A wonderful wonderful person came to fix up the computers in my classroom last week. Nathan, someone Kathy knows, who had never met me or the kids before, came to spend a few hours updating the computers. Apparently there were 44 updates that were needed on one of the computers alone. I have no idea what he did to them, but there was some talk about spyware and viruses and updates... Now the computers don't freeze up or randomly close windows. It's awesome.
I had some of the most overqualified volunteers ever in my third grade class. This may have had something to do with the fact that I shamelessly begged my friends to help in any way possible. I think there were a few friends who I asked to come as soon as I met them, before I was entirely sure of their names. Some of my volunteers included: -Someone with an MFA helping kids read -a PhD candidate in chemical engineering from Stanford helping with math -a PhD candidate in civil engineering from Cal helping with math -several PhD candidates in engineering from Cal teaching about construction (several years in a row) and helping with a field trip -my extremely talented brother bringing his drums several times -a friend from Pixar who got us tours three different years, once when they were no longer giving tours - and came to the class to sign the kids' toys from Cars . -a physical therapist (who I think has a masters') who helped the kids with reading -many athlet...
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Related to the compassion of Kathy, the "philosophy slam" competition this year has the topic "Compassion or Violence: which has the greater impact on society?" and has a 3rd-5th grade entry category, involving drawing pics. Thought you might be interested.
http://www.philosophyslam.org/rules_fin.html#3rd
Postmark Deadline for all entries: February 16th, 2007.
Students may create artwork, paint, or draw a picture to express their feelings or ideas about the topic "Compassion or violence? Which has a greater impact on society?" If compassion has a greater impact, define compassion and describe its impact. If violence has a greater impact, define violence and describe its impact. Students may use any creative combination of words and artwork or write an essay, short story or poetry about the topic. Judging: Entries in this age category will be judged on creativity, originality and overall strength of the message the student is conveying. A national winner will be chosen from each grade level will be chosen.