Classroom Activities
Classroom Transformations
Classroom transformations are ideal for learning enrichment and are a unique way to help engage and motivate students, which can lead to a deeper understanding of the material.
Corzine's Culinary Challenge used classroom transformation to create real-world connections - using math to understand recipes and having a "tasting" of different types of book genres. Bon appetit!
Walk-Through Presentations
Walk-through presentations, done in grades 4, 5, and 6, are engaging and interactive educational presentations of standards-based history curriculum. The presentation is facilitated by an animated and trained presenter who guides students through historical events using dynamic, kid-friendly stories and activities.
A walk-through is designed to be a highly engaging experience with the goal of making learning history fun at an age-appropriate level while promoting a love of history. It is not designed to take the place of classroom learning but rather provides an overview of major events and players that set the stage for more in-depth classroom learning.
Thinking Maps
Using thinking maps helps build a strong foundation for writing, critical thinking, and communication across all genres and content areas. Thinking maps are found in all OPA classrooms at all grade levels and are used to write about things like favorite foods (chicken tacos!) and the American flag.
Living Museum
A crowd favorite every year, our 3rd-grade students research historical figures and bring them to life through a living museum. Each student pretends to be a talking statue, and when prompted, gives a one-minute speech, providing visitors with an experiential interpretation of history.