Halloween field trip tomorrow

Hello,

We have big plans tomorrow to keep the kids motivated.  We will be doing a series of activities in a nearby cemetery including: collecting data on ages of headstones, collecting data on the ages of the deceased, using map skills to decode a message, answering questions about Joshua Chamberlain (based on info at his grave site), rating the weathering of different types of stones, and using the setting or the information gathered to inspire us to write fiction, historical fiction or free verse poetry.  We will be covering many subjects, just like a regular school day.  The biggest change will be the outdoor environment.

I recommend bringing a cold lunch (or getting a bag lunch from our cafeteria.)  I heard from a couple of sources that Danny's Hotdogs and other fast food eateries downtown are closed for the season.  While Wild Oats is an option, due to time and space restraints, I'm hoping that we only have a small group of kids who need to grab something. 

Please dress warmly.  It is always easier to take off a layer than it is to materialize one from nothing. 

In an attempt to limit the homework on Halloween, our spelling test will be tomorrow upon return. 

We also will be putting on two short skits that the students rehearsed today.  One is based on Halloween, one is based on Election Day.  It should be a fun day.

We were treated to Mrs. Palopoli's germ trays this afternoon.  Her class swabbed different areas of the school with cotton swabs and then wiped them on several germ plates.  In a very unofficial experiment, the tops of desks, computer keyboards and cafeteria tables were found to be the most "germy."  Water fountain handles, soap dispensers and stairwell hand rails were less so.  The results, which were gross to look at, are a good reminder to wash our hands before we eat. 

How much more is 529 x 100 than 529 x 99?  No one could answer that in my math class today.  I'm still finding holes in their knowledge.  They should know that 100 groups of 529 is 529 more than 99 groups of 529.  These gaps are difficult to find because the kids are very good at detecting patterns and "jumping on" someone else's knowledge.  When no one in the class can get them started, or when they are alone taking a test, it is much easier to truly see where they stand.  As one child recently said, "Why do you ask us if we understand, when you know that we are going to say yes either way?" 

I replied, "That's a great question.  I guess that I'm hoping that one day someone who doesn't know will be honest with themselves, and me, and say, "No, I don't."  It has happened, you know." 

I guess their "yesses" give me permission to move on a bit, even when I know not everyone is being truthful.  It is very difficult being a teacher AND a detective. 

We will have movie club tomorrow.  I think attendance will be low, but I'll be here just the same.  Maybe I'll get some one on one time in. 

Have a great night.  Go Sox!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mr. Shea