Happy Fat Tuesday

Hello,

Last night's homework went very well.  Many students came in with some great information that they learned.  Some learned about history, some about new words, some science...  One boy learned about his great grandfather in WWII.  Very interesting stuff.  In the future, I'd like them to search for (or ask you for) information that is specific to something they are interested in.  I think many students asked parents to just tell them something that they didn't know.  While many of those things were very fascinating, I think the kids will get more out of it if they are required to narrow the topic.  My message to them is that nothing is holding them back in their acquisition of knowledge.  Find something that you are interested in and get going.  Ask questions.  Get online.  Read a book, newspaper or magazine.  Becoming knowledgeable about a subject is all up to them at this point. 

I'm going to be asking them to be a class expert in a subject of their choice and it will be up to them to find out answers to any questions that the class has on that subject.  My hope is that they will come to see themselves as experts as they are becoming them.

Tonight's homework is also about finding out information.  They have a choice.  They can find out more info about Valentine's Day or Fat Tuesday.  They don't have to write a research paper, but they should be able to find out what one of these days is all about.  I have family in New Orleans and have experienced a couple Mardi Gras celebrations down there.  I gave out beads from New Orleans to everyone at the end of class today. 

Students also received five bracelets today.  Those were courtesy of our 5-2-1-0 health program.  The idea is to eat a total of five fruits and vegetables a day.  Every time your child eats a fruit or vegetable, they are supposed to transfer a bracelet from one arm to the other.  At the end of the day, the hope is that all of the bracelets will make it to the other wrist.  It seems like a good idea.  Ask your child if they are up to the challenge. 

We had some current events news brought in today about the pope.  I guess I hadn't heard any news with the big storm and all, because I hadn't heard.  It is nice to have a student break a big story to me.  (And a little embarrassing).

I'm seeing some original games in my math class.  They were challenged to invent a game that had a theme and included a good amount of probability.  I asked them to make it so that even if someone was way behind, they still would have a chance to win.  I gave Candyland and Chutes and Ladders as examples.  You can make a big comeback in those games.  Monopoly... not so much.  I have played five different games so far and have been impressed.

Dinner time.  Thanks for reading.

Mr. Shea