Ask Me About Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Today we started handwriting instruction.  We learned the routine of getting the whiteboard bags, using the markers and putting them away again.  We worked with upper and lower case l.  We read a book called The Straight Line Wonder, then looked at artwork that used all or almost all straight lines.  We are working to remember to start and the top and pull down when making Ll's and straight lines.  Ask me about the straight line picture I am bringing home today.

Today we also had Lock Down and Shelter drills.  The children were in P.E. at the time, so we talked about what we would do in the classroom during this time.  We did not talk about why we do this so that no one gets nervous.  I just told them we have to practice being quiet and still during a Lock Down.  Still, there were tons of questions and "what ifs" so you might just want to check in and see how they are feeling.  The number one thing I have told them since the first day of school is my number one job is to keep them safe.  We talked about Mrs. Oglesby and Mr. Ross also having the same job and they will know what to do if there is an emergency.  But several kids were concerned about tornadoes, as well as tomatoes and volcanoes, so we talked about how scientists and meteorologists are studying the weather all the time so we can know what to do if there is bad weather.  They had lots of questions.  We ended with them throwing any worry to me so that the grown-ups can take care of the worries and the kids just know their job is to listen for directions and follow the safety routines we are learning.  So that you know, in a lockdown, our doors are all locked, blinds drawn, and the lights are out so it is a dark, however since we have a window above our back door, it is not completely dark.  Our Shelter Drill is to take attendance and report it to the office, listen for additional instructions on the loudspeaker, continue teaching and possibly restrict hallway passes. There will be more drills in the next few weeks and I will let you know if they seem to have any more questions.

We had a really great day today.  I was able to get through a lot of testing so that I can start reading groups as soon as possible.  Have a nice evening!

Juliet