Saturday, May 3, 2014

May Currently

Even though I've been reading people's Currently posts for  a couple years, this is my first time linking up with Farley over at Oh' Boy Fourth Grade!  It was fun filling out the Currently, and it really got me to reflect on my life right now!


Listening: I am the only morning person in my apartment, and I absolutely love my peaceful morning time.  All I can hear right now is the tapping of my laptop keys and the hum of the refrigerator.  

Loving: My 4th graders turned in their project proposals for their passion projects on Friday.  They get to choose any topic they are interested in learning more about.  Over the next couple of weeks, they will have time to research their topics and create products to present to the class.  Here are some of their topics:

September 11th
World War II
The History of Wrestling
Pioneer Days
The Amazon Rainforest
Egyptian Pyramids
Volcano Eruption in Pompeii

It was so thrilling for me to watch each and every student light up with excitement as they began learning about their topics in the computer lab.  I really believe that this project will inspire them to become lifelong learners!

Thinking: I'm really going to miss this bunch of students.  I had most of them 2 years in a row because I moved up with them from 3rd to 4th grade.  Their little personalities have become such a big part of my life, and I've loved watching them all show so much growth over two years.  Not just academically, but also their in their stamina and maturity.

Wanting: It's time.  I need to get the process started to get my Master's to be a Reading Specialist.  I miss the classroom environment and discussing professional literature.  And I'm excited about the job opportunities that could come along with that degree.  My heart belongs to reading and writing!  

Needing: It's been too long since my last massage - a couple months I think.  Massages are the one luxury I provide myself, because I hate shopping for clothes, I don't wear makeup, and I rarely get pedicures.  What I need is someone working out those knots around my shoulder blades and in my neck as often as possible!  

Surprise: I chose The Teacher Studio.  I always make sure to read Meg's blog posts because I know it will be valuable information.  I love how she gets her students to think deeply about math topics and also encourages creativity in her classroom.  Here are a couple of her products that are my favorite of her ideas:




Well, my peaceful morning time is about the end.  Need to get my day started.  Maybe I''ll go for a stroll because it looks like it's a nice sunny day out!  Looking forward to reading other people's Currently posts and finding some new blogs to follow!





12 comments:

  1. Hello! Those passion projects sound amazing! And I know what you mean, I have had this bunch of kids for only one year, but they have woven themselves into my heart. I can only imagine what it would be like if I had had them for two years. Good luck as you finish up this year!
    Alyce

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    1. Thanks Alyce! Thanks for stopping by! Yes, I can't wait to continue passion projects these next couple of weeks and see my students' presentations. You have a good rest of the year too :)

      Rebecca

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  2. Yes! Make time to further your education! I completed my Masters in Reading in 2006! I love teaching reading and writing, and sharing my expertise with students, parents, coworkers, and friends. I understand needing a good message to work out those knots in your shoulders and neck. I have one scheduled for this afternoon!

    Susan
    Passioninportableland

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    1. I ended up going to get a massage yesterday too lol. Great minds think alike! Thanks for the encouragement to get my Master's. Congratulations on getting yours and enjoying the benefits of it now!

      Rebecca

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  3. The third graders at my school just started with the passion projects and the kids and teachers really seem to love it - I'm sure your kiddos will, too!
    I also looped: 7th-8th grade and I loved having them two years. In middle school, 8th grade is the prize which makes seventh grade bearable (barable?)!
    We have lots in common! I also love the classroom experience and loved my reading specialist program...love networking and meeting new teachers!
    Enjoy the end of the year with your kiddos!
    Michelle
    BigTime Literacy

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    1. Hi Michelle! I have to say, I really admire middle school teachers. It takes a special kind of person to work with that age group, when all their hormones are going crazy! Congratulations on earning your reading specialist certificate. I hope to join you in that someday! Good luck on the rest of your year as well.

      Rebecca

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  4. I chose Meg at The Teacher Studio too! I love her concept sorts!!! I love the idea of your Passion Projects! Have a great weekend!
    -Lisa
    Grade 4 Buzz

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    1. Hi Lisa! Yes, isn't Meg amazing?? I'm not surprised I'm not the only one who picked her. I'm going shopping this morning for some materials for their passion projects...clay, posterboard, popsicle sticks, etc. Should be a fun next couple of weeks!

      Rebecca

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  5. I am so glad I found your blog from this link up! We have a lot in common - I also rolled up with my class from third to fourth (I will be staying in 4th next year). And... I love Meg too! She has some great lesson ideas!

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  6. Wow, we do have a lot in common! I think I will probably be staying in 4th next year too. I do really love that age group, even though it is a stressful year to teach here in TX because we have 3 state tests to prepare them for (most grade levels just have 2). Thanks so much for stopping by to comment! Looking forward to connecting with you more in the future.

    Rebecca

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  7. I like the different ideas of projects so that children can research and learn about what is important to them! We are just starting to create and sell our products. Your blog is great!

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  8. Hello! I have enjoyed being one of your newest followers this fall. I nominated your blog for a Liebster Award. Click here to see your nomination. Have a great weekend and good luck with your blogging adventure! http://kathykindergartencouture.blogspot.com/

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