Heron Network: student inquiry, local study, and presentations

Well, I haven't quite recovered from yesterday's Heron Conference. Perhaps it was running the second Steppers workshop that did me in, or maybe I'm just getting old. Today we looked at the website to see pictures from our conference. The kids loved seeing their pictures on the web, and could hardly believe anybody in the world could see their pictures! Wow, what a great thing to see! We are Fired Up and Ready To Go!

Well, I have recovered from my keynote performance and our class is jumping head first into Great Blue. I have to say it was shakey at first. I had six girls who wanted to do something on Chris Brown. (I am so over Chris Brown), but I was able to convince each one that they were much more interested in something else like.... cheerleading, how to make websites, mexican food, or why girls are better than boys at soccer. I can't wait!  I Love This Job!

Well it's a brave new year, and while I am completely obsessed with politics, I am also excited about what this Great Blue year has in store. A few of us met today and I was asked to email and post what we decided for those that couldn't make it. So here it is.

There's nothing like a pouring party. Last night we had the first opportunity to read all the Great Blue articles. What a blast. I love the first read of Great Blue because it's like reading a new book from your favorite author. In this case the kids are my favorite author and this year is no disapointment! Presidential polls, issues of war, Pokemon, basketball, pets and more. I promise you won't be disapointed either. Today we make our final edits to the 200 page document that is made up of the 96 or so articles that make up the journal this year. We talk and consider things like: do you capitalize "internet" (no); do you spell out numbers under fifty (yes); what section do articles belong in and many other little things that come up. But, as this our thirteenth year,we have this down to a science. It's a great time to be a teacher!

The road to Great Blue is not simple, but it is totally worth it. This is the second time doing a Great Blue for most of my class because I looped with most of them. What a great experience seeing how much my students have grown and matured since last year. One student went from not even completing an article last year, to total focus and a great project this year. Another who really did very little, and only with one-on-one help, has written 4 pages (untyped) independently. Students who hate literacy are begging to go to the library to find more sources. Many have developed an email penpal to do interviews and research. One even received a basketball because he was so enthusiastic about his project. I love this job!