back one page
Teacher's Journal
October 14, 1997
Our class received a beautiful Beanie Baby from Mrs. Quirk's Class in Baldwinsville, New York. Our Beanie Baby, Floppy traveled upstate to spend some time there. Flower arrived along with beautiful cards and pictures from Mrs. Quirk's students. They told us to be very careful with her and reminded us that Flower is a she. Lauren was the first student to take Flower home for a few days. When she brought Flower back she shared her journal with us. Included in the journal were some photos that Lauren's mom took of Flower at work. Lauren's mom works in a dermatology office. We had a long talk about dermatology and medicine. Once every student has a chance to take Flower home, the journal and Flower will return to her home upstate. Here is a photo of Flower's first field trip!
October 25, 1997
I recently visited Bolivia for a long weekend. It was the perfect place to get photos, crafts, and take a video for my unit on the Andes. I also got holiday gifts for my students but that must remain a secret for now!
November 25, 1997
Today we invited some of Mr. Eaton's fifth graders to see their work that was published on The Voice and Other Clinton Stars. The students who visited do not have computers at home and needed some help navigating on the World Wide Web. My students served as their guides and the fifth graders were absolutely delighted at what they saw. It didn't matter to them that second graders were their teachers nor did my students feel anything but excitement in showing them the wonders of the web. It was very gratifying to watch this interaction. Technology is the perfect vehicle for collaboration and learning from one another. Sometimes when I need technology help I call on a fourth grader in our school. One role of a teacher in technology is that of a partner exploring a new world.
February 1, 1998
I just returned from giving a presentation on "Collaborative Internet Projects for Lower Primary Students" at the Classroom Technology Conference in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.