Week Three: Back to school bingo

I've been told that it takes a few weeks for students to get back in the school swing.  With so many new faces Mrs. Jennings likes to play a back to school bingo game with 2nd-5th graders.  Each student receives a blank 'bingo board' and is asked to fill in the names of their classmates in the boxes.  Next after filling in all the names on their bingo board students receive a 'bingo calling card.'  Students are asked to fill out the calling card by placing their name at the top of the page and then listing three things about themselves.  Next week when all of the classes have completed the bingo boards and calling cards, Mrs. Jennings will read the calling cards, students will have to guess who the card is about, and then place a bingo chip on that student's name.  It's a great way for students to get to know each other! 

Here are some pictures of a 3rd grade class filling out their boards and calling cards with the help of Mrs. Jennings:

Kindergarteners continue to learn expectations and rules.  This week Mrs. Jennings read the books Clifford Goes to Dog school.  She also had students participate in a magnetic version of Brown Bear, Brown Bear by Bill Martin and Eric Carle.  Different laminated and magnetized animals from the story were passed out, when Mrs.  Jennings told the story aloud students were asked to listen for their animal and then place it on the magnetized board when it was their turn.  After moving around for the activity, students watched an animated Clifford story, went on a bear hunt with the action rhyme, and then finally completed a coloring page of Clifford.

First graders heard one of my favorite stories, The Pout Pout Fish.  This is the story of a fish who thought he was glum and gloomy no matter which one of his friends tried to cheer him up.  The book is filled with repetition and sing-able passages that encourage student participation.

I'm the Pout Pout fish

with the pout pout face

and I spread the dreary wearies

all over the place   



The story has a sweet conclusion, the Pout Pout fish falls in love and turns into a Kiss Kiss fish spreading cheery merries all over the place.  The class then watched a video of The Pout Pout Fish Goes to School sung by Gordon True.  


CEBS dispositions expressed this week:


Values Collaboration: Actively seeks out and incorporates ideas of others/  Takes leadership in working with others to improve the overall environment.  Regularly share information and ideas. 


Values Professionalism: Professional development and involvement.  References and makes use of professional organizations or publications.  Willingly participates in profession activities or events that promote professional development.


These dispositions and ethics were demonstrated when Mrs. Jennings and the new art teacher at Trunnell, Mrs. Dahl, conferences about grant money available to bring local productions of Shakespearean plays and other art related activities to the school.  Previously, Mrs.  Jennings had the opportunity to bring just one performance to Trunnel.  But by working together to fill out the grant money both teachers have the opportunity to bring creative and enriching programs to their students.


Trunnell is one Elementary school within the Jefferson County School system.  A large school system in Louisiville Kentucky.  The school system is so large that they have created a central office which offers support to all schools.  At the central office there is also someone who is the head of all media services and librarians.  Mrs. Jennings often calls to this office for help answering policy questions and procedures.  This is an example of professional and valuing rules, norms, and regulations.