You know the fever is really making its way around the room when it gets the teacher! Luckily our long weekend fell at the perfect time and I was able to knock out "the sick" before it got any worse. I was thrilled to be back in the classroom on Tuesday. Now that things have calmed down a little I have also had a chance to update the website and grades in Progress Book. So, please be sure to check out both. Keep in mind that we are still in the process of getting our math grade switched over to our individual classes. Grades for math should show up some time next week.
In reference to the title of this post, I can't help but feel the overall enthusiasm that continues to spread throughout our classroom. From the time the children greet each other at Morning Meeting until the time we are talking about our day and wrapping up at Closing Circle the children never lose their spark. Every morning they ask in anxious tones, "Are we switching for math today?!" despite the fact that I have told them time and time again, "Yes, and this is how we will be doing things for the rest of the year."
They are just so excited and look forward to that time when they are able to collaborate with children in other classrooms and work with peers they would typically see only at lunch and recess. It's great to see them so enthusiastic about this approach.
After our first recess we typically go right into Writer's Workshop. If something comes up and we don't get to it right away, boy do the kids let me know! Immediately they start asking, "When are we writing?", "Why is Writer's Workshop on the schedule so late?" "When can I share my story?" "Do we get to write more small moments today?", "I brought something in from my life as a writer. Can I share it during workshop?" etc. It's just so neat to see them so anxious to put their pencils to their paper, let their thoughts flow and share them with the world. At times, I truly believe they would be content to write all day long!
After working hard all morning we still have the afternoon. I don't know about you, but after eating and running around for a while I'm ready for nap! Not these second graders. As soon as they come in from recess they want to know when we'll be starting stations. Will there be a new word work option introduced? Have I put out the new books for listen to reading? How long will we have to build stamina today? They are just thrilled with all things literacy and I can't wait to start meeting with them in small groups.
Even after working hard all day they still look forward to Science. Making predictions appears to be their specialty and they love sharing their theories with their classmates. Due to the fact that this group of children is so good about following directions and treating materials properly we have been able to do all kinds of fun experiments. As you can imagine there is a tremendous amount of discovery during science time. I get a kick watching the children forge connections and develop a deeper understanding of the various concepts.
To sum things up, this group just really loves to learn and I love that I am able to work alongside them as they do!
