Fort Building 101

FORT BUILDING 101

Let's take another magical visit back in time, when the only worries you had were whether or not you had enough blankets to build a fort.  When your free time was spent dreaming, and creating fantasy forts with dinosaur books and colored sheets.  When you would have contests to see who could stay up the latest, eating sour gummy worms in your ice-cream and telling ghost stories with a flashlight.  Why does the fun have to end when you become an adult?  I'm here to tell you it doesn't, and in the spirit of winning money to build a "reading fort" for my classroom, here's a blog dedicated to my love of forts. 

Deep thoughts...where do we hang the next blanket?

Every few months or so, my students earn a party for their "class good behavior points".  Rather than just having an extra recess, I thought we would get creative and build forts in our pajamas instead.  So, give kids thirty minutes, some chairs, desks, blankets, books, and flashlights, and let the fort building begin!  I'm hoping this was the inspirational seed that inspired my kids to want a "reading fort" in the class.  I love that one dream can turn into another dream, that can lead you down a new path in life.

HAPPY FORT BUILDERS! 

Adults, take note here.  Sometimes you can be a little boring.  You might think, "hey fort making is for kids".  Well, I'm here to tell you that you're wrong.  In fact, I have a newfound appreciation for fort building.  Kids remind me to be SPONTANEOUS.  They are not building forts to get a raise from their boss, or even to earn a grade.  We are born curious observers of the world.  We are born to create, and unfortunately somewhere along the way, most often an ADULT tells you to stop thinking creatively (yeah, no dreaming aloud), and to pay attention to practical ways of life.  That's all fine and dandy if you want to work for Mr. Robot-man in an office someday (and that's okay if you do!), but if you're like us dreamers, begin your spontaneous journey today.  Take a walk in the woods, and make your own path.  You have the ability to reinvent yourself everyday.  

Dream Big

DREAM BIG!

ART GUMBO AND BUILDING A CLASSROOM DREAM

First place winners of $1,162 

This is the story of one small class, in one small community, with very big dreams.  This is not a story of winning money, but more importantly of what can be achieved when we start believing in our little people.  This is a story of twenty-five hand written letters, of grandparents, parents, friends, and my inspiring students that all came together in support of two small dreams.  This my friends is community.
  

Footage of the winning moment!  Thank you Nikki Hill for this video!

This is what happens when you hand third graders a wad of cash...pretty comical.

These kids are so charming, they should be selling cars....or something.

What began as a simple writing prompt of "My dream classroom..." has turned into essays of the inspired dreams of my students.  Dreams that I felt deserved to be heard, and that could really be made into a reality, with the help of Art Gumbo (a source for local artists to get funding for their projects, yes Paula Newhouse and Megan Starr we love you for making this possible!).  So what did my students come up with?  A lot...and though I had to deny the "talking statue of Abraham Lincoln" and "a trap door for substitute teachers", I did end up choosing two projects that could only be completed with the help of Dubuque artists.  So began the journey to fulfill two dreams of my students that I would eventually propose at Art Gumbo: a "puppet theater" and a "reading fort".  Let's give the children a platform to write and direct the best plays you'll ever see (yes, purposeful activities), and more importantly create a classroom environment that values reading, by setting up our own magical reading fort!  

Yes, we wrote HAND WRITTEN letters and Art Gumbo invitations to send in the REAL MAIL!

Max writing to his grandma Karen.  I bet that made her day :)

Yes, I still believe in sending real mail.  We weren't sure how many people would come to Art Gumbo, but a hand written letter from a third grader means you've got a pretty good chance that they just might say yes.  We not only won first place that night, but we broke history and took home the most money ever raised at Art Gumbo.  So yeah, did I mention yet that my third graders are awesome?

Grandparents.  This is what made my night.

Seeing my students with not only their parents, but grandparents, family friends, and all the countless others that came out to support the arts truly made the night a success.  Whether we won the money or not, we came out as winners because the community came together (the kleenex box is on my desk...ha).  Yes, my East Dubuque community and all the wonderful people of Dubuque who support the arts.  YOU ALL made the night a success for everyone involved.

My Two Cents on Vulnerability

I'm not going to lie, I maybe didn't sleep the night before I gave my presentation.  Speaking in front of adults is quite different than speaking in front of eight and nine year-olds.  Third graders have really important things on their mind, like what kind of sprinkles will be on top of their cake at lunch, or how far up the booger is in their nose (I'm just kidding...okay maybe not).  The point is, they are a little less intimidating than those adults who could possibly give you an "evil eye" during your presentation.  But once I walked in and saw the "microwave hat", pickle name tags, and students wearing fake mustaches, I realized this speech was going to be okay, and I was no longer nervous.  Yes, no one has ever died giving a speech (Seth Godin taught me that) and if I can talk in front of kids every day, than I can surely talk in front of adults.  So yes, be vulnerable, and know that you might fail.  

One Last Thought

Marissa's mom approached me after Art Gumbo, and told me that Marissa made an "eyelash wish for our class the night before, that we would win".  Well Marissa, I think your eyelash wish worked, and the next time an eyelash falls out, I'll think of you; and more importantly I'll remind myself to keep dreaming big.

Sibling Magic

Sibling Magic

Super good times with my awesome sister Laurel

What happens when two sisters, a harmonica, a banjo, and dancing students get together?  A whole lot of super happy fun times!  My sister Laurel Sprengelmeyer (a.k.a. the musician Little Scream) came to visit our classroom all the way from CANADA, for an afternoon of good old folk music and dancing.  Why is my sister so awesome?  Well, other than being a Sprengelmeyer, she's kinda like a Hallmark card; the kind that make you feel all warm and fuzzy when you open them up.  I want to surround my students with feel good people (Hallmark card people you could say), who are not only inspiring, but also encouraging.  My students totally loved her, so much so that they may have given her a visit from the HUG MONSTER!  So Laurel, if you're reading this (and I expect that you are) come back and visit real soon.  Siblings are magical.  Kids are magical.  Music is magical.

See!  I told you they were happy :)

Here's a photo of my sister and I from a long time ago.  I love old photos.  In fact, go find one now and put it on your refrigerator.  You will smile every time you go to get a cheese stick out of the fridge.

Awesome Siblings in History:  The Wright Brothers

Orville Wright

Wilbur Wright

The Wright Brothers, a.k.a. Orville and Wilbur (which sounds like a popcorn company if you ask me), are a great example of the collaborative efforts of siblings, and ultimately the magic that can result.  Born from a family of seven, the brothers made history by manning the world's first ever successful airplane (sustained flight with a pilot aboard).  The brothers simply had a common dream in mind, and continued after repeated failed attempts.  Yes, another lesson on the importance of failure!  These brothers were not backed by wealth, or a prestigious background; they were however, backed with the mutual determination of fulfilling a dream, one that was set in place from the time they were given their first ever toy "helicopter" as children.  That helicopter was loved so much, that they eventually broke it; only to rebuild it years later and truly fly.  This my friends is dreaming big.     

Wacky Wednesday!

WACKY WEDNESDAY!

In honor of Dr. Seuss week at East Dubuque Elementary and the book Wacky Wednesday.

"On wacky Wednesday, a cheeseburger talked to me and my pants were on my head.  My brother was a train and I took a bath in syrup!"

"On wacky Wednesday, my cookies were talking to me and I saw a flying hot dog."

"On wacky Wednesday, my hamster flew away when I went to feed it, and it started snowing in the middle of summer!"

In case you can't tell, it was wacky hair day at East Dubuque Elementary School.  The entire week was dedicated to honoring one of the most popular children's book authors of all time, Theodore Seuss Geisel, a.k.a. DR. SEUSS and his book Wacky Wednesday, in which...you guessed it, lots of "wacky" stuff happens.  So what better way to celebrate, then to have kids write about what would happen for their very own version of a wacky Wednesday.  So the next time you see a flying hamster or hot dog in the sky, check to make sure you didn't wake up on Wacky Wednesday!

Here's a writing example, from one of my super creative students.  I like this one because a giant booger is attacking the city.

MORE WACKY HAIR PHOTO FUN!

ALUMINUM FOIL!

BRAIDS!

RED HEAD!

ONE FINAL NOTE ON THE IMPORTANCE OF FAILURE

Dr. Seuss received 27 rejection letters before he got his first children's book published.  I don't think we teach kids enough about the importance of failure, since often the people who succeed the most in life are those that continue in the face of rejection and turmoil.  They possess a certain determination and resilience.  So thank you Dr. Seuss for not giving up, even when others doubted you; for what a different place the world would be without your many magical books!  Remind your kids that failure is not only a part of life, but a wonderful part of life.  A part that allows for growth and the very understanding that NO ONE is perfect.   

"Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly."

         -Robert F. Kennedy

Shel Silverstein...My Most Favorite Bald Guy of ALL TIME!

Shel Silverstein...My Most Favorite Bald Guy of ALL TIME!

Who doesn't love Shel Silverstein?  Not only did this guy write songs sung by Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynn, but he also wrote such timeless classics as The Giving Tree and A Light in the Attic (a collection of poems).  I love reading his poetry with my students, because much like the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, it's full of humor that appeals to both kids and adults.  I have a hard time keeping a straight face while reading this stuff aloud with my students, not to mention recording the totally awesome rap song sung by the one and only DELI RAPPERS we created from one of Shel Silverstein's poems, entitled "Peckin".  Seriously, I dare you to keep a straight face (if you can't tell, the kids kinda had a hard time too).

Welcome to SUPER HAPPY TIMES library, the only library that's open 24 hours a day, EXCEPT Casimir Pulaski Day (you'll get that joke if you're from Illinois).  Be prepared to be blown away by the acting skills in this performance of "Overdues" and pay close attention to the inspirational reading posters in the background.  Oh, and in case you were wondering, those totally awesome overalls and torn red shirt are curtesy of Ms. Sprengelmeyer's closet circa 1996.  

Here's two examples of what my students think a "homework machine" would look like, appropriately taken from Shel Silverstein's poem  "The Homework Machine" (in which the answers come out wrong).  Note to reader: the math problems on the right are mean't to be incorrect!

Cloudy with a Chance of TOTAL AWESOMENESS

Cloudy with a Chance of TOTAL AWESOMENESS

I love taking a walk down "nostalgia lane" and reinventing the way I teach a childhood favorite.  And what better than the book Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett - a book where food falls from the sky!  This was a favorite of mine since before I could actually read the words and simply made up a story based on the pictures (most likely while sitting on my dad's back porch licking an orange push-pop).  So here's my take on an all time favorite of mine, from my totally awesome group of third graders.

Give kids choice and they will be far more motivated to work and ultimately produce better work.  Not all kids are comfortable being in front of the camera or singing a rap ballad about pickles, but as you can see, some totally are, and that's why choice is important.  So check out the examples below, which vary from 3-D towns to school lunch menus.  The only thing they had to keep in mind while creating their projects was that it had to relate to the town of Chewandswallow from the book Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.  What would life really be like if food fell from the sky?  Imagine what commercials would you see or what might be on the school lunch menu.  Just remember to IMAGINE.

WHEN PICKLES ATTACK!

Here's a diorama of pickles attacking the town of Chewandswallow (notice how the upside-down pickle has taken hold of an innocent victim.....AH!). 

Here's a more appetizing example with multiple flavors of ice-cream falling from the sky.

LUNCH MENU FUN!

Hungry?  How about some "meatball pudding" or a "stale tater-tot burger"?  If that's not appetizing, could I interest you in an "old apple" or a sip of "split-pea flavored soda"?  I didn't think so, and that's what makes this lunch menu so awesome.  There's probably not much choice on a school lunch menu, where whatever falls from the sky is...well, what you will be eating until the next downpour of tater-tots!

When I Grow Up

WHEN I GROW UP

"When I grow up I want to be a farmer and a dairy store owner.  I want to do this because I like to work with animals and people.  I'd name my dairy store Tashner Dairy.  I'd sell milk, yogurt, ice-cream, and cheese shaped like cows.  My employees would also wear cow suits."

-Brody

I'm inspired by old things.  This particular project was inspired by a pair of frameless glasses I found underneath some old photographs while rummaging through my dad's antique store several years ago.  My sister and I first put them on as a joke and ended up having way too much fun with them posing for pictures.  I got to thinking if two grown adults had so much fun with a pair of old glasses, that my students would totally enjoy it too.  So...why not tell them these are the super-magical-fantastic "When I Grow Up" glasses!  Or simply put, this is what you might look like once you start paying bills and taking your future children to soccer practice.  The handmade facial hair is simply an added bonus.  Give kids a sheet of black paper, and I promise they will amaze you.  

"When I grow up, I want to be a model, a soldier, a hockey player, and a veterinarian! I want to be a veterinarian because you get to help animals.  A model gets to be on Miss America and wear dresses.  A soldier gets to work with cool machines, and playing hockey is just fun either way!"

-Laney

As you can see, Laney wants to be A LOT of things, and that's totally inspiring.  It's important kids know that they don't have to do one job for the rest of their life.  They can do many things, and what they want to do might change many times throughout their life (I'd call that healthy progress if you ask me).  The important thing is that they do what makes them happy!

"When I grow up I want to be a basketball player.  I want to do this because I like shooting hoops (especially trying to shoot hoops from half court!).  I love the excitement of the game."

-Dawson

I started this project out by telling my students that I didn't always want to be a teacher (that wasn't until much later in life).  In fact, when I was nine I was certain I was going to be a cake decorator.  My nine year-old brain could think of nothing better than a job where one could write names in multi-colored frosting while secretly eating leftover cake batter!  Who knows, maybe next year I will enroll in Master Cake Decorating 101.  It's never too late to learn something new.

"When I grow up I want to be an architect.  I have always wanted to make a blueprint for something, and I love to draw."

-Charlie

"When I grow up, I want to own a horse ranch and train horses.  I think it would be fun to ride, train, and take care of horses.  I want to do this job because I love to work with animals.  I would have a special training area for younger kids.  I think this job would be hard sometimes, because horses don't always cooperate."

-Sadie

"When I grow up, I want to be an N.B.A. player.  I want to do this job because basketball is one of my favorite things to do, and you get to travel all over the world.  You also get paid like three million dollars a game."

-Brandon

"When I grow up I want to be a veterinarian.  I want to do this job because I love animals.  I think it would be fun to check the animals to see if they are healthy, and to weigh them.  I have loved animals my whole life."

-Leah

"When I grow up I want to be a movie director, because I could make awesome movies!  I also want to be a fireman, so I can be like my grandpa.  I would love to ride in a firetruck."

-Connor

So there you have it!  Another snapshot of a totally amazing group of kids who are dreaming big.  I hope I've inspired you to make use of something that was seemingly a piece a junk, and if all else that I put a smile on your face.  If a paper mustache won't, I'm not sure what will ;)

As Joseph Campbell would say (thank you Laurel and Richy):

"Follow your bliss."