It's that time of year again where things begin to get really hectic. Next week you will take the state assessment for ELA. As the test approaches, I wanted to take a few minutes to remind you all of a few things. First, you are not a number. You are not a one, a two, a three, or a four. What you ARE is an awesome group of kids who are not defined by the score you receive on the ELA, math, or science state tests. Over the past few weeks I have admired your hard work and perseverance as we have prepared for these assessments. Each day you have given your best effort and as your teacher that is all I can ask for. I thank you for hard work, positive attitude, and most of all your patience, as the days have sometimes gotten a little crazy. When you take your ELA test next week I only ask one thing of you. Each day when you finish and close your test booklet, I want you to ask yourself two questions:
1. Am I proud of what I have done?
2. Will my family be proud of the effort I gave?
If your answer to either question is "no," then go back and do what you can to make the answer a "yes." I am already proud of you and the effort you have given. Keep that momentum going next week.
I've got the moves baby,
Mr. Fletcher
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Caught A Lite Sneeze
Nine days of barfing. Doesn't that sound like a verse from The Twelve Days of Christmas? Well, its not. It is what my wife and I experienced with my youngest son Chase over spring break. As many of you know, this virus started before vacation and then was nice enough to carry through most of our time off. If you put the positive spin on it, at least it was over vacation and I didn't have to miss anymore school. However, nothing is worse than a sick child that you can do little for but cuddle and worry. Should we bring him to the doctor? Should we bring him to Urgent Care? Should he go to the emergency room? What should we do? Luckily, as the barfing slowed down, the sun tried to come out and we were able to evacuate the house of sick and get some fresh air. It made all the difference in the world.
Now, I don't mean to sound like a "Gloomy Gus" and complain about my vacation. There were some definite highlights to the week off. I was able to do some landscaping, visit family, and best of all, it didn't snow! I'm extremely happy to report that Chase is one hundred percent back to himself and was able to have three full days of vacation without any sickness!
My sincere hope is that none of you had to endure or experience the same thing I did over vacation. I hope you were all able to enjoy the time off and do some fun things.
Feel free to take some time and share with us how your vacation was. What did you do? Where did you go? What was the best part? Did you sit on any eggs? (ha ha Rory!)
I look forward to reliving my vacation vicariously through all of you!
Building...tumbling down,
Mr. Fletcher
Now, I don't mean to sound like a "Gloomy Gus" and complain about my vacation. There were some definite highlights to the week off. I was able to do some landscaping, visit family, and best of all, it didn't snow! I'm extremely happy to report that Chase is one hundred percent back to himself and was able to have three full days of vacation without any sickness!
My sincere hope is that none of you had to endure or experience the same thing I did over vacation. I hope you were all able to enjoy the time off and do some fun things.
Feel free to take some time and share with us how your vacation was. What did you do? Where did you go? What was the best part? Did you sit on any eggs? (ha ha Rory!)
I look forward to reliving my vacation vicariously through all of you!
Building...tumbling down,
Mr. Fletcher
Friday, March 18, 2011
Showing Concern
The recent events in Japan have been a topic of great concern this week in class. As always, this group has amazed me with the empathy they have displayed during our discussions. You should be proud of your children for the way they have shared their thoughts and concerns as they try to understand this disaster. To show our support to the people of Japan, students have written Tanka poems inspired by some images they have seen in class. Tanka is an ancient form of Japanese poetry comprised of five lines and a total of thirty one syllables (5,7,5,7,7). Please feel free to share your thoughts and comments on their beautiful poems or this tragic event.
The baby looks sad
both the parents are missing
during the earthquake
I feel bad for everyone
thousands of people have died
by Riley
A miracle comes
out of everything that came
a baby is found
what a surpise to people
a new lovely sound is here
by Logan
If I was in a
tsunami I would be scared
if I was the dad
I would be very happy,
and cheerful, and thankful, and glad
by Aurora
Dad reunited
mother hasn't been found yet
miracles happen
she was found four days later
following the Tsunami
by Dakota
The most surprising
thing that happened in my life
a baby survived
four days later the baby
was found among the remains
by Hunter
Hoping for safety
sad for people who have lost
thankful for rescues
swampy from all the water
disaster from the wrecked homes
by Heather
Big waves incoming
lots of people in big fear
trees getting knocked down
houses getting washed away
cars are going for a swim
by Chris
The wave is coming
it's tearing everything down
it is very sad
all of the trees are falling
the people are screaming help
by Rory
A big wave coming
where could you go at this time
it appears fast
when it hits land in Japan
it wipes stuff away so quick
by Logan
Harsh trees falling down
waves coming in rapidly
houses falling fast
cars floating down a river
boats flipping over down river
by Jeremy
The wave is here now
nothing can stop it coming
everybody's scared
houses are moving away
there's nothing to do to help
by Jessie
The waves are coming
it's the worst thing that happened
it is a nightmare
all the houses coming down
people are screaming for help
by Abby
Waves coming in fast
belongings will be destroyed
cars will be ruined
citizens and pets might die
trees and grass will be dug up
by Kamryn
A pile of junk
used to be valuable
everything broken
a tragic story it is
something horrible happened
by Logan
Some people are sick
finding lost family members
belongings are gone
debris from destroyed houses
sleeping in freezing cold ice
by Kamryn
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Don't You Wrong or Right Me
It has been a while since I have posted anything....largely due to the fact that I am finishing up my work to submit for the National Board. Let's hope the second time is a charm! Anyway, I've been missing my little blog as topics to write about have been piling up in my head and are now so jumbled that I find one thought leading to another without being sure how the connection was made. Here's an example.
Last night on my way home from grocery shopping, I set my iPod to shuffle and had one of the most amazing musical experiences ever, thanks to the randomness of this feature. Yes, all the songs that are on my iPod are there because I put them there, but it is the order and songs themselves that came up that was so unreal. My itunes library has over three thousand songs on it, so that made it even more impressive to me.
This made me think about how much I love music, whether people realize it or not. When I was a kid, I would throw tantrums in the store for first, vinyl albums, and eventually cassette tapes. Kids, ask your parents to explain what "albums" and "cassette tapes" are. Then it was Cd's...but by the time I actually got a CD player I was basically out of the tantrum stage. Notice I said basically, because I have been known to throw a few still to this day. Anyway many people don't know what a huge music lover I am because they see the person at school who hates singing cutesy songs and is horrible at playing an instrument.
I tried the chorus thing when I was in school and it didn't work for me. The same with playing trumpet. This always made me wonder, how someone who loves music as much as I do....could have no musical ability whatsoever?
This train of thought next led me to wearing a tie. It may seem like a stretch, but stick with me. As a male in my profession, there is a sort of stereotype that wearing a tie makes you a "good" teacher. I tried it. That also didn't work for me. Instead of being a "good" teacher, I was uncomfortable all day long, always tucking and afraid to move because I would have to start the process all over again. I also got a reputation of being completely unapproachable to parents, as unfortunately my appearance also seemed to give the impression that I thought I was better. Believe me when I say that this is not the message you want to send to families when you are just beginning your career. Once I loosened up and ditched the dress pants and ties, something really cool started to happen. My teaching improved; as what I was teaching took the spotlight, instead of what I was wearing. I also became more approachable as families weren't intimidated to talk to me and began to view me as their equal. Because after all, that is what we are. I have the same goals as the families of my students and at this stage of the game, I feel pretty confident in saying that the families of my students understand that. If wearing a tie makes you a "good" teacher, I like to think that not wearing one makes you "great."
Please don't think that I am judging anyone, especially men who wear ties. The point I'm trying to make is that for me it didn't work and when I looked in the mirror each day, I saw a phony. I don't see that anymore and I like to think that people who do wear ties don't judge me any more than I don't judge them.
On my way home last night, "Crazy" by Patsy Cline was the last song I heard. I remember as a kid when my mom would play Patsy in the car and I would sit in the back seat searching for anything I could find to stuff in my ears to drown her out. Now she is on my iPod and I love it when she come on. First because it always makes me think of my mom. Second because it shows me that I have grown up and learned how to appreciate a phenomenal voice and talent. This gives me hope that Jacob's constant complaining whenever I play Tori Amos means he will be a bigger fan than I am when he is older.
At this point you may be saying to yourself, how did we get from from the beginning of this post to here? Don't you tell your students to stay on topic and not to wander all over the place in their writing? Absolutely, and I do it all without wearing a tie.
Peace of mind,
Mr. Fletcher
Last night on my way home from grocery shopping, I set my iPod to shuffle and had one of the most amazing musical experiences ever, thanks to the randomness of this feature. Yes, all the songs that are on my iPod are there because I put them there, but it is the order and songs themselves that came up that was so unreal. My itunes library has over three thousand songs on it, so that made it even more impressive to me.
This made me think about how much I love music, whether people realize it or not. When I was a kid, I would throw tantrums in the store for first, vinyl albums, and eventually cassette tapes. Kids, ask your parents to explain what "albums" and "cassette tapes" are. Then it was Cd's...but by the time I actually got a CD player I was basically out of the tantrum stage. Notice I said basically, because I have been known to throw a few still to this day. Anyway many people don't know what a huge music lover I am because they see the person at school who hates singing cutesy songs and is horrible at playing an instrument.
I tried the chorus thing when I was in school and it didn't work for me. The same with playing trumpet. This always made me wonder, how someone who loves music as much as I do....could have no musical ability whatsoever?
This train of thought next led me to wearing a tie. It may seem like a stretch, but stick with me. As a male in my profession, there is a sort of stereotype that wearing a tie makes you a "good" teacher. I tried it. That also didn't work for me. Instead of being a "good" teacher, I was uncomfortable all day long, always tucking and afraid to move because I would have to start the process all over again. I also got a reputation of being completely unapproachable to parents, as unfortunately my appearance also seemed to give the impression that I thought I was better. Believe me when I say that this is not the message you want to send to families when you are just beginning your career. Once I loosened up and ditched the dress pants and ties, something really cool started to happen. My teaching improved; as what I was teaching took the spotlight, instead of what I was wearing. I also became more approachable as families weren't intimidated to talk to me and began to view me as their equal. Because after all, that is what we are. I have the same goals as the families of my students and at this stage of the game, I feel pretty confident in saying that the families of my students understand that. If wearing a tie makes you a "good" teacher, I like to think that not wearing one makes you "great."
Please don't think that I am judging anyone, especially men who wear ties. The point I'm trying to make is that for me it didn't work and when I looked in the mirror each day, I saw a phony. I don't see that anymore and I like to think that people who do wear ties don't judge me any more than I don't judge them.
On my way home last night, "Crazy" by Patsy Cline was the last song I heard. I remember as a kid when my mom would play Patsy in the car and I would sit in the back seat searching for anything I could find to stuff in my ears to drown her out. Now she is on my iPod and I love it when she come on. First because it always makes me think of my mom. Second because it shows me that I have grown up and learned how to appreciate a phenomenal voice and talent. This gives me hope that Jacob's constant complaining whenever I play Tori Amos means he will be a bigger fan than I am when he is older.
At this point you may be saying to yourself, how did we get from from the beginning of this post to here? Don't you tell your students to stay on topic and not to wander all over the place in their writing? Absolutely, and I do it all without wearing a tie.
Peace of mind,
Mr. Fletcher
Monday, February 14, 2011
My Rotten Black Heart
That's what some of you may be thinking that I have. A rotten, black heart for not having a Valentine's Day party today. Let me set the record straight, I do not have a black heart...just a bad memory and poor calendar skills! I could lend this oversight to many things, but simply put...I just forgot! I am making it up to the kids by having a celebration on Friday. In the meantime, I'll be doing some major sucking up in order to make it up to them.
The crowd around the card section in WalMart yesterday was what finally snapped me out of my fog. Initially, I thought the mass of people was for free samples which drew me in. Reality came crashing in pretty quickly, when I realized there was no free food, only frantic last minute Valentine's Day shoppers. To the masses I mingled with yesterday in the carnage that was left for us last minuters...thank you for the life saving role you played in my existence.
I'll also take this time to spread a word of caution to any of you reading this: BEWARE OF THE NOSY CARD READING CASHIER!! Out of respect, she shall remain nameless, but here is how it went down:
After finally finding the right cards from both myself and my sons, which in and of itself was no easy feat, I made my way to the twenty items or less line. As I placed my items on the counter, I looked up to see this particular cashier reading my cards! Now granted, there was nothing explicit or tacky about the cards I picked up, but come on! I stood there in shock as she not only read the card to my wife from me, but the one from my sons, AND a thank you card I purchased. Also, she wasn't exactly a speed reader.
Now as someone who once worked at WalMart, I know for a fact that the cashiers have this little contest each month for the highest number of IPH's. For those of you without the WalMart lingo, IPH stands for items per hour. The number of items each cashier scans in an hour is recorded and then they have some little contest for prizes. This particular cashier, was in no danger of winning this contest and really could have cared less.
After reading each of my cards, Nosy Rosy picks up my son's almond milk, examines the label and then makes a face like it disgusts her.
On my way home, I turned off the radio and tried to see this scene from the cashier's point of view. As someone who was once a cashier himself, I know how incredibly boring it can be at times. Maybe this was her way of passing the time. Or, perhaps she was in need of Valentine's Day and Thank You cards herself and was trying to save herself time, by sampling mine so she knew what to look for. Obviously, she is fortunate enough to not have the milk allergy that my son has and has never had to drink almond milk.
Either way, I guess it is no big deal and I'm not sure why I was so quick to be annoyed in the first place.
After sharing this with the kids today, I'm not that sure that I'm willing to put it to rest though. The fun lover in me is toying with the idea of going back to said WalMart, purchasing another card, but putting a big post it note on the inside with some kind of little personal message. This way she'll know that I'm on to her and her card reading ways.
Happy Valentine's Day,
Mr. Fletcher
The crowd around the card section in WalMart yesterday was what finally snapped me out of my fog. Initially, I thought the mass of people was for free samples which drew me in. Reality came crashing in pretty quickly, when I realized there was no free food, only frantic last minute Valentine's Day shoppers. To the masses I mingled with yesterday in the carnage that was left for us last minuters...thank you for the life saving role you played in my existence.
I'll also take this time to spread a word of caution to any of you reading this: BEWARE OF THE NOSY CARD READING CASHIER!! Out of respect, she shall remain nameless, but here is how it went down:
After finally finding the right cards from both myself and my sons, which in and of itself was no easy feat, I made my way to the twenty items or less line. As I placed my items on the counter, I looked up to see this particular cashier reading my cards! Now granted, there was nothing explicit or tacky about the cards I picked up, but come on! I stood there in shock as she not only read the card to my wife from me, but the one from my sons, AND a thank you card I purchased. Also, she wasn't exactly a speed reader.
Now as someone who once worked at WalMart, I know for a fact that the cashiers have this little contest each month for the highest number of IPH's. For those of you without the WalMart lingo, IPH stands for items per hour. The number of items each cashier scans in an hour is recorded and then they have some little contest for prizes. This particular cashier, was in no danger of winning this contest and really could have cared less.
After reading each of my cards, Nosy Rosy picks up my son's almond milk, examines the label and then makes a face like it disgusts her.
On my way home, I turned off the radio and tried to see this scene from the cashier's point of view. As someone who was once a cashier himself, I know how incredibly boring it can be at times. Maybe this was her way of passing the time. Or, perhaps she was in need of Valentine's Day and Thank You cards herself and was trying to save herself time, by sampling mine so she knew what to look for. Obviously, she is fortunate enough to not have the milk allergy that my son has and has never had to drink almond milk.
Either way, I guess it is no big deal and I'm not sure why I was so quick to be annoyed in the first place.
After sharing this with the kids today, I'm not that sure that I'm willing to put it to rest though. The fun lover in me is toying with the idea of going back to said WalMart, purchasing another card, but putting a big post it note on the inside with some kind of little personal message. This way she'll know that I'm on to her and her card reading ways.
Happy Valentine's Day,
Mr. Fletcher
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Dear "Gabby"
Giving advice is not always an easy thing to do. Especially if it involves friends. For your blog response this week, I want you to pretend that you are a famous advice columnist in a newspaper. People write to you regularly to get advice about how to handle some difficult situations.
You have just received the following letter from a fourth grader in New York. He writes:
Dear Gabby,
I am a fourth grade student and I have a problem. There are two students in my class who are always making fun of other students in my class. The things they say and do are very mean and hurtful. The problem is that the only person they are nice to is me. Now everyone in my class thinks that I am a bully too. I'm afraid that if I'm not friends with them that they will be mean to me as well. At the same time, I don't want everyone else to think I am a bully either. What should I do?
Hoping for answers,
Not A Bully
Pretend you are "Gabby." What advice would you give to this student to make this situation better? What are your reasons for your advice? Give this some thought before you post your response. It may be helpful to write a rough draft in your journal first.
Anxiously awaiting,
Mr. Fletcher
You have just received the following letter from a fourth grader in New York. He writes:
Dear Gabby,
I am a fourth grade student and I have a problem. There are two students in my class who are always making fun of other students in my class. The things they say and do are very mean and hurtful. The problem is that the only person they are nice to is me. Now everyone in my class thinks that I am a bully too. I'm afraid that if I'm not friends with them that they will be mean to me as well. At the same time, I don't want everyone else to think I am a bully either. What should I do?
Hoping for answers,
Not A Bully
Pretend you are "Gabby." What advice would you give to this student to make this situation better? What are your reasons for your advice? Give this some thought before you post your response. It may be helpful to write a rough draft in your journal first.
Anxiously awaiting,
Mr. Fletcher
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Workshop Reminder
Hi Everyone,
I just wanted to take a minute to remind everyone that our first workshop will be tomorrow night (1/27/11) from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.. This first one will focus on interacting with our class blog and then we'll take some time to discuss future get togethers.
Hope to see you there!
Mr. Fletcher
I just wanted to take a minute to remind everyone that our first workshop will be tomorrow night (1/27/11) from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.. This first one will focus on interacting with our class blog and then we'll take some time to discuss future get togethers.
Hope to see you there!
Mr. Fletcher
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