Get A Job, Chicken Little!

I am still here!  Grad school, Book Fair, Disney, Testing, Inventory, and a Leadership Institute have kept me busy, busy, busy.

One of my favorite things that I do is collaborate with the other specialists.  We did a Career unit after realizing that students really do not know enough about careers.  The art teacher helped students explore careers that involve art.  They also learned about some famous artists.  The music teacher and PE teacher also explored careers in their fields. We explored a variety of careers in the library. We made an ABC book and a "When I Grow Up" book about careers.

When I Grow Up

The most awesome thing we did, was produce a career program for PTA night.  The kindergarteners did a Community Workers skit.  The first graders did a Career Day skit.  Originally, I wanted each grade level to do an adaptation of a fairy tale.  I wanted lumberjacks, construction workers, masons, interior decorators, and insurance adjusters to be new characters in The Three Little Pigs.  You get the idea.  All the snow days made planning difficult.  I insisted that we do at least one fairy tale with a fox in it.  I think you see where this is going.  The second graders did Get a Job, Chicken Little.  Okay!  I modified a skit that I bought on Teachers Pay Teachers. 

Chicken Little was a pizza delivery person, Henny Penny was a florist, Ducky Lucky was a landscaper, Goosey Loosey was a farmer, Turkey Lurkey was a billboard installer, and Foxy Loxy was a police officer. While delivering pizza to the school secretary, "something" fell on Chicken Little's head.  She needed to let the mayor know.  As she is joined by the other characters, they get pulled over by Foxy Loxy.   The principal came in at the end as the mayor.  The program ended with the cast and audience dancing to "What Does the Fox Say?"

Each specialist contributed to the program.  The music teacher provided music and songs.  The art teacher made most of the props.  The PE teacher taught the dance to every grade level.  I became a screenwriter and editor for a few weeks.  Each specialist played the role of director at some point. The students amazed us by learning the songs and lines in such a short time.  The only disappointment is that nobody recorded the program.

Hip and Happening

On Monday, November 26th, we celebrated the 70th Day of School by taking a trip back into the 70's.  This was exciting for me, because I was in elementary school in the 70's.  I didn't have to do too much research for this day.  The teachers and staff had more fun than the students. One class tie-dyed their own shirts to celebrate the day.  I played 70's music in the library.  The students' favorite was ABC by the Jackson 5.  Monday was Outta Sight!

Can You Dig It?

Far Out

Right On

School's Out for Summer

In Front of Charleston City Market

The students' last day was May 25th.  Teachers' last day was Friday, June 1st.  My sister and I took off to spend the night with my sister in Charlotte, and then the three of us drove to Charleston, SC. I loved our last minute getaway.  We stayed in Kings Courtyard Inn, in historic downtown, Charleston.  We were able to walk everywhere that we wanted to go. We ate at Mercato's, an Italian restaurant, and listened to jazz. Then we went dancing at Henry's/NV.

My Own Room

 

 

 

 

The next day, we took a carriage tour, and learned some interesting facts about the history of Charleston and about the buildings and homes.  I must go again and tour the beautiful homes.  I loved the ironwork, shutters, columns, and porches (piazzas as they're called in Charleston).  Notice the red dots on some of  the businesses if you're ever in Charleston.  There were some architectural details that had to be covered, because of their suggestive nature. It is interesting how the houses of ill-repute were in close proximity of the worship houses. Our guide left me wanting to do research about the colors of the houses on Rainbow Row and about Robert Smalls. 

"Magic" leads us through town toward Phillips Episcopal Church

Calhoun Mansion

After our tour, we shopped at Charleston City Market.  I had to buy a small sweet grass basket, when I found out about the history.  One day I'll be able to afford a bigger basket.  The vendors make the baskets themselves.  A few of the vendors were practicing the art while shoppers watched.

Sweet Grass Basket made the vendor's dad

We also rode across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.  I have a fear of bridges, so this picture was challenging for me, especially since we were in a convertible. The bridge has a pedestrian/bike lane.  That's really awesome, but you will not find me in that lane.

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge

Since there are no workshops this summer, I hope to take more "last minute" getaways and read.  I am going to be following the Daily Five Book Study.  I just got my hands on that series that everyone is talking about.  You know the one, Fifty Shades of Grey?  I'm also going to begin a new venture to make extra money.  I'll tell you more about that when I get started. Right now I'm fighting a hateful sinus infection. That makes it hard to imagine a great summer, but I'm determined to have a great summer break.

Owl-themed Baby Shower

What do teachers do after school?  PARTY!!!!  I'm not sure how much planning went into this shower, but it was beautiful.  The owl-theme is one I've never seen before.

 

...random post :)