Monday, June 21, 2010

Summer Reading Underway

I am almost finished reading "the Evolution of Calpurnia Tate."  This was an award winning book that flew under my radar.  I received it just before school ended this year, and decided it was one to take home for summer reading.  I am so glad I did; it is an interesting look back to life at the turn of the century, what things are the same and what things are different for girls today.  Each chapter has a heading that is a quote from Charles Darwin, Callie's grandfather is doing his own study of wildlife and corresponding with Darwin, a new voice that not everyone agrees with.  This would be a great read aloud for middle grades, as a subtle introduction to plant and animal classification and the importance of study through the naturalist lens.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Summer time!

Summer is here! Well, actually tomorrow morning at 7:30, but close enough for me to talk about what I plan to do with my summer vacation. To begin with, I am not taking or teaching classes; I am taking the summer off. What I am doing is: catching up on my reading, if you follow me you can find out what and if I liked it.
I am also organizing my professional thoughts, ideas, and ideologies. Follow along with me as I explore ways to embed 21st century skills into my teaching.