FCAT

I am long overdue for an update on the class! So here it is....

Well, the FCAT is officially over for third graders at John Love Elementary. They have worked so hard all year, it is my hope that this is reflected in their scores. They were really pumped up about it! They performed a song I created called "Never Give Up" , sung to the tune of "I can transform ya" by Chris Brown. They performed this song at our FCAT Parent Night in January, and also during a school pep rally. The song lyrics incorporated strategies that they have been using and will use in reading and math. I have even caught them singing the songs in class to remember skills/strategies!!!

We are currently wrapping up the year in Reading, focusing on our writing skills to prepare for the 4th grade writng FCAT. Although the students (and teachers) are relieved to be done with this years FCAT, we want to make sure we are prepared for next year! So its, work, work, work until June!!!

Update on the goings-on!!

Wow~my 3rd graders impress me more and more everyday. Their dedication and commitment to their own education, their behavior, and their positivity bring light to my life! I am proud of how hard they work on a daily basis. They don't get as much free time as we have had in the past, as far as recess, etc...For whatever reason, time does not permit us to! We try and find ways to have fun in our own way. I have so many pictures that I want to post to this journal, but I have recently encountered some problems with my district-issued laptop and have been unable to. My Oncourse website will be up and running as of Oct.30, 2009. I would love to somehow post a powerpoint I used for our open house which has pictures of our 3rd graders hard at work in slideshow format to the tunes of Jack Johnson's special song. "We are gonna be friends"... I hope to add this to my profile soon...

Hugs and Kisses-Ms.G

SEPTEMBER 24TH

OPEN HOUSE THIS THURSDAY!

2009-2010 Third Grade at JLE

The start of the 2009-2010 school year for third graders went off without a hitch! I am really excited to be with many of my students for the third year in a ROW! Having looped up with my first graders until this present point in time has been very rewarding for me. The students have all grown so much since August of 2007 (wow hard to believe its been that long)!



This year I am team teaching with Mrs.Thomas. I will be teaching Reader's and Writer's Workshop, and she will be teaching Math, Science and Social Studies. I have relocated my classroom to Room 9. We are very lucky and excited to have new technology in our room which allows us to use the internet, an elmo and a projector to teach with. The students are even more excited about this!


Pictures of our new classroom are coming soon!

Teacher of the Year 2008-2009

I was chosen as nominee for John Love Elementary's teacher of the year for 2008-2009 by my peers. A committee composed of the vice-principal, the previous teacher of the year, and a SAC member chose myself out of two other nominees based upon an essay I wrote to represent our school as Teacher of the Year. I am very excited and very honored, as this is one of my greatest accomplishments.

The purpose of this blog is to create a place not only where I can keep ideas and thoughts I have about teaching but also to share my ideas with other teachers, and/or gain new knowledge from other people who share my passion for children and teaching.

Sincerely,

Ms.G

The Moment

Where were you on 1/20/09, during "The Moment"?

Our social studies time is from 10:30-11:00, an appropriate time to teach my students about the historical implications and the meaning/purpose of the inauguration. I read them the childrens biography entitled "Happy Birthday Martin Luther King", and explained the significance of todays inauguration of the first African-American President; and the relationship with MLK's dream. My students were engaged with the lesson and eager to learn more about the significance of Obama's Inauguration. We defined and discussed the terms: inauguration, equality, oath, and constitution. We also recited the oath that Barack Obama would take (although we did not fumble the words-haha). I picked them up from lunch early, 11:30, so they wouldnt miss a single moment! We had a lot of fun watching it on this very special day. :)