Hello,
We practiced our first lock down drill of the year this afternoon. We had a lengthy discussion this morning about the hows and whys. The kids had a lot of great questions and many of them were able to talk about some of their fears, mainly ones that they have at home. I was surprised at how many hide under the covers from all sorts of imagined threats. I think it was good for them to hear how many of their peers also have these fears: Monsters in the walls, stranger in their house, mysterious sounds made by unknown sources, etc. I think the most common thread for most of their fears had to do with darkness. I didn't get the sense that any of them don't feel safe in school.
The lockdown lasted for about 20 minutes. Students sat in small groups on the floor partially hidded by bookshelves. I read some more of The City of Ember. Lina and Doon have found the way out of the city, but are now wanted by their city police for "spreading vicious rumors." It is getting really good.
We read Doreen Rappaport's fantastic picture book on Martin Luther King Jr. this morning. This led to a very interesting discussion about race relations in our history, racism, sexism, religion, and even gun control. I think it would be worth your while to hear some of your child's views on today's discussion. One girl told about reading how men get paid more for doing the same jobs as women. Some kids got pretty worked up over some of these issues. It is great that they are interested in being informed. I heard myself say a few times, "Just because it is something that we have always done, doesn't make it right."
Spelling test tomorrow. I hoping the days of flunked spelling tests are over. One student that did extra spelling work for the first half of every lunch recess this week sure hopes so too.
Harry Potter Club meets tomorrow night until 5:15. Looks like I have one of those years where they like to meet on Fridays. Not my first choice.
Have a great night.
Mr. Shea
Mr. Shea
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