FBI Headquarters: A Reading Assessment

On Friday, I transformed my classroom into FBI Headquarters for a reading lesson on character analysis.  This activity was extremely engaging for my 5th graders, allowed me to formatively assess in a unique way, and aligned with CCSS.

In reading class, we have been focusing on inferring character traits and identifying text evidence to support our claims.  I had guided the students in group discussions, and we had completed various graphic organizers together.  It was time to see what the students could do on their own.

Each student/secret agent was given an FBI Top Secret file with his/her assigned special number on it.

I laminated the files so that I can reuse them, and I included the following letter inside:

When the students returned from special area, they needed to gain clearance to enter our Secret Agent room where they would investigate literary suspects on the loose!

I used the app, Fingerprint Check, to scan each potential agent to ensure they had no criminal background.

Once cleared, the agents signed their badges and received a special pencil before heading inside the room:

 

Final instructions were shared before the agents were escorted inside by "FBI Director Bowman."  Spy music was playing in the background, and the following picture was projected onto the Promethean board:

The agents used individual flashlights to work in our dimly lit room:

Inside each "Top Secret" file were excerpts from two books along with two graphic organizers:

I used excerpts from the following four books: Frindle by Andrew Clements; Wonder by R.J. Palacio; The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White; and The Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester by Barbara O'Connor.  Students who were sitting side-by-side had different excerpts so as to avoid the temptation to copy another's work.  I also adjusted the selections based on my students' reading ability.

The students were SO focused and immediately began working.  They took their jobs very seriously, and I didn't hear a peep out of them for the full 40 minutes that they were allotted!  

A few of the agents did have to ask the FBI Director for some guidance; that was absolutely fine!  I was able to see which students could work independently and which students needed more support.  

Overall, I was impressed with their work and especially with their behavior.  My special agents worked diligently and took their jobs seriously.   

One proud FBI Director.

Biography Book Report 2015

Yesterday, the 5th graders presented their biography book reports, and we held a Character Breakfast.  At the beginning of the month, I required the students to choose a biography on either a president, president's wife, or figure from the American Revolution in order to correlate with our reading unit, "Making a New Nation."  The students read their books on their own throughout the month and then came to school dressed as their character on the last day of the month.  Each child had to share about the life and accomplishments of their character as if they actually were that person. 

For those who are interested, you may click the following for links to: the instruction sheet, the grade sheet, and a Fact Sheet sample.

This year, we had the following famous people at our breakfast:

Molly Pitcher

Jackie Kennedy Onassis

Eleanor Roosevelt

Betsy Ross

John Adams

Martha Washington

I'm not exactly sure what Martha is doing, but you can always count on Mrs. Washington to be expressive and dramatic.  I mean, just look at her reaction when Ben Franklin walked in the room!  

Anyway, back to the introductions:

Rosalyn Carter

Abraham Lincoln

Abigail Adams

Mary Todd Lincoln

George W. Bush, Laura Bush, and George H.W. Bush

As you can see, we had the pleasure of having a few couples sharing with us, as well as multiple members of the Bush family. 

John and Abigail Adams

Abe and Mary Lincoln

We also welcomed Benjamin Franklin, but he was so busy socializing that I was unable to get a photo of him alone:

Benjamin Franklin and John Adams

Discussing the events leading up to the American Revolution:

 Uh-oh...Adams just called Franklin a "Loyalist."

 Things started to get a little intense!

 I had to step in and break up this argument.  ;)

 Now, Lincoln is about to get an ear-full!

 George H.W. Bush thinks it's all quite humorous:

 Once things calmed down, the guys were able to take a civilized photo:

 It was so much fun to be in the presence of such famous people!  Once word got out about their appearance, they were surrounded by Mom Paparazzi:

We enjoyed learning about each person while we ate donuts and fruit and drank milk, orange juice, and water.  The parents/paparazzi provided breakfast for us, and we were so grateful.