Me on a Map

We've begun learning about maps and our place on Earth.  Students wrote about themselves last week and created a map of their bedrooms.

Writing about Pirates, Map Reading, and Watching Out for PIRATES

The kids had a BLAST working with pirates.  They were eager to hear read alouds and write.

After reading pirate books we made a Pros and Cons Chart. The kids also wrote an opinion piece. They had to state if they wanted to be a pirate or not and give reasons.

I'm quite impressed with how well they have done with opinion writing this year.  The common core states students only have to give one reason to support their opinion but of course I ask for more!!

After learning about maps the kids went on a treasure hunt!! They were SO EXCITED for the end of the week to come.

When they came to class Friday, this was the first sign they saw...

Now would you have entered?  Of course ALL of them came charging in.  They found pencils, hats, eye patches, jewels, pencils, and treasure maps to read.

Throughout the day we went on 4 treasure hunts.  The kids had to read the maps and follow the directions.  They were quite GOOD, finding each treasure chest and not getting lost.

They also had to dress up like a pirate.  We wanted to fool any pirate we saw in school so they wouldn't think we were STEALING their treasure!

Here we are following the directions to one of our maps...it lead us right to our principal's office.

As, we walked in this is what we saw.  ShhHhhhh, can you believe it?  Our principal, Mr. Cyr, is actually a pirate.  I'm not sure how he manages both jobs but he definitely plays the role well each year.  He had the pirate talk down, was holding tightly onto the treasure, and even told jokes.  

His favorite..."What's a pirates favorite letter? RRrRRrrrr!" Some of the kiddos got it but I think some just laughed because he was acting SO FUNNY!

Here they are all dressed up!  I told them to look like pirates and these are the looks I got.  Pretty convincing, right?

Have a relaxing weekend!

ArrrRrrrr...Where's The Booty!

Ahoy, Matey!  As I've said the kids have been right into pirates.  It actually worked out quite well because we're also working on map skills.

Friday was the day of the BIG treasure hunt.  Clues had been left in my room all week and the kiddos had been looking for pirates.  Coins, gold, necklaces, and maps were found in my room.

The kids learned about the compass rose and how it's useful.  The kids had to follow the directions on the map to find their treasure.

Seems I have a similar picture of our assistant principal sleeping at school!! :o)