Throughout this school year, our students have been engaged in extraordinary learning experiences and challenged to develop critical thinking skills, work cooperatively with peers and utilize problem solving strategies. The following examples simply highlight a few of the rigorous and engaging instructional endeavors taking place at Magruder Elementary School.
This year, our students have been able to take part in the Stock Market Game. The Stock Market Game challenges students in mathematics as they endeavor to grow their virtual portfolios. This learning experience involves cooperative groups of students engaged in researching, trading and monitoring stocks throughout the school year. Students analyze investment opportunities and make judgments regarding which stocks to buy and sell in order to increase their initial portfolio value of $100,000. This powerful learning activity provides students with a real-world experience in which they are challenged to excel in the areas of cooperation, problem solving, mathematics and economics.
In order to make connections beyond the classroom, MES students have been involved in Skype video conferencing during instructional activities. Skype has allowed our students to connect with other classrooms within York County and experts from around the world. Recently, our students were able to Skype with Beck Seashols, the author of “Weiner Dog Adventures: The Treasure of Kittybooty Island” after reading her book in class. This 21st Century tool is definitely enhancing student engagement and learning within the school.
Students in all grade levels have used iPods as part of the lessons within their classrooms. A vast-array of educational Apps have been utilized in order to enhance instructional activities across the curriculum. Whether using Apps such as Super Why, Freddy Fraction or Pass the Past; the students’ use of iPods is having a positive impact on their understanding of abstract concepts and level of engagement.
Finally, our students have explored division via a cross-curricular activity involving mathematics, art and technology. Using digital cameras and video production software, students created Claymation products by taking photographs of their clay representations of division problems. Through the Claymation process, they were able to turn the still photographs into a sequential video and gain a greater understanding of the long-division algorithm.
Magruder Elementary School continues to challenge students via authentic learning experiences and digital tools. It is an absolute honor to serve as the principal of such an outstanding school.
