My husband and I have just finished packing for our cruise and we leave for the boat in... 19 minutes! Talk about LAST MINUTE! I hope we haven't forgotten anything!!
I can't be too upset with myself, as per usual... I got stuck at work late last night. There is just something so incredibly satisfying about engaging in rich conversation with colleagues with the same drive and passion. I know that many of you can relate!
Yesterday, to celebrate the end of summer school, my Principal and a few of my co-workers had a chicken wing party! Living in Connecticut, you really haven't lived until you've tried the wings at the Dew Drop Inn in Derby. I wish they had a website that I could link up to, but... check them out on Facebook. They have something like 80 different varieties of wings -- ALL ARE DELICIOUS! My favorite are Parmesan-Bacon-Garlic, Peanut Butter & Jelly (with a fluff dipping sauce!), and Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. I know, I know... they sound ridiculous, but NOMNOMNOM they are just... oh, so good! I won't even begin to pretend like I know how to explain how a combination of chicken and candy work, but they just do. Trust me! :)
REGARDLESS! While we were chowing down, we began to talk about the the school play for the coming year. During each of our 3 years under the PCAH Turnaround Arts Grant, we held a school production:
Year 1: The Wiz
Year 2: The Jungle Book
Year 3: Hairspray, Jr.
This year, we were planning to present The Little Mermaid, but made a switch to Annie, Jr. after learning about the new Jamie Foxx-Cameron Diaz movie.
Through our discussion we began to brainstorm the many ways we are able to integrate the play into our instruction as aligned with the CCSS and district curriculum for grades Pre-K through 8. Our discussion lasted for nearly THREE HOURS! We were unexpectedly productive, building off of one another and now we have been set to task -- as soon as I return from the cruise, I will be putting together a packet for our staff complete with arts vocabulary and ideas for lessons, units, and PBAs (Project Based Activities). I am so optimistic for this school year and really cannot wait to delve into it and share all of our ideas with you!
But now I'm curious! At this point through all of my training, substituting, and now teaching, I have working in 6 different school districts (over 20 schools total!) and have seen arts integration at all different levels. I'd love to hear about your arts integration experience. Answer the question below and feel free to give more info in the comments! I apologize in advance for delayed responses since I will be out of the country until August 2nd!
surveys & polls
Also, don't forget to follow me here, on bloglovin, or on Instagram (Shoelaces_SweetFaces) before I get back on the 2nd. All followers by then will receive a FREEBIE of my completed Sight Word Assessment Pack!
Happy blogging, all and soak up all the sun you can! School will be back before we know it!! :)
Today, I am celebrating because it is finally public knowledge and therefore, I can post it! I have been asked (and have subsequently accepted) to begin a K-1 Looping Program at my school! It will be the only one in the district. We had debated beginning the program with next year's Kinders, but due to numerous circumstance (i.e. 2 1st grade teachers retiring, and MANY requests from parents to never leave my classroom...), it has been decided that I will move along with my little ones to 1st grade! I am super excited! I have grown particularly close to my kiddos this year and we have a great relationship. Their parents are incredible and very much involved and I look forward to taking this leap with their support!
As you may know from earlier posts, our school is currently in a "swing space" as our brand new building is being built. This swing space is a strange setup with classroom being (what feels to be) miles away from one another. Initially, I had been slated to remain in my classroom in the Kindergarten wing of the building. However, due to district mandates regarding bathrooms for the Kinderbabes, I found out just this week that I must move my classroom to allow for the new Kindergarten teacher to use my current room.
Well, today was the day that we began packing up. I was blessed with the help of 2 6th grade students this afternoon. They helped me to sort through and organize closets and cabinets and take down ALL of my artwork and bulletin boards. The classroom looks BARREN. I wish that I could wait until closer to the end of the year, but with camps and summer school coming up immediately following the last day, I just don't think that it will be possible to wait that long. Looking around at the empty walls is heartbreaking, but I am excited to plan out a whole new classroom! Once I get in there, I will definitely have to post the before and afters!!
My question to all of you...
Have any of you looped? What grade levels? How did you find the experience? While I love the idea deep down, I find myself bouncing back and forth between the excitement and fear. I am so worried of not having a deep enough grasp of the 1st grade curriculum. Any recommendations? Thank you!! :)
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