We're back in the saddle again and actually getting some great things accomplished for the new year. We were suffering from a little burn out before the break so I decided to adjust things a bit thinking change can sometimes bring fresh, new outlooks. We moved our school room to a new location in the house to maximize organization and space for activities. The change helped change the boys' attitudes as well as mine, since the space is a little bigger. I also gave each of the boys a desk of their own. Talk about having a better attitude. I had to face it, they needed their own individual space to concentrate on their work and limit distractions. Since I still have some points from the old Chase points program I was able to get them from their online store without paying anything. That was fantastic. So, with that came some pretty neat adjustments...another attitude booster.
The new room brought about new changes, which helped us develop new attitudes. For one, this year our calendar time runs more smoothly. There's a designated area and space to explore each review concept thoroughly. I moved money counting to their desks. Also new, they have a space to study their own individual math and reading lessons without interrupting each other. Especially new, there is a place to store the supplies they need with immediacy. And, last, but not least, they don't "accidentally" kick each other under the table and cause distractions. I'm trying to work on cutting down on that type of horseplay in the classroom and the desks definitely decrease it because it's just not even possible.
The new room brought about new changes, which helped us develop new attitudes. For one, this year our calendar time runs more smoothly. There's a designated area and space to explore each review concept thoroughly. I moved money counting to their desks. Also new, they have a space to study their own individual math and reading lessons without interrupting each other. Especially new, there is a place to store the supplies they need with immediacy. And, last, but not least, they don't "accidentally" kick each other under the table and cause distractions. I'm trying to work on cutting down on that type of horseplay in the classroom and the desks definitely decrease it because it's just not even possible.
Fun tip for practicing telling time every day:
I have a cardboard clock I got at the dollar store that has a minute hand, an hour hand, and the 5 minute increments above the clock numbers. Each day during calendar review time I turn the hands of the clock to a certain time of day and give each of them a chance to 1.) tell the time and 2.) tell whether it's a.m. or p.m. through a scenario. For example, if the clock is pointing to 1:37 I might give the following story: Jamie heard something and it woke her out of her sleep. As her eyes adjusted she looked around to see that it was quite dark, but she had left her window open. She got up and trudged over to close it shut. She then climbed back into bed under the covers. Is it 1:37 a.m. or 1:37 p.m. The kids love the "Time detective" idea and enjoy being able to determine which 1:37 it is.
