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I figured out the first day activities - Bucket Fillers!  I have done this in the past, but I think with this class it will help them focus on what they should (besides academics of course) - how they treat each other.  I think that this is a very important lesson.  I read on one of the websites that it is also a good idea to involve parents and home time in this activity.  So, now I can start working on my first day activities.  I cannot wait to see my kiddos again!

Today I think I may look for tech grants.  I need some computers for my classroom. 

Day One

Okay, I just got the call from my principal.  I will have my same class next year!  That makes me very happy.  Now, however, I need to come up with some new activities for the first two days of school.  I really don't need to get to know their names, what they are like - I already know them.  So, I think I am going to look for team building activities.  This is one thing that I would like them to develop this year - working as a team, supporting each other.  I'd like to read the Chrysanthemum book again - the crumble girl activity.  Maybe I could find a different book, but the same activity.  Perhaps we could make a bulletin board or hallway display out of the crumbled 'girl/boy'.  So today I am going to search the 'net for ideas and then let them roll around in my head till I figure out which one I want to do!

Ideas so far - time capsule, magic wand, great expectations, snowballs, baby pictures (need to contact parents in August).  Just some thoughts!

Today I am going to do some research into ADHD.  One of my students (not just one really) has this diagnosis and I need to learn how to deal with him and his parents more effectively.  I am taking a class through the Medina County ESC and it is very informative so far.  But I want to learn more. 

I'd also like to know what I am teaching next year so that I can start to figure out lesson plans.  The other thing I thought of is that I really can't do the same opening day activities that I did last year, I already know them, and they already know each other.  So....I will be looking for some very cool ideas.  Maybe I can post on Laura Candler's facebook page.  Hmmm....good idea

I am still new at this blogging thing.  I'll get the hang of it soon.

I just learned that I am looping my class from fourth to fifth grade!  I have been teaching fourth grade for 6 years (my entire teaching career to date) and am a bit nervous.  The more I think about it, the more I have to change.  So, this blog will be a way for me to remember all the things I'll need to do this summer.