I love February Break.

Since I have been posting everywhere else I post at online, I figured I'd post here, too. :)

I stayed up late last night to work on a schedule for my upcoming "Forces in Motion" unit (e.g., friction, gravity, and balance). It's finished, and I feel somewhat more settled with it now that I know it will probably extend right before April break. I just need to find supplement activities that are a bit more exciting and relative to the kids. Certain district curriculum mandates can be a bit bland and dry (did we think any less?), so of course, teachers need to tailor the activities to their specific classrooms.

Anyone who knows the "teacher geek" inside of me knows I am obsessed with The Magic School Bus (from here on out, MSB is its name)... meaning, I just adore this series of books and DVDs and aim to have the entire collection for my classroom (I almost have all of the DVDs! Just need one more: The MSB Catches a Wave). Well, the first thing I did with this was to check the MSB's website. Lo and behold, I found an episode, book, AND lesson activity on friction. I was very excited for this, seeing as that I could FINALLY bring the MSB into my practicum experience. Yes, the teacher geek geeks out. (P.S. Miss EB does not help this obsession as she sends me links to different sites selling huge lots of MSB stuff (secretly I'm thrilled, but openly, I have to be anxious). :P

I also am on a kick to also acquire a lot of Wishbone books. I used to have quite a few when I was younger, but those disappeared when a lot of moving took place. So, eventually, I will integrate classic literature into second grade. The English major inside of me weeps every time she can't be a part of my lessons. So, I'm hawkeye-ing eBay and watching particular lot auctions. If you don't know of Wishbone the dog, you must. It's a Jack Russell terrier that plays (mostly) the main character of a classic novel/story. He goes through different adventures and mysteries, doing what he does best: putting a fun spin on stories such as The Odyssey, Frankenstein, Great Expectations, and several different cultures' tales. The 50+ episodes combine real life themes that run parallel to the themes in classic literature. They just make it work. It's ingenious! I don't know one who wouldn't love this as an educational tool.

Well, I'm going to our nation's capitol tomorrow to visit my best bud-sister for my February break. I'm very excited to just have a break from everything even if I'm still having to do work on my thesis.

- Miss Chelsea :)