Teachers,
Here is your weekly dose of “5-Point Friday.
Rah, rah, shish boom bah! —
As I worked with Annette this week, and everything I work with her, she reminds me through her actions that we all need a cheerleader to help us through our days. We are the cheerleaders for all of our students. We cheer them through the to remind them to put up their defense against the hard things. We cheer them on as we remind them they can do hard things. We cheer them on as they learn new strategies. Cheer leaders don't say the team can't do it. They give the team and fans hope that the team will overcome and win. As teachers you also need cheerleaders to remind you that you can push through the odds and teach these students that seem, at times, like they won't get it. We need to cheer on those that need our help to do better. To teach each other to be better than we were yesterday. To do our best. To fight the good fight. There is a lot that you do. Rah rah to you. We got spirit yes we do! We got spirit, how 'bout you? Annette is a great cheerleader. She reminds me that no matter what, the students are worth everything we do for them, even if they don't know it yet. So cheer each other on. If you see someone having a tough time, give them a cheer. My jalapeño cheer is a good one... everyone needs a cheerleader. Everyone.
Quote I’m pondering —
"I don't divide the world into the weak and the strong, or the successes and the failures... I divide the world into learners and nonlearners." Benjamin Barber
What I’m reading —
Stuck by Oliver Jeffers
I love picture books. I just do. I just bought this book and just laughed. It is about a boy that gets his kite in the tree and how he tries to get it down. Persistence and resourceful. Want to read it, its in my office. Come on by and sit in the big black chair and read for a few minutes.
Favorite Article This Week —
15 Question to Replace How Was School Today?
I like how this article gives me other questions to ask my kids when they get home from school. Then I thought what am I doing at school to make sure there are good answers to these questions when our students get home.
A Big Thank You —
Thank you second grade for working so hard this week. We know it has been hard with your group of students. You have worked with them and their quirks and still show them that you care. You have gone to the edge and not jumped. Thank you. Thank you for caring so much for these students that you are willing to do whatever it takes to help them succeed. We see how hard you work. Thank you for all your hard work this week. Thank you for all you do. Thank you.
I appreciate all of you and your hard work. Have a wonderful Halloween weekend.
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Thursday, October 20, 2016
The Little Things
Teachers,
Here is your weekly dose of “5-Point Friday.
The Little Things —
On April 26, 1986, Reactor 4 of the Ukrainian Atomic energy power plan in Chernobyl exploded, polluting the surrounding territory and all of Europe with radioactive particles. There are 211 control rods that regulate the reactivity of the core. As a safety measure, there must be 15 rods inserted into the core at all times. Through the 1600 channels carved in the 4 million lbs. of graphite run water that absorbed the intense heat produced by the nuclear fuel rods. The water absorbs the heat, boils, turns to steam and is used to turn turbines, creating power, and then returns as it cools back into water to restart the process. At the time of the explosion the reactor was due for maintenance. The reactor was slowed down and the emergency cooling system was shut down. Kiev requested to keep the reactor up because of extra power was needed. When the reactor was taken off the grid and slowed down, it had slowed to below the allowable limit because the operator wanted to slow it down manually and the cooling system was shut down. The operator "oversteered" the reactor by trying to regulate the "situation" and not the "process". When the engineers tried to bring it back up it was not going up fast enough, but they decided to go on with the experiments. This was the mistake.
Why? Because they violated the safety rules. They possibly violated the rules because they had done it before and since nothing happened, breaking the rules was reinforced. They did not have to worry about the rules and could act freely to finish the needed work. Safety rules are designed so the violator is not blown sky high but might find their life easier, but the likelihood of disaster increases. The violations had become habits and routine. The operators did these things because they had always done these things. They were of the opinion that the safety rules were designed much too narrowly for an experienced team. By the time they had finished their experiment and reduced the flow of water, the reactor was still too low and there were only 6-8 rods left in the core. When they realized they had made a mistake, they started shoving rods back into the core, but the built up heat in the core had bent the tubes and there were two explosions. It is the little things we need to do to keep everything in check. Keep an eye on the process and procedure and don't let a situation change everything. We may not think something is important, but in the big picture, it can be very important? So what the little things we need to keep track of?
Quote I’m pondering —
"The most valuable thing you can do is make a mistake. You can't learn anything from being perfect." Adam Osborne
What I’m watching —
Another Lex Prin Video
One more Lex Prin video. I love the way he says Halloweens and bless your colleague. Keep them coming Lex.
Favorite Article This Week —
Do You Know What Accountability Really Means
This article reminded me the difference between accountability and punishment. Short article, great information. Especially as we look for student accountability in our classrooms.
A Big Thank You —
Thank you First grade. Your idea of inviting parents every month to be a big part of the classroom has been a big success. so many parents come and participate in the activity with their student. We appreciate you inviting parents into our school to make them comfortable here. Thank you for all you do. Thank you.
I appreciate all of you and your hard work. Have a wonderful weekend.
Here is your weekly dose of “5-Point Friday.
The Little Things —
On April 26, 1986, Reactor 4 of the Ukrainian Atomic energy power plan in Chernobyl exploded, polluting the surrounding territory and all of Europe with radioactive particles. There are 211 control rods that regulate the reactivity of the core. As a safety measure, there must be 15 rods inserted into the core at all times. Through the 1600 channels carved in the 4 million lbs. of graphite run water that absorbed the intense heat produced by the nuclear fuel rods. The water absorbs the heat, boils, turns to steam and is used to turn turbines, creating power, and then returns as it cools back into water to restart the process. At the time of the explosion the reactor was due for maintenance. The reactor was slowed down and the emergency cooling system was shut down. Kiev requested to keep the reactor up because of extra power was needed. When the reactor was taken off the grid and slowed down, it had slowed to below the allowable limit because the operator wanted to slow it down manually and the cooling system was shut down. The operator "oversteered" the reactor by trying to regulate the "situation" and not the "process". When the engineers tried to bring it back up it was not going up fast enough, but they decided to go on with the experiments. This was the mistake.
Why? Because they violated the safety rules. They possibly violated the rules because they had done it before and since nothing happened, breaking the rules was reinforced. They did not have to worry about the rules and could act freely to finish the needed work. Safety rules are designed so the violator is not blown sky high but might find their life easier, but the likelihood of disaster increases. The violations had become habits and routine. The operators did these things because they had always done these things. They were of the opinion that the safety rules were designed much too narrowly for an experienced team. By the time they had finished their experiment and reduced the flow of water, the reactor was still too low and there were only 6-8 rods left in the core. When they realized they had made a mistake, they started shoving rods back into the core, but the built up heat in the core had bent the tubes and there were two explosions. It is the little things we need to do to keep everything in check. Keep an eye on the process and procedure and don't let a situation change everything. We may not think something is important, but in the big picture, it can be very important? So what the little things we need to keep track of?
Quote I’m pondering —
"The most valuable thing you can do is make a mistake. You can't learn anything from being perfect." Adam Osborne
What I’m watching —
Another Lex Prin Video
One more Lex Prin video. I love the way he says Halloweens and bless your colleague. Keep them coming Lex.
Favorite Article This Week —
Do You Know What Accountability Really Means
This article reminded me the difference between accountability and punishment. Short article, great information. Especially as we look for student accountability in our classrooms.
A Big Thank You —
Thank you First grade. Your idea of inviting parents every month to be a big part of the classroom has been a big success. so many parents come and participate in the activity with their student. We appreciate you inviting parents into our school to make them comfortable here. Thank you for all you do. Thank you.
I appreciate all of you and your hard work. Have a wonderful weekend.
Thursday, October 13, 2016
In the Beginning
Teachers,
Here is your weekly dose of “5-Point Friday, even though it is a long weekend
In the Beginning —
I remember my first year as a teacher and it was crazy. I was finishing my student teaching at Woodward 6th Grade center and I got a call from Mr. Fawson, the principal at Santa Clara Elementary. He wanted me to take a position in Fourth Grade at his school because a teacher quit the day before. It was Friday. School started on Monday (we were on year-round tracks). He worked it out with HR and SUU to finish my student teaching with him for a week.
So I went to Santa Clara to start putting together my class and a plan for the next week. I spent Friday night, All Saturday, and part of Sunday night decorating and planning out my first week. I went to a couple of teachers to ask for help and they kinda brushed me off. One handed my some spelling words and told me where I could find the math books. Other than that, I had what I had put together in my student teaching in sixth grade and fifth grade. I read through the core I had from one of the classes I took and put together some get-to-know-you activities, some fun activities with social studies, I found a book I loved reading so I could read to the students, put together a few days worth of math lessons from the books I had, and planned a couple writing activities to start a little journaling. That would get me to Wednesday.
The first day went well after Mr. Fawson explained what was happening with the retiring teacher and I taking his place. The week went well… until a teacher needed to take my spot because a school in town did not have the numbers and needed to go to another school. So by Friday I was finished with my student teaching, but I was out. That was tough on me and my students. I still see some of them and they remember our one week together. So I went home and on Monday started applying in other parts of the state.
On the Friday of the second week I got a call from Mr. Wilkey, principal at Dixie Downs. A fourth grade teacher decided after three weeks of teaching and three weeks off, that she did not want to come back and had found another job up north. So I met with Mr. Wilkey on Friday afternoon and school started on Monday (year-round tracks). So I started putting together my class and a plan for the next week. I spent Friday night, All Saturday, and part of Sunday night decorating and planning out my first week. I went to a couple of teachers to ask for help and they told me not to mess with the things in their room and showed me the cabinet I had to store everything I owned in. I was the roving teacher. So I read through the core again and put together some get-to-know-you activities, more fun activities with social studies, I found that book I loved reading so I could read to the students, put together a few days worth of math lessons, and planned a couple writing activities to start a little journaling. That would get me to Wednesday. Needless to say it went well. I must have broke the mold or was so terrible that Mr. Wilkey left to become the elementary superintendent before the year was over. I had the class that was a councilors bread and butter.
It seemed every week Mr. Wilkey or Mr. Carr would come see me about someone else in my class that needed a little extra or had a special situation I needed to be aware of. This happened the whole year, or at least until Mr. Wilkey left. I have to say that I see some of those students now and I love talking with them. They remember me and we talk about some of the things we did. I felt I was making everything up on the fly. I had little help from my team, but I loved spending time with my class. We put together centers so I could meet with a small groups of students because their needs were so great. I found my calling. Teaching. It is the greatest feeling gin the world to know that we are helping and guiding amazing minds through this life. As I ponder my first year, I remember how hard it was for me and yet how wonder it was. What was your first year like? Some of you are in the middle of your first year, this too shall pass and I hope you love every moment of it. Cherish the times with your students. You are the one that they will be talking about for years.
Quote I’m pondering —
Another Calvin and Hobbes cartoon because it is Calvin and Hobbes. Do you need another reason?
http://www.gocomics.com/calvinandhobbes/1990/06/10
What I’m watching —
Midieval Help Desk
This one show that we have always needed help with something. Enjoy.
Favorite Website This Week —
I have a couple fun science learning sites this week. I understand there is not a lot of time, and that Shelly does a great job, but some of these are interesting when you are discussing topics you are reading about in your informational text. hint.fm/wind Wind map is fun to see wind direction, speed, and where the storms might be. earthquake.usgs.gov USGS is always a fun one for earthquakes. It shows where, depth, and how big. Learning about sharks? ocearch.com This site tracks sharks and their swimming areas. I am a sucker for science websites. So interesting for any age.
A Big Thank You —
Thank you for all you do. I appreciate Elizabeth and Paul for sending classroom responsibility information from the video. I will be using it in our next video installment. I truly love working with all of you. I love coming to work everyday to see what is next and to see our wonderful students. I appreciate all of you. You make me want to come to work. Yes, I might come around and make a video about this. Have you done your video yet from last weeks 5-points?
I appreciate all of you and your hard work. Have a wonderful four day weekend.
Here is your weekly dose of “5-Point Friday, even though it is a long weekend
In the Beginning —
I remember my first year as a teacher and it was crazy. I was finishing my student teaching at Woodward 6th Grade center and I got a call from Mr. Fawson, the principal at Santa Clara Elementary. He wanted me to take a position in Fourth Grade at his school because a teacher quit the day before. It was Friday. School started on Monday (we were on year-round tracks). He worked it out with HR and SUU to finish my student teaching with him for a week.
So I went to Santa Clara to start putting together my class and a plan for the next week. I spent Friday night, All Saturday, and part of Sunday night decorating and planning out my first week. I went to a couple of teachers to ask for help and they kinda brushed me off. One handed my some spelling words and told me where I could find the math books. Other than that, I had what I had put together in my student teaching in sixth grade and fifth grade. I read through the core I had from one of the classes I took and put together some get-to-know-you activities, some fun activities with social studies, I found a book I loved reading so I could read to the students, put together a few days worth of math lessons from the books I had, and planned a couple writing activities to start a little journaling. That would get me to Wednesday.
The first day went well after Mr. Fawson explained what was happening with the retiring teacher and I taking his place. The week went well… until a teacher needed to take my spot because a school in town did not have the numbers and needed to go to another school. So by Friday I was finished with my student teaching, but I was out. That was tough on me and my students. I still see some of them and they remember our one week together. So I went home and on Monday started applying in other parts of the state.
On the Friday of the second week I got a call from Mr. Wilkey, principal at Dixie Downs. A fourth grade teacher decided after three weeks of teaching and three weeks off, that she did not want to come back and had found another job up north. So I met with Mr. Wilkey on Friday afternoon and school started on Monday (year-round tracks). So I started putting together my class and a plan for the next week. I spent Friday night, All Saturday, and part of Sunday night decorating and planning out my first week. I went to a couple of teachers to ask for help and they told me not to mess with the things in their room and showed me the cabinet I had to store everything I owned in. I was the roving teacher. So I read through the core again and put together some get-to-know-you activities, more fun activities with social studies, I found that book I loved reading so I could read to the students, put together a few days worth of math lessons, and planned a couple writing activities to start a little journaling. That would get me to Wednesday. Needless to say it went well. I must have broke the mold or was so terrible that Mr. Wilkey left to become the elementary superintendent before the year was over. I had the class that was a councilors bread and butter.
It seemed every week Mr. Wilkey or Mr. Carr would come see me about someone else in my class that needed a little extra or had a special situation I needed to be aware of. This happened the whole year, or at least until Mr. Wilkey left. I have to say that I see some of those students now and I love talking with them. They remember me and we talk about some of the things we did. I felt I was making everything up on the fly. I had little help from my team, but I loved spending time with my class. We put together centers so I could meet with a small groups of students because their needs were so great. I found my calling. Teaching. It is the greatest feeling gin the world to know that we are helping and guiding amazing minds through this life. As I ponder my first year, I remember how hard it was for me and yet how wonder it was. What was your first year like? Some of you are in the middle of your first year, this too shall pass and I hope you love every moment of it. Cherish the times with your students. You are the one that they will be talking about for years.
Quote I’m pondering —
Another Calvin and Hobbes cartoon because it is Calvin and Hobbes. Do you need another reason?
http://www.gocomics.com/calvinandhobbes/1990/06/10
What I’m watching —
Midieval Help Desk
This one show that we have always needed help with something. Enjoy.
Favorite Website This Week —
I have a couple fun science learning sites this week. I understand there is not a lot of time, and that Shelly does a great job, but some of these are interesting when you are discussing topics you are reading about in your informational text. hint.fm/wind Wind map is fun to see wind direction, speed, and where the storms might be. earthquake.usgs.gov USGS is always a fun one for earthquakes. It shows where, depth, and how big. Learning about sharks? ocearch.com This site tracks sharks and their swimming areas. I am a sucker for science websites. So interesting for any age.
A Big Thank You —
Thank you for all you do. I appreciate Elizabeth and Paul for sending classroom responsibility information from the video. I will be using it in our next video installment. I truly love working with all of you. I love coming to work everyday to see what is next and to see our wonderful students. I appreciate all of you. You make me want to come to work. Yes, I might come around and make a video about this. Have you done your video yet from last weeks 5-points?
I appreciate all of you and your hard work. Have a wonderful four day weekend.
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Safe and Sound
Teachers,
Here is your weekly dose of “5-Point Friday.”
Safe and Sound —
One of the main responsibilities as a teacher is to make our students feel safe when they are at school. They need to feel like they are protected when they enter our grounds. This is why we need to build relationships with our students so they can feel they can trust us in situations that might make them afraid or scared. At times we are their only source of trust and safety. We are hearing about a situation throughout the country that is sending the students into a panic and some are very worried. We need to take these fears seriously and build the trust with them that we are here to protect them. If you do talk with your students about current events, please let them know that you care for them and they you will do your best to protect them. Just let them know they are loved and well cared for. Do not talk about clowns specifically. Just let them know they will be cared for and, through your actions everyday, show how much you care for them. They are kids. They are learning. Our job is to help them and guide them through this thing called life. We are here for them, not the other way around. Show empathy, not exasperation. Listen to their concerns and assure them they will be taken care of.
In light of different situations that have arisen, this might be a good time to talk about See something, Say something with your class. Talk about the difference between tattling (to get someone in trouble) and Saying something (preventing someone from getting hurt, bullying, inappropriate items at school, people on campus). Love your students. Let them know how much you care. Even the ones you don’t want to care about need to think you care about them. I know you care care, but sometimes we don't let them know. Make sure our precious students are safe and sound.
Now a challenge. I would like you to tell a student or a students they are the reason you come to work everyday and why. If you want to video the situation to get their reaction and send it to me, that would be a bonus (big candy, or just a good feeling). You have a phone. Record it it and send it.
Quote I’m pondering —
“I can’t give you a surefire formula for success, but I can give you a formula for failure: try to please everybody all the time.” – Herbert Bayard Swope, first recipient of the Pulitzer Prize
What I’m watching —
Everything Counts
When you have musical talent, you need to share it. And if you can involve your kids, that is even better. And it is true, everything does count in large amounts.
Favorite Website This Week —
National Library of Virtual Manipulatives
These are virtual math manipulative that can be used on a chrome book. Unfortunately they cannot be used on an iPad. Bummer. But there are math games and manipulative scores each grade level to use. Please use them before you have your students use them. Some are amazing and others are just so-so. But they are visual and go with concepts in your core. Oh ya, they are also in Spanish. Enjoy.
A Big Thank You —
Thank you Anita and Inez. What can I say, but thank you. It is true when it is said that the people that really run the school are the secretaries and the custodians. Principals and teachers may come and go, but the reason schools stay together and run smoky is because of secretaries. I appreciate the help I have been given and the reminders when I don’t do something. I appreciate their patience with me and with everything they need to do. I am sure there is a story or two, or three from everyone when it comes to these two ladies. Thank you for keeping our school together for us all. You make our days a little brighter. Thank you.
I appreciate all of you and your hard work. Have a wonderful weekend.
Here is your weekly dose of “5-Point Friday.”
Safe and Sound —
One of the main responsibilities as a teacher is to make our students feel safe when they are at school. They need to feel like they are protected when they enter our grounds. This is why we need to build relationships with our students so they can feel they can trust us in situations that might make them afraid or scared. At times we are their only source of trust and safety. We are hearing about a situation throughout the country that is sending the students into a panic and some are very worried. We need to take these fears seriously and build the trust with them that we are here to protect them. If you do talk with your students about current events, please let them know that you care for them and they you will do your best to protect them. Just let them know they are loved and well cared for. Do not talk about clowns specifically. Just let them know they will be cared for and, through your actions everyday, show how much you care for them. They are kids. They are learning. Our job is to help them and guide them through this thing called life. We are here for them, not the other way around. Show empathy, not exasperation. Listen to their concerns and assure them they will be taken care of.
In light of different situations that have arisen, this might be a good time to talk about See something, Say something with your class. Talk about the difference between tattling (to get someone in trouble) and Saying something (preventing someone from getting hurt, bullying, inappropriate items at school, people on campus). Love your students. Let them know how much you care. Even the ones you don’t want to care about need to think you care about them. I know you care care, but sometimes we don't let them know. Make sure our precious students are safe and sound.
Now a challenge. I would like you to tell a student or a students they are the reason you come to work everyday and why. If you want to video the situation to get their reaction and send it to me, that would be a bonus (big candy, or just a good feeling). You have a phone. Record it it and send it.
Quote I’m pondering —
“I can’t give you a surefire formula for success, but I can give you a formula for failure: try to please everybody all the time.” – Herbert Bayard Swope, first recipient of the Pulitzer Prize
What I’m watching —
Everything Counts
When you have musical talent, you need to share it. And if you can involve your kids, that is even better. And it is true, everything does count in large amounts.
Favorite Website This Week —
National Library of Virtual Manipulatives
These are virtual math manipulative that can be used on a chrome book. Unfortunately they cannot be used on an iPad. Bummer. But there are math games and manipulative scores each grade level to use. Please use them before you have your students use them. Some are amazing and others are just so-so. But they are visual and go with concepts in your core. Oh ya, they are also in Spanish. Enjoy.
A Big Thank You —
Thank you Anita and Inez. What can I say, but thank you. It is true when it is said that the people that really run the school are the secretaries and the custodians. Principals and teachers may come and go, but the reason schools stay together and run smoky is because of secretaries. I appreciate the help I have been given and the reminders when I don’t do something. I appreciate their patience with me and with everything they need to do. I am sure there is a story or two, or three from everyone when it comes to these two ladies. Thank you for keeping our school together for us all. You make our days a little brighter. Thank you.
I appreciate all of you and your hard work. Have a wonderful weekend.
Monday, October 3, 2016
PBIS Being Respectful Video
This our next installment this year of the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports Video series for Dixie Sun. In this video we discuss Being Respectful. We talk about how to be respectful at school. There is also a music video with a song written by Jay Porter that gives students a way to tell others to stop bugging them. A few things we discuss are;
- Make our school look good by keeping our school clean
- Show respect for all adults
- Show respect to Safety Patrol
- How to tell others to stop bugging you
- Tell others to stop! I don't like that
- Walk away if telling the, stop doesn't work
- Tell a teacher if they do not stop
- Stop! I don't like that Music Video
- Respect yourself
- Positive Attitude
- Tell yourself you can do hard things
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