Student Teacher Anyone?

Good Snowy Friday Morning!  What a mess we've had this spring, or shall I say extended winter!  I do love rain, but this snow is a little much.  (See previous letter to Winter.)

Today I am wondering about all things "student teacher."  I have been asked if I would be interested in hosting a student teacher next fall.  This is something new for me as I have never had a student teacher in my classroom.  I have had many college students who are studying education come into my classroom for a day or two here or there, but never a student teacher for a field experience.  So, I'm looking for the pros/cons, positives/negatives, thoughts, comments, concerns of my fellow teachers.  If you have any advice, I would love to hear from you!  

Thank you in advance for your candor~
Ms. Lukes

How do we help the endangered animals?

This week, one of my reading groups was reading the book, "Endangered Animals."  We were able to have amazing discussions and one student  asked what we could do to help.  As we spent more time talking about the many endangered species of animals, the students continued to ask if there was anything we could do to help.  So, while watching television one night, a commercial came on for the World Wildlife Fund.  I decided that this would be a perfect way for my students to help endangered animals.  The next day I showed the students the many animals that we could choose from for a "symbolic adoption."  They ended up choosing the snow leopard.  For a donation of $25, we will receive a certificate showing that we have adopted a snow leopard and a picture of a snow leopard.  I let the students in the reading group explain what we had decided to do to the rest of the class and they were all very surprised and excited!  I sent home simple certificates with the students so they could share the news with their parents.  On Friday, one of my students shared that he and his little sister adopted a macaw!  How exciting!  This was an amazing opportunity to make a real world connection for my students.  Hopefully they realize the importance of protecting endangered animals.

   

Thought for today...

Easter Break and a Little Sunshine!

A Message to Winter...

The view outside my window right now...

Dear Winter,

While I do love to watch your beautiful snowflakes fall peacefully to the ground, I believe we have all had quite enough of your beauty for this season.  They say that sometimes those who are dying need to hear someone say that it is okay for them to pass on.  Well, Winter, it is okay for you to pass on.  We are ready for spring, green grass, and the warmth of the sun.  So, thank you for a lovely season, but it is time for you to go.  We look forward to seeing you again in November.

Love,
Ms. Lukes   

I'm No Van Gogh...

As I've mentioned before, teachers are responsible for art at my school.  I am always looking for new ideas for my students.  There are many great projects out there and I am grateful that so many art teachers share their ideas.  Something that I started last year was featuring famous artists and having my students try to recreate some of their most famous paintings.  The pictures below are from Van Gogh's "Starry Night" and Kandinsky's "Circles."  The students are always very intimidated before they begin, but I am always amazed at what they produce... and I think they are too!

So, any great art ideas out there that you'd like to share?  I am always looking for new ideas and I'd like to hear yours!  Have an amazing day - spring obviously didn't know that we were expecting it to be 70 degrees yesterday...

Personal Learning Network?

Anyone out there have their own Personal Learning Network?  I'm working to figure out how to create my own and would like to find out what people are using.  Are you a blogger?  Are you a tweeter?  Do you make Facebook connections?  Do you bookmark your educational favorites on Delicious?  Are you a Pinterester?  I'd like to hear some of the ways that you are building your collaboration with other educators.  Share away and let's help each other!