Happy 2015!

Happy 2015!  Well...technically, I'm a month late with that greeting; however, 2015 is off to a wonderful start at Gracemor Elementary!  Even though it's already February, we are still working on our goal setting/New Year's resolutions during our counselor lessons.

I found a wonderful resource by Zanah McCauley on Teachers Pay Teachers (click here).  This fabulous freebie is a twelve page booklet of activities to use with students.  I chose six pages to use as a booklet for my lessons.

Of course, the favorite part of this activity for the students was the coloring.

The students were first asked to take a look back at 2014 and reflect on a few important things...their favorite moment, their favorite book, a new friend made, and the best lesson learned.

The next page consisted of their telling all about themselves in 2015.  They enjoyed this part of the activity SO MUCH!

Finally, we focused on goals and resolutions for the New Year.  This student said that she's going to work on: changing her attitude, improving her reading level, making new friends, and becoming good at fractions.

They also completed this page where they were asked to identify two new skills to learn, 'zero in' on one thing they'd like to change, state one wish, and list five things to be thankful for.

Finally, they put it all together and do a short writing piece on their resolutions.  I told them that goal setting is important both at school and at home.

Our fourth and fifth grade students worked so hard on this packet and I am very proud of their work!   I love this resource and I'm so glad that Zanah has it as a freebie on Teachers pay Teachers!
Have a great week!

Mrs. Muller

Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun

I discovered another wonderful new book this year, Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun by Maria Dismondy.

The illustrations in this book are beautiful and lay the foundation for the loving story.  

This book tells the story of Lucy and Ralph.  Lucy is a unique little girl who likes different foods, like toast smeared with ketchup and spaghetti in a hot dog bun.  As a result, Ralph singles her out and teases her.  Lucy's Papa Gino reminds her that everyone has a heart with feelings, but Lucy isn't so sure.  The bullying continues until Ralph has trouble at recess one day.  Will Lucy help him?  Grab this beautifully illustrated book to find out!

The author, Maria Dismondy, has a wonderful Website that has numerous activities which can be used for lessons and enrichment. 

I used two of her activities during my counselor lessons.

For this activity, students are asked to write about a time that they showed courage.  Since writing is an academic focus, it is important for students to practice this skill whenever possible.  

Students were also given the attached bookmark to color.  Since counselor lesson is right after library check-out, these bookmarks can be immediately used.

Have a great week!

Mrs. Muller

Play 60!

Look who came to Gracemor yesterday!  That's right...KC Wolf, mascot of the Kansas City Chiefs!!

Mr. Hummel worked so hard arranging for our school to be a 'Play 60' school.  Remember...try to play for SIXTY minutes every day, and I don't mean video games!  You should aim for at least sixty minutes of physical activity everyday!  More information can be found on the NFL Play 60 Website.

Have a great week!  Happy 2015!

Mrs. Muller

Safe Touch

During the next two weeks, I will be discussing a very serious topic with our students:  Good Touch/Bad Touch.  Without being too specific, I teach the students that our private parts are any areas that are covered by a swim suit.  

Our school district purchased 'Healthy Touch, Good Boundaries, Safe Kids,' for every school.  This video discusses the concept of private areas, as well as solutions in case students are ever touched inappropriately.

The basic 'gist' of the lesson is that students should:

   

SAY NO!

THEN GO!

AND TELL!

I encourage students to identify an adult who they trust that they can share sensitive information with.      After our discussion, I share certain pages of the VIP Coloring Book to further our discussion.

While this may be a sensitive subject to discuss, we all have a duty to make sure that our students are safe.  My students know that I take their safety VERY seriously and I strive to be a trusted adult in their lives, hopefully someone with whom they feel comfortable sharing good (and bad) news with.

Have a great week!
Mrs. Muller

My Mouth is a Volcano!

Younger elementary students often have trouble with interrupting and 'keeping their words in.'  Let's face it, adults can also have this same problem at times...wink, wink...

I recently read My Mouth is a Volcano by Julia Cook with my second grade students.  Ms. Cook is a former elementary school counselor who became a well-known and talented children's book author.  More information about her can be found HERE!

I begin my lesson by reading My Mouth is a Volcano and throughout we discuss different times that Louis has trouble has trouble with self-control.

After we read, we discuss several 'solutions,' or things that the students can do, to 'keep their words in.'  I found a page from TEACHERS PAY TEACHERS that focuses on this lesson.

This student suggested holding it in, waiting your turn, and rolling up your tongue.

This student said that it's a good idea to hold her breath, count to 30, or put her hand over her mouth.

I personally struggle with not interrupting at times, and I might try some of the students' ideas myself.  

Have a great week!

Mrs. Muller

Bad Case of Stripes!

If you've read my earlier posts, you know that I'm a HUGE fan of A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon.  This books talks about the importance of 'being who you are,' despite what others may think of you.  Camilla Cream LOVES lima beans, but she is afraid that she will be made fun of by her peers.  She develops A BAD CASE OF STRIPES that is only cured by eating lima beans.  While admitting that she likes lima beans doesn't appear to be that important, many of our students are afraid to share their hopes, dreams, and fears.

I begin the lesson by showing the students a video of this book on Storyline Online.  Sean Astin does a wonderful reading of the story.  After class discussion, the students made a class book about their own BAD CASE OF STRIPES.  The templates for this lesson can be found for free on Teachers pay Teachers

I am very impressed with their artwork.  It is obvious that they love this book as much as I do.

Have a great week!
Mrs. Muller

Happy Veteran's Day!

The Hy Vee at North Oak and Englewood contacted our school, asking us to help them with their Veteran's Day celebration.  They offer free breakfast to all veterans on this special day and we were invited to make a banner and cards to share.

Mrs. Bier and Mrs. Koester created our banner and Ms. Johnson had students and staff sign it.

I am very proud of our Gracemor family as we support our veterans!