Monday, September 11, 2006 Yum! We ate smoked salmon and it was so good! Mariah’s mom brought it for us. Mariah’s grandpa and her brother caught it in the Columbia River. That’s long far away. The fish was big enough to reach from the floor to Mariah’s shoulder. That’s about 38 inches long. Wow! That’s big.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Friday, September 08, 2006
Newsletter 1, 0607
2006-2007 Room 302—Newsletter 1 http://room302.blogspot.com
September 8, 2006
Dear Families,
Welcome to Room 302! The students and I had a great first week together.
I usually try to be much more punctual and timely with things like newsletters, and I apologize for not getting this to you sooner.
As you know, our class has first graders and second graders—a 1/2 split. When we found out that it would be better (and necessary) to reconfigure our classes to include a 1/2 split, I volunteered to be the teacher, and I’m excited for the opportunity. Your support, faith, and patience through this process has been noticed and appreciated.
I think having a range of students in a classroom is a great idea. The fact is that every class (mixed grades or not) has a wide range of ages, strengths, abilities, and needs. No matter what I’m teaching, I try to do what I can to take advantage of these differences and to make the differences a positive thing. At this point, though, multi-grade and mixed classrooms aren’t too common in our district or in our school, and like anything else that is unknown, people have questions. Here are a few questions out there, along with the answers I have at this time:
How were the students chosen to be in the multi-age?
I can’t really do justice to all the effort that went in to redistributing students on such short notice within a sentence or two, but the short answer is we used the same processes and techniques that we always use to build classes that are well-balanced in a variety of ways. The split classes are well balanced just like all the others, and we did not try for a class with “high” first graders and “low” second graders. (In any case, I don’t believe the terms “high” and “low” to be either fair or accurate when describing something as complex as a human being, so I try to avoid using them.)
Will the 1/2 class be the same as the other classes? Will it be the same as last year?
All classes are different. Some of the procedures, expectations, routines and other things that were in place last year will work well this year, and others will not. My intention is to make things predictable and routine in some ways for the second graders so that we can spend less overall time getting everyone on the same page, but I picture the year as being quite different from last year in many ways because the class has different students from last year, and because the expectations and curriculum for second graders is different from first graders in many ways.
Will the 1/2 class be better (or worse) than a class with only first or only second?
It depends on what you mean by the terms better or worse. In my mind, a greater range of ages, abilities, experiences, likes, dislikes, needs, and wants makes for a class with potentially more to offer each other. Variety makes things interesting, and when the learners are interested, they’re more likely to pay attention and learn more. What will be the same as the classes with only first or only second will be the grade level content we cover. The expectations for this are district-wide.
Will the work be too hard for my first grader? Will the work be too easy for my second grader? Will it just be a repeat of first grade for my second grader? Will the first graders be bored next year because they’ve done the second grade stuff already?
I grouped these questions together because they have a common theme: Will curriculum be suitable and appropriate for my child? They have another common theme: They are valid and relevant questions to ask of any teacher, regardless of grade or subject. (If your child is taking piano lessons, or on a baseball team, or in a drama class you still want it to be appropriate and relevant.) I plan (as always) to make the year as appropriate and as relevant as possible to all members of the class. In the area where there are specific grade level expectations, I’ll use those expectations to guide my teaching. I’ll also use what I know about each child, and what I know about teaching and learning in general. The issue of repetition is one that we’ll explore throughout the year: I know that in many cases people choose to do the same thing more than once (reread a book, review a movie, replay a game) and I know that repetition strengthens pathways in the brain, making that knowledge easily and quickly accessible. I also know that repetition can cause people to lose interest in a task or activity (“I’m bored!”) and I don’t want that. As I said, I’ll continue to explore this question throughout the year with the students.
How can you take advantage of the social nature of learning if there are two separate groups doing two separate things? Will one group feel isolated/inferior/superior/left out?
This is a vital issue. Without a strong classroom community that works together and supports each other, we’d all have a more difficult year. There are many things we’ll do together and many times we’ll be together, but the fact is that there are some things the second graders need to do that the first graders don’t, and vice versa. I normally take the beginning of the school year to build a sense of togetherness and community in the class, and that will be very important this year, so that when we split for things it won’t be a big deal.
I’m comfortable and confident in how I teach (and learn from) children. I’m in the process of figuring out exactly how that will all play out this year, with these students, and with two grades. If you have questions that I have not addressed, please let me know. Others are probably wondering, too.
Here are a few other items of interest:
Background…
My wife, Judy, is a teacher, stay-at-home mother who runs drama camps and programs in the area. I have three children: Jordan is eight, starting third grade. Jeremy is seven, starting second grade. Janelle is four; anything they can do, she can do. I’ve taught a wide variety of ages and subjects, and my education includes a reading endorsement and a math minor.
Times
Our school day is from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The classroom opens at 8:45 so that by 9:00 the students can all be settled in and ready to start on time. It helps immensely if all students are at school on time every day. We have recess at 11:05 and lunch/recess at 12:35.
Snacks
We’ll have time for snack each day. If everyone takes turns sending in a snack about once a month for the whole class to share, that will work great. If you and your child would rather bring an individual snack each day, that’s fine, too. I only ask that the children know if they’re bringing their own or sharing.
Volunteers
I welcome volunteers in the classroom. At this point, I’m not exactly sure about specific times I’ll need people, but I plan to have a sign-up sheet available when we have our curriculum night / open house.
Birthdays
We’ll plan to celebrate the birthdays of all the students (unless otherwise requested). Let me know if you’d like to bring something like treats or a classroom book for the celebration.
Curriculum night / Back-to-School Night
On Thursday, September 14, 2006 we’ll have our open house for parents and kids to meet at school, hear from teachers, and look around. Please join us, starting in the gymnasium, at 6:30 p.m.
Physical Education / Musical Education
These important classes will happen for us this year on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9-10. Please help the students make sure to dress appropriately for moving around on those days.
Email List
In an effort to help with communication, I’d like to put together a mailing list so that I’ve got another way to get you information like this. If you’d like to be on it, please send me an email requesting that I put you on the list. Include your name and your child’s name so I can identify you.
Classroom Visits
Any time you’d like to visit, you’re welcome to do so. Just make sure to stop in at the office to sign in and get a Visitor sticker.
Take-home Folders
School policy is to send information home once a week, which is on Thursdays. We’ve ordered folders for each child to use for this. There will be a side for things that stay home, and a side for things to return to school. We’ll start using those folders as soon as they arrive.
Web Sites
I have web log (blog) for our classroom at http://room302.blogspot.com. I’ll post our daily news, newsletters, student work, and things like that.
Supplies
Here is the list of supplies for this year as it was published, if you still need it. Most of the supplies will be shared/community supplies. The items they will label with their names and keep are: scissors, binder, and notebook.
1st grade
1 box 24 ct colored pencils
1 box 24 ct crayons
1 box 24 ct markers
3 ea large glue sticks
2 dzn #2 pencils (not mechanical/sharpen please)
1 ea Fiskar scissors (name on, please)
1 box 1 gal. Ziploc bags
1 pkg PostIt notes
1 ea (1”) 3-ring binder (name on, please)
1 ea composition book (name on, please)
1 ea box Kleenex
2nd Grade
1 box 24 ct crayons
3 ea large glue sticks
3 ea folders w/sturdy bottom pocket
2 dzn #2 pencils (not mechanical/sharpen please)
1 ea pencil box
1 ea Fiskar scissors (name on, please)
2 bxs 1 gal. ziptop Ziploc bags
2 ea wide-ruled spiral notebooks
2 ea Sharpies (permanent black)
1 ea watercolor paints
At this point, if you’ve sent what’s on the list, we’re pretty set. I would like the second grade students to bring the binders they had last year so we can keep using them for poetry, and if we have other needs, I’ll let you know.
Calendar
Monday, September 4—no school
Thursday, September 14—open house/parent meeting, 6:30
Friday, September 22—early release day, 12:15
Friday, September 22—Ashley’s birthday
Thursday, September 28—Katie’s birthday
I appreciate the chance to work with you this year, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
Sincerely,
Jeff
September 8, 2006
Dear Families,
Welcome to Room 302! The students and I had a great first week together.
I usually try to be much more punctual and timely with things like newsletters, and I apologize for not getting this to you sooner.
As you know, our class has first graders and second graders—a 1/2 split. When we found out that it would be better (and necessary) to reconfigure our classes to include a 1/2 split, I volunteered to be the teacher, and I’m excited for the opportunity. Your support, faith, and patience through this process has been noticed and appreciated.
I think having a range of students in a classroom is a great idea. The fact is that every class (mixed grades or not) has a wide range of ages, strengths, abilities, and needs. No matter what I’m teaching, I try to do what I can to take advantage of these differences and to make the differences a positive thing. At this point, though, multi-grade and mixed classrooms aren’t too common in our district or in our school, and like anything else that is unknown, people have questions. Here are a few questions out there, along with the answers I have at this time:
How were the students chosen to be in the multi-age?
I can’t really do justice to all the effort that went in to redistributing students on such short notice within a sentence or two, but the short answer is we used the same processes and techniques that we always use to build classes that are well-balanced in a variety of ways. The split classes are well balanced just like all the others, and we did not try for a class with “high” first graders and “low” second graders. (In any case, I don’t believe the terms “high” and “low” to be either fair or accurate when describing something as complex as a human being, so I try to avoid using them.)
Will the 1/2 class be the same as the other classes? Will it be the same as last year?
All classes are different. Some of the procedures, expectations, routines and other things that were in place last year will work well this year, and others will not. My intention is to make things predictable and routine in some ways for the second graders so that we can spend less overall time getting everyone on the same page, but I picture the year as being quite different from last year in many ways because the class has different students from last year, and because the expectations and curriculum for second graders is different from first graders in many ways.
Will the 1/2 class be better (or worse) than a class with only first or only second?
It depends on what you mean by the terms better or worse. In my mind, a greater range of ages, abilities, experiences, likes, dislikes, needs, and wants makes for a class with potentially more to offer each other. Variety makes things interesting, and when the learners are interested, they’re more likely to pay attention and learn more. What will be the same as the classes with only first or only second will be the grade level content we cover. The expectations for this are district-wide.
Will the work be too hard for my first grader? Will the work be too easy for my second grader? Will it just be a repeat of first grade for my second grader? Will the first graders be bored next year because they’ve done the second grade stuff already?
I grouped these questions together because they have a common theme: Will curriculum be suitable and appropriate for my child? They have another common theme: They are valid and relevant questions to ask of any teacher, regardless of grade or subject. (If your child is taking piano lessons, or on a baseball team, or in a drama class you still want it to be appropriate and relevant.) I plan (as always) to make the year as appropriate and as relevant as possible to all members of the class. In the area where there are specific grade level expectations, I’ll use those expectations to guide my teaching. I’ll also use what I know about each child, and what I know about teaching and learning in general. The issue of repetition is one that we’ll explore throughout the year: I know that in many cases people choose to do the same thing more than once (reread a book, review a movie, replay a game) and I know that repetition strengthens pathways in the brain, making that knowledge easily and quickly accessible. I also know that repetition can cause people to lose interest in a task or activity (“I’m bored!”) and I don’t want that. As I said, I’ll continue to explore this question throughout the year with the students.
How can you take advantage of the social nature of learning if there are two separate groups doing two separate things? Will one group feel isolated/inferior/superior/left out?
This is a vital issue. Without a strong classroom community that works together and supports each other, we’d all have a more difficult year. There are many things we’ll do together and many times we’ll be together, but the fact is that there are some things the second graders need to do that the first graders don’t, and vice versa. I normally take the beginning of the school year to build a sense of togetherness and community in the class, and that will be very important this year, so that when we split for things it won’t be a big deal.
I’m comfortable and confident in how I teach (and learn from) children. I’m in the process of figuring out exactly how that will all play out this year, with these students, and with two grades. If you have questions that I have not addressed, please let me know. Others are probably wondering, too.
Here are a few other items of interest:
Background…
My wife, Judy, is a teacher, stay-at-home mother who runs drama camps and programs in the area. I have three children: Jordan is eight, starting third grade. Jeremy is seven, starting second grade. Janelle is four; anything they can do, she can do. I’ve taught a wide variety of ages and subjects, and my education includes a reading endorsement and a math minor.
Times
Our school day is from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The classroom opens at 8:45 so that by 9:00 the students can all be settled in and ready to start on time. It helps immensely if all students are at school on time every day. We have recess at 11:05 and lunch/recess at 12:35.
Snacks
We’ll have time for snack each day. If everyone takes turns sending in a snack about once a month for the whole class to share, that will work great. If you and your child would rather bring an individual snack each day, that’s fine, too. I only ask that the children know if they’re bringing their own or sharing.
Volunteers
I welcome volunteers in the classroom. At this point, I’m not exactly sure about specific times I’ll need people, but I plan to have a sign-up sheet available when we have our curriculum night / open house.
Birthdays
We’ll plan to celebrate the birthdays of all the students (unless otherwise requested). Let me know if you’d like to bring something like treats or a classroom book for the celebration.
Curriculum night / Back-to-School Night
On Thursday, September 14, 2006 we’ll have our open house for parents and kids to meet at school, hear from teachers, and look around. Please join us, starting in the gymnasium, at 6:30 p.m.
Physical Education / Musical Education
These important classes will happen for us this year on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9-10. Please help the students make sure to dress appropriately for moving around on those days.
Email List
In an effort to help with communication, I’d like to put together a mailing list so that I’ve got another way to get you information like this. If you’d like to be on it, please send me an email requesting that I put you on the list. Include your name and your child’s name so I can identify you.
Classroom Visits
Any time you’d like to visit, you’re welcome to do so. Just make sure to stop in at the office to sign in and get a Visitor sticker.
Take-home Folders
School policy is to send information home once a week, which is on Thursdays. We’ve ordered folders for each child to use for this. There will be a side for things that stay home, and a side for things to return to school. We’ll start using those folders as soon as they arrive.
Web Sites
I have web log (blog) for our classroom at http://room302.blogspot.com. I’ll post our daily news, newsletters, student work, and things like that.
Supplies
Here is the list of supplies for this year as it was published, if you still need it. Most of the supplies will be shared/community supplies. The items they will label with their names and keep are: scissors, binder, and notebook.
1st grade
1 box 24 ct colored pencils
1 box 24 ct crayons
1 box 24 ct markers
3 ea large glue sticks
2 dzn #2 pencils (not mechanical/sharpen please)
1 ea Fiskar scissors (name on, please)
1 box 1 gal. Ziploc bags
1 pkg PostIt notes
1 ea (1”) 3-ring binder (name on, please)
1 ea composition book (name on, please)
1 ea box Kleenex
2nd Grade
1 box 24 ct crayons
3 ea large glue sticks
3 ea folders w/sturdy bottom pocket
2 dzn #2 pencils (not mechanical/sharpen please)
1 ea pencil box
1 ea Fiskar scissors (name on, please)
2 bxs 1 gal. ziptop Ziploc bags
2 ea wide-ruled spiral notebooks
2 ea Sharpies (permanent black)
1 ea watercolor paints
At this point, if you’ve sent what’s on the list, we’re pretty set. I would like the second grade students to bring the binders they had last year so we can keep using them for poetry, and if we have other needs, I’ll let you know.
Calendar
Monday, September 4—no school
Thursday, September 14—open house/parent meeting, 6:30
Friday, September 22—early release day, 12:15
Friday, September 22—Ashley’s birthday
Thursday, September 28—Katie’s birthday
I appreciate the chance to work with you this year, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
Sincerely,
Jeff
Week of September 4, 2006
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
We did line juggling today. You’re probably asking yourself, “What’s line juggling?” We juggled with sponges. The sponges were pink, blue, and yellow. We’re in two straight lines of ten on each side, facing each other. We pass the sponges diagonally down the lines. At the end of the line, we send it back the opposite diagonal way. Then we add another sponge to it and see if we can do it with two at a time. Today we even did three for a while. When we had three sponges it was harder because there was so much to keep track of. It was really fun.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
We sang songs and played a game in music. The song was called Bluebird. It goes like this:
Here comes a bluebird
In through my window
Hey diddle dumma day
Day, day.
Take a little partner
Tap him on the shoulder
Hey diddle dumma day
Day, day.
The game went with the song. Everyone sang while one person walked around the circle. When it said “Take a little partner and tap him on the shoulder, the person walking around tapped someone. The person who got tapped became the walker.
The first graders did different math than the second graders did. The first graders got to explore using calculators, geoblocks, cubes, and pattern blocks. Then they learned the game called Compare. The second graders explored with sets of 10 cubes, and then they got to use the geoblocks, pattern blocks, and cubes too, while the first graders were doing calculators.
It was our first library day of the year. We read a librarian book called Library Lil by Suzanne Williams. It was about a strong, unusual librarian. When the power went out and the battery died on her bus, she pushed her bookmobile through 80 m.p.h. winds. She could pick up 12 motorcycles, one at a time, and throw them out of her way into the street. Since she did that, the motorcycle guys said they would read a book, and then they all became readers like Library Lil.
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Week of August 28, 2006
Today was the first day of school. We got to meet a bunch of new kids. We talked about some birthdays in August and September. We had an assembly. We had donuts for snack. Mckayla and
Thursday, August 31, 2006
It was our first physical education class of the year. We walked into the gym and found spots to sit all around the gym. We were spread out. Then Mrs. Smith told us what we’d be doing. The first thing was to play catch with bean bag animals. They were about as big as our hands. We each had our own. We tossed them into the air and tried to catch them. Some people tried to clap as many times as they could while it was in the air. Then she played played a music tape that told us different things to do with the animals, like put them on our heads, or backs, or necks. Then we put our bean bag friends away and ran laps around the gym until it was time to go. We got drinks and lined up to go.
Friday, September 01, 2006
We read a book called Caps for Sale. Then we acted out the story. Some of us were monkeys and the rest were peddlers. The monkeys took the peddler’s caps when he took a nap. Then he got really mad and tried to get them back. When he threw his hat on the ground, they threw all their caps down. Our favorite part was when the peddler said, “You monkeys, you. You give me back my caps.” And the monkeys shook their fingers and said, “Tsz, tsz, tsz.” After we acted out the st
ory, we made our own monkeys and took them home.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Supply list 2006-2007
Supply list 2006-2007 / Room 302
1st grade
1 box 24 ct colored pencils
1 box 24 ct crayons
1 box 24 ct markers
3 ea large glue sticks
2 dzn #2 pencils (not mechanical/sharpen please)
1 ea Fiskar scissors (name on, please)
1 box 1 gal. Ziploc bags
1 pkg PostIt notes
1 ea (1”) 3-ring binder (name on, please)
1 ea composition book (name on, please)
1 ea box Kleenex
2nd Grade
1 box 24 ct crayons
3 ea large glue sticks
3 ea folders w/sturdy bottom pocket
2 dzn #2 pencils (not mechanical/sharpen please)
1 ea pencil box
1 ea Fiskar scissors (name on, please)
2 bxs 1 gal. ziptop Ziploc bags
2 ea wide-ruled spiral notebooks
2 ea Sharpies (permanent black)
1 ea watercolor paints
1st grade
1 box 24 ct colored pencils
1 box 24 ct crayons
1 box 24 ct markers
3 ea large glue sticks
2 dzn #2 pencils (not mechanical/sharpen please)
1 ea Fiskar scissors (name on, please)
1 box 1 gal. Ziploc bags
1 pkg PostIt notes
1 ea (1”) 3-ring binder (name on, please)
1 ea composition book (name on, please)
1 ea box Kleenex
2nd Grade
1 box 24 ct crayons
3 ea large glue sticks
3 ea folders w/sturdy bottom pocket
2 dzn #2 pencils (not mechanical/sharpen please)
1 ea pencil box
1 ea Fiskar scissors (name on, please)
2 bxs 1 gal. ziptop Ziploc bags
2 ea wide-ruled spiral notebooks
2 ea Sharpies (permanent black)
1 ea watercolor paints
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Newsletter 24
2005-2006 Room 302—Newsletter 24 http://room302.blogspot.com
6/14/2006
Dear Families,
I have a video tape full of different things your kids have been doing this year. It’s the one we’ve been taking turns passing around. Sometimes people would like a copy of this. I also have almost 600 digital pictures that I’ve take this year. Some people have asked for a copy of these, too. I’m more than happy to give copies to people—that was one of the reasons I took them—but I need your permission. Basically, I just need you to sign the attached sheet saying it’s okay for your child to be in the pictures and video that we copy for everyone. Without the permission slip signed, I cannot include your child. As soon as we have everyone’s permission, I’ll let you know and people who want a copy can send in CD’s. Maybe there are even people out there who could copy faster than I. And if you choose not to have your child’s image shared, please let me know right away so that we can filter those out of the collection. I apologize for not anticipating and getting on this sooner, but I still think we can make it happen.
Rockets…
Rocket launching was great, despite the rain. Thanks to Mr. Bryant and Mr. Meisner for orchestrating everything, and thanks to all the family members who were here to help build and launch.
Literacy Week…
This is happening right now. I think it’s a great way to take some time and celebrate all the learning that has happened. And believe me, a lot has been learned. Everyone has reason to celebrate. My sincere hope is that as you’ve watched and listened to your child this year, you’ve noticed all kinds of learning and growth. The report card may reflect some of that, but it certainly will not reflect all of it. And the chances are good that you’ve noticed things that I haven’t, or that I just taken for granted. I still believe that one of the best things that we can do for learners to point out and celebrate the good things that happen.
In writing….
We’re writing poetry to end our year. Poetry intimidates me a bit, because I like concrete, objective definitions, and I can’t really find one for poetry. How do I know if something is a poem or not? I’m still not sure. But we’ve started building a list of some traits poems often share, and we’ve spent an enthusiastic week writing poetry. The up side to no clear definition of poetry is that nobody can say for sure that a piece of writing isn’t a poem. (In fact, maybe this is one) That can be a very liberating feeling: if nobody can say what’s right, nobody can say what’s wrong. So, just give it a try. And that’s what they’ve been doing, with great success.
Let me point out another thing: What if I said that all the parents were going to meet one night, write poems, and share them out loud with the group, including time for comments and feedback. If you’re anything like me, you would have an unbreakable appointment that night. I would feel very uncomfortable sharing in front of my peers. It sort of makes me tense just to imagine it right now. But your kids do it every single day.
They (authors) put themselves out there, writing and sharing concerns, thoughts, feelings because they trust their classmates not to laugh or criticize. The audience listens with empathy, celebrates with the authors and treats them with respect, while at the same time offering helpful feedback. Is that not amazing?
Sometimes that feedback is just laughing at the funny parts, but if an author is trying to write humor, that’s the most powerful feedback there is. Other times the feedback can be more directed, like asking for clarification. But it is always understood that the author is the final arbiter, and that the questions and comments are given in good faith. I know for certain that this is a huge reason why these students have been so productive this year--they're surrounded by support. And I know that if I were to share in front of my peers (or anyone else), I’d hope to be treated in the same way.
I guess I’m trying to make two points: First, your children all deserve a lot of credit for the writing they’re doing, and have done. Second, when your child shares a piece of writing with you and you’re wondering how to comment or what to say, it may be helpful to picture yourself sharing something you’ve written, and to imagine what sort of response you’d like from an audience.
In math….
We’ve been trying to do a pretest and posttest to start and end each math book, just as a way to help gauge learning from beginning to end. At the parent meeting, I shared the quote by Steve Peha: There can be no significant improvement without the ability to self assess. As a piece of this, I had students look at their most recent pretests for things they did well and things they could do even better. This was very satisfying. You may want to try it when those papers come home, because it shows what they really understand, even when they’re still trying to make things happen consistently.
Summer Birthdays…
We only have a few summer birthdays, but we’d love to celebrate them before the end of school. If your child has one, let me know if/when you’d like to send in treats, etc.
Chapter Book Read Aloud…
Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater. This is a Newbery honor book published in 1938. Someone’s grandma was here when I told the class that, and she said that was even before she was born. I’m guessing we’ll be spending time on filling in background knowledge as we read this one. It should be fun.
Snack…
Thanks to those people who were able to send more right away. If you’ve not yet had a chance to send in snack, now would be a great time.
First Grade Cookout…
We’re getting a good response from people now, so thanks. If you haven’t had a chance to contribute yet, there is still time. This means that students won't have to bring a lunch that day, or sign up for hot lunch. We'll eat about 12:35, which is our normal lunch time. They have recess about 1:05, which will give us time to clean up.
And then after recess, which ends at 1:35, I thought it would be a good time, since people will already be at school, to have students share a poem they wrote in their poetry journal, which we've been doing the past two weeks. Finally, to end the day, I have about 600 pictures I've taken this year, so I thought the people who are interested could stick around for a slide show of those photos.
Calendar…
June 12-June 16—Literacy Week Sunday, June 18—Fathers’ Day
Thursday, June 15—Sports Day Tuesday, June 20—Fun Day/Field Day (p.m. only)
Friday, June 16—Hawaiian Day Thursday, June 22—Last Day of First; Early Release
Friday, June 16—First Grade Cookout/BBQ@12:35 Saturday, June 24—Shelby’s Birthday
Friday, June 16—Poems and photo sharing@1:35
Sincerely,
Jeff Kurtz
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please fill out, sign, and return this permission slip:
It is okay to include my child in on the collection of class photos to be copied and distributed to classmates.
YES NO
It is okay to include my child on copies of the class video tape distributed to classmates.
YES NO
Child’s Name: ________________________
Parent/Guardian’s Name: __________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: __________________________________
6/14/2006
Dear Families,
I have a video tape full of different things your kids have been doing this year. It’s the one we’ve been taking turns passing around. Sometimes people would like a copy of this. I also have almost 600 digital pictures that I’ve take this year. Some people have asked for a copy of these, too. I’m more than happy to give copies to people—that was one of the reasons I took them—but I need your permission. Basically, I just need you to sign the attached sheet saying it’s okay for your child to be in the pictures and video that we copy for everyone. Without the permission slip signed, I cannot include your child. As soon as we have everyone’s permission, I’ll let you know and people who want a copy can send in CD’s. Maybe there are even people out there who could copy faster than I. And if you choose not to have your child’s image shared, please let me know right away so that we can filter those out of the collection. I apologize for not anticipating and getting on this sooner, but I still think we can make it happen.
Rockets…
Rocket launching was great, despite the rain. Thanks to Mr. Bryant and Mr. Meisner for orchestrating everything, and thanks to all the family members who were here to help build and launch.
Literacy Week…
This is happening right now. I think it’s a great way to take some time and celebrate all the learning that has happened. And believe me, a lot has been learned. Everyone has reason to celebrate. My sincere hope is that as you’ve watched and listened to your child this year, you’ve noticed all kinds of learning and growth. The report card may reflect some of that, but it certainly will not reflect all of it. And the chances are good that you’ve noticed things that I haven’t, or that I just taken for granted. I still believe that one of the best things that we can do for learners to point out and celebrate the good things that happen.
In writing….
We’re writing poetry to end our year. Poetry intimidates me a bit, because I like concrete, objective definitions, and I can’t really find one for poetry. How do I know if something is a poem or not? I’m still not sure. But we’ve started building a list of some traits poems often share, and we’ve spent an enthusiastic week writing poetry. The up side to no clear definition of poetry is that nobody can say for sure that a piece of writing isn’t a poem. (In fact, maybe this is one) That can be a very liberating feeling: if nobody can say what’s right, nobody can say what’s wrong. So, just give it a try. And that’s what they’ve been doing, with great success.
Let me point out another thing: What if I said that all the parents were going to meet one night, write poems, and share them out loud with the group, including time for comments and feedback. If you’re anything like me, you would have an unbreakable appointment that night. I would feel very uncomfortable sharing in front of my peers. It sort of makes me tense just to imagine it right now. But your kids do it every single day.
They (authors) put themselves out there, writing and sharing concerns, thoughts, feelings because they trust their classmates not to laugh or criticize. The audience listens with empathy, celebrates with the authors and treats them with respect, while at the same time offering helpful feedback. Is that not amazing?
Sometimes that feedback is just laughing at the funny parts, but if an author is trying to write humor, that’s the most powerful feedback there is. Other times the feedback can be more directed, like asking for clarification. But it is always understood that the author is the final arbiter, and that the questions and comments are given in good faith. I know for certain that this is a huge reason why these students have been so productive this year--they're surrounded by support. And I know that if I were to share in front of my peers (or anyone else), I’d hope to be treated in the same way.
I guess I’m trying to make two points: First, your children all deserve a lot of credit for the writing they’re doing, and have done. Second, when your child shares a piece of writing with you and you’re wondering how to comment or what to say, it may be helpful to picture yourself sharing something you’ve written, and to imagine what sort of response you’d like from an audience.
In math….
We’ve been trying to do a pretest and posttest to start and end each math book, just as a way to help gauge learning from beginning to end. At the parent meeting, I shared the quote by Steve Peha: There can be no significant improvement without the ability to self assess. As a piece of this, I had students look at their most recent pretests for things they did well and things they could do even better. This was very satisfying. You may want to try it when those papers come home, because it shows what they really understand, even when they’re still trying to make things happen consistently.
Summer Birthdays…
We only have a few summer birthdays, but we’d love to celebrate them before the end of school. If your child has one, let me know if/when you’d like to send in treats, etc.
Chapter Book Read Aloud…
Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater. This is a Newbery honor book published in 1938. Someone’s grandma was here when I told the class that, and she said that was even before she was born. I’m guessing we’ll be spending time on filling in background knowledge as we read this one. It should be fun.
Snack…
Thanks to those people who were able to send more right away. If you’ve not yet had a chance to send in snack, now would be a great time.
First Grade Cookout…
We’re getting a good response from people now, so thanks. If you haven’t had a chance to contribute yet, there is still time. This means that students won't have to bring a lunch that day, or sign up for hot lunch. We'll eat about 12:35, which is our normal lunch time. They have recess about 1:05, which will give us time to clean up.
And then after recess, which ends at 1:35, I thought it would be a good time, since people will already be at school, to have students share a poem they wrote in their poetry journal, which we've been doing the past two weeks. Finally, to end the day, I have about 600 pictures I've taken this year, so I thought the people who are interested could stick around for a slide show of those photos.
Calendar…
June 12-June 16—Literacy Week Sunday, June 18—Fathers’ Day
Thursday, June 15—Sports Day Tuesday, June 20—Fun Day/Field Day (p.m. only)
Friday, June 16—Hawaiian Day Thursday, June 22—Last Day of First; Early Release
Friday, June 16—First Grade Cookout/BBQ@12:35 Saturday, June 24—Shelby’s Birthday
Friday, June 16—Poems and photo sharing@1:35
Sincerely,
Jeff Kurtz
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please fill out, sign, and return this permission slip:
It is okay to include my child in on the collection of class photos to be copied and distributed to classmates.
YES NO
It is okay to include my child on copies of the class video tape distributed to classmates.
YES NO
Child’s Name: ________________________
Parent/Guardian’s Name: __________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: __________________________________
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Week of Monday, June 5
Monday, June 05, 2006
Tomorrow we are having a school barbeque! The people who sign up for hot lunch will get a hamburger that was made on the grill, and they’ll eat in the cafeteria like normal. It’s not the same as the first grade barbeque, which is when each student brings one thing to share instead of eating in the cafeteria. For the first grade barbeque, we’ll all eat outside on the grass.
Mrs. Laurnen, the kindergarten teacher, got wallpaper samples for us. On Friday, we picked the wallpaper, one at a time, to make covers for our new poetry journals. They all have crazy designs on them. Some of the designs are flowers, and stripes, and boats, and leaves, and lines, and flannel, and spirals, and bumblebees. We start writing poetry tomorrow.
Tomorrow we are having a school barbeque! The people who sign up for hot lunch will get a hamburger that was made on the grill, and they’ll eat in the cafeteria like normal. It’s not the same as the first grade barbeque, which is when each student brings one thing to share instead of eating in the cafeteria. For the first grade barbeque, we’ll all eat outside on the grass.
Mrs. Laurnen, the kindergarten teacher, got wallpaper samples for us. On Friday, we picked the wallpaper, one at a time, to make covers for our new poetry journals. They all have crazy designs on them. Some of the designs are flowers, and stripes, and boats, and leaves, and lines, and flannel, and spirals, and bumblebees. We start writing poetry tomorrow.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Newsletter 23
2005-2006 Room 302—Newsletter 23 http://room302.blogspot.com
6/4/2006
Dear Families,
As I write this, we have 14 days of school left. It sure seems like there is a lot left to happen in the next 14 days. I’ll try to keep you up to date with what I know. The newsletters from the principal are a great source of info, too.
Rockets…
We still are waiting for delivery. The launch date will be June 14, starting with us ASAP in the morning, about 9:05 or so. That’s right in the middle of our big Literacy Week celebration, which is perfect. We hope to get the rockets by next weekend, so we’ll plan to build them the following Monday afternoon, June 12, around 1:40. Let me know if you plan to be here to help us build so that if those plans change, I can let you know.
Literacy Week…
This happens during our last full week of school, June 12-16. We’ll have assemblies every day, and theme days. I put them into the calendar below.
In writing….
My plan is to finish using journals this week, and spend the next two weeks exploring, writing, and sharing poetry. We’ll be getting new journals for that. If your child hasn’t shared his/her animal riddle with you, ask about it. We’ll be sharing those riddles with the Kindergarten classes, too.
In math….
A new game that you can play at home is Tens Concentration (or Memory). Use a regular deck of playing cards. Place the cards face down in some sort of grid. The object is to choose two cards that total 10. This has been very popular, and they love helping each other. (The students in this class have been so good about helping each other all year. You can be proud.) Have your child demonstrate.
Summer Birthdays…
We only have a few summer birthdays, but we’d love to celebrate them before the end of school. If your child has one, let me know if/when you’d like to send in treats, etc.
Chapter Book Read Aloud…
Gooney Bird Greene by Lois Lowry—we’ve just finished this. Stay tuned for the next (last?) one.
Snack…
Thanks to those people who were able to send more right away. If you’ve not yet had a chance to send in snack, now would be a great time.
First Grade Cookout…
Speaking of food, we would like to have a first grade barbeque/cookout on Friday, June 16 during our regular lunch time. We ask every family to contribute something, and join us, if possible, for lunch. Things we might need include a grill, a chef, something to cook like hot dogs or burgers, condiments, chips, napkins, drinks, cups, etc. Contact me by email or phone to let me know what you can contribute.
Calendar…
Saturday, June 3—Rien’s Birthday Monday, June 12—Hat Day / Rocket Building
Sunday, June 4—Walkathon/Bikeathon/Bike Rodeo Tuesday, June 13—Wacky Hair Day
Thursday, June 8-- Volunteer Luncheon Wednesday, June 14—Red, White, and Blue Day (Flag Day)
~~Rocket Launching
June 12-June 16—Literacy Week Thursday, June 15—Sports Day
Friday, June 16—First Grade Cookout/BBQ Friday, June 16—Hawaiian Day
Sunday, June 18—Fathers’ Day Tuesday, June 20—Fun Day/Field Day (p.m. only)
Thursday, June 22—Last Day of First; Early Release Saturday, June 24—Shelby’s Birthday
Sincerely,
Jeff
6/4/2006
Dear Families,
As I write this, we have 14 days of school left. It sure seems like there is a lot left to happen in the next 14 days. I’ll try to keep you up to date with what I know. The newsletters from the principal are a great source of info, too.
Rockets…
We still are waiting for delivery. The launch date will be June 14, starting with us ASAP in the morning, about 9:05 or so. That’s right in the middle of our big Literacy Week celebration, which is perfect. We hope to get the rockets by next weekend, so we’ll plan to build them the following Monday afternoon, June 12, around 1:40. Let me know if you plan to be here to help us build so that if those plans change, I can let you know.
Literacy Week…
This happens during our last full week of school, June 12-16. We’ll have assemblies every day, and theme days. I put them into the calendar below.
In writing….
My plan is to finish using journals this week, and spend the next two weeks exploring, writing, and sharing poetry. We’ll be getting new journals for that. If your child hasn’t shared his/her animal riddle with you, ask about it. We’ll be sharing those riddles with the Kindergarten classes, too.
In math….
A new game that you can play at home is Tens Concentration (or Memory). Use a regular deck of playing cards. Place the cards face down in some sort of grid. The object is to choose two cards that total 10. This has been very popular, and they love helping each other. (The students in this class have been so good about helping each other all year. You can be proud.) Have your child demonstrate.
Summer Birthdays…
We only have a few summer birthdays, but we’d love to celebrate them before the end of school. If your child has one, let me know if/when you’d like to send in treats, etc.
Chapter Book Read Aloud…
Gooney Bird Greene by Lois Lowry—we’ve just finished this. Stay tuned for the next (last?) one.
Snack…
Thanks to those people who were able to send more right away. If you’ve not yet had a chance to send in snack, now would be a great time.
First Grade Cookout…
Speaking of food, we would like to have a first grade barbeque/cookout on Friday, June 16 during our regular lunch time. We ask every family to contribute something, and join us, if possible, for lunch. Things we might need include a grill, a chef, something to cook like hot dogs or burgers, condiments, chips, napkins, drinks, cups, etc. Contact me by email or phone to let me know what you can contribute.
Calendar…
Saturday, June 3—Rien’s Birthday Monday, June 12—Hat Day / Rocket Building
Sunday, June 4—Walkathon/Bikeathon/Bike Rodeo Tuesday, June 13—Wacky Hair Day
Thursday, June 8-- Volunteer Luncheon Wednesday, June 14—Red, White, and Blue Day (Flag Day)
~~Rocket Launching
June 12-June 16—Literacy Week Thursday, June 15—Sports Day
Friday, June 16—First Grade Cookout/BBQ Friday, June 16—Hawaiian Day
Sunday, June 18—Fathers’ Day Tuesday, June 20—Fun Day/Field Day (p.m. only)
Thursday, June 22—Last Day of First; Early Release Saturday, June 24—Shelby’s Birthday
Sincerely,
Jeff
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Newsletter 22
2005-2006 Room 302—Newsletter 22 http://room302.blogspot.com
5/23/2006
Dear Families,
This has been on my computer for the last two weeks, but things have been happening and interfering. It’s just that time of year. I’m trying to roll with it, and along those lines: What a great week of teacher appreciation! It was a big help in easing stress and adding some extra fun. Thanks so much to everyone for all they did. It was all wonderful.
Rockets…
I’m so glad first grade was able to get in on the rocket thing. We do not yet have the dates for putting them together—that will depend on when they arrive—but the launch date looks to be June 14, starting with us ASAP in the morning, about 9:05 or so. My memory from last year was that having parent helpers when we put them together made things much easier—I’ll let you know when I know—and then it’s always fun to be out there and watch them launch. If you still haven’t sent in your $8 for a rocket, I think you could still get it in under the wire.
Field Trip…
Wow! The Seattle Children’s Theater always does such a nice job. This was a fabulous experience, greatly enhanced by all of the adults that came with us. I can’t thank them enough.
In writing….
I hope everyone found much to appreciate in the Mothers’ Day gifts. A lot of heartfelt work and concentration went into creating those pieces, from writing ideas in the rough draft to creating finished product, and all the steps in between.
In math….
Our latest math book is Number Games and Story Problems. The title pretty much says it all. The games offer not only a way to practice math skills in an authentic context, but also the social element that is so crucial in learning. They learn a lot from each other. The story problems are phrased in different ways that require the reader to really pay attention and figure out what is being asked, and they are a chance for students to practice using words, pictures, and numbers to explain thinking. Success depends on using reading, math, and writing skills all together.
Class Placement…
I hope everyone has had the chance to send back the informational form about their children to help us in placing them for next year. We try to take all relevant information into account during the process, and you’re the ones that know the children best. We’ll be going through that placement process Thursday afternoon.
Chapter Book Read Aloud…
Gooney Bird Greene by Lois Lowry
Snack…
We are getting pretty low, but I must say those graham crackers from the gingerbread houses sure lasted a long time. If you’ve not yet had a chance to send in snack, now would be a great time.
PTA Carnival
This is tomorrow, on Wednesday, May 24. They may still need volunteers. It looks to be a lot of fun!
Calendar…
Wednesday, May 24—Justyn’s Birthday Wednesday, May 24—PTA Carnival
Thursday, May 25—Early Release Day Friday, May 26—No School
Monday, May 29—No School (Memorial Day) Saturday, June 3—Rien’s Birthday
Sincerely,
Jeff
5/23/2006
Dear Families,
This has been on my computer for the last two weeks, but things have been happening and interfering. It’s just that time of year. I’m trying to roll with it, and along those lines: What a great week of teacher appreciation! It was a big help in easing stress and adding some extra fun. Thanks so much to everyone for all they did. It was all wonderful.
Rockets…
I’m so glad first grade was able to get in on the rocket thing. We do not yet have the dates for putting them together—that will depend on when they arrive—but the launch date looks to be June 14, starting with us ASAP in the morning, about 9:05 or so. My memory from last year was that having parent helpers when we put them together made things much easier—I’ll let you know when I know—and then it’s always fun to be out there and watch them launch. If you still haven’t sent in your $8 for a rocket, I think you could still get it in under the wire.
Field Trip…
Wow! The Seattle Children’s Theater always does such a nice job. This was a fabulous experience, greatly enhanced by all of the adults that came with us. I can’t thank them enough.
In writing….
I hope everyone found much to appreciate in the Mothers’ Day gifts. A lot of heartfelt work and concentration went into creating those pieces, from writing ideas in the rough draft to creating finished product, and all the steps in between.
In math….
Our latest math book is Number Games and Story Problems. The title pretty much says it all. The games offer not only a way to practice math skills in an authentic context, but also the social element that is so crucial in learning. They learn a lot from each other. The story problems are phrased in different ways that require the reader to really pay attention and figure out what is being asked, and they are a chance for students to practice using words, pictures, and numbers to explain thinking. Success depends on using reading, math, and writing skills all together.
Class Placement…
I hope everyone has had the chance to send back the informational form about their children to help us in placing them for next year. We try to take all relevant information into account during the process, and you’re the ones that know the children best. We’ll be going through that placement process Thursday afternoon.
Chapter Book Read Aloud…
Gooney Bird Greene by Lois Lowry
Snack…
We are getting pretty low, but I must say those graham crackers from the gingerbread houses sure lasted a long time. If you’ve not yet had a chance to send in snack, now would be a great time.
PTA Carnival
This is tomorrow, on Wednesday, May 24. They may still need volunteers. It looks to be a lot of fun!
Calendar…
Wednesday, May 24—Justyn’s Birthday Wednesday, May 24—PTA Carnival
Thursday, May 25—Early Release Day Friday, May 26—No School
Monday, May 29—No School (Memorial Day) Saturday, June 3—Rien’s Birthday
Sincerely,
Jeff
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Week of Monday, May 15
Friday, May 19, 2006
We didn’t have writing today. Amber’s dog came and surprised us instead. Amber’s foster mom came in with the dog and let us pet it. Amber’s dog is from China, called a Pekingese. It was the emperor of China’s dog. It’s 12 weeks old and fuzzy. He’s little: he weighs about 4 lbs. He licked us on our hands and faces. She had to pull him on his leash every time because he wouldn’t move, and he slid on his bottom. He wiggled a lot, and once Amber accidentally dropped him, but he was okay. Before they got the puppy, the puppy’s mother pulled too hard on his umbilical cord when it was being born and split the puppy’s stomach, so the puppy had to get stitches. Now the puppy has a big, long scar on his tummy. We had so much fun with Amber’s dog, Tieckey!
We didn’t have writing today. Amber’s dog came and surprised us instead. Amber’s foster mom came in with the dog and let us pet it. Amber’s dog is from China, called a Pekingese. It was the emperor of China’s dog. It’s 12 weeks old and fuzzy. He’s little: he weighs about 4 lbs. He licked us on our hands and faces. She had to pull him on his leash every time because he wouldn’t move, and he slid on his bottom. He wiggled a lot, and once Amber accidentally dropped him, but he was okay. Before they got the puppy, the puppy’s mother pulled too hard on his umbilical cord when it was being born and split the puppy’s stomach, so the puppy had to get stitches. Now the puppy has a big, long scar on his tummy. We had so much fun with Amber’s dog, Tieckey!