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Our students are remembering sacrifices made by our military and their families. We look for ways of solving conflicts through negotiation, compromise, and setting an example. When all of this fails, it is important that we act ethically, following the rules of combat, demonstrating restraint, moderation and compassion. May all our leaders use their power judiciously. May we lead with this in mind.
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I have always admired people who have beautiful handwriting. I used to have good handwriting, but I must admit, I rarely write anymore. I type, or keyboard which has now been turned into a verb! I print on chart paper, students' work, blackboards, Smart boards, and white boards. If I do cursive writing, often the students, even in Grade 6, 7, and 8 tell me they cannot read "real" writing. That does worry me.

Do students ever hand it papers or assignments written by hand anymore? Power point projects, videos, and "typed" papers or reports posted on bristol board are usually the way final projects are shared. We have Wikis, blogs, and class VoiceThreads which allow students to post their thoughts in writing or in voice recordings. This certainly provides access for students with difficulties in fine motor, or in spelling, and that is to be celebrated. Nothing is more frustrating for a bright child to struggle with writing and spelling, when their ideas are at grade level or higher. So, yes, bring on the technology. But are we justified in spending time teaching cursive writing? I would hate to see cursive writing disappear, but the goal is communication--neat, fast and efficient, and beautiful too!  What do you think?

 We have links on our school website for teaching children to type. Check out Dancemat.

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Up and Running! 09/14/2011
 
Our students are becoming familiar with their schedules, and the Learning Center is open for business. Small groups or individual students are coming in to familiarize themselves with the computer programs, starting their reading and math small group work, or using a quiet space to complete the diagnostic math and reading tests that teachers need to inform their teaching for the different levels in the classroom.

If you child is on an Individual Education Plan, (IEP), please fill in the Parent Collaboration form and return it to school as soon as possible. It helps us know your child better, and gives us an idea of particular stregnths and needs your child has. We use these to help us set goals for your child.
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Brain Gym 09/05/2011
 
Brain Gym is a way of incorporating some fitness that might help with focus and attention before starting academic tasks. Click on the video below to see some of the Brain Gym exercises which we will use as part of our daily fitness in the Learning Center.
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Class Lists 08/30/2011
 
I know kids are anxious to know who their teacher is. The lists will be posted on Friday. If only you knew how carefully teachers consider the placement of children in each class. We look carefully at the balance of personalities, friendships, children who rub each other the wrong way, learning needs, learning styles, history, numbers of boys/girls, special interests of the students and the teachers, even classroom placement! There is a professionalism at the meetings, where teachers come prepared with best combinations, but are open to insights from admin, special education staff, former and current teachers. Sometimes new enrollments change the dynamics of the class, and we need to made adjustments.

Sometimes, you might be concerned that a specific teacher may not be a good fit with your child. However, he or she may turn out to provide a wonderful educational experience for your child. Please don't be swayed by gossip. Everyone makes mistakes, teachers and children. No one goes into teaching without good intentions. By all means, speak to the teacher directly if you have concerns.
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I see so many students and their families out shopping for the back to school sales. Please don't go overboard. Our kids come to school so laden with supplies that there really is no space for them. As soon as we get into the swing of things, we find that the novelty has worn off, and pencils, pens, expensive binders are left in the halls, shelves and no one recognizes them. They don't fit into the desks, or kids don't bother to find the correct spot to organize their papers, so they just get shoved someplace. Such a waste of money. Please wait until the month of September is underway. Teachers always put great thought into how to organize 20-30 kids' stuff--and we know, LESS is BETTER!
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I am attending a two day workshop at the Board office. The aim is to ensure that facilitators have the skills and strategies to aid our staff in improving student learning. I am so proud to be able to say how everyone at Emma King collaborates to set goals, share strategies and fine tune our teaching to help our kids learn. We have a good understanding of the scope of the curriculum, and by looking at student work, we help each other analyze what our students need.

Sometimes we have to readjust our thinking, which can be uncomfortable. But, with mutual respect and thoughtful reflection, all of us have made changes to our teaching. The work is well worthwhile. Even though everyone is sad to see summer holidays ending, we are looking forward to the new year! The great thing about teaching is every year is a new beginning--new kids, new learning, more teamwork! Hooray!

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First Post! 08/21/2011
 
As soon as the weather starts changing in August, I feel the excitement building as we head into another year of learning at Emma King School. The custodians have worked so hard over the summer to clean the rooms and hallways. Everything looks shiny and ready to welcome our students back.

I am looking forward to working with our Educational Assistants who work with students who need sensory breaks, a structured set up to their learning and help with social skills. Their vigilance in observing what works and what doesn't is so important to figuring out the best way to help reduce anxiety and create the atmosphere for optimal learning.

I think a goal for us at Emma King might be to understand the difference between bullying and having a conflict or disagreement with someone. We need to learn how to resolve a difference in a positive way. We can't call everything bullying. Bullying is persistent targeting of a student or students over time. We talked a lot about verbal bullying, physical bullying and intimidation with our students last year. We had discussed the roles of bullies and bystanders, and how to get help. A goal this year is to present strategies to be understand what to do when someone "bugs" you. We need to know how to tell someone what is bothering us in a clear way. Children can be assertive and advocate for themselves. They need to know that it is alright to tell someone to stop doing something that is hurtful, annoying or disrespectful. And we need to also know what to do when someone tells us that. Do we apologize? Do our students know how to react positively in this kind of situation? We all make mistakes. It is a sign of character to accept that we are not perfect.


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