Family activities abound over the 4th of July. According to Bonnie Terry, the 4th of July is the perfect time for a family activity such as a picnic, BBQ,Ball Between the Legs Race, Egg on a Spoon Race, Blowing up a Baloon Race, 3-legged Race, Sack Race, etc. And while you’re at it, do some relay races, an obstacle course, or water balloon toss. Relay races and obstacle courses actually improve several areas of learning including auditory memory, visual memory, laterality, and directionality. Be sure to take pictures!

Go to the fireworks and while you are watching them, be extra observant. Count how may blue, green, red, white, and multi-colored fireworks there are. You can even make a chart for this. Decide which colors were your favorite ones. Was there a style that you liked better than another? This will help you with your observation skills.

You can also look at the different kinds of people that come to view the fireworks. How many little children? How many do you think were school-age? How many teens? How many adults? How many people were dressed in red, white, and blue?

Afterwards, on July 5th, put the pictures together with a quick summary of your day using  a graphic organizer. Then, three-hole punch your summary and keep it in a family notebook. At the end of the summer, you’ll have a great family memory book as well!

Parents and teachers should promote the 12 powerful words with students consistently with students at every opportunity. The “12 Powerful Words” have been identified as words commonly used on standardized tests that cause students difficulty. Students may feel confused by these words causing them to answer a question incorrectly.

 Powerful Strategies Teachers Can Use to make the 12 Powerful Words a Part of Every Child’s Vocabulary

Taken from 12 Powerful Words by Larry Bell

Powerful Strategies to make the

12 Powerful Words a Part of Every Child’s Vocabulary

• Use them daily otherwise some students will rarely hear them
• Make your students explain what you mean when you use one of the 12 Powerful words
• Re-phrase what students say using a power verb
• Use them as if they are a part of normal, everyday conversation. Start a revolution in the way they think.
• Have a Word of the Day Select a word to focus on each day.
• The word should appear over and over on your blackboard, in verbal communication etc.
• Students must constantly find ways to say and write the word all period or all day long.
• Students can start class telling how the word is a part their everyday life.
• Display a Standard, Professional Poster. The poster is neat, clear and looks the same in every class.
• These serve as a daily reminder to all students.
• The posters also serve as a daily reminder to teachers to use the words.
• Some teachers have students respond to class questions by orally incorporating one of the 12 powerful words in their response.
• Put the 12 Powerful Words on Your Test. If you want students to fear these words on standardized test, they should get used to seeing them on your test.
• Put the “at-promise” friendly phrase or synonym in parenthesis beside the word. The will help students’ minds trigger a meaning every time they see the word.
• Seeing the words constantly can help make the words a part of each student’s vocabulary.
• Have Students Create a Rap Song Using the 12 Powerful Words Teacher Creates a 12 Powerful Word Song Using Existing Songs Use classic song
• Use songs from your childhood you know by heart.
• Use nursery rhymes. This demonstrates your passion for the words.
• Use them on Daily Quizzes
• Have students create tests and quizzes periodically using the 12 powerful words
• Word of the week

12 Powerful Words

1.  trace-an indication that something has been present

2.  analyze-break down into components or essential features

3.  infer-conclude by reasoning

4.  evaluate-estimate the nature, quality, ability or significance of

5.  formulate-prepare according to instructions

6.  describe-give a statement representing something

7.  support-the act of bearing the weight of or strengthening

8.  explain-make plain and comprehensible

9.  summarize-present the main points in a concise form

10.  compare-examine and note the similarities or differences of

11. contrast-the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared

12.  predict-tell in advance

 

Below is a collection of some very good  apps and tools to help teachers with  classroom management. 
A  repost from www.teacherlingo.com

Happy Father’s Day

TIPS OF THE MONTH

Special Days in June

June 14

Flag Day History

National Flag Day is when Americans celebrate the meaning of their nation's flag, honor the traditions associated with its care, and educate those around them to its significance.

Significant milestones

 June 14, 1777 the Flag Resolution was signed, making the current stars and stripes the National Flag of the United States of America.

May 30, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson called for the nation-wide observance of Flag Day.

In 1949, President Harry S. Truman signed congress' decree, making June 14th of each year National Flag Day.

Tips

Fly the flag proudly in front of your residence.

Recite the pledge of allegiance.

June 19

Father’s Day History

Father's Day is the day to recognize, honor and celebrate the sacrifices and accomplishments of fathers. On this day, children celebrate their fathers and father figures to show their love and appreciation. Father's Day was created to complement Mother's Day and is celebrated on the third Sunday in June.

Significant milestones

In 1910, the Washington State Governor declared Father's Day on the 19th of July.

In 1972 President Richard Nixon proclaimed the third Sunday in June to be recognized for Father's Day.

Tips

Make Dad a big breakfast and serve it to him in bed.

Spend the day with Dad doing one of his favorite activities: fishing, golfing, hiking.

Juneteenth History

Juneteenth, also called Freedom Day and Emancipation Day, celebrates the abolition of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Texas to deliver news that President Lincoln has issued the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing the enslaved. Although Lincoln's Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863, it took nearly two and half years for word to travel from Washington to Texas. By then, Texas had amassed more than 250,000 slaves. In 1980, Texas became the first state to recognize it as an official holiday.

Tips

Visit an African-American Museum.

Read about the lives of African-Americans who lived during the 1800’s to 1900s.

Taken from Family, School and Community Engagement