Vanna & Forrest

In typical first grade style, we start our morning with some calendar work including counting the number of days that we have been in school.  I am constantly seeking to engage students who don't quite understand how to engage themselves.  So, one particular morning a week or so ago,  my idea was to have a student help me with the Days in School count by holding the small place value pocket chart we use for this activity.  I called for someone to be Vanna.  This is a pop cultural reference that my students clearly did not understand, so I taught them about game shows from their perspective - How to Be a Millionaire, and they liked it.  This week, in our 6-week review of Kindergarten, we discussed the letter V and its sound, then proceeded to list words beginning with V.  One student said, "Vanna."  Mission accomplished on that one!

Today we had what our district calls a "scholastic analysis."  This means that a team of administrators from downtown comb through our building with checklists and questions.  I had two different teams come through my room and was one of the chosen few to be interviewed.  It was pretty nerve-wracking, but at least I can cross that thing off of my list.  One less thing!