Observing Rocks!

Today, we sorted and observed the different properties of rocks!

Playing a game to review letters :)

Sweet Story

Hi all!
I have to tell you this super sweet story! Yesterday, I instructed the kids to write "5 lines" on their dry erase board. I was walking around checking that they knew how many five was (I know, very basic, but just checking! :))  One kiddo misunderstood what I said and when I got to his board he was working on drawing "5 lions." So sweet!!! :)  Good for him to take on a task of drawing something so difficult, without questioning me too! It was adorable!!!
Mindy :)

Reviewing Numbers 0-20

Homework Tonight! :)

Your child will be bringing their Reading Street book home tonight so that they can read their first story to you!  Along with their book, they will be bringing a special bookmark home to go with their story. As you read with your child, the bookmark will guide you as to what kinds of questions to ask them. If your child has trouble reading this story, no worries!  You can just read it to them.  :)

HAPPY READING! :)

Busy Morning! :)

We've had quite a busy morning here in room 21!  We reviewed our alphabet by playing an alphabet game, practiced reading words with short a (ask your kiddo about the story "Sam"), and worked on writing our first and last names!  Woohoo!  The kids did excellent!  Oh, and we played Four Corners-that game seems to be a hit! :)

SNACKTIME! :)

Finally!  The best part of the morning-snacktime!!

Thank you so much to all of you who sent in snacks!  The kids really appreciate it and look forward to getting something in their bellies in the morning! Just a reminder if you didn't send in snacks-please send in one class snack (enough to feed 20 kiddos) at the beginning of each month.  Thanks so much!! :)

Fantastic First Day!!

Our first day of school was wonderful!  The kiddos got a chance to check out our classroom, meet new friends, eat lunch at school and play on the playground!  We are going to have a great year!  I'm pretty sure they will all sleep well tonight also! :)

Mindy :)

Learning About Expected Behavior

Today, we read the story, "David Goes to School."  We talked about expected behavior at school. Here's a pic of the kids working on making David from our story!

Happy First Day of School!  We are having great fun in room 21!! :) :) :)

The Big Day!!

Are you all counting down for the big day?! I can't believe it's finally here!!  I don't know about you but for me, tonight is full of excitement and jitters! Excitement because I can't wait to get in to the classroom and start teaching your kiddos! And jitters because that means I'll be sending my own children off to be in the hands of someone new. Please know that I will take great care of your kiddos while they're in my care. Each and every one of them are special and important to me and it's my goal to make them feel loved and cared for while they're at school.

Have a peaceful night's sleep and be sure to check our blog tomorrow!

Mrs. Smith :)

Classroom Behavior Management System

I believe the best way to teach kids to make good choices is by modeling how to make good choices! This year, I hope to hear a lot of "please," "thank you," and students supporting each other.  Besides modeling, we will have social skill lessons and refreshers and I will hang visuals as reminders for the kiddos!  This year is a very influential year for learning social skills!

To help support their positive behaviors, I will have in place the following things:

1. Table Rewards-Each table has a card hanging above their table.  When I see them working nicely together, using kind words with each other or sharing, they will earn a clothespin to hang on their card. The team with the most clothespins at the end of a given period, will earn lunch with me.  I usually determine the winning team when I switch table groups, which is about every month, depending on how students are working together, whether they need a break from each other, etc.

2. COCOA Stars-Each kiddo has a COCOA star hanging from the bulletin board.  When students exhibit COCOA behavior (Community, Ownership, Citizenship, Opportunity, and Academics), they will earn a sticker to put on that point on their star.  When each point of their star has a sticker, they will earn a prize from the prize wall.  (Be sure to check out the choices when you come to "Meet the Teacher" today!

3. GO signs-Each kiddos has 3 GO signs on their desk to start each day.  Throughout the day, if they are not following our classroom expectations (Be nice to others.  Listen and follow directions.  Use good manners.  Talk quietly at appropriate times.  Take care of your things.) they will be asked to remove a GO sign.  If they have a GO sign removed, that will be a visual reminder to that child that they need to stay on track and follow the expectations.  Students that still have GO signs at the end of the day, will earn a point for each GO sign they have left. When students reach 30 points they will earn a reward from the prize wall.

If students lose a GO sign, it just serves as a reminder to get back on track.  I will not make a phone call home unless the behavior is more severe or they are consistently losing GO signs.

If, at any time, you have a question about anything at all, please contact me!  Email is the best route!
msmith@hershey.k12.pa.us

Thanks!
Mindy Smith :)

Meet the Teacher

What: Come meet your teacher!!

When: Thursday, August 21st from 3:30-5:00

Where: Room 21

Can't wait to meet you all soon!!!

Excitedly,
Mrs. Smith :)

Birthday Celebration Treats

Hi Parents!

Just a heads up!  I wanted to let you know that the district is enforcing the following policy starting this school year:

On your child's birthday, you may send in a NON food item as a treat to share with the class.  This includes things such as pencils, little tablets, novelties, etc.  Food items are NOT ALLOWED to be sent in as birthday treats anymore.  If you send in a food item as a treat, I will have to send it back home.

I know birthdays are super fun to celebrate, especially at this age!  So don't worry, we will sing and make it a special day for your child!  Just be sure to send in something that isn't food.

Thanks!
Mindy :)

Addition To Clearances

New This Year: Parents must update their clearances every two years. So if you got your clearances last year, you are good to go for this year. If not, you should update them ASAP!
Thanks!
Mindy :)

Important Information on Clearances

Hi parents!  Here is some super important information regarding participation in your child's school activities, including class parties and field trips.

If you plan to be in your child's classroom more than 2 times this year, you need to complete your clearances.  Information regarding this can be picked up from the secretaries in the office.  Please make sure you get a jump start on this right away!  We have lots of activities, parties and field trips and I don't want anyone to not be allowed to participate because they don't have their clearances.  The school will be strictly enforcing this!

Thanks!
Mindy :)

Class Schedule and Special Schedule

Here's our class schedule:

8:30-8:50 Student Arrival
8:50-11:30 Reading (Snack at 10:00)
11:30-12:00 Recess
12:05-12:35 Lunch
12:35-1:22 Writing/Science
1:22-2:02 Special (see schedule below)
2:05-3:05 Math
3:05-3:20 Writing/Science/Social Skills
3:20-3:35 Recess
3:37 Dismissal

Specials:

Day 1 Music
Day2 Art
Day 3 Physical Education
Day 4 Library
Day 5 Computer
Day 6 Physical Education

Class List

I bet you're wondering who is in your child's class this year!  Here's the list!

Allison A.

Matilda B.

McKinley E.

Annie G.

Ella K.

Aarya P.

Haley R.

Delilah T.

Elvin A.

James A.

Eli G.

Will M.

Cameron M.

Kyle S.

Bennett S.

Blake U.

Brandyn W.

Brady W.
Thea
Gia