September 2, 2013

Weekly Greetings!

           Last week we finished the Six Keys we need in our class for a successful year. Each day I introduced a new key by reading an age appropriate story that was connected with the focus key. We then talked about what that key could look like in our class. The next step was to create a symbol that represented that key and do a craft that showed a picture of something relating to that key. Finally, the students had a special little treat that symbolized the key. The basic examples of the symbols, treats, and books are:

1.) Safety- The book used was a humorous book called Never Ride Your Elephant to School. We then discussed what it means to have a safe class and things we could do to help each other be safe. For a symbol, we cradled our arms like rocking a baby. The Kindergarten made a craft that was a golden key with a safety ring attached to it. The 1^st and 2^nd grade students drew themselves doing some of the safe things we discussed, then they drew what it would look like if the broke the safety rule. Life Savers were the treat because we help each other stay safe.

2.) Love and Belonging- The book used was Rainbow Fish. The focus was that fish school and stay together to create a caring community. We discussed what it looks like to have a feeling of love and belonging in our classroom.  For a symbol we crossed our arms as a hug, and younger students created another golden key with a rainbow fish on it.  The 1^st and 2^nd grade students again made a compare and contrast page of respecting the key, as compared to breaking the rule. A Hershey’s Hug was the treat because we love and care for each other.

3.) Freedom and Independence- The book used was All By Myself.  We talked about how the little boy in the story was learning to do things on his own. The more we can do independently, the more freedoms we can have in our classroom. Then we reflected on how we could model that in our class. For a symbol we used waving our arms to fly like a Superhero, because they are all super students with lots of potential. Each group did a similar craft to remember the key. To celebrate the lesson we enjoyed a Starburst fruit treat because each student is bursting with star power.

4.) Fun and Enjoyment- The book was Amazing Grace. Using Grace’s fun loving experiences, we talked about what it looked like to have fun and be happy in our classroom. For a symbol we used big smiles, and each younger student created another golden key with a smiley face. The 1^st and 2^nd grade students continued to make a compare and contrast page of respecting the key, as compared to breaking the rule. A Twizzler treat twisted into a smile was used as the treat because when we have fun we smile and are happy.

5.) Valued Purpose- The book used was another Rainbow Fish book called and the main point was that each one of us are special and we will be having valuable learning experiences while in school this year. The craft for the Kindergarten was a golden key with a shell filled with precious treasures in it to tie into the story.  Another compare and contrast page was completed by the 1^st and 2^nd grade students. For a symbol we patted our hearts because the students are full of gifts and treasure in their hearts that they will discover this year. For the treat they all got a rich Dove chocolate, just like each one of them is full of rich hidden treasure inside.

6.) Success- The book used was The Little Engine That Could. We discussed how to be successful by not giving up and “thinking we can” do things even when it might seem hard. For a symbol we used two thumbs up and again the Kindergarten students made another golden key showing a trophy for success. The 1^st and 2^nd grades completed the last page for their compare and contrast book. An Almond Joy treat was the special treat for the key because the students will be filled with joy when they succeeded.

When we finished all six keys, we revisited each key and discussed everything the students remembered about what that key will look like in our classroom. Each student will have their own key book to help them remember what is needed for a successful year. Then I read The Hare and the Tortoise, and discussed never giving up despite how impossible something may appear. Each student made a school promise that is recorded on a worksheet with a picture showing themselves keeping their promise. The promises will be posted on the Commitment Wall outside our classroom and displayed all year.

On Friday, each grade group worked together on a cooperative learning activity. We read a book called You Are Special and they were each given a puzzle piece to express what they feel good about doing. There are pictures for the 1st and 2nd grade, but too many Kindergarteners were absent on that day so I will have pictures from their puzzle when they can all complete it.

In addition, everyday during Math the students have an opportunity to work together at the Math Path center, if they have correctly completed their daily assignment early. I have introduced colorful mats for the students to use to help them remember to stay in one location when working together. That way the others can complete their work without distraction, as you can see in the photos to follow.

           This week I will start sending homework home every night through Thursday. On Friday, I will send home the class work that was completed that week for you to review with your child. There will also be a book for you to read to your child to help with their language development. The number one factor in student success is how much a child has been read to at an early age. If the book is returned the next day, then they can pick another one to take home. Some nights there will be a photo copied reader for them to read to you. If your child does their homework every night, then they can pick from the prize box on Friday. This year I also plan to do something special with the students that have done their homework regularly each month.

Have a great week!