Baker’s Dozen Plus 3

Well, you would have thought I was giving them an early Christmas present yesterday.  Of course, this enthusiasm will continue…if for nothing else the beautiful colored homework folders.  Seriously, the children took their assignment books seriously and did quite well getting everything in today.  Yesterday we spent time discussing how to use the book and the intent of giving the work in advance.  Although I would prefer that work be done each night as assigned, I certainly applaud the individual’s desire to stay ahead.  The group and I talked about planning ahead during weeks that are busy.  If you know you will be out on Wednesday night, then double up on the work Monday and Tuesday.

I challenged the group to earn 10 stickers as a class.  They can do this by each person completing his/her homework each week.  Eight pages of work from each person will earn one sticker for the group.  Once we have 10 stickers…PARTY!  Knowing this might help you with your child when he/she is not wanting to do their homework.

Lastly, remember that homework is their responsibility. You are the facilitator; making sure your child has a clean and quiet place to work, a designated time, and a healthy snack.   If they don’t do it, I will deal with here at school.  The last thing anyone’s family needs is a struggle/tantrum about homework.  We are off to a good start.

On early release Wednesdays, I gather with other individuals who are interested in Service Learning at HUHS. We often times use a protocol (I explained to the children a protocol is a process that allows discussion on a topic/issue with everyone being heard.). I brought the protocol to the children to discuss an issue at last week’s Thursday class meeting. Basically the order of the protocol goes like this:

1. A question(s) is posed
2. Time for writing a response is given
3. Sharing without comment is done
4. Facilitator gathers common themes or trends to what is said
5. Facilitator shares his/her gathered thoughts

The idea is for newer or greater understanding to occur simply by listening to one another. The questions that was posed was this, “Why are people distracting other people?” and “Why were people making choices that didn’t follow our rules to live by?”

Everyone participated whether by reading what they wrote or by speaking when it came their turn. The common threads I heard were these:

1. People don’t think they are distracting anyone.
2. They think they are funny.
3. People really think they are following the rules to live by.
4. People make bad choices.

Ask your child about his/her opinion on this matter.