Western Day 2010

Well we've do-si-doed and corralled ourselves into some fun today. What a wonderful day we've had! And to top it off, we had a special visitor read us a story. (Ask your child about "Two Bad Ants") We love Western Day!

Check out our Western Day slideshow!

P.T.C.A. …Just say NO!

Well, I’m guessing that your first question is “what on earth is P.T.C.A?” P.T.C.A is parent teacher conference anxiety. As the time approaches and the wheels begin to turn, I don’t want P.T.C.A to take over. First and foremost remember…we’re playing for the same team! I love your child. I want to do everything that I can to partner with you to help him/her continue to develop into the individual God has created him/her to be. We have some pertinent information that may be a help to you to alleviate any apprehension you may have. Let this be a chance for us to work together, and make First Grade a great year! I look forward to seeing you soon.

Conference Anxiety

Even the term "parent-teacher conference" can raise anxiety in the hearts of parents, particularly when your own mom and dad came home from such conferences with a need to "lay down the law."

What are some of the reasons for the dislike of conferences?

First, many dads and moms see parent teacher conferences as an evaluation of their parenting skills. "If my kid is having a hard time at school," we reason, "it must be because of us."

We also worry about the notions the teacher may have about us based on our children. "I can't wait to meet Cindy's mom and dad!" we imagine the teacher thinking from time to time.

Education is still overwhelming to many of us, despite the fact that most of us spent at least 13 years in the system. The teacher in most cases has the advantage over us in this setting, and we can feel a little intimidated if we don't know what to expect.

What Parents Can Do About PTC Anxiety

Relax and Get Comfortable. Maybe the upcoming conference is the first for you, or perhaps you have just let your kids' mom handle this trivial detail. Parent teacher conferences are not intimidating; in fact, teachers often go the extra mile to make sure you feel comfortable.

Talk to your child before the conference. Ask some pointed questions in a cordial interview such as "What do you like best about school this year?" and "Are there school activities that you'd like to spend more time on?"

Ask for specifics. Men, in particular, have a tendency to deal better with specifics of behavior; often our partners will be more attuned to the abstract issues. If the teacher raises positives or negatives about your child at school, ask for specific circumstances. It will help you understand the teacher's perspective as well as give you a head start on an action plan.

Use the teacher as a resource. If problems surface during the conference with your child's performance, ask the teacher for suggestions of what might help at home. Rather than being defensive, taking the approach of an active listener can be really helpful.

Make a plan and schedule a follow up. If there are issues that need addressing, take the initiative to create an action plan. Discuss what things might help the situation at home, at school, and in the student's homework time. And then set up a time in the future to come back and address the results of the plan and do some fine-tuning.

No matter how many suggestions, Parent Teacher Conferences can be stressful for both you and your child. Before attending the conference, be sure to let your children know how much you love them and that you will love them no matter what may be said. Let them know that conferences are not for the teachers to "tattle" on children, but for parents and teachers to work together to best help them succeed.

http://fairviewministries.net/209600.ihtml

We've Been Learning About the Weather

We've been talking about the weather and what a special treat it has been. The students have been learning about the differences between the cirrus and cumulus clouds, the different types of rainy weather (drizzle, shower and storms), and much more. Ask your child what he remembers about our class times. Give them this simple quiz:

What are the names of the clouds you've learned? What is the difference between them?

What is a drizzle? shower? rainstorm? How do they sound?

What is the name of a snow storm? For what is dry snow useful? wet snow?

What kind of weather do you find in the desert? What do the animals use to get water?

Try these cool weather links:

http://eo.ucar.edu/webweather/index.html- This one has a cool experiment on its "activities" page.

http://www.theweatherchannelkids.com/- This site also offers a parent section including activities you can do with your students in all seasons.

http://www.wxdude.com/kidres.html- This is a general weather resource page for children.

Remember all these things come from the hand of God. We're so glad we get to learn about God's awesome creation.

"By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew." Proverbs 3:20

Sweet Time

Our students have been studying the story of Creation during our Bible time. We have had a wonderful time talking about how special God made each of us, and how wonderful it is to be created in HIS image. We discussed how important it was and that God entrusted us, the crown of His creation, with great responsibility. We finally ended that what God really wants us to do is two things: (Parents please ask your child what two things God wants us to do).

After we had settled and begun our snack time one of the students mentioned he wanted to read something to the whole class. I didn't realize at the time how appropriate it would be:

Psalm 100

"1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. ²Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. ³Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. ⁴Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. ⁵For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations."

(Answer- God wants us to love Him and obey Him).

Have a wonderful rest of the week.

PTF

Parents,
I really enjoyed connecting with you during our Parent Teacher Fellowship. Thanks for your commitment to your children and your partnership with us. It is GREATLY appreciated.

Miss Carde

Fall Uniforms

Parents please remember the wearing of Fall Uniforms begins TUESDAY, September 7th, 2010. A handout with proper uniform attire will be sent home.

The Things Children Say

After discussing God creating the sun, moon and stars one student asked...

"When did God make Jupiter?"

After another student asked were Adam an Eve the only people on earth when God made the world, another student answered, "Yes, and then they had children, and they had children, and they bore children..." and so on. Quite funny!

Well, it's the end of our second week together. And I'm smiling thinking about the students as they become more comfortable with their new surroundings. How exciting it is to watch as they learn a new concept and hands all over the room are raised! Their confidence is building and the classroom is charged with joy. I am humbled that God would choose to use me to make an investment in the lives of these children.

Thank you Lord!