Back in the Saddle...

Hello out there.  It appears as though I have taken a vacation from Blogsville, and I kind of have.  It has been a few weeks since my last post.  Lots and lots of awesomeness has occurred in that time.  I am going to do a short recap this time around and get more out to you as I can.  Your patience and support is greatly appreciated.

Here goes...

We had the most wonderful treat on November 6th.  Author Richard Paul Evans, yes THE Richard Paul Evans from the fantastic Michael Vey series, visited our intermediate school.  And Mrs. Clark, intermediate librarian, was kind enough to invite our junior high Michael Vey fans (veyniacs) to hear Mr. Evans give a book talk and to meet him in person for a book signing.  Being a veyniac myself, I jumped on the opportunity and found 20 other veyniacs from the junior high to make the trip up the hill for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.  We laughed and cried (well I did a little bit) and had a great time.  Mr. Evans is one of the nicest people, famous or otherwise, that I have ever met, and you could feel his sincere joy in being with our students that day.  A-W-E-S-O-M-E-N-E-S-S...with pics to follow.

Mr. Cruzado's & Ms. Duggan's classes
learning about the iAdventure

Coming back down to earth was difficult, so I collaborated on a BIG colonial America project with my social studies friends (Ms. Duggan & Mr. Cruzado) for our 8th graders.  We are in the thick of it as I type; travelling to the colonies, serving as an apprentice or indentured servant, and ultimately deciding on being a patriot or a loyalist.

Mr. Cruzado's class in the "fish tank."

"iAdventure" is the name of the game, and our students can all be winners at the end.  I hope they learn a lot about pre-revolutionary America and have some fun to boot.  An added bonus to the activity is the end project: an Animoto video created by each student showing their journey from England to the revolution.  We hope to create an 8th grade social studies YouTube channel and upload the videos for all to see.

Hard at work in colonial America

Well. I don't know about you, but Ms. Patty and I are ready for Turkey Day.  So, enjoy our short week coming up, grab some turkey and family time, remember what you are thankful for, and pick up a bargain or two if that's your thing.  We'll see you back here in December...let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!