The Week Has Ended - Applause!

              This week, celebrating a good week of good times with Ruth Ayes at Discover, Play Build.  
                                                       Tweet at #CelebrateLu!

  

*My class worked hard all week preparing for their Expo displays. I was absent Thursday and Friday and had terrific help so that students could continue on. Here are a few things that happened: 

                 We used shower curtains to help a student set up a mock prison cell. He's studying prison architecture, focusing on those in solitary confinement and the differences between the US designs and that of other countries. 

                 One student created a triangular pyramid that will turn to show his work. He is studying bridge construction, and the earlier part of the unit was 'how-to' creations. Another is hanging her picture gallery of students she dressed and made-up to show the fashion changes throughout the 20th century. Still another created a photo display of public art in her neighborhood area (the one I happen to live in, too). Each photo lifts so that people can vote for a piece that is a favorite. In addition to the research work there have been beautiful backgrounds drawn and/or painted on different boards that connect with the research. I can't wait to share pictures after next week!

*I attended CCIRA, have been there since Wednesday evening, the coldest night. We have been blessed with amazingly great weather, in the 70s during the days! Last year the temperature set records the other way, one day was about minus 12, so this made us all think it was nearly spring!  Here are a few highlights:

               Georgia Heard began with sharing her experience with Stanley Kunitz, quoted him: "Write about the 'little' things, write from the HEART (my caps)." Doesn't that connect beautifully with all of our own celebrations? And with Georgia's "heart-mapping"?

               Kylene Beers shared the video above from a group in Maine-such fun-said it was a school project, but has gone viral, and they now have a contract to do more song parodies. This time I celebrate students and their creativity, if we only allow it!

        Her wise words I want to celebrate for teachers: "If students are dependent on teacher-dependent questions, they will not become dependent upon their own questioning."

Kylene had a second session I attended, then there was Kelly Gallagher, authors and illustrators...  I'll certainly share more as I can. I don't want to make this too long. It was an amazing, jam-packed three days, and my mind is full!

      One personal favorite experience: I got to be the aide in one session and introduce Kathi Appelt, whose books I love. I helped her set up, etc. It was grand to hear her talk about her books and writing process, and to chat about her helpful writing friends, etc.  For us nerdy book lovers, it was like meeting a rock star!

        Happy Weekend everyone!