The Rookery

This afternoon we had Earthworks which was an environmental art class.  We began with a spirited and very, very interesting conversation about what "art" was.  Many students felt it was something, anything that had been made.  Others felt that it had to be made as "art" purposefully.  Perhaps most contentious…

This morning the Herons had Trees and Keys.  We learned all about dichotomous trees and how to use them to identify trees (IN THE WINTER!)  It wasn't easy but we learned to look closely.  As one students said, "I never realized there were so many details on trees.  I always…

We had a snowy but safe ride up.  Everything cleared up after Tobie's and then we hit a snow squall right near Two Harbors.  It's beautiful up here.  They got about eight inches of snow in the past day.  It makes it seems like we're the first people to be…

Valentines came a bit early to Prairie Creek this year so that our 5th graders, who are headed to Wolf Ridge, could participate in our time honored traditions.  The bags were made — visions of glittery excess — and placed around the gym.  As the children arrived, they rushed to…

This past week we asked the children to respond to the conversations we've been having about human rights.  After our brainstorming session on Thursday, students chose to create an image, poem or song to illustrate a right they felt was important.  The children worked diligently, eagerly creating and revising.  We…

Ah, the child-created game. The latest outdoor game to pop up has been dubbed "human bowling" by the kids. During PE today, the Robins begin by clearing a long patch of ice to serve as the lane. Four students stand at one end and act as pins. Then other students…

 We had a wonderful experience on Thursday afternoon as a part of our Human Rights study.  We've come back together after identifying what we feel are key human rights and the students were surprised at how many of the rights were the same, even though we were in completely separate…

I teach at Prairie Creek because I love to work closely with my colleagues.  Amy, Cathy, Elizabeth and I team teach every day — sometimes teaching together in front of a larger group, sometimes teaching each other's students.  It's an exciting way to teach.  One doesn't experience the isolation that…

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.…