Mrs. Loppnow's News & Notes
Week of August 20, 2018
Welcome to the 2018-2019 School Year!
I live in Hudson, WI with my husband, Steve and my 17 year old son, Nathan. Nathan will be a senior at Hudson High School this year and is looking forward to taking classes at WITC, our local technical college. He is passionate about technology and is seeking out courses that will challenge his thinking and provide new experiences outside of high school. Our 20 year old, John, is busy figuring life out and is currently working as a trainer at the Alamo Drafthouse in Woodbury. If you have not seen a movie there yet, I highly recommend it (and the popcorn!).
It's strange that our life has actually "slowed down" a bit, but we do have two crazy dogs to keep us busy! The kids will hear a lot of stories about our very naughty 2 year old Catahoula Leopard Dog, Vinny! I look forward to learning all about YOU and YOUR families! This is going to be an AWESOME year!!
Please feel free to contact me, at any time, with questions or concerns.
See you soon!
Mrs. Loppnow
A Peek into this Week and Next!
Open House: August 29 4:30-6:00. This is our annual "Back to School" event. Bring your family to see our classroom, find your locker, meet our new teachers, look around at our flexible learning space, and connect with old friends! During Open House you may also purchase our Third Grade Thursday folders and agendas. You can bring those to the classroom and drop them off so they are ready for the first day of school.
Assessment Sign-Up
http://rres.sowashco.org/sites/rres.sowashco.org/files/files/Assessment%20letter%2018-19.pdf
Third Grade Supply List
Flexible Seating
What is Flexible Seating?
Flexible Seating is a concept rooted in educational research that encourages students to choose their type of seating based on their learning preferences and needs. A classroom with flexible seating looks different from a traditional classroom that uses only desks and chairs. Items such as pillows, stools, lap desks, and even couches are used to allow students to have options for where they best work and learn. The goal of flexible seating is to give students choice and to help them find the type of seating that allows them to achieve their best learning. We will call this their Smart Spot. A student's "Smart Spot" may change throughout the day based on their needs or the work they are being asked to complete.
How will Flexible Seating Work?
At the beginning of the year, I will invite students to join with me to create a list of expectations/rules for using the different seating options. We will spend time practicing what it should look like and sound like to use the flexible options. During this time, students will have a chance to try out all of the flexible options to see which one "fits" best. Students will also participate in activities related to collaboration, team work, and conflict resolution. These skills will be essential to the success of our new classroom arrangement.
So, why Choose to Implement Flexible Seating?
Years ago, I began a "reward" in my classroom called Stinky Feet Friday. On Fridays, the kids could take their shoes off and "get comfy" in the classroom. Yes, some days it WAS stinky, but what I also began to notice is that the kids were MORE on-task when they were relaxed and comfortable! It is now proven research that students are able to focus and do their best work when they are comfortable. Because of this, classrooms around the nation are changing their students' workspaces to allow for more flexibility and movement during the school day.
Last year I began to implement more flexible spaces, but also continued to have a desk for each student. This is limiting when trying to offer unique spaces, so this year, I took the plunge and got rid of most of the desks! When you take a peek around my classroom, you will see that there is a "workspace" (table or hard top space) for every student although the seats may look "different".
I am very thankful that I have the partnership of Ms. Beekman, in Fourth Grade, who is also piloting the Flexible Seating idea this year. We will work together to problem-solve and create the best possible work spaces for our kids this year! If you have specific questions regarding these changes, please let me know!