Post date: Dec 19, 2016 5:28:44 AM
Hello Room 25 Families.
Time got away from me last weekend and so I didn't keep my streak of weekly emails going. On Saturday morning my family and I drove deeper into the mountains and cut down a beautiful tree amidst the thick clouds, wind, and rain. Later that day we volunteered at The Family Giving Tree warehouse along with a crew of DCS alumni. It is the closest thing to the North Pole that I've ever seen; huge piles of gifts and about a bunch of us elves sorting, shopping, and reading/fulfilling wish cards from kids and adults. Since then we've been hanging decorations all over our house as well as setting up the nutcrackers, snow globes, train set, and faeries. Bottom line; you had a week off from my no-longer-weekly newsletters but it won't be hard to catch up in this one.
So, these past two weeks of school have been great.
1. Exploratorium: On December 6th, the whole 8th grade went to the Exploratorium to tinker with things, get intrigued by science, and interact with each other in a fun, playful, and extremely educational warehouse on the water. Every time I go there I try to find a few activities that can be replicated at some level at DCS; this year, I'm hoping to build a chain-wave machine that be installed (and taken down) easily and used during the upcoming unit on waves and the electromagnetic spectrum.
2. Buddy Class Games: Last Wednesday morning we spent some fun time out on the field playing progressively more complicated (and strategic) rounds of sharks-and-minnows with Mr. Kim's fourth graders. The best in both classes comes out in situations like these, where play and fun are the object of the game!
3. Forces & Motion Unit Packet: The activities and readings in this unit were only moderately successful at giving the kids experience and knowledge regarding these most basic and important concepts in physics. The kids were good sports and learned what was asked of them, but I feel that there were some shortfalls (mine) that hindered their learning -- disorganization and lack of enough hands-on activities. Regardless, on Monday, the kids assembled their paperwork for the unit, put scores and comments on a cover sheet, and (should have) brought it home for your review and comment. Most have been returned, less the typical list.
4. Personal Passion Investigation: This whole "find something that really (!) interests you and dive into it deeply" idea has been very interesting to watch and discuss. Almost all of the kids have chosen their topics and about half are really embracing the "no bounds or external parameters" aspect of this thing and pursuing it with complete autonomy and internal motivation. When I get asked questions like "is this good enough", I can only reflect back to them that the topic (and process) should be one that continually beckons them to learn/do more -- their initial investigations questions should lead to as many new questions as answers.
5. Art Boxes: A week ago Monday I took a day off and Stella was the substitute teacher for the class. They worked on the usual assignments and activities and they also learned an art/construction project with her. This year the artists in the room have a great champion and everyone seems to be learning how to gain skill and confidence at drawing as well as cool and useful crafts.
6. Nathan & Jackson: As I am sure you know, I coax a variety of people to come share their knowledge, stories, and skills with the class. This week a D2 parent and ex student of mine, Nathan Hickson, came to class to explain his experiences in the tech world (YouTube, Netflix, Ebay) and show that education and passion and discipline can really take a person into exciting realms and very rewarding jobs. Jackson Ziegler, Stella's brother, is on vacation from UCSD and I asked him to come to class to share some of his stories about being a foreign exchange kid, a middle-college, jr college, and UC student, as well as about being an avid water polo player and coach, and also to share his passion for reading and writing.
7. Discerning Literary "Devices": Amy came to class twice this week to explain about literary devices. In their book club groups they have had discussions about various tools that the authors use to develop characters, convey themes, and offer symbolism. She will read passages of "Tell the Wolves I'm Home" to them and do whole class analysis and discussion. For those that attend, engage, and participate, there is lots to learn and share.
8. Done With Dan?, Not Yet: The kids just finished up three weeks of grammar and story analysis with Mr Dowling. Their collaborative stories are now developing a much more professional aspect to them and I'm hoping that their new-found knowledge of grammar will show up routinely in their writing pieces for the rest of the year. After vacation they will do the five week chemistry intensive with him, about which I have heard great things over the years.
9. Secret Santa: This was a big highlight of last week for me. Rianna had organized the process last week and the exchange of gifts was such a perfect reminder of the family that this group has become. Every gift was well chosen and reflected an appreciation and understanding of the recipient. I loved watching them run the whole thing on their own and really embrace the kindness and benefit of giving that should permeate this season.
Thank you all for what you've given this year and I'm looking forward to an even better 2017!
Love!
Chris