We had quite the busy day today. Rusty is talking about being safe at school this week on his shows. We will be collecting data all week on how to do this. Today, we talked about how teacher's are trained to handle any and all crisis situations, and the best thing they can do is to find their teacher's eyes, listen, and follow their lead. It is also important that they NOT ask what is going on or for me to stop and explain why I am having them do this or that. They need to trust their teacher in all and any crisis situations without questions. Then, I brought out my safety/crisis backpack and showed them all the things in it. I think that knowledge is power, and showing them that I am prepared with everything we might need puts them at ease. Please ask your child to tell you at least two things I have in my backpack. If they can, write the word SAFE in the planner for $20 tomorrow. Lastly, we talked about how schools are very safe. We discussed how crisis situations will probably NEVER happen, but it is our job to be prepared. We ended on a note of trust and with me answering some very good what ifs. Rusty will help us discuss these topics more and more on a 4th grade level. Next Tuesday, Mrs. Neese is bringing in a detective to talk with us about internet safety. It will be geared for 4th graders and age appropriate. A note will come home soon.
We started our Snow-ology writing project today by starting to make our snow people. Kids will then write a story about them using a story I will read aloud as a guide. In the past, these kids do a great job with coming up with some very fun and creative ideas. This time, we will be writing a rough and final draft to really focus on those conventions. It will be student led this time, rather than me telling them what they need to correct or edit (grammar wise). I will help with spelling. They will not be cleared for final drafts until their rough draft is completely edited.
For homework tonight, kids have a review sheet for diameter and radius. Remember, a radius is half of a diameter. So, if they are given the length of the diameter (all the way across the circle) then all they have to do is divide that in half to find the radius. If they are given the radius, then all they have to do to find the diameter is double it.
Some kids may have reading homework as well. We had a lot going on today, so some did not finish. We read Ch. 1 in class and discussed it. Please, please refrain from helping them with finding the answers. Instead, encourage them to look back into the chapter to find them on their own. The guide goes in order of the chapter, so finding them is pretty logical and sequential. Thanks.
Lastly, if your child has not done so already, please have them bring in a glass jar with a lid sometime this week. It can be a baby food jar up to a jelly jar. Please remove labels on it so it is completely see through. Thanks.
Have a wonderful evening!
