First Week

We made it through the first week. Even though it was only three days, I was very tired by Friday afternoon. I have a feeling there were some fourth graders feeling the same way! I think we had a great week! I am excited for this school year. I can tell already that they are anxious to learn and ready to work hard. They did everything I asked and worked hard to their best!

So far, they have had Art and Music. We will have PE on Mondays and Tuesdays. Library will be on Tuesday, as well. We did go to computer on Friday. I introduced a website that they loved! It is http://www.coolmath4kids.com/. I have a link on the blog for it. Some of the kids were going to ask if they can do it at home. :)

I snapped a few pictures of them during SSR (Sustained Silent Reading). They really like being able to get cozy around the room with a good book and just relax and read. Of course, I did have to sneak a math test in as well. It was just a pretest to give me some information but I was impressed with how hard they worked.

We also did an activitiy called "Crumple Girl". It is meant to help us think about how doing or saying hurful things makes a person feel. It was really neat. Ask your kids to explain it to you.

I will continue to take pictures of different activities that your kiddos are doing throughout the year. If you didn't see your child on this blog, don't worry. If I have permission, everyone will be on here several times. I hope you enjoy seeing what your kids are actually doing at school!

First Day of the 2009-2010 School Year!

Today was our first day and it was fabulous! I loved meeting each and everyone of the 20 students in my class! They all gave me a thumbs up at the end of the day and said they will be back tomorrow. They must have enjoyed the day as well.

I didn't take any pictures yet. It was a very busy day and I am waiting to check the permission slips. We, of course, had to spend some time talking about expectations for things like walking in the hallways, using the restrooms, going to lunch, going to recess, coming in from recess, getting the teacher's attention in the classroom, going to the bus, coming off the bus in the morning, etc. Poor kids! I have to say, tho, these kids handled it great! They were awesome listeners and did everything I asked them to do.

We managed to sneak a few academic things in (ok, and some fun things, too!) We started working in our cursive handwriting books, took a math timing, did an "I Can't Project" and "Crumple Girl". The students also filled out their planners for the first time. Please be sure to check it EVERY day and initial it at the bottom so I know you saw it. Thanks!

I'm sure your child is tired tonight. I know I am! I am looking forward to a great year!

Last Week of Summer Vacation....

It's hard to believe but this is the last week of summer vacation! Well, last full week for the kids. The teachers will be in meetings all day Thursday and Friday so we are down to half a week of vacation. It's ok with me, though! I am excited to meet my new students and I hope they are getting excited to be Hallett Hawks! I've spent some time at school getting the room all set up and am looking forward to teaching again. Remember, September 1st is Open House. Come and meet your teacher and find your classroom. Open House runs from 1:00 - 3:00. Wednesday, September 2nd is the FIRST Day! Hooray!!

Looking forward to meeting you all very soon!
Ms. Spilker