The Magic of Positive Moments

A lot has been written and researched about the power of positive and negative words, moments, and interactions. The impact has been studied in regards to everything from marriages to success in a job.

When I read the article, The Magic Ratio of Positive and Negative Moments by Patsi Krakoff I couldn't help but think of the students in our classrooms. How many of our children come to school each day with their 'buckets' empty? What can we do to not only fill their buckets, but provide them with an environment that provides the Magic Ratio of 5:1 -- five positives to one negative interaction.

It can be overwhelming and/or inspiring when we recognize the powerful and permanent impact we have on our students. The 5 Strategies for Increasing the Ratio of Positive to Negative Moments suggested by the authors Clifton and Rath at the end of the article would be easily transferred into the classroom setting. As a new school year begins for us in the Northwest, this is one of the goals I'll be focusing on, to ensure my students can not only meet standard, but are happy people as well.

FAQ - How do I post the titles of books we read as a class when there isn't an inch of wall space left?

by Trish Prentice

I love the idea of keeping a list of the books we read as a class for the entire year! Seeing photos of other classrooms unrolling a huge list at the end of the year is inspiring. I want the children in my class to experience this too. The problem is, I don't have any room in my teaching area to post another thing. So here's my solution. I'm going to use a clipboard and paper.

http://www.TheDailyCafe.com/public/1110.cfm

The Dr. Seuss Collection at Converse...Imagine (Website)

Wouldn't it be fun to dress in Dr. Seuss shoes? Wait until you see the fun designs in sizes for every Dr. Seuss lover. They are so whimsical that we feel sure Theodor Seuss Geisel would want a pair or two of his own. So do we.

http://www.TheDailyCafe.com/public/1061.cfm

Registration Information for 2010 Fall Workshops

An exciting schedule of fall workshops are planned! Check out the events closest to you or maybe find a location for a new adventure!

http://www.thedailycafe.com/public/754.cfm

New This Week For Members

Interested in becoming a member of The Daily CAFE™? Click here for more information.

Parent Pipeline ~ Blend Sounds; Stretch and Reread

Written by: Allison Behne

Many of us are familiar with the job of teaching beginning readers. We start with teaching letter sounds in isolation and then move on to basic sight words and CVC words. In doing this we teach children to segment words by sounding out each letter.

http://www.TheDailyCafe.com/members/1054.cfm

Choosing a Partner for Partner Reading - Part 1 (Video)

This video introduces another way for students to choose a partner for Read to Someone. Regular playing cards do the matching after check-in is completed, removing the partiality and popularity that sometimes comes into play when students select partners.

http://www.TheDailyCafe.com/members/1098.cfm

Building Community with a Plant for each Child

Building a classroom community takes center stage as we start each year. The students in our care look to us for activities, stories, and events that will bring about that magical feeling of being part of "our class".

Laurie Pfiffner recently wrote to share a wonderful idea for creating that sense of "We".

http://www.TheDailyCafe.com/members/1051.cfm

Parent Letter Introducing CAFE™ and Parent Pipeline

Allison's back at school a few days before us and has already thought through communication with her parents about her reading instruction this year. Here is her parent letter explaining the CAFE™ Menu and Parent Pipeline. Thanks so much for sharing Allison.

http://www.TheDailyCafe.com/members/1111.cfm

Video Updates

With the addition of our new video players with higher resolution and full-screen options, we are reposting many videos in this new format. As we make these improvements, we'll announce them in the newsletter. Here is a peek into another portion of Ron's room! He really believes in offering students a variety of reading materials, and always finds unique ways to store and present them in an inviting way.

http://www.TheDailyCafe.com/members/1058.cfm

Until Next Week!