Ugh.

Well - days 2 and 3 of our new groups have been rough. Many of the students don't like their new groups and one class even tried to rebel. After a little "talking to" we put an end to that. But I do have two students who "divorced" their groups and chose to do the entire project by themselves. Even though I really didn't want to approve it, I looked at it as meeting the students where they are. We have four 21st Century Skills we are focusing on this project - self direction, creativity, something else, and flexibility/adaptability. I guess those kids aren't ready for the flexibility/adaptability yet. Next project.

And I did remove two students from their groups. I felt that it was better for the groups to remove the students and make the two work as a team. Kinda like the Parent Trap when the two Haley Mills have to share the isolation cabin.

Please keep your fingers crossed - next week has to be better. Especially since we go to the computer lab to type up our newsletters the following Monday.

Be Patient.

I have watched Big Brother every season. Never missed one. And every season it's the same. I hate the new house guests and miss the old ones. I watch the first few episodes and swear I will watch no more - but I do and eventually I pick new favorites and am always disappointed when the season ends.

If you are reading this Michael - you will be hearing it again in class because it is a story that will be working its way into our next lesson. Why? Why is this relevant at all? Because we started our second projects with new teams and of course everyone is upset. I haven't heard too many nasty comments about the new teams - but I have never seen so many cases of stink face in my life. Students who were once happy to work in groups and eagerly came into class ready to work are now dreading the next 4 weeks of project two.

I will tell them to be patient, that they too will come to love their new groups - just give it time. It only took 2 months and about 8 evictions for me to like the cast of BB10. So be patient little Amphi Eagles. Yep - we are now the Amphi Eagles. "We fly high with respect and fairness" - I think.

Presentation Time!

Tomorrow brings the conclusion of our Project One presentations. And so far, I am pretty pleased. With only a few exceptions, my students have proudly taken center stage to present their maps, team identity/slogans, and class expectations. It has been so fun to watch the students show off their creativity. But I must admit I am most proud of the cultural change that has taken place in our classroom. The student groups are truly teams - and even though most students do have "BFFs" in the classroom - most students, once they enter the classroom, are focused on their team members and their project.

But being the Debbie Downer that I am - I am nervous. Once project one is over and the teams disbanded, how long will it take for the new teams to gel? Or will it completely fall apart? The second project is different - it is a newsletter project that doesn't require the posters and drawing that project one required. The second project is much more writing, which could lead to isolation. BUT . . . their final project will be graded as a team, so keep your fingers crossed :)

I hope to upload student work to my class website when the projects are completed and student ballots have been tallied. I'm excited to see what Team Three's new identity will be - I am hoping for something that has lots of easy clipart. We had the lions, lightening, cobras, "da" chocolate chips. "Da" chocolate chips brought candy. We like candy.