Happy Friday!
We've had another wonderful week together. We have been enjoying many books from our classroom library together. We finished reading Teach Us, Amelia Bedelia and spoke about how it's always okay to make mistakes. In our class we learn a lot from making mistakes and accept that everyone makes mistakes and that is okay! We read Big Al to talk about making friends and Officer Buckle and Gloria helped us get our ideas ready when brainstorming class rules. We read Pebble, a story about a sense of belonging--an important concept as we are building our classroom learning community.
We talked about what Rumney CARES means for us and looked at our class poster.
We also came up with rules we want to have for our class this year.
- Try your best!
- It's okay to make mistakes.
- Nice words and friendly play.
- Have your own personal space.
- Include all people and ideas.
- Try to make good choices.
- Do Rumney CARES.
Finally we read Amazing Grace about a girl who has big dreams for herself and proves that if she works hard that she can make her dreams come true. We began talking about what our Hopes and Dreams are for ourselves during this school year. We know that if we persevere we too can make our Hopes and Dreams come true. Next week we'll begin writing our individual goals--academic, personal, and social. Over the weekend, please ask your child what he or she hopes to learn or accomplish this year.
Today I sent home a permission slip about gum chewing in class. Research has shown that chewing gum increases oxygen flow to parts of the brain and can help focus and memory also. If you allow your child to chew gum in my classroom please sign and return the bottom portion of the permission slip. Please note that you must provide sugar-free and low odor gum for your child. Children are not allowed to share gum! Below is a link to a short article or listen to Scientific American's 60 Seconds Science podcast about gum chewing.
http://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode/gum-chewing-may-improve-concentrati-13-03-26/
We also talked about how some people can focus better when their bodies are active and engaged also. Next Tuesday we will all make rice, lentil, or bean filled listening tools that children may use to help them focus during group times in the classroom. If you are free on Tuesday between 10-10:30 and want to help make them please join us!
On Thursday I modeled what sharing looks and sounds like by sharing with the class some photos from my wedding. Students were able to practice asking questions for more information. Next week I'll model sharing a special thing to me, too. The week after Labor Day students will begin sharing--there is a bi-weekly sharing rotation on the letter I sent or emailed home to you on Thursday! I want to reiterate a few guidelines we have for things we share during this time: stories about things we do with our families (i.e. went to the fair, visiting grandparents, trip to Boston), special items (i.e. treasure box, musical instrument), photographs (current or family favorites), things we made (i.e. a drawing, a game, jewelry), or cool things from nature (i.e. a found snake skin, fossils, shells from the beach). We do not share about toys, electronics, or play dates/birthday parties.
After our closing circle on Friday we met for the first time with our 6th Grade Buddies. We did some activities all together to get to know each other a little bit.
Mr. Rosen also told us about a fun event next Friday, Dress Like a Construction Worker Day! Wear your best construction worker attire, helmets, tool belts, but please keep your edged tools at home. At 3:00 PM that day we will assemble outside for an ALL SCHOOL PHOTO to help us remember the day. Rumney Parents will be invited to join us in costume and pick up their children. Photographer Jeb Wallace Brodeur will be invited to take a picture and maybe we will make the paper!
It was a hot week but we stuck it out and did some fantastic learning and team work! Enjoy your long weekend!
Important Dates:
Monday September 7: Labor Day -- NO SCHOOL
Tuesday September 8: 1-2 Fox Makes listening tools! 10-10:30 a.m.
Friday September 11: Scholastic Book Orders are Due
Friday September 11: Dress Like a Construction Worker Day!
Monday September 14: Sharing will begin this week
Thursday September 17: All School Meeting 10:30 a.m.
Friday September 18: All School Hike (more info and permission slips coming home later)
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