In first grade we read Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus and then brainstormed ways the pigeon should act if he were at Patton School. Each student took a photo in one area of the school (gym, art room, lunchroom, music, playground, hallway, LMC). Next we learned how to draw the pigeon with Mo Willems and drew him on the photo. Finally they added a Don't Let the Pigeon... rule or guideline for that room.
In second grade, we delved into the first research of the school year. Each student became a community helper and took notes on what they do in their job, the tools they use and what training they need. From their notes, each student wrote a script which they recorded in Explain Everything after putting their own face on a community worker image. Enjoy Mrs. Johnson's workers here and Mrs. Jedd's and Mrs. McLoone's on the 2nd Grade Student Project page.
Fourth and Fifth graders have been learning good searching strategies, practicing smart keyword searches and how to navigate the web more efficiently just like they have learned to find and use information from a book.