What a day today is gonna be...what a week, actually...



This week is going to be a weird one: most of the high school will be on a big trip to NYC/DC starting tomorrow, and we happy few who are left behind have the task of keeping the scant handful of kids who are not going educationally entertained. I arranged for three local field trips for them: the Littleton Historical Museum, the Mount Washington Hotel, and the Lisbon Historical Museum. There are fun things to see and learn and do right here in our own backyard (ish). All of the trips are free, too, which is a good deal. The afternoons will be spent in virtual tours and other activities. 

Today, though, is "Gatsby Day"-- my yearly total immersion project with the American Lit class. This year, instead of a cocktail party, we are doing an art gallery opening of Salvador Dali's early works. In short, no Charleston (they adamantly refused-- party poopers), but yes to the music, the food, the costumes, and the gossipy conversations. They will come in character: we have everything from an undercover detective to a mob boss to a shady insurance salesman and Dali himself. They will talk to each other from their differing perspectives: "Have you heard about Gatsby?" and "What do you think a painting like that is worth? Should my client insure it?" It will likely be a bit silly, and lots of fun, and (I hope) they will have enough research done that they are relatively believable for a little while, anyhow. The goal is to have a nontraditional oral presentation grade that shows they understand the literature, the research needed into the 1920s, and a collaborative project is the result. 

Wish us luck.

Yesterday, we again joined the Foods 102 class to make some of the snacks. They made pineapple upside down cupcakes and cheese straws, both of which are period-specific. That class is coming to visit our "gallery opening" too-- we'll see if they have fun. 

After lunch, I'm doing a poetry guest shot in grade 5. I have several small poems (silly ones) for them to read/hear, and a few prompts in mind. I hope it works out. In between things, we're finishing watching Clash of the Titans in my creative writing class, and they will be doing a collaborative story: a brunch that features each of their heroes that they've been writing stories about. Silly, yes. But fun and can be a good exercise in collaborative writing. 

Did I mention they are landing a Blackhawk helicopter on the playground outside my window today, during the Gatsby party class? Apparently, this is so kiddos can see a real, live military helicopter. 

I think I'll have earned my rest by the end of school today. 

Have a good day, 

C


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