CONCRETE O

PERAT

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STAGE

Analyz

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Hannah LoveLSIS 5505

September 10, 2011

CONCRETE OPERATIONAL: Solving problems, hands-onKey terms:

Conservation-the idea that quantity remains the same despite changes in appearance

Identity-if nothing is added or taken a way from a material, it remains the same

Compensation-apparent change in one direction can be compensated for by a change in the other direction

Classification-organizing objects by characteristics

Reversibility-the idea that there are more than one way to classify objects

Seriation-the process of making an orderly arrangement of items

logic + order

=problem solving

problem solving + FUN

=riddles, puzzles, treasure hunts, and mysteries!

CONCRETE OPERATIONAL: Solving problems, hands-on

CONCRETE OPERATIONAL: Solving problems, hands-on

T H E M Y S T E R I O U S B E N E D I C T S O C I E T Y

Trenton Lee Stewart

After passing a series of mind-bending tests,

four children are selected for a secret

mission that requires them to go undercover

at the Learning Institute for the Very

Enlightened, where the only rule is that there

are no rules.—WCLP catalog

R E D W A L L

By Brian Jacques

When the peaceful life of Redwall Abbey

is shattered by the arrival of the evil rat

Cluny and his hordes, Matthias, a young

mouse, vows to find the legendary

sword which will help Redwall's

inhabitants destroy the enemy.—WCLP catalog

CONCRETE OPERATIONAL: Solving problems, hands-on

The Mysterious Benedict SocietyCharacters use logic to solve puzzles and pass tests in order to

be inducted into the Mysterious Benedict Society and help save the world.

Examples:

1. The answers to the first half of the questions on a test are hidden in the second half of the questions, and vice versa.

2. The children are told to cross a room of black, blue and yellow tiles without letting their feet touch a blue or black square…but the tiles aren’t squares, they are rectangles.

3. Given the clue that they could complete a maze with their eyes closed, one of the kids realizes that only one set of arrows is textured and could be followed even without the ability to see.

• Children are given clear descriptions of each situation that can be concretely imagined and analyzed.

• They will empathize with characters who like outsmarting adults.

CONCRETE OPERATIONAL: Solving problems, hands-on

Redwall, Brian JacquesTwo characters, Matthias and Methuselah, discover a poem

written under the portrait of an old hero, Martin the Warrior. The poem contains clues that lead them to Martin the Warriors sacred sword.

“Who says that I am dead

Knows nought at all.

I—am that is,

Two mice within Redwall.

The Warrior sleeps

‘Twixt Hall and Cavern Hole.

I—am that is,

Take on a mighty role…”

“I—am that is”=Matthias

7 steps between the Great Hall and Cavern Hole have the word Redwall written up one side and down another. The Ws land on the same steps and are Ms (for Martin and Matthias) upside down.

This poem-riddle continues throughout the book. Children will enjoy figuring out the clues along with the characters and will appreciate the conclusive ending.

REFERENCES

Developmental Characteristics of a 4th grader. (2002). "GCISD - Curriculum Guides and Developmental Characteristics." Grapevine-Colleyville ISD. Accessed: http://www.glendale.k12.wi.us/4_char.aspx . Sep. 9, 2011

Woolfolk, Anita. (2007). Educational Psychology. Boston: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon

Beorree, George. 2006. “Jean Piaget”. Personality Theories. Accessed: http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/piaget.html . Sep. 9, 2011