The days are getting shorter and for some of us, the summer break is almost all over. This year, l am asking each of you to continue working on your goal(s).  

I teach because if I make the difference in the life of  just one child, I would have made an impression on the world. I pray this upcoming school year is the best that you have ever had! 

The Educator's Corner

                                          Ear to Ear

Skill: peer editing

To help students identify changes that need to be made in their writing, try this partner activity. First, have student pairs place their chairs next to each other, but facing opposite directions. Next, have each student attach her rough draft to a clipboard before exchanging it with her partner. One student softly reads her partner's paper aloud, stopping when needed to clarify or ask questions before making suggestions for improving the paper. Then the other student repeats the process. Not only will this technique keep the noise level down, students will easily be able to hear how their own writing flows and how their stories progress. From Mailbox

                    PAPER PLATE ADVOCACY
Congress only has a few weeks left to pass the Child Nutrition Reauthorization (CNR) this year, so they are organizing a paper plate campaign to share with legislators the many reasons that healthy school meals and farm to school are vital for a healthier next generation. Please join.

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