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.  ;-)

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!

This week I brought in my LEGO Technic pieces to build rubber band cars.  Here are a few of the creations:

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!

Fact Families.... I'll add captions soon!

Dry Erase Math Facts!

The 10th Day Count...

We've lost one student, but will hopefully be gaining a new one soon!  So much has happened since the 1st day, though much of our focus has been on instilling routines to help make the rest of the year go by smoothly.  So far, I love it!  (Though I will admit to falling asleep at 8:15 PM a few nights this week!)

After much distress, my labels finally printed!  Thanks to Mom and Meleah for helping me label my books!

A folder we created (using my Cricut) to place work for students who are absent.

  

When you have 64 students, mixing-up names can become quite common so I found the perfect solution! Writing with sidewalk chalk on the sides of their desks!  It's amazing!  (I have also discovered writing on the glossy-finished wall.... it cleans up with a wet paper towel!)

I'm not sure Montessori would approve, but the students have enjoyed earning classroom currency for following our classroom's "Great Expectations."  Unfortunately they do not bare our faces, but are titled "Davies Dollars" and "Kadlec Cash." Students can exchange them on Fridays for special classroom privileges (or a draw out of the treasure chest.)

Ikea Shopping Trip

Well, I needed my MacBook casing fixed.... so why not venture to Ikea after visiting the Apple Store at Milenia.  Kevin had never been, so we decided to go check it out!  3-hours later and after a bit of debating, we left the store with Swedish groceries.... very yummy cookies, addictive marshmallow cars, and sparkling cider.

 I must highlight the curtains above, which are hung from the ceiling.  I am almost positive that Ikea borrowed this idea from Uncle Rick and Aunt Laurie down in Key West.  ;-)

I want one!  (A very unique swinging chair, that is!)

One of the Benefits of Teaching at a Healthy-High Performance School...

This was the most delicious school lunch I have ever purchased!  I'm in love!

The mural was painted by the students under the direction of our art teacher, Karina.  They are all so talented!

Cricut Robotz

The cartridge finally arrived in the mail, so I stayed late to play with my Cricut... they turned out so cute!

Our Classroom

(...and is soon to be decorated with robots!)

 

 

My New Students....