Happy Holidays

Posted on December 12, 2015

Someone had this question and I thought probably many of you may be wondering the same thing.  

When math pages come home they do not appear to be looked at by a teacher, why?

Actually they are looked at by me.  In this crazy system that involves me piling papers up in a nutty way and then tossing them onto the floor after I have entered their scores digitally.  But what it does not involve is writing on the papers.  (Sometimes I just can’t help myself because I know I have just talked to them about it)  3 reasons for this.  1. Time, I simply cannot write on every single paper.  As a matter of fact I couldn’t even write on 1/2 the papers.  So instead I enter them in the computer.  2. The computer creates groups for me.  As I enter the score it assigns students a color which then allows me to go back and give them feedback personally in groups that are great at the same thing or are needing support in the same area.  It is very handy and saves me from having to go back and look or rely on this rusty memory.  3.  8 and 9 year old students, for the most part, pay ZERO attention to the notes I have written on their paper.  No matter how lovingly crafted they do not process feedback this way.  If they could correct their mistakes this way I would do it, but they don’t so I don’t.

Our Storyline has moved on to the 2nd chapter.  It is very exciting.  (They will be finding a pet!)  The first chapter is a little sad, as a matter of fact there were a few misty eyes when we viewed it the first time.  This chapter however is about the fresh start.  Which inevitably brings up where did we come from?  Not many students knew much about their families or where their ancestors are from.  A common thought was that people immigrated from Washington or California.  We talked about the US, looked at a map and discussed how most of our families came from outside the United States.  Please tell them about their own families and where your family hails from.  Even better if, like me, you have an old Aunt Judy (she is my family historian and loves to tell me all about it whenever she gets the chance)  Have your kids ask questions, your version of Aunt Judy will love it.

Our invention center is open for business.  Feel free to send your recycling in at anytime.  We are ready to receive it.

I hope you all have a lovely Holiday and if I don’t get the chance to see you before the break.  I wish you peace and relaxation over the break.

On that note, no Homework next week because I simply cannot get Friday’s back on time and I want them all to have their book over the break.  I forgot to tell them that so you can be the bearer of good tidings.

Allison