Brainology and Mindset

We are spending the first couple days of school to discuss how students brains work and having a growth mindset.  Students discovered that the brain is like muscle that they can grow and improve with practice.  By learning new things and practicing, we can increases our neurons and synapses. So tonight ask your son or daughter if they grew their brain today.  We discussed strategies that will help students handle adversity in the classroom.  We looked at John McEnroe's tennis career and his inability to learn from mistakes and take responsibility.  Students brainstormed appropriate responses for learning challenges.

Reminder: Review classroom expectations (Quiz on Friday)

Expectations and Mindset

We started class by writing down our classroom expectations which will be listed below.  Students will need to be ready to quiz over these expectations by Friday. Students participated in a rock, paper, scissors brain break tournament.  Brain break are a nice way to keep students active and paying attention.  Student learned whether they have a growth mindset or a fixed mindset.  Students with growth mindsets take on challenges and learn from mistakes.  Tomorrow we will discuss learning strategies for a growth mindset.  Finally, we played two truths and a lie to learn more about our classmates.

—Respect (Everyone)

  - Raise your hand

  - Listen and pay attention to speaker

  - Voice Level 1-3

  - Golden Rule

  - Take care of classroom materials

—Responsible

  - Pick up after yourself

  - Get work done on time and correctly

  - Bring all materials

  - Get sleep

  - Fill out agenda

  - Ask lots of questions

—Integrity

  - Stay organized

  - Participate

  - Help each other

  - Focus on the teacher

  - Try your best

  - Use time wisely

First Day of School

It was a great first day! It is always wonderful to see all the new faces.  Today, we talked about classroom procedures for entering and exiting.  We took a tour of the classroom.  Students compiled a list of jobs for themselves and the teacher. I will use the job list to create a list of classroom expectations.  All classes will learn classroom expectations tomorrow.  Student were able to learn a little bit about Mr. Hajek.  I also had students answer questions so I can get to know them better. 

Social Studies students will need a notebook or binder by Monday, 8/25

iExcel students will need a free reading book by Wednesday, 8/20

First Day of School

Well, it's that time again! The first day of school is tomorrow. It will be exciting to see new faces in my classroom. I will use the first week to discuss and practice expectations as well as get to know the students. Students will learn how their brain works and strategies to help themselves work through challenges in all their classes.  

School year will be starting soon...

Last Day

Final Grades are complete!

Thanks for a great parents and students.  Have a good summer and see you next year!

Last Week

Students were finishing up there Australia group projects.  Most groups presented their projects to the class today (6/3).  This project will be the last grade and grade are being updated right now.  It has been a great year working with your son/daughter and thank you for your help/support.