The Summer School Blues Have Faded!

Yesterday I posted about having the Summer School Blues. I was a little apprehensive (as I always am in the beginning) about having multiple grade levels, but I'm pleased to report that the day went smoothly. My students were fantastic and there were only seven of them. 

So tonight this is me...

Clip art from mycutegraphics.com

Well, except I'm clearly not a boy. Or blonde. But you get the idea -- I'm happy!


Today we worked on a few different skills in reading. We discussed making predictions and then we made predictions for the book Best Friends for Francis. We also worked on digraphs and sight words. I felt like all three grade levels (K-2) would benefit from this review. I will delve into more differentiation tomorrow, but today this worked really well.

Math class was really fun and the students were definitely engaged. We practiced counting by 5s with a twist. The students counted while also moving in a pattern: left hand on head; bend and touch your knees; right hand on head; repeat.

Then we estimated the length and perimeter of our aluminum foil squares, before actually measuring them. We recorded our estimates and the actual measurements on a math worksheet that I had typed up. Then we discussed how the students would create an aluminum foil boat tomorrow that would be tested to ensure it floated, raced, and tested to ensure it floated with pennies in the back. After discussing it, the students designed a drawing of their plan for how their boat would look. This was pretty interesting, since some of their designs are extremely elaborate. The foil squares are 3 inches long, so I'm not sure how some of us will add three sails. That, of course, is all part of the learning process. Tomorrow will prove to be an interesting day, I'm sure.

Overall, today was a great success. It was definitely one of those days that reaffirms why I chose this profession. :) 

I'll keep you posted on how the rest of the week goes. Have a great night!