The Rookery

One of the hardest things to capture about life in a progressive classroom – but one of its most crucial elements – is the sense that learning is everywhere and we have but to uncover it.  The adventure of learning together instead of the teacher setting the course along a well…

We are always struck by the irony of MCA timing and Honoring Week.  Both the MCAs and personal projects are ways for students to show what they know.  Through projects, students demonstrate who they are as learners – how they ask questions and seek answers; how they synthesize information and…

The project checklist students used to keep track of their work. So often we hear about "process" vs. "product."  But the Honors Project and 4th grade project are truly about both.  These kids have been working since December and January to wonder about something, learn about it and then teach…

  We had a great conversation this afternoon about a phenomena that Simon observed while out on a hike.  He saw that there were places where a leaf had sunk into the snow in a perfectly leaf shaped hole.  I took the Herons out to take a look at this…

Pi Champion, 2018 Our annual Pi Day was a lot of fun.  Students got to discover pi for themselves and learn about the history of pi as well as have fun with a variety of pi activities.  It's a chance for students to have fun with numbers and experience awe…

I was proud of the students who left classes today to honor the seventeen Florida students who were killed a month ago. These kids are using their voice to affect change – something I hope that our students are learning to do in their own way during their time at…

It seems hard to believe that I've been at Prairie Creek for fifteen years – and harder to believe that, in many ways, not much has changed in that time.  Why do so many teachers stay (and stay and stay?)  Simply put, we are so supported by our leadership, our…

Night - The Herons wrapped up their night theme by creating constellation blackboards for the rest of the school to enjoy.  When we reflected on the theme we were surprised by how much had done but we also decided we were ready to move on to a new theme.  It's the…

A trip to Menards always means mischief for me and this weekend was no exception.  I found squarish plastics pails like Tidy Cat cat litter containers.  I was reminded of some ice blocks I'd seen made for a winter celebration by Leondardo's Basement.  I'd always meant to make some for…

Wolf Ridge isn't easy.  It isn't easy physically for the kids. It isn't easy for the chaperones to take a week away from work and family.  It isn't easy to raise money for the bus and scholarships.  It isn't easy for families to get gear and save money for the…