2018 - 2019 Nerd House Coffee Talk
Home of Ms. Smalling's Strong Brewed Crew, Issue 1
Welcome Back, and Happy New School Year everyone!
I'm so excited for what this year brings. I wanted to take a moment to give you a glimpse at what you can expect in room 305. This S'more is the way I will provide information to you on a weekly basis. Aside from this issue, I will be as brief as possible in the weeks to come, while still giving you an clear window into the classroom. I'm a strong believer in transparency, and I try to keep you in the loop as soon as things happen.
The History of Nerd House Coffee
As a teacher, I've always been committed to providing my students with the best learning environment possible. Last summer while reading Creating Cultures of Thinking, I began to wonder what the outcome would be if I created an environment that was more comfortable and collaborative. After doing an empathy study with my students at the time, the general consensus was that the classroom should look more like a home. It should have couches, comfy chairs, pillows and blankets. I couldn't argue with them...that is the place I wanted to be as well. Armed with research that this environment does produce students more inclined to collaborate and participate, I began to transform the classroom into a coffeehouse. Away went the tables and desks, and along came my own inspiration from the Google offices. my students from two years ago named the classroom, and VOILA! Nerd House Coffee was born.
Classroom Norms
Now that things are settling down, and we are hitting our stride, I wanted to share with you our classroom conduct expectations. These were created by the students, and we consider it a contract they've signed and agree to. If these norms are broken, students are given two warnings before being asked to sign the conduct book. Three signatures to the book result in a conduct change on their progress report/report card.
Smalling HR Classroom Norms:
- Don't choose to sit under the tables. It's dangerous and annoying.
- Be quiet when independently reading and testing.
- Mrs. Smalling needs to slow down a little when we take notes.
- We will go to our tote trays row by row.
- Keep your hands, feet, and other objects to yourself.
- Be respectful of each other's space.
- Don't be a seat hog.
Smith HR Classroom Norms:
- Be quiet when when independently reading, testing, or doing something alone.
- Don't rush the door - no pushing/shoving.
- Make sure we have a friendly environment; no rude or mean comments.
- Just right explanations - not too fast or too slow.
- Give more reading and writing time.
- Be mindful of personal space and listen to people.
- Be respectful of the surroundings and each other.
Homework Policy
Students will be given a Pick 5 Menu to choose their homework options. All subjects are represented, and they will have a month to complete the activities and turn in their completed work. We designed this homework as a way for students to transfer their knowledge into project based work. We ask that students choose five items to complete with one item coming from each subject. This leaves one extra item students can choose from whatever subject they prefer. In addition, it is the 4th grade expectation that students will read for at least twenty minutes daily.