HAPPY SUMMER!

I'm sharing something motivating my students and I will be experiencing this year...LOOPING! I will be moving with my students to 5th grade. I'm nervous and excited about this adventure! I've actually looped one other time, but it was 14 years ago and so many things have changed. However, one thing that is still current is the friendships formed 14 years ago when we were together-so many of that class of 31 remain friends today!
Looping has many positives:
the promotion of stronger bonds between parents and teachers, teachers and students, and students and students
greater support for children who need stabilizing influences in their lives
a greater knowledge of students' strengths and weaknesses, allowing for differentiation to begin day one
increased opportunities for shy students as well as others to develop self-confidence
reduced anxiety about the new school year
a gain of teaching time starting immediately the second year (no pre-tests, getting to know you activities, lengthy procedure/rule practice)
In our county, elementary school is K-5, so for these students they will have two years together before heading off to middle school.
Looping revealed...my principal and assistant principal came in my classroom and had my students list the pros and cons of me moving to 5th grade with them. The list for the pros was long with such sweet reasons why I should loop. I also thought one of the cons was just as sweet, "The third graders coming up won't get to see how wonderful Mrs. Miller is." Another student was quick to point out they could have me when they get to fifth grade! LOL!
Here is a small snippet from when they announced I would be looping:
Administration sent home permission slips explaining looping and asking parents' consent to remain in the same class with the same teacher for 5th grade. Here are some of the comments that confirmed I had also made the right decision to loop:
Then we had to make it official with a special announcement:
I texted this to all of my parents!
I also sent home a "summer assignment" to keep their brains from getting rusty. I assigned a class chapter book and a math practice packet. I also include a Post-it Bookmark and finger flashlight to make it a little more exciting. Truth: not everyone was excited about this part of looping! However, after I explained the research of the academic gains with looping and how this summer assignment would give us a head start on learning in 5th grade, they all bought into it. After all, kids should be reading during summer any way! Now, we will have a common book to talk about the first week of school!
My summer assignment: CREATE NEW TRICKS and lessons my 4th graders haven't seen before! :)
I plan to keep all of my blog reading friends up to date with my looping adventure this year, so I hope you will come back and visit! Also, if you have any suggestions or tips, I'd love to hear them!
I hope you had a wonderful week! Please link up any lessons, ideas, tips, tricks, incentives, ANYTHING you do get your students motivated or excited!
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Check out all the wonderful ideas from my friends who link up and don't forget to leave some love by commenting....we LOVE comments!
***Please include the topic in the link up with your blog name.