Smith update, 8/29

*If your student would like to use their own individual headphones in school please send them in at your leisure, properly labelled with their name and in a baggie or other container.

 

 

Hello Dear Families,

 

Focusing on kindness and the tools of an author as they craft stories, we’ve enjoyed our short author study of Kevin Henke’s books. Great literature allows us to explore so much in literacy education, but also in exploration of ideas of citizenship, social and emotional growth, and ethics on a fundamental level. We will engage in great author studies throughout the year. As communicated during back-to-school night, it is paramount that our young readers feel primarily that books and stories are enjoyable and meaningful to them and secondly that they are used to practice the skills of successful readers. We as adults become coaches and supporters of effort rather than evaluators of successes and “failures”. With this growth mindset we are able to propel young readers through the literally thousands of unique decoding and sense-making experiences needed before they can solidly stand on self-extending literacy’s ground. 

 

I came across this quality list of some amazing picture books to grab if you are so inclined. This is by no means exhaustive but wouldn’t you rather read to and with your child than scroll through the nightly news one more time? 😊.

 

In class we have begun to use the Razkids online library.  https://www.raz-plus.com/  offers access to quality books in several genres at their own level. This is an online program that allows teachers to assign appropriately leveled texts for home reading and monitor reading remotely. Here are a few guidelines for home use of https://www.raz-plus.com/. Current leveling for your student will not be precise as it is quite early in the year. Let me know if you’d like me to raise challenge (in decoding only). Also, it’s always better to start with more easily decoded texts and move to more challenging texts. In this way confidence is built along with fluency. Some directives regarding RAZKIDS:

 

1.    Use of Razkids is optional, but reading is not. All students should be reading at home daily and being read to daily. Razkids can be a part of that. It is essentially an online library.

2.    Access is simple. To access to your student’s account, navigate to https://www.raz-plus.com/.Please click on the big green “Kids’ Login” button. 

       Then type in my teacher code: asmith1512. Select your student’s name and enter the password. Boys = banana, Girls = goldfish. 

3.    Begin reading in the LEVEL UP! Zone only but allow the other reading area if you’d like.

4.    Bookmark the login page for easy future access.

5.    All books must be read, listened to, and quiz completed before they will be able to move on to the next level.

6.    Building robots and rocket ships with the stars that have been earned is both fun and completely optional.

 

Have fun with this new tool and happy reading!

 

It’s a bit early, but the sign-up sheet for fall parent and teacher conferences is active. I love to meet to talk about progress, set goals, and strategize together. Please be sure to sign up.  

 

As always, Thank you for your support and for trusting me with your amazing kids. Please find our first homework of the year below.

 

 

Regards,

Andrew Smith

Teacher, Del Mar Heights School

asmith@dmusd.org

 

 

Homework Assignment #1

 

Personal Book Box

 

Your child needs to create a personal book-box.  

This book-box will be a place where your child keeps books that have been chosen just for him/her.

By next Monday(9/6),  your child needs to bring a shoebox or other similar sized box decorated with stickers, drawings, notes, etc…

The box should be uniquely your child’s and should reflect his or her interests. On the inside of the box, please write a loving and encouraging note to your child so that he or she can think of you whenever the box is used.

Be creative!

 

 

 

 

 

 

About Mr. Smith

Though born in Boston and raised in Minneapolis, I have lived in San Diego since 1991. I was educated at UCSD, where Art History and Education were my foci. I have been teaching at Del Mar Heights School since 2001. I live in La Mesa with my wife, Amy, who is also teacher, my son, Grant and my daughter, Lauren. I enjoy surfing, soccer (Tottenham Hotspur are my team), Baseball (Viva Los Padres!), and great books and films. I also coach soccer, write, and play music regularly.

 My classroom is a caring and rich environment where children can immerse themselves in learning. Students learn to work autonomously and cooperatively on assignments that challenge them appropriately. Students learn that reading and writing can be fun, preparing them for a lifetime of enrichment and enjoyment.

Your child needs to bring a body that is well-nourished and a mind that has had enough sleep. He or she needs to bring appropriate clothing for the weather since we will be outside daily. He or she needs to bring a HEALTHY snack to nibble during our daily morning recess. No candy, I plead to you, for my own sake.

Educational Philosophy:
It is my goal that each student develops a passion for learning and the responsibility and confidence necessary to follow that passion. I endeavor to teach each child as an individual, meeting their specific needs and encouraging their strengths. I also strive to teach each child that they are part of a larger community- a community who will care for them and to whom they are responsible.

In order to reach these goals I:
-Create an environment that nourishes confidence and allows students to feel safe while pushing themselves towards greater goals.
-Create an environment that nourishes both positive individual decision making and community spirit.
-Offer motivating and meaningful activities that both teach skills and authentic applications of those skills.
-Implement structures that allow a maximum of individual instruction time with each student.

Statement of Beliefs:
-The parent is the child’s most profoundly influential teacher.
-Student self-esteem and security is critical to development of an enthusiasm for learning.
-Each student is important and must be taught at their level, offering challenge and support in instruction.
-Achievement requires purpose and pursuit.
-Learning does not stop when the school bell rings.
-Student activities should prepare children for thinking and living both in and out of school in the present and the future.