Red Ribbon Week!

This week is themed "Red Ribbon Week" to represent taking a stand against tobacco and drug use. The students signed a petition that they will say no to those harmful substances. Then each student receives a red ribbon to wear thoughout the week. Each day is different: Monday: Put a cap on drugs; wear a hat. Tuesday: Sock it to drugs; wear crazy socks. Wednesday: wear red. Thursday: saying no is no sweat; wear sweatpants. Friday: School Spirit; wear school colors. I love seeing all the kids get into ech theme for the day. I've been going along with it as well. I have to say I am looking forward to sweats day the most haha. I like having themed weeks that have a meaning behind it because the students get really into each day's theme but are learning that they are dressing that way for a specific reason. I especially feel strongly about this theme because I am in a 5th grade classroom and this is the age where they may start questioning these issues or be presented with them. They will be going to middle school next year and there is no doubt in my mind that the children will be experimenting with these issues. I hope this week leaves an impression on them and in someway gets through to them to really say no against tobacco and drug use. I hate seeing kids grow up too fast and really want my students to not only learn about the content material in school but to learn about things that build character and morals. At this age group it can be hard to stand up to your peers and students need to know that they can still be "cool" and do what is right! =)

Is Vocabulary Important To You?

My Action Research is on integrating the creative arts for vocabulary comprehension. Before I start trying different things, I wanted to get each student in my homeroom class to give me their input and answer a few questions. I made up a survey for everyone to take. The questions I asked were:
Do you think learning vocabulary words are important? Why or why not?
Does understanding what each vocabulary word means help you better understand reading a story? Why or why not?
How do you study for your vocabulary words before tests?
What are some activities that you would like to do in the classroom to help you better comprehend a vocabulary word's meaning?
Do you like visuals when learning new vocabulary words? Why or why not?
After my students finished this survey I analyzed it by seeing how my students study for vocabulary and what their preconceived thoughts are on the importance of learning vocabulary. I also took into consideration their ideas of activities that they would like to do to see if it something I could implement into my action research. At the end of my 6 weeks I will give another survey asking students questions that see if they liked the activities that were tried throughout the weeks and if their thoughts on the importance of vocabulary has changed as well as their study habits.

Full-Time Teaching

Next week is when I start my full-time teaching. I will be now teaching Reading, Spelling, Language Arts, and Science. I'm used to the way Reading, Spelling, and Language Arts are done but taking on Science will be new to me. The 5th graders change classes therefore I will be teaching Science 3 times during the day to the different classes. I'm nervous being that Science isn't my strongest area. I am also nervous about doing experiments and demonstrations because I hope to successfully teach the material so that the students are really learning and grasping the material. I may have to do some studying and refreshing my memory on the science concepts being taught! I think as long as I really prepare then it should go well. I'm excited to getting to know the other 5th grade classrooms better. I've only been teaching my homeroom and with the other two classes I've just been helping out but now I will be actually teaching them and get to know every single one of them. I'm really enjoying 5th grade! I didn't think I would care too much for this age group being that I am used to the little ones and have always loved being around them. I am finding out fast though that 5th graders still have that loveable and innocent side to them just as the little ones do and I am having so much fun connecting with them on a personal level as well. :)