We are joining up with Kacey at Doodle Bugs Teaching.
We took a break over the summer.
Then, we started school.
Now, we are back!
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Our local schools support Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation.
Our community supports Alex's Million Mile.
This week I shared the book Alex and the Amazing Lemonade Stand with the sweeties.
The book is the true story of Alexandra "Alex" Scott and her fight
against childhood cancer.
And while checking out the latest on IG, I discover a photo by Amanda at A Traveled Teacher.
Her product called Childhood Cancer Awareness was perfect for giving information,
generating a focused discussion time and creating opportunities for empathy.
Y'all know I love books.
Here are some of my favorite books that I read at the beginning of the year.
I will give you a descriptive category for each book.
Do not let that limit your imagination with these fabulous books.
Timeless Classic: Curious George Goes to School by Margaret and H.A. Rey
LOL: The Day My Mom Came to Kindergarten by Maureen Fergus and Mike Lowerey
Great for Discussion: Rufus Goes to School by Kim Griswell
Why and Why Not: I Took My Frog to the Library by Eric A. Kimmel
Return of a Familiar Character: The Pout-Pout Fish Goes to School by Deborah Diesen
Tickles Your Funny Bone: Monsters Love School by Mike Austin
Amazing Storytelling: The Lion's Share by Chris Conover
Watching Periscope instead of Netflix?
Guilty.
The first time I heard of Periscope was with Angie at Lucky Little Learners
and Ashley at Schroder Shenanigans in 2nd.
They were doing Periscopes at the TpT Conference in July from Vegas.
Folks, it is now September.
I can honestly say that I have learned so much from Periscope!
It is simply a fabulous resource for educators.
Above are some of my favorite Periscope Peeps to watch.
Tap the screen.
Give some hearts.
Our school is on a mission to bring manners back.
Now, manners did not leave the building completely.
But let us just say this year, they are making a front-and-center comeback.
Here are two things that are making a big difference:
the handshake and the eating as a class.
Now, I am a hugger.
But I will happily give a handshake to those sweeties who extend their hand first.
But do I say no to a hug?
Absolutely not.
We are teaching the kids to initiate the handshake with others, including adults.
So far, the sweeties are really liking this oh-so-grown-up way of greeting.
Now, let's head to the cafeteria.
Yes, the place you might avoid at all costs.
This year, we are eating as a class.
No need to panic.
The teachers still have their duty-free lunch.
But each class of Kindergarten, First Grade and Second Grade is doing things differently.
No one begins eating until the last person in the class sits at the table.
I have lunch duty.
So, I see this in action 5 days a week.
Students with lunch boxes sit down first.
But instead of gobbling down their lunch and reading their love notes,
they talk quietly.
As in a real conversation!
The kids go through the lunch line.
When the last person is seated, I give the thumbs-up sign and invite students
to begin eating their lunch.
We call it fine dining at my table.
On their own, one of my classes made a commitment to be the example to others in the cafeteria.
Whoo-hoo!
Most importantly, we are taking time to remember the heroes of September 11th.
Our prayers are with the men, women and families whose lives are forever changed
on a September morning.
Thank you to all first responders, servicemen and servicewomen, fire fighters
and police officers, as well as brave Americans for protecting our freedom.
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