Wed. Sept. 3, 2014

What a great second day it was!  I am impressed with this classes ability to adapt quickly and follow directions; morning routine was flawless.

We began by continuing our two truths and a lie game which helped us learn a little bit more about each other.  After, we had our first fire drill which went exceptionally well.  Upon returning we completed our first round of DEIBELS assessments to see where we stand in the beginning of the year in math.  Then special, recess, and lunch took place.

Our afternoon began with discussing the differences between expectations and rules.  Our classroom does not have rules, instead we have expectations.  Expectations are a strong belief that something will happen as opposed to rules which are strict regulations passed down upon a group.  Since I firmly believe in the quote, "life is about choices, you have to make the best ones at opportune times," expectations and commitments assist in how this classroom functions.  Putting the power into the children's hands can make all the difference.

After discussing expectations, we jumped into our first writing piece- a review of paragraph writing.  We read The Important Book to open our minds to the idea of what is important to us, discussed topic sentences, detail sentences, and wrap up sentences.  Then students brainstormed important things in their life and set off on their first draft.  Topics varied from lemons to family to gymnastics.

We ended our day by learning what type of learner we are.  Together, we took an interactive survey based on the multiple intelligences to see what types of learning styles fit best in this classroom.  After students created a gingerbread representation of themselves and their learning style that best suits them.  These will be hung above my desk to show that although we may be different types of learners, we are still a community.

Tonight's Homework
- Planner signed
- Read 30 minutes
- Google Docs signed
- T'ville expectations signed
Real homework starts tomorrow!!!