Five for Friday

This year my class performed an awesome musical called, "Rumpus in the Rainforest."  It was the third year in a row that I "directed" (LOL) my kiddos in a performance of this production.  Here are some pictures from last year's show:

We did this musical during our rain forest theme unit.  The kids were so motivated to learn about the rain forest and the play was a big part of that motivation.  We also sold popsicles at recess to raise money to adopt acres of rain forest through The Nature Conservancy.  We raised enough money to adopt four and a half acres!

I purchased the teaching materials for "Rumpus in the Rainforest" from  Bad Wolf Press.  The wonderful teacher's guide, scripts, and music soundtrack truly made my job easy! 

Bad Wolf Press has a huge variety of materials on a variety of themes available for anyone wishing to put on a performance with their students. The teacher's guide even lists standards covered and many benefits of performing a musical to justify classroom time spent on this activity. You can learn more about why plays work here. Students loved the experience and parents loved the performance.  I would STRONGLY recommend trying one of these musicals with your class!

After a lot of experimentation and refinements, I came up with a reading station contract form that worked really well for me this year...

I wish this picture was clearer for you to see. 

Here is an online copy. 

My students had new contracts every two weeks. I was able to individualize the number of stations each child was expected to complete.  I could also individualize which stations were assigned for each student by placing asterisks in the first column of the  row with stations I wanted individuals to be sure to complete.  The two stations within a row would allow kiddos to work on the same skills, regardless of which one they selected. I required most students to complete 5 stations over the two week period.  For many kiddos, I assigned two or three particular centers.  The rest were left for the children to choose. 

This is what I liked about this form:

1.  I only had to update stations every other week. 

2.  I was able to make sure students completed the stations that best met their instructional needs by assigning those stations on their contract forms.

3.  My students still had some choice.

4.  Having some of the stations assigned broke up some bad partnerships.  Students couldn't always work with their friends.

5.  The students knew when they had to complete accountability sheets at their stations because it was indicated on the contract.

6.  The forms were a great way to communicate with parents about how well their children were meeting station work expectations.  I sent them home bi-weekly with notes. 

7.  Once I had my master copy made, it was easy to update the contract form each time I changed stations.

Every other week, I would pass out the individually marked contracts and explain anything I needed to about the new stations.  Students would keep their contracts and work papers in a special folder.  I would collect and grade their materials every other Friday.  I am so glad to have found something that works for my students and for me! What type of system do you use?  I would love to hear from you.

I am often saying to my friends and family, "I LOVE teaching; I just don't love BEING a teacher right now." With the current attacks on public education you may feel that way too.

That is why I am glad to have found this book.

The purpose of the book is to make teachers feel peaceful and energized. It is making for a perfect summer read.  You can click on the image to visit the Cornerstone website where I found it.

This information comes directly from the site...

How Can This Book Help YOU?

Effective teaching requires serious mental fortitude. Awakened will empower you to develop the resilient, flexible, positive mindset you need to:

• Consciously challenge the negative thoughts that discourage you
• Build your tolerance for frustration so you become less ‘disturbable’
• Live beyond your feelings to stay motivated when you don’t see results
• Change your perception of setbacks so they feel less stressful
• Let go of unrealistic expectations, standards, and comparisons
• Realize a sense of accomplishment in a job that’s truly never done.

Now for some personal stuff...

  

See this thumb?  It belongs to my son!  
He sent me this picture Tuesday evening.

He is holding the most important moon rock in the world.  (I didn't know one was most important; but according to him this one is.) 

I am a proud mama because of why he has it in his hand!  He's doing an internship as a research assistant at NASA Space Academy this summer.  Working for NASA has been a dream of his for as long as I can remember. Actually, he wanted to be an astronaut, a cowboy, a pro basketball player, and a race car driver when he was little. But this is close. I'm so excited for him and proud of all of the hard work he has done to get this opportunity.  

This summer I am celebrating an important milestone.  In June of 2004 I went to the doctor telling him that it felt like my body was trying to tell me something.  I ended up being diagnosed with Stage IV endometrial cancer.  I was given little chance of surviving.  It's been a hard road to travel with one recurrence along the way; but thanks to wonderful doctors, the love and support of my family and friends, and the grace of God...

I am a grateful TEN YEAR SURVIVOR!

I can't wait to read all of your Five for Friday posts!