Learning to LearnBeaumont School, England

Results of trials following the study visit to Auglend Skole Stavanger

Title: background to the trials

Younger children and ‘station’ work

• Younger children using stations to work at and rotating the groups after a set time

• We recognised this system but we weren’t using it.

• We looked at how we could use the system with a larger class and less space.

What we tried out

Discussed between younger classes using the system for an integrated activity afternoon with play activities or in the morning with more ‘formal’ work.

Because of space limitations decided to use it for afternoon sessions.

Children enjoyed moving round when whistle blew. Helped with team work and ensuring the children experienced all the activities rather than having free choice. It was fun!

Title: background to the trialsActive outdoor Maths

• Outdoor ‘stations’ with choice of how to rotate around the activities

• Children had made their own resources.

• Children had been involved in setting up the activities and explained very clearly how they worked and the mathematics involved in them.

What we tried out

Liked the idea of the older children planning activities for the younger children with a ‘maths’ theme.

However this would make the maths games less challenging than the ones we played in Norway.

Plan to use the idea in the new academic year for a ‘challenge’ day with parents and children from the other local schools.

Title: background to the trials

Technical Lego

• Technical lego being used to set the children challenges within the class – making drag racing models.

• Use of simple programming system with on screen instruction making code.

What we tried out

We have started a lunchtime ‘ lego club ’ open to all children.

We asked for lego ‘donations’ from staff, parents and children.

Have very little technical lego and so are considering buying some elements from LEGO Mindstorms.

Also interested in entering some global competitions

What we tried out

• Jr. FIRST LEGO League

• Jr. FLL captures the imagination and minds of thousands of six to nine-year-olds each year, with a real-world challenge to be solved by research, critical thinking and imagination. Guided by adult coaches, students work with LEGO Technic elements and moving parts to create solutions and present them for review. They design and build solutions using LEGO elements, explore real world challenges faced by today’s scientists and develop Show-Me poster presentations of their own thoughts and ideas. In 2010 there were approximately 1,500 Jr.FLL teams competing in the US and Canada, the Netherlands and Belgium. The competition season runs from September to July.

• For more information visit: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/jr.fll

• Martin has started to use Scratch with his 4 and 5 year olds for programming

www.scratch.mit.edu/scratch_1.4

Final comments

• We really enjoyed our visit to Norway and took back lots of ideas.

• As we start the new academic year we are hoping to try out more of the things we have listed