Projects and Stuff
Well, I've been informed that I'm being too easy (academically) on my kids. I'm giving them too much and not expecting enough of their own research, etc. Wow. The transition from high school to grammar school was different for me--but I guess I lost track of the fact that these are pretty advanced kids. So, I'm re-evaluating some things and developing some projects for them to do on their own and more hands-on stuff. I did know that I was in need of some more hands-on projects. I just get caught up and forget about doing them. I guess it's all about revamping as I go--which makes me feel badly because now it's half-way through the year and I'm just starting to get some form of stride (I'm not even sure if I can say it's "my stride" yet). The thing is, I forget that these kids are capable of what my previous students were only barely grasping--doing outside research; and that if we're doing a history card or a lit book, they can take a thread and run with it on their own to present to the class. I keep comforting myself that now I know it and next year will be better. But then I feel badly for my kids that were stuck with a newbie teacher this year. Ah well. It's a good experience for both of us--they get the benefit of experiencing the rawness of me, I get the benefit of experiental learning.
In the spirit of all things hands-on, today we made peanut butter. Wow. That was a messy project!!!!! But it was fun and delicious. The 6th grade is learning about George Washington Carver, so it seemed an appropriate hands-on dealie. We included the 5th graders in the action and everyone had a great time. I love projects too--just not that I get to do the most clean-up afterwards (dishes).
At any rate, I guess I'm going to be "growing" myself, as Mrs. Crawford always said. If anyone who happens to read this has any fond memories of projects that they would like to share, please feel free. :)