It is the end of the quarter. Many big projects are due, and students may realize procrastination causes stress. Please check in with your student and ask them what projects are due. Most classes have a final project (Ways of Seeing, Mathalicious, Universe Story, Sound, Art all have them, for example).
Every month, we update our calendar. I have been working with students to record homework and due dates, but it is definitely a skill in development. You can help support hem by LOOKING AT THEIR PLANNER. If it is blank, then something is wrong. Planning is a vital skill that MSers will need to prepare for middle school success, high school survival, and life in general. Helping them record other commitments (practices, family events, games, etc.) helps them to connect home and school life, and use their time better. Plus, you can check in with them about Trillium events.
Also note: we set out first goals. Each student had to record one academic goal. I encourage you to review their goals, and even help add to them. We will work more closely on goal setting (and reflection) in the coming months. All students were given a planner; if your student has lost their planner, you can purchase a replacement or send in an equivalent (monthly overview plus day by day space). Having one is a must, as it is part of our MS curriculum.
Thanks.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Gleaning!
This Friday we will work with Oregon Tilth on a service learning project.
We will harvest season's end produce from the fields of the 47th Farm CSA.
This is produce that was not picked during the main harvest or might be too small or too large for commercial uses.
This food will be donated to a local food bank. Fresh produce is always a healthy and nutritious addition to the meals provided by the food bank. Students' work will directly translate into helping with hunger issues here in Oregon.
We still need drivers. It promises to be a wonderful service learning trip. Check your calendar and please join us!
Students should also bring work clothes, jackets, and work gloves (if you have them).
Finally, if you are able to send a box with your student On Friday, please do so. We will need boxes to transport the food from field to food bank.
We will harvest season's end produce from the fields of the 47th Farm CSA.
This is produce that was not picked during the main harvest or might be too small or too large for commercial uses.
This food will be donated to a local food bank. Fresh produce is always a healthy and nutritious addition to the meals provided by the food bank. Students' work will directly translate into helping with hunger issues here in Oregon.
We still need drivers. It promises to be a wonderful service learning trip. Check your calendar and please join us!
Students should also bring work clothes, jackets, and work gloves (if you have them).
Finally, if you are able to send a box with your student On Friday, please do so. We will need boxes to transport the food from field to food bank.
What a Busy Month!
Upcoming Dates and Events:
Thurs, Nov 1, 6:30-8:30 pm: "Democratic Education: How democracy works at Trillium"
Fri, Nov 2, Gleaning with Oregon Tilth
Thurs, Nov 8--End of Quarter & Tentative Project Fair
Fri, Nov 9--NO SCHOOL--Teacher Planning
Mon, Nov 12--NO SCHOOL--Veterans Day
Fri, Nov 16 Jean's Farm Trip
Tues, Nov 13, 6:30 pm--TFT Meeting
Thanksgiving Vacation
Nov 19th- Nov 23rd
Thurs, Nov 1, 6:30-8:30 pm: "Democratic Education: How democracy works at Trillium"
Fri, Nov 2, Gleaning with Oregon Tilth
Thurs, Nov 8--End of Quarter & Tentative Project Fair
Fri, Nov 9--NO SCHOOL--Teacher Planning
Mon, Nov 12--NO SCHOOL--Veterans Day
Fri, Nov 16 Jean's Farm Trip
Tues, Nov 13, 6:30 pm--TFT Meeting
Thanksgiving Vacation
Nov 19th- Nov 23rd
Jean's Farm
By Devon Warren
Last Friday our advising visited Jean’s farm as a community service day. We plan on going there about once a month for the remainder of the year. We arrived a little late and didn’t have as much time as we had planed, but we managed to do just about everything. The farm it’s self is pretty good sized, it has a big garden and there is also a stream nearby. The advising split up into different groups of four and we all took turns doing different things. We took a tour of the farm, we worked on some evasive species removal and we also made some kale chips. We hope to be of help to Jean’s farm and learn a lot while doing it.
Last Friday our advising visited Jean’s farm as a community service day. We plan on going there about once a month for the remainder of the year. We arrived a little late and didn’t have as much time as we had planed, but we managed to do just about everything. The farm it’s self is pretty good sized, it has a big garden and there is also a stream nearby. The advising split up into different groups of four and we all took turns doing different things. We took a tour of the farm, we worked on some evasive species removal and we also made some kale chips. We hope to be of help to Jean’s farm and learn a lot while doing it.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Friday on the Farm.
This Friday we will visit Jean's farm, kicking off our year-long service learning project. We will be learning both about food security and ecology--while having fun and helping out. Students should bring clothes that can get dirty AND MUST BRING JACKETS.
Because we are using public transportation, we need to leave early on friday. We have to BE AT SCHOOL at 8:10. We will meet in front of the school. We will NOT go upstairs. If you are late, then you will need to meet us at the Lombard and interstate Max stop (across from the Fred Myers). Our bus leaves from this stop at 8:31.
This is our route (as planned)
1. Walk 0.14 mile north from 5240 N Interstate Ave to N Killingsworth St MAX Station (Stop ID 11512)
2. 8:14 p.m. Board MAX Yellow Line to Expo Center
3. 8:18 p.m. Get off at N Lombard TC MAX Station
4. Go to N Lombard & Interstate (Stop ID 3506)
5. 8:31 p.m. Board 75 39th-Lombard to Milwaukie TC
6. 9:16 p.m. Get off at SE Johnson Creek & 40th
For those who live in SE...you may want to meet us directly at the Farm (feel free to hang out with us for the two hours we are there).
If you would like to meet us directly at the Lombard stop at 8:30, please let me know ahead of time.
Also, Nov. 2nd we will be gleaning--harvesting fresh produce directly from the field of a CSA to donate to the food bank. We will need drivers because public transport isn't feasible for this trip. Please check your calendars. We will leave at 8:30 and return at the regular time.
Thanks,
Tobie
Because we are using public transportation, we need to leave early on friday. We have to BE AT SCHOOL at 8:10. We will meet in front of the school. We will NOT go upstairs. If you are late, then you will need to meet us at the Lombard and interstate Max stop (across from the Fred Myers). Our bus leaves from this stop at 8:31.
This is our route (as planned)
1. Walk 0.14 mile north from 5240 N Interstate Ave to N Killingsworth St MAX Station (Stop ID 11512)
2. 8:14 p.m. Board MAX Yellow Line to Expo Center
3. 8:18 p.m. Get off at N Lombard TC MAX Station
4. Go to N Lombard & Interstate (Stop ID 3506)
5. 8:31 p.m. Board 75 39th-Lombard to Milwaukie TC
6. 9:16 p.m. Get off at SE Johnson Creek & 40th
For those who live in SE...you may want to meet us directly at the Farm (feel free to hang out with us for the two hours we are there).
If you would like to meet us directly at the Lombard stop at 8:30, please let me know ahead of time.
Also, Nov. 2nd we will be gleaning--harvesting fresh produce directly from the field of a CSA to donate to the food bank. We will need drivers because public transport isn't feasible for this trip. Please check your calendars. We will leave at 8:30 and return at the regular time.
Thanks,
Tobie
TTrillium’s Upcoming Philosophy Series Workshop
“Democratic Education: How democracy works at Trillium”
Thursday, November 1st
6:30 in the multipurpose space
Do you want to know more about how democracy happens at Trillium?
Interested in what the Trillium Constitution is all about? *
Do you wonder what the parent’s role is in all this?
Come learn about the ideas behind Trillium’s democratic structures and practices, how they have developed and grown and where we hope to go in the future.
*Childcare will be provided if you sign up at the front desk by Monday October 29
Thursday, November 1st
6:30 in the multipurpose space
Do you want to know more about how democracy happens at Trillium?
Interested in what the Trillium Constitution is all about? *
Do you wonder what the parent’s role is in all this?
Come learn about the ideas behind Trillium’s democratic structures and practices, how they have developed and grown and where we hope to go in the future.
*Childcare will be provided if you sign up at the front desk by Monday October 29
Friday, October 19, 2007
Japan Festival
This is a reminder for the Japan Festival THIS Saturday at Trillium 11am - 4pm.
Please send this message to your family, friends, and Trillium Family, too.
There are lots of activities(some charge) such as Kimono Dress & photo, calligraphy, flower arrangement, Origami corner, tea ceremony, children's game
and all day performance(free admission). There are also bingo game&prizes and we will sell food & drinks.
Please come and have fun!
Performance Schedule
at Multi-purpose room (Free Admission)
11:00 Opening Festival: Greeting from Trillium
11:10 Abacus Presentation
11:30 Miyabi Kai School of Koto Performance
And Japanese Songs by M.S + H.S
12:00 Tea Ceremony
12:20 Kimono Show
12:40 Flower Arrangement (Ikebana)
1:00 Japanese Storytelling
by Michiko Kornhauser & Geroge Katagiri
1:30 Shoehorn Tap dancing saxophonist
2:00 Obukan Kendo
2:20 Portland Aikikai
2:40 Ojukan Judo
3:05 Japanese songs by 3-5 graders
3:10 Bingo
3:30 Bon Odori (dance)
4:00 End of the performance
Please send this message to your family, friends, and Trillium Family, too.
There are lots of activities(some charge) such as Kimono Dress & photo, calligraphy, flower arrangement, Origami corner, tea ceremony, children's game
and all day performance(free admission). There are also bingo game&prizes and we will sell food & drinks.
Please come and have fun!
Performance Schedule
at Multi-purpose room (Free Admission)
11:00 Opening Festival: Greeting from Trillium
11:10 Abacus Presentation
11:30 Miyabi Kai School of Koto Performance
And Japanese Songs by M.S + H.S
12:00 Tea Ceremony
12:20 Kimono Show
12:40 Flower Arrangement (Ikebana)
1:00 Japanese Storytelling
by Michiko Kornhauser & Geroge Katagiri
1:30 Shoehorn Tap dancing saxophonist
2:00 Obukan Kendo
2:20 Portland Aikikai
2:40 Ojukan Judo
3:05 Japanese songs by 3-5 graders
3:10 Bingo
3:30 Bon Odori (dance)
4:00 End of the performance
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Community Service-Learning
This year, one of our service learning partnerships will be with Jean's Farm and Oregon Tilth. We will be visiting and working on the farm, learning about plants, ecology, and environmental science AND exploring issues around food security and hunger.
Ideally, we will be at the farm once a month. Come spring, we may be asked to use our skills to help the Northeast Emergency Food Program get their garden up and running.
Here are the dates of service learning so far:
October 26th at Jean's Farm
November 2nd Gleening at 47th Ave CSA farm for the Food Bank (tentative)
November 16th at Jean's Farm
For the November 2nd date, we will need carpools. The farm is about 25 minutes south of here. We would leave the school at 8:30 and be home by 12. Please check your calenders. I will know by next week if our proposal to glean has been approved.
For those who don;t know what gleaning is: it is harvesting crops left over from the main harvest. We would collect fruits and veggies to help the food bank have fresh food to add to their supply. Often the veggies have minor imperfections, are too big/small, or just got missed during the main harvest. It is a great way to reduce/reuse/recycle.
For all of these dates, students need:
Clothes they can get dirty in. We are farmin'
COATS. We go rain or shine. For the Jean's farm trip they do have covered spaces, but if we all bring rain jackets, we should have lovely weather...
Shoes...solid and study. They will come home dirty.
Students wanted to also volunteer at a food service/soup kitchen, but the one I contacted does not take volunteers under 16. Good idea though. They can revisit it in high school.
Please note that service learning days are a key part of the Trillium curriculum. They are NOT optional.
Email me with any questions and suggestions...
Ideally, we will be at the farm once a month. Come spring, we may be asked to use our skills to help the Northeast Emergency Food Program get their garden up and running.
Here are the dates of service learning so far:
October 26th at Jean's Farm
November 2nd Gleening at 47th Ave CSA farm for the Food Bank (tentative)
November 16th at Jean's Farm
For the November 2nd date, we will need carpools. The farm is about 25 minutes south of here. We would leave the school at 8:30 and be home by 12. Please check your calenders. I will know by next week if our proposal to glean has been approved.
For those who don;t know what gleaning is: it is harvesting crops left over from the main harvest. We would collect fruits and veggies to help the food bank have fresh food to add to their supply. Often the veggies have minor imperfections, are too big/small, or just got missed during the main harvest. It is a great way to reduce/reuse/recycle.
For all of these dates, students need:
Clothes they can get dirty in. We are farmin'
COATS. We go rain or shine. For the Jean's farm trip they do have covered spaces, but if we all bring rain jackets, we should have lovely weather...
Shoes...solid and study. They will come home dirty.
Students wanted to also volunteer at a food service/soup kitchen, but the one I contacted does not take volunteers under 16. Good idea though. They can revisit it in high school.
Please note that service learning days are a key part of the Trillium curriculum. They are NOT optional.
Email me with any questions and suggestions...
News from the Week
First, we had an amazing class meeting.
Students in our advising did an outstanding job of listening to each other, creating proposals, and giving feedback on proposals from other advisings. Auyrn did a suburb job of moderating. Seriously, this class meeting could have been filmed and placed on the website. It was very WOW, I can't believe these are middle schoolers running the show. Kid nation, watch out...
Second, tutoring began. Ten students from our class work with students in the k-2 on reading and project skills. Five students teachers go downstairs on Tuesday, and five on Wednesday. So far they are having fun and helping serve the lower school.
Next, we got our class pet. Fred is a lovely rock, that was donated by Ray. THANKS RAY.
The class also voted to adopt a chinchilla. Now the committee will be fundraising, creating a care and feeding schedule, and figuring out who will take it home on weekends and holidays. All must be done and approved before the arrival of the hapless little thing. They know in advance that I am not in any way responsible for the pet. I am a little hesitant, but the committee has assured me they will plan for the the care and feeding of the creature. Given it is a democratic school, I don't have to be in favor of it (nor take it home on weekends or for the summer). Of course, I must let it be known that if they don't take care of it, I plan on eating it. I have heard they taste like chicken.
Then, our class brought a proposal to the Middle School Meeting that met with positive feedback (middle school Haunted House). Now the organization committee of Ivy, Reggi, Auryn and Shale will be plotting details to present to the MS next week. They have much to plan, but I am certain they will do a solid job. Unfortunately, I won't eat eat them if they don't. From past experience, middle schooler do not taste like chicken. Don't let anyone fool you. We just won't have a MS haunted house.
Check the Blog for more info (like our exciting community service plan, recipes for chinchillas, and details about the care and feeding of pet rocks).
Thanks folks, I am here all week.
tobie
Students in our advising did an outstanding job of listening to each other, creating proposals, and giving feedback on proposals from other advisings. Auyrn did a suburb job of moderating. Seriously, this class meeting could have been filmed and placed on the website. It was very WOW, I can't believe these are middle schoolers running the show. Kid nation, watch out...
Second, tutoring began. Ten students from our class work with students in the k-2 on reading and project skills. Five students teachers go downstairs on Tuesday, and five on Wednesday. So far they are having fun and helping serve the lower school.
Next, we got our class pet. Fred is a lovely rock, that was donated by Ray. THANKS RAY.
The class also voted to adopt a chinchilla. Now the committee will be fundraising, creating a care and feeding schedule, and figuring out who will take it home on weekends and holidays. All must be done and approved before the arrival of the hapless little thing. They know in advance that I am not in any way responsible for the pet. I am a little hesitant, but the committee has assured me they will plan for the the care and feeding of the creature. Given it is a democratic school, I don't have to be in favor of it (nor take it home on weekends or for the summer). Of course, I must let it be known that if they don't take care of it, I plan on eating it. I have heard they taste like chicken.
Then, our class brought a proposal to the Middle School Meeting that met with positive feedback (middle school Haunted House). Now the organization committee of Ivy, Reggi, Auryn and Shale will be plotting details to present to the MS next week. They have much to plan, but I am certain they will do a solid job. Unfortunately, I won't eat eat them if they don't. From past experience, middle schooler do not taste like chicken. Don't let anyone fool you. We just won't have a MS haunted house.
Check the Blog for more info (like our exciting community service plan, recipes for chinchillas, and details about the care and feeding of pet rocks).
Thanks folks, I am here all week.
tobie
Friday, October 5, 2007
Join the Circus Without Running Away
“LOOK, MA! I JOINED THE CIRCUS!”
Circus Arts Workshop, Play, Learn, Grow!
This looks like a cool new after school program...I hope someone in our adfivisng takes advantage of it! It is FREE.
WHEN: Tuesday
Wednesday 3.15 to 5.00pm, 4th thru 8th Grade
Starting First week in October - 10/2 and 10/3/07
WHERE: Trillium Charter School, Gym. 5420 N. Interstate No experience necessary.
For questions & information:
Karen Tobin, Higher Stages Program Director at 503.248.0557 higherstages@yahoo.com
Paul Battram, Circus Casadia at paulbattram@yahoo.com
www.higherstages.com www.circuscascadia.com
Circus Arts Workshop, Play, Learn, Grow!
This looks like a cool new after school program...I hope someone in our adfivisng takes advantage of it! It is FREE.
WHEN: Tuesday
Wednesday 3.15 to 5.00pm, 4th thru 8th Grade
Starting First week in October - 10/2 and 10/3/07
WHERE: Trillium Charter School, Gym. 5420 N. Interstate No experience necessary.
For questions & information:
Karen Tobin, Higher Stages Program Director at 503.248.0557 higherstages@yahoo.com
Paul Battram, Circus Casadia at paulbattram@yahoo.com
www.higherstages.com www.circuscascadia.com
Our First Buddy Day!
Big buddies met their buddies today, and accompanied them to the public library. They cozied up with books and read stories to each other. They were focused and respectful, receiving many compliments. Then, the whole group went to the park for a great autumn game of Capture the Flag. I was impressed by the leadership, maturity, and good sportsmanship of our students.
Another exciting element was that we were supported by Pedicabs in our park and excursion to the library. Students took turns walking and riding in the pedicabs. For most students, it was their first trip. It was a lovely addition to our day to be chauffeured about in bright orange cabs. We were definitely the coolest things in the neighborhood today!
Each month, we will have a group buddy activity. Ideas for the future includes: Tears of Joy puppet theater, Nadanaf Gymnastics center, and a trip to the children's museum. I look forward to seeing which students join the organizing committee.
Cross age experiences are an important part of the Trillium identity. We are off to a great start. Friendships are already in the making.
Another exciting element was that we were supported by Pedicabs in our park and excursion to the library. Students took turns walking and riding in the pedicabs. For most students, it was their first trip. It was a lovely addition to our day to be chauffeured about in bright orange cabs. We were definitely the coolest things in the neighborhood today!
Each month, we will have a group buddy activity. Ideas for the future includes: Tears of Joy puppet theater, Nadanaf Gymnastics center, and a trip to the children's museum. I look forward to seeing which students join the organizing committee.
Cross age experiences are an important part of the Trillium identity. We are off to a great start. Friendships are already in the making.
Movies and More
I received many responses about last nights blog.
I am not surprised that many parent objected to the movie. I was actually glad to hear it because my decision was not popular. I also received notes supporting my zero vote on video games. Sometimes being the mean evil advisor is what I get paid the big bucks to do.
The overview of the conversation we had today in class was:
How to arrange to use shared spaces in advance. Selecting options are not enough. MS students need to help plan and arrange their activities.
Video games have, and will continue to receive a zero vote from me. I have the right in our constitution based on the Teacher Judgement call.
My movie policy is as follows:
For student selected movies:
1. Students have to provide me with written explanation of how the movie has educational value.
2. If there is any question of content (i.e. not a youth movie even if it is PG, subjects which may be controversial not directly related to a class), then permission slips must be written (by them). They must be collected and organized.
3. Any movie not PG must have a permission slip. I may provide a general permission slip to keep on record.
4. Alternative activities of equal fun/worth/educational value must be provided. Students SHOULD NOT have to miss school due to the content of a movie.
Finally, I should not have assumed only 6th grade parents would object. I actually thought most would, but I heard responses from more 7th and 8th grade parents!
Part of this arose from having to have another teacher in class during this process. I was out meeting with a student/family. Most of Friday was planned (see other post).
It has turned into a productive class/family discussion on choosing events, planning for use of shared spaces, and appropriate use of school time. Hopefully students have a better understanding of the planning process and expectations, and families can support my mean, evil and terrible limits. I am pleased to report no student died today as a result of not seeing their movie. We actually didn't even have time for it given our buddy activity.
I am not surprised that many parent objected to the movie. I was actually glad to hear it because my decision was not popular. I also received notes supporting my zero vote on video games. Sometimes being the mean evil advisor is what I get paid the big bucks to do.
The overview of the conversation we had today in class was:
How to arrange to use shared spaces in advance. Selecting options are not enough. MS students need to help plan and arrange their activities.
Video games have, and will continue to receive a zero vote from me. I have the right in our constitution based on the Teacher Judgement call.
My movie policy is as follows:
For student selected movies:
1. Students have to provide me with written explanation of how the movie has educational value.
2. If there is any question of content (i.e. not a youth movie even if it is PG, subjects which may be controversial not directly related to a class), then permission slips must be written (by them). They must be collected and organized.
3. Any movie not PG must have a permission slip. I may provide a general permission slip to keep on record.
4. Alternative activities of equal fun/worth/educational value must be provided. Students SHOULD NOT have to miss school due to the content of a movie.
Finally, I should not have assumed only 6th grade parents would object. I actually thought most would, but I heard responses from more 7th and 8th grade parents!
Part of this arose from having to have another teacher in class during this process. I was out meeting with a student/family. Most of Friday was planned (see other post).
It has turned into a productive class/family discussion on choosing events, planning for use of shared spaces, and appropriate use of school time. Hopefully students have a better understanding of the planning process and expectations, and families can support my mean, evil and terrible limits. I am pleased to report no student died today as a result of not seeing their movie. We actually didn't even have time for it given our buddy activity.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Academic Concern Notifications
Will be turned in tomorrow. They will be given to students who are not passing classes, struggling, behind on key assignments, or having behavior issues. In this case, no news in good news.
If you DO receive a notification, don't panic. There is time to work with the teacher to create a support plan. Email the instructor at NAME@trilliumcharterschool.org to get details and make a plan for your students success. Don't forget to let me know if your MSer Needs to use advising/homeroom time for homework. We can add it to their PLP.
If you DO receive a notification, don't panic. There is time to work with the teacher to create a support plan. Email the instructor at NAME@trilliumcharterschool.org to get details and make a plan for your students success. Don't forget to let me know if your MSer Needs to use advising/homeroom time for homework. We can add it to their PLP.
Planner
Your student now is in possesion of a Trillium Planner!
You can help this be an effective tool by checking it regularly to see what assignments they have. Using a planner is a new skill, and some students need extra support and instruction. If your MSer isn't using their planner, let me know an I can check in with them. Check the planner to see what is do, help them add other events (games, practice, lessons, family birthdays, etc.). Planning is a skill that is part of our framework, so It is a good time to start.
You can help this be an effective tool by checking it regularly to see what assignments they have. Using a planner is a new skill, and some students need extra support and instruction. If your MSer isn't using their planner, let me know an I can check in with them. Check the planner to see what is do, help them add other events (games, practice, lessons, family birthdays, etc.). Planning is a skill that is part of our framework, so It is a good time to start.
Next week...Staff Retreat
Staff retreat is Thursday and Friday. All students should have this in their planner (and it is on the main calender). There will be no school for students on those days.
If you have any major issues that I should try to add to the retreat agenda, please email them to me.
If you have any major issues that I should try to add to the retreat agenda, please email them to me.
This Friday...
Today I had to step out of class while our advising discussed Fridays.
They came up with some ideas, and skillfully used the democratic process (according to the teacher who stepped in for me). Here were the top ideas:
Video games
Movie: Poltergeist
Tumbling
Dodge ball game
Our current plan is to work with our buddy class at 9:30. We will be taking them to the library, then to the park where we will play group games to get to know them. I heard rumor there are pedi-cabs involved. In addition to having assistant teachers support their literacy time, our class will continue to have events with Billy's k-2 class. Friday is one of these scheduled days. There will be some pockets of time around this activity. Given I wasn't there to provide that important detail, our advising's option do not fit for a few reasons.
I want to honor the democratic process by tabling some ideas, explaining needed steps for some to be possibilities, and explaining my zero vote on one of them.
Tumbling and Dodge ball--great ideas. We need to reserve the shared space ahead of time. Often one day is not enough lead time for this. We also need to reserve extra dodge balls. If a student would like to tackle this, either of these would be options for a future Friday.
Movie-Poltergeist. This IS a PG movie, but may contain content that some parents object to. I would need to notify parents ahead of time that it is shown. I am comfortable with the 7-8th graders, but am interested in comments from 6th grade parents. For me to okay this idea, students would need to provide some content/academic value and get the okay from 6th grade parents to show. If students want to make it part of our Halloween party, then just permission is needed.
Video Games. This has my zero vote. I have yet to see convincing arguments for using educational time to play video games. While we can debrief movies based on plot, theme, etc., I don't see even thin connections with curriculum (independence, community, or fluencies). Don't get me wrong, I love Street Fighter as much as the next guy, but I will play that and Ms. Pac Man on my own time. What more, as MS advisors, we have an informal "no game" during school hours policy. I would need to confer with my teammates.
I believe that students could advocate for video games as part of our winter party before break. I wouldn't be thrilled, but again in a democratic school not everything has to please me. It would be a special occasion. There are also strict rules on what games are allowed, etc. Interested students should work with Nick to understand those regulations, and plan ahead if it is important to them. For Friday activities, I will continue to place a zero the use of video games in school. I would rather see people fix radios, create business plans, write stories, and do art. After school, feel free to challenge me to a game of frogger.
Since I have had to table many of the ideas due to practicality or ethical reasons, I will bring some team building games for the first hour. Students may opt to participate in them, or work on their PLP's, or address any academic concern notifications they may have. We will then meet with our buddies.
Thanks,
Tobie
They came up with some ideas, and skillfully used the democratic process (according to the teacher who stepped in for me). Here were the top ideas:
Video games
Movie: Poltergeist
Tumbling
Dodge ball game
Our current plan is to work with our buddy class at 9:30. We will be taking them to the library, then to the park where we will play group games to get to know them. I heard rumor there are pedi-cabs involved. In addition to having assistant teachers support their literacy time, our class will continue to have events with Billy's k-2 class. Friday is one of these scheduled days. There will be some pockets of time around this activity. Given I wasn't there to provide that important detail, our advising's option do not fit for a few reasons.
I want to honor the democratic process by tabling some ideas, explaining needed steps for some to be possibilities, and explaining my zero vote on one of them.
Tumbling and Dodge ball--great ideas. We need to reserve the shared space ahead of time. Often one day is not enough lead time for this. We also need to reserve extra dodge balls. If a student would like to tackle this, either of these would be options for a future Friday.
Movie-Poltergeist. This IS a PG movie, but may contain content that some parents object to. I would need to notify parents ahead of time that it is shown. I am comfortable with the 7-8th graders, but am interested in comments from 6th grade parents. For me to okay this idea, students would need to provide some content/academic value and get the okay from 6th grade parents to show. If students want to make it part of our Halloween party, then just permission is needed.
Video Games. This has my zero vote. I have yet to see convincing arguments for using educational time to play video games. While we can debrief movies based on plot, theme, etc., I don't see even thin connections with curriculum (independence, community, or fluencies). Don't get me wrong, I love Street Fighter as much as the next guy, but I will play that and Ms. Pac Man on my own time. What more, as MS advisors, we have an informal "no game" during school hours policy. I would need to confer with my teammates.
I believe that students could advocate for video games as part of our winter party before break. I wouldn't be thrilled, but again in a democratic school not everything has to please me. It would be a special occasion. There are also strict rules on what games are allowed, etc. Interested students should work with Nick to understand those regulations, and plan ahead if it is important to them. For Friday activities, I will continue to place a zero the use of video games in school. I would rather see people fix radios, create business plans, write stories, and do art. After school, feel free to challenge me to a game of frogger.
Since I have had to table many of the ideas due to practicality or ethical reasons, I will bring some team building games for the first hour. Students may opt to participate in them, or work on their PLP's, or address any academic concern notifications they may have. We will then meet with our buddies.
Thanks,
Tobie
PLP's off to a good start
It has been an exciting week as students are finding a good rythm with their PLPs. Today I observed the testing of a catapult, the advertising of a student lead class, and the view of a soap-box racer from my window. Other students are forming plans, and starting to chunk up big ideas into workable, focused pieces. The process isn't easy, but it is exciting. As the year gains momentum, more and more students will learn to be in control of their learning, to take interests to the levels of experts, and to demonstrate learning through creative projects.
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