Last night was the first time the KE Tech Club met. What a great experience. There are 28 eager 4th and 5th graders who want to be a part of the club. We have divided them into two groups because 28 is just too many to handle. So, last night the first 14 met. We had invited them to bring their own digital cameras if they had one and their flash drives.
Phyllis shared what it takes to make a good picture - she talked about composition, rule of three and angle. Then we turned them loose in pairs and invited them to roam the rooms and take pics. They had so much fun!!
Of course there were techie problems - one of the digital cameras would not connect to the computer and didn't have a memory card or instructions. We had to apologize and let this sweet little girl know that there was nothing we could do - and she and her partner took another turn with one of our cameras.
After a bit of time we called them back to the computer lab and taught them how to download their pics to the computers in iPhoto. I showed them how to crop, get rid of red eye, adjust the lighting and play around with some of the effects. They got really involved in that and suddenly the hour and a half was gone and it was time to show them how to save their pics to their flashdrives and get ready to go home.
Today I had lunch with 4 girls from my class and one of them was sharing what we did in Tech Club. She was so excited one of the other girls (not in the club) asked if she could join. I tried to keep her interested and understand that she could join next year!
We have 6 sessions with each group this year - and hope to start much earlier next year. We don't even have all the equipment yet -we are still hassling over the video camera. But, I played with the new camera tonight. I have a lot to learn!!
Snow Day
What could be better than the amazing gift of snow!
We have had the best winter...in my world that is... I know that many - ok most people are sick to death of all the white stuff. But, me...NEVER! I could have it snow each and every day and not get tired of it. I don't even need it to actually be a snow day... what I really want is a blanket of white that wraps us in November and lifts in March...
But, Iowa has changed from the weather of my youth. (Grief that sounds nostalgic!)
Anyway, I remember digging tunnels in snow banks behind the our old farm house. Long cool tunnel where my brother and I would make shelves, and compartments. We would play from the time we got home on the bus until after the milking was done and it was time for supper. I remember the cold seeping into my boots and the crisp crunch of the snow beneath my feet. Sitting in the igloo tunnel and hearing the quiet bliss of absolutely nothing.
My girls don't have those kind of memories. They hardly know what a snow bank is. And certainly don't know what it's like to play and play outside until you can't feel your toes, but really don't want to stop. Growing up in town with not a hill in site - there aren't snowdrifts and chores to be done. They don't even have to shovel the driveway... that is my job or my husbands. What will they remember from Iowa winters???
That is what happens when I have time to sit and remember. That's what snow days are for. I see them as a moment of pause in the midst of the busy life of a teacher. Anything you get done on this day is a gift - because you didn't expect to have the time off. So - if you get absolutely nothing done...oh well! :)
So - snow days are my favorite - I don't really care how late we go to school in June. Instead we get the luxury of memories and moments.
So -as I sit at my table watching old movies and looking out at my snow encrusted screens on the screen porch. I know that this is what makes me love winter and Iowa and SNOW DAYS!!
We have had the best winter...in my world that is... I know that many - ok most people are sick to death of all the white stuff. But, me...NEVER! I could have it snow each and every day and not get tired of it. I don't even need it to actually be a snow day... what I really want is a blanket of white that wraps us in November and lifts in March...
But, Iowa has changed from the weather of my youth. (Grief that sounds nostalgic!)
Anyway, I remember digging tunnels in snow banks behind the our old farm house. Long cool tunnel where my brother and I would make shelves, and compartments. We would play from the time we got home on the bus until after the milking was done and it was time for supper. I remember the cold seeping into my boots and the crisp crunch of the snow beneath my feet. Sitting in the igloo tunnel and hearing the quiet bliss of absolutely nothing.
My girls don't have those kind of memories. They hardly know what a snow bank is. And certainly don't know what it's like to play and play outside until you can't feel your toes, but really don't want to stop. Growing up in town with not a hill in site - there aren't snowdrifts and chores to be done. They don't even have to shovel the driveway... that is my job or my husbands. What will they remember from Iowa winters???
That is what happens when I have time to sit and remember. That's what snow days are for. I see them as a moment of pause in the midst of the busy life of a teacher. Anything you get done on this day is a gift - because you didn't expect to have the time off. So - if you get absolutely nothing done...oh well! :)
So - snow days are my favorite - I don't really care how late we go to school in June. Instead we get the luxury of memories and moments.
So -as I sit at my table watching old movies and looking out at my snow encrusted screens on the screen porch. I know that this is what makes me love winter and Iowa and SNOW DAYS!!
