I did a lesson at Fly Time this morning that really hit home for a few. We took a look at IQ vs. EQ. We talked about it is more important to have a high EQ than it is to have a high IQ. We took a look at this by visiting the people we find behind bars. There are some very smart people sitting in jail. The main leaders of the higher inner city gangs are extremely intelligent, and all behind bars. However, the brilliant part is they continue to run those gangs effectively with no communication to the outside world. Genius! So they have the IQ, but they lack the EQ. If you look at the picture below, you see that the EQ is the foundation and deep. The IQ is just the tip of the iceberg. (Probably where we got that idiom!) So, all day long the kids heard me saying, check your EQ. Are you acting like a 4th grader should be. We also talked about how it is NOW that they build this foundation. The patterns we see now, will follow into the future. If they steal a jolly rancher now, they will probably steal later. IF they don't turn in work on time now, they probably won't turn it in on time at their job either. And, we all know how that ends…jail time or fired. This was the easiest day of teaching I have had behavior wise this year. Kids were checking themselves constantly. Here is a list of EQ that is now hanging in our classroom:
A 4th grader…
Turns in the work on time every time.
Always uses their nicest and neatest handwriting.
Spells words correctly when they are written on the same page.
Never turns in work that is not 100% finished.
Writes their name and date on the top of all papers.
Keeps an organized work area and desk at all times.
Cares about their work instead of pretending to care.
Applies effort on all assignments.
Only turns in their very best work.
Never guesses. They ask for help.
Tries before asking for help.
Doesn't talk when moving from point A to point B.
Is on time for school every day.
Follows the directions quickly the first time asked.
Then, I asked them if you could make some EQ statements for them at home. They came up with quite a few. Following directions the first time, keep a clean room, homework before play, and so on. Please follow up this important conversation at home tonight by asking your kiddo to share with you the difference between EQ and IQ. If they can tell you, write EQ in the planner for $50. Yep, it is THAT important!
In Lead 21 today, we played a little game of Battleship against the computer. What does that have to do with reading???? Well, in order to sink the computers ships we had to answer a question correctly about Author's Purpose. And….WE WON!!!! We are so super smart!
All kiddos that brought back their homework from last night got to scan in their answers today. Fun! I loved hearing how "This is fun!" Awesome. Kids will continue to do Accelerated Math in class and know that they need to scan at least once a week if not more. They also know that they are not allowed to move onto the new topic until they obtain my signature. They can't get that unless they talk to me one on one and tell me why they missed the problems on the last one. Kids will work on this during their free time in class along with one class period a week. I will also assign it for homework once in a while. Their practice sheets are just that, practice. When they get a test printed out, that will go into the grade book and be part of their final grade.
In MT History today, we learned about the Continental Divide. Pretty cool.
Homework tonight is types of sentences. They know exactly how to do this and should NOT need any help. If they are not in my spelling class, they have a math sheet.
Tuesday folders came home tonight. The NILE field trip permission slip is in there. Please sign and return tomorrow. There is no real money cost to this field trip. Kids will need to buy into the trip for $300 of their fake money. I will start collecting that next week. 99% of kids could pay for that today. I just know that 100% are going to make it! BELIEVE!!!!
There is also two book order forms in there. I told the kids that mom and dad may be maxed out on the money spending by now. There has been a lot lately. So, I suggested that they use their own money or do an extra chore to help you in order to earn the money needed. No pressure. I will send them home each month. Tomorrow, I will post the link and password to be able to order books online. When you do this, I earn a free book for the classroom. I prefer this way, but I can also snail mail your order in as well. Checks need to be written out to Scholastic News. You can use a credit card online. Again, no pressure.
There is also a map for Saturday Live. It is THIS Saturday at Pioneer Park. I am super excited to take Emma and Beau this year!! I hope to see you there too! What an awesome way to spend a Saturday with kiddos!
This Thursday is a half day. Teachers are in training for our new science Project Lead the Way all afternoon. So, kids are out at noon. Please communicate with your child how they will get home that day BEFORE coming to school. Thanks.
I leave you with some fun pictures of Landon. He was star of the week! He shared so many cool things. One thing I could tell about this young man is that he loves his family deeply. That is some very cool EQ Landon! Thanks for sharing, and you are a spectacular artist!
Have a fantastic night!
Mrs. Grewell
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