Wednesday is Pi Day, 3-14. We are spending math time working with pi. As writers students will create their own pi-ku with a bit of a twist. Instead of the 5 – 7 – 5 format our pi-ku—haikus have new rules:
First line: 3 syllables
Second line: 1 syllable
Third line: 4 syllables
Here are a few I created:
Circumference
Found
Is Pi two R
Distance ‘round:
Pi
Diameter
Area
found
with Pi R Squared
I’m sure my students will be even more creative. Happy Pi Day!
It’s only 6:40 and I already feel like I’ve put in a long day. We have two nine-year-old labs and a mysterious beeping sound that must be coming from a smoke detector with a low battery or a device in our alarm system, but alas we have changed every battery we can find and the chirping continues. This has set off our black lab. She has become clingy and this morning even walked into the shower as I was taking one. She’s wet now and smelling like wet dog. We went on an early morning walk, had breakfast and she is still not herself. The random chirp comes on about once every ten minutes. It’s loud enough to hear throughout the house, but disappears before we get close to locating it. I’m not sure how to find the mystery chirping and need to leave for school soon. I hope Amelia’s day will be OK without us. At least she has her brother to keep her company. Yes, smoke detectors save lives, but this one is causing stress and loss of sleep.
It’s report card time. Our grading period ended Friday. With a move to reader’s workshop and writer’s workshop, we no longer give letter grades for Reading or Language Arts. We do give letter grades for Math, Science and Social Studies in 5th grade to get students used to receiving grades since they will letter grades for all classes next year. Each area also has eight to ten descriptors following the subject heading where we add a 1, 2, or 3. Descriptors include items like: works independently, used time wisely, participates in group activities, organizes materials, and uses strategies. We also assess social and emotional growth on this scale. Once the numbers and letter grades have been added, it’s time to write a narrative for each student. This is what takes time, lots of time. I want to make sure that the information provided is helpful yet succinct since there is only room for about 250 words. I write these narratives carefully, taking time to craft my words. They provide a glimpse into each child’s life as a student, showing growth and also goals for the future. The students who are struggling, not making the progress I had hoped for our having trouble with behavior expectations take the most time. I want them all to feel good about what they have accomplished and know that they continue to grow too.
We spent the morning at the Milwaukee Art Museum viewing a special exhibit: “Accidental Genius.” The work was all created by untrained artists, many who lived in poverty. Their work was simple, unrefined by most standards, but beautiful just the same. They went about painting and drawing as a way to express themselves, using whatever materials they could find. Somehow the art world took notice. Their work became collectable and worthy of museums. Having a gift for sharing their gift through simple mediums brought them into a different world. They shared their thoughts and stories. As I walked through the exhibit I was awestruck by their work. It sent the message that art is for everyone, that expressing one’s self is a natural desire. Some of us do it through art, others through writing and still others with music. All of our stories are important and just waiting to be told, if only someone will notice.
The sun is just beginning to rise and the pond behind our house is already alive. In spring we often see migratory water birds out there, having stopped for the night on their arduous journey north. Today I see small diving ducks searching for food on the recently opened water. I won’t be able to completely identify them until I am outside walking the dogs. By then the sun will be brighter. For now the sounds of the birds as they speak to each other and their graceful movements will remind me that spring is upon us. New life, new journeys and days filled with warmer temperatures. A welcome event after the long, dark days of winter.
As teachers, we are always looking for ways to engage our students. We spend hours crafting lessons, as well as creating and locating resources. What I don’t understand is why some teachers aren’t willing to share what they have created. Is it a fear that it might not be good enough, or fed on competition? Do some teachers stop sharing because they don’t want to overwhelm their colleagues or is it because they are afraid others might think of them as “know-it-alls?”
I have always been willing to share ideas and resources, but have learned to share in small pieces and only when someone seems genuinely interested. As educators we need to support one another without worrying about what will be thought of our work. That’s hard. Teachers are pleasers for the most part. Teachers are also conscious that someone might be scrutinizing our efforts and pass judgment.
When teams learn to function together and have developed trust, I think this can change. I also think using online forums to share makes this process easier when team scaffolding isn’t in place.
Now you might be asking why I am pondering this point and analyzing it the way I am. Last night I received an email from a teacher in another school who had switched grades this year. She’s not new to the school, but climbing a steep hill as she works toward mastering the curriculum. Her teammates aren’t always willing to support her. She reached out to find support online. I was more than willing to help. I just wish we all could do this. We need to find a way to develop a support structure in our buildings, be willing to risk sharing without fear and continue to build our online PLNs.
Time to step down from my soapbox, however I’m not taking my rose colored glasses off. I still believe that deep down everyone wants to share, collaborate and help out.
The wind is blowing and everything seems to be swinging or swaying with the force. It’s supposed to be another spring-like day with temperatures climbing to the 50s. I can’t help but think about Winnie-the-Pooh (“It’s a blustery day…”) and Dorothy too (We’re not in Kansas anymore…) It’s funny how the wind brings to mind literary references. I can even recall a poem from my childhood by Christina Rossetti:
Who has seen the wind?
Neither I nor you:
But when the leaves hang trembling,
The wind is passing through.
Who has seen the wind?
Neither you nor I:
But when the trees bow down their heads,
The wind is passing by.
I am happy to feel the warmer breeze. It’s a welcome relief from the cold, bitter winds of winter. Hopefully it won’t morph into Ivy Ruckman’s Night of the Twisters.
