Personal learning

Thursday it was decided that I would return to STEAM on Friday.  One week in 4th grade was eye opening, challenging, and rewarding.

My favorite moment was when we were discussing visionaries during Greek and Latin...students had so many awesome ideas. One boy said Martin Luther King was a visionary and quoted his I have a dream quote.

WOW!

So yesterday I taught a double STEAM library class with help.  It turned out awesome. I left exhausted but invigorated.  I even got a good walk through!

NEXT WEEK...

I have two awesome lessons that I will be finishing this week in STEAM - Dot Day and Zucchini Bread.

Monday is doing Dot Day lesson.

Tuesday and Friday is wrap of Zucchini bread.

Wednesday has done both...so time to get creative.

Thursday is Pumpkin Run.

Some would suggest starting a whole new lesson plan but I have dozens of eggs and frozen zucchini that needs consumed.

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This morning brings a new book.  Our district is reading The Learning Challenge as an optional book club.

The book cover

PJs - couch - blanket - book - coffee 

Saturday morning fun ;)

The Learning Challenge

I love stretching myself as an educator and the conversations with my colleagues.

Look for periodic updates :)

New week...new challenges!

Thank you for all of the support and awesome posts last week.

New Week - New Perspective

 A look inside the walls of a school during 2021:

Your child boards a bus masked sitting with a sibling or cousin.  If they share a seat, there is a chart denoting who was a close contact to whom.

Your child enters school to sit at a desk as close to 3 feet apart from every child in their room and 6 feet from the adults.

Your child has lunch at a table of 4 soon to be a table of 2...

Your child can have a mostly normal unmasked recess.

But your child is in school and not virtual...this is really the ultimate goals to keep students in schools and learning as much as possible.  It can be a scary time for everyone.  Everything feels so routine but still so unknown.  

This year brings a new twist...teachers with LONG periods of quarantine to take care of themselves or their children/husbands.  How do you replace a teacher for 10-30 days with nearly zero subs and limited staff to substitute in a building?

GET CREATIVE!!!

Currently, I am subbing in a classroom for another 8 days and so is the librarian.  Other teachers are covering specials including the guidance counselor, the emotional support teacher, the principals, teachers from other buildings after their day is over, and MORE!  There is a rotation of learning support and title teachers and special area teachers teaching in classrooms.  Some days are almost normal...others are a puzzle that has to be completed by 8:50!  God Bless the front office staff and admin that have to figure this out!

I have run the gamut of emotions on not teaching my class.  However, I feel like I need to focus on the STUDENTS.  I am able to create a level of normalcy for this classroom.  They know that I will be there each day to guide them and learn with them.  The students know me and I know them.  It is what is best to continue to educate these young people.  To teach the curriculum.  To provide them some level of stability even if us adults are spinning out of control (mentally and emotionally).

I will go in tomorrow morning ready to SERVE my students...to follow my directives...to teach these darlings.  I will get to finish my farm to table lesson soon enough (hope the eggs do not spoil in the meantime).  

Everyone is really getting a chance to see how things work in another room...to see the other side of education through this experience.  Maybe I will learn how to support a teacher more.  Touch a student's life.  Allow the principal/administration to keep the building open for in person education for 1 more day!  

Find the silver lining...step up to the plate...think of the stakeholders...think of these little people...take it one day at a time.  

My mental pep talk is - I CAN DO THIS!!!  WE CAN DO THIS!!!

Week 1 and 2 done

 When people ask me how the first two weeks of teaching in 2021...I think of two memes that I have recently seen.  The students are mostly oblivious to the stress of teaching in 2021.   However, I did have two workers ask me after day 1 if I was okay or stressed.  Maybe I need to improve my acting skills for 2021.

Here are the memes:

Well, I have to admit that I am stressed.  I have already subbed twice out of eight school days.  Just like every business, education is running on a basic crew with not much extra support.  I wonder am I keeping the students safe from this virus (masks, 3 feet apart, minimal sharing of materials, etc...), am I covering the correct material to prepare them for the learning and school year ahead, and more!  Remember, I usually assist with logging in 500 students in a variety of ways (different devices, different user names/passwords, getting new students accounts, etc...) in 45 minutes while keeping them engaged while they wait is not easy!  I feel this step is necessary incase a child has to do any virtual schooling.  

Plus my lesson is a heavy topic...DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP and INTERNET SAFETY.  I watch my own children fall into watching weird YouTube videos, chat with people on Roblox, and have ready access to media 24-7.  Keeping them safe online is HUGE!  Am I doing enough...I hope so... 

I have to cover this with 4 more classes on Monday that I have not even met yet!!!

I use the Digital Citizenship curriculum from Common Sense Media.   It has a great set of lessons...

Digital Citizenship link

Kindergarten and Life Skills made tin foil boats then went to the butterfly garden to watch if they sink or float.  Then they add passengers (pennies and acorns).  Plus a tour of the garden.  This is a lot lighter topic and more fun.  Typically, I skip the deep internet safety discussion with Kindergarten.

I only got a few pictures of boats and the 3rd and 4th grade project to create their name creatively.  However, I need to add more pictures. 

This is what I need to focus on...students and their learning!!!

Folding fun

Trying to figure it out

Another boat

Tin foil boat

Name design challenge

Name design challenge

Look for a fun zucchini bread post soon :)  Plus more pictures!!!

6 weeks - time to catch up

 GOBLIN IN THE NOTCH

 The fun just keeps on coming as well as the surprises!  We are having fun with a scavenger hunt/adventure created by "the Goblin in the Notch" - see these two links for the back story:
Goblin in the Notch
Goblin in the Notch - part 2

My kids are loving running up to check the mailbox...it has been a super busy few weeks so the time for hiking is limited...but they have squeezed in a few treks to the follow the latest Goblin in the Notch letter.

The walking sticks and tooth/claw necklace were the highlights!

My children talk about this as a highlight of the summer.  It has added a huge layer of fun, surprise, and wholesome fun to our summer.

SENECA LIBRARY

Erin and I flipped the high media center in 7 days!  This was a HUGE project...but I will share more after the September board meeting (I am hoping to share with the school board).
Here are the before and after pictures.  It is NOT done!!! 

BEFORE PICTURES!

HERE IS THE AFTER PICTURES

This is a panoramic of the new library space.  The boxes are leaving!

GARDEN

Last Monday, my husband and I picked carrots, peas, beans, tomatoes, peppers, 10 cucumbers, zucchini, and more!  These were given to the school cafeteria for lunches.  Some were served cold and fresh...others were added to create mixed veggies!

I brought cute little bowls - broccoli, peppers, cherry tomatoes

CUCUMBERS!!

Carrots abound...plus peas and beans

Internet Safety!!

This is always my first lesson in STEAM.  It is the law...so this is the new video that I shared with students in my bitmoji classroom.  This was shared in homeroom...and then we go into depth in STEAM using Common Sense Media.

Here is the video:

Look for more updates and pictures next week!! I need to take more pictures plus my first week lessons are not finished so I do not want to share too much about STEAM yet!

Red Eyed Jack and Goblin in the Notch part 2

The adventure has continued...

The mailbox has been full with notes and pieces of the scavenger hunt.

First was a mailing that you see below with a note, 'money', and a map!

Shortly after was a note about a mysterious jade statue in Werewolf Woods.

Then today was a letter about RED EYED JACK.

As a family, we trekked out to look for Red Eyed Jack.  I even slid down to the creek to walk to Werewolf Woods!

First, we looked at one downed tree at the top of the ravine...this proved to not show anything.  I felt that it was probably the wrong tree (and I was right)!   The kids insisted on heading down the ravine and and down the creek.  A slippery muddy wet mess but full of giggles and memories.  Thank goodness for technology...mom (me) was alerted to return to the down tree.  Noises filled the woods as we returned to the down tree.   

With a bit of effort, back up the ravine we went.  We were greeted by Mr. S.

Time with Mr. S meant finding the correct tree...in the tree was a skull of Red Eyed Jack!  It was clear when we re-looked at the note!  The map matched the location very well.  That is one smart Goblin in the Notch!  No pictures of the finding of the skull since my phone was at 1%.

Here is today's prized treasure.

The adventure continued with fairy garden tours, sculpture sharing, and mysterious stories of 1906 trips to the moon (ie HG Wells).

The children were so intrigued.  I hope that they have fond memories of the real life scavenger hunt for years to come.

Everyone needs a neighbor like Mr. S to add some mystery and fun to summer.

The Goblin in the NOTCH!

When we chose our home 4 years ago, my husband and I picked it for the four bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, the acreage/yard, an out building with potential, and the price.

It was a scary decision, but it has paid off!  I love my street and neighborhood.  Covid has allowed us to meet so many people on the street.  Each has a story...each has history...many have lived here for generations.  

I love talking to the people that we meet.  As we walk at different times of the day, we meet different people.  At lunch time, is the kind gentle sitting on the porch reading.  In the evening is another gentleman and his beagle dog.  I have found that we attend church with others and some are my students.  

At the end of last summer, we befriended a kind gentleman...larger than life with his personality, voice, and size...a gentle giant of sorts.   He has given my children creek access on his property...he lets the kids use his swing in his yard...this week is a new adventure...the GOBLIN IN THE NOTCH!

My kids watch hours (more than I wish to admit) of youtube at times.  They love mysteries and unboxing videos.  People on scavenger hunts or doing a challenge.  

Recently, I got a facebook message that said "Hi, It's JS (name kept anonymous) from up the road. I have a mystery I am sending your kids. A Map, old money and a gift from the Goblin that lives in the creek. I hope this is OK. Not scary but fun. If this is an issue I understand but ________ Road has always had a spooky resident - Mrs. M - now me. I think you'll enjoy it too."

Today part one arrived - as it was about to rain - I got permission to open part 1!  I am so excited for this adventure and am worse than a child at Christmas waiting for the mail :)

These are ALL hand painted...my children quickly found places of honor for each of their treasures...

WANT TO KNOW WHAT WAS IN THE BOX...I HAD TO WAIT ALL DAY!

These were hand painted - my pictures do NOT show the details...

KEEP SCROLLING

TJ's goblin

Cadia's

Ben's blurry

Ben's a bit dark

Lucas' 

Bella with a funny sort of scary goblin face!

More is coming...watch for The Goblin in the NOTCH part 2 soon ;)

506 kids not 6

 People often are surprised to hear/see or realize that I have six children.  I never know how to respond or answer the comment.  There are many ideas and suggestions, but my answer is always - YES they are all mine.  There are actual 6 when we are missing any of them for whatever the reason.

Sometimes, I reply with the idea that I have 506 children NOT 6.

Being a teacher, means that I get to celebrate baseball wins, see seniors graduate, watch former students start their next chapter of life.  The downside is the gut wrenching feelings when I have to mourn the loss of a student or a close member of a student's family or a fellow educator.  These times are rare, but more frequent than I would like.

This week was such a week.  Tuesday (my son's sixth birthday) there was word of a fire on a local street.  I brushed it off as I got ready for a small gathering.  Then I stopped at Dollar General for cups for the gathering and the reality came at me full force.  

The report is double murder (children were 13 and 10) - suicide - arson.  One is a tragedy...two is a nightmare...all three is unfathomable.

Wednesday night brought a memorial service...tough decision to go...even tougher decision to lead the candlelight vigil unscripted.  

I struggled with what was I supposed to do...how to make a difference...what to say or do.

This morning was even more challenging as we went to Mass at our local parish church (where the family were members) not our usual church.  I needed to hear Father's words...I needed to cry and mourn the loss of my kids.

Our community is shaken...there are no words or solutions...but time will heal...until then I re-watch a recent video made by the little boy.  I look at his STEAM memory "sway" which is like a power point of his favorite STEAM activities over the past four years.  I see even more value in a simple project.  

Here is one slide of his power point - showing his baseball stadium at the top created out of cardboard.  His invention was for higher fences for greater safety!

Pray for the family and our community!

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Here are a few happy fourth of July STEAM option - check out this fun science experiment!  We might try it later today!

Underwater Fireworks

Learn about fireworks from Wonderopolis too :)

How Fireworks are Made

I will try to provide some periodic STEAM ideas! 

Enjoy your holiday...hugs your "kids"...cultivate your relationships...stay connected...celebrate every day :)

KITES, BUBBLES, and MORE!

 May = KITES
June = BUBBLES

Kindergarten has been super busy learning about plants, seedlings, and helping to water our school garden/tree seedlings.  It is a big job with the dry weather that we had.  They rocked watering them one cup at a time.  The plan was go out with 2 gallons of water.  Give each child 1 small cup - fill with water - then each child waters 1 seedling.  One of the favorite videos was on Brain Pop Junior about the parts of a plant. Plus we watch Dr. Binocs on plants too.

First grade made BIRD KITES!  This is a fun project, but does take a lot of pre-planning (stapling the birds and tying on the strings).  Plus they helped with plant watering as well.  In addition, we found a new fun website on farming - My American Farm.  It was a bit tricky to use on the touch screen tablets/surfaces.  

Here is how to make a Bird Kite...

Second grade made two kites - which is too many at one time!  Many of the classes also finished up the post kite info sheet.  We made SLED KITES AND BIRD KITES.  Next year...first grade will make bird kites and second grade will make just sled kites.  The tying of strings was TOUGH!  We are going to working tying knots sooner and more often.  Here is a brief video about Sled Kites - https://www.loom.com/share/b2fd98cc39154fa884a1109dc1d2516a

Third grade and fourth grade wrapped up INVENT IT.  Third grade the sled kites since I had the materials and the plans.  Over all this was a fun way to end the year.  Plus we did a bit more coding and EduTyping.  About 25% of third and fourth graders finished the home row!

Fourth grade worked on learning about SWAY and shared their favorite website, favorite activities, what they learned, and what they wished that we had done.  I LOVED READING THEM!!!

HERE ARE SOME KITE PICTURES:

NOW ONTO OUR LAST FUN ACTIVITY OF THE YEAR!  GIANT BUBBLES!

I had the wands from several years ago at field day and extra Dawn dish soap.  So I just need to buy corn starch and baking powder.  We skipped the glycerin.  Here is a video to show how to make the bubble wands and bubble mixture.

Here was my recipe that I found earlier:
1/2 cup of corn starch
1/2 cup of dawn dish soap
1 TBSP of baking powder
6 cups of WARM water

I tried to premake the mixture but will work right away.  It will need to be stirred periodically.  

HERE ARE THE STUDENT PICTURES:

We even did bubbles in the rain under the awning by the playground!

Teamwork bubbles

Just found this cool link and might try this next year~
https://news.emory.edu/features/2020/01/physics-of-bubbles/index.html?fbclid=IwAR2ZM54hlKN-1n-hmGh2gTpvqYQXNtO1SUkm_SobAJ-GEo3F6dxNQiJntS8