CLASS EXPECTATIONS:
My classroom system is based on the basic principles of natural consequences and positive reinforcements. I am a real proponent of teaching with love and logic. I utilize 4 main systems to generate a healthy classroom climate.
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- The Star System-where cooperative groups earn stars for readiness and cooperation. The group with the most stars before lunch, earns “quiet free time” during story time. The group with the most stars at the end of the day, earns $50 class buck
- The Banking System-where students earn money daily for completing morning board work; staying on task; helping others; good citizenship etc. The money may be used at the Friday store, for purchasing extras, such as new pencils, renting chair cushions, taking class library book home or class stuffed animal over the weekend etc.
- PEACE BUILDER-Peace Builder Award/Classroom meeting System-where each Friday, after lunch, we select 1 student who earns Peace Builder status. That child will bring home a sheet that explains what he/she needs to bring in/do by Monday. The week is filled with privileges such as: 1. free chair pad for entire coop. group. 2. personal garbage can 3. free stuffed animal to hold during story time. These are a few of the benefits. On Friday he/she will share his/her autobiography and any items brought in with the class . If you can join us on your child’s special day, please do! After Peace Builder sharing we have a classroom meeting where concerns and compliments are raised, shared, and hopefully resolved.
- The Homework System- There will be weekly homework sent home and due Friday. You will then need to SIGN the weekly HW packet. Your child will bring the weekly homework packet ALL back to school EACH and EVERY day to earn credit. There will be a daily assignment that is logged in a organized homework folder, and will be brought home and completed by your child. You will then need to SIGN the log each day-Mon.-Thurs. Your child will bring this ALL back to school EACH and EVERY day to earn credit and If your child doesn’t complete the homework AND get it signed daily, the natural consequence will be completing it during morning break. As a reward for completing all assignments during the week, we have set up Fun Friday. This is an organized game time from each Friday. If your child has any missing assignments, the natural consequence will be to complete them during Fun Friday time.
HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS:
School Hours: Monday though Friday school hours are from 8:00-3:00
Lunch -11:40-12:20
Our Classroom- Mrs. Somerville Room 6
Peace Builder/Class Meetings- Each Friday, after lunch, I select 1 student who earns the Peace Builder status. That child will bring home a sheet that explains what he/she needs to bring in/do by Monday. Items will be displayed in a “safe” place for one week. The following Friday, your child will share his/her autobiography and items with the class. Additional benefits of being Peace Builder include: 1. Free stuffed animal during story time 2. personal garbage can. 3. Chair pads for self and cooperative group. After PRO sharing we have a class meeting where concerns and compliments are raised, shared, and hopefully resolved.
Birthdays- Children often like to share their birthday celebration at school with the class. If your child desires to do this, you are welcome to send in a store bought treat on this special day. Summer birthdays get to pick the day they would like to celebrate the last month of school.
Homework-Homework will consist of each child reading 15 minutes a day. In addition to the reading log, there will be a weekly homework packet sent home Monday and returned Friday that needs to be signed by an adult by Thursday night verifying that HW has been completed. Homework will also consist of some type of homework sent home Monday through Thursday. Each child will have the homework in the organized Homework Folder, as well as an assignment sheet that needs to be signed by an adult each night verifying that HW has been completed. The Homework Folder with the HW packet, daily HW and assignment sheets are to be returned daily into the yellow homework bucket. Each Friday a weekly newsletter will be e-mailed home. It will inform you of what we’ve worked on all week, as well as upcoming events.
My HW philosophy is based on research findings and personal experience with homework during the elementary school years. Research states that there is no positive correlation between increased standardized test scores and homework until a child reaches middle school. I believe that when a child leaves my room each day, I have pushed him/her to his/her fullest potential. When a child goes home, he/she needs to spend time outside, with family, and/or enjoying extracurricular activities. So why do I assign homework at all? Children develop behaviors gradually. By assigning a minimal amount of work, it not only begins to shape good work habits, but also fosters independent learning and responsibility. The assignments I give are to reinforce what the child has learned during the week. It also serves as a communication tool to parents, so they know what we are currently focusing on. Every Monday will be spelling HW. A spelling pre-test is given every Wednesday. If a child earns 100% on the Wednesday test, he/she doesn’t have to take it on Friday and may have quiet free time to read, draw or work on a special project.
Specials-
Monday- Chinese, Computer Lab, PE
Tuesday- Chinese, Computer Lab, PE
Wednesday-Spanish, Computer Lab, PE
Thursday- Art, Computer Lab, PE
Friday- Spanish, Music, Computer Lab, PE
Class Store- We NEED donations. Every other week there will be a class store where they can spend their class bucks. The store is comprised of donated items. They range from new to gently used items as well as kid’s meal toys. I would appreciate it if you would think of our class store whenever you spring clean your closets/rooms. Any and all donations to our class store are greatly appreciated! (Any white elephants, toys, snacks etc. that you have, PLEASE send them in for our class store.)
VISITORS AND VOLUNTEERS are ALWAYS welcomed and appreciated! Please let me know if you are interested.