Below highlights on some of the things I did this week as an Educator in Residence at GSB.
Special Olympics with Lifeskills
I was so excited when I was asked to help with the Special Olympics program at GSB. On Monday mornings, a group of students go to the Wiscasset Community Center to practice swimming. This week was the first practice for the spring season. This program consists of students from grades 1 - 6. This week, I worked with one student in particular. I was surprised at how many laps she swam as a tiny little first grader! I was impressed and proud of each of the students for their hard work Monday morning. They will have a meet held at Bates and Bowdoin college in late April.
Outdoor Education - 1st grade at HVNC
The goal of the outdoor education program for the month of March is to teach students ways that they can help in the outdoors as well as to teach them the basic principles of Leave no trace.
On Tuesday, we took the 1st grade class to Hidden Valley Nature Center. Upon our arrival, we walked on the snowy footpath to the barn. At the barn, the students enjoyed their snack while Jill Davis, the guidance counselor, went over Leave No Trace principles. Afterwards, we had a special task. The first graders worked together while dispersing rotten wood that was stacked in a pile to the forest floor. HVNC could no longer use this wood for burning or building purposes, so they decided to have it spread around the woods to provide homes for the critters. The students worked so well together, helping each other carry logs. They also created forts and fairy homes. :)
YOGA - 7th & 8th grade elective
This week I led another yoga class at the YMCA during the 7th/8th grade study hall elective period. On Tuesday, I had many new faces and hope that the students are able to enjoy another session next week.
TLS curriculum with the 5th grade - WELDED ANKLES
This week for my TLS activity, I chose Welded Ankles. This activity is a lot like stepping stones and also quite a bit different. Once we were outside, I split them into two teams then explained the directions. The students were to stay in a line, with their feet connected to the person in front and behind them while moving towards their goal (an opening about 100 feet ahead). Both groups thought that the overall idea was simple and they would go far fast, but they quickly realized that it would take some creative thinking, communication, and teamwork.
For Ms. K's room, there was an obvious winner. We discussed why one team finished successfully and the other team did not. We talked about that we could do better and also what worked well.
In Ms. Jackson's room the win was not as apparent. It was less than an inch of difference and each student had his or her own idea of what happened. We discussed the goal of the game, competition, what worked well, what didnt, and how we could improve. With many students upset about who did or didnt win, I decided to take a vote on the winner. We all agreed to call it even and to move on because being successful was about how well we worked together not at being off by less than an inch!
Afterschool program - SLIME
With no school last Thursday, I only had my Tuesday afterschool group. This week we made slime. I had them get into groups of two and each group created their own type of slime. We made fluffy unicorn slime. It was a very messy project! Each groups slime came out differently, some better than others
Monday, March 12, 2018
Sunday, March 4, 2018
Week 8 (February 26 - March 2)
There is a never a dull moment here at GSB. I have been so honored to work in this position and thoroughly enjoy the flexibility in my work, the teachers and the students that I work with, from Kindergarten to the 8th grade from tutoring in math to climbing Kieve's rock wall. Below will highlight on my week here at GSB as well as a trip taken to Kieve before February break.
Mr. Hupp and Ms. K - 5th grade to Kieve (before February break)As with Ms. Jackson's 5th/6th grade class, the two other 5th grade classes made a trip to Kieve the Friday before February break. For this trip, I was fortunate to have three other staff members help out with facilitation. Rob, Nelson, and Noah helped facilitate the indoor rock climbing wall while I facilitated a team building activity called "Stepping Stones", the same activity Ms. Jackson's class did. Once the team building challenge was completed, we went on a walk around campus and had a hands on fire building lesson with the help of Mr. Hupp. We then enjoyed lunch in our beautiful dining hall. We then switched groups until it was time to get back on the bus.
It was interesting to see the difference between the two classes. Ironically enough, I work with Ms . K's class the most, however, Mr. Hupp's class worked together much better than Ms.K's. There was a lot of chaos (arguing, yelling, talking over each other, being unkind to one another, leaving people out, not participating). Due to time and other obligations, we ended the Stepping Stone's challenge before it was successfully completed, however, I believe that the students did learn many lessons along the way. We had a long discussion about what went wrong, what could be improved, how to make that happen, and how this happens in their day to day lives, and we came up with a plan for each student to take part in improving this.
Ms. K team building follow up - much improved!
This week working with Ms. K's class was amazing. I was thoroughly impressed by the improvements that had been made. When I entered their class, we reviewed our time at Kieve. Most students, of course, talked about the rock wall in detail, explaining how at first they were afraid, but glad they did it, about how they made it into the black box, and how they started to trust their classmates more than when they started out. This was amazing to hear and it was interesting that no one wanted to talk about the Stepping Stones activity. When they did talk, all I could hear was the word "BAD"! So we did a quick review of what we needed to work out, we thought about what we were going to do, individually, to make things better in a group. We then went outside to complete "Stargate". Stargate involves using a hula hoop, but rather than having it go around the circle (as in Hula Hoop pass), the students have to go through the hoop. It works like this: the students are in a circle, holding hands, the hula hoop is held on one side by the students right hand and on the other side by a students left a hand. The students then have to come up with a plan to have every student go through the hula hoop (with as few touches as they can) without disconnecting.
It was so nice to see the transformation. They stayed in a circle to strategize and had whomever was sharing their idea stand in the center of the circle to speak. When the students on the outside of the circle were talking other kids would help in getting everyone to listen. This may seem like a simple task, but to watch it play in action, so smoothly, was just absolutely beautiful. They worked together so well. Everyone fully participated, made it through the hoop, and completed the activity.
I hope that this will continue to improve and that they are taking it with them when they are not just with me.
Helping out in the resource room
This week I have helped in both the 5th and 6th grade resource room as well as the 7th and 8th grade resource room. The resource room provides one - on - one attention to students who need an extra boost with different subjects. It was great working with different students throughout the school and seeing things from a different perspective. We also played a few rounds of speed math which was a lot of fun :)
DRA with the 4th gradeOn Tuesday, myself and the 4th grade class were lucky enough to spend the morning at the DRA. It was such a beautiful, sunny day with clear fields and very little snow or ice on the ground. We were split into three groups rotating to stations that included: tracking animals, building shelters, and testing our knowledge of plants and wildlife facts. I couldn't have asked for a better day to go on a trip!
Coming up -
*Out outdoor education groups will be taking trips over to Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) for the month of March. Unfortunately, my time as an EIR will be ending before then and I will only be able to attend a few classes on their weekly outing!
*Yoga with the 5th grade Gym class
*Indoor climbing with the Kindergarten - using GSB's climbing wall
Mr. Hupp and Ms. K - 5th grade to Kieve (before February break)As with Ms. Jackson's 5th/6th grade class, the two other 5th grade classes made a trip to Kieve the Friday before February break. For this trip, I was fortunate to have three other staff members help out with facilitation. Rob, Nelson, and Noah helped facilitate the indoor rock climbing wall while I facilitated a team building activity called "Stepping Stones", the same activity Ms. Jackson's class did. Once the team building challenge was completed, we went on a walk around campus and had a hands on fire building lesson with the help of Mr. Hupp. We then enjoyed lunch in our beautiful dining hall. We then switched groups until it was time to get back on the bus.
It was interesting to see the difference between the two classes. Ironically enough, I work with Ms . K's class the most, however, Mr. Hupp's class worked together much better than Ms.K's. There was a lot of chaos (arguing, yelling, talking over each other, being unkind to one another, leaving people out, not participating). Due to time and other obligations, we ended the Stepping Stone's challenge before it was successfully completed, however, I believe that the students did learn many lessons along the way. We had a long discussion about what went wrong, what could be improved, how to make that happen, and how this happens in their day to day lives, and we came up with a plan for each student to take part in improving this.
Ms. K team building follow up - much improved!
This week working with Ms. K's class was amazing. I was thoroughly impressed by the improvements that had been made. When I entered their class, we reviewed our time at Kieve. Most students, of course, talked about the rock wall in detail, explaining how at first they were afraid, but glad they did it, about how they made it into the black box, and how they started to trust their classmates more than when they started out. This was amazing to hear and it was interesting that no one wanted to talk about the Stepping Stones activity. When they did talk, all I could hear was the word "BAD"! So we did a quick review of what we needed to work out, we thought about what we were going to do, individually, to make things better in a group. We then went outside to complete "Stargate". Stargate involves using a hula hoop, but rather than having it go around the circle (as in Hula Hoop pass), the students have to go through the hoop. It works like this: the students are in a circle, holding hands, the hula hoop is held on one side by the students right hand and on the other side by a students left a hand. The students then have to come up with a plan to have every student go through the hula hoop (with as few touches as they can) without disconnecting.
It was so nice to see the transformation. They stayed in a circle to strategize and had whomever was sharing their idea stand in the center of the circle to speak. When the students on the outside of the circle were talking other kids would help in getting everyone to listen. This may seem like a simple task, but to watch it play in action, so smoothly, was just absolutely beautiful. They worked together so well. Everyone fully participated, made it through the hoop, and completed the activity.
I hope that this will continue to improve and that they are taking it with them when they are not just with me.
Helping out in the resource room
This week I have helped in both the 5th and 6th grade resource room as well as the 7th and 8th grade resource room. The resource room provides one - on - one attention to students who need an extra boost with different subjects. It was great working with different students throughout the school and seeing things from a different perspective. We also played a few rounds of speed math which was a lot of fun :)
DRA with the 4th gradeOn Tuesday, myself and the 4th grade class were lucky enough to spend the morning at the DRA. It was such a beautiful, sunny day with clear fields and very little snow or ice on the ground. We were split into three groups rotating to stations that included: tracking animals, building shelters, and testing our knowledge of plants and wildlife facts. I couldn't have asked for a better day to go on a trip!
Coming up -
*Out outdoor education groups will be taking trips over to Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) for the month of March. Unfortunately, my time as an EIR will be ending before then and I will only be able to attend a few classes on their weekly outing!
*Yoga with the 5th grade Gym class
*Indoor climbing with the Kindergarten - using GSB's climbing wall
Monday, February 26, 2018
Week 7 (February 19-23) Adventure Camp
I cant believe we are halfway through our EIR season. Although schools were not in session this week, I had the pleasure of seeing many faces from GSB at Kieve's adventure camp. This year I worked with the 2nd and 3rd graders. We enjoyed the week doing a variety of activities that included climbing, the flying squirrel, putting together a 500 piece puzzle, playing steal the bacon, building a fire, wax museum, drawing, putting beads together, and of course, playing recess type activities.
Although quite different than our normal week, it was awesome to see kids K-6 for the Adventure camp and the older kids for our All Star camp!
Im looking forward to a few more weeks at GSB. Stay tuned!
Although quite different than our normal week, it was awesome to see kids K-6 for the Adventure camp and the older kids for our All Star camp!
Im looking forward to a few more weeks at GSB. Stay tuned!
Thursday, February 15, 2018
Week 6 (February 12-16)
This week I have helped several age groups in many different areas. I discussed decision making and time management with the 7th and 8th grade health classes, led team building activities with the 5th and 6th grade, practiced yoga with students in grades 4-8, went on a trip to the DRA, and brought the 3rd grade class to Kieve for a small team building activity and a fire at our Westcott point. Tomorrow I will be bringing a group of 5th graders to Kieve to both climb and teambuilding. Below, I will highlight on a few things I have done.
Health class - time management
I have observed the 7th and 8th grade study hall sessions. Many of the students are really good at wasting their time, either trying to talk to friends (when they should be silent) or playing games on the computer rather than actually doing their homework. Why? Wouldn't it make so much more sense to get your work done at school so that when you get home you have less to worry about? That sounds like the smartest thing to do for an adult, but for a kid, that's the last thing they would think to do.
During Monday's health class, the 7th grade class worked on time management. I led an open discussion of what types of decisions we make everyday from the moment we wake up to the moment we go to bed. Afterwards, the students created their daily schedule (hour by hour). What do they spend their time doing? Being active with their friends and family? Watching TV? Studying? They had to account for every waking hour of their day.
Hopefully, the kids started to see what they should be doing and what they actually are doing.
TLS with Ms. Jackson and Ms. K's class
I was able to lead a team building activity with Ms. Jackson's class during their gym period as well as the normal time slot for Ms. K's class.
Ms. Jackson's class - Hula hoop Pass & Stargate
I have been able to meet with Ms. Jackson's class more than any other class when it comes to working within the TLS cirriculum. She teaches a 5/6 grade, so there are a handful of students whom I was able to work with last year making it a bit easier for them to come together as a group. We started out with the hula hoop pass activity. They passed with flying colors. Afterwards, we worked on stargate. One of the students had an excellent idea. They did it and again flying colors, atleast on the outside. During our debrief we had a discussion on how the activity went. Many students admitted that although it looked like it ran smoothly, many things could have gone better. We discussed how people were having their own side conversations and not participating for the entire length of the activity, and that many people did their part then did their own thing. Although it was quite and people got through, they were all jammed together and not listening to suggestions that were made. We then discussed how we could make these better in the future.
In Ms. K's class, we went completed one round of hula hoop pass then discussed what went well and what could have gone better. As with Ms. Jackson's class, Ms. K's class realized that they needed to listen to each other better, to fully participate in the activity, and to be focused for the entire activity, not just their part. Next week, we will pick up with star gate.
YOGA 7th grade
This was the second session of yoga at the Y with me for the 7th and 8th grades who chose to participate during their study hall time. I had a few of the same folks from last week and a few new faces. Im glad that I am able to offer a time for the kids to relax, focus on their breathing, and to only worry about being in the moment. This will continue on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the rest my time at EIR.
YOGA 4th-6th (afterschool program)
This week for the afterschool program we did yoga. It was really interesting to see how different it is for the younger kids than the older ones. We really focused on our breathing, our postures, as well as some stretches. Its always nice when your kids tell you how much they enjoyed the yoga session :)
For the last 30 minutes, we played clap ball, a game that requires you to be focused the entire time! It was pretty awesome!
DRA - 2nd grade This week for the outdoor adventure days, we took the 2nd grade to the DRA. Here they were split into groups of 3 going to different stations that included looking for tracks, naming different trees, and sledding. A highlight of this trip was watching a fox across the water pounce into the snow trying to catch a mouse. The fox was in our sight for over 30 minutes trying to catch its prey.
3rd grade to KieveToday the 3rd grade came to Kieve, a trip that had to be rescheduled from last month due to weather. What a great day to be outside! Once the kids arrived on sight, we headed to PQ for a quick break then split into 3 groups. Afterwards, we all walked down the fire pit at Wescott point. Here we stayed in our groups and inch wormed our way to a certain point testing our teamwork. My group did such a good job working with one another that we decided to do it again, the other way. The second time, it didn't go as smoothly as the kids were very excited to start building a fire but they really enjoyed being a small group working together towards a common goal. We then had a "free period" where kids could go around and build forts and play in the snow. As I started the fire, I had a group of kids helping me making the fire grow. It was a wonderful day with a great group. We ended the day with a walk around campus and a stop in at PQ to drink some hot chocolate.
Up next.
I've already done alot this week, but we still have a trip to Kieve with the 5th graders tomorrow. Stay posted for information about that.
Health class - time management
I have observed the 7th and 8th grade study hall sessions. Many of the students are really good at wasting their time, either trying to talk to friends (when they should be silent) or playing games on the computer rather than actually doing their homework. Why? Wouldn't it make so much more sense to get your work done at school so that when you get home you have less to worry about? That sounds like the smartest thing to do for an adult, but for a kid, that's the last thing they would think to do.
During Monday's health class, the 7th grade class worked on time management. I led an open discussion of what types of decisions we make everyday from the moment we wake up to the moment we go to bed. Afterwards, the students created their daily schedule (hour by hour). What do they spend their time doing? Being active with their friends and family? Watching TV? Studying? They had to account for every waking hour of their day.
Hopefully, the kids started to see what they should be doing and what they actually are doing.
TLS with Ms. Jackson and Ms. K's class
I was able to lead a team building activity with Ms. Jackson's class during their gym period as well as the normal time slot for Ms. K's class.
Ms. Jackson's class - Hula hoop Pass & Stargate
I have been able to meet with Ms. Jackson's class more than any other class when it comes to working within the TLS cirriculum. She teaches a 5/6 grade, so there are a handful of students whom I was able to work with last year making it a bit easier for them to come together as a group. We started out with the hula hoop pass activity. They passed with flying colors. Afterwards, we worked on stargate. One of the students had an excellent idea. They did it and again flying colors, atleast on the outside. During our debrief we had a discussion on how the activity went. Many students admitted that although it looked like it ran smoothly, many things could have gone better. We discussed how people were having their own side conversations and not participating for the entire length of the activity, and that many people did their part then did their own thing. Although it was quite and people got through, they were all jammed together and not listening to suggestions that were made. We then discussed how we could make these better in the future.
In Ms. K's class, we went completed one round of hula hoop pass then discussed what went well and what could have gone better. As with Ms. Jackson's class, Ms. K's class realized that they needed to listen to each other better, to fully participate in the activity, and to be focused for the entire activity, not just their part. Next week, we will pick up with star gate.
YOGA 7th grade
This was the second session of yoga at the Y with me for the 7th and 8th grades who chose to participate during their study hall time. I had a few of the same folks from last week and a few new faces. Im glad that I am able to offer a time for the kids to relax, focus on their breathing, and to only worry about being in the moment. This will continue on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the rest my time at EIR.
YOGA 4th-6th (afterschool program)
This week for the afterschool program we did yoga. It was really interesting to see how different it is for the younger kids than the older ones. We really focused on our breathing, our postures, as well as some stretches. Its always nice when your kids tell you how much they enjoyed the yoga session :)
For the last 30 minutes, we played clap ball, a game that requires you to be focused the entire time! It was pretty awesome!
DRA - 2nd grade This week for the outdoor adventure days, we took the 2nd grade to the DRA. Here they were split into groups of 3 going to different stations that included looking for tracks, naming different trees, and sledding. A highlight of this trip was watching a fox across the water pounce into the snow trying to catch a mouse. The fox was in our sight for over 30 minutes trying to catch its prey.
3rd grade to KieveToday the 3rd grade came to Kieve, a trip that had to be rescheduled from last month due to weather. What a great day to be outside! Once the kids arrived on sight, we headed to PQ for a quick break then split into 3 groups. Afterwards, we all walked down the fire pit at Wescott point. Here we stayed in our groups and inch wormed our way to a certain point testing our teamwork. My group did such a good job working with one another that we decided to do it again, the other way. The second time, it didn't go as smoothly as the kids were very excited to start building a fire but they really enjoyed being a small group working together towards a common goal. We then had a "free period" where kids could go around and build forts and play in the snow. As I started the fire, I had a group of kids helping me making the fire grow. It was a wonderful day with a great group. We ended the day with a walk around campus and a stop in at PQ to drink some hot chocolate.
Up next.
I've already done alot this week, but we still have a trip to Kieve with the 5th graders tomorrow. Stay posted for information about that.
Friday, February 9, 2018
Week 5 (February 5 - February 9)
K-4 ADVENTURES- FEBRUARY
On Tuesday, we started our outdoor education adventures with the Kindergarten. The topic this month is Honesty. We gathered all the kids in the cafeteria, read them a story about being honest then had them color animals that would turn into puppets. They then created a skit on being honest. It was so cute watching the kids color, cut, tape, and come up with different skits practicing being honest and admitting to any mistakes. Afterwards, we went on a walk behind GSB, exploring nature's floor before the winter storm to create a blanket of snow.
AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM - Apple Pie Baking
This week, for the afterschool program, we spent the afternoon baking an apple pie and playing board games. Both my Tuesday and Thursday group worked so well together dividing the tasks of preparing the crust, mixing the dry ingredients, and peeling the apples. It was amazing to watch a group of this age cook and clean up so efficiently. While the pie was baking, we turned the music on, and divided into two groups, playing Apple's to Apples, family edition, and Blokus, a strategy making game. Once the pie had finished baking, we cleaned up the room, then enjoyed a slice of pie and a couple of scoops of ice cream. It was such a fun, relaxing afternoon. I am glad this group was able to happen.
ANOTHER SNOWDAY- KINDA
There hasn't been a single week since the start of EIR that we have not had a full or half day snow day. Wednesday we had a half day with the anticipation of the winter storm. For this half day, I helped out in the resource room. Here, I worked with kids who are behind their current grade level in certain or all school levels.
6th GRADE IMPROPTU On Thursday afternoons, I sit in with Mrs. Davis' Guidance class. Currently, she is discussing a fixed mind set vs. a growth mindset. Last week, she showed them a video with different scenarios of different mindsets. This week, she had them come up with their own examples of real life examples. She then asked me if I would share an experience of when I was hiking, when it became difficult, and what I did to get through it.
I was stumped. I have done thousands of miles of hiking, but wasn't so sure what example to use. With a couple minutes to think, I decided to share my story of my decision to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail and the first three days on the trip, to include hiking short days, carrying 15lbs over the recommended weight, having a family doubt me, and hiking up a mountain with a huge blister on my heel. Although, I was a nervous, it was so great sharing my experience with the 6th grade group. Other than sharing a short story at a chapel service, I had not shared my story since I have a talk to the boy scouts in 2014. It was pretty cool and I think they were pretty intrigued with by it. Next week, I will share some more information about my life and we will have the class come up with their own stories of when they were in a difficult situation and how the type of attitude they had about it helped or hurt the outcome.
---thats all for now. Next week highlights will include taking the 3rd and 5th grade classes to Kieve, yoga electives, and the afterschool program.
On Tuesday, we started our outdoor education adventures with the Kindergarten. The topic this month is Honesty. We gathered all the kids in the cafeteria, read them a story about being honest then had them color animals that would turn into puppets. They then created a skit on being honest. It was so cute watching the kids color, cut, tape, and come up with different skits practicing being honest and admitting to any mistakes. Afterwards, we went on a walk behind GSB, exploring nature's floor before the winter storm to create a blanket of snow.
AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM - Apple Pie Baking
This week, for the afterschool program, we spent the afternoon baking an apple pie and playing board games. Both my Tuesday and Thursday group worked so well together dividing the tasks of preparing the crust, mixing the dry ingredients, and peeling the apples. It was amazing to watch a group of this age cook and clean up so efficiently. While the pie was baking, we turned the music on, and divided into two groups, playing Apple's to Apples, family edition, and Blokus, a strategy making game. Once the pie had finished baking, we cleaned up the room, then enjoyed a slice of pie and a couple of scoops of ice cream. It was such a fun, relaxing afternoon. I am glad this group was able to happen.
ANOTHER SNOWDAY- KINDA
There hasn't been a single week since the start of EIR that we have not had a full or half day snow day. Wednesday we had a half day with the anticipation of the winter storm. For this half day, I helped out in the resource room. Here, I worked with kids who are behind their current grade level in certain or all school levels.
6th GRADE IMPROPTU On Thursday afternoons, I sit in with Mrs. Davis' Guidance class. Currently, she is discussing a fixed mind set vs. a growth mindset. Last week, she showed them a video with different scenarios of different mindsets. This week, she had them come up with their own examples of real life examples. She then asked me if I would share an experience of when I was hiking, when it became difficult, and what I did to get through it.
I was stumped. I have done thousands of miles of hiking, but wasn't so sure what example to use. With a couple minutes to think, I decided to share my story of my decision to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail and the first three days on the trip, to include hiking short days, carrying 15lbs over the recommended weight, having a family doubt me, and hiking up a mountain with a huge blister on my heel. Although, I was a nervous, it was so great sharing my experience with the 6th grade group. Other than sharing a short story at a chapel service, I had not shared my story since I have a talk to the boy scouts in 2014. It was pretty cool and I think they were pretty intrigued with by it. Next week, I will share some more information about my life and we will have the class come up with their own stories of when they were in a difficult situation and how the type of attitude they had about it helped or hurt the outcome.
---thats all for now. Next week highlights will include taking the 3rd and 5th grade classes to Kieve, yoga electives, and the afterschool program.
Sunday, February 4, 2018
Week 4 (January 29 - February 2)
Although I have settled into some routines from my winter here last year, I am still carving out new adventures for the winter including an after school program.
NEW BEGINNINGS
Within the first couple of weeks of EIR, I had some free time to read over all of the links that Jess (my supervisor) had sent in her weekly EIR e-mail. One of the links shared information on how to be a good mentor while another talked about after school programming in rural areas of Maine. I know that another local school in Nobleboro has an after school program that my co-workers Noah and Nelson run and I also am aware that GSB, located directly next to the Y, has access to their after school programs, however, am not exactly sure what it entails. This made me think to myself, I could start an after school program!
I really want to make a difference in the lives of these kids. I have the potential to make a difference, but when? There are 6.5 hours in a school day from the moment we say the pledge to the moment that the first group of students are dismissed in the afternoon. Each minute of the day is planned. Reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and specials take up most the school days time. So, when am I going to be able to make a difference? During my EIR time, I really have to think creatively. I hang out in the lunch room for a few periods of the day, meeting with kids and checking in to see whats going on in their lives. I am also scheduled to help out with the 7th and 8th grade health classes - helping to come up with activities on risk-taking, decision-making, bullying, etc. And, fortunately, I am able to work with the 5th grade classes for an hour a week running activities that I would run at the Leadership school. But, when are some other times I can build a rapport with these kids, to work with them in a group setting, challenging each other, building relationships, and creating future leaders? AFTERSCHOOL!
I was so stoked when I came up with this idea. I ran some ideas by Jill (GSB's school counselor and also my GSB mentor) and she thought it was a great idea. After a meeting with Kim (the school principal), I had all that I needed to start this program!
So to fast forward a bit, I have a group of students on Tuesdays and a group of students on Thursdays that are in grades 4-6 from 2:30 - 4:30. We will be doing activities that range from team building to cooking and I couldnt be more excited.
MS. JACKSON'S 5th/6th GRADE CLASS TO KIEVE
Since the EIR program started at GSB 3 years ago, the 5th grade classes have visited GSB. Ms. Jackson's 5th/6th grade class visited Kieve on January 30th. The plan was a half day of climbing and a half day of snowshoeing.
We started the day off with a short community meeting playing my favorite game, rock, paper, scissors, split. We then headed down to the Buck building. After going over the 4 H's, I split the kids into different groups and we spent 2 hours making good use of our indoor rock wall. It was awesome watching these kids challenge themselves, trust in their classmates, encourage one another, and, of course, jump out of the black box!
We then took a long lunch break in our dining hall, PQ.
Typically after lunch we spend the afternoon snowshoeing, however, we decided to cancel it due to the current weather conditions. We used this time to work on a team building activity in the our Innisfree building. After a round of Stepping Stones, a game that discusses competition vs. cooperation, the students realized how much room for growth they have.
We ended the day with a long debrief, discussing things that we will be working on for the remainder of the winter. I am looking forward to seeing their progress.
MORE NEW BEGINNINGS IN STORE
For the upcoming week, I plan to start doing yoga classes for the 7th and 8th graders during their elective time periods and I also plan to start tutoring 3rd graders in math. Stay tuned for more details next week.
-Kasie
NEW BEGINNINGS
Within the first couple of weeks of EIR, I had some free time to read over all of the links that Jess (my supervisor) had sent in her weekly EIR e-mail. One of the links shared information on how to be a good mentor while another talked about after school programming in rural areas of Maine. I know that another local school in Nobleboro has an after school program that my co-workers Noah and Nelson run and I also am aware that GSB, located directly next to the Y, has access to their after school programs, however, am not exactly sure what it entails. This made me think to myself, I could start an after school program!
I really want to make a difference in the lives of these kids. I have the potential to make a difference, but when? There are 6.5 hours in a school day from the moment we say the pledge to the moment that the first group of students are dismissed in the afternoon. Each minute of the day is planned. Reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and specials take up most the school days time. So, when am I going to be able to make a difference? During my EIR time, I really have to think creatively. I hang out in the lunch room for a few periods of the day, meeting with kids and checking in to see whats going on in their lives. I am also scheduled to help out with the 7th and 8th grade health classes - helping to come up with activities on risk-taking, decision-making, bullying, etc. And, fortunately, I am able to work with the 5th grade classes for an hour a week running activities that I would run at the Leadership school. But, when are some other times I can build a rapport with these kids, to work with them in a group setting, challenging each other, building relationships, and creating future leaders? AFTERSCHOOL!
I was so stoked when I came up with this idea. I ran some ideas by Jill (GSB's school counselor and also my GSB mentor) and she thought it was a great idea. After a meeting with Kim (the school principal), I had all that I needed to start this program!
So to fast forward a bit, I have a group of students on Tuesdays and a group of students on Thursdays that are in grades 4-6 from 2:30 - 4:30. We will be doing activities that range from team building to cooking and I couldnt be more excited.
MS. JACKSON'S 5th/6th GRADE CLASS TO KIEVE
Since the EIR program started at GSB 3 years ago, the 5th grade classes have visited GSB. Ms. Jackson's 5th/6th grade class visited Kieve on January 30th. The plan was a half day of climbing and a half day of snowshoeing.
We started the day off with a short community meeting playing my favorite game, rock, paper, scissors, split. We then headed down to the Buck building. After going over the 4 H's, I split the kids into different groups and we spent 2 hours making good use of our indoor rock wall. It was awesome watching these kids challenge themselves, trust in their classmates, encourage one another, and, of course, jump out of the black box!
We then took a long lunch break in our dining hall, PQ.
Typically after lunch we spend the afternoon snowshoeing, however, we decided to cancel it due to the current weather conditions. We used this time to work on a team building activity in the our Innisfree building. After a round of Stepping Stones, a game that discusses competition vs. cooperation, the students realized how much room for growth they have.
We ended the day with a long debrief, discussing things that we will be working on for the remainder of the winter. I am looking forward to seeing their progress.
MORE NEW BEGINNINGS IN STORE
For the upcoming week, I plan to start doing yoga classes for the 7th and 8th graders during their elective time periods and I also plan to start tutoring 3rd graders in math. Stay tuned for more details next week.
-Kasie
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Weeks 2 and 3 (February 15 - 26)
Wow! How time has flown by this winter at GSB! It seems like just the other day, I walked back into the halls of this school picking right where I left off last winter. Knowing the school much better than I did last January at this time, I have been able to maximize my schedule and make the difference that I want to see this winter.
Here is what I've been up too...
1. K- 4 Adventure DaysThis is a program that started in September. Each month grades K-4 rotate on Tuesdays and Thursday to go on a pre-planned adventure. This month, I had the privilege of helping to plan our January adventures. The theme of the month was tolerance which we simplified to excepting everyone for who they are and to not be judgmental. For grades K and 1st, we started with a winter themed reading, followed by hot chocolate, and then headed behind the school for some sledding. The kids took turns sharing sleds and enjoyed flying down the hill. Unfortunately, 3rd grade missed their January day to a delayed start, however, 2nd and 4th grades enjoyed a morning trip to Kieve. At Kieve, we started the day off as we do every morning, with a community meeting. We then headed towards Wescott point where we did a couple of team building activities. We split into different teams completing either a Classification study or Inch worm. The classification study consists of renaming a piece of nature (a stick, a rock, etc) and giving it a completely different name, purpose, and origin. They had to work together, coming up with one idea for the entire group. The inch worm activity required the students to work together moving from one location to another without losing links to a solid object. For an example, student A had to stay connected to a tree, while the student B walked towards another tree. Student A could not move until Student B was connected. Once student B was connected, Student A could then move towards another tree. The students in the middle had to stay connected to each other the entire time. All students needed to make it from one location to another. This required working well together by practicing and strengthening their communication skills. Once these activities were completed, students were able to hang out by the fire. We then ended our morning with some hot cocoa in our Pasquaney dining hall.
2. TLS Cirriculum
This winter I am still able to work with 2 of the 3 classes I worked with last year. Ms. Jackson's 5th and 6th grade class and Ms. K's 5th grade class. So far we have done Told by Fold and Squiggle Lines.
Told by Fold is an activity where students write a sentence or phrase and pass it to the person that is sitting next to them. The next student is to interpret the sentence into a drawing then fold the writing so that the next person can only see the drawing. This continues until we make it all the way around the room or until a certain about of time has passed. At the end, the students share what the first phrase was and what the last phrase is. Most of the time they come out completely different. This creates a good conversation about how people perceive and interpret things. Often discussion about text messages, social media, and tone of voice (or lack of through computer usage) comes up.
Squiggle lines is an activity where students are separated into groups of 4-5. They all receive a sheet of paper with the same squiggle line drawn by me. Each student is given a different colored marker that they are able to use for the duration of the activity. The goal is for them to work together to create a drawing while also using the squiggle line that has already been drawn for them. This requires students to work together by sharing ideas and compromising. Because each student has a different color marker, you can see how involved each student was. It is interesting to see the creativity among the students as well how well they work together.
It was interesting to watch one of the groups in Ms. K's room completely disagree at the beginning, but come together at the end, making everyone happy.
3. Continuation of Last Year Last year, I found that I did some things that I really enjoyed and others that I just didn't understand what I was doing. This year, I really wanted to make use of my time here, make a difference in specific kids lives, and to make my mark at GSB. Stay posted on changes I have made, but for now, here are some things I have continued to do...
-TLS cirriculum with Ms. Jackon and Mrs. K's class
-plan a trip to Kieve for the 5th grade classes
-helping with the Daily 5 and Writing with Mrs. Simon's Kindergarten class
-morning reading with Mrs. Verney's 1st grade class
-lunch with the Kindergarten's
-lunch groups with 1st/2nd graders and 3rd/4th graders
Please stay tuned to learn more about some changes I have made for the upcoming weeks here at GSB. I am super excited to share what I've planned and to see how it turns out.
Til next time,
Kasie
Here is what I've been up too...
1. K- 4 Adventure DaysThis is a program that started in September. Each month grades K-4 rotate on Tuesdays and Thursday to go on a pre-planned adventure. This month, I had the privilege of helping to plan our January adventures. The theme of the month was tolerance which we simplified to excepting everyone for who they are and to not be judgmental. For grades K and 1st, we started with a winter themed reading, followed by hot chocolate, and then headed behind the school for some sledding. The kids took turns sharing sleds and enjoyed flying down the hill. Unfortunately, 3rd grade missed their January day to a delayed start, however, 2nd and 4th grades enjoyed a morning trip to Kieve. At Kieve, we started the day off as we do every morning, with a community meeting. We then headed towards Wescott point where we did a couple of team building activities. We split into different teams completing either a Classification study or Inch worm. The classification study consists of renaming a piece of nature (a stick, a rock, etc) and giving it a completely different name, purpose, and origin. They had to work together, coming up with one idea for the entire group. The inch worm activity required the students to work together moving from one location to another without losing links to a solid object. For an example, student A had to stay connected to a tree, while the student B walked towards another tree. Student A could not move until Student B was connected. Once student B was connected, Student A could then move towards another tree. The students in the middle had to stay connected to each other the entire time. All students needed to make it from one location to another. This required working well together by practicing and strengthening their communication skills. Once these activities were completed, students were able to hang out by the fire. We then ended our morning with some hot cocoa in our Pasquaney dining hall.
2. TLS Cirriculum
This winter I am still able to work with 2 of the 3 classes I worked with last year. Ms. Jackson's 5th and 6th grade class and Ms. K's 5th grade class. So far we have done Told by Fold and Squiggle Lines.
Told by Fold is an activity where students write a sentence or phrase and pass it to the person that is sitting next to them. The next student is to interpret the sentence into a drawing then fold the writing so that the next person can only see the drawing. This continues until we make it all the way around the room or until a certain about of time has passed. At the end, the students share what the first phrase was and what the last phrase is. Most of the time they come out completely different. This creates a good conversation about how people perceive and interpret things. Often discussion about text messages, social media, and tone of voice (or lack of through computer usage) comes up.
Squiggle lines is an activity where students are separated into groups of 4-5. They all receive a sheet of paper with the same squiggle line drawn by me. Each student is given a different colored marker that they are able to use for the duration of the activity. The goal is for them to work together to create a drawing while also using the squiggle line that has already been drawn for them. This requires students to work together by sharing ideas and compromising. Because each student has a different color marker, you can see how involved each student was. It is interesting to see the creativity among the students as well how well they work together.
It was interesting to watch one of the groups in Ms. K's room completely disagree at the beginning, but come together at the end, making everyone happy.
3. Continuation of Last Year Last year, I found that I did some things that I really enjoyed and others that I just didn't understand what I was doing. This year, I really wanted to make use of my time here, make a difference in specific kids lives, and to make my mark at GSB. Stay posted on changes I have made, but for now, here are some things I have continued to do...
-TLS cirriculum with Ms. Jackon and Mrs. K's class
-plan a trip to Kieve for the 5th grade classes
-helping with the Daily 5 and Writing with Mrs. Simon's Kindergarten class
-morning reading with Mrs. Verney's 1st grade class
-lunch with the Kindergarten's
-lunch groups with 1st/2nd graders and 3rd/4th graders
Please stay tuned to learn more about some changes I have made for the upcoming weeks here at GSB. I am super excited to share what I've planned and to see how it turns out.
Til next time,
Kasie
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