You Matter.
Hokey Smokes, Bullwinkle!
Goodness gracious, sakes alive!
I was excited enough to get the Teacher of the Year award from the staff here at Palencia, but then Kayla had a good idea to justify her cupcake obsession. A week later, and we've raised nearly $1200 to donate to the Donna Foundation. You can read all about it in the St. Augustine Record. On Wednesday, the director of the Foundation will be visiting us. We'll be sharing a cupcake, a copy of the paper, and a giant check with her. As we begin this second quarter, we're picking up with GoMath and Pearson Science websites. I'll be going over lessons in chapter four on GoMath, and assigning readings with Pearson. As we get used to these systems, I'll share more about what we're doing with them.
In reading this week, we're talking about Literal and Not-Literal (or Figurative) words and descriptions. One of my favorites at approaching this is Amelia Bedelia. You may want to have a conversation about these terms with your child.
Thank you to everyone who sent back conference forms. I'll be beginning my calendar, and sending home a signup genius link based on your preferences soon.
Today, we sent home information about HOPS on November 18. The cost is $10, and we need signup forms by Friday. If you cannot afford to send in money by then, please refer to the number for Ms. Case on the form, or drop me a line. We will make sure your child can attend.
Boosterthon money is due. Please send it in.
I know several of you are looking to volunteer, I'm nearing a schedule to fill, I'll mail it out by Friday.
That's all for tonight - it's nearing six, and I was here too late all last week!
Have a good week,
Sean Farnum
I was excited enough to get the Teacher of the Year award from the staff here at Palencia, but then Kayla had a good idea to justify her cupcake obsession. A week later, and we've raised nearly $1200 to donate to the Donna Foundation. You can read all about it in the St. Augustine Record. On Wednesday, the director of the Foundation will be visiting us. We'll be sharing a cupcake, a copy of the paper, and a giant check with her. As we begin this second quarter, we're picking up with GoMath and Pearson Science websites. I'll be going over lessons in chapter four on GoMath, and assigning readings with Pearson. As we get used to these systems, I'll share more about what we're doing with them.
In reading this week, we're talking about Literal and Not-Literal (or Figurative) words and descriptions. One of my favorites at approaching this is Amelia Bedelia. You may want to have a conversation about these terms with your child.
Thank you to everyone who sent back conference forms. I'll be beginning my calendar, and sending home a signup genius link based on your preferences soon.
Today, we sent home information about HOPS on November 18. The cost is $10, and we need signup forms by Friday. If you cannot afford to send in money by then, please refer to the number for Ms. Case on the form, or drop me a line. We will make sure your child can attend.
Boosterthon money is due. Please send it in.
I know several of you are looking to volunteer, I'm nearing a schedule to fill, I'll mail it out by Friday.
That's all for tonight - it's nearing six, and I was here too late all last week!
Have a good week,
Sean Farnum
Starting to Gel
Hello, hello.
Things are starting to normalize in the Idea Lab - though if you've checked us out on Home Access, you'll see that we don't have much in the way of grades listed yet. Please be patient with this. Our first few weeks were made up of routine setting, setup, and learning how we work together. We're currently running through a lot of assessments, and getting really kickstarted for the year. As the first quarter draws to a close, we'll be scheduling student-run conferences, where your children can share their academic goals with you, and show you how their progress is coming.
This week, we are working with multistep addition and subtraction stories, understanding fables, and beginning to blog. In Science, we're learning about the process of science. While we do this we're learning to take notes on our laptops using Microsoft OneNote. Lastly, our Genius Hour projects are coming along. Some students are really starting to home in on what their projects will look like, and others are adapting their ideas as they learn. We're sharing a lot of our projects on Twitter (@mrfarnumsclass), and gaining some followers along the way!
This Week:
Tuesday Morning - Doughnuts for Dads (at the Book Fair)
Wednesday Morning - Muffins for Moms (at the Book Fair)
Thursday Evening - Pirates and Pancakes
Wednesday - Addition and Subtraction mini-test
Friday - Quiz on Fables and Morals
That's all for tonight, it's getting late!
Things are starting to normalize in the Idea Lab - though if you've checked us out on Home Access, you'll see that we don't have much in the way of grades listed yet. Please be patient with this. Our first few weeks were made up of routine setting, setup, and learning how we work together. We're currently running through a lot of assessments, and getting really kickstarted for the year. As the first quarter draws to a close, we'll be scheduling student-run conferences, where your children can share their academic goals with you, and show you how their progress is coming.
This week, we are working with multistep addition and subtraction stories, understanding fables, and beginning to blog. In Science, we're learning about the process of science. While we do this we're learning to take notes on our laptops using Microsoft OneNote. Lastly, our Genius Hour projects are coming along. Some students are really starting to home in on what their projects will look like, and others are adapting their ideas as they learn. We're sharing a lot of our projects on Twitter (@mrfarnumsclass), and gaining some followers along the way!
This Week:
Tuesday Morning - Doughnuts for Dads (at the Book Fair)
Wednesday Morning - Muffins for Moms (at the Book Fair)
Thursday Evening - Pirates and Pancakes
Wednesday - Addition and Subtraction mini-test
Friday - Quiz on Fables and Morals
That's all for tonight, it's getting late!
Those short weeks make it harder sometimes.
Howdy, I'm sorry it's been a little while since I posted. Like the title says, those short weeks are tough, there's so much to fit in. We are near to running our class like I'd like now, I have a few more things to set up with the kids, but we're really beginning to gel. One of the things that I realized, though, is that not all of my email contacts are correct. If you aren't seeing emails normally, or if you would like me to delete one of your emails from my mailing list, please shoot me a message (by preferred email, or on paper) telling me the best way for me to get information to you. From me, I normally will update this site every time I email home, but if I need to, I can print if you don't have regular email access at home.
This week in math, we're working on 3 digit addition and subtraction. We're looking at informational text in reading. In science and social studies, we're setting up digital notebooks.
This week at Palencia, we're starting the fall book fair (on Wednesday), we have picture day (Thursday), and Friday is International Talk Like a Pirate Day.
Lastly (at least for now), here are your resource days through next Monday:
Tuesday - Genius Hour - All students should be working on strategies, research, or action for their projects. Students will also construct Tweets about their projects.
Wednesday - No resource
Thursday - Art
Friday - Media (if you'd like to send money for the book fair, Friday would be good, otherwise, students will be making wish lists)
Next Monday - Genius Hour - Students will continue to work on their projects, as well as working on a short film about their Genius Hour choices.
Have a great week,
Sean Farnum
This week in math, we're working on 3 digit addition and subtraction. We're looking at informational text in reading. In science and social studies, we're setting up digital notebooks.
This week at Palencia, we're starting the fall book fair (on Wednesday), we have picture day (Thursday), and Friday is International Talk Like a Pirate Day.
Lastly (at least for now), here are your resource days through next Monday:
Tuesday - Genius Hour - All students should be working on strategies, research, or action for their projects. Students will also construct Tweets about their projects.
Wednesday - No resource
Thursday - Art
Friday - Media (if you'd like to send money for the book fair, Friday would be good, otherwise, students will be making wish lists)
Next Monday - Genius Hour - Students will continue to work on their projects, as well as working on a short film about their Genius Hour choices.
Have a great week,
Sean Farnum
Two Weeks in the Can
Hi there, this is a (hopefully) quick update.
It's been a busy week, we've organized materials, participated in our first Skypes, set up Class Dojo accounts, and met our computers (well, most of us, but we'll get that ironed out). Next week has our curriculum chat. We're meeting with the entire 3rd grade on the Yellow Deck at 6:30 PM, then we'll go to our classroom for information specific to our class. Afterward, you'll be heading downstairs to hear from Mr. Anderson, I believe, about the state test next spring. Please plan to be there if you can!
The other thing I want to share with you is an Edmodo information sheet. We'll be using Edmodo to communicate with our students (and with you), to take quizzes, and to offer students a safe space to share work. I've included the form here. You can print it and sign it, or you can pick one up next Tuesday night.
I think that's all I've got. I guarantee I'll think of thirty-nine other things the minute I get in the car, but what the hay, have a great three day weekend!
-Sean Farnum
It's been a busy week, we've organized materials, participated in our first Skypes, set up Class Dojo accounts, and met our computers (well, most of us, but we'll get that ironed out). Next week has our curriculum chat. We're meeting with the entire 3rd grade on the Yellow Deck at 6:30 PM, then we'll go to our classroom for information specific to our class. Afterward, you'll be heading downstairs to hear from Mr. Anderson, I believe, about the state test next spring. Please plan to be there if you can!
The other thing I want to share with you is an Edmodo information sheet. We'll be using Edmodo to communicate with our students (and with you), to take quizzes, and to offer students a safe space to share work. I've included the form here. You can print it and sign it, or you can pick one up next Tuesday night.
I think that's all I've got. I guarantee I'll think of thirty-nine other things the minute I get in the car, but what the hay, have a great three day weekend!
-Sean Farnum
sjcsd_edmodo_parent_letter_2014-15_2.pdf | |
File Size: | 261 kb |
File Type: |
I promise I won't be emailing you every day...
...but so much happens at the beginning of the year!
Speaking of reminders that I promise not to abuse, if you would like to receive text messages about important class events,
Text @14far to (786) 837-6620.
And meanwhile, if you have a biker or walker you should Text @pesbi to 904-201-3382, then reply with the child’s first name and grade level. This is how we are communicating rainy day dismissal changes this year.
T-Shirts - Please send in an old t-shirt tomorrow (Tuesday the 26th) for your student to cut up and make into a recycled tote bag. We'll be participating in a Skype on Wednesday where we learn about the 3-R's: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, then making our totes.
You may have noticed that our class did not do the Ice Bucket Challenge today. The weather did not cooperate, so we'll be doing it tomorrow. If you would like to allow your child to do it, please let me know, otherwise they'll be an audience member.
ART SMOCKS- Students will need an art smock or old t-shirt to wear on their art days (not necessary for their first art day) Or just a reminder for them not to wear their nicest school clothes on art day- as it can GET MESSY in there!
Our class made it into a district newsletter! Check it out below.
And that's all for tonight, have a good one, and we'll do all sorts of cool stuff tomorrow.
-Mr. Farnum
Speaking of reminders that I promise not to abuse, if you would like to receive text messages about important class events,
Text @14far to (786) 837-6620.
And meanwhile, if you have a biker or walker you should Text @pesbi to 904-201-3382, then reply with the child’s first name and grade level. This is how we are communicating rainy day dismissal changes this year.
T-Shirts - Please send in an old t-shirt tomorrow (Tuesday the 26th) for your student to cut up and make into a recycled tote bag. We'll be participating in a Skype on Wednesday where we learn about the 3-R's: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, then making our totes.
You may have noticed that our class did not do the Ice Bucket Challenge today. The weather did not cooperate, so we'll be doing it tomorrow. If you would like to allow your child to do it, please let me know, otherwise they'll be an audience member.
ART SMOCKS- Students will need an art smock or old t-shirt to wear on their art days (not necessary for their first art day) Or just a reminder for them not to wear their nicest school clothes on art day- as it can GET MESSY in there!
Our class made it into a district newsletter! Check it out below.
And that's all for tonight, have a good one, and we'll do all sorts of cool stuff tomorrow.
-Mr. Farnum
And Week's End, We Have...
As the week has drawn to a close, I am more excited for the year than I thought possible. I have a class full of kids who love to read (mostly), most of the students have picked out Genius Hour projects, and the children are working together like kids who have been here for a month already.
We took a reading survey today, and I found that most of the kids feel very good about reading. Everybody has some books they like, but I found that some students don't have books to read at home. We'll need to do something about that! One of my expectations is that between class and home, students will read 30-60 minutes a day. I'm happy to let responsible students borrow my books as long as they come back on time, and in good condition.
We had a great talk about Genius Hour today, and most of the kids picked out project ideas. Please know that this is an in-class project. You won't be expected to do any work on your child's Genius Hour. I'll be posting student ideas on the GH page to the left.
We had visitors from the district come in today to take a look at our class setup. While they liked the way we have things set up, they were very impressed with our students. One of the visitors said that our class didn't seem like one that had only been together for five days. I was very proud of the girls and boys!
We took a reading survey today, and I found that most of the kids feel very good about reading. Everybody has some books they like, but I found that some students don't have books to read at home. We'll need to do something about that! One of my expectations is that between class and home, students will read 30-60 minutes a day. I'm happy to let responsible students borrow my books as long as they come back on time, and in good condition.
We had a great talk about Genius Hour today, and most of the kids picked out project ideas. Please know that this is an in-class project. You won't be expected to do any work on your child's Genius Hour. I'll be posting student ideas on the GH page to the left.
We had visitors from the district come in today to take a look at our class setup. While they liked the way we have things set up, they were very impressed with our students. One of the visitors said that our class didn't seem like one that had only been together for five days. I was very proud of the girls and boys!
Week One is almost out...
Before I begin, I would like to thank Mrs. McCarthy for spending her day leveling books in our class library. She looked up and wrote down the reading levels of four shelves of books to help us get ready for our 3rd Grade Reading Challenge. A huge thanks, too goes out to the Swartzlender family, for sending in two of the the awesome Lego items on our class Amazon Wishlist. They'll go far to making our class MakerSpace incredibly cool. In addition to the items on the wishlist, I'll list a couple of things at the bottom of this newsletter that we could use in class.
After just four days, I am feeling like this is going to be an amazing year! Of course, when you try something new, it can be a little intimidating, and what we're doing is a whole lot of new. As a class, we are really working to shift the culture of education. In our room, gone are the seating chart, the behavior chart, and standard homework. Because the way we're working is new to me, we're building the things that go in their place.
Instead of the seating chart, we have variable, multi-use seating. Other than a couple of hitches, it has gone very well. I have seen a couple of bickerings over preferred seating, but the children have solved things pretty well. I have a handful of students who are learning not to run too far when there's a lot of freedom, but I'm seeing them make better choices as we talk about responsibility.
In place of the behavior chart, we're handling conflicts and problems as they come. So far, consequences have involved more restriction on seating and talk of the sort of expectations that they're facing. I've been very frank with them that this is an experiment that I'd like very much to work. The students are beginning to understand that student-choice is a concept that relies on student responsibility. If we want freedom and openness in our choices and in our work, we must step up with hard work, and a tone of respect to all of our classmates. Again, while there have been a few things to iron out, the children are very receptive to this, and generally do what they need to do when it's important.
As far as no (traditional) homework goes, of course the students like that. As we go on in the quarter, there will be times that children should bring something home now and again. But, as our math is individually paced, there's not any sort of one size fits all homework that I can send home. This doesn't mean that students can't bring things home as needed. And of course, students should definitely be reading 30 minutes a night, and it never hurts to practice your times tables!
As we get things up and humming officially (within the next couple of weeks), I'm thinking of reviving one of my favorite things, Family Reading Night. It's a monthly thing I did in my first ever class, and I think I'd like to see it return.
Have a great weekend,
Sean Farnum
Non-Amazon Wishlist Items:
Clipboards
Old, dead electronics - radios, vcrs, real phones (not cell), etc...
An old computer monitor or hdtv, 17"-32" would be fantastic!
Boxes of popsicles (until this heat breaks...recess is a nightmare at 93F+)
After just four days, I am feeling like this is going to be an amazing year! Of course, when you try something new, it can be a little intimidating, and what we're doing is a whole lot of new. As a class, we are really working to shift the culture of education. In our room, gone are the seating chart, the behavior chart, and standard homework. Because the way we're working is new to me, we're building the things that go in their place.
Instead of the seating chart, we have variable, multi-use seating. Other than a couple of hitches, it has gone very well. I have seen a couple of bickerings over preferred seating, but the children have solved things pretty well. I have a handful of students who are learning not to run too far when there's a lot of freedom, but I'm seeing them make better choices as we talk about responsibility.
In place of the behavior chart, we're handling conflicts and problems as they come. So far, consequences have involved more restriction on seating and talk of the sort of expectations that they're facing. I've been very frank with them that this is an experiment that I'd like very much to work. The students are beginning to understand that student-choice is a concept that relies on student responsibility. If we want freedom and openness in our choices and in our work, we must step up with hard work, and a tone of respect to all of our classmates. Again, while there have been a few things to iron out, the children are very receptive to this, and generally do what they need to do when it's important.
As far as no (traditional) homework goes, of course the students like that. As we go on in the quarter, there will be times that children should bring something home now and again. But, as our math is individually paced, there's not any sort of one size fits all homework that I can send home. This doesn't mean that students can't bring things home as needed. And of course, students should definitely be reading 30 minutes a night, and it never hurts to practice your times tables!
As we get things up and humming officially (within the next couple of weeks), I'm thinking of reviving one of my favorite things, Family Reading Night. It's a monthly thing I did in my first ever class, and I think I'd like to see it return.
Have a great weekend,
Sean Farnum
Non-Amazon Wishlist Items:
Clipboards
Old, dead electronics - radios, vcrs, real phones (not cell), etc...
An old computer monitor or hdtv, 17"-32" would be fantastic!
Boxes of popsicles (until this heat breaks...recess is a nightmare at 93F+)
Wow -
I had such a great time meeting everyone today. From the moment a teacher gets a class list, there's always a little nervousness over meeting your new students. I have a good year every year, but these are new kids. What if it doesn't work this time? Nope. I have an amazing class full of awesome kids. I have cool, friendly parents. This year is going to ROCK. Thank you to everyone who was able to come in today, and I look forward to meeting everyone else. On Day 1, you are going to learn about new ideas, share some of your favorite things, and CREATE. We are going to have a great day. My one reminder is that I have Bike Brigade duties during the first week, so Mrs. Worthington (the next door teacher) will be keeping an eye on you until I get in. Once I'm here, though, it all begins!
-Mr. Farnum
I had such a great time meeting everyone today. From the moment a teacher gets a class list, there's always a little nervousness over meeting your new students. I have a good year every year, but these are new kids. What if it doesn't work this time? Nope. I have an amazing class full of awesome kids. I have cool, friendly parents. This year is going to ROCK. Thank you to everyone who was able to come in today, and I look forward to meeting everyone else. On Day 1, you are going to learn about new ideas, share some of your favorite things, and CREATE. We are going to have a great day. My one reminder is that I have Bike Brigade duties during the first week, so Mrs. Worthington (the next door teacher) will be keeping an eye on you until I get in. Once I'm here, though, it all begins!
-Mr. Farnum
Hello!
And Happy New Year to you. As you step into our classroom, room 620, Mr. Farnum's class, you, please pay attention to the pronoun I chose. Our. For this year, this is our classroom. Last year, the room was the TARDIS because it took us on trips through space and time (It's a Doctor Who thing). The thing about Doctor Who, though, is that it's about a wild man who takes you on amazing trips. No, our class this year is the Idea Lab. It's a place where our class mission takes hold:
And Happy New Year to you. As you step into our classroom, room 620, Mr. Farnum's class, you, please pay attention to the pronoun I chose. Our. For this year, this is our classroom. Last year, the room was the TARDIS because it took us on trips through space and time (It's a Doctor Who thing). The thing about Doctor Who, though, is that it's about a wild man who takes you on amazing trips. No, our class this year is the Idea Lab. It's a place where our class mission takes hold:
Explore. Create. Collaborate.
And you'll find that the classroom doesn't look like most classrooms. That's on purpose. If our mission is what it is (and it is), then we can't be tied to desks all day! Exploration takes all sorts of movement. Creation can take up crazy space. Collaboration means moving around and communicating with others - as much as possible. Our space this year is designed so that we, as learners can set goals for ourselves, and go. Of course, we won't just go, we're going to go, make, and share.
This year, we'll be doing a lot of things differently than you're used to, but they're things that have worked for me in the past, so you're in good hands. The way I teach math is designed to give me more time to help students who are 'stuck', and to allow students who 'get it' to move ahead when they do. When it comes to reading, a great deal of your time will be spent reading. For everything, students will be writing - and blogging about their work and their learning. Another change that you'll see from the way things are normally done is that I'm not using a behavior chart this year. We will handle problems as they come, and if there's a need to send home information about behavior issues, we will.
To wrap up - after sixteen years of teaching - I'm doing all of the things in this class that have worked best for me in the past. I am adding in things that give students an opportunity to have more say in their learning, and experience more power as a learner this year. I am so excited for this school year. We are going to do amazing things in the Idea Lab!
This year, we'll be doing a lot of things differently than you're used to, but they're things that have worked for me in the past, so you're in good hands. The way I teach math is designed to give me more time to help students who are 'stuck', and to allow students who 'get it' to move ahead when they do. When it comes to reading, a great deal of your time will be spent reading. For everything, students will be writing - and blogging about their work and their learning. Another change that you'll see from the way things are normally done is that I'm not using a behavior chart this year. We will handle problems as they come, and if there's a need to send home information about behavior issues, we will.
To wrap up - after sixteen years of teaching - I'm doing all of the things in this class that have worked best for me in the past. I am adding in things that give students an opportunity to have more say in their learning, and experience more power as a learner this year. I am so excited for this school year. We are going to do amazing things in the Idea Lab!
- Sean Farnum