"Is this real life?"

We have conversations in my classroom quite often about what students want to do when they "grow up". I try to revolve the conversation around the idea that there are safer places to live where gun violence, gangs, and drugs aren't on every corner. While having this same conversation today I asked the question: "What do you NOT want to happen to you when you get older". The responses that came out of the mouths of six and seven-year-olds to the average person are probably shocking, to me not so much. Here are a few.

• "I don't want to be selling weed on the street."
• "I don't want to be shootin and killin people."
• "I don't want to go to jail like my.... (daddy, uncle, cousin, etc)."
• "I don't want to be drinkin at the liquor store."
• "I don't want to be livin on the streets."

Without a doubt I would have never experienced this world outside of my suburban upbringing or my home in a very safe area of Chicago. I commonly say to myself "Is this real life." I mean, how do these babies know about drugs and guns?!!! The cycle of poverty is so apparent that it is appalling. The quote below is so, so very true.  

Vowel Teams & Touch Math

Lot's of vowel team practice lately! My kids love the mini books and coloring pages that are part of my Vowel Team packets. I have completed two so far - Long i and Long e. I gave the coloring page to my students as their Morning Work. They loved it. Both of my vowel team packets are currently on sale for only $1. Both packets have over 40 pages of printables and activities! 

In my previous post, I wrote about our math journals that have turned "interactive".  About half of my class is still having a hard time with money. We use touch money, but many of them do not put the touch points to help them even with me continuously reminding them.... Those that use touch math are experts at counting coins already!  I whipped up an interactive notebook page during my prep to help my struggling kiddos. Only problem was that I forgot to shrink the page when I made copies (We use composition books and the pages are a bit smaller) I simply had them put their work onto a piece of construction paper. Now, we must work on gluing and cutting NEATLY! 

Thinkin' Out Loud

Music is a must in my classroom! Usually we have a good mix of different genres: Kids Bop, classical, Disney, Justin Roberts (love him), and new music we hear on the radio.

Let me tell you, Ed Sheerans' Thinking Out Loud has put a spell on my class. While working on their  math journals today, my kids quietly cut, pasted, and sung their hearts out. So, so very cute! I made sure to tell them that they were making my heart so happy!

We usually do not do much gluing or flap making, however today with five kids absent I thought I would give it a try. Success!

Speaking of kids out absent... what is it with my kids not coming to school so they can get their hair done?????? Even my best student misses school to get her hair done. I've learned quite a bit about weaves and braids these past few years. Not only are they expensive but they also fall out.... Yuck. I have seriously found parts of  braided weaves on my carpet more times that I can count on two hands.

Check out the picture below.... Part of a weave was actually wrapped into a gift that one of my students received over Christmas! A suburban school donated lots of gifts and the older kids wrapped them. I'm assuming that's how the weave got into the gift... Check it out. We all had a good laugh!

Can't wait to enjoy this weather! Can't wait to run on the lake shore path! One of my favorite things about Chicago when the weather is warm and sunny!

Kindles Coming Soon!

Two Kindle Fires will be arriving early next week! The three lap tops that are currently in my room are an absolute nightmare and rarely work. I can't wait to add apps and e-books to the kindles! Any suggestions? I'm also hoping they will be an incentive to my students with behavior issues.... Most of my students do not have access to the internet at home, so this will be extra special!

No you may not use a kindle if you're not abiding by Kid Presidents'  rules....