Students came back today to start the second semester;
it made my heart happy to see my littles again.
I especially love the conversations that went like this:
Second grader: Hi Mrs. Gruener. We got a puppy for Christmas.
Me: Oh, I'll bet it's adorable. What kind is it?
Second grader: Brownish-blackish.
After I checked in on everybody, I switched out the books in our character case. I figured I'd go with some self-help and inspirational titles.
Do you have any of these on your shelf?
Ish by Peter Reynolds
A Teaspoon of Courage for Kids by Bradley Trevor Greive
Stand Up For Yourself & Your Friends by Patti Kelley Criswell
Kids Make It Better by Suzy Becker
The Blue Day Book for Kids by Bradley Trevor Greive
Everything I Need To Know I Learned from a Golden Book by Diane Muldrow
Someday by Peter Reynolds
Which books would you choose for this month's case?
Then, I got some good news from Free Spirit Publishing ...
My name was selected in their December 2014 Customer Appreciation Shopping Spree. So next I went shopping and there are some amazing new resources coming my way. Thank you, Free Spirit.
Finally, I started this bulletin board in the cafeteria. I've got an artsy friend coming next week to add a Lorax and a little foliage. I plan to gather student reflections to put on stars around the edge as a border. We'll see what develops.
So I'll ask you, too: What will you do to make this year better?
May your second semester be delightfully dreamy.
Love your board. And, I liked seeing it on your post today filled in. I think I'd start out with a positive book like Kids Make it Better, especially with your new board. Also love Ish and Someday.
ReplyDeleteI reviewed Sharon Draper's new book Tuesday, and actually attended her book launch in Cincinnati that night. The book would be appropriate for 5th graders since it's about a 10-year-old girl (her grandmother). Know she's headed for book signings in Texas next week. It was so nice to finally meet her and boy does she put on a show. Best book signing I've ever attended. If she's near you, you might think about going.