Books, Journals, Happy Kids

Social Studies, 3rd Grade, Michigan. I am having my students make books about Michigan's First People, the Native Americans. They will make a page of important details about each tribe we read about. They will use the information in their books to do a group presentation for the chapter summative assessment. I told my students that the pictures they draw have to be accurate of the people they are writing about. So far, so good from the looks of things.

 

I also started Math Journals this week. This allows students to write about math. They have to write 3 sentences or questions about what we did in math that day. Above is a copy of my student's work from working with tally marks. I was very surprised by the clarity of his thinking about math. I can tell from this journal that he really understood the lesson. These help me hear my student's thinking about math and I use them to decide if I need to reteach any topic the following day before moving on to a new lesson.

 

My buddy, J, hasn't been doing too well in school. Teachers seem to isolate him as the trouble maker in the class. So far I've only been able to talk with his parents when he has been acting out. This week though I've noticed that he is showing improved behavior. I wrote this note in the morning. I told him that I wanted to give it to him at the end of the day. Throughout the day I would walk by his desk and tell him I really wanted to give him the note. I noticed he would finish his work and wait quietly or follow directions immediately. It was awesome when I gave it to him at the end of the day. He smiled really big and gave me a hug. You know, as a teacher, I have the ability to shape someone's future in a sense. If I can get J to begin to like school and like his teachers and be interested in his learning, I can change this boy's life. He is not hopeless. He has potential. It's my personal goal to get him to realize his potential by the end of this school year. I'm excited to see the progress he'll make.