Classroom Newsletter: Week of August 31st

Help Support "Active Sitting" in the Classroom

Hi friends and family,

As I approach my third year of teaching, I am constantly looking for ways to improve my classroom environment and instruction. Thanks so a colleague I was introduced to Kore Wobble Stools. These unique stools are "the concept of an exercise ball applied to kids' stools." Although my lessons are infused with movement there are still several times throughout the day where my kids sit, particularly during small-group instruction.

As 2nd graders who are still growing, the design of a regular chair is not always the best fit for my students. It is no secret that sitting for long periods of time is unhealthy, which is why I’m so happy to find Kore Wobble Stools! The design and structure of the stools allow kids to sit up tall and straight while strengthening their core. They use their legs and core to support themselves and are able to wobble back and forth, similar to sitting on a yoga ball. As KoreStool.com explains, "Ordinary chairs and stools force our bodies into unnatural, static positions, resulting in long-lasting physical discomfort. Kore chairs rock and spin on a gently domed base, encouraging active sitting and exercising the back. Improve your sitting experience and enjoy the long-term effects of a healthier back and happier muscles."


This unique practice of "active sitting" can also help improve their attention and focus during lessons. While I would love to have a class set of stools, I’d like to start the year off with a set of seven stools for my small group table (where the majority of my instruction takes place).

If you are interested in donating, please visit my GoFundMe page. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this!

All the best,

Becca

Cinderella Stories from Around the World

Hi Room 203 families,

This week we will be studying fairy tales and will be focusing on different Cinderella stories from around the world. I wanted to share the map below which shows some of the stories we will be reading! (The map may not be visible on smart phones.) Each little golden shoe represents a location we will be learning about. Click the shoe to see the book from that country/culture. Look forward to hearing about Cinderella stories from your child this week.

Our weekly newsletter will be sent out later today as well.

Happy Sunday,

Skype Interview with World-Changer Emily Anne Rigal

Hi Room 203 families,

As you know, at Claxton we implement the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program. Through this program, students learn about bullying but more importantly how to prevent it. We begin our mornings with the Pledge of Allegience, our Class Pledge, and Claxton's four anti-bullying rules. 

Our students are excellent leaders and each day I see them setting an example for their peers. Today we had the chance to Skype with an incredible leader who saw a problem in her school and took action to make a positive difference! 

My dear friend Emily Anne Rigal is one of the most inspiring young people I know! When she was just 16 years old, she founded her non-profit organization We Stop Hate to raise self esteem and encourage young people to spread kindness. Emily Anne believes that when kids/teens feel great about themselves they won't put others down! One way she spreads anti-bullying awareness is through her WeStopHate bracelets. 

We have been participating in Bullying Prevention lessons with our amazing school counselor, Mr. Ackerman. Based on what they already knew, students came up with a list of questions for Emily Anne and today they were able to meet her and interview her via Skype! 

First, our kids shared Claxton's anti-bullying rules and then listened to EA's awesome advice for believing in yourself and setting a good example for peers! 

Emily Anne, who is now a college student in NYC, is a great example to our class, showing that you're truly never too young to make a difference! :) To learn more about how Emily Anne is changing the world, visit www.westophate.org or follow @westophate on Twitter! 

Stay warm,

Ms. W

Have you heard of Kid President?!

Hi Room 203 families, 

I'd like to share a little snow-day inspiration with you which comes in the form of an awesome young man named Kid President! He's become a popular YouTube sensation who spreads happiness to kids and adults around the world. His most famous video is "The World Needs a Pep Talk!" I have a Kid President pep talk poster in our classroom and the kids love him! See the video here:  

And now, Kid President is launching a new book called Kid President's Guide to Being Awesome! 
I'd love to have a copy for our classroom! It also comes with a wonderful Teacher's Manual with inspirational activities to do with the kids. If you're interested in donating a copy of this book to our class, please email me (rebecca.wertheim@asheville.k12.nc.us)

Stay warm!

Weekly News from Room 203: February 23rd

Weekly News from Room 203: Week of February 16th