Well, a second grade class would, that’s who!
After, I “accidentally” dumped a box of 1,000 coffee straws onto the carpet this morning the class was charged with counting them for a number sense/base-ten lesson. 
I’m sure the straw people assumed that no one in their right mind would count to see how many there are, but the box DOES say 1,000.
Luckily, I had a bag of extras just in case.
You could have added to the teaching by getting them to write a letter to the MD of the company explaining the issue. And can you stir with them.
ReplyDeleteThat's a really good idea. Back in the olden days we used to be able to stop and redirect a lesson for just that very thing. I've gotten out of the habit due to testing. Maybe tomorrow! I'll keep you posted.
ReplyDeleteYes, they're really used for stirrers as, even though they are hollow inside, they're very skinny straws. It would take a lot of sucking! :)
Ha! I used a bag of straws once.
ReplyDeleteGot to love common core!
ReplyDeleteIt's killing me Jen. I feel like I've never taught before. But the kids are enjoying it.
DeleteI actually used those for milk for my kindergartners because the stirrers were small enough that the kids could open the milk, put the straw in and close it back...because no fewer than 3 were knocked over at snack time daily!! This way I could get to the carton before too much spilled.
ReplyDeleteI like the letter writing idea!!
AND...I got great news in our staff mtg today...no 2nd grade testing this year :)
Ohhhhhh, had you not been told that yet? We were told last year that it was most likely going by the way side. We've already started common core work with the hope we wouldn't be surprised by still having to take the star. Now it sounds like no one will have a STAR this year...the best news ever and makes so much sense with the change in curriculum.
DeleteWhat a great lesson. I like that you "accidentally dropped them. The letter would be a great idea. That was a significant shortfall. Do you use the stirrers again every year.
ReplyDeleteYes, we wrote our letters yesterday and, if I can get them sent via school mail, they'll go out tomorrow. Otherwise I'll have to send them myself on Saturday when I can go buy postage.
DeleteThis is the first year I've used the straws. They are in lieu of the place value blocks that I used to have enough to teach with when we had 20 kids in the classroom, but now that we have more than that I don't have a enough. So this is a less expensive way of meeting that need. It's gone well, other than we are constantly finding straws strewn about the room. On the other hand they are very quiet.
Off topic totally. I've been writing a short story set in LA and I'm looking for a shopping street. I thought Ventura Boulevard would do the job but it seems to be filled with tattoo shops, spas and banks. Dear god the number of banks. Is there a bank for every resident between Studio City and where Ven Blvd meets the 101. And really 'Kravings' at 18690, also how long does a restaurant last in that town, days ?. Is there no local street that one can walk between a few core places.
ReplyDeleteVentura Blvd is probably the most well-known name. It is a very LONG street and good shopping (beyond chains and franchises) comes in pockets. Of course there is Rodeo Dr. in Beverly Hills which is just as well known, but more as a tourist spot with all the high-end stores - not a place I frequent. Silver Lake has great boutiques and non-chain restaurants, but it's more of an area - not just one specific street. West 3rd is a favorite of mine with a lot of cool shops and restaurants and the street ends with the Farmer's Market and The Grove. I also really like spending the day in Pasadena on Colorado Blvd. The main section of Old Town is like a true shopping street with everything in walking distance on the same street. We aren't a walking city, so that's tricky. Most shopping (unless it's at a mall) is driving, parking, visiting a place or two, and getting back in the car to start again. Hope this is of some help. :)
DeleteOh, AND I hope you will be sharing your story. ;)
DeleteTa, I think I'm correct setting it there. You see while Rodeo Drive is better known it's for the Hermes and YSL. What I'm looking for is Thebes, a place everyone knows or at least has a vague handle upon, ergo LA. And they certainly can grip the hopes and dashed hope and general fear of those in the industry. It makes the wannabees raw emotionally speaking, at least it can be easily transposed even if actors as a group aren't in any way emotional about the procedures and are very hardheaded. I think I can get away with compressing it, the street that is.
DeleteVentura? That's a good choice. It should resonate with most who know of the area. The others may not be as familiar.
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