Great Things I Noticed this Week:
- 4th graders had a large color coded version of the break-apart model in a page protector so while they are solving word problems with subtraction they can solve using a dry erase marker in a larger space with the color coding visual (or choose to create their own model in the small workspace in their workbooks).
- Several teachers walking students through the process of rereading math word problems, stopping to ask questions reread for understanding: What is this problem about? What is it asking? What information does it tell us? Let's act what is happening. These are all great strategies for students to learn how to keep rereading for meaning, those close reading skills that apply to math!
- Several teachers all in one room meeting with different book groups and conferring with individual students...it is so great to see regular/special education staff collaborating to meet all students' needs together and you could not even tell who was a student with an IEP needing extra support or not!
- Our 5th grade music/choir class going through vocal warm-ups and some tricky tongue twisters. Can you sing "cup of coffee in a copper coffee cup" 10 times getting faster each time at each step of the music scale? I couldn't keep up! They were sounding amazing!
*Have you noticed something positive at school; either in another classroom, anywhere in the building, help from a colleague or positive comments heard from a student, parent or community member? If so, please let me know so I can add it to my Friday Focus any week!
Events Next Week:
Monday - optional EP session on SLO/PPG worktime with assistance if needed
Wednesday - Picture Retake Day -Marie will call down when you can send any students that need their pictures to go to the stage.
"Nuts & Bolts" Notes:
*I know I probably don't have to remind anyone of this (because you all say how much you lack time to teach what you need to), please make sure that any special Halloween classroom activities/parties are just an event and not a half-day ordeal. The more you get out of the regular routine, the more your students will get out of the normal routine and you're likely to see more behaviors.
*My November principal's newsletter (on the back of the calendar) is all about math facts/fluency, but also references the parent letters in Math Expressions. Please make sure to send those home as they come up through the units. While Math Expressions is no longer new to you or your students, it is likely the parents first time with your grade at Math Expressions.
*Just a heads-up that we will be collecting non-perishable food items during November to donate to the Gathering Source.
*Please help me to recognize students that are working hard, making great progress or going above and beyond to be bucket fillers. It only takes a moment to share with me about a student here: http://bit.ly/despostcard You don't have to do it now, this will be added to Marie's daily staff announcements to use throughout the year.
*The 5-7th grade Robotics team will be meeting in Room 120 after school on Tuesdays (and maybe some other days), because it's a space that we can leave our robot parts/playfield in. Just giving you a heads up in case you wonder why there are students in there after school. If you use the room for a student group during the day, please don't let students touch the equipment (that will be covered up, but may look interesting to peek at!)
Blogs, Tweets & Pins...Oh My!!!
*Students and Goal Setting (in writing)
*Bethany Hill @bethhill2829
A1: A positive mindset opens doors for kids. A negative mindset slams them shut and locks them tight! #satchatwc #KidsDeserveIt
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