Home Depot, Rocks, and Project Proposals

This week we went to Home Depot to get lumber for our locker doors. I didn't talk to a single adult. The students did everything. They were really surprised when I handed a student  my credit card to pay for it. Everything went great.

The Wednesday lesson was taught by Olivia. She taught us all about rocks and fun colorful stones. We even got to make our own rocks.

We also chose the projects that we are going to do for the next six weeks. We had to fill out a project proposal that included what we wanted to do, our goals, and what the finished product was supposed to look like.

Here is a link to our project proposal and project documents:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1QZsprZmt3icQr_KqWlhnrfigl5c_MgOOmZrTSCZPhM0

Next week is creature week! I cannot wait!

Celebration Days and Teaching Days

Hi Team,

Celebration Days

In our class we have designated days to celebrate the individuality of each member of our class.  These days usually correspond to the student's birthday, however, some of us were not born during the school year and got to pick an alternate day.  On this day your student may pick one thing that the class to do to celebrate the day.  This can range from a "pajama day" to extra snack time, or share a treat.  If you want to share a treat, pleas let me know in advance so that we can avoid allergies and dietary restrictions.  

The link to the Celebration Day schedule can be found here.

Teaching Days

Every Wednesday one of the students takes over teaching the class for the first 30-40 minutes.  They have to turn in a lesson plan the week before, so I know what they are doing.  They can teach anything that piques their interest.  I've seen lessons on origami, planets, sharks, and algebraic equations.  I have created a schedule and am including a link to the lesson plan document.

The link to the schedule is here.

The link to the lesson plan document is here.

Let me know what questions you have.

Chaperones Needed

The art teacher, Tracy, needs chaperones for a field trip this Wednesday from 12:30-1:30. We are going to the UMMA (University of Michigan Museum of Art) to see the Julian Schnabel, and the Tyree Guyton exhibits. 

 Please let her or myself know if you are interested in attending.

Talk Like a Pirate Day

September 19th is International Talk Like A Pirate Day! Mason and I are ready. Yarrrr!

Curriculum Night

Hey Team,
If you didn't make it to Curriculum Night, here is the hand out That I passed out.  The curriculum schedule is subject to change.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Yy2b9ubtV_9s9MN5s95hIi-3MYKyEEvpfX4FzoRG52I

Pirate Week!

Hi Team!

Welcome to Pirate Week!

This week we are taking a few minutes out of every day to talk about pirates. Saturday is International Talk Like a Pirate Day!  Today we learned about Black beard the pirate.  If you student wants to participate in Pirate week, or any other wee, they may bring in items related to the topic, tell stories that are true or made up, and/or dress up on Friday in the style of the theme. No one is required to participate if they choose not to. I am most definitely coming dressed as a pirate on Friday. 

Let me know what questions you may have.

First Week

Hey team,
We have completed our first week of school. Whew! This week we focused on getting to know each other, the school and our class. We did some pretty cool performances, made comic strips and puppets from the song. "The Princess Who Saved Herself" by Jonathan Coulton. We made a beautiful mess in the process.

Look out for my Friday blog posts and announcements about Theme Weeks! This coming week is Pirate Week! Yarrrr!

Pictures from Howell Nature Center coming soon.

Team Spencer Calendar

Here is a link for the current weekly calendar for Team Spencer.

Welcome to Team Spencer 15/16

Hello Team,

Welcome to Team Spencer.  My name is Andaiye Spencer, but most just call me Spencer.  I am so excited to work with your students this school year.  

I love to sing, dance and do lots of theatre.  I am also a carpenter. I love using all of these creative outlets regularly in my class. 

Parents have been asking what their student should bring to school as far as supplies.  Everything that is mandatory for them to be successful will be provided. 

Thing that would be awesome if they were donated:

-Wet wipes

-Washable Markers

-Pencils, pencils, pencils

-Erasers for the tops of pencils

-Scotch tape

-Glue sticks

-Band Aids

In the coming days and weeks I will be sharing information with you regarding happenings in the classroom. This will either be through email or the classroom blog (which you can subscribe to via email.)

A quick word about snacks and birthday celebrations. We are a nut-aware facility and ask that families refrain from sending any snacks that contain nuts. In my classroom, I ask that individual families send snacks with their child to keep them nourished throughout the day. We will break twice a day for snacks so please keep that in mind when you are packing.

As for birthdays, the 3rd and 4th grades have traditionally abstained from birthday "treats" and instead have opted for providing the students with an opportunity to share something special with the class on their birthday. This has allowed us a chance to learn a little more about that person and given him or her the opportunity to share their interests with us. Others have simply chosen to enjoy a little extra recess as their class celebration.

That being said, if you are still eager to bring food as a celebratory item, please let me know so that we can coordinate it with classroom allergies and sensitivities.

We will celebrate every student even if their birthday is not during the school calendar. If it is not on a school day, they will receive a celebration day. I will let you know when this will be.

Also, Just for your reference, I am very allergic to flowers, perfumes and body sprays. I have mentioned this to the students, but if you notice them becoming attached to a new scent, please ask them not to wear or bring it to school.

Due to my transplant surgery last year, I am immuno-suppressed. This means I can get sick very easily. I am requesting that all students either use hand sanitizer or wash their hands when they enter the classroom. Also, if your student has a slight cough or is getting over a cold, please let me know so that I can take extra precaution. I would also like to know if your student will have, or has just gotten, a live vaccine. I will need to be extra cautious around those students as well.

I am so excited for this year!!!

Please let me know if you have any questions.