Families~
Happy New Year!!! I truly hope you have been enjoying some valuable family time this break. I just wanted to make sure I updated at least once over during this break, and yesterday I decided my break was over and I'm ready to get back into school mode:)
On a side note, I want to take a second to say THANK YOU to each and every family who thought about mine during the holidays. Every gift was greatly appreciated, and words cannot express how blessed I am to work in such an amazing community with such caring families. Thank you very much!
Before break, I sent home an extra credit sheet for the students to consider. I highly recommend at least looking at it at this point (if you haven't viewed it yet). This extra credit will be applied to their 2nd quarter report card which will be finalized our next week at school. Many of the ideas are quite simple with some being more complex. Points will be awarded accordingly. (I'll put a few useful links below).
I'm very excited to see all the students again next week (and yes, I'm being serious). A break is always nice, and I love spending time with my family, but I have been missing my "other family" a lot. Enjoy the last few days!
Multiplication Grand Prix: http://www.arcademics.com/games/grand_prix/grand_prix.html
Other similar Multiplication games: http://www.arcademics.com/games/ (and drop down to multiplication)
TypingPal Games: http://school.typingpal.com/index_ecole.asp?OSWELAKE (don't complete any new lessons, just play some of the games)
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Saturday, November 30, 2013
American Education Week Thank You!!!
Just wanted to give a quick "Thanks" to all the volunteers who made it out for American Education Week right before break. Instead of just saying thanks or making cards, our class decided to do this:
American Education Week Thank You 2013-2014
P.S. Hope you all had an excellent Thanksgiving and enjoyed some quality time with your families!
American Education Week Thank You 2013-2014
P.S. Hope you all had an excellent Thanksgiving and enjoyed some quality time with your families!
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Quick Notes
Parents~
Let me start by saying "THANK YOU" sooooo much for those of you who made it out to our Fore Family Golf Night on Tuesday. It was a HUGE success, and it was just great to see most of our class just enjoying each other's company. Hopefully you found it worth your time (and $:) ). I'm so grateful to work at a school with such REAL and SUPPORTIVE families.
Tomorrow (Friday the 22nd) we will celebrate our 2nd class party of the year. For this one, we voted to wear PJs, eat Nachos, and play some whole-class games for a while. Sorry for the short notice, but we have a few kiddos who won't be around for those 2 days next week. I've got the food/games covered, if you could just make sure your child comes in PJs (if they choose).
We are currently in the middle of American Education Week and that has gone excellent so far. We have a few more presenters, and I'll update more on that once completed (but obviously a thanks to all who have made it or will make it later this week/next week).
Other than that, please keep checking with your child about their school days. The easiest way is still to check their planners and not just for homework. We'll be moving on to ALL X Facts up to 10x10 right after Thanksgiving break, so if you haven't started yet, get on it! Thanks for all the support and have a great Thanksgiving break with your families!
Let me start by saying "THANK YOU" sooooo much for those of you who made it out to our Fore Family Golf Night on Tuesday. It was a HUGE success, and it was just great to see most of our class just enjoying each other's company. Hopefully you found it worth your time (and $:) ). I'm so grateful to work at a school with such REAL and SUPPORTIVE families.
Tomorrow (Friday the 22nd) we will celebrate our 2nd class party of the year. For this one, we voted to wear PJs, eat Nachos, and play some whole-class games for a while. Sorry for the short notice, but we have a few kiddos who won't be around for those 2 days next week. I've got the food/games covered, if you could just make sure your child comes in PJs (if they choose).
We are currently in the middle of American Education Week and that has gone excellent so far. We have a few more presenters, and I'll update more on that once completed (but obviously a thanks to all who have made it or will make it later this week/next week).
Other than that, please keep checking with your child about their school days. The easiest way is still to check their planners and not just for homework. We'll be moving on to ALL X Facts up to 10x10 right after Thanksgiving break, so if you haven't started yet, get on it! Thanks for all the support and have a great Thanksgiving break with your families!
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
A look ahead...
Here's a quick look ahead at some reminders and upcoming events:
1. Conferences!!! I'm very much looking forward to them over the next two days. Please come with any and all questions, and please don't forget that your child is invited as well! And please don't forget we have a 5-hour day on Thursday and Friday.
2. Indoor Mini-Golf Night! I just sent a note home today about a very cool opportunity for our class. Please find the note and give it some serious consideration. I really try hard to build a family environment within the classroom, and now's your chance to help out and be part of that as well!
3. As for our X timed tests, they are going well overall. Our class average started at about 55 and now our average is around 105!!! However, the last few weeks I know a lot of the students have leveled off and many have admitted it's because they haven't been doing as much with it at home. Please stay help them stay focused on these "easy" facts for the next 2 weeks. We will slowly transition into all the facts between Thanksgiving and Christmas break, so let's really lock down these first facts in the next 2 weeks.
4. Over the next few days, I will (hopefully) put a link to the right on my blog that will take you to book reviews written by this year's class. They have all published a review on a specific website, and I will post their link to it soon. It's a very time-consuming task, but it is a very fun tool as the students can read each other reviews and help find better books to read themselves.
1. Conferences!!! I'm very much looking forward to them over the next two days. Please come with any and all questions, and please don't forget that your child is invited as well! And please don't forget we have a 5-hour day on Thursday and Friday.
2. Indoor Mini-Golf Night! I just sent a note home today about a very cool opportunity for our class. Please find the note and give it some serious consideration. I really try hard to build a family environment within the classroom, and now's your chance to help out and be part of that as well!
3. As for our X timed tests, they are going well overall. Our class average started at about 55 and now our average is around 105!!! However, the last few weeks I know a lot of the students have leveled off and many have admitted it's because they haven't been doing as much with it at home. Please stay help them stay focused on these "easy" facts for the next 2 weeks. We will slowly transition into all the facts between Thanksgiving and Christmas break, so let's really lock down these first facts in the next 2 weeks.
4. Over the next few days, I will (hopefully) put a link to the right on my blog that will take you to book reviews written by this year's class. They have all published a review on a specific website, and I will post their link to it soon. It's a very time-consuming task, but it is a very fun tool as the students can read each other reviews and help find better books to read themselves.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
As 1st Quarter winds down...
I figured I would update 1 more time as 1st quarter comes to a close (report cards are available the last week of October...more info. to come). Some general updates:
1. Please make sure your students are prepared for this week's "Friday tests" as it will be the last for the report card. We'll finish some testing Monday/Tuesday of next week. The best way to help is to continue looking in their planners daily as I will always put "Study _____" for upcoming tests.
2. Due to no Words Their Way (thanks to the shortened week), we will be spelling 1 word for Friday's test: antidisestablishmentarianism. No, I'm not kidding. The reason behind this is more so the students know they can accomplish ANYTHING with a little hard work. I've done it every year, and my students are always very successful. Great class motivator, but clearly requires some studying at home. As one girl put it in class today, "If I can spell this, I really can spell anything if I study it long enough!" I LOVE IT!
3. Here's a link to the EXACT multiplication timed test sheets we use in class. Feel free to print off and use at your own discretion...the students have been getting MUCH better, so thanks for the help at home!
http://www.math-drills.com/multiplication/mult_v100_0105_0110_all.pdf
Overall, I've been VERY pleased with the effort the class has been putting forth...now we just have to keep that momentum moving once the "newness" factor wears off :) Have a great night!
1. Please make sure your students are prepared for this week's "Friday tests" as it will be the last for the report card. We'll finish some testing Monday/Tuesday of next week. The best way to help is to continue looking in their planners daily as I will always put "Study _____" for upcoming tests.
2. Due to no Words Their Way (thanks to the shortened week), we will be spelling 1 word for Friday's test: antidisestablishmentarianism. No, I'm not kidding. The reason behind this is more so the students know they can accomplish ANYTHING with a little hard work. I've done it every year, and my students are always very successful. Great class motivator, but clearly requires some studying at home. As one girl put it in class today, "If I can spell this, I really can spell anything if I study it long enough!" I LOVE IT!
3. Here's a link to the EXACT multiplication timed test sheets we use in class. Feel free to print off and use at your own discretion...the students have been getting MUCH better, so thanks for the help at home!
http://www.math-drills.com/multiplication/mult_v100_0105_0110_all.pdf
Overall, I've been VERY pleased with the effort the class has been putting forth...now we just have to keep that momentum moving once the "newness" factor wears off :) Have a great night!
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Party and other Tidbits...
Parents~
The party today was AWESOME!!! Thanks for those who offered to donate! We had EVERY SINGLE student in PJs, enjoying root beer floats, and watching a hilarious (even though it's outdated) video. Obviously we couldn't watch the whole movie (stopped right at 30:00 mark), so I embedded it below so the students could finish on their own time.
In addition, the multiplication timed tests went well last week, and I'm hoping for even better results tomorrow. Here's an activity they can do to reinforce those x0,1,2,3,4, and 5s:
Math Magician: http://www.oswego.org/ocsd-web/games/Mathmagician/mathsmulti.html
Please try to come out for Bingo Night, which is tomorrow here at LC from 6:00-8:00...Hope to see you there! Have a great night!
The party today was AWESOME!!! Thanks for those who offered to donate! We had EVERY SINGLE student in PJs, enjoying root beer floats, and watching a hilarious (even though it's outdated) video. Obviously we couldn't watch the whole movie (stopped right at 30:00 mark), so I embedded it below so the students could finish on their own time.
In addition, the multiplication timed tests went well last week, and I'm hoping for even better results tomorrow. Here's an activity they can do to reinforce those x0,1,2,3,4, and 5s:
Math Magician: http://www.oswego.org/ocsd-web/games/Mathmagician/mathsmulti.html
Please try to come out for Bingo Night, which is tomorrow here at LC from 6:00-8:00...Hope to see you there! Have a great night!
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Just some updates!!!
Parents~
If you are seeing this message, let me congratulate you on successfully subscribing to the class blog! Just wanted to send out a quick message with a few minor updates. We have had our most successful week so far are close to finishing this week up. Just a few reminders (aka "things you're hearing for the first time if your child needs help with their communication skills" :) :
1. This Friday is our 1st multiplication timed test. The students will have 3 minutes to finish as many x1,x2,x3,x4, and x5 problems as possible. I have been informing the students of these tests since the 1st day of school, so hopefully they've been working on the memorizing of them at home.
2. We will have a "phases of the moon" quiz on Friday as well. The students have a little flip study guide which we created in class to help them.
3. Coming home TOMORROW will be a moon phases calendar with directions attached. The students will monitor the moon on a nightly basis and record their findings.
4. Book orders were sent home late last week and are due by September 25th. Please take a look and consider if you haven't done so already.
5. Just a reminder to please check your child's student planner and home folder EVERY NIGHT! The most important day is probably Monday because that is when their tests from the previous night will be coming home.
I believe that's all for right now. Sorry for the length, and hopefully you find this information valuable. Have a great night and keep on keeping on!
If you are seeing this message, let me congratulate you on successfully subscribing to the class blog! Just wanted to send out a quick message with a few minor updates. We have had our most successful week so far are close to finishing this week up. Just a few reminders (aka "things you're hearing for the first time if your child needs help with their communication skills" :) :
1. This Friday is our 1st multiplication timed test. The students will have 3 minutes to finish as many x1,x2,x3,x4, and x5 problems as possible. I have been informing the students of these tests since the 1st day of school, so hopefully they've been working on the memorizing of them at home.
2. We will have a "phases of the moon" quiz on Friday as well. The students have a little flip study guide which we created in class to help them.
3. Coming home TOMORROW will be a moon phases calendar with directions attached. The students will monitor the moon on a nightly basis and record their findings.
4. Book orders were sent home late last week and are due by September 25th. Please take a look and consider if you haven't done so already.
5. Just a reminder to please check your child's student planner and home folder EVERY NIGHT! The most important day is probably Monday because that is when their tests from the previous night will be coming home.
I believe that's all for right now. Sorry for the length, and hopefully you find this information valuable. Have a great night and keep on keeping on!
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Welcome to Curriculum Night!!!
Thank you for coming tonight! Please have a
seat in your child's desk. Take a moment to look at their All About Me packet.
Also, if you want to use this time to write your child a note, feel free to do so
in their notebook. If you have any questions/concerns at the end, please write me a note on the index card along with the best way to contact you!
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Gearing up for the new year!
Dear '12-'13 Families~
Hahaha...you thought you were done with me :) Actually, that's what this message is about! I'm getting ready to "roll over" my blog so my new families can subscribe. You're job should be pretty easy. Just follow these steps:
1. Jump below this message to the bottom of the email.
2. Look at the second line that says To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.
3. It will pop up in a second window and just confirm that you will unsubscribe.
4. Smile to know you're finally FINALLY done with me!
Thanks again to each of you for making last year a VERY MEMORABLE one. I can't wait to see all the kids again in a few short weeks. As always, please feel free to stop me to chat or email me with ANY concerns you have this school year! Enjoy your last few weeks!
~Mr. Buono
Hahaha...you thought you were done with me :) Actually, that's what this message is about! I'm getting ready to "roll over" my blog so my new families can subscribe. You're job should be pretty easy. Just follow these steps:
1. Jump below this message to the bottom of the email.
2. Look at the second line that says To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.
3. It will pop up in a second window and just confirm that you will unsubscribe.
4. Smile to know you're finally FINALLY done with me!
Thanks again to each of you for making last year a VERY MEMORABLE one. I can't wait to see all the kids again in a few short weeks. As always, please feel free to stop me to chat or email me with ANY concerns you have this school year! Enjoy your last few weeks!
~Mr. Buono
Friday, May 31, 2013
End of the Year :(
Dear Families~
It's finally here! Today was a very bittersweet day for me. On one hand, I am very much looking forward to spending quality time with my wife and son. On the other, I'm going to miss seeing the smiling faces of each incredible student I had in class this year :( This will certainly not be a forgotten class...lots of memories. This group of parents has also been unforgetable. I appreciate every single thing you have done throughout the year, whether it be for myself, your child, or another student in need. If there's ever ANYTHING you need, please know I still check my school email regularly over the summer, and I still have the same email address next year (so don't be shy!): NBuono0905@oswego308.org
On a seperate note, I would also like to say Thank You to everyone who brought in a gift over this last week. The kind words and unnecassry gifts are GREATLY APPRECIATED! Hope you all have a great summer with your families; go create some memories!
Sincerely,
Mr. Buono (and family)
It's finally here! Today was a very bittersweet day for me. On one hand, I am very much looking forward to spending quality time with my wife and son. On the other, I'm going to miss seeing the smiling faces of each incredible student I had in class this year :( This will certainly not be a forgotten class...lots of memories. This group of parents has also been unforgetable. I appreciate every single thing you have done throughout the year, whether it be for myself, your child, or another student in need. If there's ever ANYTHING you need, please know I still check my school email regularly over the summer, and I still have the same email address next year (so don't be shy!): NBuono0905@oswego308.org
On a seperate note, I would also like to say Thank You to everyone who brought in a gift over this last week. The kind words and unnecassry gifts are GREATLY APPRECIATED! Hope you all have a great summer with your families; go create some memories!
Sincerely,
Mr. Buono (and family)
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Harlem Shake!!!
Here it is...the moment we've all been waiting for: OUR Harlem Shake!!! For the ABC Countdown, the students really wanted to do the Harlem Shake, so as a reward, we did! We also turned it into a nifty little science experiment using the Scientific Method as well! Anyway, there is privacy protection on it, so the only way you can find the video is through this link (it can NOT be searched for on youtube):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnT2h9ncO8g&feature=youtu.be
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnT2h9ncO8g&feature=youtu.be
Thursday, April 25, 2013
ABC Countdown!!!
Parents~
Here's a copy of the ABC countdown that we will celebrate in class. If you have any questions about the days ahead of time, let me know! Excited for the summer, but it's very bittersweet because this year's class has been AMAZING!
Here's a copy of the ABC countdown that we will celebrate in class. If you have any questions about the days ahead of time, let me know! Excited for the summer, but it's very bittersweet because this year's class has been AMAZING!
ABC Countdown
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Thursday 4/25
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A= Ask Mr. Buono Day – Ask me ALMOST anything!
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Friday 4/26
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B= Buddy Reading Day
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Monday 4/29
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C= Cookie Day (Provided by me)
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Tuesday 4/30
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D= Drink Day- Bring your favorite drink to school
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Wednesday 5/1
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E= Extra Recess Day
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Thursday 5/2
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F= Fancy Clothes Day & Bring in your Favorite
item from home
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Friday 5/3
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G= Game Day- Bring your favorite board game to
school
|
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Monday 5/6
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H= Harlem Shake Day
|
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Tuesday 5/7
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I= Ice Cream Day (provided by me)
|
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Wednesday 5/8
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J= Joke Day- Bring a joke to share
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Thursday 5/9
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K= Kickball Day – We’ll go outside to play a class
kickball game
|
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Friday 5/10
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L= Lollipop Day (Provided by me)
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Monday 5/13
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M= Music Day & Maze Runner Day
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Tuesday 5/14
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N= New Seat Day
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Wednesday 5/15
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O= Outside Day- We will go outside for part of a
lesson
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Thursday 5/16
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P= Pajama Day- Wear your PJ’s to school
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Friday 5/17
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Q= Quiz Mr. Buono Day
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Monday 5/20
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R= Re(a)d All Over – Wear red and get comfortable and read!
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Tuesday 5/21
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S= Silly Socks and Sunglasses Day!
|
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Wednesday 5/22
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T= Favorite T-Shirt Day
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Thursday 5/23
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U= Unhealthy Snack Day- Bring in any snack for the day
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Friday 5/24
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V= Video Day- We will watch a video at school
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Tuesday 5/28
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W= Walk Day- We will take a walk around the school
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Wednesday 5/29
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X= X (Multiplication) Games Day
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Thursday 5/30
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Y= You are Wonderful Day!- I will give out awards!
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Friday 5/31
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Z= Zoom Out of Here for Summer!!!
|
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Thank you!!!
Parents~
Just wanted to take a minute to say "Thank you so much!" Thanks to all who donated towards Qiyana's family. Yesterday I was able to drop off a card with over $250 in gift cards to Wal-Mart, the Movies, and a few restaurants as well!!! Seriously, I was not expecting that large of a total, but her family (and myself) are so thankful. I know I've said it a few times already, but this just floors me. Sometimes life can be soooo bleak and dark (as witnessed first hand through this experience). Then, when all the questions whirl around as to why things go this way, AMAZING people step up and do anything possible to lend support to those in need. It makes such a huge difference and gives us hope for humanity. It also makes me so proud to be part of a community that is so supportive. Thanks again for everyone who is helping out, whether through donations or just keeping her family in your thoughts.
~Mr. Buono
Just wanted to take a minute to say "Thank you so much!" Thanks to all who donated towards Qiyana's family. Yesterday I was able to drop off a card with over $250 in gift cards to Wal-Mart, the Movies, and a few restaurants as well!!! Seriously, I was not expecting that large of a total, but her family (and myself) are so thankful. I know I've said it a few times already, but this just floors me. Sometimes life can be soooo bleak and dark (as witnessed first hand through this experience). Then, when all the questions whirl around as to why things go this way, AMAZING people step up and do anything possible to lend support to those in need. It makes such a huge difference and gives us hope for humanity. It also makes me so proud to be part of a community that is so supportive. Thanks again for everyone who is helping out, whether through donations or just keeping her family in your thoughts.
~Mr. Buono
Friday, March 22, 2013
Spring Break!!!
Haven't updated in a while, but things have been crazy here at LC since Winter Break between ISATs, random days off, and hardly any outdoor recess :) Now that Spring Break has arrived, here's a few things the students can do over break:
1. READ!!! With the weather not looking like a typical Spring Break, what better thing to do than stay inside, cry about the cold weather, and READ an amazing book!
2. RESEARCH BIOGRAPHIES!!! We have been reading books/researching here at school for the last 3 weeks. We haven't quite got as much time as we'd wanted, but the students should have a pretty good start. However, the more they read online, the better they'll get to know their famous person. They should be writing down important notes in their notebooks on the corresponding pages. Any extra books for the Oswego Public Library would be helpful as well.
3. In Social Studies, we've been following the events leading up to the Revolutionary War. We've also been watching an animated series that follows our steps. While we haven't quite gotten to the war itself, we are on the verge. If the students would like to watch the next episode (because we WON'T watch it in class) here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLLg7l_rSuY (Part 1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfxrNXOZsYk (Part 2)
4. Follow the college basketball tournament! Every student from the class got 2 teams to follow and hopefully one of their teams will survive a little while. They can follow the tournament bracket here:
http://www.ncaa.com/interactive-bracket/basketball-men/d1
1. READ!!! With the weather not looking like a typical Spring Break, what better thing to do than stay inside, cry about the cold weather, and READ an amazing book!
2. RESEARCH BIOGRAPHIES!!! We have been reading books/researching here at school for the last 3 weeks. We haven't quite got as much time as we'd wanted, but the students should have a pretty good start. However, the more they read online, the better they'll get to know their famous person. They should be writing down important notes in their notebooks on the corresponding pages. Any extra books for the Oswego Public Library would be helpful as well.
3. In Social Studies, we've been following the events leading up to the Revolutionary War. We've also been watching an animated series that follows our steps. While we haven't quite gotten to the war itself, we are on the verge. If the students would like to watch the next episode (because we WON'T watch it in class) here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLLg7l_rSuY (Part 1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfxrNXOZsYk (Part 2)
4. Follow the college basketball tournament! Every student from the class got 2 teams to follow and hopefully one of their teams will survive a little while. They can follow the tournament bracket here:
http://www.ncaa.com/interactive-bracket/basketball-men/d1
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Classroom Incentives!!!
Parents~
Just wanted to let you know of a few incentives going on in our class right now. Going home tonight will be 2 different sheets for you to hang on to and fill out as you go:
1. Free ticket to Six Flags = Qualify by reading for 360 minutes AND filling out the sheet by February 20th. The students can read ANY type of literature to accomplish this goal.
2. Free ticket to Raging Waves = Qualify by exercising 30 minutes at a time. For each 30 minutes of exercise, color in a block until the sheet is full. Turn it back in by April 15th.
3. Free ticket to a Kane County Cougars Game = Qualify by complete 2 book reviews and reading independently AT SCHOOL. There is NO sheet that needs to be sent out, because this one will take place in the classroom.
If you have any questions about any of these programs, let me know! Everything's been great since we came back from break, and I think they're starting to remember what a school is! Christmas Break = Loss of Brain Cells. LOL.
Just wanted to let you know of a few incentives going on in our class right now. Going home tonight will be 2 different sheets for you to hang on to and fill out as you go:
1. Free ticket to Six Flags = Qualify by reading for 360 minutes AND filling out the sheet by February 20th. The students can read ANY type of literature to accomplish this goal.
2. Free ticket to Raging Waves = Qualify by exercising 30 minutes at a time. For each 30 minutes of exercise, color in a block until the sheet is full. Turn it back in by April 15th.
3. Free ticket to a Kane County Cougars Game = Qualify by complete 2 book reviews and reading independently AT SCHOOL. There is NO sheet that needs to be sent out, because this one will take place in the classroom.
If you have any questions about any of these programs, let me know! Everything's been great since we came back from break, and I think they're starting to remember what a school is! Christmas Break = Loss of Brain Cells. LOL.
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