Me and Je go to the Science Fair

I won the Science Fair. Well, I helped my son and he won, but I had a lot to do with it. After researching an appropriate project and actually completing it, we had bonded on a totally different level. My son rarely ever likes help with his school work. He will finish it then pass it to you to check, but he is already confident that it is correct. This time though, we sat together on the floor surrounded by construction paper, tape, glue, scissors and border. He helped as I glued and centered the essential pieces of information. He was patient as I drilled him over and over on the topics and questions which I was sure the judges would ask. He cooperated as I made him set up the project and break it down numerous times. He even smiled at me when I became frustrated with the results. It was an amazing experience and I will forever be grateful that he allowed me to be a part of it. It is even more special because of how independent he is. Next, will be the ultimate test and that is the district competition at Mississippi State. Guess we get to do it all over again.

Note: Since this blog he has attended and placed first in the Region V Science Fair at Mississippi State.

A Classroom Reward That Really Works

At the beginning of the year, honestly because I didn't know what else to put on it. I put up a Classroom Stars bulletin board. It was decorated in royal blue background with gold stars and left blank. At the mid-term, several students began asking whose name would go up on the board. I had actually forgotten about it. That afternoon after school, I made certificates for hardest worker, most helpful, most creative, most improved, best handwriting, etc. I inserted names and stapled them to the board. The next day, the kids went crazy. Those whose names were on the board were bragging and the others were whining. I told them that I would change it every 41/2 weeks so that everyone would get a fair chance and noone could win twice. This prompted the students to really strive for their name to be on the board. They made a big deal about me changing it and giving out the certificates from that term. It has really created a competition of good behavior and action in the classroom.