Ms. Bonzo's PPSEL 5-6 Crew... Be sure to scroll past the posts to get to all the pictures... This is the blog for the 5th and 6th graders at Palouse Prairie School of Expeditionary Learning. These kids are terrific and these pages and pictures are for their parents and community to know what they are doing and learning with a focus on the 10 Design Principles of Expeditionary Learning.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Link to the PPSEL website to read about our terrific expert author, J.R. Parker
In the PPSEL Tuesday Times today, the front article is about an exciting expert that has been visiting the 5/6 classroom. palouseprairieschool.org... please go and read. And if you wonder why your lovely kiddle is asking for $10, now you will know why.:)
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
People are what matters.
Last week was an unusually emotional one as one of the crew, Jacob, had to move as his mom needs more care for her health and we found out that Riston's Mom is sick with cancer and in Salt Lake City undergoing chemotherapy. Rheanna let us know that her mom doesn't have cancer, but she is receiving radiation on her thyroid and then, one of our Moscow community passed away, Jim LaFortune. Several kids have a connection with him.
We wrote letters to Jacob and Nancy Taylor. It was hard for everyone to do, but a very good way for us to process what is happening and how to remember that empathy and caring are part of growing up. I have been talking to the kids about the island of Childhood and the continent of Adulthood and that they are on the bridge now. They are seeing and thinking about more worldly things and that is hard sometimes, but necessary. We had a very good meeting to talk about how we will get our paperwork done, but people are what matter. Life stepped in this past week and reminded them that we must take care of each other's emotions. We are all connected to each other and while we continue to work hard academically, it is the people in our lives that make is all worthwhile.
We wrote letters to Jacob and Nancy Taylor. It was hard for everyone to do, but a very good way for us to process what is happening and how to remember that empathy and caring are part of growing up. I have been talking to the kids about the island of Childhood and the continent of Adulthood and that they are on the bridge now. They are seeing and thinking about more worldly things and that is hard sometimes, but necessary. We had a very good meeting to talk about how we will get our paperwork done, but people are what matter. Life stepped in this past week and reminded them that we must take care of each other's emotions. We are all connected to each other and while we continue to work hard academically, it is the people in our lives that make is all worthwhile.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Figuring out Flickr
www.flickr.com/photos/msbonzoppsel/sets
This is the link to see the photos from Friday when the kids interviewed and played kickball with the UI students.
Enjoy!!
This is the link to see the photos from Friday when the kids interviewed and played kickball with the UI students.
Enjoy!!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
It's all about perspective.
For the past couple of weeks as we have delved into Reader's Workshop, we have been analyzing the writing of J.R. Parker. Each chapter of Kestrel's Midnight Song has provided a perspective for thought. We have looked at the power of setting, who is introduced and why, where is the plot taking us, and wondering if we can see through the eyes of the main character Micah.
It is through perspective that the kids learn different ways to present and digest information. They also learn compassion when we take it to the personal level. In P.E., dodge ball is where we gain the ability to feel competitive and collaborative the most. Besides getting super sweaty and winded, we find out about what losing and winning is and how we grow from knowing both. We are constantly debriefing and reflecting about how the game went and how each has improved in throwing, catching, and dodging personally. We are talking about how life isn't fair and our personal perspective--whether it is seeing events as either an adventure or an ordeal, really, is all about attitude. This is taken directly from Lats and Ats magazine.:)
In Writer's Workshop, we are creating the rubric for the Cutest Kid Persuasive Essay contest. It has been very interesting for them to learn to be convincing. As parents, you know that each of the 5/6 possesses an uncanny ability to get their way, but being able to describe oneself and how not be boastful has been a hard task and one that has allowed them to think critically about their own qualities. This perspective helps them to learn their story and what they bring to each situation. Knowing your own strengths and weaknesses is a valuable skill to have developed.
The week before last our crew had a terrific substitute, Ms. Boysen, while I was in Richmond for an EL Institute. Once again, a new perspective was appreciated. The kids learned yoga and really thought about their work. I could tell that they wondered what my perspective would be. They did great. The room was so organized and clean. Having them see the room from my perspective was greatly appreciated!
The kids and I have been talking a lot about how they are changing. They are getting old enough to have experienced many things now and that perspective, I hope, will remind them that they have lots more to learn. And we have lots more to do together.
It is through perspective that the kids learn different ways to present and digest information. They also learn compassion when we take it to the personal level. In P.E., dodge ball is where we gain the ability to feel competitive and collaborative the most. Besides getting super sweaty and winded, we find out about what losing and winning is and how we grow from knowing both. We are constantly debriefing and reflecting about how the game went and how each has improved in throwing, catching, and dodging personally. We are talking about how life isn't fair and our personal perspective--whether it is seeing events as either an adventure or an ordeal, really, is all about attitude. This is taken directly from Lats and Ats magazine.:)
In Writer's Workshop, we are creating the rubric for the Cutest Kid Persuasive Essay contest. It has been very interesting for them to learn to be convincing. As parents, you know that each of the 5/6 possesses an uncanny ability to get their way, but being able to describe oneself and how not be boastful has been a hard task and one that has allowed them to think critically about their own qualities. This perspective helps them to learn their story and what they bring to each situation. Knowing your own strengths and weaknesses is a valuable skill to have developed.
The week before last our crew had a terrific substitute, Ms. Boysen, while I was in Richmond for an EL Institute. Once again, a new perspective was appreciated. The kids learned yoga and really thought about their work. I could tell that they wondered what my perspective would be. They did great. The room was so organized and clean. Having them see the room from my perspective was greatly appreciated!
The kids and I have been talking a lot about how they are changing. They are getting old enough to have experienced many things now and that perspective, I hope, will remind them that they have lots more to learn. And we have lots more to do together.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
In the middle of the middle of the middle
This week we worked through how to read loads factual material. We are in the middle of 3 areas!!!!
The kids were given the "highlighter test". You'll have to ask them what that means. :)
For Expedition--Right now we are gathering information about the explorers and why they were out and about in the 1400-1600s. Maps will be given this week and they will figure out what they can learn from that graphic representation.
Reader's Workshop-- This novel we are reading, Kestrel's Midnight Song, has been terrific to analyze. We are to Chapter 6. Three more chapters will be read this week and analyzed for character and plot development, scene setting, wondering about 'small moments' and 'gold nuggets'. They will also draw some using the text.
Writer's Workshop-- We have written the rough draft for the persuasive essay. We created a list of how to make a good introduction and ending first. We have been working on the body for making sure that our reasons are convincing. They read in pairs on Friday with the protocol of evaluating each part. We are to the revision phase. It has been a hoot to have them describe themselves.
The kids were given the "highlighter test". You'll have to ask them what that means. :)
For Expedition--Right now we are gathering information about the explorers and why they were out and about in the 1400-1600s. Maps will be given this week and they will figure out what they can learn from that graphic representation.
Reader's Workshop-- This novel we are reading, Kestrel's Midnight Song, has been terrific to analyze. We are to Chapter 6. Three more chapters will be read this week and analyzed for character and plot development, scene setting, wondering about 'small moments' and 'gold nuggets'. They will also draw some using the text.
Writer's Workshop-- We have written the rough draft for the persuasive essay. We created a list of how to make a good introduction and ending first. We have been working on the body for making sure that our reasons are convincing. They read in pairs on Friday with the protocol of evaluating each part. We are to the revision phase. It has been a hoot to have them describe themselves.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Maps and Dodgeball and Honest Sharing
After thinking about the word expedition and the title of our expedition... we were ready to be immersed (we clarified that too!) into the world of maps with Dave Remington on Tuesday. We had a fascinating Tuesday morning in the UI Map Room after a beautiful walk to campus scouring for all kinds of atlases after Mr. Remington wove the story of maps. He really took the kids on a very interesting discussion. We are using maps as text and so each was able to read from a different atlas and notice and wonder why it was created.
On the way back, the crew got to meet the young man that picked one of the sunflowers that reside by the windows of our classroom that were planted by Ms. Schillberg and Semolina. When I told him that the flower he picked for his girlfriend was planted by a student in this group, he trotted over and hugged Semolina-- which surprised her. I kidded him that he was so moved by love that we understood his actions, but that he would probably want to volunteer at our school. He responded enthusiastically-- and I have his name and will follow up:)
The biggest news for this crew is that we had our first full on 5/6 dodgeball game. The kids played as fair as ever with no chiding, and good sports behavior. They were completely sweaty, which is always my goal--get those heart rates up-- and feeling pretty proud at their own maneuvers. We worked a lot this year on catching and throwing footballs to get ready for this play because if you can catch and throw a hard egg shaped football, a round squishy dodge ball seems easy! There were plenty of jail breaks as each team loaded up the jail with players. This crew really wants to do a fund raiser with dodge ball by challenging the other schools. It would be fun!
This crew took a giant step in trust this week as rumors were addressed, information clarified, apologies and appreciations shared. We worked Monday in Writer's Workshop crafting 'I Statements" and these were utilized throughout our crew circle, academic and social situations. In case you have forgotten, the phrasing of an "I Statement" goes, " I feel ___________when I______________." Fill in the first blank with the emotion, and the second blank with what is happening that is causing that emotion. So it goes like this: "I feel happy when I know that parents are reading the planners and asking questions to their kids. :)"
Their honesty with each other was truly inspiring.
On the way back, the crew got to meet the young man that picked one of the sunflowers that reside by the windows of our classroom that were planted by Ms. Schillberg and Semolina. When I told him that the flower he picked for his girlfriend was planted by a student in this group, he trotted over and hugged Semolina-- which surprised her. I kidded him that he was so moved by love that we understood his actions, but that he would probably want to volunteer at our school. He responded enthusiastically-- and I have his name and will follow up:)
The biggest news for this crew is that we had our first full on 5/6 dodgeball game. The kids played as fair as ever with no chiding, and good sports behavior. They were completely sweaty, which is always my goal--get those heart rates up-- and feeling pretty proud at their own maneuvers. We worked a lot this year on catching and throwing footballs to get ready for this play because if you can catch and throw a hard egg shaped football, a round squishy dodge ball seems easy! There were plenty of jail breaks as each team loaded up the jail with players. This crew really wants to do a fund raiser with dodge ball by challenging the other schools. It would be fun!
This crew took a giant step in trust this week as rumors were addressed, information clarified, apologies and appreciations shared. We worked Monday in Writer's Workshop crafting 'I Statements" and these were utilized throughout our crew circle, academic and social situations. In case you have forgotten, the phrasing of an "I Statement" goes, " I feel ___________when I______________." Fill in the first blank with the emotion, and the second blank with what is happening that is causing that emotion. So it goes like this: "I feel happy when I know that parents are reading the planners and asking questions to their kids. :)"
Their honesty with each other was truly inspiring.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Academics and Crew Growth in only 20 school days!
Since we started school a mere 20 school days ago, this 5/6 crew is learning how to get to know each other through Morning Meeting, Crew, and Academic activities. Through constant attention to how we want to be treated and thinking about our actions and words, we are creating a secure learning environment where each person knows they can question and wonder, compliment and notice.
Learning off campus
The two off campus trips to the Moscow Cemetery and the Paradise Ropes Challenge Course gave us ample opportunity to better know ourselves and each other. At the cemetery, the sexton, said how pleased he was with their research and questions.
The kids wanted to help out there and we may be able to be of service by raking leaves one day soon. Take a trip to this lovely cemetery and your child can show you so many of the headstones that were carved by George Mooney.
In fact, this weekend, a handful of students went back to the Ropes Course to work and help Mr. Haley with tasks that needed to be done on the ridge--one such item was installing 'Semolina's Bell' at the top of an 85 foot bull pine.
We also had P.E. and Reader's Workshop at Berman Park. While there on a sunny afternoon, the crew practiced hand off, pitching and spiraling footballs with lots of space. Before that, we read and recorded 'internal dialogue and setting' information from our books. We also debriefed there about why having P.E. in a larger space to practice helped us.
More off campus learning will happen this month as we are beginning research at the UI Library. We will be in the Map Room and the Government Documents Room and the stacks. Last Spring, our trip the the UI library helped the kids see how much information there is on one topic, and how to find it and use it. We will continue this work with Dave Remington and Rami Attebury.
Learning on campus
The coolest and most interesting thing for 5/6 was having 19 year old Jacob Parker author of Kestrel's Midnight Song visit during Writer's Workshop and talk about writing. He started seriously wanting to write a novel in 4th and 5th grade. He gave details about his thinking for creating characters and how to organize material. He also talked about how revision was essential and getting to know the ins and outs of the publishing world. We hope to have him back in mid November as he is working on his second novel. We reading his work and anaylzing different parts. He is excited for our feedback.
Learning off campus
The two off campus trips to the Moscow Cemetery and the Paradise Ropes Challenge Course gave us ample opportunity to better know ourselves and each other. At the cemetery, the sexton, said how pleased he was with their research and questions.
The kids wanted to help out there and we may be able to be of service by raking leaves one day soon. Take a trip to this lovely cemetery and your child can show you so many of the headstones that were carved by George Mooney.
In fact, this weekend, a handful of students went back to the Ropes Course to work and help Mr. Haley with tasks that needed to be done on the ridge--one such item was installing 'Semolina's Bell' at the top of an 85 foot bull pine.
We also had P.E. and Reader's Workshop at Berman Park. While there on a sunny afternoon, the crew practiced hand off, pitching and spiraling footballs with lots of space. Before that, we read and recorded 'internal dialogue and setting' information from our books. We also debriefed there about why having P.E. in a larger space to practice helped us.
More off campus learning will happen this month as we are beginning research at the UI Library. We will be in the Map Room and the Government Documents Room and the stacks. Last Spring, our trip the the UI library helped the kids see how much information there is on one topic, and how to find it and use it. We will continue this work with Dave Remington and Rami Attebury.
Learning on campus
The coolest and most interesting thing for 5/6 was having 19 year old Jacob Parker author of Kestrel's Midnight Song visit during Writer's Workshop and talk about writing. He started seriously wanting to write a novel in 4th and 5th grade. He gave details about his thinking for creating characters and how to organize material. He also talked about how revision was essential and getting to know the ins and outs of the publishing world. We hope to have him back in mid November as he is working on his second novel. We reading his work and anaylzing different parts. He is excited for our feedback.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Our Crew!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Go see great info about Paradise Ridge Challenge Ropes Course
There are all kinds of pictures of people of all ages learning about each other in the beautiful environment of the Palouse. Take a tour through his website: http://paradiseridgechallenge.com
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Clarissssa gets new water bowl and coconut bedding
Today I went to Barnacle Bill's in Pullman and learned the more pro way to add humidity to Clarissssa's environment. I really have figured out a lot, but so nice to talk to the knowledgeable people there. All three employees had snakes of various types and the one guy that helped me at the store has had his ball python for nine years. It's 41/2 feet long and 1 inch thick. Clarissssa is 3 feet and 5 years old. Also talked about feeding as she ate two mice yesterday. Looks like two is becoming the norm. She eats every 7 days.
Also added a new soaking dish and some moss. The coolest thing about the coconut fiber for the bottom of the tank is that you can mist it. It doesn't grow mold. That has been a big concern with the aspen shavings even though they are changed out often.
I am really looking forward to the kids handling our snake more and taking care of her too.
Also added a new soaking dish and some moss. The coolest thing about the coconut fiber for the bottom of the tank is that you can mist it. It doesn't grow mold. That has been a big concern with the aspen shavings even though they are changed out often.
I am really looking forward to the kids handling our snake more and taking care of her too.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Our Snake, Clarissssa, 5 year old Ball Python
Last summer this snake fit into the palm of my hand. Now she is just shy of 3 feet. She eats a mouse every 7 days and has shed three times so far. Keeping her environment filled with plenty of humidity is important so it is like what she would have in the wild--sleeping in rodent holes.
The kids have been able to handle her twice and this past year will get to be with her more. She likes slow movement and climbs very well.
We have all learned a lot by watching her. She is my very first snake and I read books and watched you tube videos to learn to handle her correctly and keep her healthy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)