The Day After Progress Reports

Parents are asking great questions.

“When do we see a break down of the assignments?” I will send an attached breakdown of the assignments in a given subject when a student drops below a C-.

“How did the grade change so quickly from the last report?” Depending on the number of assignments in the book, a grade can change rapidly with only a few assignments. There’s also the tested material versus the homework. It is weighted a little more. The daily work will outweigh the tests overall in a grading period.

“Should I set up an appointment to come in and talk?” Only after you’ve talked with your child first. They are more knowledgeable than you may give credit. A student knows why they have slipped in their grades most of the time. Typically it’s a result in low daily work scores, not studying for a test, or not taking advantage of redo opportunities.

“Can you give extra credit to bring the grades up?” I don’t give extra credit to bring grades up. I do provide extra credit opportunities in each area for students who wish to take advantage of extra points.

“What can we do to help?” Provide a quiet study environment. Provide a daily routine for studying. Provide your assistance in looking over work, reading with them, and being a sounding board as they work through problems.

Happy Festivus

In the words of Cosmo Kramer, "It's a Festivus Miracle!"

With Commercial Christmas in full swing, it's important to remember the true meaning behind Christmas. This reminder of holiday traditions was displayed well through a Seinfeld episode called "The Strike." In it, a brash reminder that while all holidays hold their traditions, Frank Costanza was not about to be caught up in the commercialism of Christmas and thus came up with FESTIVUS. So I say Merry Christmas, God Bless, and if your counting down the days until you receive all your presents... Happy Festivus.

The Festivus Pole made of aluminum....

Cosmo Kramer: Is there a tree?
Frank Costanza: No, instead, there's a pole. It requires no decoration. I find tinsel distracting.

The Airing of Grievances....

Frank Costanza: I got a lot of problems with you people!

The Feats of Strength....

Frank Costanza : All right, George. It's time for the Festivus Feats of Strength!
George Costanza: No! No! No feats of strength!

Loud, Proud, and .... What Could You Speak Up!!

Our class is in the middle of a project to create an Native American village depicting the life of certain Michigan tribes. As the assignment went out, the groups assigned, and the planning phase about to begin, students began vying for position within the herd. I wish business people could spend a day in a classroom and watch in awe as students have to be taught how to handle themselves in a cooperative group manner. I think as adults we take for granted the sanity at which we coexist among our peers. We forget the days of school and being a kid in a class where boundaries are constantly being tested and tried. Where the common social rules don't necessarily apply 100% of the time. After all, it's a learning environment.

While the kids use the 'If I yell louder then the next person, I will win' technique, I'm brought back to my own home and the interactions we have among five people. The youngest child just so happens to be the loudest. Why? I've come to the conclusion it's because he wants to be heard. He wants to give his opinion, and just like all of us, whatever he's about to say needs to be heard by everyone (including the neighbors). If he's not in 'yell' mode then he will be easily and quickly dismissed. Hmmmmm, just like the kids in class. It's talk loudly first, listen second.
So am I witnessing learned behavior or survival behavior? If the survival behavior is not modified at home than doesn't it then become learned behavior?

What's your thoughts?
Is your home different?

Shopping - Leave It to Santa I Say


I did it.

Always knew of it. Never really gave it much thought. Wanted to see if it was all that.
So, I did it.

I went out shopping on Black Friday. Yep, woke up at the crack of 6-ish; actually got up and out of bed by 6:20 in the AM. Cup of coffee, a breakfast bar, warmed the car up, another cup of coffee, and we were off. We traveled a full 8 miles to reach our destination. I was literally ready for the experience! I had heard about the pushing, the shoving, the grabbing, the pulling, the tugging, the raucous crowds.....I wanted the full blown experience. Best Buy seemed to be the Best Bet. Television depicted people lining up the night before just to get the great deals. The doors slid open and I entered like a cowboy of the old west entering through the swinging doors of the saloon - ready for the carnage!!

What I thought and what I experienced were two different things. First of all, there was no pushing or shoving (people were way to tired for that). There were, however, a number of long lines. Lines that seem to weave from no where and yet went everywhere.

Deals? I saw no deals! In fact, the lady in the line behind me had her spouse reference the fact that she could get the same movies, for the same price, on a different day. He was right! I personally had a few items that had no special mark down. Yet, I was determined to go through the full experience and stick it out.

I've come to one conclusion. Black Friday is a whole lot of hype for the effort. When it comes to bargain shopping next year, I'm going to leave it to Santa and the Internet.

A Matter of Time

There's daily language time, reading time, snack time, recess time, lunch time, 2nd recess time, silent reading time, study time, work time, and going home time. Oh yeah, there's also the stuff in between all that time - school. After the daily school time, there could possibly be homework time, depending on how the time management went during the day time.

I once calculated my time in a day and came to the conclusion/realization that on any given day I typically spend 10-12 hours of time on school related work, plus an extra 2-5 hours on coaching (when in season). Wow! Good thing for summer time.

There's one all important time I haven't mentioned and it's the most important one of all - Family Time. You see, the reason I calculated my time was because I had been missing a great deal of family time. When you take in the fact that out of a typical day we spend all this time doing work related things, we get home and we tune in (or tune out might be more appropriate) to the television / favorite gaming system for a little relaxation time. Where then is the interactive family time? These are the most important people in our lives and yet we give them very little time. Wouldn't it be interesting to calculate your family time for the week? Afterall, when all is said and done, time flies,.... so which out of all the times mentioned matters the most to you?

ET Has Nothing On Us!





Our class spent a good portion of a day improving reading skills without actually reading! What? Can it be true? We went to work on building our own listening devices to be used in daily reading. With each student having his/her own phone, students will be able to listen to themselves more attentively and catch more mistakes.

Using donated PVC piping and borrowing a power tool, students intertwined the use of measurement, art, design techniques, and vocational skills, all in the name of better reading. The device helps to amplify sound with the student reading softly. Through oral reading students are also able to catch possible errors on writing assignments as well.
Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Reading!

Reputation

Also known as character. An opinion of a person held by another or oneself. A perception of one in society. A certain perspective. Some gain a reputation through acts, while others through attitude or personal traits. Some build a reputation that may stand out or proceed them, while others carry little reputation among a group. Reputation.
Our class looked at two questions very carefully and honestly after a lengthy discussion. They were to answer the following two questions: What is my reputation like? What is the reputation of my class like?
Students will have posted their responses by mid-day on November 20.

A.R.; not Aaaaaargh!

"Wah, wah wah. Wah wah wah, book report. Wah wah wah, for a grade. Wah wah, due by, wah wah wah wah wa."
"Aaaaaarrggh!"
"Charlie Brown are you okay?!"
"No, not really. The teacher just gave us a book report assignment. I'm just a cartoon character and don't even know how to read!!! And not only that, but when she does that 'wah wah - thing', I have no idea what she's saying!"

Well, the Charlie Browns of the world can relax with the new Accelerated Reader program (A.R.) that's up and running at Roosevelt Elementary. Students can choose from a variety of books that are marked for the A.R. program. After reading the book, they simply notify the teacher that they have completed a book (at their level) and they take a computerized comprehensive test. They will then receive points for the correct responses. Sounds simple enough, right? Wait, there's more!

With the points students earn they can receive prizes from the prize box - or bank their money until the a later time, for a larger pay off. The reward system is two-fold: Points go towards the class and to the individual. Wait there's more! (wah wah, wah)

As the teacher, I have to opportunity to track student progress! A.R. provides a number of reports to the teacher for assessment and evaluation. So, Charlie Brown, you see..... reading can be fun, rewarding, and educational without the three page, double spaced, don't forget your name, book report!!

The Red, White, and Blue

The class had an excellent opportunity to meet and speak with the designer of the 50 star flag for the United States of America, Mr. Bob Heft. Mr. Heft spent about an hour sharing in great detail his patriotic stories and the way in which the design came about. The students designed their own flags as a group project (some still in progress), but the one thing we discovered is that over time the only thing to really change on the flag is the number of stars (representing the states). The reason behind the subtle change is to keep our National Flag recognizable around the world, and to keep the symbols of the flag forever waving. To hear more about Mr. Heft and the flag, talk with your child.

A Student Challenge in Spelling
for the week of 11-20-06

Below are your original list of 25 words (the top 20 represent your core words - ar / or). Come up with a new list of 20 core words if you can that hold true to the spelling for this week. Develop your list of 20 and gain extra wisdom as well as extra credit. Warning - you may not use a word that is on a prior posting......happy word hunting!

Core 20:

door dart fort morning carpet ford core cord spark award smart charge worn argue stormy bore guard ward warp barnyard

Review / Challenge:
screech shrimp throat charcoal forecast

Conference Time


As parents prepare for their 15 minutes of time with the teacher, I'm sure a wide range of opinions are discussed in the house, from 'why do we need to meet anyway?' to 'do you think 15 mintues is enough time?' to 'who's the teacher again?' - from where I sit as a teacher to what I feel as a parent, the full range is experienced. As a teacher, I look forward to meeting with the parents and sharing all the work and progress that we've had in class. Sharing their child's success is enjoyable and getting the 'otherside' of the child from the parent's perspective is always helpful. I'm scheduled to be in my class for 'X'-amount of hours to meet with parents. I plan for it. I'm there. I'm more than willing to talk. As a parent, I'm competely the opposite. You mean I have to leave my comfortable chair at home, where I have everything I need (remote control, foot rest, small throw pillow, and snacks), leave the house, and go to the school to talk about my child; who is now at home sitting in my chair, drinking my soda, eating my snack, and losing my remote control to some cushion to be determined at a later date! And, don't forget I have three kids which means I have more time devoted to listening to the teacher(s) talk. Of course, let's also not forget the standing in the hallway because a conference just ran over. For me, as a parent, the words 'let's go to a conference' and 'let's go shopping' have the same familiar ring to them. My wife, on the other hand, likes to do both - it's fun for her. I feel I have a handle on the growth of my kids, and what could a conference tell me that I don't already know?

Are you getting enough information? As a parent, do you feel that the communication between school and home is adequate? Do you feel that you have a handle on your child's development? Is there something missing that you wish you knew about your child's education? Do you have daily, weekly, monthly feedback? If the answer to these questions are yes, then what is it that you are looking for out of a conference?

As a parent, I want to get that one intangible - I want to hear the teacher's take on my child's social life in a large group setting - the class. Do they interact? Are they kind, respectful, polite, funny,....is it what I see at home or are they completely different at school. But then,.... what if I don't necessarily like what I'm hearing the teacher say? I might get a little defensive deep down and think 'Who is this teacher to judge my kid.' It's a fine line of what I want to hear and being careful of what I want to hear because I might get something I wasn't looking for.

Conference time summed up. It's about interaction. It's about face to face time with teacher and parent. It's about the delicious treats set out in the hallway. It's about getting in conversation every aspect of educational and social development within the right amount of time alloted. And in good teacher fashion..... I look forward to seeing you soon! In good parent fashion (and if your like me), I'll try my best to be brief, to the point, and get you back in your chair at home. In good parent fashion, if your like my wife, we'll have some fun and laughs along the way.

The First Rule of Winning - What's Stopping YOU

Motivaional speeches aside - the winning attitude has taken it's licks in a society where winning has become an all or nothing endeavor (from youth sports to the professionals). Why? Since when did having a winnning attitude become a bad thing? Why is it that we look for non-competitive arenas for children to succeed (or at least feel as though they have) - did we lose our sense of being a kid at some point? I remember the sting of losing as a kid - I also remember that sting lasting all the way to the ice cream store or when a team parent opened up the cooler full of treats. Just as in losing, I remember those moments of victory.

Winning and losing are life lessons. Character is determined by how you handle each. How are students to develop a sense of character when they are sheltered from the competition and from the win/loss finality of it all. In coaching, I've had teams that should not win and do, and I've had teams that should not lose and do. In both situations I have been pleased to see character developing in these young people. It's great just to be in competition and to have the fortitutde to want to succeed.

If there's one thing that must take top priority in a winning attitutde, it's the 'what's stopping you' part. You are to be measured by yourself. Not by a teammate or another team. You are to first be measured by you. How much better can you be than what you were a day ago? How much better can you compete than you did a day ago? How much more do you want to succeed than you did a day ago? What's stopping You?! A winning attitude is a wonderful thing that motivates us, drives us, and eventually compells us to go for more. You can see this winning attitude everywhere, in any situation. The real question is, can you see it in you; and what are you going to do about it?