Archives for February 2017

“It flows through old hushed Egypt and its sands like some grave, mighty thought threading a dream…”-Leigh Hunt, describing the Nile River, 1818

A dream. Sometimes that is how I picture the history of ancient times, like a dream or a movie that was created from one’s imagination. It’s difficult to understand just how amazing ancient humans lived in such structured civilizations that were created 3500-1500 B.C.. From the grand size of the Egyptian pyramids to the intricate detail in art, it has caught the attention of our 6th grade students. If you had the opportunity to walk through our 3rd floor this past week, you may have seen the beautiful hieroglyphics of birds, lions, snakes and symbols near the 6th grade classroom that were created by our students. For the past few weeks, Mrs. Coombe’s students have been immersed in learning and experiencing the Ancient Egyptian culture first hand. From writing their own hieroglyphics to re-enacting the mummification process at the Milwaukee County Museum, our students have had the opportunity to not only read from their social studies books about the ancient Egyptians, but they have been able to experience a piece of their ancient culture, religion, and civilization.

One of the things I enjoy most about Westlake is how the teachers can talk about theology and Biblical truth in every subject. Egypt is major setting throughout the Bible. From Genesis and Exodus to Jesus’ childhood, the Egyptian culture is found throughout the pages of the Bible. Understanding the Ancient Egyptian culture, geography, government, and religious beliefs helps us to comprehend the different way of life that we read in the Bible today. It amazes me to hear the students make connections between the social studies lessons they are learning and their increased understanding of the Biblical stories they have been reading and hearing about at church, home, and school. The students’ visit to the museum last week helped to bring these stories alive as they were able to discover and see first-hand the thousands of Egyptian artifacts including mummies, a replica of the Rosetta Stone, tomb artifacts, and much more. Seeing these artifacts in person allowed us to understand Ancient Egypt not as a dream or a movie, but as a way of life thousands of years ago.

Chelsea Schopper
Reading Intervention Specialist

Anyone who has kids, who teaches, or has ever been around kids for any length of time knows that students LOVE learning from other students. A teacher is great, but nothing can compare to a teenage teaching assistant. I’ve been blessed this year to have Scotty Snetsinger in my classroom, and his presence with my students has been a blessing. From the encouraging high fives to the secret handshakes and silly smiles … Scotty has the heart of these kids, and for no reason other than who he is – they respect him.

Using this fortified relationship, I decided to ask my T.A. to do what he does best – COMPUTERS! While my fifth graders are very adept at using technology in the classroom, (creating their own websites, using new presentation applications, finding strong resources) there is something that I have been looking to try for some time, but never learned myself … CODING! I have never had the opportunity to learn how to code, but at the young age of only sixteen, Scotty was able to come in and teach it! Using a kid-friendly program called “programmingbasics.org” students were able to learn step-by-step actions that manipulated a cartoon figure online to do small tasks such as wave, jump, and dance.

Throughout the lesson, the intensity and complication of the tasks increased, and by the end, students were coding small plays (like a theater show) that their cartoons were able to act out. The delight in their faces when they saw what they were able to accomplish in such a short time was priceless, and the pride my teaching assistant felt at being able to help the students succeed with a 21st Century skill was unbeatable!

It is true what John G. Palfrey says, “The most important thing that schools can do is not to use technology in the curriculum more, but to use it more effectively.” Speaking as a fly-on-the-wall in fifth grade, I can say that fostering confidence and intelligence seems to be a great start to a healthy technology/student relationship. It is such a blessing to see growth in every facet of our students’ education.

There is something about strength in numbers … something magical that allows us to suddenly be stronger, braver, and more accountable than we ever could have been alone. Just look at the resilience of soldiers, the deafening cry of voices on a march, or the power of a union. When we are in communion with one another – we are where we are meant to be. It is for this reason, that Westlake celebrates “Pastors’ Chapel” with such delight – because we know and believe that unity is our calling.

Someone once said, “Individually, we are a drop, but together – we are an ocean.” Imagine the capacity we are able to reach when we are banded together, the rag-tag army of God, given brilliant and shining armor by His word, and through the Holy Spirit’s presence. We are no longer marginalized or weak, but rather a force of positivity and truth to be reckoned with. Today, getting to see the gathering of pastors from all denominations, across all parts of the greater Chicago area was truly inspiring. It showed that God’s church has no doors, no titles, no hierarchy, no systems, or formalized strategy. God’s plans are the hands and feet of His people … of His children.

Seeing the pastors light up at the skits, verses, and songs of the children was endearing. But getting to see the children’s reaction to seeing their pastors come to visit their school … that was priceless. Greeted with overzealous waves, cheers, and high-fives, nudging friends to “claim” the pastor that “belonged” to them … well … I can only say that God must have smiled on the beatific smiles of both his children and their spiritual leaders.

Through it all, I found myself increasingly grateful for the opportunity to be a small part of it. As a teacher. As a parent. As a member of a local church. I am blessed to be on the team of God gathered here at Westlake.

Here is a video from today’s chapel:

It feels like only yesterday, that my own daughter was in Mrs. DeReus’ Kindergarten classroom celebrating the 100th day of school. We still remember the joy of that day, (and the hat that went with it)! One of the greatest things you can do as an educator is to lavish your students with activity, curiosity, and creativity. On the 100th Day of School, Mrs. DeReus does all of these with flair!

When I asked what the day entailed, Mrs. DeReus said, “We counted 100 cubes, we counted 100 chocolate kisses, and we made a list of 100 things we were thankful for. Later, we had a visit from “Zero the Hero” who brought us donuts. Finally, we made hats with collections of 100 things on them.” Each of the students were active participants not only in the counting of 100 but the making of it as well. It is so important to allow students to have the ability to be tangible with their learning … here, they literally WORE their math and looked fabulous doing it.

Being Spiritual Emphasis Week, we have been reminded daily what Matthew 7:24 says, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” I think the same aspect that applies to our faith, transcends to our education. We need to build a strong foundation of interest, excitement, and practical application to our lessons. We need to invest in the whole child so that they view learning, not as a skill, but as an extension of their very selves.

Dutch clergyman Henri Nouwen once said, “Each day holds a surprise. But only if we expect it can we see, hear, or feel it when it comes to us. Let’s not be afraid to receive each day’s surprise, whether it comes to us as sorrow or as joy It will open a new place in our hearts, a place where we can welcome new friends and celebrate more fully our shared humanity.” Why not celebrate what we are growing in? Why not experience education and life lessons with open hearts and mind-stretching activities? Why not live like we are five again, experiencing the joy of 100? There is a great deal to be gleaned from the wisdom of Kindergarten after all.