DrummingDrumming is as fundamental a form of human expression as speaking, and likely emerged long before humans even developed the capability of using the lips, tongue and vocal organs as instruments of clear communication. To understand the transformative power of drumming you really must experience it, which is something I've had the great pleasure of doing now for seven years. The images below highlight the connection and shared joy that arise via communication without words, and instead through rhythm of drumming. Drumming can be a spontaneous and immensely creative thing. Here is an example of a Monday morning jam. A jam is when there is no official leader guiding our drumming and drummers are intently listening to the whole to help direct an individual beat. Civics: Voting on Local IssuesA couple days before the 11/6 vote the crew and I investigated a few of Colorado's proposed amendments and propositions. The crew had been broken into for and against groups, researched a target proposal, prepared to persuade their constituents and shared their reasons and positions. After a short Q n A the crew voted anonymously using Google Forms. Moments later we were able to review the results. Manitou Experimental Forest: Working for the GovernmentApproximately a month ago we spent a few days in the federal forest learning from scientist while collecting data from burned forest and unburned forest. The Manitou Experimental Forest research scientist asked us to organize and to analyze our data and return our conclusions-- essentially we've been asked to support federal government wildland fire research. There are lots and lots of raw data points. For the past week, Ms. Lisa's, Ms. Karen's and our crew have been working collaboratively to develop functional graphs. The process has had many steps: preliminary exploration of how to best organize data, which data to use, lots of data points vs. averages, conversions of measurements and finally an interpretation via analyzation. Below you'll notice a variety of steps that have led to the design of some well organized graphs. The process began frustratingly. Now, nearer to an end, we are focusing in on a bit of eloquence. This journey has been yet another example of how so many process' start with disequilibrium, which make beginning and sustaining progress so difficult. It has become more clearer to me that part of my responsibility is to make a big deal about these rough starts, and connect them to the fruits of thoughtful, creative diligence. Writing Friendly LettersA few weeks ago I received, what I hope to be my last, poorly written late night email note from a student. Since the beginning of the year I had been receiving various informative or clarifying messages from crew that I almost always had to decipher like I would a riddle. Letters were not addressed to me, even the most basic writing conventions were absent and there was never a sign off. If not for the email address containing the students name I would not have known who had sent me a message. So, began a short genre study in writing friendly letters. We spent a week and a half improving the craft. For most students, holding them accountable for applying what they already know to be good writing, was mostly all that was required. The study began by me writing them a letter, the students responding. The students writing a letter to someone of interest to them and, something we still need to complete, a letter to Manitou Experimental Forest. I ask you to please follow up on the letter your child wrote to someone of interest. Due to the DCSD firewall many students were not able to send their letter. Some decided to print off, fold, stuff in an old fashioned envelope and others had plans to use personal, or parents, email accounts to get their letter to its destination. Please check with your child to make sure their letters are received by those they were intended for. Social ThinkingA Week of Climbing
Hangin' with our First Grade BuddiesAlmost every Friday morning, immediately after our morning meeting, we partner up with Mr. G's first grade crew. The past two Fridays there were very authentic focuses on 6th grade teaching 1st grade to type on an iPad and write well constructed sentences. Important Dates:Care Center: 12/4
Winter Break: 12/24-1/7 Care Center: 1/15 No School: 1/18 No School: 1/21 Winter Voyage: 1/14-1/17 Day of Rest: 1/18 Daily Crew Updates: If haven't yet signed up for Seesaw, please do so. I update the site regularly on things happening in the lab and students post their personal work throughout the week. Check your inbox for specific directions on accessing. |
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