Would You Have Been Dancing?

Yesterday we had our PBIS celebration for students who received a SMART check during 2nd Quarter.  For this celebration, we had two DJ dance parties - one for K-2 and one for 3-5.  Last year, as a classroom teacher, I was never able to attend the dance parties; however, this year my schedule allows me to drop in on these types of things - I counted down the hours all day long.

K-2's dance party was first.  I thought the gym was going to explode with joy and giggles.  The music was loud, the kids were pink-faced and sweaty.  One little girl ran up to me and said, "Dance Mrs. Peele, dance!"  I told her I didn't know how and she said, "Well, all you have to do is jump around!"  So I proceeded to jump, and lead a conga line, and shake my hips among 3-foot tall 5, 6, and 7-year-olds.  The only kids not dancing were the kids lined up to get water, huffing and puffing and catching their breath on the sidelines.  It.Was.Awesome.

3-5's dance party was next.  I went back to my office to get some work done and decided I'd drop by toward the end of the celebration.  Then I got a message that our AP needed my help in the gym.  I rushed towards the gym with all kinds of crazy images flashing through my head of kids getting injured while dancing.  But I walked in the gym and it was nothing.  Truly - nothing.  There were maybe 4 kids dancing a little here and there, and the rest of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders hugged the walls.  I was being beckoned for help in getting these kids moving!  I, too, felt a shyness come over me... I know... Me and shy is like an oxymoron.  But the mood in the gym was TOTALLY different than what it had been for the earlier dance party.

It got me thinking about the difference between students in grades K-2 and students in grades 3-5.  The younger students in the school are almost always willing to try.  They usually do not lack confidence, but are more in need of direction and guidance in all they pursue.  These students have a strong sense of self-efficacy, believing in themselves and their abilities.  It is in grades 3-5 that students begin to falter in their self confidence.  Rather than needing facilitation and guidance, these students begin to doubt themselves and thirst for someone to believe in them.  While all teachers must, well, teach, we must handle students of different ages in different ways.  Younger kids will often jump, or dance at the chance to try something new, while older kids are a little more hesitant and need the, "Hey, you can do this" nudge.

As for me and my dancing?  Well, I finally found my motivation after witnessing a 5th grader literally take everyone's breath away with her Michael Jackson impression.  But it wasn't just her - There was also a 3rd grader who, the entire time, stood in his own little area and danced like no one else was in the gym.  And I told myself, you may be in heels, surrounded by about 100 kids, and you may not have put your dancing skills to the test in awhile, but, "Hey, you can do this."  So I did - And I only stopped once I was pink-faced and needed a drink of water.

Don't Forget!

-January 24th-February 4th:  DIBELS MOY Benchmark Assessments

-January 28th:  Career Day
-February 2nd - 4th:  Moore Elementary Science Fair (for 5th graders)

Happy New... DAY!

Don't you just love the excitement that comes along with celebrating a new year?  Everyone seems so refreshed, so excited for a brand new start.  There's sort of a cleansing feeling in the air, an "I-can-do-anything" attitude.

My husband and I HAVE to be in the air at midnight on New Year's.  Yes, you read that right - IN.THE.AIR.  I know, it sounds crazy, but it's a tradition he brought into our marriage from his childhood.  We usually start on the coffee table (holding our dog, Bailey, because yes - she too, must be in the air) and we make a game plan of when to bend and jump and we count down and then we're in the air when the ball drops!  And then we clap and yell and celebrate the beginning of a new year.

What if we had that approach to life everyday?  What if at midnight every night, we stayed up to watch a ball drop, jumping off coffee tables and shouting, "Happy New Day!"

Wait... staying up 'til midnight every night?  Not likely.  Buuuut, in theory, it sounds like a pretty good plan.

Why do we have to wait until January 1st to set new goals, feel refreshed, wipe a clean slate, become energized with possibilities?  Why can't we feel this everyday?

Let's challenge ourselves to shout, "Happy New Day!"  Let's be appreciative for each new day we have.  If you feel like setting a new goal or challenging yourself to accomplish the impossible, make a "New Day Resolution."  Everyday we wake up we are given an amazing opportunity.  Don't forget the invincible feeling that comes along with the fresh start of a new year, and allow yourself to feel that each morning when it all begins again...

Happy New Day!!!

Don't Forget!
-January 5th:  Dr. Foster Visits 3rd Grade 10:00-11:20

-January 13th:  Moore Elementary Spelling Bee (for 5th graders)
-January 14th:  2nd Quarter Testing (Science)
-January 18th:  2nd Quarter Testing (Reading)
-January 19th:  Title I Literacy Breakfast
-January 19th:  2nd Quarter Testing (Math With a Calculator)
-January 20th:  2nd Quarter Testing (Math Without a Calculator)

-January 21st:  Teacher Work Day!
-Week of January 24th:  DIBELS MOY Benchmark Assessments
-February 2nd - 4th:  Moore Elementary Science Fair (for 5th graders)

Happy Holidays!

So, I'm posting back-to-back because I just cannot leave for the Winter Break without a "Happy Holidays!" post.

Soooo....

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Whatever it is that you celebrate, soak in every moment of celebration.  Fill your pores with the joy and excitement that come along with this time of year.  Over the next couple weeks, take moments to pause, look around, and appreciate the small things.  We get so busy this time of year, we often take for granted those small things... Don't.

I can't wait to step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life (though I do love my life), leave all deadlines and To-Do lists behind, and soak in time with my family and time by myself.

So Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Winter Break, Happy New Year...!

CELEBRATE!

Oh, and one more thing...

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW TEACHER OF THE YEAR, MRS. KELLY GUTIERREZ!!!!! :)

Curriculum Connections -- DECEMBER!

Here are some updates from the wonderful world of curriculum and testing!!

Science Updates

Presented by Benika Thompson

Why is science important??

Science affects our health, environment, and economy.  As elementary teachers, we can spark the interest in science so that students can see how it relates to their world now and in the future.

•          Neither U.S. fourth- or eighth-graders showed any detectable change in science achievement in 2007 compared to 1995.

•          There was a lower percentage of U.S. 4th graders performing at or above the advanced international benchmark in science in 2007 than in 1995 (15% v. 19%)

•          Right now, 62% of current 5^th graders are projected to pass the Biology EOC in high school.

Curriculum Reminders:

•          Even though we are preparing for the new Essential Standards, the SCOS will be taught and tested through the 2011-2012 school year.

•          There will be no transition year, however WSFCS will include gaps in revised pacing guides

•          DPI is working to develop a toolkit to help with standards

•          2011-2010 – Field tests with Essential Standards.  Teachers will be able to give feedback.

•          2012-2013 – EOG operational

How do we improve our science instruction?

±      Teacher efficacy-teach without excuses

±      Teach the standards

±      Improved ethics

±      Focus on student learning

For more information, check out these sites:

J         Elementary SCOS (2004)

http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/science/scos/2004/

J         K-12 2004 Units (caution drafts included)

http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/science/units/

J         Links to Essential Standards and Updates (highly recommended)

http://science.ncwiseowl.org/

J         ACRE Updates (curriculum, accountability,

etc)

http://www.ncpublicschools.org/acre/

Math Updates

Presented by Velvet Simington

A study found a major difference between teachers in the United States versus teachers in other countries -- US teachers do not let their kids struggle and work through problems.  When students were asked “What makes you smart in math?”, students in Japan responded that they can work hard and find the right answer.  Students in the United States responded that they can do math facts. Hmmmm……is it a time issue, a curriculum issue, etc.?

Students need to talk about their learning.  “Mathematics: Standards for Mathematical Practice” was given to all grade chairs, but here are the highlights:

      Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them

Mathematically proficient students find the meaning of the problem and plan a way to find a solution. They check their answers using a different method and ask, “Does this make sense?”

      Reason abstractly and quantitatively

Students attend to the meaning of the problem and how to solve it, not just computing the numbers.

      Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.

Students can justify their conclusions in a logical progression. They can ask questions to clarify or improve their answers.

      Model with mathematics.

Students can apply mathematics to solve problems that occur in everyday life.

      Use appropriate tools strategically.

Students are familiar with the tools to solve math problems and are able to use them appropriately. (paper/pencil, calculator, ruler, computer, etc)

      Attend to precision.

Proficient students try to communicate precisely to others.  They can give clear explanations to others.

      Look for and make use of structure.

Students look closely to find a pattern or structure to problems.

      Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

Students notice if calculations are repeated and look for shortcuts to solve.

Don't Forget!
-January 13th:  Moore Elementary Spelling Bee (for 5th graders)
-January 14th:  2nd Quarter Testing (Science)
-January 18th:  2nd Quarter Testing (Reading)
-January 19th:  Title I Literacy Breakfast
-January 19th:  2nd Quarter Testing (Math With a Calculator)
-January 20th:  2nd Quarter Testing (Math Without a Calculator)
-Week of January 24th:  DIBELS MOY Benchmark Assessments
-February 2nd - 4th:  Moore Elementary Science Fair (for 5th graders)

The Power of One Conversation

I believe in the power of one conversation.

Be it with a friend, a family member, or (especially) a child, the words that color one conversation can have an everlasting impact.

Take, for instance, the last conversation I ever had with my father.  I'll never forget it.

Another example is a conversation my mom had with my siblings and me not long after the conversation with my father:  "We can get through this... together."

There was a time my third grade teacher told me, "Jessie... You can DO anything.  You can BE anything."  (It was at that moment, fueled by that conversation, that I decided I wanted to be just like her and affect children's lives the way she had affected mine.)

My mom and third grade teacher may or may not remember those conversations, but I will never forget them.  It was in these simple, succinct conversations that I built a foundation upon which all of my successes could be born.  Conversations can be powerful.  And if you know anything about children, you know they have a tendency to breathe in, to soak up every single word you say.

As an educator, I don't take conversations lightly.  It may very well be a, "Good morning!  So glad you're here!" or a "WOW!  Look at those new shoes!" or even a "How'd the football game/soccer game/dance recital go?"  These simple statements can provoke a conversation that lets a child know how much you care.  In the fast-paced world of education, we tend to skip, hop, and jump through curriculum (and we sometimes have to!) without stopping to treat children as...well... children.

During the hustle and bustle of this holiday season, don't underestimate that what you say to a child today may be remembered for the next twenty years.  Don't take for granted how important your words are to those tiny bodies around you.  And don't forget how powerful one conversation can be.

What will you say to a child today that impacts the rest of his/her life?

Don't Forget!
-December 7th:  Fluency Training for 3-5 7:30am-8:30am
-December 14th:  Benika Thompson Visits to Discuss Science 9:45am
-December 17th:  4th Grade Content Specific Writing Scores Due in Moodle
-January 13th:  Moore Elementary Spelling Bee (for 5th graders)
-January 14th:  2nd Quarter Testing (Science)
-January 18th:  2nd Quarter Testing (Reading)
-January 19th:  Title I Literacy Breakfast
-January 19th:  2nd Quarter Testing (Math With a Calculator)
-January 20th:  2nd Quarter Testing (Math Without a Calculator)
-Week of January 24th:  DIBELS MOY Benchmark Assessments
-January 26th-28th:  Moore Elementary Science Fair (for 5th graders)

Thankful

Well, I'm writing the cliché "thankful" blog post of Thanksgiving week!  I just can't help myself... Thanksgiving is my very favorite holiday, and I refuse to hold back on the tradition of reflecting on just a few of the things in my life that cause me to feel so very, very thankful.

• My husband.  (Alright now, in unison... "Awww.")
• My health.
• My family and friends.
• Cake batter flavored ice cream.
• Having a job I absolutely love.
• Being surrounded by children on a daily basis who remind me of the pure joys of life.
• Cookie dough.
• Running.
• A mom who I want to be exactly like when I grow up. :)
• Ipods and Zulu running socks.
• Jeans that come in extra long.
• My dog Bailey.
• DVR.
• The smell of Christmas trees and clean laundry.
• Everything in my past - every tragedy, every happiness, every everything - that has made me who I am today.

I could go on and on, but it's narcissistic to think you care that much about my thankful things.  My point is that whether it's the big things or the little things...  There are so many things to be thankful for this week and always...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

 Don't Forget!
-November 23rd:  Skip Prosser 4th Grade FINAL Book List Due
-December 3rd:  4th Grade Content Specific Writing Papers Due to Peele
-December 6th:  Fluency Training for K-2 7:30am-8:30am
-December 7th:  Fluency Training for 3-5 7:30am-8:30am
-December 17th:  4th Grade Content Specific Writing Scores Due in Moodle

What Was the BEST Part of Your Day?

When you were in elementary school, what did success mean to you?  Was it making the honor roll, completing your chores, pleasing your parents?  Was it beating a video game, getting a baseball trophy, winning the recess kickball game?  What about when you graduated from college?  Was it getting a job, paying off debt, getting married?  Furthering your education, moving out on your own, getting the bills paid?

What about today... What does success look like?  How has it changed?  What causes you to celebrate, feel proud, pat yourself on the back?

When is the last time you experienced success?

What success means to you probably changes week-by-week, month-by-month, year-by-year.  Our perspective on what and when to congratulate ourselves depends on our past, our present, and our future.  What success may mean to the person beside you could be totally different than what it means to you.  Thinking back and looking at success through the eyes of an elementary-aged student may, upon first glance, seem trivial.  But to that eight-year-old, seeing a smile of delight on a parent's face is just about the best thing in the world.  Have we forgotton how important it is to celebrate the little things?  Have we failed to remember what the little things are in the eyes of a child?

When's the last time you asked someone around you about their successes?  All too often we fall into the trap of ending our day focused on the pitfalls, the disappointments, the failures.  Instead, why don't we wrap up our day by relishing in a happy moment, a moment that made us feel complete and utter joy to the depths of our bellies?

I am married to an incredible man who makes me a better person.  One way he does this is by asking me each and every night -- "So, what was the BEST part of your day?"  We've chosen to make this a Peele family tradition, so that no matter how tired, stressed, or frustrated we are at the end of a day, we are always able to relish in a moment that makes it all worth it.

Try it.  With yourself, keep a notebook and commit to writing down the best part of each day -- Then you can refer to it on those days of struggle.  With your kids, have them keep a notebook.  Before the school bell rings or around the dinner table or before bedtime, ask about the best part of their day.

Yesterday, the very best part of my day was getting a thank you letter from a child for a conversation we had last week.  It was simple.  It was sweet.  But it let me know that I made a difference in her life.  And that, honestly, is a big enough success to fuel me for the rest of the year.

 Don't Forget!
-November 12th:  Quarter Test Books Due
-November 12th:  Practice ITBS Testing
-November 15th-17th:  ITBS Testing
-November 17th:  Imagine It! Rep Jane Rountree Visits K-2
                                 Last Day to Submit SCOS Charts for Contest
-November 18th-19th:  ITBS Make-Up Testing
-November 23rd:  Skip Prosser 4th Grade FINAL Book List Due