We got to learn a lot more about our good friend Rusty today. I am a HUGE believer that building relationships builds trust. So, I asked Rusty to come and just talk about his childhood. He shared pictures with us and talked to us about growing up in a military family. He talked to the kids about how hard that was and how he often took the role of being a Bully. He had to move schools often and leave friends even move often. He shared how he learned to be a different person and take control of his anger issues. He told them that helping them is the best way for him to pay back all the kids he Bullied in school. It was fun to just listen to him. We are so lucky to see him every day in our classroom. He also skyped in with or pen pals in North Carolina. They watch him every day too!!! He is everywhere!
Well, I told you it was coming and here it is...TESTING TIME!! Our first test is THIS Monday! Yep, that is TOMORROW! Fourth graders are the only ones to take the science portion of the MONT CAS test so we start next week. We will test at 10:15 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday this week. Please make sure kids are at school on time. Those that are will earn $100 per day rather than $10. If all students are present, then kids will earn an extra $100 on top of that! Again, make up testing is more difficult. It is best if we can just take the test together in our natural environment.
Kids may bring a high protein snack to eat right before the test as well. These might include an all ready peeled hard boiled egg, peanut butter and apples, peanut butter on a spoon, peanut butter on celery, nuts, string cheese, and/or lunch meet rolled up. Protein stays in the body the longest and it is awesome for testing.
Kids may also drink water throughout the test and it puts used oxygen back into the brain. It is also nice if kids become frustrated or tired to just slide their chair back, take a deep breath and get a fresh drink of water. There are only about 5 kids in the class that have water bottles at school. I will have some they can buy with their fake money on Monday or they can bring their own.
Kids may also chew gum during the test. However they may not chew the big pieces full of sugar like Bubbalicious or Hubba Bubba. Just a single stick of something for each test would be awesome. It is proven that this somehow helps kids relax and focus more. Peppermint had the highest results in studies. Kids must chew it quietly however or they will be asked to spit it out.
Lastly, there are ways you can help your child out on the test at home as well. Please make sure they walk out the door with a full belly. Again, protein works best here. Eggs, peanut butter toast, sausage or bacon, cheese...etc. Also, at this age kids should be going to bed around 8:30 to receive the right amount of sleep. There are two or three kids a day that share they are tired at feelings time because they go to bed around ten or later. They also have dark circles under their eyes. It is so hard to focus when we are tired. Please help your child get the needed sleep they need, especially on test days. Lastly, and most importantly, please send your child to school knowing you are so proud of them and love them just the way they are. Remind them to do their best, and that is all that you expect of them. Kids that start off the day arguing or leaving the car upset walk into the classroom the same way. It takes some kids quite awhile to let go of their anger. We will do a letting go activity before each test to just clear their heads, but it will be easier if they just come in happy knowing that mom and dad are proud of them and are rooting for them. :0) You could also write them a you can do it message in the planner each morning. Those that do, will earn their child $50 for each one.
On a different note, permission slips came home Friday for our field trip to Alberta Bare this coming Tuesday afternoon. Please sign and return those on Monday. $100 to those that do. Kids will not have to buy into this Irish dancing performance as it is a district trip rather than a classroom one. However, if your child has not shown strong behavior choices in class they may be given an alternative placement. I will let you know of course if this is your child. So far, everyone is going!!
I did not send home weekly reports as I was gone on Friday. I will send them home this Friday.
I am not sure if Trydenn got to share his star of the week items. If not, we will get right on it on Monday. :0)
Please continue to work on those volcano and scrimshaw projects. Scrimshaw projects are due on Wednesday. (Art and story). Vocanoes are not due for another week.
Friday is picture day. Please send in your order forms if planning to purchase them.
Kids had homework this weekend. They heard Ch. 4 in our I am the Ice Worm story. They need to write to Allison with details from this chapter only. Some kids are not correcting the mistakes I saw on the last one. Kids should learn from my notes to them and not make the same mistakes over and over again.
Lastly, I have posted all the testing dates off to the right. ALL tests will be taken from 10:15-Noon.
Have a super Sunday! Cya your kiddos tomorrow!!!
