Parents: We have been working on the difference between predicting and inferencing all year. In order to help your child learn the difference, you can ask them questions about what they are reading, or what is happening on a T.V. show or in a movie. If you ask them to predict, they should be able to tell you what is going to happen in the future of the story. If you ask them to make an inference, they should be able to tell you why something is currently happening in the story.
A good way to remember the definitions is to make them equations.
Inferencing : what you know + what you read = being able to tell why something is
happening in the story
Predicitng : what you know + what you read = being able to make an educated guess
about what will happen in the story
in the future
Please, talk to your child about what we are studying in class! :)
Mrs. Short
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Is the Glass Half Full, or Half Empty?
When I read the following article, I thought to myself, "How often have I said that to one of my students?" It is really a question of perspective. I can choose to tell a student, "That's not hard, it's easy!" or I can boost that child's self-confidence in her own power to learn, and tell her, "Yes, it's hard - but you can do hard things!" Both parents and teachers need to keep this in mind when talking with our young people.
Teaching Secrets: Students Can Do Hard Things
By Anthony Cody
I recently observed a teacher passing out an assignment to a class of high school English students. "This is hard," complained one. "No, it's really not hard, it's easy!" replied the teacher.
Even though I could recall saying the same thing myself on occasion, something about this exchange bothered me. What can our students possibly learn if we only gave them easy tasks? On the other hand, how can we motivate our students to accept a challenge if they doubt their own ability?
As part of a partnership, teachermagazine.org is publishing this regular column by members of theTeacher Leaders Network, a professional community of accomplished educators dedicated to sharing ideas and expanding the influence of teachers.
I asked Lynn Scott, an experienced teaching colleague, what she thought. Her reply: "If my second graders say something is hard, I say 'That's ok. You can do hard things!'"
To make her case, Lynn talked to her students about hard things they had mastered. They all were born not knowing how to walk. Did they just stand up one day and run around? No, they taught themselves, by grabbing onto furniture and other people, and they gradually learned to walk without falling. They learned to ride bicycles the same way -- by hard practice and by sometimes falling down.
Research shows that students who lack motivation are often not convinced that the effort they invest in themselves is going to be rewarded. They simply have not been academically successful in the past, so why bother? Furthermore, their parents may have been ineffectual in school, creating a template for failure easier to live up to than disprove.
So how do we teach our students they are capable of doing so much more than they even realize? This is the true art of teaching. Here are some ideas:
• Keep a portfolio of work, beginning with samples from the first week of school (or any fixed point in time). Then, in November or December, you can take a look at their earlier work, and highlight all the things they know how to do now that they could not do in September. This helps students understand their goal is to improve from their current level, and no matter where they are starting, they can learn and grow.
• Researchers tell us that if you give students a letter grade along with feedback, all they focus on is the grade, and the value of the feedback is lost. Therefore I try to avoid giving grades, especially on first or second drafts. Instead, I try to give specific suggestions to guide students toward improvement. Rubrics that describe your expectations can be especially helpful with this. Look at the path to quality work as a ladder, not a leap, and support them as they climb.
• Sometimes students do not really know what high quality work looks like -- or how to produce it. The first time I asked students to do science projects, I was disappointed by some of the work they turned in (apparently assembled the night before with a roll of scotch tape and a magic marker). But when I thought about it, I realized they did not have any clear models.
The next time, when I introduced the assignment I shared some of the better projects I had saved. I also had the students take a close look at the projects and develop a list of characteristics associated with quality work. What do the great projects have? What do less successful projects look like? We took the notes from this discussion and created a rubric the students could use to guide them as they worked. Then the students used the rubric to score their own projects with the help of their peers and make improvements before turning them in.
I've really come to see the power of peer review after years of practicing this teaching method. When students are involved in reviewing each other's work using a clear set of guidelines, they not only have a tool that promotes honest and objective judgments, they also become more familiar with the hallmarks of quality, and they can apply that understanding to their own work as well.
Our students can do hard things, but they do not always know that. High self-regard is important for all the kids we teach, but it is not built through empty praise. It grows as the student actually succeeds in creating quality work. True satisfaction comes when we know for sure that we have achieved excellence. Then let the celebration begin!
An award-winning science teacher, Anthony Cody served for two years as a peer reviewer in the Oakland (CA) City Schools. He now works as a professional development coach, partnering with secondary teachers to improve science instruction.
Have a nice day!
Teaching Secrets: Students Can Do Hard Things
By Anthony Cody
I recently observed a teacher passing out an assignment to a class of high school English students. "This is hard," complained one. "No, it's really not hard, it's easy!" replied the teacher.
Even though I could recall saying the same thing myself on occasion, something about this exchange bothered me. What can our students possibly learn if we only gave them easy tasks? On the other hand, how can we motivate our students to accept a challenge if they doubt their own ability?
As part of a partnership, teachermagazine.org is publishing this regular column by members of theTeacher Leaders Network, a professional community of accomplished educators dedicated to sharing ideas and expanding the influence of teachers.
I asked Lynn Scott, an experienced teaching colleague, what she thought. Her reply: "If my second graders say something is hard, I say 'That's ok. You can do hard things!'"
To make her case, Lynn talked to her students about hard things they had mastered. They all were born not knowing how to walk. Did they just stand up one day and run around? No, they taught themselves, by grabbing onto furniture and other people, and they gradually learned to walk without falling. They learned to ride bicycles the same way -- by hard practice and by sometimes falling down.
Research shows that students who lack motivation are often not convinced that the effort they invest in themselves is going to be rewarded. They simply have not been academically successful in the past, so why bother? Furthermore, their parents may have been ineffectual in school, creating a template for failure easier to live up to than disprove.
So how do we teach our students they are capable of doing so much more than they even realize? This is the true art of teaching. Here are some ideas:
• Keep a portfolio of work, beginning with samples from the first week of school (or any fixed point in time). Then, in November or December, you can take a look at their earlier work, and highlight all the things they know how to do now that they could not do in September. This helps students understand their goal is to improve from their current level, and no matter where they are starting, they can learn and grow.
• Researchers tell us that if you give students a letter grade along with feedback, all they focus on is the grade, and the value of the feedback is lost. Therefore I try to avoid giving grades, especially on first or second drafts. Instead, I try to give specific suggestions to guide students toward improvement. Rubrics that describe your expectations can be especially helpful with this. Look at the path to quality work as a ladder, not a leap, and support them as they climb.
• Sometimes students do not really know what high quality work looks like -- or how to produce it. The first time I asked students to do science projects, I was disappointed by some of the work they turned in (apparently assembled the night before with a roll of scotch tape and a magic marker). But when I thought about it, I realized they did not have any clear models.
The next time, when I introduced the assignment I shared some of the better projects I had saved. I also had the students take a close look at the projects and develop a list of characteristics associated with quality work. What do the great projects have? What do less successful projects look like? We took the notes from this discussion and created a rubric the students could use to guide them as they worked. Then the students used the rubric to score their own projects with the help of their peers and make improvements before turning them in.
I've really come to see the power of peer review after years of practicing this teaching method. When students are involved in reviewing each other's work using a clear set of guidelines, they not only have a tool that promotes honest and objective judgments, they also become more familiar with the hallmarks of quality, and they can apply that understanding to their own work as well.
Our students can do hard things, but they do not always know that. High self-regard is important for all the kids we teach, but it is not built through empty praise. It grows as the student actually succeeds in creating quality work. True satisfaction comes when we know for sure that we have achieved excellence. Then let the celebration begin!
An award-winning science teacher, Anthony Cody served for two years as a peer reviewer in the Oakland (CA) City Schools. He now works as a professional development coach, partnering with secondary teachers to improve science instruction.
Have a nice day!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Hope you have all had a great holiday, and are back into work mode. We are continuing to work on the following things:
Read 180: Students are trying to finish their topics in a more timely manner. We are also working very hard on producing very good essays.
Standard Class: We are still working on our unit on Civil Rights. We are learning what the Little Rock Nine went through in order to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. We have also read about Ruby Bridges, who was part of the integration of schools in Louisana. We also are working through our webquest, which you can view at http://www.kn.att.com/wired/fil/pages/listlittler8t.html
Advanced Class: We are looking at civil rights in a slightly different way, thinking about issues that could violate our civil rights, such as gun control, censorship, and the advantages or disadvantages of bilingual education.
Parents: Please make sure that you are seeing the progress reports and report cards that come home with your child. We had a progress report go home the week before Thanksgiving week. This, along with your child's planner, is one of our best methods for communicating with you about your child's progress.
Read 180: Students are trying to finish their topics in a more timely manner. We are also working very hard on producing very good essays.
Standard Class: We are still working on our unit on Civil Rights. We are learning what the Little Rock Nine went through in order to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. We have also read about Ruby Bridges, who was part of the integration of schools in Louisana. We also are working through our webquest, which you can view at http://www.kn.att.com/wired/fil/pages/listlittler8t.html
Advanced Class: We are looking at civil rights in a slightly different way, thinking about issues that could violate our civil rights, such as gun control, censorship, and the advantages or disadvantages of bilingual education.
Parents: Please make sure that you are seeing the progress reports and report cards that come home with your child. We had a progress report go home the week before Thanksgiving week. This, along with your child's planner, is one of our best methods for communicating with you about your child's progress.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Important Dates for You to Remember
Parents and students: The following information is important for you to remember.
1. Report cards went home on Tuesday, November 6th. If you have not seen your child's, please ask him or her for it. We can supply a copy if needed.
2. Progress reports for this nine weeks' grading period will go out next week. Watch for them.
Please remind your child:
1. Reading logs are due on Mondays with your signature. Tuesday is a grace day, in case you or your child forgets to turn it in. To get full credit, your child must have read for 30 minutes each evening six days of the week, had you sign the log sheet, and then have turned it in.
2. Your child needs to bring regular notebook paper, pens, and pencils to class daily. They have run out from the first of the year, and are now without supplies. Please make sure they bring some with them.
Thanks to all my students for a good first nine weeks' period, and good luck on the second nine weeks.
Mrs. Short
1. Report cards went home on Tuesday, November 6th. If you have not seen your child's, please ask him or her for it. We can supply a copy if needed.
2. Progress reports for this nine weeks' grading period will go out next week. Watch for them.
Please remind your child:
1. Reading logs are due on Mondays with your signature. Tuesday is a grace day, in case you or your child forgets to turn it in. To get full credit, your child must have read for 30 minutes each evening six days of the week, had you sign the log sheet, and then have turned it in.
2. Your child needs to bring regular notebook paper, pens, and pencils to class daily. They have run out from the first of the year, and are now without supplies. Please make sure they bring some with them.
Thanks to all my students for a good first nine weeks' period, and good luck on the second nine weeks.
Mrs. Short
Friday, November 2, 2007
I am So Sorry
Parents and students: I am so sorry. I have not posted to my blog for a long time, and it is absolutely inexcusable. I have been working with Freewebs.com for our class project, and my commitment to communicate in this forum has slipped my mind. However, I am now recommitted to using this space to communicate with you all, so please visit regularly.
The first nine week grading period is over, and, on the whole, each student did fairly well. I am pleased with the progress that most of my students have made. Please remember, the work will continue to get more rigorous and more in-depth, so everyone will have to work really hard to continue to do well. I know we can do it!
Parents: Please remind your children to do their reading homework each evening, and then remind you to sign their Homework Reading Log sheet so that they can turn it in on Monday. I have emphasized to them that nine "A's" will really raise their grades, but that nine "F's" will really drop their grades! I think some of them are beginning to understand that part of their lower grade this grading period came from their neglect of their homework.
Students: Your blogs look great! I am enjoying reading your comments. Invite your parents to read them as well.
Important Information to remember:
The first nine week grading period is over, and, on the whole, each student did fairly well. I am pleased with the progress that most of my students have made. Please remember, the work will continue to get more rigorous and more in-depth, so everyone will have to work really hard to continue to do well. I know we can do it!
Parents: Please remind your children to do their reading homework each evening, and then remind you to sign their Homework Reading Log sheet so that they can turn it in on Monday. I have emphasized to them that nine "A's" will really raise their grades, but that nine "F's" will really drop their grades! I think some of them are beginning to understand that part of their lower grade this grading period came from their neglect of their homework.
Students: Your blogs look great! I am enjoying reading your comments. Invite your parents to read them as well.
Important Information to remember:
- The canned food drive to help the needy during the holiday season. Please bring in canned goods
- November 12 - Our observed holiday for Veterans' Day
- The research project for Period Six.
Mrs. Short
Monday, September 17, 2007
Happy Monday, everyone:
We have several things to be aware of this week.
1. The school fundraiser is over at the end of this week. If your child is trying to earn a prize, encourage them to get those last orders, and turn them in by Thursday.
2. Period 6 students will be creating blogs this week. Read your child's comments about the books he or she is reading, and discuss them with your child
3. Planners will be handed out to students on Monday. The Chickasaw teachers have decided to communicate with parents through the planners, so please check your child's planner daily for any comments.
Habit of the Week: Do you homework at the same time each day so that you don't end up leaving it until the last minute. Regular schedules reinforce good habits of organization.
Students:
1. Sign into the Planner Website (www.premier.us/discover) to get lots of tips about how to use your planner and to be organized.
2. The prize this week goes to the student in each class who is the first to respond on this site with the answer to the following question:
What animal is the "Strange Science" fact in your planner about?
You will be able to select from the prize box. Last week's winner was Monique Tompkins, 6th period. You guys in 2/3 period, and 4/5 period need to get on the ball!
Mrs. Short
We have several things to be aware of this week.
1. The school fundraiser is over at the end of this week. If your child is trying to earn a prize, encourage them to get those last orders, and turn them in by Thursday.
2. Period 6 students will be creating blogs this week. Read your child's comments about the books he or she is reading, and discuss them with your child
3. Planners will be handed out to students on Monday. The Chickasaw teachers have decided to communicate with parents through the planners, so please check your child's planner daily for any comments.
Habit of the Week: Do you homework at the same time each day so that you don't end up leaving it until the last minute. Regular schedules reinforce good habits of organization.
Students:
1. Sign into the Planner Website (www.premier.us/discover) to get lots of tips about how to use your planner and to be organized.
2. The prize this week goes to the student in each class who is the first to respond on this site with the answer to the following question:
What animal is the "Strange Science" fact in your planner about?
You will be able to select from the prize box. Last week's winner was Monique Tompkins, 6th period. You guys in 2/3 period, and 4/5 period need to get on the ball!
Mrs. Short
Monday, September 10, 2007
Hello, everyone! There have been big changes in the team this week. For those of you that are not aware, Ms. Stallings has moved to a Language Arts position in seventh grade. This change was necessary because of budget cuts in the county. All of Ms. Stallings' students were absorbed into my classes. Mr. Pecott took the Advanced Reading class.
Parents: Please plan to attend Open House tomorrow (Tuesday) night at 6:30 p.m. We would love to see you, and have you meet your child's teachers. Also, parents, please be aware that progress reports are going home this week. Check for your child's so that you will be aware of all grades.
Students: The question of the week is:
Name the title of one of either Walter Dean Myers' short stories, or the name of one of the articles we are currently reading in the r-Book. The first person in each class who responses on this site with the right answer will be able to select a gift from the gift box.
Work hard this week!
Mrs. Short
Parents: Please plan to attend Open House tomorrow (Tuesday) night at 6:30 p.m. We would love to see you, and have you meet your child's teachers. Also, parents, please be aware that progress reports are going home this week. Check for your child's so that you will be aware of all grades.
Students: The question of the week is:
Name the title of one of either Walter Dean Myers' short stories, or the name of one of the articles we are currently reading in the r-Book. The first person in each class who responses on this site with the right answer will be able to select a gift from the gift box.
Work hard this week!
Mrs. Short
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Hello everyone! This week there are several things to be aware of:
Read 180 classes have gotten into full rotation. Don't know what that means, parents? Ask your child!
The advanced class is about to begin a new project sharing their thoughts on what they are reading in blogs that they create. Watch for more on this.
Fall fund-raiser kick-off: Thursday
First football game for Lake Shore: Thursday
In reference to that, parents and students, please be aware that your grades need to be good in order to play on any sports team at Lake Shore. That gives even more incentive to do wel!
Open House: September 11th
Progress reports will be coming out in a week or so - make sure to stay caught up in your work! We want all Chickasaw Team members to do well!
Parents: as you read this blog, please take the time to comment so that I'll know who I am reaching with this information. I want to give you all the information I can so that we can help your child do well this year.
Question of the week: No one answered the question last week, so I'll ask it again. What goes in the thesis sentence of a five paragraph essay? The first person in each class to post the answer to this question here will receive a prize from our prize box.
Good luck!
Mrs. Short
Read 180 classes have gotten into full rotation. Don't know what that means, parents? Ask your child!
The advanced class is about to begin a new project sharing their thoughts on what they are reading in blogs that they create. Watch for more on this.
Fall fund-raiser kick-off: Thursday
First football game for Lake Shore: Thursday
In reference to that, parents and students, please be aware that your grades need to be good in order to play on any sports team at Lake Shore. That gives even more incentive to do wel!
Open House: September 11th
Progress reports will be coming out in a week or so - make sure to stay caught up in your work! We want all Chickasaw Team members to do well!
Parents: as you read this blog, please take the time to comment so that I'll know who I am reaching with this information. I want to give you all the information I can so that we can help your child do well this year.
Question of the week: No one answered the question last week, so I'll ask it again. What goes in the thesis sentence of a five paragraph essay? The first person in each class to post the answer to this question here will receive a prize from our prize box.
Good luck!
Mrs. Short
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Hello, everyone. I hope you are having a good week. Please read the following sections.
Parents: I am beginning to have a little trouble with students who don't want to take my class seriously. I will be contacting you by phone this week if your child is one of those. Please remind your child of the following:
* Behavior in class is linked to academic success. If you play in class, your grades will reflect it. Those who pay attention in class learn much more, and don't interrupt the learning of those around them with their off-task behavior.
* Your job right now in life is to be a good student. If you were employed by Mrs. Short, you could lose your job if you weren't on-task. Do your job right the first time, loud and proud.
* Your homework for Mrs. Short's class is thirty minutes of reading six days of the week. It must be recorded on your Homework Reading Log, which should be turned in on Mondays. Your grade will suffer if you do not do this.
Students:
Some of you have already turned in multiple book responses that will count toward your 25 Book goal. Remember, we have to have read seven books by the end of this nine weeks' grading period. My expectation is that everyone will do just that.
Contest for this week: The first person in each class that responds to this blog with the correct answer to this question will receive a prize.
Question: What goes in the thesis sentence of a five-paragraph essay?
Good luck!
Mrs. Short
Parents: I am beginning to have a little trouble with students who don't want to take my class seriously. I will be contacting you by phone this week if your child is one of those. Please remind your child of the following:
* Behavior in class is linked to academic success. If you play in class, your grades will reflect it. Those who pay attention in class learn much more, and don't interrupt the learning of those around them with their off-task behavior.
* Your job right now in life is to be a good student. If you were employed by Mrs. Short, you could lose your job if you weren't on-task. Do your job right the first time, loud and proud.
* Your homework for Mrs. Short's class is thirty minutes of reading six days of the week. It must be recorded on your Homework Reading Log, which should be turned in on Mondays. Your grade will suffer if you do not do this.
Students:
Some of you have already turned in multiple book responses that will count toward your 25 Book goal. Remember, we have to have read seven books by the end of this nine weeks' grading period. My expectation is that everyone will do just that.
Contest for this week: The first person in each class that responds to this blog with the correct answer to this question will receive a prize.
Question: What goes in the thesis sentence of a five-paragraph essay?
Good luck!
Mrs. Short
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Parents: I am already being asked by parents what you can do to help your child do well on Florida Writes! which we will take in February. The Department of Education (www.fldoe.org ) gives the following suggestions for parents:
- Discuss what your child is reading and writing at school with him or her.
- Have your child write letters to friends and relatives.
- Write your child notes about the chores you want him or her to do, and include instructions.
- Speak with me about your child's writing development.
- Display your child's writing on the refrigerator or a bulletin board in your home.
- Demonstrate how you yourself use writing daily (reports for your job, applications, letters to the editor, friends, family)
If you would like to discuss your child's writing level right now, I am able to do that at your convenience. Your child has completed a baseline sample of persuasive writing, as well as one of expository writing, and we can talk about the written pieces, and my strategies for helping your child to become a better writer. Feel free to call me (381-7440 x. 187) to set up a time when we can meet.
Parents and Students: When you visit this site, please leave a comment to let me know you have been here. I want this site to be an effective way to communicate with both my students and their parents, but I need to know who is reading my posts. Thanks for your help!
Students: Our contest for Friday is this: The first student in each class that comes to me with the answer to the following question will get extra credit on his grades.
Question: How many words will you be exposed to if you read 25 books this year?
Good Luck!
Mrs. Short
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
I am so disappointed! I have received no comments on my first three blogs. Nobody won the prizes on Tuesday. It is really important that my students (as well as their parents) read my blog, since I will be using it to pass on important information.
Parents, I want to commend your students for their good behavior the past couple of days. Today there have been a few glitches, however. Parents, if your child takes some kind of medication during the day, please be sure that you send it to school with your child, and a note explaining the dosage and time. If your child is not going to bed at a reasonable hour, please get him or her on a regular schedule. Some of your children are sleepy in class, and are missing what we are working on. Other students are not eating lunch. Please either send something with your child, or send money for lunch with him or her. If students don't eat, they get tired and sleepy after lunch, and we need them awake, alert, aware, and ready to learn!
Students, the contest for Thursday is: The first student in each class to come to me during that class and tell me the answer to this question will receive a prize.
What is our routine for walking on sidewalks?
Have a good day.
Mrs. Short
I am so disappointed! I have received no comments on my first three blogs. Nobody won the prizes on Tuesday. It is really important that my students (as well as their parents) read my blog, since I will be using it to pass on important information.
Parents, I want to commend your students for their good behavior the past couple of days. Today there have been a few glitches, however. Parents, if your child takes some kind of medication during the day, please be sure that you send it to school with your child, and a note explaining the dosage and time. If your child is not going to bed at a reasonable hour, please get him or her on a regular schedule. Some of your children are sleepy in class, and are missing what we are working on. Other students are not eating lunch. Please either send something with your child, or send money for lunch with him or her. If students don't eat, they get tired and sleepy after lunch, and we need them awake, alert, aware, and ready to learn!
Students, the contest for Thursday is: The first student in each class to come to me during that class and tell me the answer to this question will receive a prize.
What is our routine for walking on sidewalks?
Have a good day.
Mrs. Short
Monday, August 20, 2007
Hi, everybody - Hope your first day back was good. I think we have a real good team this year, and I can't wait to see what we can do together!
Don't forget to bring your supplies to class tomorrow. We will start to work hard on Tuesday. Also, don't forget your reading homework. Be sure to record what you read on your Homework Reading Log so you can get that first "A" for this year!
The first person in each class who comes on Tuesday to me to tell me the "secret phrase" will get a prize. The secret phrase is "LEAP to Success", which is our goal for this year. See you on Tuesday!
Mrs. Short
Don't forget to bring your supplies to class tomorrow. We will start to work hard on Tuesday. Also, don't forget your reading homework. Be sure to record what you read on your Homework Reading Log so you can get that first "A" for this year!
The first person in each class who comes on Tuesday to me to tell me the "secret phrase" will get a prize. The secret phrase is "LEAP to Success", which is our goal for this year. See you on Tuesday!
Mrs. Short
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Hello, everyone:
I would like to take a minute to explain the new program that some of your children will be enrolled in. It is called "Read 180." The program is computer-driven for Skills Block time, and uses Independent Reading and Workperiods just as we are used to doing. The computer component of the course makes it very appealing to students, and makes it easy for me to see what progess my students are making as they work through the various exercises. I think it will help my students to make lots of progress toward reading on grade level this year.
The advanced students will be refining their writing skills, in addition to doing some research projects each nine weeks' grading period. I am looking forward to getting started with them.
Please make sure your child has his or her supplies for the class:
I would like to take a minute to explain the new program that some of your children will be enrolled in. It is called "Read 180." The program is computer-driven for Skills Block time, and uses Independent Reading and Workperiods just as we are used to doing. The computer component of the course makes it very appealing to students, and makes it easy for me to see what progess my students are making as they work through the various exercises. I think it will help my students to make lots of progress toward reading on grade level this year.
The advanced students will be refining their writing skills, in addition to doing some research projects each nine weeks' grading period. I am looking forward to getting started with them.
Please make sure your child has his or her supplies for the class:
- A one inch three ring binder
- Notebook paper
- Pens and pencils (ink in any color but red)
- A highlighter of your child's choice
We will begin to work immediately on the first day of school, so please make sure your child brings these supplies with him or her on Monday.
If you have questions, please feel free to call me: 381-7440, x. 187
Thanks for your help.
Mrs. Short
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Welcome Back to School!
I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome you all back to school! I am looking forward to a really good year this year.
Students:
You probably have been reading this summer. If you come to school with the following by Friday, August 24th, you'll get extra credit, as well as credit toward your 25 Book Goal:
On separate sheets of paper, answer the following questions about your books. Be sure you put the title of the book, the author's name, and the number of pages in the book on each sheet (remember, if you have forgotten any of this information, you can find it on Amazon.com). The questions are:
1. Summarize your book in one paragraph.
2. Tell me why you liked or disliked this book.
3. Make one connection with the book.
Good luck! Get started on your extra credit!
Parents:
Look for my letter to you to come home with your child on Monday, August 20th. Please read it, and discuss it with your child, then sign the Behavior Contract and have your child return it to me.
I plan to use this blogsite to communicate with you weekly, so please record the address somewhere so you can access the site regularly. I will include information about the class, as well as links to other sites that will help you help your child to be a better student. If there is anything you would like to see on this site, please email me and I'll add it in. My email address is
shortk@dreamsbeginhere.org
Feel free to use it, or to call me. This is going to be a great year!
Students:
You probably have been reading this summer. If you come to school with the following by Friday, August 24th, you'll get extra credit, as well as credit toward your 25 Book Goal:
On separate sheets of paper, answer the following questions about your books. Be sure you put the title of the book, the author's name, and the number of pages in the book on each sheet (remember, if you have forgotten any of this information, you can find it on Amazon.com). The questions are:
1. Summarize your book in one paragraph.
2. Tell me why you liked or disliked this book.
3. Make one connection with the book.
Good luck! Get started on your extra credit!
Parents:
Look for my letter to you to come home with your child on Monday, August 20th. Please read it, and discuss it with your child, then sign the Behavior Contract and have your child return it to me.
I plan to use this blogsite to communicate with you weekly, so please record the address somewhere so you can access the site regularly. I will include information about the class, as well as links to other sites that will help you help your child to be a better student. If there is anything you would like to see on this site, please email me and I'll add it in. My email address is
shortk@dreamsbeginhere.org
Feel free to use it, or to call me. This is going to be a great year!
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