Recent Changes

Discussion #4
The part about accepting that you can never really know what is going on in the life of a child really hit home for me. I think we just assume that all these kids come from "normal", well-adjusted homes. That is the exception, not the rule. We have no idea what these kids go through when they leave us each day. Getting to know these children and their situations can go a long way in learning how to reach them.

Discussion #4
I enjoyed having my students come to my house when I was looping. We had a back-to-school party and a Halloween party. It was a lot of fun for them and me. I also invited the parents to help me work on my memory books and after the children were no longer in my class, we began to get together for "Girl's Nights." I don't like to do that sort of thing when the kids are in my class because it could show favoritism but it was a way for us to stay in touch once the children weren't in my class. I like to send lots of postcards to the kids and thank you notes to parents. It makes them feel valued and appreciated, which they are. There are many simple things you can prepare ahead of time to thank someone when they go out of their way for you. I used to have thank you cards made with a piece of candy attached. If a parent volunteered that day, I put one in their child's folder. I've gotten my students together over the summer so they can see and play with each other. We've met at McDonalds, gone to the movies, etc. I like to go to birthday parties when invited, church events, etc. One of my students sang at my church before. It was amazing. He was only five and sang in front of hundreds of people! What a brave young man!

Discussion #3
I think it is very important to welcome students to school each day, greet them and let them know their arrival is important to you, make the most of every moment, and definitely dress professionally. I think we've gotten away from that some and I don't think it's a good thing. We need to dress more professionally than our kids. I also really like the idea of not stressing the test so much. We so often hear "When you take the EOGs" from the first couple weeks of school! We may stress over it but it shouldn't be constantly stressing it to the kids. I think if we just genuinely try our very best, we can accomplish a lot. I also like "Smile!" :)

Discussion #2
I like Cathy's comment. Definitely food for thought to make sure kids develop effective study habits. I also agree that parents should read this book, too. I love the book "Reading Magic" (that should be underlined but where's the underline feature:) and suggested it to parents before and actually had one borrow it, read it, and write me a note about how much she liked it. I'm sure there are some parents who would be willing to read it.

Discussion #1
I like the "Make it happen. Don't give excuses; find solutions!" I also truly believe in working hard to help children develop a love for learning, teach children to believe in themselves, make learning magical, etc. It's hard to stop. I was fortunate to visit RCA before and it's a great place. The children all have to pay some sort of tuition and they have some very high expectations. It's a really neat place. Ron Clark does it up in style when you visit there. You can't help but be on fire for teaching.

Discussion #1
Hey-just checking out the technology and where we should be in our reading. I like the book so far and wish we could really implement the ideas whole school not just individual people. Everyone, of course, has their strengths and weaknesses. Our school as a whole, has always done a great job helping level 1s and 2s learn to cope. Somehow we need to add stretching the 3s and 4s to do more than mediocre activities. They outshine other students in our school , but when competing with students of their own abilities, they don't shine as brightly. Also, we used to do more things with multiple intelligences so that students who have issues with pencil/paper activities can find ways to be excellent. As soon as I finish part 1 I'll have something more on task to say. (No, maybe not then either, ha,ha.)

Discussion #3
I really like the concept of giving each child a chance to respond. I am forever having to the tell other students, "Thank you for your help and enthusiasm, but please give a chance to figure it out."

Discussion #3
Treating each child like they were my own. I have a happy voice and a happy face. None of my student like my NOT happy face or voice. Often times I bring snacks and clothes to differnt students just because they ask. Before Christmas break all the students cut out or pointed to different things they wanted for Christmas. Between all the educators in the room we managed to get them something they liked. When they opened all there stuff I almost cried!! Those little faces broke my heart. The students in our class feel like our classroom is a 2nd home they have everything from toothbrushes, clothes, toys and A TON of LOVE and understanding. Just like my child at home!

Discussion #1
I still dont have a core principle that I like the best. They all are good. In part 1
I liked uplifting other adults who play a role in the lives of our children. I like to think I lead by example. I it burns me up when people come in my room and say thinks like "they can't do that" or "I was going to do this but I wasnt sure they can do it!!" They did'nt even give my little students a change. I get a kick out of helping them do what they wernt going to do or doing without them and when they come back in the room the activity is DONE!! I make sure they know the students that did on there own or with help. We display all the students work for ALL to see! I at silly and say the strangest thing. Sometimes my behavior rubs off on them:) Listening is also super important! Some of our children are nonverbal. So I have to listen not only with my ears but my eyes too! This is a skill we all can improve on and I am getting better each day!! Workign with these children has been a true blessing to me!!!!!!!

Discussion #4
I thinks having the children and parent attend an event at the school they would attend in the coming year or years like football or basketball games. Even fall festival or plays Grays Creek High puts on. The Grays creek area is rich in talent!! Having the students see what the middle or High school students are doing would be a wonderful fun way to inspire and show encouagement. Ms.Hurley took a student to a Creeks Creek Football. The child was soooo excited he talked about for days and wrote about in his daily journal!