Late to the Garden ...

Chronological Recap of The Story's Installments:
Monday  
"Mon Petit Miette" [Post-Tech Room Class]
Tuesday
"Dewey's Gone Fishing ..." [Dewey Readings]
Wednesday
"Lost in Thought ..." [Post-Dewey Readings Class]
"Lost in Thought (in Russia) ..." [Organize Online Life]
"Lost in Thought (Outside) ..." [Post-Organize Online Life Class]
Thursday
"A Long Day of Games" [Pre-Games Class] 
Friday
"Life is Just a Game We Play" [Post-Games Class]   

The Cast of Characters from the Previous Installments:
Mr. G – history teacher, narrator
Leah (nee Stilman) – French teacher, fellow MACer
Mrs. Filipovic – history teacher, "voice on the line," in Russia
Mrs. K – science teacher, Curator of the School Garden
Mr. Palapas – school carpenter
Naomi (nee Miller) – fellow MACer
Dr. Vi Quach – former Chemistry teacher, fellow MACer, apps creator 
Madame Vice President – Vice President of the United States
Sage – Mr. G’s daughter
Chantel – Mr. G’s wife
Male Students (in order of first appearance) – James, Hideki, Yuri, Manny, Amir
Female Students (in order of first appearance) – Ana, Sarita, Amara
International Student(s) – Yarina
James's Uncle – Matthew

*** 

 

 Video seen on Larry's Opinion Drive-Thru blog 

I looked at my schedule notes again:

"Friday: (1) Team (Individual-Group) SPELLs: History and Science: Round 2: [Assessed by Outside Professional and Me], Morning Session (2) Free for Afternoon Session: Plant Tree w/ Sage, Chantel, and Leah in School Garden! (3) Finish Video for Sage! (Thank you, Randy Pausch, for your lecture!) (4) Final Preparations for Trip!"

The game and simulation were both completed.  No more SPELLs for me, I guess.  Vi had just left.  He offered to stay, but should I have ... And James and Amara and Hideki and Yuri and Ana and Sarita and Manny and Amir ... They've all left, and I didn't--Should I have--  I took in a deep breath and let it out slowly.  Ahhhh ... Time to garden ... well, plant a tree ... My eyes teared.  And then, the video ...

A flood of memories suddenly swept over me.  The homemade videos my parents have of me and Nick when we were young ... How many people know that I had a Michael Jackson Thriller jacket when I was seven and that my parents caught me on video moon-walking in front of our house ... Did I have a glove for just one hand?  

I smiled and wiped away the tears.  Our Scarlett video discussion group: me, Andrew, and Emily ... Eating fish tacos from ... What was that place called?  Revive?  Replenish? ... Andrew's sexy radio voice ...  I knew that voice was meant for radio!  And when he told us that he did the 4 am to 6 am radio slot for undergrad at IU--I knew it!  I wonder if he ever told anyone else in the MAC program about his radio days? ... But, what a great teacher he has become!  I wish I had gotten through ... I wonder why he didn't answer my calls ...  I would've loved to have heard that voice one more time and the positive vibes and just funny remarks that would've carried over the phone and a proper--I should've called--I should've told people sooner ...    

I found myself staring into space for a moment.  And, Emily had mentioned a blogger for Rory and Jeff's class--What was the blog called?  "Larry" something.  "Larry's Opinion," maybe.  Or, "Larry's Drive-Thru"?  And, there was a YouTube video that he had included ... and his most recent post at the time had to do with a Cloud--And who was the other Edublogger I checked out?  "Clarence" something?  The site was ... "Remote Control"?  No!  "Remote Access," and he had a post or more about 3D printers ... Had I not looked at those two sites, I might never have advocated for the Interactive Cloud and Holographic ... 

I turned toward the large Multimedia Screen on the wall behind me, changed my seat to the one in front of the French doors, and viewed the recording of the game that Amara, Ana, Hideki, and Yuri played this morning. What a great job everyone did today!  But, no Andrew and no Emily to offer me positive feedback ...  Just watching this one by myself ...

There was a knock-knock-knock at the French doors behind me.  I turned and saw Leah smiling.  "Hey!  Someone's late to the garden!  And, someone's here to help!"

"Papa!"  Sage came running toward me, and I stood and picked her up and gave her a big hug.  She hugged me tightly, and whispered with enthusiasm in my ear, "Papa, Auntie Leah's going to help us plant the tree!"  

I looked at Leah, smiled, and whispered back into Sage's ear, "I know!  I can't wait!"

"Papa?" she whispered.

"Yes, Mon Petite Miette?"

Sage's face was looking at the Multimedia Screen, as she said a little louder this time into my ear so that what she said carried to Leah's ears, as well.  "You're a great teacher ... and Papa!"

I hugged Sage a little more tightly, fought back the tears (which was not easy when Leah put her hand over her mouth and started to tear at Sage's words), kissed the side of her head, and whispered into her ear again, "Thank you, Miette!" as I slightly rocked back and forth with her in my arms like when she had been an infant to stop her from crying.  But now, I was the one who needed the hug, who needed the rocking.

***

TO BE CONTINUED

Life is Just a Game We Play

Chronological Recap of The Story's Installments:
Monday  
"Mon Petit Miette" [Post-Tech Room Class]
Tuesday
"Dewey's Gone Fishing ..." [Dewey Readings]
Wednesday
"Lost in Thought ..." [Post-Dewey Readings Class]
"Lost in Thought (in Russia) ..." [Organize Online Life]
"Lost in Thought (Outside) ..." [Post-Organize Online Life Class]
Thursday
"A Long Day of Games" [Pre-Games Class]

The Cast of Characters from the Previous Installments:
Mr. G – history teacher, narrator
Leah (nee Stilman) – French teacher, fellow MACer
Mrs. Filipovic - history teacher, "voice on the line," in Russia
Mrs. K – science teacher, Curator of the School Garden
Mr. Palapas – school carpenter
Naomi (nee Miller) - fellow MACer
Sage – Mr. G’s daughter
Chantel – Mr. G’s wife
Male Students (in order of first appearance) – James, Hideki, Yuri, Manny, Amir
Female Students (in order of first appearance) – Ana, Sarita, Amara
International Student(s) – Yarina
James's Uncle – Matthew

*** 

"Good morning, everyone."

There was a cacophonous, resounding "Mr. G" in our classroom.  That sounds and feels so good!

"Yesterday, you practiced and reviewed games and simulations.  As always, you choose, for Round 2, your SPELL game or simulation.  I'm going to read first names in alphabetical order.  When I do, confirm your choice: game or simulation."

"Amara."

"Game."

"Amir."

"Simulation."

"Ana."

"Game."

"Hideki."

"Game."

"James."

"Simulation."

"Manny."

"Simulation." 

"Sarita."

"Simulation."

"Yuri."

"Game."

"Okay.  Amara, Anna, Hideki, and Yuri have opted for the game.  Amir, Ana, James, and Sarita have opted for a simulation."

"Please meet our guest professional, Dr. Vi Quach.  About five years ago, he and some of his former students first invented an app that students of science could use on various types of electronic devices that they brought to class.  More recently, he has been working on some of the apps that we have used on the Holographic.  Please welcome him with--"

"Roller Coaster! CHEH - CHEH - Cheh - Cheh - cheh ..." my students interjected with gusto.

As they began their roller coaster, Vi turned to me and said, "Wow, I didn't see that coming, Alex.  The only thing missing is Matt saying something funny and Rachel snorting soda out of her nose at what Matt said." 

"Woooo!" they ended. 

Vi gave them some snaps, and they all laughed.  "All right, guys.  What a great way to start a day of ... games ... and ... simulations!  Thanks for that great welcome.  We'll have the game group go first.  The simulation group will follow.  Do you have any questions for me or Mr. G?"

"No?" I asked and paused a moment.  "Okay.  Simulation group, take a seat at one of the breakout desks in the corners.  Observe and leave your feedback for your peers, which they will be able to read after you are done with your simulation.  As stated previously, your performance assessment will be based on individual contributions as well as group interactions.  Any questions?"  

I paused before turning on the Holographic and main Multimedia Screen on the wall behind my normal seat.  Amara, Ana, Hideki, and Yuri took seats next to each other across from the main Multimedia Screen.  On the screen, the Vice President of the United States appeared ready to deliver a message to the group.  "Good morning my fellow Americans."

"Good morning, Madame Vice President," my students replied.

The Vice President continued, "Based on the interests that you have voiced to your teachers, related professions and occupations have been chosen for you.  One of you will be a member of Congress.  One of you will be a historian.  One of you will be an agronomist.  And, one of you will be an engineer.  Background Information: Nigeria is trying to move away from a staple economy centered around oil.  Country officials have reached out to three countries: The United States, China, and Russia.  There are four levels to this game.  Level One: Travel to Nigeria to gather information from the country and move on to the next level.  But, be careful.  Travel to other countries can be dangerous.  Level Two: Gather information that will allow you to collaborate by consulting similar people in your respective fields and move on to the next level.  Level Three: Dialogue with the international counterparts in your field who may or may not agree with your formulated positions and move on to the next level.  Level Four: Collaborate in order to maximize the growth of food and other industries in Nigeria as well as the country's partnership with the United States.  Thank you, Amara, Ana, Hideki, and Yuri, for your service to your field, to our country, and to the international community."  The Vice President waved good-bye, and the connection ended.

The students put their headsets on and were ready to interact with their media screens as well as the holographic.

I leaned over to Vi, "So, on the individual level, you are monitoring and assessing Amara and Yuri on agronomy and engineering, respectively.  I am doing the same for Ana and Hideki on politics and history, respectively.  And, correct me if I'm wrong: The game compares their actions with those of their real-life counterparts who are working on this same issue." 

Vi gave me a fist-bump. "That's my understanding, as well.  Okay.  Let's do this."

***

TO BE CONTINUED

A Long Day of Games ...

Chronological Recap of The Story's Installments:
Monday  
"Mon Petit Miette" [Post-Tech Room Class]
Tuesday
"Dewey's Gone Fishing ..." [Dewey Readings]
Wednesday
"Lost in Thought ..." [Post-Dewey Readings Class]
"Lost in Thought (in Russia) ..." [Organize Online Life]
"Lost in Thought (Outside) ..." [Post-Organize Online Life Class]


The Cast of Characters from the Previous Installments:
Mr. G – history teacher, narrator
Leah (nee Stilman) – French teacher
Mrs. Filipovic - history teacher, "voice on the line," in Russia
Mrs. K – science teacher, Curator of the School Garden
Mr. Palapas – school carpenter
Sage – Mr. G’s daughter
Chantel – Mr. G’s wife
Male Students (in order of first appearance) – James, Hideki, Yuri, Manny, Amir
Female Students (in order of first appearance) – Ana, Sarita, Amara
International Student(s) – Yarina
James's Uncle – Matthew

***

It was the end of the school day.  My last Thursday class.  One more day ... That's all that I have left.  Just one day ...  So, why I am I typing field notes?  Does it matter? ... James is waiting.  Sage is waiting. Chantel is waiting ... 

Because I am a teacher!  My job, my responsibility, my love for it ... never ends ... If I have anything worthwhile left to teach, I might as well not stop now.  Someone might be able to decipher and use it.  Some historian.  Some teacher.  Who knows?  

What if Jeff and Rory never asked me to look at a game.  I might never have remembered "The Jamestown Online Adventure."  Had I not played it, had I not been in the MAC program, I might never have had the idea for the SPELLs.

 

The Jamestown Online Adventure

I was still in my classroom, looking at the notes in my schedule for this past week, the last week of the school year for class and SPELLS (School-wide Performance-Based Exams and Learning Lessons), which read:

"Monday: (1) Technology, Agriculture, and Garden Movement Discussion, Outside (2) During Class: Out in the School Garden!  

"Tuesday: (1) Individual SPELLs: History and Science: Round 1: Student Presentations on Technology and Bodies of Water, Inside (Holographic) (2) Overfishing (3) Field Trip: Fishing Trip!   

"Wednesday: (1) Group/Class SPELLs: History and Science: Round 1: Technology, Agriculture, and Bodies of Water Project Culmination, Inside: Student Knowledge Exchange w/ Russian Students on Holographic (2) After School: Monthly Fellowship & Nature Excursion!

"Thursday: (1) Get Ready for the SPELLs, Round 2: Break Out into Groups for Games and Simulations, Inside (2) Visit James's Grave--"

My eyes started to water.  How long has it been since I visited my son's grave? ... I'll probably see you soon, James!

I wiped away the tears, and finished reading the notes in my schedule: 

"Thursday: (1) Get Ready for the SPELLs, Round 2: Break Out into Groups for Games and Simulations, Inside (2) Visit James's Grave! (3) Go Home! Spend Time with Sage and Chantel!

"Friday: (1) Team (Individual-Group) SPELLs: History and Science: Round 2: [Assessed by Outside Professional and Me], Morning Session (2) Free for Afternoon Session: Plant Tree w/ Sage, Chantel, and Leah in School Garden! (3) Finish Video for Sage! (Thank you, Randy Pausch, for your lecture!) (4) Final Preparations for Trip!"

I nodded, stood up, and began to get my things together so that I could go to the cemetery. I'll see you soon, J--

There was a knock-knock-knock at the French doors.  I looked up from my bag, at first surprised.  But then, a huge smile came to my face.

"Miss Miller!  Well, it's not 'Miss Miller' anymore, is it?"  I held up my hand, shook my head with a smile, and motioned Naomi in my direction.  "Never mind. This is a great surprise--"

Naomi smiled, and started to walk over to me.  "You called, Alex.  Remember?"

I started to walk toward her.  "I know.  I just didn't--Get over here and give me a hug!"

Just what I needed right now.

"Do you remember that time when I gave you a ride back to Scarlett and you walked with me from the parking lot on ... What was it? ... Hill Street! ... to Espresso Royale, I think, before heading to the Brandon Center instead of being dropped off closer to the Education building."

"Like it was yesterday, Mr. G--I mean, Alex.  You see.  I feel like I was transported back there."

"Well, would you mind following me in your car--Wait! Don't tell me that you biked here.  That would be one long ride."

"No, actually, I flew in, and had a friend give me a ride."

"Oh, okay. Um, there's someone I wish you'd--I mean, there's someone that I would like you to meet.  I was on my way somewhere, and I don't know what your plans are, but then I was going to go home and my wife and I were planning on having a nice home-cooked meal with Sage, my daughter.  I started cooking or preparing some of it last night.  You can help me and Sage to finish it, if you want, and you get to eat it, too!  And, we have some dolmas ... Sound good?  Oh, and Leah and her husband will be there, too."

"Yeah, I just saw her in the hall.  But, um, yeah, definitely, count me in.  I just need to call my friend."

Lost in Thought (Outside) ...

The Cast of Characters from the Previous Installments:
Mr. G – history teacher, narrator

Leah (nee Stilman) – French teacher
Mrs. Filipovic - history teacher, "voice on the line," in Russia

Mrs. K – science teacher, Curator of the School Garden

Sage – Mr. G’s daughter

Chantel – Mr. G’s wife

Male Students (in order of first appearance) – James, Hideki, Yuri, Manny, Amir

Female Students (in order of first appearance) – Ana, Sarita, Amara

*** 

I was doing everything that I could to keep from crying ... Tears of sadness ... tears of joy ... Am I like a father to them? 

James and Amara were already gardening, talking among themselves.  I can't believe how much Amara has opened up in a matter of days-- 

I snapped out of thought when I heard the tap-tap-tap of Mr. Palapas's hammer constructing some new garden boxes alongside them.  And, of course, Mrs. K had her knees planted in the garden alongside James and Amara and the school carpenter. 

While I was kneeling, setting up my camera, Hideki and Yuri were setting up our class camera from a different angle.  B.Y.O.D. ... It feels like forever since we talked about that in Jeff and Rory's class--

There was a tug at my shirt.

I turned around, a bit surprised.  

 "Hey, Papa?" Sage asked.  "Can I help?"

"Of course, Mon Petit Miette."  I could feel my smile grow large, and I gave her a kiss on her forehead.  "Touch this button right here.  When did you get here?"

She looked at me somewhat quizzically. "Just now papa.  This one?"

"Yup."

"Then, open the shutter, Papa?"

I smiled again, a grin from ear-to-ear. "That's right.  Where's your--"

Hideki and Yuri were walking in my direction, giving me a thumbs up.  "Mr. G, it's all set," Hideki said.  "Can I Skype Yarina and some of her friends on my phone?"

"Of course.  I'd love for them to be able to join us if they want."  Ah, international love.  Yuri couldn't stop talking about Yarina once our class was done sharing our findings with her and the rest of Mrs. Filipovic's class.  I turned back to Sage.  "Where's your mom?"  Sage smiled, covered her huge smile with her hand--just as beautiful as her mom's!--and pointed behind me.  Before I could fully turn, Chantel gave me a big kiss, and Sage laughed.

Manny, Amir, Ana, and Sarita were accompanied by Leah, and were walking toward us and the garden, with supplies in their hands.  "Oooo, Mr. G," Leah said with a smile.  And, Manny, Amir, Ana, and Sarita were giggling among themselves.

Yuri and Hideki lifted their heads from talking to Yarina and company on the phone. "What happened?"  

I gave Chantel a gentler kiss, "I love you, honey bunny."

James and Amara looked over toward us from the garden, looked at each other and smiled, and then continued to garden with Mrs. K, who was completely oblivious and tending to resuscitating Mother Nature. 

Sage smiled and giggled.  "Mommy's not a bunny, Papa."

"I know, Mon Petit Miette."

***

Faculty and staff spouses and partners, parents, as well as some unexpected guests, started to arrive to our after-school monthly fellowship and nature excursion.  We had fresh vegetables from the garden, dishes prepared with them, and some of the refrigerated fish caught just yesterday.

James's parents walked over to me, as did his uncle, who said, "So, you're the Mr. G I hear about all the time."  He extended his hand. "The name is Matthew."

"Pleasure to meet you, Matthew.  This is my daughter, Sage, and my wife, Chantel."  My wife shook his hand, and Sage shied behind me a little, but smiled, waved, and said a soft hello.

"Nice to meet you all.  Yeah, James was telling me about your fishing trip and the discussion you had.  Sounded really interesting.  And then, he showed me some of the files that he said you all downloaded on some ... 'Cloud,' he called it.  Wish I had had a teacher like you when I was his age.  Man, things have changed, brother.  But, I probably would have become a plumber anyway.  I just love using my hands."

"I know. I know. I've been trying to use my hands more on different projects.  Some time ago, out in Colorado, I landscaped nearly the entire backyard of my brother's property by myself.  It was so fulfilling.  Here, I should have some pictures in the Cloud.  I can show you on my phone."

Matthew extended out his arm for a fist bump. "Preaching to the choir, brother."

Lost in Thought (from Russia) ...

This is Part II of "Lost in Thought ..."

"Strad-voy-tzya, Mrs. Filipovic."

"Hello, Mr. Griffiths.  Your Russian is getting better."

"Spa-cee-ba, Mrs Filipovic."

"You're welcome, Mr. Griffiths.  Are your students ready to connect to the Holographic Cloud?"

"Da, Mrs. Filipovic."  I turned away from the multimedia screen on the wall behind me.  "Okay, everyone.  Connect to your personal Holographic Cloud and download the files from the Interactive Cloud."

As they did, and as they could see a projection of their Russian counterparts on the Holographic in front of them, Yuri said, 'This is so ... o-chen ho-ro-show."

On the Holographic, Mrs. Filipovic said to Yuri, "This is very good, indeed!"

Wow, I can remember when all that we had were things like Google Docs, Drop Box, and Skype.

***
TO BE CONTINUED

Lost In Thought ...

The Cast of Characters from the Previous Two Installments:
Mr. G – history teacher, narrator

Leah (nee Stilman) – French teacher

Mrs. K – science teacher, Curator of the School Garden

Sage – Mr. G’s daughter

Chantel – Mr. G’s wife

Male Students (in order of first appearance) – James, Hideki, Yuri, Manny, Amir

Female Students (in order of first appearance) – Ana, Sarita, Amara

***

"Okay, great.  My students should be arriving in about half an hour.  I'll have our multimedia screen ready."

"We'll be ready and waiting here, too," the voice said on the line.

"Okay, thanks again.  We'll see you soon."

After I ended the call, a thought (or, should I say memory?) popped into my head.  Wow. I almost forgot about that time when Leah Skyped into ... in or into? into, I think? ... our Teaching with Technology course. Rory was talking about how he had just recently been to a wedding, and while there, noticed the youngest generation among all of the guests--so-called digital natives (what was the name of that reading, again?)--huddled into a corner, watching something on an iPad.  Was there brick in the background?  That transient technology, wearing away, in contrast to the budding youth, one of them a dark-haired girl looking at the photographer, presumably Rory, like when Sage looks up at me if she suddenly becomes aware that I am watching her ... not knowing what will happen in about four days, or is it five ...

"Mr. G.  Mr. G.  Mr. G! Are you okay?"

"Oh ... uh, yes, James.  Thanks for asking.  I was just, um, lost in thought."

"Were you thinking about the fishing trip yesterday?  That was awesome, Mr. G!  I told my uncle, and he said that maybe, sometime this summer, we can go ... I mean, if you want, my uncle told me that I could invite you."

"I'm glad you had a good time, James.  It had been a little while since I had gone fishing.  And, thanks for the invite."

"You're welcome--Hey, Mr. G, where's the 'DO NOW'?"

"That's a good question, but now that I think about it, you're here, well, a lot earlier than usual for our first-period class today."

"Oh, right.  I just had a really good time yesterday, and couldn't wait to get started."

"Well, James, I believe that we have home room  first, yes?"

"That's right, Mr. G.  I'll see you soon!" 

I smiled and waved as James whisked himself through the French doors and down the hall.  He's never going to forgive himself for letting Ana beat him to class yesterday, will he?  Let it go, James.  You're such a great kid, and some things are just not that important.

All right.  Let me get the 'DO NOW' ready.

I was typing away, but the thought of that class that day and our discussion on Dewey's writings resurfaced.  What did Dewey mean about emotion and ... oh, what did he call it? ... Sentimentalism, I think.  Something about divorcing emotion from action.  What did you mean--wait, I'm not typing.  I have to finish this before James gets back.

I was typing away, but I kept perseverating on that class that we had.  Kind of like that kid--what was his name? Ricky? Ritchie?--the Shy Guy in that mental health film from ... What was it? the late 1940's?  He was so focused on the idea that he was alone ...  What did you mean about emotion being separated, Dewey?  Could it mean having kids make an emotional connection to the content?  Could it mean giving an assignment that allows students to have fun without learning something?  Or, telling kids how awesome something is without helping them to understand why?  I think Laura asked that last question.  And, who was it that--Wait.  Am I using technology properly?  I think I'm doing the right thing ... emotionally and socially.  Only five days left--no.  Well, three days left of school this week, but five days ... All right.  Keep typing.

I finished it.  The 'DO NOW' was ready.  James, come on in whenever you're ready.

Yeah, Laura asked that last question.  And ... it was Ben, I think, who helped  Leah to Skype into class ...  Technology ... the irony ... dividing us from each other one instant, and then uniting us the next ...  Leah would probably remember if it had been Ben.  

Leah!  I never talked to her yesterday about ... 

And, at that moment, Leah walked through the French doors, closed them behind her, her eyes a little wider, looking straight at me, not allowing me to escape.  "Hey, Alex.  You told me that you had something to tell me."

I was sitting down, and I looked away, shaking my head, my eyes starting to tear, my lips and chin trembling, as I tried to get the words out.  "I know, but--"  I looked up at the multimedia screen and motioned toward it.  "I have to--"

There was a knock at the French doors.  Leah turned her head, her body shielding my face from whoever was looking through the door.  She turned her face back at me, a tear in her eye, which she wiped away.  "Okay.  Just tell me."  She paused, bit the inside of her lips softly, looked to the side, and then back at me.  "Is it bad?"

I sighed, wiped away some tears, and just nodded.

"Okay." She sighed, but followed it with a big smile.  "It looks like it's time for class, Mr. Griffiths."  That smile, just like the one she had at Scarlett that morning before the day that she had to Skype into our class with Rory.  I thought that I had heard something in her voice, heard that she might have a cold or something, but she was smiling.  I never asked, but meant to ...  I should have, 'Miss Stilman.'

I smiled, took in a deep breath, and said, "Thanks, Leah."  I nodded again.

"Okay."

*** 

TO BE CONTINUED