Great Pencil Challenge
On the school supply list, students are to bring in a zippered pencil pouch. This pencil pouch will be used for the "Great Pencil Challenge" throughout the school year. Each student will be given 6 sharpened pencils and an eraser at the beginning of the week to use. It is their responsibility to take care and keep track of the pencils. When pencils are used in normal wear and tear will be replaced as needed, and students who need more for careless reasons can "purchase" with our classroom economy.
Flexible Seating
What is flexible seating? When students are working, they have the flexibility to choose where they sit. Flexible seating is based on research finding that students are more productive when they are working comfortably. In our classroom we have non-traditional seating choices. Students must follow the following expectations to participate and to not cause a problem for others.
We are always looking for more flexible seating options, if you or your child has an idea or would like to donate some flexible seating options, please contact Mrs. DeBois.
What is flexible seating? When students are working, they have the flexibility to choose where they sit. Flexible seating is based on research finding that students are more productive when they are working comfortably. In our classroom we have non-traditional seating choices. Students must follow the following expectations to participate and to not cause a problem for others.
- Choose a spot that will help you do your best.
- Use seats appropriately.
- If a spot is not working for you, talk to Mrs. DeBois about choosing a new spot where you will be successful.
- Any teacher can move anyone at anytime for not being respectful or responsible.
We are always looking for more flexible seating options, if you or your child has an idea or would like to donate some flexible seating options, please contact Mrs. DeBois.
FUNdations
This year we won’t have weekly spelling tests. Research shows that students do not successfully retain rote memorization spelling words. They memorize them for the week, to not remember how to spell them later.
We will continue to work on spelling rules to apply to multiple types of words and we will move to a unit test (1-3 weeks; just varies on unit). This year students will also be learning cursive during their lessons!
This year we won’t have weekly spelling tests. Research shows that students do not successfully retain rote memorization spelling words. They memorize them for the week, to not remember how to spell them later.
We will continue to work on spelling rules to apply to multiple types of words and we will move to a unit test (1-3 weeks; just varies on unit). This year students will also be learning cursive during their lessons!
Centers
Centers are utilized during both math and language arts instructions. Centers are consisted of small groups of students who are grouped together based on ability. Small groups are fluid and constantly changing based on the needs of the students. During small groups I am able to meet students at their level and give more direct instruction in a smaller setting for longer set of time. While one small group is meeting with Mrs. DeBois, other students are doing center work independently. Rotations last approx. 20-30 minutes and I will see small groups every other day so that I am able to maximize the time with the students.
Centers are utilized during both math and language arts instructions. Centers are consisted of small groups of students who are grouped together based on ability. Small groups are fluid and constantly changing based on the needs of the students. During small groups I am able to meet students at their level and give more direct instruction in a smaller setting for longer set of time. While one small group is meeting with Mrs. DeBois, other students are doing center work independently. Rotations last approx. 20-30 minutes and I will see small groups every other day so that I am able to maximize the time with the students.
Volunteers
Classroom volunteers are invaluable. Parent volunteers make an enormous difference in the lives of children, and your effort provides a great amount of help to our class and your child. There are MANY ways to volunteer. If you would like to volunteer, please contact me via email or fill out a packet in the office!
Classroom volunteers are invaluable. Parent volunteers make an enormous difference in the lives of children, and your effort provides a great amount of help to our class and your child. There are MANY ways to volunteer. If you would like to volunteer, please contact me via email or fill out a packet in the office!
Sundae Party!
Students can earn a sundae by mastering their multiplication facts. Students will set up a day to test with Mrs. DeBois. For each level they pass, they earn the next part of their sundae. At the end of the year we will have a sundae party (p.s.-I am looking for volunteers for that :) )
Students can earn a sundae by mastering their multiplication facts. Students will set up a day to test with Mrs. DeBois. For each level they pass, they earn the next part of their sundae. At the end of the year we will have a sundae party (p.s.-I am looking for volunteers for that :) )
Birthdays
Birthdays are an important yearly milestone and deserved to be celebrated!
If you are looking for a way to celebrate your child's birthday without sweets, please read about the birthday book club below!
You can choose to participate in the Birthday Book Club. This is an optional, yet wonderful, way of exposing children to the beauty of literature, adding to our classroom library and celebrating your child's birthday. On your child’s birthday, he or she may bring in book to give to the class. You are more than welcome to come in and read your birthday book to the class in celebration of your child. Inside the cover, you can write a note or dedication. This special book will remain in the class all year long!
Birthdays are an important yearly milestone and deserved to be celebrated!
If you are looking for a way to celebrate your child's birthday without sweets, please read about the birthday book club below!
You can choose to participate in the Birthday Book Club. This is an optional, yet wonderful, way of exposing children to the beauty of literature, adding to our classroom library and celebrating your child's birthday. On your child’s birthday, he or she may bring in book to give to the class. You are more than welcome to come in and read your birthday book to the class in celebration of your child. Inside the cover, you can write a note or dedication. This special book will remain in the class all year long!