The first two weeks of school have come to an end.
Week one was a period of first impressions. Impressions of the self, impressions of the environment, impressions of how one might fit into a group. Active games were played designed to elicit group participation, fostering "getting-to-know-you" agendas, and seeking to "break the ice" so a level of comfort can be ascertained. It went well.
Week two rolled in quickly; bringing with it promises of curriculum work from the week before. We dived headfirst into reading and writing, spelling and grammar, math facts and geography, not to mention a favorite--science. We applied the ideas of responsibility, respect and kindness while we learned. We took to heart the idea that there is a time to play and a time to work...and when those times came about, the kids responded appropriately. We quickly found ourselves face to face with Friday...Assessment Day!!
Every Friday becomes a culminating day in Room 202. We take our Selection Test in Reading to show understanding of the story of the week as well as the vocabulary for the week. We take our Spelling Test to show how well we have mastered the words for the week. We take our Basic Fact test in Math to demonstrate how well we have improved with our math facts. We finalize the writing of the week through conferencing to solidify the writing techniques employed for the week. We also let go a bit.
Amidst all the assessments, the room is actually hums along quite nicely. During the times when it needs to be quiet...they are quiet. During the times when they can talk, I found they are enjoying each others company.
Knowing my students are becoming comfortable in the classroom both academically and socially is a huge part of a successful start to a new year. It does not stop here, though. The first six-weeks of school are really the most important in laying down a foundation for continued growth. With what I have seen these past two weeks, I am eagerly looking forward to next week, and beyond, as we continue on the path we have chosen.
Week one was a period of first impressions. Impressions of the self, impressions of the environment, impressions of how one might fit into a group. Active games were played designed to elicit group participation, fostering "getting-to-know-you" agendas, and seeking to "break the ice" so a level of comfort can be ascertained. It went well.
Week two rolled in quickly; bringing with it promises of curriculum work from the week before. We dived headfirst into reading and writing, spelling and grammar, math facts and geography, not to mention a favorite--science. We applied the ideas of responsibility, respect and kindness while we learned. We took to heart the idea that there is a time to play and a time to work...and when those times came about, the kids responded appropriately. We quickly found ourselves face to face with Friday...Assessment Day!!
Every Friday becomes a culminating day in Room 202. We take our Selection Test in Reading to show understanding of the story of the week as well as the vocabulary for the week. We take our Spelling Test to show how well we have mastered the words for the week. We take our Basic Fact test in Math to demonstrate how well we have improved with our math facts. We finalize the writing of the week through conferencing to solidify the writing techniques employed for the week. We also let go a bit.
Amidst all the assessments, the room is actually hums along quite nicely. During the times when it needs to be quiet...they are quiet. During the times when they can talk, I found they are enjoying each others company.
Knowing my students are becoming comfortable in the classroom both academically and socially is a huge part of a successful start to a new year. It does not stop here, though. The first six-weeks of school are really the most important in laying down a foundation for continued growth. With what I have seen these past two weeks, I am eagerly looking forward to next week, and beyond, as we continue on the path we have chosen.
Mr. Casten
August 31, 2012
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