Saturday, February 13, 2016

Weekly Goodness



              I'm celebrating each Saturday or Sunday with Ruth Ayres at Discover Play Build. Come join in to share your own special celebrations.


So good because. . .

        I wrote a poem every day for Laura Shovan's birthday challenge!  Some days, eek, my mind was the blank slate like the page in my notebook. But, finally, after reading an old poetry book, I managed some ideas. They aren't all good, but I'm proud of a few!

        I finished a story/poem for Susanna Leonard Hill's Valentiny Contest, am pleased the way it came out. I've worked on it daily, bits and pieces, for several weeks. 

         My usual Imogene visit happened on Wednesday, and we visited a park a little further away, but marvelous with a playground, a stream and a pond, SPACE! We also stopped by the library on the way home so that Imi could choose a few books herself. She found a very cute book by Lois Ehlert, Holey Moley, a mole underground and all the others under there with it. What attracted her to this one? I'm guessing bright colors and inside, a hole in the page!






        Expo happened Thursday night. This is the time when every student at my school creates a display of their unit accomplishments/learning from the year, so far. I've shared about it before, but in the past, it was my students I wrote about. I visited several classrooms, am always amazed at the work students do, but this time it was me in a grandmother's role only. I'm so proud of Ingrid's work in her unit of 'big cats'. I shared a long time ago that she was getting to examine a cat's skeleton, slowly re-creating how it all fit together. Here is Ingrid talking with a visitor, and a picture of the skeleton. 



        The weather all week was in the fifties and sometimes sixties-jacket weather! I know it won't last, March is statistically our snowiest month, but walking out without a heavy coat was a joy.
                                Wishing everyone a very sweet Valentine's Day!

24 comments:

  1. Amazing what students can produce when they have selected the topic that interests them most. Do you suppose that Ingrid will one day work in a field related to animals? That skeleton is awesome! I'm so jealous that you get a day a week with the granddaughters. Are you getting the frigid temps we are supposed to get today and tomorrow? By Thursday, we are supposed to be in the 60's too.

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    1. Yes, being able to choose one's topic is so motivating, Elsie. She says she wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up, but of course, she's only 6. Next topic, bats! I am blessed to have the girls often, & know it. We had Carter often until 4th grade, but am glad they come to visit often. No frigid temps, just a little drip, then supposed to be seventy by Thursday. We often get a warm day or two but not for weeks! Very strange.

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    2. Love, love, love Ingrid's project and obvious connection to this topic. This is how school should be for ALL kids! Also loving the Colorado weather this week. Was a little surprised to wake up to fog this morning, but it's burned off now.

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    3. We do believe that choosing one's topic is a huge thing in their learning, & that it would work with everyone. I'm not so sure there are others who do believe it, though. Yes, the weather is awesome, & the fog did surprise me, but it's warm again now. I hope the bulbs don't start coming up!

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  2. Wow! Amazing Ingrid! She looks like such a confident presenter! I would love to be able to come and hear all about her learning.

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    1. They all are so excited to share their knowledge, but Ingrid told me later it was a lot of talking! I wish you could hear them, Carrie.

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  3. Happy Valentine's Day to you, too! I love the cat skeleton! Ingrid is such a doll. Look at her talking so happily about her project. :-)

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    1. There is something about bones that fascinate a lot of the students, and big learning occurs when they have to figure out the puzzle. Thanks, Holly.

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  4. I love when you share your doings with the grandgirls. What fun and learning! I think I only missed one poem in Laura's challenge so far. Hosting was work, but I was glad I had the day off to do it. I really liked your Valentiny poem!

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    1. I can tell those posts take work, but it was great for you to do one, Margaret. I'm working on today's poem now! Glad you like the grand girl news. Expo is always wonderful. Thanks about the poem, hopeful I might get a notice, but no matter what, I'm glad I did it.

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  5. Expo is a wonderful celebration of choice, curiosity, commitment,and learning. I like that you are showing us the professional learner presenting her research and balance it with reminding that a six year old likes bright colors and a hole in the middle of a book page.

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    1. Oh, sorry Terje, but it was Imogene with the new book, & she's four and a half, although I'm sure Ingrid, six, would like it too. Thanks!

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  6. How fun to be the grandma! Ingrid looks so smart (and cute) with her display. Her skeleton is impressive as I'm sure is her learning.

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    1. I appreciate the comment, Julieanne. The students are so proud of their learning &, at least, beginning expertise. And it is a joy to be a grandma, for sure!

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  7. It must be fun and really different to be the visitor. The exhibit that Ingrid prepared seems way beyond the pale of a six year old. So much is achieved by the wee ones these days. She did look confident in that picture but I can appreciate the fact that it had to be tiring interacting with so many new people. Happy Valentine's Day.

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    1. They welcome visitors at this age for about an hour, then can go "upstairs" to see their buddies and other classes, who have their visitors for about an hour and a half. They're good examples of what's to come. Yes it is tiring, but the beginning of learning to be strong in their knowledge as much as they can. I'm glad you noticed, Bernadette. Happy Valentine's Day to you too!

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  8. Linda, I think you've been writing while I've been reading! Congrats! Love the pics of Ingrid and Imi. When I was looking at Valentine's Day cards this year, I smiled knowing that next year, I'll be looking for a grandson card! Happy Valentine's Day!

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    1. I read your post, probably at the same time, then ran out to walk George, my grand-dog who's visiting. What a wonderful thought, Ramona, a grandmother next year! Happy Valentine's Day to you, too!

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  9. As always, the photographs of your grands pull me in - one just enjoying the exhilaration of childhood, one all earnest about her passions. Just perfect!

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  10. Wow! What a project! Love how she displayed everything! The skeleton is great!

    How inspiring you are as a poet!

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    1. Thank you, Loralee. I hope you're having a wonderful Valentine's Day!

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  11. The park sounds like a nice one and so great to have jacket weather! Expo seems to be a wonderful opportunity for students to shine.

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    1. It is a wonderful park, a large swath of land, good playground, & then the stream & pond. Thanks, Crystal.

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