Welcome to Our Classroom!

Welcome to our 3rd grade classroom for the 2011-2012 school year!!! My name is Alyson Owen and I am going to be your child's teacher this year. I am looking forward to having a great year, although I do have many expectations for this classroom. With this blog you will be able to follow what we do in our classroom weekly. I will post about homework assignments, upcoming events, weekly news, and so on and so forth. Below is my contact information if you ever need to reach me! Cheers to a great year ahead!

Contact Information: Cell Phone-(318)560-1111
E-mail Address: Watsonan@warhawks.ulm.edu

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Classroom Procedures


Room use Procedures:
o        Student desks
o        Learning centers
o        Storage
o        Teacher’s desk
o        Fountain, sink, bathroom, pencil sharpener, trashcan
o        Shared objects
        I will teach the room procedures by first discussing the purpose and need for these procedures. Next, I will gather the students’ ideas of what they believe are appropriate procedures. We will then practice these procedures until they are understood and met. If students do not follow the procedures correctly, the students’ behavior will be reinforced and redirected. At the beginning of the year, we will create posters to disperse within our classroom that indicate the room use procedures. Students will be divided into six groups. Each group will create a poster with his/her assigned procedure on them (student desks, learning centers, storage, teacher’s desk, fountain, sink, bathroom, pencil sharpener, trashcan, and shared objects).
Transitions in and out of the Classroom:
o        Walking in hallway
o        One lesson to another
o        Group work to individual work/individual work to group work
o        Turning in assignments/tests
o        Seat work
o        Learning centers to desks/desks to learning centers
        I will teach the transition procedures by first discussing the purpose and need for these procedures. Next, I will gather the students’ ideas of what they believe are appropriate procedures. We will then practice these procedures until they are understood and met. If students do not follow the procedures correctly, the students’ behavior will be reinforced and redirected. At the beginning of the year, we will participate in awards every time we are transitioning. When students participate in a transition the correct way, they will receive an award, such as a sticker, piece of candy, extra point in their point bank, good letter home to parent, etc.
        These procedures will be some of the procedures shared with parents. I will give parents the opportunity to come to our classroom one day, while school is in session, to observe the children demonstrating the correct ways to transition in and out of the classroom. By doing this, parents can then help his/her child at home by practicing correct ways of transitioning.
Out of Room Procedures:
o        Bathroom
o        Office
o        Playground
o        Library
o        Art room
o        Music room
o        Auditorium
o        Cafeteria
o        Hallway
o        Gym
        I will teach the out of room procedures by first discussing the purpose and need for these procedures. Next, I will gather the students’ ideas of what they believe are appropriate procedures. We will then practice these procedures until they are understood and met. If students do not follow the procedures correctly, the students’ behavior will be reinforced and redirected. At the beginning of the year, we will participate in the Wrong Way activity. This activity is produced by getting students to demonstrate the wrong way to act during transitions. The teacher should videotape the demonstrations for students to view and discuss what was wrong and how the right way can be obtained.
        These procedures will be some of the procedures shared with parents. Parents will have the opportunity to come observe students in most of the school areas. Students will demonstrate the Wrong Way activity for the parents and then show parents the correct way to meet these procedures. Parents can help students at home by practicing correct procedures while present at these particular places, not only at school,  but throughout other places as well.
Procedures for Whole Class Activities:
o        Attention signals
o        Students talking to one another
o        Turning in assignments/handing back assignments
o        Test taking
o        Class games
o        Class review
o        Class lessons
o        Passing out supplies
        I will teach the procedures for whole class activities by first discussing the purpose and need for these procedures. Next, I will gather the students’ ideas of what they believe are appropriate procedures. We will then practice these procedures until they are understood and met. If students do not follow the procedures correctly, the students’ behavior will be reinforced and redirected. At the beginning of the year, we will participate in an activity called Oops, I Goofed. To complete this activity, students will discuss a time when they participated in one of these activities the incorrect way. Students should share with the class what they should have done to correct the behavior.
Procedures for Small Group Work:
o        Bringing materials to your group
o        Expected behavior in your group
o        Movement into group/out of group
        I will teach the procedures for small group work by first discussing the purpose and need for these procedures. Next, I will gather the students’ ideas of what they believe are appropriate procedures. We will then practice these procedures until they are understood and met. If students do not follow the procedures correctly, the students’ behavior will be reinforced and redirected. At the beginning of the year, we will participate in the Awards activity. Every time the teacher sees a small group working the correct way, the teacher will reward students with certain objects/praise.
Beginning Class Period Procedures:
o        Roll call
o        Tardy students
o        Bell ringer
o        Lesson warm up
o        Passing out daily materials
        I will teach the procedures for the beginning class period by first discussing the purpose and need for these procedures. Next, I will gather the students’ ideas of what they believe are appropriate procedures. We will then practice these procedures until they are understood and met. If students do not follow the procedures correctly, the students’ behavior will be reinforced and redirected. At the beginning of the year, we will participate in the Create a Play activity. During this activity, students will participate in a play to demonstrate the correct way to complete these procedures. Students may even want to present this play to the classroom parents or other classroom within the school.
Ending Class Period Procedures:
o        Putting all daily supplies/equipment away
o        Getting organized for the next day
o        Going over homework assignments
o        Lining up for parent pick up/dismissing class
o        Saying goodbye to friends/classmates/teacher
        I will teach the ending class procedures by first discussing the purpose and need for these procedures. Next, I will gather the students’ ideas of what they believe are appropriate procedures. We will then practice these procedures until they are understood and met. If students do not follow the procedures correctly, the students’ behavior will be reinforced and redirected. At the beginning of the year, we will participate in Procedures in the Sack activity. During this activity, students will draw a procedure from the sack. The student will then read their procedure and explain/demonstrate the correct way and wrong way to the class.
Other Procedures:
o        Fire/tornado drills
o        Lockers
o        Late/missed work
o        Housekeeping
o        Extra credit
o        Due dates
        I will teach the other procedures by first discussing the purpose and need for these procedures. Next, I will gather the students’ ideas of what they believe are appropriate procedures. We will then practice these procedures until they are understood and met. If students do not follow the procedures correctly, the students’ behavior will be reinforced and redirected. At the beginning of the year, students will vote on which activity they would like to participate in to better learn the other procedures. I believe they should have a choice during at least one of the many activities that are going to be completed.
        These procedures will be some of the procedures shared with parents. Parents will receive a letter at home, which will explain the correct way to complete each procedure step-by-step. They can practice the correct ways to complete these procedures at home. For example, parents and his/her children can practice fire drill and tornado drill procedures to better themselves. Parents can also demonstrate how to properly housekeep at home as well as at school too. Motivation for extra credit assignments can be held as well as making sure his/her children complete the designated assignments by the correct due dates.
        I will notify school personnel of relevant procedures by completing my own procedures handbook for the beginning of the school year. Then, I will hand them out to parents, students, other teachers, office workers, and the principal. Students will complete a demonstration of each procedure once every six weeks as a review/reminder. Also, if there is a substitute teacher coming or a major holiday students will complete another demonstration of the procedures. Students will adapt to these activities by regularly completing these procedures at the beginning of the school year. If problems arise later in the school year, we will have to adapt to these procedures again by practicing and demonstrating the correct ways, and by completing the particular activity again.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

October Calendar

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4
5
6
7



Math Test!!!

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1
12
Field Trip
Today-Pumpkin Patch 11:00-2:00
13
14


Spelling and Reading Test!!!
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18


Fall Festival
6p.m.-9p.m.
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21


Social Studies and Science Test!!!!
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27
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No Test!!
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Halloween Party
1:00-3:00








Upcoming Activities

The following links are to our upcoming activities in our classroom.
 

About Halloween, Spooky Haunted House Math Games, Jigsaw Puzzles that Boo, Halloween Party Recipes and Games, Halloween Crafts

Sign-Up Sheet

This is a sign-up sheet for parents to sign up to help with the Halloween Party this month. If you would like to help bring snacks, drinks, or just attend the party please sign up with your contact information! Thank you!!


Snacks:



Drinks:



Helpers:












Monday, October 3, 2011

Star Student of the Week

WHO IS THE STAR STUDENT THIS WEEK?


KAYLA IS!!!!!



Classroom Pictures Uploaded HERE!!

This is where our classroom pictures will be posted. I will post pictures of students presenting projects, working on classroom activities, field trips, parties, etc.




Homework HELP?????????????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Super Teacher Homework HELP..ALL Subjects, One Website!


Call my cellphone if any additional MANDATORY help questions are needed!!!

Weekly Homework

~The Month of October~

Monday (10/3): Math- Place Value Worksheet
                         Spelling-Learn first 3 spelling words
                         Reading-Answer questions from story read in class
                         Science-None
                         Social Studies-None

 
Tuesday (10/4): Math-None
                         Spelling-Learn words 4-6
                         Reading-None
                         Science-Color/label plant part worksheet
                         Social Studies-None

Wednesday (10/5): Math-Place value practice quiz
                              Spelling- Learn words 7-10
                              Reading-Read story on page 215
                             Science-None
                             Social Studies-Define first 5 words from chapter 3

Thursday (10/6): Math-Study place value worksheets, quiz, and vocabulary words. Test Friday.
                          Spelling- Learn words 11-15; Review previous words (1-10). Test Friday.
                          Reading-Review both stories read this week for test Friday
                          Science-None
                          Social Studies- None

Friday (10/7): NO HOMEWORK THIS WEEKEND!!!




Expectations of Students and Parents. Goals of the School Year

Expectations of Students:
I expect a lot from my students because I want them to strive to be the best they can possibly be in life. First of all, I expect students to do all homework assignments to the best of their ability. Trying their best is all I can ask of them. Staying organized and on task are other expectations I have of my students. Organization is key to success in my eyes. Also, I expect students to follow all the classroom rules. When these expectations are met, the classroom will be a safe and fun learning environment!




Expectations of Parents:
I expect parents to try their very best to participate in their child's academic life. I believe all students will succeed more if their parents are involved in their daily school work because this shows the students their parents do care what they are learning. Also, I expect some parents to want to participate in classroom activities that will be offered for parents to join us during the school year. Students normally get really excited when their parents are apart of their classroom experiences. Another big expectation I have of parents is for parents to respect everyone within our classroom, including me. If these expectations could be met, our classroom will be the best it can possibly be.   

Goals of the School Year:
  • Students be engaged in all activities possible
  • Students complete all homework assignments possible
  • Students learn all material covered with a passing grade
  • Students to excel in their current reading level
  • Students to have a great experience
  • Teacher to learn from students
  • Parents to be participants and to have a good time 

Classroom Rules and Consequences


Rules:
1). Respect everyone in the classroom/school.
2). Work in groups and learn from each other.
3). Respect school/personal property.
4). Be Kind.
5). Treat others the way you like being treated.

Consequences:
Consequences will always be enforced.
1st offense of the day- Warning. Get clothespin out of bag and place on the green light. Sticky note is placed on student’s desk asking him/her to end the disruption or signal is directed to student for a warning.
2nd offense of the day- Move clothespin from the green light to the yellow light. Expectations are clearly stated or the classroom is reminded of the rule that is not being demonstrated.
3rd offense of the day- Move clothespin from the yellow light to the red light. The next consequences if reviewed.
4th offense of the day- Parent letter home to be signed.
Severe offense: Student will be immediately sent to the office if fighting occurs.
      

         I will establish an appropriate level of dominance for my philosophy because I will always enforce the consequences. I will not threaten my students with consequences and then not follow through with them. Students will be given the opportunity to let me know if they do not agree with the consequences. If they do not agree, then a class meeting will be held to discuss and compromise on a set of fair consequences.