You'll never guess how my day started out------with a Hob Goblin visit!! Like I've mentioned, Halloween is not my favorite holiday, but working in a primary building, how can I not love little things like when a first-grader runs into my room with the Hob Goblin paper (and some treats!!) and runs back out as quickly as she came, giggling all the way. Not a shabby way to start off a gloomy Monday morning!!! One of the many blessings I'll be counting today! =)
It's the beginning of second quarter already, which means we are entering into the tenth week of school. It's right about now that the time starts to speed up and before we know it, June will be upon us. With the start of a new quarter I like to do some changing up of things. This morning we changed our desk arrangement in the room. I typically like to change fairly often, but the way I had it before was working wonders, and I learned long ago not to fix what's not broken. Despite that philosophy, boredom had set in and I was in need of a change, as were the kids, I'm sure. Later in the week and into next week as well, we will do a few other "new quarter" activities as well. Desks being cleaned out it tops on my priority list.
Report cards come out on Friday. I love to joke with the kids that there will be fear throughout the land as report card day draws closer, but of course in all honesty, the kids are doing great. There's always room for improvement, which is also a conversation on the new-quarter to-do list, but there are significant accomplishments for which everyone deserves to feel great pride as well. I will continuously be reminding you that the work is slowly starting to increase in difficulty, and today started off a clean slate of grades, which means whatever appears on first quarter's report card is not guaranteed to reappear on second quarter's. Please review the work in your child's folder as often as possible. It will give you a great indication of how he/she is performing in school and how he/she is handling the work as it does get a bit more difficult as time goes on.
So now to the complication of my night-----Bears game or presidential debate???? Plus I've got a ton of work to do, so I'm going to hop off the computer to try to get some of that done here in just a second. Then the decision---I'm sure I'll watch the debate and then flip back to the game when it's over. The election is entirely too important to not fully educate myself and then watch how the contenders react to questions and situations.
Have a great night!!!
Goooooo Bearsssssss!!!!! Let's get another win to add to that graph!
Monday, October 22, 2012
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Thursday, 10/18/12
Well, today was our final hurrah in Starlab. It's been a fun experience. I hope you've heard a lot about it . I've enjoyed sharing the fun with the kids. Back to "normal" life next week.
Today we had yet another exciting event! The drama class from Lake Park came over and performed their completely original play "The Untold Stories of Disney." The LP students wrote, directed and acted in the play. It was such a great example of creativity and the importance of the arts for our young audience. I hope our kids were inspired. Kudos to Lake Park for having such a great program available to their students.
Tomorrow is an institute day, so while everyone's at home in the their pj's----- please be thinking of me.....in a 6-hour long meeting......... (have I earned any sympathy out there???? LOL!)
Have a great weekend!!!
 |
| Starlab!!!! |
Today we had yet another exciting event! The drama class from Lake Park came over and performed their completely original play "The Untold Stories of Disney." The LP students wrote, directed and acted in the play. It was such a great example of creativity and the importance of the arts for our young audience. I hope our kids were inspired. Kudos to Lake Park for having such a great program available to their students.
Tomorrow is an institute day, so while everyone's at home in the their pj's----- please be thinking of me.....in a 6-hour long meeting......... (have I earned any sympathy out there???? LOL!)
Have a great weekend!!!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Wednesday, 10/17/12
Today was one of those days where I wonder if there's a full moon. Just felt like things were off all around. The great news---tomorrow is a new day!! I love a good do-over, don't you? Now I've got music jamming in my classroom and as soon as I hit 'publish' I'll start cleaning up after my day--which is known in my world as therapy, then I'll go workout and all will be well with the world. Phew!!!! ;)
We had an extra-long time in Starlab today. I wish you could hear the "oohhs" and "aahhs" that I hear when I change out the cylinders to show the outlines of the constellations. They rival those heard at fireworks displays, I swear! Sadly, tomorrow is our last day, so we'll have to make it a good one.
Today a form came home from the IEPTO and Market Day for a special pie sale. I've ordered the pies in the past, and I can vouch for the fact that they are GOOD! They help fill the gaping hole that Bakers Square has left in our lives. And, as it turns out, the class that turns in the highest number pie orders gets a pizza party. Just puttin it out there if you're thinking to the holidays.
I'm off to crank up the music and clean!! Have a good night!
We had an extra-long time in Starlab today. I wish you could hear the "oohhs" and "aahhs" that I hear when I change out the cylinders to show the outlines of the constellations. They rival those heard at fireworks displays, I swear! Sadly, tomorrow is our last day, so we'll have to make it a good one.
Today a form came home from the IEPTO and Market Day for a special pie sale. I've ordered the pies in the past, and I can vouch for the fact that they are GOOD! They help fill the gaping hole that Bakers Square has left in our lives. And, as it turns out, the class that turns in the highest number pie orders gets a pizza party. Just puttin it out there if you're thinking to the holidays.
I'm off to crank up the music and clean!! Have a good night!
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Tuesday, 10/16/12
OMG---it's GORGEOUS today! I get to look out my window and see kids participating in gym class and others playing on the playground. I love my classroom. =)
Today in math was the greater-than, less-than, equal to lesson. It's soooo much fun and easy to learn once the kids see the greater-than and less-than symbols as mouths with teeth. Math that's easily picked up, retained and understood-----now that's my kind of math lesson!!!
So did you hear about our big second-grade event yet? I promised I'd hold off until today, in hopes that you heard about it at home last night-----IT'S STARLAB WEEK!! For those who are unfamiliar with this excitement---Starlab is a gigantic dome-like structure that gets blown up in our gym and becomes a magical indoor planetarium. The younger kids see the Starlab in the gym at this time each year, but it's not until the BIG 2 (second grade) that the students are able to go in and see its mysteries revealed. Having the Starlab on loan from the Regional Office of Education provides us an amazing opportunity to share the stars and constellations with our students in a way we would not otherwise be able to during our unit on light and stars. Not to mention the fact that it is just super-duper cool!!
Lastly, since it's Boss's Day, I thought I'd just "publicly" state that I have THE BEST boss in the entire world! She completely understands what this job entails, which means she "gets" us---the behind-closed-doors laughter, tears, and sometimes complete lack of sanity...the whole kit-n-caboodle of emotions that we experience! She trusts in our teaching and professionalism; she let's us be ourselves while supporting what is best for our students and she cares. For me personally, she lets me run when I get wild ideas, which I know others would squash--but she lets me fly, and for that, I will forever be grateful. We are a very, very, very blessed school! I thank God every single day for this job, my students, their families and my beyond amazing boss!
Happy Boss's Day to anyone reading this who may be a leader in their field as well!
Today in math was the greater-than, less-than, equal to lesson. It's soooo much fun and easy to learn once the kids see the greater-than and less-than symbols as mouths with teeth. Math that's easily picked up, retained and understood-----now that's my kind of math lesson!!!
So did you hear about our big second-grade event yet? I promised I'd hold off until today, in hopes that you heard about it at home last night-----IT'S STARLAB WEEK!! For those who are unfamiliar with this excitement---Starlab is a gigantic dome-like structure that gets blown up in our gym and becomes a magical indoor planetarium. The younger kids see the Starlab in the gym at this time each year, but it's not until the BIG 2 (second grade) that the students are able to go in and see its mysteries revealed. Having the Starlab on loan from the Regional Office of Education provides us an amazing opportunity to share the stars and constellations with our students in a way we would not otherwise be able to during our unit on light and stars. Not to mention the fact that it is just super-duper cool!!
Lastly, since it's Boss's Day, I thought I'd just "publicly" state that I have THE BEST boss in the entire world! She completely understands what this job entails, which means she "gets" us---the behind-closed-doors laughter, tears, and sometimes complete lack of sanity...the whole kit-n-caboodle of emotions that we experience! She trusts in our teaching and professionalism; she let's us be ourselves while supporting what is best for our students and she cares. For me personally, she lets me run when I get wild ideas, which I know others would squash--but she lets me fly, and for that, I will forever be grateful. We are a very, very, very blessed school! I thank God every single day for this job, my students, their families and my beyond amazing boss!
Happy Boss's Day to anyone reading this who may be a leader in their field as well!
Monday, October 15, 2012
Monday, 10/15/12
It's Monday again. I will never understand how Mondays reoccur so frequently, yet Fridays always feel years away. Well, this week may be different for a couple of reasons. First being that the kids don't have school on Friday due to a teacher institute day. Short weeks when we have Monday off always feel incredibly long, but when there's a Friday off, they tend to fly by. Secondly, we have a BIG event happening at school this week for second-graders. I don't want to mention what it is yet. I want the kids to be able to share it with you first-hand, but I'll be sure to let you in on it tomorrow.
In math we're getting into place value. I find myself constantly reminding the kids that we've reached the point in math where it's not just a matter of finding numbers and then deciding if we add or subtract; we're now to the point where THINKING needs to be involved. Any reinforcement you could give in this area would be appreciated. As you look through your child's math papers when they come home, more often than not, I'll bet you'll discover any errors made were due to lack of slowed-down, processed thinking, rather than lack of ability. Please review these papers at home and share how beneficial and necessary it is to go slowly and think about math---especially as one gets older and smarter. A simple habit of asking yourself, "Does my answer make sense?" would be great to instill.
Can I just tell you how my day ended? It ended with a random act of kindness. Someone very kind and generous made.....get ready for this......homemade Nutella!! Are you kidding me?? And she decided to send some into school for me because she "just wanted to do something nice" for me. I could just cry--that's the sweetest thing ever. I will be 100% certain to pay this kindness forward. If the kind woman is reading this---please know that your gesture meant loads more to me than chocolaty goodness (although, the chocolaty goodness is also pretty fantastic!!!). Those seemingly "small" acts of kindness truly do stay with you forever, don't they? You never know how you can so easily turn someone's day around. It's very powerful, if you think about it. It's very nice to think about....
Enjoy the evening!
In math we're getting into place value. I find myself constantly reminding the kids that we've reached the point in math where it's not just a matter of finding numbers and then deciding if we add or subtract; we're now to the point where THINKING needs to be involved. Any reinforcement you could give in this area would be appreciated. As you look through your child's math papers when they come home, more often than not, I'll bet you'll discover any errors made were due to lack of slowed-down, processed thinking, rather than lack of ability. Please review these papers at home and share how beneficial and necessary it is to go slowly and think about math---especially as one gets older and smarter. A simple habit of asking yourself, "Does my answer make sense?" would be great to instill.
Can I just tell you how my day ended? It ended with a random act of kindness. Someone very kind and generous made.....get ready for this......homemade Nutella!! Are you kidding me?? And she decided to send some into school for me because she "just wanted to do something nice" for me. I could just cry--that's the sweetest thing ever. I will be 100% certain to pay this kindness forward. If the kind woman is reading this---please know that your gesture meant loads more to me than chocolaty goodness (although, the chocolaty goodness is also pretty fantastic!!!). Those seemingly "small" acts of kindness truly do stay with you forever, don't they? You never know how you can so easily turn someone's day around. It's very powerful, if you think about it. It's very nice to think about....
Enjoy the evening!
Friday, October 12, 2012
Friday, 10/12/12
Howdy and happy Friday! Well, today we had a lock down drill. It is terrifying to think that we live in a time when we need to practice such a thing, but low-and-behold, better safe than sorry. The kids handled it perfectly. I was incredibly proud. Without fail, every year after the drill there are approximately one-and-a-half bazillion "what-if" questions, this year was no different. If that's what it takes to give the kids peace that I'll be protecting them and keeping them safe, then so be it.
To cap off this lovely week, I decided to conduct a little experiment. Recently our classroom VCR/DVD player was connected to the Smartboard so, I had to test it out, right??? I'll give you a hint to what I showed the kids.... "I got a rock."
If you guessed "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," you're clearly a genius. ;) Oh my gosh, I don't care how old I get, I'm a SUCKER for a Charlie Brown show. These characters are truly timeless. My favorite has always been Sally Brown (my sweet baboo). I remember when the big Peanuts/Character Counts mural was first painted at our school, I was heart-broken that Sally wasn't included. Little did I know that the artist had plans for my Sally. She was on the other wall holding an American flag; two of my favorite things---I could not have been happier!! So back to the movie. The kids were ROLLING with laughter. I wasn't sure-just because I love it doesn't guarantee they will. Is it just special to me because of my childhood? Apparently not----they loved it! One of the zillion reasons why I love them!
Well, I'm not going to postpone the weekend for one minute more. It's supposed to be super rainy---good thing because my house needs a serious cleaning after having house guests last weekend. I'll be lighting some pumpkin candles, getting some pumpkin coffee (have you tried Dunkin Donuts?? It's to-die-for!!) and getting that to-do list conquered. Enjoy!!!!
To cap off this lovely week, I decided to conduct a little experiment. Recently our classroom VCR/DVD player was connected to the Smartboard so, I had to test it out, right??? I'll give you a hint to what I showed the kids.... "I got a rock."
If you guessed "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," you're clearly a genius. ;) Oh my gosh, I don't care how old I get, I'm a SUCKER for a Charlie Brown show. These characters are truly timeless. My favorite has always been Sally Brown (my sweet baboo). I remember when the big Peanuts/Character Counts mural was first painted at our school, I was heart-broken that Sally wasn't included. Little did I know that the artist had plans for my Sally. She was on the other wall holding an American flag; two of my favorite things---I could not have been happier!! So back to the movie. The kids were ROLLING with laughter. I wasn't sure-just because I love it doesn't guarantee they will. Is it just special to me because of my childhood? Apparently not----they loved it! One of the zillion reasons why I love them!
Well, I'm not going to postpone the weekend for one minute more. It's supposed to be super rainy---good thing because my house needs a serious cleaning after having house guests last weekend. I'll be lighting some pumpkin candles, getting some pumpkin coffee (have you tried Dunkin Donuts?? It's to-die-for!!) and getting that to-do list conquered. Enjoy!!!!
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Thursday, 10/11/12
Happy 10.11.12!!!! How fun is that? I love numbers----patterns in numbers, randomness of numbers, the whole deal. If you hadn't already suspected what a gigantic dork I am...I think I probably just solidified that for you. ;)
Not to overdo it on how much I love the Smartboard, but as I write the kids are waiting for the dismissal bell and a few are currently using something I found to make constellations on the SBoard. I just can't handle how cool this thing is. The kids are super engaged and motivated to learn. I feel about it, as I feel about the millionaire I metioned the other day....where has it been all my life??? Haha!
Not much else to report today. These short weeks feel painfully long--I don't know why, but I know I'm not alone in thinking this. Thankfully tomorrow's Friday. Hopefully something exciting will happen...
Not to overdo it on how much I love the Smartboard, but as I write the kids are waiting for the dismissal bell and a few are currently using something I found to make constellations on the SBoard. I just can't handle how cool this thing is. The kids are super engaged and motivated to learn. I feel about it, as I feel about the millionaire I metioned the other day....where has it been all my life??? Haha!
Not much else to report today. These short weeks feel painfully long--I don't know why, but I know I'm not alone in thinking this. Thankfully tomorrow's Friday. Hopefully something exciting will happen...
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