Some days my cooperating teacher Lisa and I run around the classroom like that famous Lucy and Ethel scene in the candy factory. Other times things go so smoothly it's like a production of "Disney's Fifth Grade on Ice."
Today we started The Units and it was Ice, Ice, all the way, Baby.
For reading we're doing a treasure hunt for books called Sleuth. This quest connects to mystery novels and involves everyone from school secretaries to custodians. Finally the students will read the books involved and do a genre study. You could have heard a pin drop as students creeped around the school in whispering huddles of six, hiding their progress from other groups lest they give anything away.
We went straight from that to Code Blue where we are poised to open five clinics run by fifth grade medical students. First, models of the body systems must be built with things like balloons and baggies and rubber bands. "Specialists" will train each other in the different systems before the clinics are presented with fictional "patients" to be diagnosed. It's practically a health care revolution. We take all insurance. Also candy. Don't worry, we are gifted and talented.
By the time we were done with all this the kids were about to croak from the excitement of being a detective and a doctor all in one day. I knew our hard work was worth it when I saw those kids, the ones who can't stand reading, despise being in a seat, and generally hate school, hunkered down with their classmates searching through a book for a clue. When it comes right down to it no one can resist a treasure hunt.
I am also reminded that even though we live in an age of disappearing childhood innocence, imagination can still disarm even the most dedicated too-cool-for-school ten year old. There is nothing more refreshing and nostalgic and hopeful than watching a child act their age. That, friends, is treasure.
It all made me want to do a triple lutz, but I settled for high fives. There is less risk for injury.
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