Beach & Farm Trip 11/28/12

Today was a COLD day!  The kids were such troupers!  As we were driving to the beach, it began to snow.  The kids piled out of the cars, ready to go!

We started by getting a speech from Ted.  He explained how our job was to get seaweed so we could give back to the earth.  When we farm, we use nutrients from the soil.  When we get seaweed and put it on the garden beds, we are giving nutrients back to the soil.  Then he explained that we had 3 objectives: first to get all of the seaweed off the beach, second to work without complaining and keep moving especially when cold, and third, to make him suffer by carrying heavy buckets of seaweed.  With that, we were off!

After we finished at the beach, we went to the farm.  We ate lunch in the barn, out of the wind, and then worked to close down our beds.  The kids covered the beds of garlic with straw, and the rest of the beds with seaweed.  The straw will keep the soil warmer so the garlic will grow, while the seaweed will restore nutrients to the soil.

After all the hard work, we got to eat some freshly picked carrots!  They were extra sweet and delicious.

Today was a day of hard work.  It was cold and, for some kids, there was no amount of clothing that could warm them up.  But everyone kept going, everyone persisted.  I feel like today is a true testament to the spirit of our class.  The kids are wonderful!

Thanksgiving! (Finally)

Sorry for the delay in posting about our class Thanksgiving dinner.  I left town right from school and only returned a bit ago!

The Thanksgiving dinner we had was incredible.  I am so grateful for all of the donations you gave.  Everything was delicious, and the kids enjoyed each dish that you made and appreciated all of the extras, from juice and water to plates and silverware.  So, again, thank you!

To start, before we even set up the class to eat, we reviewed expected and unexpected behaviors for Thanksgiving dinner.  The unexpected behaviors ranged from rude body noises to being unhelpful or rude, and from chewing with open mouths, to leaving the table or leaving a mess.  The expected behaviors included things like using polite words like please and thank you, helping others (with preparing, cleaning, or just in general), making conversation and asking questions, and utilizing "social fakes."  Social fakes are things like what to do if you don't like a food (politely spitting it in the napkin or cutting it in small pieces and moving it around on the plate), how to change the subject (ask the person a question about themselves), and other things like that.

Once we were sure the kids knew what was expected, we began to prepare.  The kids helped to clean the room.  They cleaned the tables, chairs, and walls, and swept the floor.

After the space was clean, everyone set their places.  We showed them where all of the silverware went, and they put everything where it belonged. 

Next, they got their food and ate.  Before we ate, we shared things we're thankful for.  Everyone waited patiently for the others to get their food.  They were excited to eat, but were polite while waiting.  When eating, everyone was careful to use good manners, cut their food into bite-sized pieces, and have good conversation.  Michelle, Beth, and I moved around the tables to chat with all of the kids, as well.

(I'd like to add that these are completely unstaged photos.  The kids didn't know I was taking their pictures while they were eating and using such wonderful manners!)

After everyone had eaten dinner and taken care of their plates, we had a chance to enjoy dessert.  It was delicious! 

At the end, we had to clean the classroom again.  Everyone pitched in to sweep and wipe down tables to make sure the room was ready for the end of the day.

It was a wonderful day!  I've said it often, but it really bears repeating: I am grateful for the chance to work with your children every day.  Thank you for sharing them with me!