Well, happy April Fool’s Day! In my morning message, I asked the children to be kind to their teacher regarding April Fool’s jokes and you know what, they were. As they prepared to go skiing, I heard many a joke planned to trick parents. Hopefully, everyone survived. It is a funny tradition.
I must apologize for not blogging as much as I should have this month. Truthfully, so much has gone on that by the time I reach home and have a late dinner with my family, I have no steam left. I know all of you know from what I speak. It is the life of an active, working, parent. My sisters’ and I take an annual trip to NYC to see a show and share memories of the same experiences that do not resemble each other. I am scheduled to leave Thursday night after scrapbooking club.
I asked the children what I should include in this entry. They suggested the following:
v Vermont history poster contest,
v Kristen and the outdoor classroom; specifically pollinators,
v Hammond Sugarhouse,
v Service Learning project,
v Bird slideshows,
v Spelling, and
v Boy Scout Pinewood Derby.
The students and I are really excited about participating in the annual Vermont State Poster contest sponsored by the Secretary of State. As third graders, they must design a poster around the theme of Vermont History. Mrs. K and I have conducted a crash course in Vermont history allowing each individual to depict a minute aspect of our state’s story. Missy Siner, parent, board member, and employee of the office of the Secretary of State will be visiting with us to discuss a publication put out by her office explaining key points of what makes our state so great. Mrs. Hartshorn has also arranged for a visit to the capital city in early May. Although students from Mr. Young’s class attended a field trip last year, I do think with each passing year students have increasing abilities to ask about and interpret what they see differently. We are very excited about entering the contest and hope that we continue Mr. Young’ winning streak!
Kristen Getler had her second visit with us last Friday. We even went out into the garden looking for potential pollinators. I must applaud her efforts and responsiveness to the needs of my classroom. I requested tie-ins to the work we are doing with the bird unit. She is doing just that with investigations about attracting birds and other garden friendly wildlife through our plantings. We are very fortunate to have her in our midst. She is thoughtful with her planning, a natural teacher, and most importantly excites the children about the outdoors.
We were supposed to visit the Hammond Sugarhouse this week, but due to a lack of sap, we postponed the visit. I must extend my heartfelt thanks to the Hammonds for their continued willingness to expose our “modern” children to a long-standing tradition dating back to the Native Americans. Similarly to Ms. Getler’s teaching, it is through such opportunities we preserve history and traditions. If you are able to assist us in transporting to the Hammond’s (on short notice), please drop me an email. I can drive students, but would need help transporting the other twelve.
As you may already know, we are continuing our Service Learning project from last year. Basically, we conducted a needs assessment for the school playground last year. We did this by walking through each element/structure, took pictures, held many discussions along the way, conducted interviews, created a power point presentation, and so much more that is hard to represent in a short paragraph. Through this extensive investigation, we determined that access to the trolley would be our focus for improvement. Thus far this year, we have drawn plans for improvements, discussed in small and large groups the attributes of our plans, which then led to handle designs, which will lead us to…who knows. A true Service Learning project is meant to be driven by the students’ interests and directions. It is really fascinating to watch a project like this unfold. The ultimate goal is a volunteer work party to make the improvements we agree to through this process. So, keep a look out for volunteering requests in the coming weeks. I am in hopes we will have a work “party” early in May.
We are beginning to see the end of our work on the bird slideshow. I must send a big shout out to Ellie and Izzy because they both have had to begin again due to an unforeseen mishap with their original shows. Both of the girls agreed to begin again with a smile of their faces. The class has not yet figured out how they would like to share these with you, but we have discussed burning DVD’s for each family, an evening event, one slideshow with all the birds joined, etc. When we know, we will let you know. The work is absolutely awesome. I am amazed at the growth each person has made through the process. The work with the students has taught me an important lesson. A longer project has allowed each individual to practice skills repeatedly, which has now allowed them to gain independence with the work at the computer. I will share more of my observations at our event. This coming week some people will begin a self-review using a rubric that I too will use to evaluate each person’s work.
Lastly, I attended the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby a couple of weekends ago. When Cecilia and I approached the school, I was looking for everyone and their cars. I thought it strange that the derby could be held in the gym given the space requirements for the race, but sure enough there everyone was when we went in. You see, I was looking for boy scouts sitting in their cars and racing down a long stretch. Quickly I learned that would be the Soapbox Derby. Oh, the things one has to learn. I really had a terrific time seeing each participant anxiously await his race. Walker’s dad made a professional track and Ben’s father seem to be the techie along with Dave Darr. The whole operation was amazing, but most joyful was seeing Eli and Wes in uniform happy for themselves and their accomplishments and the accomplishments of their friends! Great job guys!
I wanted to address the changes in the homework folder. After discussions during parent conferences, I decided a change might be necessary. For the past two weeks I have developed the coversheet with the students so they understand the homework expected. Then each day, I am checking in for questions or providing further instructions. The boys and girls have given the changes two thumbs up stating that it is clearer and they enjoy being able to cross off the work as they complete it.
