Blog Archives

Quote: Challenge

10/16/2021

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out
how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds
could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man
who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust
and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs,
who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive
to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms,
the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause;
who at the best knows in the end that triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid soul
who neither know victory nor defeat." (Theodore Roosevelt)

0 Comments

PPP: Stop Calling It a Nation

10/15/2021

0 Comments

I hear it all the time. They market the professional football team in Kansas City by calling the team and its fans the Chiefs Kingdom, but is it really a kingdom? No, it's a business involving a paid team of athletes. There is no monarchy there. There is no king. It's not a kingdom.

Then, for some reason, we are suddenly calling ourselves Eagle Nation. Now, just when did our school district secede and become its own country? Was there a civil war? Was there a certain amount of paperwork to become a nation all on our own? I don't think so. We are a school district, a collection of schools in this part of the state of Missouri. Our nation - the United States - does have an eagle as one of its symbols, but the Joplin Eagle is distinctly a symbol of our schools.

I'm somewhat confused by the term. I don't know what it accomplishes, unless we're just trying to make ourselves seem bigger or more important than we are. Maybe we really are trying to take over some authority for ourselves. If you want to talk about education being left to the local authorities rather than the state and federal governments, that's one thing (and I'm all for exerting local authority from politicians), but but I don't think that's the purpose. This isn't a statement like that at all; it's just a cute way of addressing the masses. We call ourselves the Eagle Nation and it makes the community feel like they are part of our family.

But there it is. Did you hear it? Might it be better to call ourselves an Eagle Family?

If you're interested, you can find many more Professional Pet Peeves.

0 Comments

Pirate Maps and Treasure Writing

10/14/2021

0 Comments

We spent a couple of days talking about the pirates of the early 18th century - Blackbeard, et al - and then made our own themed pirate islands, complete with an X, apparently to "mark the spot" where a treasure is buried. We will try to finish the maps soon and get to writing about the setting for our treasure X.

0 Comments

MAP Test Results

10/13/2021

0 Comments

The results are in, and the results are not great. We had the time of our lives, and students made so much progress, last year, but that progress is not completely or accurately recorded by the state's standardized testing in the spring. We knew Math was our weak point, but NWEA testing throughout the year did not accurately predict our Missouri Assessment Program scores.

Communication
Advanced = 5
Proficient = 3
Basic = 12
Below Basic = 1

Math
Advanced = 4
Proficient = 5
Basic = 5
Below Basic = 7

We are always hopeful that we can take our students where they need to go during the year we have them. Unfortunately, the state test has not been consistent from year to year, in addition to the fact that this school year was fraught with interruptions of quarantines (some unnecessary). In addition, communication with parents was reduced to electronic means.

This year's class has also faced its monsters. They were born in the year following a terror-filled tornado experience in Joplin, and they have been labeled such by family and friends. Then, a quarter of their crucial second grade year was called off due to a global pandemic. This group has always felt different as they have risen through the ranks, and now they face a critical year in which I must get them back (or introduce them to) the joy of learning and an appreciation for order. That's my first priority - to help them develop positive citizenship skills for their present and future. Rising test scores are a by-product of achieving that goal.

0 Comments

History Arts Group Meets

10/12/2021

0 Comments

It is a group consisting of 13 fourth and fifth graders with vibrant personalities and from all levels of ability. We have met for about a month now, and everyone is very comfortable with each other. The instruction is loose, the challenge is open-ended, and the end products are up in the air. This group is still getting started, meeting after school for an hour and a half, one day a week. They may produce visual art, or they might work on writing songs or scripts. Whatever they choose, it must be based on primary documents from the founding era of our nation, and that's not always a simple task. Such is usually relegated to middle school or high school students, but here we are, tackling it at teh elementary level.

0 Comments

Organized Paragraph Writing on Display

10/11/2021

0 Comments

We've worked very hard in our classroom to write organized paragraphs. These are paragraphs that have a main idea or a central concept that is reinforced by three supporting details. Our best work is on display in the hallway where students, teachers, and others can read and appreciate the work students have done.

0 Comments

Quote: Challenge

10/10/2021

0 Comments

"Don't carry your mistakes around with you.
Instead, place them
under your feet and use them
as stepping stones
to rise above them."
(Unknown)

0 Comments

Book: Charlie Thorne and the Last Equation

10/9/2021

0 Comments

Here is a page-turner that reads for kids like a Brad Meltzer book should read for adults. Really, the feel of this volume is more like a James Bond movie. Charlie is a remarkable 12-year-old who has all the knowledge necessary and all the talent to apply that knowledge to accomplish a CIA mission.

From Goodreads:

From author Stuart Gibbs comes the first novel in a new series about the world’s youngest and smartest genius who’s forced to use her unbelievable code-breaking skills to outsmart Einstein.

Charlie Thorne is a genius. Charlie Thorne is a thief. Charlie Thorne isn’t old enough to drive. And now it’s up to her to save the world. Decades ago, Albert Einstein devised an equation that could benefit all life on earth—or destroy it. Fearing what would happen if the equation fell into the wrong hands, he hid it. But now, a diabolical group known as the Furies are closing in on its location. In desperation, a team of CIA agents drags Charlie into the hunt, needing her brilliance to find it first—even though this means placing her life in grave danger!

Don't let the nearly 400 pages keep you from getting started on this novel by bestselling author Stuart Gibbs. This one moves fast. It reads more like an adult novel (without the bad language and naughty bits, though there are a couple of violations to that). There are explosions, fighting, shooting, and killing. There are historical locations and just enough factual background to intrigue the reader more. It makes it feel real, even when the main character is simply too good to be true. I am especially impressed with author Stuart Gibbs's efforts to research and adequately communicate his knowledge with readers.

Charlie Thorne is a 12-year-old girl who speaks a dozen languages, has an enormous IQ, rivaling Albert Einstein. She is the only person who can help the CIA on this particular mission. She has questionable ethics, but leans toward saving the world. She definitely has a chip on her shoulder, and that makes her an interesting character for a children's book.

Plus, for once, a Mark Twain nominee satisfied me with an ending that is entirely appropriate to the story. It's not too convenient, and it's not flat. I have three more books to read on the 2021/2 list, but so far, this one has my vote (not that my vote counts).

0 Comments

Professional Pet Peeve: Stop Holidaying

10/8/2021

0 Comments

Holidays. I enjoy them. A day off. A week off.

Celebrating. Candy. Fireworks. Presents.

Valentine exchange. Egg hunt. Leprechauns.

Mostly however, I like to leave the holidaying for home. We acknowledge them in class, and I'm interested in their origins, but we don't let holidays take over whole months or weeks.

If I get hyped up about holidays - some of which I think are silly in the secular world and some of which are not celebrated by all - then I get my students worked into a lather about holidays. That is to say that the upcoming special day is all they can think about. As a teacher, that's not how I choose to spend my class time - constantly battling against holiday-brains with our real studies. There has to be a better way.

I know that my students know how to celebrate, but once again, I'm not a party planner, and my job is not to host parties and use my allowance for holiday decorations, plates, and napkins. I'm not going to ignore holidays completely, but I will continue to leave most holiday celebrations to the family setting, and I will continue to distract my students with reading, writing, math, and science. I might even throw in some history for good measure.

0 Comments

"Monster" Paragraphs

10/7/2021

0 Comments

We're continuing to practice writing organized three-point paragraphs in our class. The first was a paragraph about a character - inspired by on our burial dig a couple of weeks ago. The prewriting for the second paragraph was organized around a tobacco leaf, with students writing their three points on the veins of the leaf. This third attempt is based on a "monster" each student envisioned after learning about the Piasa on the Mississippi River in the 17th century.

After learning about the "bird that devours men", students decorated their own monster face before describing other traits of their creature in paragraph form.

We've had some impressive work turned in on each of these paragraph projects, and I expect more on the next project. If all goes as planned, the first part of that project will begin today. This one will be a description of a location. Stay tuned.

0 Comments

Hoggattism: History

10/6/2021

0 Comments

Teach history;
influence the future.
- D. Ed. Hoggatt

0 Comments

Researching Champlain

10/5/2021

0 Comments

Students did a little personal research about Samuel de Champlain, last week. This was our first introduction
to Lake Champlain in Upstate New York and Vermont. We will spend more time on the lake soon.

0 Comments

Excavations Continue (Apparently)

10/4/2021

0 Comments

A teacher always likes to see students take interest outside of the classroom instruction. A few of these students took it upon themselves to excavate a part of the playground. When I asked what they were doing, a student from another classroom told me she was digging to China. Hoggatteers, on the other hand, clearly informed me they were digging for artifacts. Then, they started showing me some interesting rocks they had excavated.

Part of our goal for these kids is to motivate them to love learning and enjoy school. For whatever reason, fourth graders are battling apathy, this year. Before they can learn, I feel like I really need to instill in them a sense of empathy instead, as well as a drive to learn more. This type of interest, shown during recess, is a good sign.

0 Comments

Book: Bernice Buttman, Model Citizen

10/3/2021

0 Comments

I cannot stand books that rely on body humor to capture their readers. That's what this book was for me - lots of booger picking and poop talk - and it got in the way of the story. Read this: if you have a good plot and well-developed characters, lowering yourself to constantly talk about belches and flatulence is completely unnecessary. I noticed in the acknowledgments that the editor was credited with cutting half of the stuff before publishing the book. I cannot imagine where the other half of it would have gone.

From Goodreads:

Bernice Buttman is tough, crass, and hilarious, and she just might teach you a thing or two about empathy in this debut reminiscent of The Great Gilly Hopkins.

When you're a Buttman, the label "bully" comes with the territory, and Bernice lives up to her name. But life as a bully is lonely, and if there's one thing Bernice really wants (even more than becoming a Hollywood stuntwoman), it's a true friend.

After her mom skedaddles and leaves her in a new town with her aunt (who is also a real live nun), Bernice decides to mend her ways and become a model citizen. If her plan works, she just might be able to get herself to Hollywood Hills Stunt Camp! But it's hard to be kind when no one shows you kindness, so a few cheesy pranks may still be up her sleeve. . . .

Get ready to laugh out loud--and maybe even shed a tear--with this fantastic new middle-grade voice!

I have nothing else to say about this book. It could have been a decent read and I could have taken it more seriously (It is a serious story.) without all of the low-dwelling humor. I wish Niki Lenz would have respected her story enough to trust it without the gross embellishments.

0 Comments

New Relationship with Gilder-Lehrman Institute

10/2/2021

0 Comments

After this summer's announcement that I was chosen the Missouri History Teacher of the Year, the Gilder-Lehrman Institute of American History had a proposal: would I be interested in becoming a master teacher for the institute? I quickly indicated that I would like more information about the opportunity.

I was soon contacted by the director of education and evaluation and asked to participate in a virtual interview with the director of curriculum development and instructional design. That interview with the institute in New York City was quite enjoyable and encouraging.

"If I haven't scare you away," said the interviewer, "I'm going to pass your name to [my boss], and she will get with you to schedule orientation and let you know more." Scared me away? Not yet. On the contrary, I'm kind of excited about the prospects. That orientation is now set to happen at the end of October.

Orientation will consist of the following:

how Master Teachers are involved in GLI programs
GLI's approach to professional development
how Master Teachers can use the Gilder Lehrman Collection, and
...guidelines for quality and consistency

Material writing, professional development, and connections with history and scholars all sound like something I would love to be a part of. I don't know where the opportunities might take me, but I am hopeful that my relationship with GLI will be fruitful and meaningful.

0 Comments

<<Previous

Forward>>

Anthem

The Hoggatteer Revolution
is an extensive,
award-winning, inimitable,
digital platform
for Encouraging
and Developing
the Arts and Sciences
in the beautiful, friendly
LAND OF THE FREE
AND THE HOME
OF THE BRAVE

This site is described as
"a fantastic site... chockablock full of interesting ideas,
hilarious anecdotes,
and useful resources."

...to like, bookmark, pin,
tweet, and share
about the site...
and check in regularly
for new material,
posted daily before
DAWN'S EARLY LIGHT!

History in Residence

Elementary Schools:
Bring Mr. Hoggatt
into your classroom
for a week
of engaging
and rigorous
history programming
with your students.

LEARN MORE

BUILDING BETTER
Bible Classes

Churches of Christ:
Plan for weekend sessions to train the congregation to become more engaged
teachers and students.

LEARN MORE

Intercom

Book Mr. Hoggatt Securely
for Your Event
at GigSalad.com.

Follow @DEdHoggatt

Email Mr. Hoggatt

Trophy Case

Master Teacher, since 2021

Recruited Lincoln Presidential Foundation Curriculum Writer, 2022

Retiree, 32 years serving Joplin and Oklahoma City Schools, 2022

Selected Participant for 2020-2022

Selected Honoree/Celebrant, 2022

Outstanding Achievement, 2022

Ancestry Classroom Grant, 2018-2022

2021 Missouri History Teacher of the Year and National History Teacher of the Year Nominee

Recognized in Joplin Globe, February 2021

Teacher Institute Participant, 2019

Summer Residency Participant, 2018

"The Bus Stops Here" Grant, November 2018

Summer Residency, 2018

Recognized 2017

Since 2017

MSTA Media Award, KOAM-TV's "Manners Matter", Featuring Our Class, May 2017

Third Place, 2016 Film Festival

Recognized 2016

Slide Certified, 2012

2009 Outstanding Class Website

2005 Nominee

2005 Joplin Teacher of the Year and Missouri Teacher of the Year nominee

2004 Recipient

2002 Excellent Education Program

2001 Nominee

1996 Outstanding Classroom Video

Grant Recipient, 1993

Fireside Chats

Choose Your Platform:
Anchor
Apple Podcasts (iTunes)
Breaker
Google Podcasts
Overcast
Pocket Casts
RadioPublic
Spotify
Stitcher

Checks & Balances

Links to external sites
on the internet are for convenience only.

No endorsement or approval of any content, products, or services is intended.

Opinions on sites are not necessarily shared
by Mr. Hoggatt
(In fact, sometimes
Mr. Hoggatt doesn't agree with anyone.)

Anthem

History in Residence

BUILDING BETTERBible Classes

Intercom

Trophy Case

Fireside Chats

Archives

Checks & Balances

Lobbyist

The Hoggatteer Revolution

﻿﻿H

O

P

E

BUILDING BETTER
Bible Classes

H