BMUFSD: Third Graders Create Landforms Out Of Playdough

Press release from the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District:

2021-10-27

In Robin DiFeo’s third grade class, learning can happen in many forms.

Students recently demonstrated their knowledge of landforms using playdough in a dazzling display of colors and shapes. They created miniature valleys, glaciers, peninsulas, rivers and islands.

We did several different activities in this unit,” said Ms. DiFeo. “We read books, played games and created a picture dictionary. The students also used Google Earth to explore landforms in North and South America and took photos of the landforms.”

To demonstrate all of the landforms that they had learned about, students used plates divided into blue and green colors to symbolize water and land.

“They are making 10 landforms of their own choosing, and can select to use pre-made labels for their creations, or make their own,” said Ms. Difeo. “They love using their hands to make things. They are having so much fun!”

The relaxing music in the background serves as a signal that a hands-on lesson is about to begin and creates an environment conducive to focus.

“I put acoustic guitar music in the background, so they know when the music comes on they will be doing something fun,” Ms. DiFeo said. “Playing music in the classroom helps reduces anxiety and stress and helps students focus and maximize learning.”

Students were eager to show off their colorful plates.

“I’m making a volcano and coloring the lava in red,” said Isabella.

“I am making an atoll,” said C.J. “It is a land that is shaped like a circle and there’s water in the middle of it.”

This press release was produced by the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.