Words to Live By....

As we are finding ways to work through these next few weeks before spring break, getting through ISAT testing, and looking forward to warmer weather, we must remember why we are here and how we can reach our students the best that we can. 

March is Read Across America Month, and because I have such a love for children's books, I have compiled a list of books, most of which I have read, that are truly filled with life's little lessons.  Picture books are not just for primary students, they deserve a place in upper grades as well.  Finding time to talk about meaningful topics is important and set a purpose for learning, young and old.

Leo the Late Bloomer, by Robert Kraus

Lesson:  You will shine in your own time, and that is okay.

The Empty Pot, by Demi

Lesson:  Teaches us what true integrity means.

Enemy Pie, by Derek Munson

Lesson:  How to Handle Relationships and Conflict

Horton Hatches the Egg, by Dr. Suess

Lesson:  It's important to keep your promises

Tar Beach, by Faith Ringgold 

Lesson:  Encourages limitless dreams

The Story of Ferdinand, by Munro Leaf

Lesson:  Being who you are is more important than being who others think you are.

Computer Time

There has been a recent rush to play on the computers in the computer lab, which is wonderful!  Unfortunately, I have been noticing a lot of just playing and not learning happening on the screens.  Here at CGTP, we have a portal, which should pop up the minute you click on internet explorer.  This portal page was created so that you and your student did not have to search the internet for educational games, they are right there for you, easily accessible.  I know there are games that student are wanting to play that are not on the portal, but most of what I am seeing is not educational.  Please be mindful of this, we want our guidelines to be known in the computer lab, and students should be aware of this from us and from you.

If for some reason, your student does not want to visit any of the websites on the portal, here are a few other option that might interest your student during their time in the lab:

1.  Computer Skills:  These are like life skills, but for students to learn all about the computer.  See Michael or Adam for more information.

2.  Create a story in Word:  Take turns typing sentences to a story.  Build off of eachothers sentences to see what you come up with.  Each week, you could add a chapter to your story.

3.  Research a famous person each week.  This month we are learning about famous African Americans, but you can continue this research onto people that students are interested in:  Justin Beiber, Miley Cyrus, etc...

4.  Challenge your students to find five new facts about something.  Give them a topic and time them to see how fast they can find out the information you want them to look for. 

5.  Help them find their house on google maps, they will love seeing their neighborhood on the computer screen.

6.  Show your student what you do on a computer all day.  If it is emailing, creating power points, or working on excel.  Giving your students real life experiences will open their eyes to reality.

Remind your students that computers can be fun, and they are most of the time, but we are here to learn and that is what we need to keep in mind when spending time in the computer lab.