I am really excited to attend nErD camp this coming weekend at Western Washington University. This "unconference" focuses on literacy in learning and appeals to the book nerds we are proud to be. I have my books lined up and ready to get signed by...drum roll please.... KATE DiCAMILLO!! We have read some of DiCamillo's books in class such as The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, Because of Winn-Dixie and Merci Watson. I am writing you this post (not only to let you in on my nerdiness) to let you know that Kate DiCamillo will be at the Seattle Public Library (central location), this Wednesday, February 25th. The multi-award winning author will talk about her work from 7-8 pm and it's free (no registration required). 

What a production! The students worked so hard researching and creating floats to represent their cultures! I am impressed by such a great turn-out and by the contribution of food, supplies and helping hands of our community. I must say, aside from the excitement that filled the class all week, my favorite part was seeing the kids in their outfits-ADORABLE! Thank you for lining the school and cheering on our second grade celebrities. Additionally, the students created culture presentations on their iPads using Book Creator. Again, gracias, danke, dziekuje, obrigado, kamsa hamnida, salamat, kawp-kun krap!!

Who says that learning is all work and no play? Well, I don't think anyone really does. We certainly played this week. As we are continuing our work of measuring precisely to the nearest centimeter, our classroom turned into the outback as we transformed into kangaroos. Starting on both feet, we jumped as far as we could and measured the distance of our jumps. We found the average distance of our three jumps and graphed our results on a line plot. Our class jumped anywhere between 62 cm to 163 cm.! 

I'd say that this was a big hit! We put down our pencils and devices and without much guidance other than "have fun," the kids initiated play. They also wrote a blog about their experience, visit our KIDBLOG page here. 

Math you can eat- but only after you show your work! The students measured a gummy worm to the nearest centimeter then stretched it as far as they could and measured the stretched gummy worm. After that they found the difference between the unstretched and stretched worm. They were to show their work and must always remember to label the units of measurement along with the numeral. 

"It's the self-directed aspect of play that gives it its educative power." 
–Peter Gray, The Decline of Play, TED

Our class, along with many other classes at QAE will be participating in the 1st Annual Global School Play Day this Wednesday, February 4th. The idea behind this day is raising awareness of the importance of unstructured play in the lives of young people. For a couple hours we will put down our pencils, our books and our devices and PLAY. 

Students are invited to bring in toys from home. These toys must not require batteries or electricity or contain any type of computer chip. No devices. They may bring in things like board games, Legos, blocks, trucks, cars, racetracks, playing cards, empty cardboard boxes, dolls, puzzles, blankets (for forts), social games (charades, Pictionary, etc.) If they don't bring anything in, no problem. We have lots of games to share. I know this is short notice, but I did talk with the class about this and they are full of excitement. If they mentioned to you that they're allowed to bring toys and games to school-it's true! 

Adults will not be leading or facilitating any of the play. The play will all be self directed. The teachers will be making sure this time is safe and will be taking pictures and observing. Who knows, we hope to be playing too! One of the things that Peter Gray says about this event is that it will "signify to children that we recognize the importance of play in their lives." As a mother and teacher, there's nothing like observing free & natural play!