Post date: Mar 12, 2011 3:41:16 AM
Friday night again and it seems like time is just flying by these days. I'm very enthused by the progress the students have made since Fall, and as Spring approaches, I'm reminded that it is important to make the best of every minute that we have together before graduation. As I raise the level of expectations, accountability, and achievement, it makes me so happy to see most of the kids respond with hard work and self-confidence.
I can report to you a productive week in science and English in room 25.
English:
Early this week the students made their final choices of an autobiography book and had their first book club meeting with the new groupings. The diversity of their choices reflects both the high level of peer-comfort that the kids feel as well as the wonderfully wide range of personal interests. The flexibility, talent, personable nature and academic strengths of the book-club moms make this a great experience for all kids as well as myself.
For vocabulary day I printed out labels with great adjectives on them and then placed one on each student's backs. They wandered the room and gave each other hints as to the hidden word. Although my choices of which kids got which words were loose and not always flattering, I thought that the kids had a good time and had motivation to learn some new vocabulary.
The big project of the week was the autobiographical excerpt writing assignment. I'm trying to model the whole flow of the writing process as well as demanding that the students do some pre-writing and major revisions to their essays before ending up with a great final copy. Although I do know that the students' writing is improving, the main thing (in general) that it could use is better organization and flow of ideas. As my 9th grade English teacher said to use constantly "ever word should be a crucial piece in the puzzle and help to make the picture apparent and appealing." Pre-writing helps to assure that the flow is smooth and the components are well-placed and well-paced. Parents, the students should come to you over the weekend to get final edits (steps 5 and 6), and then have this assignment ready to turn in on Monday morning.
Science:
We are deep into chemistry now and learned about chemical bonding and the interactions between various types of elements. The test scores great for most, and for those that get less-than-perfect scores, the Q.A.R. process is filling in the gaps in knowledge. I enjoy science greatly, developed and implemented an extremely effective life science curriculum for two decades, but this year's science has humbled me quite a bit. Although the students' scores and attitudes about science are fine, I don't feel thrilled by many of the lessons I give the kids. The learning is all-too-often based on the textbook publisher's lessons and online research -- it lacks the predominance of engaging hands-on, inquiry-based investigations and activities that are proven to get kids interested in and enthused about physical sciences. I know that as my knowledge, experience, and resources grow in the year to come, I will offer a more engaging and effective science curriculum. But I also know that you kids in my science class this year are extremely smart and resourceful independent learners. I appreciate your patience and respect as well as we explore physics, chemistry, and electricity this year.
Other Things:
The "Current Events and Controversial Issues" class made great progress today and I'm impressed at how well these Interest-Based Mini Courses are going. I hope that the students feel the same way.
Waterfall: It wasn't an intentional ploy of mine, but having two pallets of rocks sitting in the middle school alley has sparked some interest in the construction of the hill and waterfall. The first for-sure work day will coincide with the DCS garden day on March 27th, and if you would like to participate in the ultimate labor of love, please let me know.
Annie: Well, the kids are doing show number 8 out of 15 tonight and the positive reviews keep coming in (Examiner chimed in today). I'm a proud and appreciative dad. Time now, to sign off and head over to the theatre for the show.
As always I appreciate your replies and input.
See you soon.
Chris