Take three minutes to watch this video:

To accompany our recent sketches, students were asked to create stories (narratives) with a Native American main character.  Some of the sketches and writings are posted on our hallway bulletin board, and they look pretty nice.

This is an example of crossing the curriculum.  With a little historical background and an intimate art project, many students seemed to be legitimately inspired to write their stories.

This book is kind of a guilty pleasure.  While it's a page-turner with its short chapters and alternating storylines, it's probably not the most literary thing I've ever read.  About two-thirds of the way through the book, I found myself wanting the author to move things along more quickly.  Then, when things started happening, author Tim Green picked up the pace and everything took off at once.

Green also did not take it easy on his characters.  Each of them were confronted by just about every obstacle possible - right up to the very end.  That's quite a challenge for an author to face.

This is an actual classroom report from Class Dojo, the program we use in Room 404 to track student conduct.  I am able to categorize the behavior choices (both positively and negatively) of students in the classroom.  With this, students can easily see where their own choices have placed them.  We can then ask questions to help us individually and collectively improve.

The "donut" report shown here indicates that our total score is 83% positive, that is a combination of 323 positive points and 67 negative points awarded since the first day of school.  More importantly, we can look at a glance to discover that we score more positive points in the areas of Accepting Responsibility and Showing Respect. Ironically, contrasting to this, our negative choices have been in the areas of being Irresponsible and Disrespectful.

In addition to the class donut report, I also look at individual reports (examples below) to counsel with individual students about their choices.  Class Dojo is a very useful program that supports our school's Positive Behavior program, which includes the SOAR acronym.

Dear Educational Partner,

We have devoted our year to helping your fourth grader improve and succeed.  Your child is important to us.  We understand that your child is the future of our city, our nation, and our world.  We strive daily to give our best to your child.

Some days are good ones, full of energy and passion, but whether a day is a good one or not, we will try to make this year memorable and meaningful for every child.  Please be patient with us as we make mistakes.

Thank you,

Mr. Culbertson, Mr. Hoggatt, Mrs. Mouton, and Ms. Nold

·      Your child needs multiplication flash cards and must work with them nightly.  We desperately need to move to deeper concepts in the fourth grade, and basic facts must be mastered soon.  Your effort will pay off tremendously.

·      Your child must read for 30 uninterrupted minutes every night.  Please designate a time for this, and remember to include weekends.  Remember that this may include you reading to or with your child, your child reading to you, and/or your child reading on his or her own.

·      Create a routine, and establish a time for getting things done.  Establish a location for homework to be completed without distraction.  Have some basic supplies available and in place for this purpose.

·      Consider limiting the amount of time your child spends in front of the television or video games and personal electronic devices.  While entertainment and rest breaks are important, we also suggest physical activity and exercise, as well as a regular supper time and nutritious breakfast.

·      Check your child’s book bag.  Find and sign any permission slips, student planners, binders, or notes from the teacher as soon as you see them.  Repack them for return to school on the next day.  At times, money is requested to cover certain expenses (field trips, special activities, etc.).

·      Stay informed about school activities.  Maintain contact with the teacher.  Attend family events.  Check the school website, your teacher’s website (if applicable) and local media.  Join Cecil Floyd’s Facebook page.  Contact the teacher at school if you have questions or need clarification on an issue.