Active Learning

Today I had fun in school, and that's saying something. Everyone in the building is completely counting on this 3-day weekend coming up. But during math today, when I was demonstrating how 2 cups fit into a pint, 4 cups in a quart, etc (we're measuring liquids right now), I demonstrated, taught, had them practice, and then reviewed the lesson with the students. During the review, one of my students forgot how many ounces were in a cup. I coached him until he got it right, then I did the first thing that came to mind. When he finally said, "Eight!" I wet the top of the "cup" measuring canister, and I sprinkled his face with water droplets.

"How many cups in a pint?" I asked. Suddenly, every hand went up.

TWO!!! (I shot some water at them, ensuing screaming as the first graders acted like they were playing in the sprinklers).

"How many cups in a quart?"

Every hand went up. I felt like I might as well reinforce the measurements, so every student was given the chance to answer.

I don't think they were expecting that one, but it was sure fun to see their wet faces.

Smiling, of course.

Because she is just that awesome

Trina drew a picture this afternoon for Spencer, and on it, it has this instrument, with the following caption: Spencer and his Magnifine glass. Brilliant!

What a week!

My dear friend and old roommate, Kim, came to visit. She and I did/went to the following:

* Went to school with me one day and helped teach my first-graders

*Washington D.C. Temple (Probably the highlight of the trip, on my part)

*National Gallery of Art

*Dinner at Kobe's Japanese Restaurant (One of the most entertaining dinners of my memory! I'll never forget how well that chef at our table flipped the shrimp piece into my mouth!)

*I went to rehearsals and Kim survived Sarah's questions and Trina's affections. She loved it, too.

*Oatland's Plantation

*Downtown Leesburg

*Lightfoot Restaurant

*Can't forget Joel's b-day at Not Your Average Joe's

* 3 performances of the show, Kiss Me Kate (you missed it? Not true! You can still come this weekend!)

* Watching part of Rear Window

*Getting some sleep...with two spidery visitors. This part was not so fun, but certainly memorable.

Thanks for coming, Kim! This was such a great week!