We decided to move our Energy Bus from the classroom and into the teachers' lounge. Janet inspired us to finish the year with a new poster added each week and some treats to keep the gas tank filled!
Some of the posters we put up include:
1. Too Blessed to be Stressed.
2. Positive Passengers Wanted.
3. No Energy Vampires Allowed.
4. 10 Rules for the Ride of Your Life.
5. The Goal in Life is to Live Young, Have Fun and Arrive at Your Final Destination as Late as Possible with a Smile on Your Face.
Abby " read the book review "Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry into the Value of Work" by Matthew B. Crawford, which was reviewed by Joseph A. Henderson in the March 2011 edition of Educational Leadership."
We agree that we need to reintroduce opportunities for students to work with their hands. There is too much emphasis on paper and pencil or computerized multiple-choice tests in schools. Hands-on projects could not only get kids "hooked" on coming to school, but also allow their intelligence to shine through.
We read about different anti-name calling and anti-bullying techniques, and we thought Janet had a great idea. At Osceola Intermediate School the art classes made huge posters for the cafeteria with hands, chains, symbols and words of kindness, respect, tolerance, etc.
This is one idea we decided to implement at our school in the cafeteria. Students have already enjoyed making posters for other events, and the reinforcement for anti-bullying behaviors at the end of the year could make a difference.
There have been a number of good articles and discussions relating to trying new technology such as Dan Gordon's "Return to Sender". In summarizing that article, Janet wrote, "It said that the US is not turning out students ready for the workforce. Primarily, we should be producing students who can use technology to demonstrate 21st century skills, and secondary, our students need to know core subject content. Besides the 3 R’s, students need the 4 C’s (critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity) plus problem solving an innovation."
Many of us have been trying new technology such as flip cameras that we used to film our classrooms earlier in the year. Another type of innovation that that promotes these goals is book blogs. Tamara uses teacherweb.com for her book blog and WWII page and I found a book blogging site kidblog.com. These sites have helped kids talk about and think about books using technology.
