So, what exactly did you do this summer? We've shared a few things in class, but I would love to post them here. E-mail me a picture if you have one! We'll start out with "Half Pint." She opened a lemonade stand and made some money! I bet she would make quite a profit this week--although most people are hiding out indoors where it is cooler! Thanks so much for sharing your summer job with us!
Who will be the next to share their summer vacation with us? I can't wait.
OH, I almost forgot the GOOD NEWS! Remember last year, when I told you we were supposed to be getting computers? Well, WE HAVE THEM! Okay, so they aren't hooked up yet, and we technically don't have monitors, but it is progress! Keep your fingers crossed, and within a few weeks the students will be able to be online and participate in assignments on the blog from our classroom! Until next time. . .be good to each other!
3 comments:
And thank you for all that you endure with the heat and a room full of precious children. What are some of the exciting and insightful lessons you will teach this Fall? Do you have some tips for parents to use to help keep their child motivated and ready for middle school?
Ahh, my Jedi Master--if I had the answer to that question, I would make so much money I would never have to teach another day in my life. Believe it or not, I was a middle school teacher for five years in a past life, and I can tell you that there is no "one size fits all" solution. If it is okay with you, I will give you part one of my answer tonight and add subsequent portions in the coming days. Bear with me, as this might get a little long winded.
One of my biggest concerns sending my students off to middle school each year is the behavioral/social adaptations. Are you surprised that the academic component is not top priority? Don't get me wrong--academics are very important, but I truly believe that community and relationships (both with peers and the adults in their lives) must be established first if true learning is going to take place. Middle school is a different world, and not necessarily a bad one. I always worry about how my students will fit into their new world--will they run after the wrong group, try to skate through unnoticed, make a big splash, or a combination of these? With all of this on the back of my mind, it is very important to me that the students become self reliant. Making tough, character building decisions on their own, and seeing the benefits can pay such dividends later! I want these children to grow up into responsible, confident, compassionate adults. (Is that too much to ask?) But I also want them to know that if they make a mistake, the world will not end as long as they learn something. I tip my cap to you parents for all you do for your children. My part in all of this is nearly insignificant compared to the battles you fight everyday to keep your children on the right track. (And when I say "You" please know I am not referring to any one person, but to any and all parents who might be reading this.)
As I step off of my soapbox, my readers are probably wondering how that begins to answer the initial question. I'm so glad you asked.:-) Without question, your relationship with your child will change in the coming years, if it hasn't already. Give them that room to stretch their personalities and prerogatives, but make sure they know that you are still 100% in their corner. Don't turn them loose by any means, but allow them to make a few little mistakes. Let them fail at something small, then help them up, brush them off, and send them back to try again. How does a loving parent balance their protective nature with this? I don't know; with much prayer and many private tears I would imagine.
This is probably much deeper than you had intended for me to get, but I do constantly look at what will help these children make it in middle school, high school, or whatever else they may face. I know I am supposed to say that the important things are making sure that everyone is reading on grade level and can multiply and do long division, but I feel very strongly about developing socially and emotionally balanced children as well. You just happened to hit one of my hot buttons this evening. I don't know whether I should thank you or apologize! I promise I will talk about academic things when I come back to this in a few days.
Grateful to you I am Ms. K. You have a hard job and I appreciate with ALL my heart the dedication you give our children everyday. I am looking forward to a challenging year and I know this one will be a milestone for our children. With so much to learn and growing pains it can be too much to handle sometimes for both parties. You gave me great advice I will TRY very hard to be a good student.
Post a Comment