I love my 4th graders so much... even the craziest of the crew who constantly have me searching for ways to keep them 100% engaged to not allow a second of downtime craziness to begin. After eating lunch with them this week, I love them even more... their stories are epic and I hope to one day publish my own book. ;-) So here's an outline of some of our lunchtime conversations:
(we were talking about Halloween, and how their are some cultures and religions that do not celebrate the holiday, including two students in my class.)
"What do you do instead of trick-or-treat?"
"My family goes to church."
"Oh. Are you Jewish?"
Student 1: "My dad has been really unlucky lately. He lost his job, then he lost his girlfriend."
Student 2: "I wish my dad would lose his girlfriend."
Me: "Why is that?"
Student2 : "Because I hate her."
Me: "Hate is such a strong word. What is it that you dislike about her?"
Student 2: "I think she is only dating my dad because he is a race car driver." "She always tells me to play outside, even when it's hot out!"
oh, and so many more... I need to start writing them down as they happen!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
A very long Friday, followed by a relaxing Saturday, ending with a very long Sunday.... how many days until summer vacation???
On Friday I was informed that there would be a lot of changes in my classroom this coming week, so I took the time after school (7 hours that is) to "play" in my classroom, steal furniture (with the principal's permission), and make it mine. After taking the day off on Saturday, today Kevin assisted me in building a new desk, running a 50' ethernet cord around the classroom, and moving very heavy bookcases. I am now exhausted, and am trying to finish some of the paperwork I had started last week. My classroom jobs list is complete, along with a planner checklist, and a partially complete parent newsletter. All there is left is completing my lesson plans, and playing catch up on my Montessori training course. (I love my online course, but there has been too much going on that affects the learning of my students to put any of that behind). It looks like tomorrow will be another late night. ....at least, I did get a short beach run in this evening. ;-)
Friday, August 26, 2011
Enrichment!
This week I helped out with Odyssey's Enrichment program after-school. It was neat working with students of all grade levels, and seeing four of my own students outside of our classroom environment. Though I will admit, working from 7-6 is much too long of a day, and I'm realizing that the hour after dismissal is critical for planning time. So, with robotics season starting up in 2 weeks, I think this may be the end of my full-time Enrichment career.... though I wouldn't mind popping in a day or two each week for a little extra fun! :-)
 |
| This is why I love Enrichment! |
Oh Technology...
...it's non-existent, unless Roger Appledorn's 1960's patten of the overhead projector counts. ;-) So, we'll make do and make the best of it.... by drawing the coolest arrays ever!
For your enjoyment: The Decline of the Overhead Projector
Garden of Learning
I think this might be my favorite part of Montessori's philosophy: letting children learn through experiences like gardening or caring for an animal. At Odyssey, each classroom has 4 plots in the school's garden to prepare, plant, and take care of. I have enjoyed learning about composting and topsoils from the school's experienced gardener (and veteran) during the past 2 weeks. At lunch, students recycle fruit and veggie scraps into a compost pile which is typically spread underneath the topsoil of the classroom gardens. The funniest part about all of this is that there are cantaloupes sprouting everywhere on the school grounds! Apparently without much prep, you can successfully grow a cantaloupe plant by composting your seeds in the soil! I was also taught, that by placing cardboard scraps around plants, you will stunt the growth of weeds. Maybe I'll have the gift of a green thumb for my own personal garden in the next few years after my daily experiences here at Odyssey. :-)
As you can see, we had to start with a garden overhaul, weeding our plots. During the process, the students found 4 caterpillars which we have adopted as classroom pets. (the perfect classroom pets!) They have almost doubled in size and we are excited to watch them experience metamorphosis.... which happens to be one of the 4th grade science benchmarks! Oh, how I love teachable moments!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)