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Pioneer Hats

4/17/2013

After spring break, I started the Oregon Trail Unit with my third and fourth graders. So far it has been really fun! Students have learned about who travelled west, why they moved and what they brought with them. Now we are learning about the hardships of the trail. Each morning, when we are ready to begin, I play the theme song from "Bonanza" as students grab their supplies. To clean up, I play the theme song from "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly". The music has really helped set the mood for the unit.

For even more fun, each student made a Pioneer Hat that they can wear during class time that identifies which wagon train he/she is travelling with. The hats were easy to make and have helped students get into character as their Oregon Trail "family" is travelling west.

Here are the steps for making a Pioneer Hat. Of course, we used them for the Oregon Trail, but I know other teachers have used them with other themes. Depending on the color and the way you roll the paper, these hats could be perfect for any occasion!

First cut a large piece of butcher paper. Place it on head with the
curl facing down.

Wrap the paper around the head.
Hold in place.

Wrap masking tape around the
head two times. Place tape
around the forehead and above
the ears.

Gently roll the edges up. Roll tightly
and close to the head for a boy hat.
Roll loosely and leave longer for a girl
hat.

Voila!!

Fun hats for any occasion!!

I modeled this activity once in front of the whole class and then let the kids work in groups to make the hats for each other. My IAs (I had 2 during this time) and I walked around and supported as needed. The only supplies you need are large sheets of paper (enough to cover the head of the child) and masking tape for each group. Have fun!!

--If you have any ideas that go along with the Oregon Trail and Pioneer Hats, share them here!! Thanks for reading!!

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Change is Good

4/8/2013

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Spring break is officially over and we have been back at school for one week now. Over the last two weeks, I had time to ponder what changes I would make to improve our daily routine for these last two months of school. Before break, I was feeling a little frustrated with some chatty behavior and inattentive students. I realized that I had become too relaxed with my classroom rules and students were taking advantage of that. I needed to make some changes!!

Change #1--Remind Students of the WHY
Very soon, my students will be heading to 4th and 5th grade!!! They need to be reminded that we still have lots of learning to do...focused attention and hard work right now are necessary for them to get prepared for next year. By reminding them of our true purpose for being here, it creates an urgency to our learning.

Change #2--Zero Tolerance for Outbursts
This seems so obvious and yet, it has become a problem in my room. My students have gotten into a bad habit of blurting out answers without thinking. At first it was cute. Then it was annoying. Now it is distracting us from learning. I decided that upon returning to school, I could not accept blurted answers. Students need to become thoughtful thinkers so I will need to re-train them to Stop-Think-Raise your hand-Speak clearly.

Change #3--Greater Accountability for Class Assignments
We now have a daily goal for what needs to be completed during a class period (with the focus on writing). If the work is not completed, students must finish during recess. While this is not my favorite form of consequences because I believe students need their recess time to play, it has been effective. If work does not get done because it is challenging, that is one thing--I allow more time. But if work isn't completed because of behavior, I must address it. So far only one day of recess has been served--I think kids are realizing that I am serious!!

Change #4--Don't Forget the Fun!
As I looked at my lesson plans upon return to the classroom, I was shocked at how much needs to be done in these last two months. Although some of it will be stressful (testing), some of it will be awesome (a field trip)! I need to remember that school IS fun and I want kids to love being here. I must not let the daily stresses of being a teacher bleed over into the classroom. I need to enjoy these last few months with my class because summer will be here before we know it!!

--What changes did you make to your classroom when you returned from Spring Break? Share your responses here!

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Pioneer Hats

Change is Good

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