Oops!

I know, I know.... I've been horrible lately about posting.  Monday, I was in a phenomenal workshop all day.  Yesterday, I have no good reason.  I'm sorry!  It has been a busy, busy week so far.  We have put some of the things I learned at my workshop into practice the past two days with our "Actor's Workshop".  It helps the students focus and concentrate.  It's been really fun!  I can't wait to do more!
We also started ReadingPlus today.  This is a computer, research based reading program that checks for and improves fluency and comprehension.  This is the best computer program I have ever seen used in schools.  We did this last year, and every student moved up in Literacy.  I look forward to continuing the program this year.  It is web-based if you want to look into some more.  There is even a video that explains more about it.
We worked on some spelling practice, and then started rounding in Math.  The students really struggled with this skill, even though it's a review..... but they were really getting the hang of it by the end of the lesson.
On a more somber note, we have had some issues this week with "adding fuel to the fire" in our class, and in fourth grade in general.  We always encourage students to walk away from a problem, rather than adding to the problem.  If the problem can be fixed by ignoring it, that's sometimes the best way to handle it.  That's not always the case of course, because sometimes the problem doesn't go away on it's own.  Please reinforce this with your children at home.  A bully is never okay, and should always be dealt with, but fighting back with fists is never a great choice!  Please encourage your children to SPEAK out for what is right!  They have to stand up for themselves, and stand up to a problem if ignoring it doesn't help.  There are several appropriate ways to do this. First, they can speak to the bully or the problem (maybe a person who just gets on their nerves) about what is bothering them.  Next (or instead), they can speak with Mrs. Conway, another teacher, a parent, or me and let us handle it (sometimes students don't see that because we try to discipline in private... but I PROMISE I will never ignore a bully). I'm not only talking about bullying here.   Even being a bystander to a fight or to bullying is not okay.  That "adds fuel to the fire."  We had a long chat about this today in class, but please reinforce this with your student.  After all, you're the best teacher your child will ever have.  They learn from me for a few years maybe, but they learn from you from birth to death.  Thanks for all that you do!
Go learn something new!

(Oh, and I promise to upload pictures of our super fun Math factors activity tomorrow.)