Today was a teacher planning day so there was no school for the children. Today was a great day because so much was accomplished. I loved having the time to prepare for the week, complete report cards, and decorate/clean the classroom. Sadly, these days only occur four times a year. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a couple extra planning days a year?
Halloween is just a short week away. It may be a good idea for you to explain a few safety tips to your children. You may be the only source they have. Here are a few things that you should cover:
1. Go trick or treating with an adult
2. Don’t eat candy that has been tampered with or opened
3. Don’t talk to strangers
4. Say “thank you”
5. Don’t eat any candy until you get home, dump it out, and sort through it with an adult
6. Stay in groups
Many students now a days have self esteem issues. It’s hard to believe that a seven-year-olds can have stress, but it’s true. I’ve found a great activity that helps boost their self esteem and get them smiling in no time. It’s also great as a first day ice-breaker.
Have students sit on the floor in a circle. You should also be in this circle. You will pass around a cup with three sticks (popcicle sticks are fine) in the cup. One stick will say me, you, and both. When the student chooses a stick from the cup, let’s say “me” for instance, they must say something nice/positive about themselves. If they choose the stick that says “you” they must say something nice about the person to their left. If they choose the “both” stick they will say something nice about themselves as well as the person to their left. Once they pick the stick they should put it directly back in the cup for the next person. Do this activity until each students has had a turn.
This would be a great activity for all ages. It’s a simple template that can easily be incorporated in all subjects or have students try and complete the activity on their own by seeing if they followed directions. Check out the link below for printing instructions as well as more information.
I was getting sick of running copies of worksheets for my students. I decided that instead of running off copies of letter tracing and writing sentences, I would laminate them prior. Now the students go to the writing center and use dry erase markers to trace the letters and sentences. They seem to enjoy the activity more because they can use these special markers that can easily be wiped away. I on the other hand save trees by limiting the copies I make. It’s truly a win-win situation. I have now converted many of my worksheets and writing papers to lamination.
Clown Shapes
I was trying to find a fun activity for my students that incorporated shapes. Luckily I came across a great activity for my students. Students are given a large circle (clowns face) and several smaller shapes (various size triangles, circles, moon, etc.). The students must cut out the shapes (which is also a great way for them to practice their fine motor skills) and place them on the face/large circle. I found this cute activity at First School along with many other informative activities.
I just received a new student today and she speaks very little English. Although I am ESOL endorsed and trained, this is my frist experience with a student. I am a little nervous especially because she is reading well below grade level and her mother does not speak English as well. If you have any tips, please let me know.
