NWEA MAP Math Test tomorrow

Hello,

Here is the basic calendar for our next couple of weeks.  Students in my math class will take the NWEA MAP math test tomorrow.  Our entire homeroom takes the reading portion next Tuesday.  Animal report research should be done by this Thursday.  We will begin our rough drafts on Friday.  I know I'm going to hear a lot of "I couldn't find..." and "There was no information on..." but that isn't going to cut it.  Two weeks with books, three days with encyclopedias and two days in the computer lab, with me continually encouraging, helping, and trying to keep them focused, should be more than enough.  We now have a few days to fill in the holes.  Our weaknesses are really going to show on this one.  Students had to be able to do some research without me looking over their shoulder.  We'll see, but I fear many are in trouble on this one. 

Biographies should be read by now.  We will do a couple of activities over the next few days and we'll see how many are ready for a tea party.  I'm currently planning on Friday afternoon to be the big day to dress as your character.  I could use a parent or two to come in and help on this one.  I plan on bringing in some exotic food and drinks for an afternoon of exploration and discovery.  I have a few worries on everyone being ready on this one as well. 

I didn't get the spelling out today, but will tomorrow.  Tonight's homework deals with syllables.  They seem to get it pretty well.  Locating the breaking points is a bit more of a struggle. 

Okay, I've got to say it.  I witnessed some pretty brutal parenting around the state this weekend.  Thank you to all of you who understand that we are in the position of setting up these children for their brightest possible future.  That doesn't mean that they should get everything that they want.  Making your child's childhood easier than yours, doesn't necessarily make it better.  They don't need adult friends.  They need adult guidance.  They need to hear no.  They need to learn responsibility and consequences for their actions.  I realize that they are kids, but ten years old is plenty old enough to learn that life isn't all fun and games.  It is old enough to learn that the world doesn't revolve around them.  I have heard from some that teaching is the most important job in the world.  I would say parenting is.  So thank you to all of you who give your children chores to do, give them bedtimes, and make them responsible to get their homework done.  Some of my least favorite things to do as a youngster, helped form who I am today, and I wouldn't have it any other way.  A heard a child brag to a bunch of kids last week that he doesn't brush his teeth.  If that doesn't illustrate that they are not ready to take the reigns then I don't know what does.  So thank you.

I wonder if I just offended anyone.  I guess I'll find out. 

Now I wonder how many of you just asked your child if they really brush their teeth.

Good luck with that one.

Mr. Shea