Checking Out

This Week's Events:

Monday, May 28:  No School - Memorial Day
Wednesday, May 29:  PLC Assembly grades k - 2
Wednesday, May 29:  FULL DAY - No early release
Wednesday, May 29:  Mrs. Allen's class to Abram's Planetarium
Thursday, May 31:  9:00 3rd Grade Awards, 4th Grade Awards 10:00, 5th Grade Awards 10:45
Thursday, May 31:  Volunteer Luncheon
Friday, June 1:  5th Grade Chicago Trip
Saturday, June 2:  8:30 a.m. Boy/Girl Quest final Run starts at Parkside

Checking Out:

We are definitely in the final days of the school year.  I think every one of us feels it.  The kids are feeling it and displaying it.  In looking back at Choice Words by Peter Johnston, I am reminded of the great information about how the little things we say can have a major impact on students' attitude and learning.  One application for me this time of year would be instead of saying to students, "I know you all have checked out", I could say, "I know you all are struggling to focus in these last days".  Or even better, I could say, "I know you all still have the desire to learn in our remaining time together."  How are you using choice words to help students positively reflect on their learning and behaviors these last several days?

Also remember to take time to enjoy our kids as we wrap up the school year.  Many of them will be displaying behaviors that are due to anxiety or fear of not having the security and consistency we offer them every day....not to mention the food, love, affection, and guidance.  We have 8.5 school days left this year.  In those 8.5 days I challenge you to accomplish the following:

On 5/29:  Get at least 8 hours of sleep tonight....we are on the final stretch and will need all the rest we can get.
On 5/30:  Sit in the cafeteria for 7 minutes with your kids....just sitting with them out of the classroom and eating with them or talking to them while they have lunch can be a great experience.
On 5/31:  Take 6 minutes to sit in your classroom in the dark while students are out and just look around your room.
On 6/1:  Give out 5 high 5s to students from another class.
On 6/4:  Send 4 thank you emails to volunteers who have helped you.
On 6/5:  Leave 3 voicemails for colleagues to make them smile or give them a chuckle.
On 6/6:  Spend 2 minutes with a student who gave great effort all year to tell them how proud you are.
On 6/7: Take 1 minute to seek out another staff member who helped you this year and say thanks.
On 6/8:  Take .5 hours to have a "best memories of the year" conversation with your students!

Are you willing to take on the challenge?  Let me know, will you?

Article worth your time:

Six engaging End-Of-Year Projects

- Note the additional links at the end of this article.  One in particular on ways to encourage students to read over the summer

Cool idea from Pinterest for a class picture:

 

End of Year Celebration idea-pictures of students holding the # of books they read this year.

 Videos that just make me laugh....could we pull this off?

One more....

Okay...one more since we are on the dancing theme...no reason to this one other than I absolutely LOVE IT!

Have a great week!!  Take care of yourself.  Remember 4, 7, 8....Deep breath in through your nose for 4 seconds, hold it for 7 seconds and blow out through your mouth for 8 seconds.  Do this 3 or 4 times at least twice a day!!  JUST DO IT!!!