The best part of this day was definitely Carol Berkin. What a card! I knew that I’d like her because her personality comes out in her book, but I didn’t realize how charming she would be. I loved her stories, especially the explanation for “the rule of thumb.” I’ve always loved idioms and have fun getting students’ explanations for them. I think it will be fun to see what kids think “rule of thumb” means. Their explanations are always funnier than the real thing. However, I don’t think I’ll give them the true reason for the saying. It’s rather harsh to think that husbands were not only allowed to beat their wives, but encouraged to. You know how evil and stupid we women are!
The bronze statues of the Signers were amazing. They seemed so real. The artist seem to capture some kind of personality in each of them.
Well, the most interesting part of the day was Carol Berkin, but the most exciting part was the evacuation from our dorms. The worst part of that was climbing eleven flights of stairs. We waited for the elevators to be reset, but gave up and started climbing. At first, it was just us “old fogies” who took the stairs. The students here refused. Then as I prodded my way up floor by floor, kids started passing me by. I must say that I did pass some catching their breath in between flights. So, to be friendly, I had to join them. I didn’t want to make them feel bad!
I totally agree with you, Carol was great. I love that spicy outspoken personality. I am so sorry that I missed the fire drill. I could have used a work out on the stairs…not:) I am so glad you got to join us. You know Carole Brown is going to want us to do a presentation at a professional training. I think I’ll let you take the lead role on that.
Denyse:
How will any of this change what you do in the classroom?
I agree with you about Carol Berkin. I could have listened to her talk for many more hours. The statues of the Signers was extraordinary. They seemed life-life at times because it felt as if their eyes followed you.
Yeah, the evacuation was great .
Apparently, I’m unable to spell correctly today. Of all things, I spelled my name wrong in the previous comment. How embarrassing!
I have always racked my brain for something innovative to do for my students for Constitution Day. I have tried different activities on the Constitution website, but they just don’t have great appeal. I am getting so much information from these experiences that I never had. It’s so much easier to teach something the better educated you are in that area.