Disney Decoded
7-1-16
Today in class we started by watching the trailer for an upcoming Disney movie called Moanna and discussing it. After that, we went to see the play from the class, Shakespeare's Kids. Next we watched a slideshow of all the photos taken during Project Seek and then went to snack. After snack we learned about Disney and the way they portray female characters and issues in body image. To finish the day, we played some games that we had learned previously and cleaned up the room.
I'd like to thank all the Disney Decoded students and their parents for making these past few weeks so much fun. I had a fabulous time getting to know all the students, teaching them, and most importantly learning with and from them. I hope everyone enjoyed Disney Decoded as much as I did and I will miss seeing everyones faces every morning. Thanks again and I hope you all have a great summer!!
-Ms. Hensch
Today in class we started by watching the trailer for an upcoming Disney movie called Moanna and discussing it. After that, we went to see the play from the class, Shakespeare's Kids. Next we watched a slideshow of all the photos taken during Project Seek and then went to snack. After snack we learned about Disney and the way they portray female characters and issues in body image. To finish the day, we played some games that we had learned previously and cleaned up the room.
I'd like to thank all the Disney Decoded students and their parents for making these past few weeks so much fun. I had a fabulous time getting to know all the students, teaching them, and most importantly learning with and from them. I hope everyone enjoyed Disney Decoded as much as I did and I will miss seeing everyones faces every morning. Thanks again and I hope you all have a great summer!!
-Ms. Hensch
6-30-16
Today was a big work day therefore there was no specific Disney movie that we focused on. We started the day by making cover pages for our books. Next we went to see the musical performed by the class Sing It, Act It, Shake It. The girls really enjoyed the performance as many of them had friends who were in the show. After the play we spent some time finishing up any crafts/projects that weren't completely done. The girls wanted everything to be finished and looking good for tonights open house. After snack we finished our books and played a team vs. team game. The teams were quizzed on what they had learned (and remembered) in Project Seek. We ended the day by getting the room ready for open house.
Reminder: Open House is TONIGHT. Please stop in any time from 5-7pm to see everything your child has been learning and creating. The class, Strike It Rich, will be selling snacks and dinner items such as tacos in a bag and hotdogs in the cafeteria if you're interested. Tonight is also a great time to check out the other classes to see what your child might be interested in doing in the future.
Today was a big work day therefore there was no specific Disney movie that we focused on. We started the day by making cover pages for our books. Next we went to see the musical performed by the class Sing It, Act It, Shake It. The girls really enjoyed the performance as many of them had friends who were in the show. After the play we spent some time finishing up any crafts/projects that weren't completely done. The girls wanted everything to be finished and looking good for tonights open house. After snack we finished our books and played a team vs. team game. The teams were quizzed on what they had learned (and remembered) in Project Seek. We ended the day by getting the room ready for open house.
Reminder: Open House is TONIGHT. Please stop in any time from 5-7pm to see everything your child has been learning and creating. The class, Strike It Rich, will be selling snacks and dinner items such as tacos in a bag and hotdogs in the cafeteria if you're interested. Tonight is also a great time to check out the other classes to see what your child might be interested in doing in the future.
6-29-16
Today in class we learned about the Disney movie, Brave. We started the day learning about Celtic Knots and making our own talismans for good luck. Next we were visited by a special guest. Josh Reistad who is a North Branch Middle School teacher and the archery coach came in to teach the class some archery skills. All of the girls had a great time and didn't want to stop shooting when the time was up. Check out the slideshow and video below to see the archery session. After archery we learned about Scotland, its culture, and its music. After snack we worked on our books for awhile (while listening to bagpipe music) and then had a quick target practice competition with magnetic darts. To finish of the day we made our own bow and arrows. |
6-28-16
Beauty and the Beast was the focus of today. We started the day by creating hand held mirrors like the magic mirror in the movie. Next we went over the life lessons that Beauty and the Beast teaches its viewers such as don't judge someone on how they look and be humble. Today we also started writing and illustrating our own books and most of the girls finished a couple pages. After snack we learned about the differences between animated Disney movies and live Disney movies with real people because a live version of Beauty and the Beast is set to come out in 2017. We even watched an animated clip from the film and then acted out our own versions (see the videos below for the beginning part of the scene). The animated version of the scene we acted out can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZtmuwwY8Nk (scene starts at 1:54 and ends at 3:38) We finished the day by making paper roses like the enchanted rose in the film. Reminder: Tomorrow the focus is Brave. We will be doing archery, so please wear movable/comfy clothes and be ready to hit the target. :) |
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6-27-16
The movie we focused on today was Frozen. We started off the day with a snowflake making contest. After a class vote we had a tie for first place. Next we learned about a theory that many Disney characters (including Anna and Elsa) were related to each other. After a discussion, the girls unanimously decided that they agreed with the theory. Next we learned about plot elements and created the plot line for our stories. After snack we did two experiments involving ice. In these experiments we learned about convection and the effect of salt on ice. We ended the day making trolls like the ones in Frozen. See the slideshow below for some photos of the days activities. Reminder: This Thursday night is the open house, it runs from 5-7pm. Please stop in anytime to see the things your children have been learning and creating. |
6-24-16
The Princess and the Frog was the main focus of today. We started the day by making frogs out of construction paper and toilet paper rolls. Next we learned about setting, first by deciphering the setting elements of The Princess and the Frog and then by creating our own settings for the books we will being writing on Monday. After this we learned about Jazz music by listening to it, learning about its history, and learning about the instruments jazz musicians play. We even checked out a real trumpet. After snack we learned about the culture of New Orleans and made our own Mardi Gras masks. We ended the day by thinking about Tiana's dream to own a restaurant and comparing her dreams to dreams of our own. The girls all shared their dreams which include: popstar, mom, veterinarian, doctor, horse rider, cat owner, and even college. :) |
6-23-16
Today was our field trip! We went to see the latest Disney movie, Finding Dory. The girls all liked the movie with most girls giving it a four or five out of five. Along with seeing the movie we also finished our bottle crafts that we started yesterday. They will be on display (along with everything else we have made) at open house night next Thursday. |
6-22-16
Today was dedicated to Finding Nemo and Finding Dory. We started the day off learning about the ocean's food chain by categorizing characters from Finding Nemo (see chart to the right). Next we learned about recycling and how pollution affects the ocean and the creatures that live in it. After this we went to the computer lab to do some research on the characters we will be meeting in Finding Dory (when we see it tomorrow). We ended the day by starting our next craft of turning plastic bottles into Dory, Nemo, or Hank. We will be finishing these tomorrow after the field trip. Each student was given a letter today with some important information and reminders. I have attached a copy below for your convenience. |
6-21-16
It was Mulan Day today and we learned a lot about China and the movie itself. We wrote our names in Chinese, learned what Chinese year we were born in, and made fans. We also spent some time talking about Mulan and the influence she had in China as a woman. As our class is all girls, we had a discussion about "girl power" and how strong we all are. Along with the lessons on Mulan and China, we started our books by developing our own characters. Still, the highlight of the day was learning Karate from Chuck Phillips fromKyoshin Ryu Karate Academy in Forest Lake. He went over several basic self-defense skills and basic Karate moves such as how to kick. Overall, the girls had a lot of fun going outside to learn from Chuck. See the Slideshow below for some pictures from the Lesson with Chuck. Reminder: The extended day is this Thursday from 8:30-2:30PM. We will be going to see the newest Disney film, Finding Dory. Please send $5.00 with your child for their movie ticket. If they would like to buy movie snacks please have them bring extra money as well. They also need to bring a packed lunch and wear their Project Seek shirts. |
6-20-16
The focus of today was The Little Mermaid. After reviewing the story and its plot elements we went to the computer lab to do some research on mermaids. After researching different websites, each student used their new found knowledge to determine if they thought mermaids were real or not. We also talked about the accuracy of internet information and how to make our own decisions about what we find. After snack time we created submarine windows which can be seen below in the slide show. Another highlight of the day included finding our own dinglehoppers and trying them out. |
6-17-16
Today was Cinderella in Disney Decoded. We started off the day learning the original Brothers Grimm story of Cinderella and comparing it to the Disney version. In this process, we learned about adaptations and how they make old stories new for different audiences. Next we made our own Cinderella glass slippers. Each class has to clean up after snack once during Project Seek and today was our day. We cleaned up, just like Cinderella, aprons and all. Next we learned how to waltz and had a dance-off (see the video below). After this we broke into two teams and designed dresses for the ball and modeled the creations. We ended the day with a game called "Knight, Princess and Dragon."
Today was Cinderella in Disney Decoded. We started off the day learning the original Brothers Grimm story of Cinderella and comparing it to the Disney version. In this process, we learned about adaptations and how they make old stories new for different audiences. Next we made our own Cinderella glass slippers. Each class has to clean up after snack once during Project Seek and today was our day. We cleaned up, just like Cinderella, aprons and all. Next we learned how to waltz and had a dance-off (see the video below). After this we broke into two teams and designed dresses for the ball and modeled the creations. We ended the day with a game called "Knight, Princess and Dragon."
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Check out a video of the students dancing the waltz |
6-16-16
It was an awesome first day of Disney Decoded!! We started the day with learning about the class and the exiting things to come. We also spent some time getting to know each other and by the end of the day almost everyone knew each others names. Next, we designed and decorated crowns using, among other things, a lot of glitter, sequence and rhinestones. After snack time we completed an activity called, "If I were a Disney Character I would be....because...." To finish off the day we brainstormed and decided on a land to decorate our classroom as. After a vote, we turned our classroom into an "Under the Sea" fantasy world. A letter was set home with each student outlining some class activities and logistics. If you did not receive this letter, please scroll down as I attached an online copy of it for your convenience. Also check out the slideshow for some photos from the day.
It was an awesome first day of Disney Decoded!! We started the day with learning about the class and the exiting things to come. We also spent some time getting to know each other and by the end of the day almost everyone knew each others names. Next, we designed and decorated crowns using, among other things, a lot of glitter, sequence and rhinestones. After snack time we completed an activity called, "If I were a Disney Character I would be....because...." To finish off the day we brainstormed and decided on a land to decorate our classroom as. After a vote, we turned our classroom into an "Under the Sea" fantasy world. A letter was set home with each student outlining some class activities and logistics. If you did not receive this letter, please scroll down as I attached an online copy of it for your convenience. Also check out the slideshow for some photos from the day.
6-15-16
Welcome to the page for Disney Decoded. I can't wait to meet everyone tomorrow when class starts. I have a lot of things planned so be ready for an exciting and busy 12 days. We will be learning archery, karate, how to waltz, making crafts, writing stories, and really digging into to the Disney stories that we all love. Please remember to bring a little money each day if you plan to purchase a snack or bring your own snack from home. Also, if you have any questions about the bussing pick up times or locations, please visit the "Home" page of this site as there is a chart with all the information needed. Again, I can't wait to meet everyone tomorrow and start Decoding Disney! :)
Welcome to the page for Disney Decoded. I can't wait to meet everyone tomorrow when class starts. I have a lot of things planned so be ready for an exciting and busy 12 days. We will be learning archery, karate, how to waltz, making crafts, writing stories, and really digging into to the Disney stories that we all love. Please remember to bring a little money each day if you plan to purchase a snack or bring your own snack from home. Also, if you have any questions about the bussing pick up times or locations, please visit the "Home" page of this site as there is a chart with all the information needed. Again, I can't wait to meet everyone tomorrow and start Decoding Disney! :)
Extended Day: Thursday June 23rd
We will be going to see the newest Disney movie: Finding Dory. Please bring $5.00 for your movie ticket and if you would like to bring some more money for movie theater snacks, please do so. After the movie we will eat lunch in the theater party room, so bring a bag lunch. Also please wear your Project Seek shirt :) |
Other Special Class Days
Mulan Day: On Tuesday, June 21st Chuck Phillips from Kyoshin Ryu Karate Academy in Forest Lake will be coming to teach us some karate and basic self defense skills. Brave Day: On Wednesday, June 29th Josh Reistad, who teaches archery for North Branch Community Education, will be coming to teach how to shoot real bows. Please wear comfy/moveable clothes on these days so you can fully participate in the activities. |