Book Fair

Election Central: Learning About the Government and Citizenship

 Throughout the beginning of the school we visit the Constitution and explore the branches of government as well as what it means to be a citizen. Election years are always exciting because we get to explore the candidates and their views. This year is especially contentious with our current candidates. The students watched some of the debate, discussed the issues and even brainstormed some well thought out plans for getting what they want out of the candidates. One plan was to take Trump's ideas of changing laws of commerce along with Clinton's ideas for creating jobs and putting them together. This turned into one of them becoming President while the other became Vice President. Maybe this idea would not work, but it was a carefully considered plan for any fifth grader.

After completing our Government Brochures, the children role played the different branches of government. The Legislative Branch decided on an unfair law, "Only rich children will be offered an education." The Executive Branch quickly vetoed the law and the Legislative Branch had to rewrite the law making education available to all students. But, what if the President had not made that decision? What if he had passed the law? Well, we explored that possibility as well. Ask your child to see how it ended. Hint, hint, hint...there's one more branch!

Our exploration of government is complete but student interest is high. We may be continuing on with the issue of Presidency until we have a new President. I wonder how the students will take the results.

Camp Bournedale: Blast Off and Swing Away

We the People

We the People of classroom 202 SOAR!

New Year: New Motto

Self Control

Outstanding Effort

Acts of Kindness Respect

As a teacher and a parent, I am always searching for ways to bring home and school together. I want to know what words teachers use so that I may use them at home.

The goal is to encourage behavior expectations throughout the school day. Students have had direct instruction regarding behavior expectations throughout the building. As a group, students went to different locations as they were introduced to our new motto and expectations.

Here are our words from top to bottom:

Earning Your Wings
Soaring
Flying
Hovering
Ready to Fly
Losing Altitude
Report In
Grounded

How to Make a Math Test More Fun: Dividers

New style work-space involves a creative solution.

First Days: Recess Fun

Our first day of school brought rain, but we have enjoyed recess outside every day since.