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