The Rookery

In preparation for some future work, I had the Herons review and sign our Internet and Computer Contract.  We begin with learning the importance of asking questions and understanding everything before you agree to a contract. We talked about safe searches and about viruses.  We talked about sites whose information…

I had the privilege to sit in on some of the Herons' spanish class last Thursday.  It was fascinating to watch the students engage in this new way of learning a language.  Señor Witt speaks only in spanish.  If a child does not understand, he repeats what he's said with…

In fourth and fifth grade students begin every math class with 15-20 minutes of work in their foundation math groups.  Students work on foundational skills such as computation algorithms and math vocabulary application.  We liken these skills to recognizing sight words in reading.  The more fluently one can apply them,…

These videos were created to support your child’s math work at home.  New videos will be uploaded here as well as sent by e-mail.   Algorithm Videos Partial Sums (and an quick explanation of traditional U.S. Addition algorithm)   Area Model of Multiplication (1st Algorithm) Partial Products Multiplication Traditional U.S. Multiplication…

In the Herons, we begin the year by developing a series of statements about who we are as a group.  Children begin in pairs sharing what they believe we should do as a community.  We then begin to combine and hone statements, trying to create a list that includes everything…

Today in meeting we played "The Hand Game."  Our class master, A.P. chose it and it was a great choice for the beginning of the year.  We play a game every day during our meeting.  It's just five minutes of our day and to an outsider, it might seem like…

Last night I had the same nervous dreams that I have every year — although this year's charming version included a class trip to an under-regulated, poorly maintained amusement park.  And this morning before heading down to the plaza I had to take the same deep breath that I take…

When I taught down where the Cranes are now, some teacher long before me had installed a long shelf over the chalk board.  It began to collect the flotsam and jetsam of our learning — things too cool to throw away or even send home.  They were souvenirs of our…

On one of our last days in New Hampshire I took a hike with my two nieces (ages 8 and 5), my son Hal (age 6) and Hazel (age 2).  We headed off to "The Rookery," which is a beaver pond about a mile and a half from my mother-in-law's…

Summer is a time to recharge batteries and find new inspiration.  I hope your family is able to relax and recharge.  I read this article (The Trouble With Online Education) recently and felt that it had surprising parallels to our work at Prairie Creek.  It's about on-line education and is…