FCAT is OVER.....For Me....For Now!!!

The FCAT testing is over for the Socprions (well at least some of us).  My prayers go out to those who take Science tomorrow.  YOU CAN DO IT!!!  I couldn’t be prouder of the students. Everyone that took the test in my classroom was here on time all four days. Each person was focused and really put a lot of effort into each test. They all went over their tests multiple times. No one rushed and no one wasted their time. My Scorpions are AWESOME and I can’t wait to see their scores!

Speaking of scores...I am not sure when we will get the results. This is the latest in the school year that the FCAT has been taken since I have been teaching. The results for third grade are supposed to be the first reading and math scores released. But it could be the last week of school or it could even be after school lets out. Who knows?  I would not be surprised if we had another SCORING tragedy!

Volunteer Experience Blog- Let's Read!

I know it has been a while since you guys have heard from me.  No, I have not been on vacation.  I have beem extremely busy between working, going to school and participating in several civic and social groups, I have really spreaded myself thin.  I have been volunteering at this local school in Tallahassee, FL.  The school is an urban, Title I school.  I get a thrill out of reading to the little kids, so I figured I would sit in and help the teacher and read the kiddies a story or two.  In honor of Read Across America, the school decided to celebrate reading everyday.  Thus, they decided to have Read Across America month.  I was definitely right on time. 

When I entered the first grade classroom, the wiggly first graders quickly assembled onto their reading carpet, became perfectly still, and then looked up me with big round eyes.  The teacher introduced me and I began to read the classic "Green Eggs and Ham."  The children laughed at my animated voice and my body gestures. The story went so well that I quickly launched into my second book, "Where the Wild Things Are."

After reading the books, we engaged in an intellectual discussion.  I asked the kids some open-ended questions just to get them to think critically. I really enjoyed watching the kids soak up information like sponges.