Big Changes to Classroom Management in Second Half of the Year!

Now that we have completed our economics unit, and students understand the basics of scarcity, production, and income, we are going to be implementing a new economics-based classroom management system that I use with my students in 4th and 5th grade. In this system, students will earn classroom money not from their Dojo Points, but rather through a classroom "job", such as helping pass out supplies or helping keep the library books organized. Students will earn an "income" for their designated job and will need to use their income to pay for the privilege of eating lunch in the classroom (their rent!). They will also be able to save extra money and use it in class auctions just as before. Students will still earn BONUS money for high levels of Dojo Points and other positive contributions to the class. However, in better alignment with real-life consequences, students will receive FINES for negative behavior choices whenever they lose Dojo Points. The classroom economy has been a wonderful tool in placing greater responsibility on children while helping them to understand the direct correlation between work ethic, attitude, and success.

Multiplication Quizzes

This week we are resuming with multiplication facts tests as we move towards working on multiplication with 2-digit numbers. Tomorrow, students will be tested on their 0s, 1s, 2s, and 3s facts. You can practice at home using the exact same website that we'll be using tomorrow to take the test by clicking here and choosing the 3s test. A passing score will be one that has 30 or more correct answers in under 1 minute 30 seconds. Practice to improve your time and accuracy before the test tomorrow.

A New Superstar!

Today we were delighted to receive a brand new Superstar - Kayla!  Now we have two Kayla's in the class. Kayla is already turning out to be a great addition to our class, catching on to how we do things in room 81 very quickly!  

Economics Project

As you finish your Economics Project this weekend, here's a reminder of the areas that you will be graded on in the rubric:

• Content - Shows a full understanding of the economic topics learned. 
• Vocabulary - Uses all economic vocabulary words correctly.
• Stays on Topic
• Preparedness - Student is completely prepared and has obviously rehearsed.
• Speaks Clearly
• Volume
• Posture and Eye Contact
• Comprehension - Student is able to accurately answer most economics-related questions posed by classmates.
• Listens to Other Presentations

Chariots of Fur

Completed my fastest 5K run yet at 32:08 this morning, ranking 5th place in my age group! Several other Beauclerc teachers represented as well! Beauclerc Rocks!






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Symmetry in Art

Today we blended math and art to make some cool name pictures.

Triangle and Quadrilateral Practice Games

Here are some fun little games for practicing with polygons.

• Shape Shooter
• Triangle Sorting
• Shape Lab
• Quadrilateral Quest
• Polygon Factory
• Quadrilateral Sorting

55 Mile Relay

Several Beauclerc teachers took turns running five and a quarter miles in a relay race for Wolfson Children's Hospital yesterday. I joined Mrs. Adams, Mrs. Hosch, Mr. Gibbons, Mrs. Silverstrini, and Mrs. Goodman, plus Bella's mom. It was a tough run, especially with several uphill sections and my new shoes that pinched my toes, but I worked through the pain and got a pretty good time.
















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