Sessions with Pixie in P.S. 87: A Classroom Log

Abstract

Introduction:  Early in 1982 I decided I needed to get some firsthand experience in the teaching of Pixie.  Pixie had been published the previous year and was already in use in a number of school districts.  Since I wasn't getting much feedback from the teachers, I decided to offer an abbreviated course in Pixie to some fourth graders.  The school I selected was P.S. 87, in Manhattan.  The principal, Naomi Hill, was hospitable to the idea, and the classroom teacher, Gloria Goldberg, made me feel quite welcome.  I promised to arrive at 9:00 every Thursday, and to stay for 30 or 40 minutes.  I knew I could hardly accomplish much in so short a time: Pixie would normally be offered for three 45-minute sessions a week for the entire school year.  In all, I was able to manage only twelve sessions, during which time we read the first six chapters and the last episode in the seventh.