Yesterday morning, a group of our 3rd-5th grade students had the privilege of spending some time with Tek-Kids' Ian Riddell, who uses Zometools (not to mention his engaging presence and kind manner) to teach geometry in 3D.  

It's no surprise that Ian has a theater degree; he knows how to capture an audience.

Look at the way these kids just rolled up their sleeves and got to work, building structures they might not have thought themselves capable of. 

Symmetry, patterning, spatial relations, shapes, problem-solving, innovation, accomplishment, and wonder all rolled into one 90-minute session: It doesn't get much better than that! Thanks so much, "ZomeMaster Ian," for sharing your talent with TNCA.  

On Friday afternoon, TNCA mom Juliette Benezra-Winston brought her drum circle, Wild Bodema, to school for some West African drumming fun with the pre-K through 5th grade classes. (The middle schoolers were off on their own adventure in downtown Asheville.) Thanks, Wild Bodema, for making us smile, getting us moving, and giving us a nice tie-in with our school-wide geography unit on Africa to boot!  

We learned how different drummers add in different rhythms, so what starts as a simple beat ends up layered and complex. 

Everyone got an instrument--and a chance to practice keeping time; some students joined the circle for a bit with some makeshift drums. 

We learned how to do a traditional harvest dance--tilling the soil, sowing the seeds, and bringing rain and sunshine for a good crop.  

And we ended with a joyful free-for-all. 

All in all, it was a glorious afternoon. 

On Monday of this week, storyteller, strummer, and child whisperer Sam Maren visited with our pre-K through 2nd grade students in honor of granddaughter Nora's seventh birthday. The kids were entranced.

Here's a sampling of the "Pop"-style fun, along with lots of smiles and giggles:

Today, the entire school was honored with another Veterans Day visit from Owen's dad, Major Allen White, who did an army-style show-and-tell with his collection of berets, bayonets, dehydrated food packets, and other sample equipment; he also discussed army uniform history and the evolution of camouflage. From pre-K all the way through eighth grade, our students were wide-eyed and brimming with questions.

We are so lucky to have such involved family members. Thanks to Pop and Major White for sharing your time with us!