Every August, I wait for a spark of inspiration to help me dive in to September’s back-to-school.
It’s amazing what tiny little event or conversation can give birth to the mysterious *muse* — brightening my dull outlook on the year ahead.
A conversation with my friend Pam recently put that spark into motion. The inspiration is there – finally.
ISLANDS: a unit study.
Unit study learning is a way to compel students to read and write about interesting topics while hiding the fact that they are actually learning.
I usually begin my year with an engaging unit study, and if we need a boost mid-year, sometimes I sneak one in around January.
So this fall we will plan to study islands, in addition to the other reading, writing, arithmetic, and history that we always do.
- Reading (aloud and independently) appropriate grade-level books about islands. (I have a growing book list: The Cay, Treasure Island, Island of the Blue Dolphins, Baby Island, Island of Dr. Libris, Surprise Island, Shipwreck and Nim’s Island are some of the titles)
- Making analogies and comparisons about islands.
- Learning to spell words that have silent letters.
- Writing reports about island nations.
- Studying general geographic terms. I like the picture book: Geography from A to Z: a picture glossary by Jack Knowlton.
- Anyone have any other ideas?
Though not every student will eagerly anticipate the writing-of-reports, a happy and enthusiastic teacher is contagious and helps classroom morale!
I think 2017-2018 will be a good year.
Word Prompt of the Day: Anticipate
Photo credit: Sergio Jara
From an old English parsonage,
Down by the sea,
There came in the twilight,
A message to me;
Its quaint Saxon legend,
Deeply engraven,
Hath, as it seems to me,
Teaching from Heaven.
And on through the hours
The quiet words ring
Like a low inspiration-
DO THE NEXT THING
Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment,
Let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity,
Guidance, are given.
Fear not tomorrows,
Child of the King,
Trust them with Jesus,
DO THE NEXT THING
Do it immediately;
Do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care;
Do it with reverence,
Tracing His Hand,
Who placed it before thee with
Earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence,
Safe 'neath His wing,
Leave all resultings,
DO THE NEXT THING
Looking to Jesus, ever serener,
(Working or suffering)
Be thy demeanor,
In His dear presence,
The rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance
Be thy psalm,
Strong in His faithfulness,
Praise and sing,
Then, as He beckons thee,
DO THE NEXT THING
-author unknown