I've Got the Summer School Blues...

This is me right now...

Clip Art by MyCuteGraphics

...(scared face)...because tomorrow is the beginning of Summer School. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE seeing the kids. It's the idea of teaching multiple grade levels that frightens me (K-3). I know many teachers out there do this already on a daily basis -- and I salute you! But my teaching experience generally encompasses one grade level at a time. The only exception to this rule is Summer School or our summer program for gifted and talented students. But Summer School is the most difficult since I'll have three or four grade levels at a time, with no assistance (except from my 6th grade son) or supply funds, and the students are mostly struggling students who often are not happy to be coming to school during their vacation time. 

So I have a plan! Here is what I plan to do. Let me know what you think.
Our summer program has a reading-math focus, along with one hour of mandatory computer lab time. My student group will contain a few kindergartners, about 10 first graders, a few second graders, and possibly a few third graders. (This will depend on how many students show up tomorrow.)

My schedule will look like this:
8:30-8:45 Attendance and Unpacking
8:45-9:45 Story time & Literacy Centers
9:45-10:30 Math Instruction & Projects
10:30-11:00 Computer Lab
11:00-11:30 Snack Time & Recess
11:30-12:00 Computer Lab
12:00-12:25 Math 2
12:25-12:40 Clean up and go home

My plan for literacy centers with students with such different needs is still in the works. (I'll work that out today.) However, I think I have a pretty good idea of what I'll do with math. We will start out with a mini-lesson on measuring and then we will measure a few objects. Students will then measure the sides of aluminum foil sheets. These sheets will be used to make aluminum foil boats, which will be designed and tested by the students before we'll have a contest in water. Then we'll practice counting money, which will eventually be put in the boats. The students will estimate how much money their boats can hold and still float on the water. I'm excited to see how this all plays out.

We will also make "Ice Cream in a Bag." This will pull in our measuring skills, and students always enjoy activities that they can eat afterwards. 

I'll keep you posted on how it goes this week. Wish me luck!