Back Into the Groove Without Missing a Beat

We're Off and Running!
From day one, everyone in our class has been working together to contribute to a positive learning environment; we have a collection of kind, respectful, and responsible students!  The second graders started the school year without missing a beat, and the first graders transitioned seamlessly into their new classroom.  The poster in our classroom says, “Team: Together everyone achieves more.”  Our class goal for the year is to continue being great teammates.
The students brainstormed some “ground rules” for our classroom.  The following is a list of their ideas for our classroom rules:  Be respectful; be responsible; be safe; raise your hand; no running; don’t take anything that isn’t yours; be quiet when someone is talking; keep our floors clean; when you take something out, put it back exactly where you got it from; do not touch the SmartBoard without permission; sit quietly in front of the classroom before school starts; and be where you are supposed to be.

We started off the week getting familiar with the daily routine.  When the bell rings at 7:30, the students come into the classroom, sign in, and then pick an activity for free time.  Some of the favorites so far include working with the math manipulatives, reading, building blocks, computers, card games, and writing.












At 8:00, we begin our Morning Meeting, which includes the Pledge of Allegiance, calendar, weather, daily schedule, and morning message.  The students are so capable that they run the Morning Meeting by themselves! 

Reading Workshop follows our meeting, and this week the students have been getting familiar with some of the different books in our classroom library.  Today the second graders shared some of their favorite books that they read in first grade.  A highlight of reading time is “partner reading,” when the students get to read any book they would like to with a friend and discuss what they’re reading.  We have a room full of enthusiastic readers!

We have Math every morning, and the first and second graders are great at doing the room switcheroo.  The first graders in our class head next door to work with Ms. Revard, and the second graders from Ms. Revard’s class come over and join us.  Stay tuned for the “Family Letters” that will be sent home with your child as we work our way through the Math Investigations units.

After a morning full of learning, the children are ready for some fuel for their brains and some recess!  We venture out to the ballfield or structure for snack and recess, hoping for some sunny weather from 9:40-10:00 a.m. daily.


From 10:00 a.m. on, our schedule varies depending on the day of the week.  The students have specials daily (PE and Music on Tuesday and Thursday, CE on Wednesday and Friday, and Art on Friday).  So, depending on the time of specials, the time block for our Writing and Inquiry period shifts.  During Writing Workshop this week, the students have been writing about their summer adventures.  It’s always exciting to hear the students exclaim, “Yeah!” when it’s Writer’s Workshop time.  The creative juices are really starting to flow in Room 11!



One thing is for sure every day: we have lunch at 11:30, followed by recess at 12:00.












At the end of the school day, we spend some time reflecting on our learning from the day, and if time allows, I read aloud to the class.  Then, it’s off to autoline or afterschool care.  If for some reason there is a change in your usual pick-up routine, please send a note with your child, e-mail me, or call the office or classroom.  Your child’s safety is our number-one priority.

   

Posted on August 14, 2008 11:15 AM | Permalink