Abbie is studying Simple Machines in school. Today, they learned about pulleys by hoisting their teacher above their heads. I think Abbie had a good time!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Simple Machines
Abbie is studying Simple Machines in school. Today, they learned about pulleys by hoisting their teacher above their heads. I think Abbie had a good time!
Friday, March 11, 2011
PYP in Action
Our kids' school is an inquiry based education system. Students are encouraged not only to think, but to act on their areas of inquiry. This week was a perfect example of the educational model in practice.
Brendan's class is learning persuasive writing. Last week, the students all wrote persuasive letters, asking the recipient to enact change. Brendan tackled the topic of homework -- a subject near and dear to his heart as well as pretty much every other fourth grader across the world. He wrote a letter to the Principal and Assistant Principle stating that the current homework was boring. He then suggested that homework should be made to be more fun, and suggested assigning games and other activities instead of worksheets. His teacher encouraged him to deliver the letter to the heads of school, so Brendan sent it off and anxiously awaited a response.
Now, I happen to know that the entire homework policy was revamped at the beginning of this year. A committee convened to study best homework practices around the world and drafted a new policy, which culminated in our current homework "grid". The roll out of the new system was a pretty big deal, so I "knew" that changes to homework weren't really up for debate. But Brendan either didn't know or didn't care; he's a determined individual.
Earlier this week, the Principal responded to his letter and suggested they meet to review the contents. Yesterday, Brendan had his face-to-face with Mr. Penny and argued his case. I'd be pretty impressed if that was the end of the story. It turns out that Brendan has a follow-up meeting next week. This time, he needs to bring examples of current homework packages as well as example of his improved homework plans. Brendan is furiously working to gather his materials. He also plans to bring a secret weapon -- his friend who argued that primary kids should get time to do their homework in class, like the secondary kids. He figures that if he loses the argument to change the homework requirements, he can negotiate for a study/homework period sometime during the week.
Brendan is now inspired to solicit change in other ways. Last night, he wrote a letter to Microsoft arguing that his PC crashes to often. He pointed out that the family has an Apple, and he doesn't see these same crashes. He suggested that Microsoft needs to improve their products or risk losing businesses to competitors with higher quality products. I wonder if Microsoft will schedule a meeting to review Brendan's concerns?
Brendan's class is learning persuasive writing. Last week, the students all wrote persuasive letters, asking the recipient to enact change. Brendan tackled the topic of homework -- a subject near and dear to his heart as well as pretty much every other fourth grader across the world. He wrote a letter to the Principal and Assistant Principle stating that the current homework was boring. He then suggested that homework should be made to be more fun, and suggested assigning games and other activities instead of worksheets. His teacher encouraged him to deliver the letter to the heads of school, so Brendan sent it off and anxiously awaited a response.
Now, I happen to know that the entire homework policy was revamped at the beginning of this year. A committee convened to study best homework practices around the world and drafted a new policy, which culminated in our current homework "grid". The roll out of the new system was a pretty big deal, so I "knew" that changes to homework weren't really up for debate. But Brendan either didn't know or didn't care; he's a determined individual.
Earlier this week, the Principal responded to his letter and suggested they meet to review the contents. Yesterday, Brendan had his face-to-face with Mr. Penny and argued his case. I'd be pretty impressed if that was the end of the story. It turns out that Brendan has a follow-up meeting next week. This time, he needs to bring examples of current homework packages as well as example of his improved homework plans. Brendan is furiously working to gather his materials. He also plans to bring a secret weapon -- his friend who argued that primary kids should get time to do their homework in class, like the secondary kids. He figures that if he loses the argument to change the homework requirements, he can negotiate for a study/homework period sometime during the week.
Brendan is now inspired to solicit change in other ways. Last night, he wrote a letter to Microsoft arguing that his PC crashes to often. He pointed out that the family has an Apple, and he doesn't see these same crashes. He suggested that Microsoft needs to improve their products or risk losing businesses to competitors with higher quality products. I wonder if Microsoft will schedule a meeting to review Brendan's concerns?
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Safety
There's less crime in Switzerland, and it's catching up to me. Today, I stopped by a friend's house at the same time a rental car was getting delivered. The driver asked her the easiest way for him to get back to Zurich, and I immediately offered him a ride to the nearest train station, stating that I was driving that way anyway. He hopped in my car, we had a nice chat, and I dropped him off a few minutes later. Then, I called my friend and we both laughed that we weren't in America anymore. Sadly, I just don't see a scenario where I'd offer the man working at Avis a ride to the nearest Bart station, but I had zero qualms about my safety today. Nor did my friend -- or even John when I told him the story.
It just about makes up for the neighbor yelling at us last week for not walking the dog enough.
It just about makes up for the neighbor yelling at us last week for not walking the dog enough.
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