The Gower Gazette
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In the Classroom.... Aug. 25, 2017
In literacy this week we focused on Growth Mindset and understanding that it is ok if we are not great at something. Many things take time and practice before we can see improvement. We did a lot of Mix-Pair-Share this week and talked collaboratively about what it means to be a winner, how if felt if we lost at something or weren't very good at something, and we discussed if it was ok to not be the "best" or to struggle with things. We watched a video of the '92 Olympics where runner, Derek Redmond was favored to win the 400 meter sprint, but didn't. Though he didn't win the race and he came in last due to an injury, he didn't give up; he finished the race. In this video Derek's father came from the stands and helped him finish the race. The kids and I talked about how there are many people around them that are here to help: from their teachers, parents, and peers. We had a really good discussion about this. As we focused on this, the kids took some time to think of something they struggled with or weren't the best at; something they wanted to work on. To help build their comfort in sharing, I had the students write their struggles on a sticky note and we posted it on our chart; these stickies had no names on it. Then the kids played a Kagan Game that had them find a person and share what they wrote. This helped build trust in each other. The kids enjoyed creating a poster of what they "will never give up at". We then made a video of our pledge to Never Give Up and to Believe in Our Self. Check it out; it's posted below this section. Today all the kids earned their own gold medal to remind them that as long as they always do their best and try, then they will always be a winner. You guys have some great kids and I am extremely proud and fortunate to be their teacher.
In Math, we reviewed counting and representing numbers. This week we focused on counting by tens and using ten frames to represent bigger numbers. We had Math Stations this week and the kids had lots of fun rotating through the different activities. Next week we will begin working with addition and learning some new methods to help us as we search for the total.
We started AR this week. The kids learned how to take an AR test with their book buddy and were really proud of taking their first test. AR is not mandatory; I have books in my classroom that the kids can read from and take the AR test when they are ready. It's up to them; they can also check out books from the library. I do have an incentive chart up for students as they earn points. The kids seem very excited to get this started.
That about wraps up our week here at WSES. If you have not yet followed us on Twitter or liked us on Facebook, please do so. I am posting the things happening in our classroom. It's a great way for you to stay informed and see what all your child has done throughout the day/week in first grade.
I hope you all have a terrific weekend. Rest up and I'll see the kids back on Monday.
~Ms. Gower
Congratulations!
- Finley
- Keira
- Aiyana
- Max
- Alexa
- Olivia
- Brayden
We Could Use...
- White Cardstock
- 950/951 HP Printer Ink
Don't Forget:
- Mon. Sept. 4- Holiday/No School
- Fri. Sept. 29- Early Release
Notes~
- WSES Cares: This year, the PTA has selected the Spina Bifida Association of the Carolinas as the recipient of our philanthropy project, WSES Cares (formerly our Penny Drive.) We have a student with Spina Bifida that is a spokesman for the Association as well as regular fund raiser with her "Full of Awesome" team. The Association increases knowledge about about the disease as well as ways to improve the lives of those with spina bifida. If you have any loose change lying around your house, please consider sending it in and helping contribute to this cause. We have a jar in our classroom to help collect these funds for this awesome association. Thank you for helping to make a difference!
- Homework: Please make sure to check off your child's homework each week. This lets me know that he/she completed their assignments while also building responsibility.
- Feed the Monster: We are collecting any markers you no longer want or need, in any condition, any brand (markers, highlighters and dry erase). The PTA will ship them to Crayola and, through their Colorcycle program, they will recycle them. Crayola even pays for the shipping! You can drop them off or send in any old markers you have and Feed the Monster. The Monster is in the PTA Zone in the main school lobby.
- Website: I enjoyed lunch today with 6 students who completed the track out blog over break. I will be posting a new read & respond blog by Monday. Have your child respond to the post to earn lunch with me on Friday. I will also update the Math Stumper too.
WSES- Embracing the Needs of Every Child!
Email: egower@wcpss.net
Website: msgower.weebly.com
Location: 6800 Dwight Rowland Road, NC, United States
Phone: (919) 557-2770
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msgower/
Twitter: @MsGowersClass