Post date: May 19, 2012 1:45:37 AM
Dear Parents,
I'm writing to you amidst the bustling board-game factory that is room 25. This week's science class time was dedicated to the final three of the four phases involved in the construction of a game that teaches about a topic in astronomy. It has been so amazing to watch the groups discuss ideas, make plans, sketch and build prototypes, scrap ideas, revise, and continually improve their projects! Most importantly, almost all of the time almost all of the kids in each group have been contributing their efforts and talents. My weird way of grading group projects is hopefully serving as a positive factor in this, or perhaps it has something to do with the fact that these kids are getting along better than ever in the year, and that the project absolutely appeals to their strengths. The games themselves are looking out of this world. Ha, had to say it.
Recap of the Week:
English: To get warmed up to the genre of mystery, the kids read the first half of "The Scandal in Bohemia" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle on Monday, and then took a quiz about it on Tuesday and predicted (and/or read) the remainder of the story. For the reading groups that formed chose (and brought) books, the book club sessions proceeded as they should, with good discussions about what they expected from their books and predictions about what might happen. As the kids read their mystery books over the next 2 weeks, they should keep their "deliverable" in mind -- an online 10-question quiz.
In lieu of the usual (gettin' old) wordy Wednesday vocabulary routine, I gave the kids a set of double-meaning "puzzles" that were both challenging and a bit fun. Give some a try... careful not to get addicted.
The last thing that I've asked the kids to do it to write a (private) letter to themselves at 18. My 8th grade teacher had us do that right before I left middle school and when I received the letter as a senior, it was a great little graduation gift to and from myself.
Science: As I said at the opening of this newsletter, the board game projects have been the main endeavor for the week. If any of you have the time and desire to come play some games week-after-next (5/29), then please join us any day from 10:40 to 11:30. It will be fun.
Coming Up: In English, the final unit of the year has the theme "Pay It Forward" and here is the webpage that I'm putting together about it. I'll send out and explain more details when they become clearer in my head.
For the last week(s) of science I'm going to ride the wave of Spring fever, and delve into the realm of human growth and development. The value of the "lessons" hinges upon the maturity, honesty, and trust level that the kids (and I) have developed in our time together. In the past I've shown two videos and used a safe question-and-answer format to facilitate the best environment and I have high hopes for this year's group as well. Parents, if you would like links to online previews of the videos, please let me know and I can send them.
DC Folks, have a fantastic trip and get the most out of your educational experiences there -- historical, social, cultural and meteorological. For those of you coming on the CalCoast trip, I'll see you Monday morning at 8:30 with bags in hand, walking shoes on, and smiles leading the way.