A few weeks ago, I was walking down the hall when what to my wandering eyes should appear? Volcanoes erupting everywhere! The 3rd graders had been participating in a unit on natural disasters; tsunamis, volcanoes, earthquakes, icebergs, etc. What an exciting way to draw children into reading non-fiction. The children discovered that sometimes fact is even better than fiction as they read about the Titanic, Pompeii, and a South American earthquake. Having visited Pompeii myself, I was able to share my Power Point presentation on Pompeii with the children. They were riveted as they found things that they had read about but now were able to see them come alive.

Following this unit, the 3rd graders began a unit on kitchen chemistry. A variety of aromas wafted from their classrooms as they watched the walls of the apple cells break down to make applesauce, tried making muffins with and without baking soda, and experienced the effect of yeast in their bread dough. They also learned about acids and bases - something I never heard of until high school chemistry.

But true to form, kitchen chemistry didn't just include science; rather, food became the focus in their health and language arts also. The children read the novel "Chocolate Fever," factual articles about fast food, and a number of short stories centered on food. They were also introduced to a variety of poems and wrote a number themselves. This unit culminates with the event called "Poetry and Pastries," which took place last Friday as each child chose a poem written about food, memorized it and made props to help present it.

The parents arrived at school and gathered in the Recital Hall to have a cup of coffee and a pastry. Then the students arrived, nervous stomachs and all, and the entertainment began. The children recited a few poems together and then each child stood before all 80 guests and recited the poem they had chosen to memorize. Many children were decked out in a costume and almost all of them had a prop. As an observer, I laughed at some of the poems and teared up at others and enjoyed myself emmensely. There is nothing more rewarding than to see a child who would barely speak in Kindergarten stand before that huge crowd and recite. We were also honored by some of the children who were brave enough to share their own poetry.

Once again, the values and mission of MPA rang true. Respect was given to each child whether their poem was long or short, whether they chose to wear a costume or their uniform, whether they remembered the entire poem or needed a little cueing. Every child left the Recital Hall feeling proud of what they had accomplished.

If your child enjoys reading and writing poetry, there is a great course offered this summer entitled "Pop-up Poetry." It combines poetry with the skill of making pop-up pictures. The kids walk away with a pop-up poetry book of their own creation. If you need a summer brochure, just call the office and we will send one to you.