Coupla Things v32 (4/30/11)
Post date: Apr 30, 2011 6:59:27 PM
As I start each of these email newsletters, my first desire is always to convey my gratitude for the joy of yet another week. Instead of concocting some vague but heartfelt line about how lucky I am to be at DCS with y'all this year, I think I'll just list the first 10 that come to mind when I consider why I love my job and you people so much:
About a dozen kids enthusiastically digging a pit for the waterfall and a trench for the piping on Friday afternoon.
Teddy Lewis spending three class periods giving us hands-on experience with home wiring and a life in the trades.
A strip of barren dirt all of a sudden becomes an urban garden as parents plant grasses and flowers by the staff lot.
Students bringing in mystery books and sharing their enthusiasm with others as we choose books for April reading groups.
Haruna, Ingrid, Lori, and Kristi keeping the "in-boxes" of assignments, missing work lists, and errands progressing smoothly.
Kids caring about the quality of their work, the effectiveness of their learning, and the great fortunes they have at DCS
A middle school community that is open, inviting, and articulate to my 6th grade daughter who visited for a day.
Colleagues who help me to follow through, trust my gut, and continue to be a teacher that learns new things daily.
An principal who can participate in week-long field trips and trusts the school to be fine in his absence.... and it is!
Students who are eager to help me correct papers during their free time during and/or after school.
And last but not least, (couldn't stop at 10) a great laptop that allows me to write these emails from amidst a very over grown garden at home.
Recap of the Week (Wednesday through Friday, since STAR tests took up most of Monday and Tuesday mornings):
English:
The biggest accomplishment of the week was the beginnings of the group-written mystery stories. Starting with a planning document that I downloaded from Scholastic, groups of three students are building mystery stories. With good planning and an understanding of the nature of a mystery story, the kids will be able to add their creativity and crank out some great works. Those that go above and beyond will benefit from personal pride as well as academic credit. That amazing group of book-moms will be assisting groups online via the collaborative Google documents.
The kids also browsed, discussed, and wrote down their preferences for mystery books to read during April. I haven't read any of the books they've chosen so this will be a new experience for all of us. Since there is a guest speaker on history coming in on Tuesday during 3rd block, Mrs. Stuart's class book clubs won't meet on that day -- I'll miss ya!
Science:
The week seemed very short but exciting when it comes to science. Ted Lewis and I gave the kids some hands-on experience wiring together some basic household circuits (light and switch) using junction boxes, Romex, switches, and fixtures from Home Depot (thanks to gift cards given by a parent during "appreciation week" last week). Some of the students may be asking your permission and/or assistance to map your home wiring to determine which breakers are feeding which outlets or receptacles, and at what amperage draw.
We will finish up with electricity early next week and then the kids and I will plan out the scope and sequence for the remaining 25ish days of the year (waves, sound, light, astronomy, etc.).
Thanks for/to all and ping me if you like.
Chris