MI Learning

Teacher: Annie, what's the chemical formula for water? Annie: H I J K L M N O. Teacher: What are you talking about? Annie: Didn't you say it's H to O? This joke reminds me of an exchange that took place at a well-child visit for my three-year-old son. The doctor asked him to count “one to ten.” My son answered, “One, ten.” Naturally, my job was to better explain the doctor’s expectation. The thinking in my son’s mind should match the thinking in my mind and what I assumed was in our doctor’s mind. This simple task should have one right answer.  As I was about to explain what the doctor was  really  asking my son to do, Doc said, “That’s the best answer.” This gave me pause. Was it really the “best” answer? That could be argued I’m sure; nonetheless, the answer was not wrong. If it wasn’t wrong I suppose it didn’t stand for being corrected. It was simply different; certainly more efficient. I laughed it off. I thought it was cute and funny and  when we get ...

"I love sack supper because it gives me more energy for school." -Eric I am inspired by the work of Kids' Food Basket! Engaging West Michigan community members of all ages in opportunities to share their time, talents and resources is a sustainable, inclusive way to combat childhood hunger founded by Mary K. Hoodhood––recipient of the Governor George Romney Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteerism. Adding personal touches such as uplifting messages or artwork to paper bags, packing the bags with what will serve as an evening meal, or delivering sack suppers with care are simple, meaningful ways to nourish the body, minds and souls of young people. Check out the link above if you're interested in learning more about how you might support this organization that serves 40 schools, 7250 children and engages 240 volunteers daily. Thank you, Michigan State Board of Ed. members for decorating bags!

When I first walked in,  Mrs. Pietranttonio, also known as Mrs. "Peach," and her third graders were getting ready to perform the Tablecloth Trick to explore Sir Isaac Newton's First Law of Motion. Not only were they focused on the "what" of science, they were also learning how to think and act like scientists. The students valued the opportunity to experiment, and they believed that everyone should be included in the experience. Right after they met me, they shouted, "You should try it!" I was a little nervous as I approached the table, but the third graders' excitement was contagious. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to experiment alongside them.  Mrs. Peach smiled and coached me on how to successfully pull the tablecloth out from under the dishes (and the water contained within those dishes). The kids chanted, "You can dooo it! You can dooo it!" It brings a smile to my face as I recall this moment. Thanks to all of the supp...