Tuesday, July 15, 2014

101 Words of Affirmation

A man named Matthew Jacobson has a website on Marriage, Church, Parenting, and Culture that I found on Pinterest.     Interesting words to think about......
http://matthewljacobson.com/2013/11/18/450/
1)   I think you’re fantastic!
2)   You did a great Job!
3)   Thanks for being such a great kid!
4)   You make me smile.
5)   I appreciate the young man (woman) you are becoming.
6)   I like you.
7)   Spending time with you reminds me of how special you are.
8)   Would you like to go to the store with me? I like it when you come along.
9)   You are an interesting person.
10) I like how your mind works.
11) Thanks for being such a hard worker.
12) You are a great example.
13) I was just telling Dad/Mom how proud I am of you.
14) I’m grateful God gave you to me.
15) You did that so well.
16) Great job on your homework!
17) You’re so handsome/beautiful.
18) You see things really clearly.
19) Good thinking.
20) You give the best hugs.
21) Your so brave!
22) That was a really kind thing to do.
23) You’re so smart!
24) Thank you for honoring me.
25) You’re a great person.
26) You are the kind of friend I wanted when I was your age.
27) Wow! You’re fast!
28) You’re really thoughtful.
29) I appreciate you so much.
30) You are a diligent young man/woman.
31) You make me laugh!
32) You’ve got a great sense of humor.
33) You did that? You’re amazing!
34) You are an honest young man/woman – God likes that.
35) Wow! You did a great job cleaning your room!
36) You made this all by yourself? It tastes fantastic!
37) What a great idea!
38) You’ve got a lot of ‘grit’!
39) I’m happy when you’re around.
40) Look at all those muscles! (when he’s very young)
41) I’m really proud of you.
42) You have a big heart!
43) You’re so generous.
44) You inspire people when you do things like that!
45) When you did (    ) it showed a lot of self-discipline.
46) How did I get the Best Kid In The World?
47) I just know you’re going to be successful.
48) You have some amazing gifts.
49) You can achieve anything you desire.
50) God created you for a special purpose.
its_easier_to_build_up_a_child_than_repair_an_adult_medium_size
51) Your life matters.
52) I don’t know where you’re going to end up, but it’s going to be awesome!
53) You’re so tough!
54) I love how you never give up!
55) You could run a small country! Maybe a large one!!
56) You have strong character.
57) King Solomon talked about you: A man skilled in his work will stand before kings.
58) You’re one in a million!
59) My respect for you is really growing.
60) I don’t deserve a daughter/son like you!
61) You make being proud of your son/daughter so easy.
62) You could be President!
63) Keep practicing like that and you’re going to be the best in the world!
64) You showed a lot of courage when you (   )
65) It takes a big person to be honest like you just were.
66) I know you can conquer your fear!
67) You’ve got what it takes!
68) You’re a real go-getter!
69) Do you know how rare people like you are?
70) You’re really polite – I like that in a young man/young woman.
71) You do quality work!
72) I’m grateful for you.
73) You are a blessing to me and Mom/Dad.
74) There is no one quite like you.
75) How did you come up with that?
76) It’s a rare thing to find someone trustworthy like you.
77) I know you can figure it out!
78) You worked until the job was done – impressive!
79) When you stood up for what was right, God said, “Well done!”
80) You’re looking sharp!
81) You are a special individual.
82) God wanted to bless me so He gave me you.
83) What a great job you did!
84) I know you will achieve your dreams.
85) This world would be a better place if more people were like you.
86) You figured this out by yourself? Amazing!
87) What you did for your (me, friend, brother, sister) was really kind.
88) Grandpa and/or Grandma think you are spectacular!
89) You are going places!
90) You showed a lot of maturity when you responded like that.
91) I can see your future . . . it’s so bright, I’m going to need sunglasses!
92) You are the son/daughter I prayed for.
93) Every parent wishes they had a son/daughter like you.
94) I don’t know what I would do without you.
95) I love the fact that I can rely on you.
96) Dad/Mom and I were just talking about how wonderful you are.
97) Thank you for loving me.
98) I can see your inner strength.
99) You stood for the Truth – that’s what good men/women do!
100) Awesome – that’s what you are!
101) I love you!
Dad & Mom, you have a powerful voice in the life of your child. Our kids aren’t perfect but if we’re paying attention, we can catch them in their best moments. Just think what a positive difference saying a few of these each day will make in the heart of your child.
What are the affirming messages you’ve spoken to your children over the years?

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Having a great summer!

I am having a wonderful summer vacation.   I do hope all my incoming 5th graders are enjoying their vacations, too.  Please try to spend some time reading and keeping your Math skills fresh. Remember.... you learn something new every day!



Blog moved from edubolgs

     I moved my blogs from March 2014 to July 2014 to Blogger.  The blogs are out of chronological order. I guess it really doesn't matter to the reader.

May 2014 Posts- Give Me Liberty, Puppet Shows, Suit of Armor, Ship in a Bottle, Timeline to Independence, Book Nook, Boston Tea Party

“Give me liberty or give me death”


The end of the year is coming quickly.  This week we studied Patrick Henry and his famous speech.  All the students were to memorize the final part of his speech.
Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace – but there is no peace.  The was has actually begun!  The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms!  Our brethren are already in the field!  Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish?  What would they have?  Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?  Forbid it, Almightly God!  I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!
Extra credit was given for those who dressed up as Patrick Henry, spoke with expression while speaking, and used hand gestures at the appropriate times.
All I can say is that these students were amazing!  I was so impressed!  Of course, everyone received a rousing “HUZZAH!”  at the end of their speech.
St. Mikes’ 5th graders are the BEST!
5th graders dressed to give their "Patrick Henry" speech.
5th graders dressed to give their “Patrick Henry” speech.
As you can see, many of my boys and girls dressed in the Colonial finest to pick up a few extra credit points in Social Studies.



PUPPET SHOWS


Each year my 5th graders make puppets  from light bulbs and felt. We had a lesson painting the faces which resulted in wonderfully expressive eyes and other facial features. The puppets shows tell  stories from the Old Testament of the Bible.   This year’s puppets were wonderful as usual. The stories included Noah’s Ark, The Birth of Moses, The Prodigal Son, David’s Giant Faith, Jacob & Esau, Mary and Her Family, Water From the Rock, Jonah and the Whale, and  The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple.  They are made completely in school with no parental help.  The parents didn’t see the puppets until the day of the puppet show.  It is amazing what 5th graders can do on their own.
Can you spot the two puppets that represent King Saul?
Can you spot the two puppets that represent King Saul?
This is a soldier who tried to fight Goliath.
This is a soldier who tried to fight Goliath.
What a handsome beard!
What a handsome  beard!










Suit of Armor


Several years ago my students could make a piece of armor for extra credit.  We were learning about Spanish Conquistadors in Social Studies.  I gave simple directions on what to use for each of the parts.  Square and rectangular tin foil pans make excellent legs and arm armor.  Cardboard covered with tin foil make great chest armor and swords. Tin Foil pie plates can be used to make helmets.
As you can see this student went all out with his suit of armor.Suit of Armor for Spanish conquistador.
Various pieces of armor
Various pieces of armor




Ship in a bottle


While working on the unit on explorers, the students made a ship in a bottle.  We used a 2 liter plastic bottle and made a cut near the bottom of the bottle to remove the end.  The kids made ships and sails out of paper, tooth picks, and thread. Different shades of tissue paper was glued to the inside of the bottle for the water. Then the ship was glued onto the water. The bottle was put back together with clear tape.  Some people could not find the joint when it was completed.                                                                                                                                                                         Each student then wrote a short paragraph on an index card.  They chose an explorer such as Magellan, Columbus, Ponce deLeon, Vasco da Gama an described their journey.
The kids loved the project!
Ship in a bottle
Ship in a bottle

  


Timeline to Independence


I saw a great Social Studies post on Pinterest.  I modified it to fit the needs of my 5th graders.  My kids are really loving drawing and coloring pictures in their notes. So I have tried to incorporate these into my teaching this year.
Timeline ladder
Timeline ladder


Tensions Between the Colonies and Great Britain Flip Chart


My 5th graders love to make flip charts to review in Social Studies.
We made these flip charts with the events leading up to the Revolution.
Some students like to add illustrations.  I like to tell the kids that a picture is worth a thousand words.
















The BOOK NOOK


My 5th grade teaching partners, Kathy and Suzanne, and I decided that an additional space was needed for our students to read.  We had this great corner in the hall just outside of the 5th grade rooms and the BOOK NOOK was created.
The BOOK NOOK!
The BOOK NOOK!

The BOOK NOOK.

We also have a BOOK NOOK annex which is a comfy spot to read.
The BOOK NOOK annex.
The BOOK NOOK annex.


Boston Tea Party


As part of our unit  ” Tension Grow between the Colonies” we had a Boston Tea Party in the 5th grade today.
Two of my students made these very cool “tea chests” that we threw into the Boston Harbor.
Tea crates for the Boston Tea Party.
Tea crates for the Boston Tea Party.
We Skyped with the Boston Tea Party and Ships Museum in Boston. Each child portrayed a historical person who took part in the Boston Tea Party.  Everyone dressed for the day in Colonial costumes.  The first part of the Skype field trip was a town meeting.  The students could speak their mind about what was happening in Boston and the other colonies prior to the Boston Tea Party.  Then we toured the ship, the Beaver, in Boston Harbor.  Everyone had a chance to throw the tea overboard saying, “Huzzah!”  It was a great day.
Distinguished Colonial gentlemen
Distinguished Colonial gentlemen
Lovely Colonial Ladies.
Lovely Colonial Ladies.
Sons of Liberty under the Liberty Tree.
Sons of Liberty under the Liberty Tree.
Colonial gentlemen posing as Mohawk Indians
Colonial gentlemen posing as Mohawk Indians
Patriots! Huzzah!
Patriots! Huzzah!
Son and Daughters of Liberty
Son and Daughters of Liberty







Go Noodle

                                                          


   My friend ,Janice, one of the second grade teachers on our hall, told me about GoNoodle. The site has Brain Breaks to use with students.  I used the running races with my 5th graders at the end of the year.  They seemed to enjoy the activity.  I will definitely use Go Noodle in the fall when we get back to school.  We administer the IOWA tests at the beginning of October.  This will be a great activity between tests.
   I must admit that I have been using GoNoodle myself at home this summer.  The Zumba Kids videos are a great form of exercise. I also have some favorite Youtube videos that I also use to get my heart pumping.




One Response to “Go Noodle”


  1. Janice Filiatraut says:
    I’m so excited you found it helpful! My second graders love it too. We all need a break sometimes and it just takes a minute or two. I find that it helps me keep my energy up in the afternoon in the classroom. I’m going to use it in the fall as well. Sounds like your summer is fun! Happy Noodling!

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Hello

I am trying to switch my blog from edublogs to blogger.   Wish me luck.