Tweet at #CelebrateLu!
ADDED LATE: The Cybils Awards were announced today. I love being on this committee for Round Two Poetry Judging. Check out the winners and then don't forget the finalists, too!
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Well, Expo happened, students worked so hard in ways that one can only imagine when not there: they mounted work, finished models, prepared ads for a hallway bulletin board, helped classmates do a few projects, baked and glued, hammered and painted, measured and cut. They moved chairs and tables and sofas. They hung posters and 3-d projects from the ceiling. They sometimes had a few tears thinking they would never be done, and they finally, finally finished. Visitors came and talked and complimented, questioned and thanked. The celebration and reflection - party food and dancing was yesterday. And now a week of vacation is here. I am grateful for my wonderful students, and for the rest I need! Whoosh! As for the title referring to "lasts", eight of my students have been at our school for a long time, and are continuing on to high school this year. I remember a few who came to visit as toddlers, visiting with older siblings! Each day at least one said something about the final Expo, remembering all the other years and the other displays, from the first one as a primary student to this one.
And now, Ingrid begins her journey of Expos and sharing her own learning. I goofed in taking the picture of her life-sized manatee, but here is 'most' of it, and a picture of her sitting at her own display, talking with visitors, little sister Imi looking on.
Happy Valentine's Day!
The more I learn about your school, the more impressed I am! What a great experience the Expo is for all of your students. It is so fun to see little Ingrid and her manatee. Enjoy your break, Linda!
ReplyDeleteJennifer
Thanks, Jennifer, it is quite a time of prep for all of this, for students and for the teachers, but also great satisfaction. I will enjoy every bit of this break!
DeleteIngrid painted that manatee?!?! WOW! It's gorgeous!!!! I love hearing about this expo. I'm impressed (and exhausted just hearing about it)!!! It must be so much work!! Well done! Enjoy your week of vacation! I hope you get some time to rest!
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm exhausted too, so glad to be home & not rushing around! I have lots of prep to do for what's next, but the days will be nice at home. Thanks, Michelle!
DeleteIsn't it awesome to look back at students and remember those first years? Thanks for reminding us to celebrate the long relationships and memories we have with some of our students. It is one of the best "side effects" of the job :) Have a great vacation!
ReplyDeleteYes, it's wonderful, and alums come too, to see how Expo is going! Thanks, Marcie!
DeleteIngrid! I love that manatee! I think this Expo is an amazing idea! So much passion, and the amount of authentic learning...priceless. Your school seems like a really special place to be. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kendra-it is a special place & the kids & staff, too. Hope your Valentine's Day is sweet!
DeleteLove this photo of Ingrid sharing her learning and the one of "most" of her manatee - I think the photo is perfect - it really made me think - how big is this creature that this little girl painted and wow!
ReplyDeleteI should have gone back to get another pic-I think it's about a foot extended on each side. Ingrid says the average is 10 to 12 feet. And she says it took a very long time! Thanks, Carrie.
DeleteWow! The manatee is cool. Thanks for sharing. The Expo seems like a great experience for everyone involved.
ReplyDeleteExpo is amazing, Crystal, so many visitors for the evening, from family to neighbors to alums-enjoying the work & also each other! Thank you!
DeleteWow! Ingrid seems to have taken up your OLW too. Lots of paint for a life-sized manatee. What a wonderful experience for you and the students!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julieanne-hope I can get some more painting done myself during the break.
DeleteI am always so impressed with the learning and activities your school and students are able to do. It makes me so envious! And what fun it will be to watch and help your grandkids participate in these events! Enjoy your week off - we get a long weekend but that is better than nothing!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great (& loving) weekend, Leigh Anne. Yes, it's great to see Ingrid here at school.
DeleteLove the expo expo and learning about some behind the scenes effort! Ingrids manatee looks great too! I can only imagine how much work and pride go into this time of sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amy. It is quite a night of sharing accomplishment, then celebration!
DeleteWoooo hooo! Congrats on your celebrations and for your rest week! I
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteWhat a great week! I'm sure you are worn out. Do you get a break? We have a few days next week for Mardi Gras. The manatee is the best! A budding artist, for sure.
ReplyDeleteI'm so proud to have played a small part in the Cybils judging.
Yes, it's tradition that we have a week's break now. We all need it! I liked doing the Cybils too, Margaret! Thanks!
DeleteHow lovely to be celebrating your granddaughter's learning!
ReplyDeleteIt's just great, Juliann. Thank you!
DeleteLinda, your celebrations this week were certainly noteworthy. What struck me was that little Ingrid so engaged while she is talking about her lovely display. There is an image of a positively engaged learner and proud speaker. Congratulations on your amazing expo event.
ReplyDeleteI just posted my celebration blog.
Thanks Carol. Ingrid's other grandparents came to visit to see her at Expo, and then they went to the Museum of Nature & Science so she could show them the manatee skeleton. She knows a lot!
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