Word Searches

My student work diligently on word searches. When I need them to stay silent after a test, I have a stack of word searches for them to work on. A full-page size maze is doing the trick too. I need to make sure I have this done every time.

I also need to work on making table-top dividers also known as "offices" and "privacy folders". I have long tables that sit 6 students each.

I also also need to rethink my seating arrangement. I might do two U-shaped rows with every student facing forward.

Multiplication Flash Cards

I have to write this down so I don't forget and I can reflect upon it later.

Students are in study hall right now. I passed out some multiplication flash cards for the students to work on. One students held two up together: 10 x 3 and 10 x 7. Another student said that make 100. His reasoning was that 10 x 3 = 30, 10 x 7 = 70 and 30 + 70 = 100. I would like to explore the insight of his reasoning. Maybe I'll ask him later about it.

Also, these 5th graders like the sense of being on a team (mine being UCSD).
Also also, some students are making games out of the flash cards.

A New Year

I am glad I have blogged as much as I have in the past about my teaching. I hope to bring that back and blog on a regular basis because it is a new year and I am at a new school. I also think that all teachers should blog for the reflection aspect: we learn from ourselves, but only if we reflect.
At this new school, I plan on observing as many other teachers as possible. Not only should I observe the veteran teachers, I also would like to observe the newer teachers. New and old, we all have something to offer. So that is the plan. Observe and reflect.

Discipline Policy

I recently talked about my discipline plan with my principal. It is definitely something that needs to have consistency; not just assigning consequences, but following through with them. What's the point if they do not show up to detention? That's disrespect.

My plan has a few steps: 1. Warning; 2. 5 minute detention; 3. 15 minute detention, parent contact; 4. Referral.

I recently added a detention slip. Before, it was a verbal notice and their name on the board if they got detention. Now, it's a slip and a behavior log. It helps me keep better track of habitual offenders. Students sign the log to acknowledge they received a detention. Also, I felt parent contact should be moved up the list, so they sign the slip.