IPS/Butler University Laboratory School

Today, in Reader’s Workshop, we started talking about different perspectives in stories.   Over the next few weeks we are going to be digging into this idea that all people (characters) have different perspectives on events. Today we used the historical fiction book, Henry’s Freedom Box to talk about different perspectives.  This book focuses on a slave and his life and eventual escape to freedom.  I was so impressed with the kids conversations about the perspectives of the slave vs. the slave owner.  We had some powerful conversations!  Someone even said the slave owners were selfish because all they wanted was money and they really didn’t care about the slaves.   The conversations were so rich and I could already see the kids begin to tackle this topic with an intense book.  I am really looking forward to more of these great conversations as the week progresses.

This week, we added a new step to our story workshop cycle. To encourage our students to think about improving their writing, we created a critique form. This is a place where students can receive feedback on a story they have written, both positive and parts to improve on. This will help students become more independent as writers and learn how to accept critical comments without their feelings being hurt. I was impressed by how well each child did this today and can’t wait to see how this tool is used throughout the year!

It was great to see all of the children this morning and nice to hear about everyone’s break.  The students were excited to find out that we are taking care of the chickens this week.  Today we collected six eggs.  The students have already been predicting how many we will have tomorrow.  Also, we were able to take a look at the new compost that is in the garden.  Our fruits and veggies from lunch will be composted and then the soil will be used in the garden!

During Morning Meeting we reflected on what we are thankful for.  It was great to hear the children’s responses.

“I am thankful for my family,” Daysia

“I am thankful for my sister and brother,” CJ

“I am thankful for my mom,” Mekhi

“I am thankful for my dog,” Ashley

“I am thankful we earned seven positive points,” Himiko

“I am thankful for our class,” Kaitlyn

I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving! Hope to see you tonight at the carnival!

Maggie and I have been reading Charlotte’s Web together for a while now. Through conversations about friendship and loneliness that we have shared together, Maggie had a great idea. She thought that it would be a good idea to have a joke box at school so that children that feel lonely or sad could visit it and get a laugh.

So, Maggie has been working on building this joke box for a couple of weeks. She helped nail the nails in, she painted it black, and then it was time to research jokes. Maggie brought in a joke book from home, and then I brought in some jokes too. She and I pointed out our favorites, and then she put the jokes on fancy paper.

We thought that the friends would really appreciate the jokes, but we also thought that maybe those friends who feel lonely could write to her and then she could write back to them making them feel like they have a friend to talk to.

Maggie prepared a video to explain the joke box and journal so that she could share this with the other classes, and so they knew that they could come to her joke box.

Today, we went around to all but one classroom and shared the video with the other friends and talked about this idea. The friends seemed to really appreciate it! It was amazing to see how the friends in the other classes were so attentive and interested in this joke box, and it was even more beautiful to see Maggie so proud of her work.

What made this day even more special for Maggie was that as we were working during Story Workshop, I heard some friends chatting out in the hallway. I walked out there and I saw two friends so engaged writing in the journal to Maggie. I went inside and told Maggie that they were writing to her, and she quietly and quickly peeked out the door and just beamed with pride. It was a moment that I will not forget.

This is another moment that I will not forget from today. I had Shaniyia last year and I am proud to have her in my class this year. I have seen her progress so much since she has been with me. Today, while she was reading and making connections during Reader’s Workshop, I could not help but well up with tears because I am just so proud of her. She asked why I had tears in my eyes, and I just said, “Because I am so proud of you.” She just smiled and went back reading.

And then I thought deeper about that statement I gave Shaniyia, and I thought I am so proud of each of the students in this class. They have already grown so much as people and learners, and I am truly honored to be with them everyday. They make me smile, they care about me as much as I care about them, and they are so eager to learn and dive into whatever it is that we are doing.

I am sorry for the sappiness of this blog entry, but I just wanted to share what my heart felt tonight. It is swelling with pride-for each and every child that is in this amazing class.