Monthly Archives: October 2015

Class notes #8 Inventions, Friends & Scary Stories

Posted on October 29, 2015 by lisakwinkler

Students this week wrote about what they’d invent to make the world a better place, about qualities of a good friend, and scary stories. The 7th graders spent a day in the woods, hiking and participating in cooperative games as … Continue reading →

Posted in commentary, Education, teaching, teenagers, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments

Class Notes #7: What if President Obama invited you to….

Posted on October 23, 2015 by lisakwinkler

  The “Macbeth” bulletin is up, ready for an admissions open house and for a big donor tour next week. A couple 8th grade girls enjoyed designing it, and the chance to be out of class and given the responsibility.  … Continue reading →

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High Tide

Posted on October 18, 2015 by lisakwinkler

Originally posted on bestofbarbara:
About two weeks ago, Marty and I were invited to attend a memorial service for our friend, John, and witness his ashes being scattered in Long Island Sound. About fifty close friends and relatives arrived at…

Posted in Writing | 1 Comment

Class Notes #6: Macbeth & World Records

Posted on October 16, 2015 by lisakwinkler

October is: pumpkins, leaves, apples, cider and of course, Halloween. The school doesn’t officially celebrate it, though the students have a fall dance. The art teacher has introduced Mexican skull and other autumn-themed painting. And I sneaked in a little … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, holidays, Reading, Shakespeare, teaching, teenagers, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

M. Jerry Weiss: Mentor & Friend

Posted on October 15, 2015 by lisakwinkler

If it weren’t for M. Jerry Weiss, young readers may never have heard of Amber Brown.  In 1972, the late Paula Danziger  was Dr. M. Jerry Weiss’ student in an adolescent literature class at Montclair State University. She’d just thrown … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Education, Friendship, Reading, teaching, teenagers, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Class Notes #5: Middle School Moods

Posted on October 9, 2015 by lisakwinkler

I’m getting to know the kids and enjoying the vagaries of middle schoolers’ moods.  One minute, happy and focused; the next ornery and distracted. And every emotional state in-between. It can be frustrating at times. The 8th graders tap their … Continue reading →

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Class Notes #4: Odes, Superheroes & Fan Fiction

Posted on October 2, 2015 by lisakwinkler

It was a better week all around. The midpoint of the quarter is approaching in another week and every student receives a progress report with comments. So some are becoming mindful about accountability and focusing a bit more. The disciplinary … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, teaching, teenagers, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments