Teacher Gets A+
I look forward to your class
When I come to school.
You're and awesome teacher;
I think you're very cool.
You're smart and fair and friendly;
You're helping all of us.
And if I got to grade you,
From me you'd get A+!
By Joanna Fuchs

I think it is important for all of us to stop and say, I know I am important to my students.  I know that I make a difference--because you do!  What are you going to do today to show your students they also make a difference to you!

Student A reads 20 minutes five nights of every week;
Student B reads only 4 minutes a night...or not at all!

Step 1: Multiply minutes a night X5 times each week.
Student A reads 20 min. X 5 times a week =100 mins./week.
Student B reads 4 minutes X 5 times a week = 20 minutes

Step 2: Multiply minutes a week X 4 weeks each month.
Student A reads 400 minutes a month.
Student B reads 80 minutes a month.

Step 3: Multiply minutes a month X 9 months /school year
Student A reads 3,600 min. in a school year.
Student B reads 720 min. in a school year.

Student A practices reading the equivalent of ten whole school days a year. Student B gets the equivalent of only two school days of reading practice.

By the end of 6th grade if Student A and Student B maintain these same reading habits, Student A will have read the equivalent of 60 whole school days and Student B will have read the equivalent of only 12 school days.

One would expect the gap of information retained will have widened considerably and so, undoubtedly, will school performance.  How do you think Student B will feel about him or herself as a student?

Some questions to ponder:
Which student would you expect to read better?
Which student would you expect to know more?
Which student would you expect to write better?
Which student would you expect to have a  better vocabulary?
Which student would you expect to be more successful in school......and in life?

Physical activity is important for children an adults! Being active as a family can benefit everyone.  Adults need 2 1/2 hours a week of physical activity and children need 60 minutes a day.
1. Set specific activity times: When the whole family is available, make sure you are doing something active together. After dinner or on the weekend are great times!
2. Plan ahead and track your progress: Write activity plans together. Have a family calendar that everyone can add to.
3. Include work around the house: Involve everyone in yard work!
4. Use what is available: Plan activities that require little or no equipment. Walking, jogging, jumping rope, playing tag, and dancing are all free!  :)
5. Build new skills: Enroll the kids in gymnastics, dance, or tennis.  Help them practice their new skills at home.
6. Plan for all weather conditions: Choose some activities that do not depend on the weather conditions. You can walk at the mall, indoor swimming or active video games.
7.Turn off the TV: Set a rule that no one can spend longer than 2 hours per day playing games, watching TV or using the computer.
8. Start Small: Start by trying one family activity and then add more.
9. Include other families: Invite others to join your fun.
10. Treat the family with fun physical activity: When it is time to celebrate as a family do something active such as the zoo or park!
www.choosemyplate.gov

When I am introduced as a teacher, I generally hear a very flat, “Oh.” I have never been certain whether that is an expression of sympathy, pity, or disinterest. Always I wish I had time to explain to them like this. YES!  I’m a teacher and I love my job!

Where else would a handsome and very young man put his arms around me and ask, “Do you know I love you?”

Where else could my limited wardrobe be complimented or have someone say, “you sing pretty.”

Where else could I eat a soiled cookie from a grimy little hand not become ill?

Where else could I have the privilege of wiggling loose teeth and receive the promise 
that I may pull them when they are loose enough?

Where else could I guide a chubby little hand that some day may write a book or
important document?

Where else could I get to play outside, laugh, sing, and read and get paid for it?

Where else could I forget my own aches and pains because of so many scratched knees, bumped heads, and broken hearts that need care?

Where else could I forget about taxes and our country’s political problems because
Josh isn’t adjusting as he should and Margo needs help with her Math?

Where else could my mind stay so young as with a group whose attention span is so
short that I must always keep a bag of tricks up my sleeve?

Where else could I feel so close to my Maker because of something that I have done to
help one of His little children learn and grow?

Yes, I am a teacher and I LOVE my job!


Source:  UNKNOWN

To A Special Teacher
When I started in school,
This day seemed so far away.
Now it's here and I can't believe
That time has passed so quickly....
But through your encouragement and guidance,
I feel I'm ready for tomorrow's challenges.
Teachers play such an important part in shaping and guiding.....
Especially teachers like you.......
Thank you for caring so much!

I think about all of the teachers in the world each day.  How they enter their classrooms, turn on the lights, and prepare the classroom for each child in their classroom. Teachers have such a fun and incredibly hard job!  I remember those days, sometimes just wanting to stay in bed, but knowing you have 20 bright shinning faces that are expecting you to be there.  They trust you to encourage them, love them, and teach them!

Have a Great day!

December 1-7 Cookie Cutter Week-Have students bring in different or favorite cookie cutters and bake cookies!
Bingo Month!  Play some fun games of Bingo (Incorporate Curriculum)
Read a New Book Month
December 5 Walt Disney's Birthday (what a fun day to celebrate)
December 8 First Greeting Card was printed Click here for an activity with greeting cards.
December 12-18 Tell someone they are doing a great job week! Students could even write a letter to someone important.
December 21 First crossword puzzle appeared :)
December 22 The thermometer was invented on this day in 1593 by Galileo, Measure the temp outside today!
December 24th Silent Night was composed today in 1818.
December 28 Chewing Gum was patented on this day in 1869
December 31 New Years Eve

I am so thankful to be back to reality!  Thanksgiving was wonderful, and I had an awesome time with my family and friends! This month as a teacher was so much fun for me and my students.  We studied many different things, and did lots of fun crafts and cooking!  I know at some schools you aren't allowed to do a lot of Christmas themed ideas but do as many as you can, because students remember them.
Here is a fun recipe to try in your classroom!
Popcorn Goo
1 Stick oleo
1/3 Karo
Corn Syrup
1/3 cup water
1 cup sugar
Cook until sofrt-ball stage or approx 5 min.
Pour over 6 cups of popcorn.
Spread over wax paper!
Enjoy