The first week of school!

We have gotten started and I am thrilled to be back. I have about 100 new students to get to know. I am currently reading student surveys and finding out that some of the kids like riding horses, sewing, and cooking. I like all those things, too. I’m also learning a little about the families. Here are some comments that parents and guardians are making on the surveys:

 

The alternative seating options are a big hit with the kids. Here are some photos of the choices that kids have made in class. It’s an adjustment for all of us. I’m glad we’re doing it. 

GUEST BLOGGERS
Every week three students will be guest-blogging here. Look for your (or your child’s) blog post. Use the comment section to ask or answer questions, make comments, or guess at the answer to one of the blog posts.

Amber Class Guest Blogger
I am thinking of a famous person.
This famous person is in the UFC. She was born Feb 1, 1987 and grew up in Riverside, CA. She is known for her arm bars and her amazing finish in 14 seconds. Also, she is feather weight in her division. She started in Judo. Her style of fighting is Judo and boxing. People call her "a beast in the ring." She has 12 wins and 0 losses by 3 knockouts and 9 submissions. She is a fourth-degree black belt in Judo. One of her nicknames is The Arm Collector. She is American. Her mom inspired her to go in to MMA. She is 5 foot 7 inches and her weight is 135 lbs. Can you guess who it is?
By Liv

Ruby Class Guest Blogger

Question of the Week. I asked Ms. Davis “What is your favorite thing about your job?”

She likes to learn new things every year at school. She also likes to use new technology every year. This is her first year doing a blog. It is part of technology. Ms. Davis admires the teachers she works with at school. Her student relationships include my all time favorite-- hugs! I really like hugs. I try to give warm hugs like Olaf. Ms. Davis has taught for ten years. I like her new seating arrangement. I really like the yoga balls. In conclusion, that is what Ms. Davis likes about her job. By Zach

Sapphire Class Guest Blogger

Two Truths and a Lie

1. All my life I’ve grown up riding quads, and my grandpa took me to a Dunesfest in Oregon. I got to see a famous rider, Marc Burnett, backflip a razor.
2. When I played little farm baseball, I started off an average player, but one day I tried out for catcher, and I was the best catcher in the league.
3. When I turned five I climbed a really tall tree, and I was hanging out there. I slipped and fell and broke my leg. It stunk because I had to wear a cast for a year.

By Eric

Alternative Seating Options

My very exciting summer is over, and I am back in my classroom preparing to meet all of you! Some highlights for me: I got engaged, we had a family reunion in Indiana, and I am learning to build in Minecraft. I am happy to share more with you about all of these events as we get to know each other.

My daughter, Eva, and I spent several hours in Room 1 today arranging new seating options. Here are some of them:

Some rolling office chairs
and yoga balls

A few cozy chairs at the front of the room

A comfortable sitting area

I've been reading a lot this summer about student engagement. I want my classroom to be a place where students want to come. I want them to have choices and to feel comfortable. According to what I read, this helps kids focus better and encourages more authentic participation.

There are still traditional desk and chair options available for students who want or need that. Some kids will be more successful with this kind of structure. I, myself, am feeling a little bit anxious about trying this new thing, but I believe it will be a success and it's definitely worth giving it a shot.

Here are some links to articles and blogs that support this kind of seating:

• Forget the neat rows of desks
• New Jersey School Encourages Alternative Seating in Classrooms
• Alternative Seating Brain Research- Blog

Let me know if you have any questions.
Where do you think you would prefer sitting in Room 1?