January 27th, 2012 — Education
Yes, it is that time of year again. In the coming weeks, we will focus more of our time on preparing for the Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT), which students will take in March. Students will become reacquainted with test format, test taking strategies, and gear up in the areas of reading comprehension, writing and editing and revising. At the same time, my sixth grade colleagues and I are working to best address any gaps that might be present in the area of mathematics with specific, focused small group work. At the same time, we will continue enriching work with iPad, move into studying Chinese philosophy and religion, and continue focused strategy sessions in the areas of reading and writing.
The past few weeks was a bit of a “perfect storm” on the project front. It seems that every teach assigned something, and I saw the strain in the kids’ faces. We are also at a time in school of finishing up a few projects and units, and as we move into a new month, we will streamline our efforts a bit. Therefore, spelling and vocabulary will be suspended for a few weeks so we can become a bit more mindful of the work before us. My motto remains “ostinato rigore”; however, rigor calls for discipline and laser-like focus on the task at hand.
I hope to see many of you of Wednesday to hear student speeches. Again, this event will take place in the South Assembly Room at 1:30. Many students gave their speeches a ‘dry run’ today, and to quote one member of the class, the words that these sixth graders have put together “gave me chills”.
January 19th, 2012 — Education
Before diving into Chinese philosophy and belief, both Mrs. Eleck’s class and my own had Social Studies in the Art room! Thanks to Mrs. Acheson’s help and the aid of a sixth grade student who studies the art form, students were guided through a workshop in Chinese brush painting. We will take two more trips down to the Art room in the coming weeks to contiune our study of Chinese painting. I was very impressed with the maturity and sophistication with which students approached this experience. Several students expressed that they were completely engulfed by the paradoxical nature of the brush: complete simplicity meeting impossible complexity. Below are some snapshots of the process and end result. If you get a chance to stop in, an exhibit of their work can be found in the hallway opposite the Rotunda and outside our classroom.
January 18th, 2012 — Education
China Game | Asia Society.
This is a relatively simple, but fun, game to test your knowledge of China. Enjoy!
January 13th, 2012 — Education Tagged speech
January 13th, 2012 — Education Tagged Arts Integration, Calligraphy, Chinese History, Guest Speaker, social studies
A giant thank you to Mrs. Ting for coming in and sharing her expertise in Chinese calligraphy. She brought in brushes, ink, and other supplies so that every student was able to practice and execute some lovely art. To help celebrate Chinese New Year on January 23, Mrs. Ting will return, and students will make an even more elaborate piece of calligraphic art. Thank you again, Mrs. Ting!
