- I will need $12.50 for your child (and yourself if attending) as soon as possible. Make checks out CCLS please.
- We will be leaving at 8:30 am. and return somewhere between 2 and 2:30 pm
- Bring a sack lunch!!!
Monday, November 18, 2013
Field Trip Money
I don't have much to update you on right now except for our field trip.
Interesting Read!!
Hello Parents,
I am constantly finding different articles and things that I think will help me out in the classroom. I have 2 very interesting finds that I thought I'd share with you parents this week.
Stability/Exercise Balls
I have been doing an experiment in our room this last week, and I can't help but be excited about it. The 4th graders have moved to using only stability balls as chairs in the classroom and they love it. The basic idea of the ball is to help give students a way to channel their energy and fidgety bodies into something that is less distracting. They have to constantly be moving a little bit to keep their balance on the ball while they sit. This makes it so they are less tempted to act on those impulses like tapping their pencil, poking a friend, or constantly getting up to get a kleenex (even though they don't need one). The last week that I have tried this with just one ball, I've seen remarkable improvement in attention for the child sitting on the ball. Those kids have even told me themselves that it helps them. Here is my proposal:
Currently I have 1 ball in my room that will rotate each day. I would love to give the kids more of a chance to use this tool. I am willing to buy 2 more myself for the room, but I want to give you a chance to help out as well. If you like this idea and want to donate a ball or 2 to 3rd grade, I will absolutely not turn you down. The balls would be a donation and stay here after the school year is over. The 4th grade teachers already have enough for all of their students, so your kids will still get to use one next year. I'd love to eventually have enough so that all 21 kids can have their own, but we'll see what happens. The balls cost about $10 a piece at Wal-Mart. If you want to just send in $10 I can go pick them up too. Unless we end up with 21 balls, I will just rotate them among the kids each day.
I know that you all are giving an awful lot right now with the Thanksgiving feast coming up, so please don't feel obligated. We are very appreciative of all you have done already!
The following link gives you more information on the research behind this.
Stability Balls in the Classroom
Food for Thought
I also found this video clip/article on food that I thought was very interesting. Enjoy!
Think Food Doesn't Affect Kid's Behavior...???
I am constantly finding different articles and things that I think will help me out in the classroom. I have 2 very interesting finds that I thought I'd share with you parents this week.
Stability/Exercise Balls
I have been doing an experiment in our room this last week, and I can't help but be excited about it. The 4th graders have moved to using only stability balls as chairs in the classroom and they love it. The basic idea of the ball is to help give students a way to channel their energy and fidgety bodies into something that is less distracting. They have to constantly be moving a little bit to keep their balance on the ball while they sit. This makes it so they are less tempted to act on those impulses like tapping their pencil, poking a friend, or constantly getting up to get a kleenex (even though they don't need one). The last week that I have tried this with just one ball, I've seen remarkable improvement in attention for the child sitting on the ball. Those kids have even told me themselves that it helps them. Here is my proposal:
Currently I have 1 ball in my room that will rotate each day. I would love to give the kids more of a chance to use this tool. I am willing to buy 2 more myself for the room, but I want to give you a chance to help out as well. If you like this idea and want to donate a ball or 2 to 3rd grade, I will absolutely not turn you down. The balls would be a donation and stay here after the school year is over. The 4th grade teachers already have enough for all of their students, so your kids will still get to use one next year. I'd love to eventually have enough so that all 21 kids can have their own, but we'll see what happens. The balls cost about $10 a piece at Wal-Mart. If you want to just send in $10 I can go pick them up too. Unless we end up with 21 balls, I will just rotate them among the kids each day.
I know that you all are giving an awful lot right now with the Thanksgiving feast coming up, so please don't feel obligated. We are very appreciative of all you have done already!
The following link gives you more information on the research behind this.
Stability Balls in the Classroom
Food for Thought
I also found this video clip/article on food that I thought was very interesting. Enjoy!
Think Food Doesn't Affect Kid's Behavior...???
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Week of Nov. 11th
Field Trip
I still have one spot for a parent to join us on the field trip to the Daniel Boone House. We will be leaving at 8:30 am and be back at school by 2:30 pm. Let me know if you would like to join us!
Thanksgiving Feast
Kati Connell and PJ Lowry have graciously agreed to help us organize the 3rd Grade Feast. We will be needing quite a bit of help, so please take a minute to sign up. We will need food, donations, and actual people to come in and help make the pies. Also, please remember to RSVP if you are able to come and eat with us on Tuesday 11/26. Thank you so much for all the help you have already given our class!
Thanksgiving Unit
Mr. Fishburn and I have decided to mix our classes together for the next 10 days and do a Thanksgiving unit. The basic idea of the unit goes like this:
1. The kids will be mixed together and put into groups based on their choice of project. Each project is different and covers a different aspect of Thanksgiving.
2. Half of the days will be spent in groups researching and completing their project.
3. The other half of the days will be spent in homerooms doing things as a whole class with Thanksgiving themed Reading, Math, and Religion.
4. The kids will be presenting their projects to the parents using various types of technology at the Feast on Tuesday.
There will not be very much outside homework that is given this next week due to the nature of the projects.
Other Items
I still have one spot for a parent to join us on the field trip to the Daniel Boone House. We will be leaving at 8:30 am and be back at school by 2:30 pm. Let me know if you would like to join us!
Thanksgiving Feast
Kati Connell and PJ Lowry have graciously agreed to help us organize the 3rd Grade Feast. We will be needing quite a bit of help, so please take a minute to sign up. We will need food, donations, and actual people to come in and help make the pies. Also, please remember to RSVP if you are able to come and eat with us on Tuesday 11/26. Thank you so much for all the help you have already given our class!
Thanksgiving Unit
Mr. Fishburn and I have decided to mix our classes together for the next 10 days and do a Thanksgiving unit. The basic idea of the unit goes like this:
1. The kids will be mixed together and put into groups based on their choice of project. Each project is different and covers a different aspect of Thanksgiving.
2. Half of the days will be spent in groups researching and completing their project.
3. The other half of the days will be spent in homerooms doing things as a whole class with Thanksgiving themed Reading, Math, and Religion.
4. The kids will be presenting their projects to the parents using various types of technology at the Feast on Tuesday.
There will not be very much outside homework that is given this next week due to the nature of the projects.
Other Items
- Operation Christmas Child - Shoeboxes need to be brought in by Wed. Nov. 20th. (info sent home today)
- FIELD TRIP!!! - Monday Feb. 3rd to the Missouri History Museum to learn about slavery and the 1904 World's Fair/Olympics. 9am - 11:30 am (no limited chaperone spots)
- No School - Wed. 11/27 - Fri. 11/29
Monday, November 4, 2013
Week of Nov. 4th
Happy Book Fair Week! Here's all that you need to know about the Book Fair:
Book Fair Dates:
· Monday, 11/4 thru Thursday, 11/7
· Wednesday: “Breakfast with a Buddy” at 7:30am – Students are encouraged to invite a relative or special friend!
· Thursday: “Family Enrichment Night” at 5:30pm – Fair will be open!
· Online Book Fair runs through 11/8.
All of the teachers have filled a bucket of books they can use for their classrooms. If you would like to donate a book to our room check out my bucket!
Family Enrichment Night
You should have received an email about Family Enrichment Night. There will be things for kids and adults as well as catering by Bogearts. Make sure to RSVP!
Book IT!!
I am starting Book It with the kids this week. The November calendar went home tonight. Here are my requirements for getting a pizza certificate:
Read at least 20 minutes for 5 nights a week. (They cannot count DEAR time, it must be done AT HOME)
Return the calendar to me at the end of the month signed by a parent to receive the certificate.
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