A Different Classroom- by K.McCutcheon

  August 23, 2023 The Art of Exploration Last Friday, my students had an opportunity to experience their own phenomena. In science, I led them with a time lapsed video of melted crayons. Their job in science is to “Notice and Wonder.” We had a class discussion and agreed on what we noticed in our video.  Notice: The crayons were melting.  Then, we continued our discussion with what wonders we had. How fast did they melt? Was it messy when they melted? What caused them to melt? What if one crayon was melted one way, and another crayon melted differently, would it change anything? It was a great discussion! Finally, we landed on one wonder.  Wonder: How did the crayons melt? At this point, the students were eager to find their answers. They created a list of supplies they would need to test and find answers to their questions. The science experiment began. It was absolutely amazing to watch them work in partners to determine how they would prepare their crayons for mel...

  August 19, 2023 The Start of a New Chapter This year will be filled with so many new beginnings. Hi! I’m Kim. Many know me as Mrs. McCutcheon. I’m a teacher, learner, and aspiring leader. In June, my family relocated to Florida. I started my career in Tennessee, spent three years in Georgia, and now, here I am in Florida. The word NEW could not ring any louder than it does right now. New state. New district. New school. New principal. New grade. New team. New EVERYTHING!!!! And yet, I could not be more excited for what’s ahead.  I’m excited to learn about a new state. I’m excited to learn about a new district. I’m excited to learn and contribute to my new school, principal, grade, and team.  As I embark on a new journey, my mind is flooded with so many questions. What are the state standards? What curriculum do we use? What are the district or school level expectations? What are the state mandates and laws? How can I be the best version on myself in this setting? Some q...