#WelcomeBackMrWhitaker

Found a neat organization tool

I'm the teacher with a pile of student work. I just don't get the filing thing. This is an area I serious ask people to pray for me in cause I'm just not a 10 at paperwork and filing. So I run across this blog with a very easy to use, simple filing sheet to use when I collect student work. It really should be a crime that this was that easy. I've very thankful to have run across this site. Check Michelle out and give her a shout. Here's her page that just saved me A LOT of headaches. Download Assignmt.paper.2

Oh yeah! Today is starting off strong and right. I can't wait to get these kids to start agreeing with me that they can and will learn.

I am amazed at how a little caring a little showing concern for kids really opens them up to learn. Been hammering to get these kids to embrace their new writing requirements. No go. They would have rather dug a hole to China with their bare hands. After I sit down with them and explain the importance of being a good writer and what it will do for them, shock. I was taken back by how well they could do. I just need to get them to care about spelling, but I'll take a small victory when I can get it.

Got a lot of work to do this weekend. Not sure if anyone will care, but I'll get it done sometime and be ready for another great production next week.

Facts vs Opinions

Earlier this week I set my kids up to listen to some unique songs, Bob Marley and some Shawn Brown. They had to listen to the 3-4 minute songs and write three facts and opinions about  them. It was a lot of fun. Listening to the kids explain and defend their thoughts was refreshing. One song has become our Official Unoffical after lunch song. It kind of cute listening to them sing it throughout the day. Ok, back to lesson plans for next week.  

The heart of a teacher

When I get really beat down and don't feel like anyone understands what in the world I'm going through, I recite this to myself. "I have the heart of a teacher and I'm making a difference for many generations to come".  

Today I recited that little bit more than a few times. It was tough, but I had to keep reminding myself that I'm getting through to these kiddos. I chose to suspend Fun Friday this week. It wouldn't have been beneficial to only have a celebration for just a few kids. This week the goal was 11 ClassDojo points. Some of my kids not only weren't on track to hit 11, but they weren't on track to get 3 points this week. I let Monday spoil me since everyone was on their game. I reminded them yesterday during our end of the day reflection time that they needed to make sure they pushed to get as many points as possible Wednesday. To many misunderstood me and came in to get as few points as possible today. I don't think enough of them believed that I would cancel it. So they had to see that getting the core content was far more important to me than anything else.

I also threw my hard cases a curve. I called everyone of their parents this afternoon. Many was on the phone with me when the offender walked in the door from the school bus. I wouldn't have minded seeing their faces. 

This week has been good, even with today being a tough one. I'm ready to start tomorrow anew. Back to the grind. 

Great Crossfit workout today. I feel like I was run over from the heavy front squats Monday, but that's why we do it. 

Fair day. The kiddos were good, but not spectacular. They certainly need a lot of TLC. When I put the TLC first I see the positive results. I'd love some more ideas for adding strong, loving care to the kids. I believe that can help them rise to the high expectations we have for them.

Week has started off fantastic. Going to somehow keep my kids on this positive direction. Let's see how today goes. They really are having a lot of fun learning fractions. They don't like writing as much, but they're doing it. Wish I had more time to really dig into the writing standards. To balance it I make them write something for all subjects. Even if it's just a few sentences. Bell's about to ring. 3,2,1...go!

Great use for old water bottles

My class and I were reading a story about how important it is to recycle plastic last week. It's really sad how little they know about repurposing items for another use. Well this website just blessed me with tons of ideas. Check it out. Pass it on to a teacher that you know. 

Another great use for ClassDojo

I've told you how I'm a ClassDojo devotee. It so useful and fun. My student like it and when I tie some real rewards to it, magic happens. See how someone else is making magic happen. 

This is going to be a great week

Found out I have a scheduled visitation ALL day Thursday. This should be a blast. I have a solid lesson planned. I know that I need work, but I'm confident that everyday I'm getting better and better. Let's see how Thursday goes. I expect nothing less than outstanding. 

Classroom fairy hit my room again for 2.0. I'm quite proud of it. I know the kids are gonna flip over the 3D ladder bulletin board and the new reading area.