Quote of the Week

"The price of greatness is responsibility." - Winston Churchill

Classroom Procedure Review

Classroom Procedures Review is available for free at Teachers Pay Teachers and Teacher's Notebook.

This year I used this form to help me teach my classroom procedures.  I kept a copy handy the first few days of school to make sure I was intentionally teaching how the classroom works.  After the first week of school, I gave the students a copy and we reviewed a few procedures at a time using a think pair share.

I know later in the year, I may have a new student who needs to learn these procedures.  When this happens I have the other students review.  I plan to use this sheet to help us all remember the routines in the room.

The Popularity Papers by Amy Ignatow

Lydia and Julie want to be popular so they create a notebook of observations about the popular girls in the school and their own experiments trying to get this desired status.  Results vary.

I have been collecting books that address upper elementary girl friendships.  This series is definitely added to my list.

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Seeking Balance Part 4: Stop Comparing

Last week I stayed late to finish putting together my student portfolios.  I was working efficiently and cheerfully until I met a colleague in the hall who was conferencing with her all parents the second week of school.

Immediately I began questioning how I was spending my time.  Should I schedule early conferences with all my parents too?

The week before another teacher stopped by my room where I was -- again -- working late creating lessons customized to the students and their interests in my room.  She was suddenly questioning whether she should do the same. Enough.

I know this goes on in every school building.  We all want to do our jobs well.  I have to stop comparing myself with other fabulous teachers.  I can't do it all.  Neither can you.

No one is putting this pressure on me...at least at my school.  We have much freedom to run our classrooms our way as long as we are meeting the assessment deadlines and teaching to the standards.  I need to change the self-talk.  I am good enough.

Is anybody with me on this?

Quote of the Week

 

"No great man ever complains of want of opportunity." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Friday the Thirteenth List Poem

Today is Friday the Thirteenth and I thought I would share a poetry lesson I have taught about superstitions.

Directions to the students:

Collect a list of superstitions from your friends, family or the internet.  Write a story called "The Unlucky Day" or write a list poem using some of the superstitions you found.

Here is a free poetry printable of my list poem originally published on Poems of Silliness.

Here is my poem "Unless" that follows a Good Luck Bad Luck pattern.  (It also includes some more superstitions as a jumping off place for your research.)

For more poetry to use in your classroom, visit Poems of Silliness.  The tags are organized by poetry form and the bar across the top allows you to search by key word.  No registration required.
Update October 2015: I recently packaged all my superstition activities as a freebie in my Teachers Pay Teachers and my Teachers Notebook stores.

The Year the Swallows Came Early by Kathryn Fitzmaurice

 

When Eleanor "Groovy" Robinson's father is arrested and put in jail, her plans for cooking school are put on hold.  Her best friend's mother reappears after a mysterious absence and both children learn about family and the power of forgiveness.

Sometimes students have to live with big disappointments caused by their own parents.  I found this book realistic and relatable for ages 10-13.

 

 

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