I decided to simplify our rules this year and to use the following statement: We can do anything as long as we are learning, safe, and kind. We discussed which actions would be unsafe, unkind, or prevent us from learning. I will refer to this statement often and it will be the lens by which the children and I determine how we behave in our classroom.
Welcome Back to School 
by Ken Nesbitt
“Dear students, the summer has ended.
The school year at last has begun.
But this year is totally different.
I promise we’ll only have fun.
We won’t study any mathematics,
and recess will last all day long.
Instead of the Pledge of Allegiance,
we’ll belt out a rock ‘n’ roll song.
We’ll only play games in the classroom.
You’re welcome to bring in your toys.
It’s okay to run in the hallways.
It’s great if you make lots of noise.
For homework, you’ll play your Nintendo.
You’ll have to watch lots of TV.
For field trips, we’ll go to the movies
and get lots of candy for free.
The lunchroom will only serve chocolate
and Triple-Fudge Sundaes Supreme.”
Yes, that’s what I heard from my teacher
before I woke up from my dream!
One of the joys of summer is having more time to read. My reading this summer can be divided into three groups: Bible study, professional growth, and fun reads. A love for reading and life-long learning are values I want to share and model for my students.
Bible Study: I am part of a women’s neighborhood Bible study. The group meets in the morning during the school year, so I cherish the opportunity to study with friends and neighbors each summer. The study is led by a KRCS parent. This summer, we are studying Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa Terkeurst. I’ve enjoyed her insights. She has a blog and is a leader of the Proverbs 31 Ministry.
Click here to go to Proverbs 31 Ministry
Professionally, I’ve read The Daily 5 and The Cafe Book by Gail Boushey and Joan Moser. I am participating in an online book study as I read these books about developing children’s literacy. Looking forward to applying these ideas in my classroom this year.
I have just begun reading Rafe Esquith’s Teach Like Your Hair’s On Fire. Lots of ideas for parents and teachers to ponder.
Fun Read: I just finished Sea Change by Karen White. Karen is part of our KRCS family and I taught both of her children. Click here to go to Karen’s web site. This is her 15th novel about Southern women.
(Click on each book for a sneak peek inside.)
I love discovering new series for my classroom library. When I visited my niece and nephew, rising third and fifth graders, they recommended two new series. I have read half of the first book in each series and they are great fantasy stories.
The first series of four chapter books is Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist by LaFevers. The books chronicle the adventures of young Nathaniel “Nate” Fludd, a beastologist in training, who travels the world in search of mythical beasts like the phoenix and unicorn. Beastologist Home Page
The second series is Doll People by Martin. This story is about the adventures of a doll family who has lived in a dollhouse for over 100 years.
Each year KRCS recognizes the fifth graders. Moving to Middle School is exciting! The recognition begins with the fifth grade walking through the Lower School halls for the last time on their way to the gym. The students, faculty, and parents applaud them as they pass. During the ceremony, the students thank their parents as well as their current and past teachers. The students make a fun slideshow with Mrs. Williams and there is an additional slideshow with photos of each student. The students are recognized individually and given a Wordle which contains the character traits listed by their classmates to describe each of them. Finally, the Middle School principal welcomes the class. Love watching my previous students each year! Both Danielle and Steven had sisters in this class. Congratulations to them all!
Fifth Grade Walk
Fifth Grade Sings to Parents
Individual Recognition
