BE BACK AT THE END OF JULY

I'm really sorry about not posting in a LONG LONG TIME! I will be back on the posting block at the end of July----Until I blog again---Have a GREAT SUMMER! : )

RAY

Plans for Our New School

Sorry! I haven't updated my blog in forever. I have been so busy with end of the year fieldtrips and the many activities that my own children are involved in at the moment. It's been a busy time for me.

Incase you didn't know---a bond election was passed here at my district. We have a wonderful superintendent that really helped to make this possible. She is so knowledgeable. My principal also worked with the superintendent as part of her internship for her doctrine in education. As for me, I'm proud to say that I did have a part in this event. During the time of the bond election, I was doing my internship for my masters degree. The staff and I were responsible for "Community Night" honoring the history of our building. We also had a booth for parents to obtain a voters registration card if they wanted to vote. Another important event that was set up -- Cinco De Mayo Festival---  the family and community could come for entertainment and vote for the bond election. I will never forget this experience.

I went to school as a child on this campus. It saddens me to know that the building will eventually be destroyed. I have so many enjoyable moments on this campus as a child and adult. (Tear..tear) : (
Jefferson will always be apart of me.

I would like to share my events with you as preparations are made for our upcoming building. A portable has arrived today to house our fourth graders for next year. The back wing of our building will be taken out so that they can begin construction, therefore portables will have to be supplied to house the students for the 2012-2013 school year.



OUCH Writing Assignment

OUCH! This is a great writing assignment my students in first period are working on. My second period class is still trying to wrap up the watermelon small moment of being "Afraid". They selected 3 small moments about ouchies. After team discussion- the students narrowed it down to the best ouchie story. I provided you pics of our wonderful work so far...

You can download the coverpage at the following address

http://www.scribd.com/doc/92250459/Band-Aid-3

You can download this printable at the following address

http://www.scribd.com/doc/92250322/Bandaid-Two

Polka-Dot Wednesday May 2nd

Small Moments

I'm learning a lot about Lucky Calkins and the writing process. I haven't been a big fan of hers but I'm gradually warming up to her ideas and theories. I recently started reading one of her books. The book is provided below if you are interested.

Today I took her ideas into action and really tried to implement her practices. I was only able to complete two activities. I must admit I did add my own step in this process. (not sure if this is a step she does) I noticed the students seemed to grasp the concept better than I thought they would.

                                             "AFRAID"

I told the students that the entire watermelon was centered on  being afraid. The seeds represent the small moments when they were afraid. I created a horrible watermelon and added sticky notes with small moments when I was afraid.

They drew their watermelon

They wrote 4 small moments when they were

afraid on sticky notes.

Next, students were instructed to share their 

small moments with their group. After talking with

their group they picked one small moment.

The next day students created the witches hat (as they call it) to outline their story using the 5 story elements.

Students wrote in their writing journal about their story.

We conferenced together as we determined the corrections that needed to be made. The next step was to write their final product on the watermelon. I will provide you the link where I downloaded the cute copies of the watermelon for free. 

The last step was to staple the final paper together and share our "Afraid Moments"

AR Cards/Paint Chip Cards

I went to Home Depot and selected some fantastic colors for our new AR Tracker Sheet! I'm using the paint chip cards for students to write the name of their book and AR score. After students read four books and make a passing grade of 80 or above then they will receive a special reward. My intent is to keep students engaged and reading until the very end of school. (If you notice from the picture above these cards are wider and shorter than most paint chip cards) I think we can still use them as a bookmark. 

It's Time Again for Polka-Dot Wednesday 25th

Wow! Did the week fly by or what? This week I selected some neat activities and ideas that you might be inspired to implement this year or the 2012-2013 school year. So lets begin with Polka-Dot Wednesday!