The Rookery

Last Week, the 4/5 teachers had the opportunity to meet a number of our Honors project volunteer Mentors. During the discussion it became apparent that students and their mentors were at a variety of entry points. Some were diving in and gathering resources, others were planning trips, still others were…

With all the cold weather, we've had more indoor recess recently than I would wish.  However, it's provided an opportunity for students to develop some nice friendships across ages.  We have a crew of K-3s who have made the Herons their hangout of choice.  It's been a lot of fun.…

One thing I love about the Herons is their spirit of willingness.  Today we went skiing for gym.  As I left the building, I was hit by a barrage of tiny ice pellets.  I was just about to call us all back in when I saw that many of the…

 Today we went to Macalester College to hear their African Music Ensemble.  The group, lead by Sowah Mensah, does a beautiful job introducing the children to African music and the place that music, dance and ceremony have in the cultures of Africa, especially his home country of Ghana. As I…

We began our human rights theme today by splitting up into mixed groups (each teacher took a group of 15 or so) and setting forth this question, "What rights do humans have?"  I ran my discussion using a format called "Socrates Café" in which I can only ask questions and…

Yesterday we went cross country skiing.  It was snowing lightly and truly lovely outside.  It's always worth the effort it takes to get out the first time although, truth be told, the Herons were remarkably efficient. I'm always amazed at how willing the students are to try this sport, many…

 Today we did a brief assessment before we began our math unit on fractions.  I asked the children to respond to several questions including:  "Amy ate 1/3 of a pizza.  Cathy ate 1/3 of a pizza.  Amy claims she ate more than Cathy.  Could she be right?" As students finished…

 Thank you for your support of our Shakespearean Dinner Theater.  It was wonderful to see the Herons shine.  I was very excited to see how well the students worked together to solve problems and make each other successful. I was thrilled to see so many Herons/Elms alumni at the event,…

 David Henkes of the Northfield News read the communication committee's press release and decided to come out to Prairie Creek to see what we were up to.  He spent two hours with the kids, watching them work and asking them about the project.  The students were thrilled to share with…

We are right in the thick of preparation now and it's exciting to see my role as a teacher begin to recede.  Each days bring new surprises, new things that are happening without my having to be the initiator.  Scene rehearsals are being called and attended, playbills are being written,…