First grade students at Mokena Elementary School recently finished their module on tools and work by creating a “magnificent thing” that solved a problem in their classroom. Students worked in small groups to identify a problem, brainstormed a creative solution, and built their project. Students then created an informational writing paper on the steps they took to create the project and then presented their findings to their third grade buddy class.
Dr. Kristin Johnson, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, gave an overview of the module: “Our students engaged in a module learning about tools and work and how tools help us do work. They learned this through a variety of reading experiences including fiction and nonfiction books. They had to work together to identify a problem to solve or a need in their classroom and, together with a small group, develop a magnificent thing.”
Before starting the project, students read “The Most Magnificent Thing” by Ashley Spires in class. The book is a story about creativity, resilience, perseverance, and the importance of trial and error. It's also a reminder that most problems can be worked out if you give it time.
Fourteen students presented their magnificent things and informational writing to the Board of Education.
The first group of students (Charlotte Crescent, Grayson Hughes, and Owen Talty) created a “Finders
Keepers”, a place to put lost papers by using markers to color the box, paper, and tools such as scissors.
The second group of students (Michael Aguirre, Emerson Breen, Brooklyn Firlit, Jack Bindy) created a homework bin by using markers, tape, and paper.
The third group of students (Violet Quitman, Ryann Runia, Brantley Fischer, and Arya Schroeder) created a mailbox and decorated it using stamps, colored pencils, and tape.
The fourth group of students ((Elliot Dougherty, James Kruspe, Emersyn Crotty) created a variety of posters for their classroom using markers, crayons, pom pom balls, sequins, cat stickers, and glue.
“One of the things we worked on besides tools was reading, writing, and character traits. Before we can really be great readers and writers, we have to be good listeners and speakers. We learned about collaboration, working well with others, and perseverance,” said first grade teacher Mrs. Macie.