Next week we are planning an hour with our families for our first and second grade students. We are part of the Leader in Me program and we have invited families to come in and view our Classroom Mission Statements and then create Family Mission Statements! We have set up social media picture spots in the building for families to pose by/at. What hashtag do you think would be fun to use? We are the Lemmer Leopards ;).

I was having so much trouble with finding some pattern block task cards to help students who are struggling with geometry skills that I decided to make my own! Attached you will find 16 task cards and all you need is some pattern blocks! What other activities do you do with student to help understand geometry standards?

I have some third grade students who are starting elapsed time but are struggling with telling time. What amazing resources do you use when teaching time? We have been using clocks of course but would love any resources you may have!

Do you send any work home with students during school breaks? If so, what kinds of work do you send home?

Michigan uses IRIPs - Individual Reading Improvement Plans for students where data shows they are in need of a specific plan. These plans can look different across the state and the retention aspect of this law has now been removed.
Does your state require specific reading plans and processes to be in place? What does that look like in your district?

Giving students brain breaks throughout the day is so important! What are some of your favorites and when do you use them?

A teacher comes to you concerned about a student who struggles with reading comprehension, especially when confronted with lengthy texts. What strategy would you recommend to help the student improve comprehension skills?

I am the Kids Voting Representative for my county. Recently, I received a concern from a school that stated the hesitancy to participate because of the Presidential Election and the possible opinions that might come from home. I used this quote in my response,

Young people need to vote. They need to get out there. Every vote counts. Educate yourself too. Don't just vote. Know what you're voting for, and stand by that. Nikki Reed

I explained that it is important to teach students about the responsibility of voting and why people need to be informed. Everything should be based on facts and finding ways to vote FOR someone and not against someone. So much is based on attacking and name calling that it is starting to hurt the educational process. We have standards and statutes that must be addressed about government and voting. Being afraid to teach something is normal. Nevertheless, it still needs to be taught.