The day after I send home report cards is always interesting.
In Shorty's report card, I wrote that while she is improving in explaining her thinking, she cannot put info from the text into her own words.
Shorty glumly came up to me today and announced that last night she had to sit and read, then she was required to write down all the words she didn't know. Then, mom required more quality time with a dictionary than most fifth-graders enjoy. She also reported that mom wanted to talk to me on the phone, either today or tomorrow. (I <3 parents like this. They read the report card and take action on their end to make sure extra practice/work gets done).
Seattle pouted at his desk yesterday about his report card, saying he "didn't feel good." I told him that he could turn it around and make quarter 4 a great quarter. He came back today to say mom was really mad, but that she had promised not to show the report card to stepdad. I wonder whether the report card is the reason Seattle popped up outside the classroom at 6:55 a.m. today? I did remind students to show up early for the first day of testing, but 6:55 is a personal record for Seattle.
Speaking of testing, really proud of my kids today ... I saw everyone trying so hard. I know even my kids who struggle were trying their very best. Gotta make sure to cheer them on as we go through the testing.
Showing posts with label Seattle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Seattle. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
the P in P.E. doesn't stand for pain?
The kids were disbelieving.
As the time drew closer, they started drawing my attention to the clock. When I asked them to prep their desks for guided reading, they gathered their materials in the blink of an eye.
The big occasion? I took my students out for P.E. for the first time since the grade level stopped teaching resources on rotation.
Seattle peppered me with questions beforehand: "Are we playing volleyball? Basketball? Or can Dimples bring out his football?"
(Ah, ye of much faith. I have two left feet and a minimal knowledge of sports.)
The kids bounded out to the field. I noticed the grass was wet, and thoughtlessly asked, "Is it too wet for P.E.?" This question was met with a collective, fervent "no."
We (teacher included) warmed up by jogging a lap around the field, which drew wondering comments from the class. As one student said, "The teachers never run with us." This teacher, however, needs to kick up her physical activity level, and what's better than working and exercising at the same time?
After our lap, I busted out the frisbees and we spent a happy half-hour jumping, catching, and rolling on the ground (last activity optional, depending on your gender and affinity for dirt). The frisbees were actually dog frisbees, procured from Old Navy for a great price. I believe they are a bit smaller and softer than the type made for people. Some were emblazoned with the word "FETCH!," but I don't think the students even noticed.
I realized that playing with the students was lots of fun, and a great way to build relationships as well. I made sure to praise students like Dimples for dramatic catches. His white polo ended up streaked with dirt -- he could have starred in a laundry-detergent commercial by the end of P.E.
While I am not qualified to teach students the intricacies of football, basketball, volleyball, or most sports, I think organizing a game of frisbee tag or ultimate frisbee is within reach.
As the time drew closer, they started drawing my attention to the clock. When I asked them to prep their desks for guided reading, they gathered their materials in the blink of an eye.
The big occasion? I took my students out for P.E. for the first time since the grade level stopped teaching resources on rotation.
Seattle peppered me with questions beforehand: "Are we playing volleyball? Basketball? Or can Dimples bring out his football?"
(Ah, ye of much faith. I have two left feet and a minimal knowledge of sports.)
The kids bounded out to the field. I noticed the grass was wet, and thoughtlessly asked, "Is it too wet for P.E.?" This question was met with a collective, fervent "no."
We (teacher included) warmed up by jogging a lap around the field, which drew wondering comments from the class. As one student said, "The teachers never run with us." This teacher, however, needs to kick up her physical activity level, and what's better than working and exercising at the same time?
After our lap, I busted out the frisbees and we spent a happy half-hour jumping, catching, and rolling on the ground (last activity optional, depending on your gender and affinity for dirt). The frisbees were actually dog frisbees, procured from Old Navy for a great price. I believe they are a bit smaller and softer than the type made for people. Some were emblazoned with the word "FETCH!," but I don't think the students even noticed.
I realized that playing with the students was lots of fun, and a great way to build relationships as well. I made sure to praise students like Dimples for dramatic catches. His white polo ended up streaked with dirt -- he could have starred in a laundry-detergent commercial by the end of P.E.
While I am not qualified to teach students the intricacies of football, basketball, volleyball, or most sports, I think organizing a game of frisbee tag or ultimate frisbee is within reach.
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