Giving thanks this holiday season.

Wow!  Who can believe that an entire semester is almost over?  This year has been one of the best in my career.  Each day, my students amaze me with what they are doing in class.

Although this blog is always about STEM, I thought I would veer off track a bit to discuss one of my interest groups that is new this year.

We call them the "K'Nex" group.  This group of students will be participating in a K'Nex design challenge in the spring.  In the meantime, they are partnering with the students in our life skills classroom.  Those student call them their "buddies."

We all met in the courtyard and friendships soon formed.  From harvesting vegetables, to scientifically mixing a natural weed killer, to dicing onions, these students all have a twinkle in their eyes when we get together during 7th period. 

Most recently, we had the honor of hosting a Thanksgiving feast together.  Administration and teachers were invited.  We made invitations, decorations, and dessert.  We even peeled potatoes and made our own stuffing.  On the day of the feast, each one of my students found a buddy and helped serve our guests.  As a teacher, it is heartwarming to see your students looking out for each other.  My students turned into cheerleaders.  They helped guide the others without being overbearing.  They did everything with a genuine smile and it reminded all of us the true meaning of the holidays. 

In the classroom, we discuss many concepts and topics with the hope that those skills will be carried over from year to year.  This year, I really saw the importance of teaching life lessons in character education, collaboration, and communication.  If everyone showed as much empathy as I have seen in my students, the world would be a better place.

We may call them the "K'Nex" group, but their buddies call them friends.

Here's to STEM friends!
Mrs. Giran