Today we did a number of activities—a sort selected response assessment, a group sort, and clay modeling—that sought to deepen students’ knowledge and understanding of US patriotic symbols. Out of it all, the clay was the coolest part. Kids love that sort of kinesthetic, playful application of their knowledge. Many of them made some amazing small-scale models of patriotic symbols. A few of our students revealed hidden artistic talents that we never knew existed. As the students were molding the clay, my teaching partner and I circulated and asked purposeful questions regarding the particular symbols that each child had chosen to make. I personally was amazed and excited by the responses we received. We asked students to share several facts about their patriotic symbol, they quickly rattled off construction details or wingspans. The handful of ambitious sculptors who took on the task of recreating Lady Liberty were able to easily recite off Her height to the nearest inch.
The kids had fun, but truly were synthesizing, applying and being held accountable for their learning in the previous lessons. This lesson/activity went really well.
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