September 21, 2007

What a busy couple of weeks we've had!

Though time is escaping more quickly than ever, we are accomplishing a great deal in the classroom. I've stayed busy with the new baby and trying to juggle that with my Master's degree and National Board work. I am grateful for how well everything seems so well connected and I couldn't ask for a better group of students to share in these experiences.

During the past couple of weeks the students have shown such growth in their general number sense. I've watched students manipulate numbers in ways that were truly impressive. Students who were afraid of division have a new paradigm and approach math differently.

The students have also shown an afinity for using the technology tools in the room. Students are actively creating audio files, Jeopardy templates for history reviews, and using MS Office software to make visual representations.

We're having a great time and I look forward to each week and the amazing learning that's taking place. Like I've said..."We're taking learning to a new extreme."

Back in the saddle

Now that I have returned to school and have a couple of weeks under my belt, I feel that we are back in the saddle and our future learning is showing a lot of promise.
I would like to start by thanking all of you for your encouragment and for asking about our baby. It's hard to believe she is almost four weeks old. It's amazing how quickly time flies.
5th grade is going very well and the students are making a lot of progress. One of the new things that the students and I are doing this year is writing letters back and forth about the students' reading. It is great practice for writing and conveying the stdents' thoughts as well as allowing me to see their progress as readers and writers.
This last week was a great week for implementing some of our technology tools. We created a video mathcast, used the tablet PCs to write out solutions to math problems, connected our computer to the porojector and used it as a smart board to conduct or reading lesson, and of course published the students' first podcast.

Check back with us next when we pay tribute to those that lost their lives and family during the September 11th tragedy.

In my absence

I wanted to thank all of my students, parents, and substitute for supporting me as I took my paternity leave to be with my family. My wife and baby are doing wonderfully and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to spend this time with them. Our little girl is changing every day. It's amazing to witness such a miracle.
Monday brings with it a host of changes and will hopefully be an easy adjustment. I'm looking forward to talking with you and hope that you will meet our baby girl soon.
Thank you again for all of your encouragement and support.
Best wishes,
Mr. Woolard

Fantastic First Day

Today was the first day of school for us and what a fantastic start to the new year!
It was wonderful to see all of my students from last year...it was like a family being reunited.

I think that we all enjoyed being able to skip over the awkward moments of figuring out how things work in a new classroom with a new teacher and new classmates. Our rapport felt as strong as ever and I was amazed at how eager everyone was to pick up where we left off last year.

Even though it was the first day for the students, we spent some time doing some math exercises that proved to be just as much fun as it was a review. We also conducted some collaborative problem solving that required the kids to think quickly on their feet and challenged them to think outside of the box...it brought about a lot of laughs. After lunch we shared our first read aloud Hoot by Carl Hiaasen - which brought even more laughter to the room.
The day flew by and what a joy it was.

Excited about looping

Today is the first day of the 2007-2008 school year and the official "Meet the Teacher" day. I feel so fortunate to be in the position of knowing all of my students this year and can't wait to see all of them soon. Some of you came in and said hello and dropped off your supplies and others I know are waiting until Thursday and the first day of school - since you don't need to "meet the teacher".

As we get ready to start the new year I have to admit that this summer was quite short for me as I can imagine it was for you too. I spent a lot of time at home working in the yard and got to go to the beach for a couple of days, but it wasn't all play time. I spent a good part of the summer working as I taught summer school reading for 3 weeks, attended technology training workshops, and started a graduate class for a Master's of Technology in Education degree. The best part of the summer was the excitement that came in preparing for our baby who will hopefully be here in another week or two.

Thinking back to last year and the great learning that took place and the bond we created as a class gives me hope at what we will accomplish this year. We are starting the year at a huge advantage! Having already spent a year together, you know each other, how things run in our classroom, and the expectation I have for you to always work at the best of your ability. You are going to do amazing things and I am so thankful to be part of your learning experience in 5th grade.

I wish you the best as you embark on this journey. This is your last year here...make it your best!