Today was pretty groovy for a Tuesday. We had our third visit from our SPECTRA artist and worked with vegetables. The kids are really enjoying her time with the class. Next tuesday the kids will be illustrating posters that demonstrate the various uses of a single vegetable.
We concluded our work with "The People of Sparks" today by reading the last chapter, discussing the merits of the book, quizzi ng on the last few chapters and then taking the Accelerated Reader comprehension quiz on-line as well. The book receieved an overwhelmingly positive review from the class. The class will be reading "Patty Reed's Doll" in my absence. The book chronicles the adventures of a family that traveled with the Donner Party. They will not be quizzed on the Patty Reed material, but will have access to the Accelerated Reader once the book is completed. I will be reading "The Prophet of Yonwood" with the class upon my return. It is the final installment of the Ember story.
Our discussions with the "Number the Stars" material is getting heavy as we discuss the aspects of the Nazi treatment of Jews during WW2. I realize that not everyone is happy with the choice of material and the realities that accompany a literature study that centers on the lives of people during war, but the messages and discussions that are inspired by these readings are powerful and life-affirming. I fully expect conversations and questions to arise at home, hopefully sparked from discussions that we have in class. Please treat these discussions as honestly as possible, especially in light of our present involvement in the Middle East. (Sorry for the soapbox moment.) We began a compare and contrast piece today that focusses on the two main characters of the story, Annemarie and Ellen.
Tomorrow brings us a Spirit Day where the students are asked to go green, literally. We will be treated to some Irish music from Mr. Kitch's and Mr. Sweet's band. So dress green. Eat green eggs. Have green hair or wear a green hat. Wear green shoes. You know...just be green. And no matter what Kermit the Frog says, it really is quite easy.
Respectfully, Mr. B
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