It has been a busy summer for Mrs. Kelly. For starters I have been teaching summer school again (YAY!) for post third grade students. I love the school I'm working with, I have subbed there in the past and it is where I student taught. It's a great place, and I hope that someday a full time spot will open up there and I'll be the right fit for it. Keep your fingers crossed ladies and gentlemen.
Back to the important stuff, what are the kids learning?
Short answer, EVERYTHING! Long answer, ALL OF EVERYTHING!
OK, not really, but we are doing a lot. We have practiced persuasive arguments and essays, we keep a journal, and have worked on writing to specific audiences in the form friendly letters. Last week we put on a performance to show off our oral presentation skills and our ability to read with voice. We learn a new word or random fact everyday and practice our reading strategies daily as we read through The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo. That book is a bit of a push for them, but I'm reading to them and the comprehension piece is coming together for the group.
My kids are shining when it comes to math. They rocked our week on 3D geometry and were invited into another class to show off our skills. While we were there, they also had the chance to show off their multiplication abilities. Yesterday we started two digit by two digit multiplication problems. Last year they were able to do two digit by one digit, and while 2x2 isn't part of the curriculum until fourth grade, I figured why not push them. A few were nervous at first, but once they saw how we set it up the same way, just with a second row of boxes, they were stars!
I was so proud of my kids when they were able to teach that concept to the other class. We have also worked on thinking logically and problem solving.
My favorite part about my math block is the end of the day. I have the students break up and play math-centric games that relate to either basic fact skills they need to master, or games about the concepts we have been working on. I love this because I see them working together, and helping each other. I see kids who are strong in certain areas rush to help and teach others that are behind them. No judgement, no name calling, just kids working together to enjoy what they consider to be free time. I circulate through the room and pull kids or groups to work on areas in which I feel they need some reinforcement and the others practice basic skills that will make them better mathematicians.
Only two days left before summer school ends, then it's a month of hoping and waiting for interviews. I feel better about this year, and later on I'll explain why.
Next time: My interview bag and general game plan.
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