but my knitting skills are pretty good.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157485)
• United States
8 May 19
It would be nice for the kids to learn more.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157485)
• United States
14 Jun 19
It can be a relaxing hobby as well.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
7 May 19
How exciting for them!
I bet the little girl who wants to be a fashion designer loved it the most.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (157485)
• United States
8 May 19
Actually the teacher says two of the most "jock" boys seemed to like it the most. It was fun to see them light up with understanding of what the story was about.
@GardenGerty (157485)
• United States
10 May 19
@ScribbledAdNauseum I don't think they will since everyone was required to participate.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
8 May 19
@GardenGerty That is kind of cool! I hope they don't get teased about enjoying it so much.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157485)
• United States
11 May 19
Some kids never get a chance at any of these things if it is not for school. It was cool to see the enthusiasm.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157485)
• United States
8 May 19
It makes things real for them. I think we have great teachers.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157485)
• United States
8 May 19
I think it makes things "cozy" to do creative work. So often that gets left out anymore.
1 person likes this
