Friday, May 1, 2020

Wherever You May Be, Be a Citizen of the Code~ HONESTY


What is HONESTY? 
Many children think honesty means you "don't tell a lie"-- and that is definitely part of being honest. But honesty is more than not lying. An honest person doesn't do things that are wrong on purpose. 

School Honesty ClipartHonesty is about speaking and acting truthfully. We proudly make good choices.

As true Citizens of the Code,  we tell the truth, we can be trusted, and we accept responsibility for our own mistakes.


How are YOU being a Citizen of the Code?

                            




Monday, April 27, 2020

Wherever You May Be, Be a Citizen of the Code~~ RESPONSIBILITY



A Citizen of the Code takes responsibility seriously whether at school or at home.


Be a 
Citizen of the Code:

Know what your job is 
and then DO IT!  Organize your belongings.

Pick up after yourself. Finish your school work. Follow house rules.

Be a promise keeper! When you say you will do something, DO IT!


Take charge of your learning! ASK QUESTIONS! Ask for help when you need it.


A true citizen of the code is always RESPONSIBLE. We do the things we are supposed to do and we accept the outcomes of our actions.


Responsible Children Clipart



             




    



Friday, April 17, 2020

Wherever You May Be, Be a Citizen of the Code~ RESPECT

As citizens of the code we are respectful of ourselves, others and the world around us. 

Being respectful means we appreciate ourselves and other people. It means we value the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of everyone. 

Respect sounds like polite and kind words and manners. Respect looks like helpful actions. It means we take care of our environment and our surroundings, we take care of ourselves, and we are careful with others.


How are YOU being a respectful citizen of the code at home?






Monday, April 13, 2020

Wherever You May Be, Be a Citizen of the Code~ COURAGE

Courage is the strength to persevere and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.


Each of us, no matter our age, have our fears and our challenges. 


Having COURAGE means we face these challenges. We don't give up. We stand up for what is right, we try new things,  and we ask for help when we need it.

Right now, everyday things may be different and weird, and challenging.

Remember, you have what it takes to move through it one day at a time.






Here is one fun book that is all about courage!


Friday, April 10, 2020

Wherever You May Be, Be a Citizen of the Code~ COMPASSION

 ~ Compassion~

Today, let's focus on compassion. Compassion means we understand when other people are sad or hurt, and then we try to help.
When we are compassionate, we are careful with people’s feelings.



Many of us have sad, or angry feelings because we won't be
together in school again this year. We can be citizens of the code by being kind to each other, even when we're frustrated or worried. We can be kind to ourselves, knowing we will do the best we can, even if it isn't perfect, and that's okay!


To be compassionate means 
we promise to take care of ourselves and each other.



I shared one of my favorite books that I think helps us to feel like we are together even though we are apart.




Monday, April 6, 2020

Aprenda algo nuevo cada día! Learn Something New Every Day!



Learn Something New Every Day!

Learning isn't just for kids, learning is a lifelong adventure!
Learning another language has always been a challenge for me, and I am using this time at home to keep trying.

The app called Duolingo is one way I am developing my skills en español, and maybe learn a little Chinese too. You will LOVE this app! It's fun and can help you learn and practice a new language.


Another really fun place to learn new languages is called  The Fable Cottage. The Fable Cottage shares bilingual tales for language learners. Listen and watch some of your favorite fairy tales in spanish, french, italian or german!

Que tengas un gran dia or,  have a great day!



Friday, April 3, 2020

"My Shadow" ~a Classic Favorite


Throughout April I will be sharing my favorite poems with you. I hope you like them as much as I do and maybe YOU will begin to write some too!

"My Shadow,"  by Robert Louis Stevenson is one of my favorite poems. Although it was written in 1885, it is still popular because it describes a child who is fascinated by his own shadow, and aren't we all??



Does this make you wonder about your shadow too? Go outside and observe your shadow in the morning, at noon, and as the sun is setting. What do you notice? Can you make connections to the child in the poem?

If  you want to learn MORE about this poem, click HERE for a fun resource, and below are a few videos for you to hear recitations of this famous poem!





Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Poetry ~ In April and All Year Through

  It's Poetry Month!

I have always enjoyed poetry, and hope all children learn to appreciate it. 
April is a fun month to begin and poetry is awesome all year long! 
I've pulled together some sites and activities that I hope you will find fun and helpful!





Each and every April,

Since 1996

Kids and adults everywhere

Enjoy favorite poetry picks.

The Academy of American Poets

Want us to celebrate poetry 

Great poetry can be lots of fun 

That much we guarantee!



So each and every day this month

Seek out a few new poems

You are sure to find that many

Are really reading gems

Look up some real old poets,

Longfellow, Milne or  Hughes

Read Silverstein or Kenn Nesbitt

To giggle with someone new.



We hope that each day this April

You will try one new thing

Read, or write, a poem or two

You'll find it quite amazing!

~ Stacey Sawyer (2020)






     





Friday, March 27, 2020

Mindful Time for Peace of Mind


Have you ever felt your heart racing 💓, beating like it might pop right out of your chest? Sometimes this is a good thing, like during exercise, or when you hear an exciting announcement. Sometimes it can be a sign of stress, or anxious feelings, and over time can lead to problems.

Practicing mindfulness can help us slow down. It's a reminder to stop and think 🤔 and make good choices. Mindfulness can help us calm our bodies and thoughts. Being more mindful means we can stay focused and in control of our thoughts and feelings. 

I can be mindful
Stopping, breathing, in and out
Still, calm and peaceful.
(Haiku by Mrs. Sawyer 😌)



I Am Peace is One of My Favorite Read Alouds. If you don't have access to the book,  
you might enjoy this great video: 




Five Finger Breathing is one simple way to get you started with mindfulness.

Parents,
    Here are a just a few of the many great sites offering mindful activities
I hope you find them helpful:

Positive Psycholog
y 

Monday, March 23, 2020

The Thing About Books


The thing about books is they will take us anywhere,
     the woods, the mountains, the sea.
Reading carries me around the world, 
     to any place I imagine I want to be. 
Mrs. Sawyer, 2020

We have been practicing social distance now for over a week, and people everywhere are remembering the power of reading. We read because it is FUN, we read to imagine, and we read to explore! I hope you're reading anything and everything you can: novels, picture books, graphic novels, poetry and online resources. Everything you pick up will take you new places, introduce you to interesting characters, and teach you amazing facts.


Always keep a stack of books so you never run out, and if you want to book chat with me, please reach out! I would love for you to share your book love with me! (stacey.sawyer@gorhamschools.org) 

Nothing is better than reading with your family, but below I've shared a few of my favorite online places to hear stories read by some pretty entertaining people.  



#Savewithstories 
An Instagram account where celebrities are reading their favorite books to support Save the Children and No Kid Hungry, two organizations that are aiding children who have been affected by COVID-19.

Audiobooks can be another fun way to know a new book, and Audible is offering hundreds of free audiobooks for kids during COVID-19 school closures.


Friday, March 20, 2020

Better Together!



 Happy Friday Great Falls School!
     I am blowing the dust off of my blog. Life really is better when we are together~and I want to be sure to stay connected to Great Falls students, staff and families.  I will add brief updates throughout the week as long as we are all learning at home.
It is  important for each of us to practice our writing skills and remember that writing can be a fun and powerful way to communicate. Writing posts weekly is one way I pledge to build my own writing routine and share some fun resources with you!

Please visit my blog as often, or as little, as you need. 
 
The Great Falls School, and the wider Gorham community, has proven again, just how amazing it can be when we come together. Thank you for all of your hard work, and most of all, thank you for the support, compassion and humor each of you has shown over the past week. Together we are stronger!

Best Wishes, 
Mrs. Sawyer

 


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