While on the topic of technology, I wonder how many classrooms offer incorporated technology.  Nonetheless, I have visited my son’s classroom and the only thing that I have witnessed being used is the tape player, and the television.  However, they do have a day in which they go to computers.  On the other hand, they do use centers in their room and I really like this idea.  The centers really aren’t technology related, but they reinforce skills that they have been learning in class.  Also, students that need a little extra help on particular tasks can get that help during centers.  The students seem to love this idea and it keeps them engaged in learning.  During my methods courses, centers were mentioned quite often, but I had never had the opportunity to see them actually being used in the classroom—I really like this idea. 

Likewise, the students are sent home with a small homework packet each week that reinforces skills that have been worked on in class.  The students are given one week (running Tuesday to Tuesday) to complete the assignments.  In addition, students are required to read a book each night and the parent has to record the book in the child’s planner.  Each day, the teacher reviews the planner and gives the child a smiley, straight face, or sad face—according to his or her behavior.  If there are any important papers to be given to parents, the papers are secured by a clasp in the front of the planner. 

Personally, I had never seen this approach for communication between teacher and parent, until we moved to this school.  Nonetheless, I really like it.  It is a continuous routine and the parents know what to expect and children know the routine.  Parents are free to write notes to communicate with the teacher and it works out really nicely. 

Also, students are not expected to bring snack money each day.  Instead, each child is assigned one day out of the month in which he/she provides enough snack for the entire class.  This is the best idea that any school could adopt.  At my son’s previous school, we were spending $1.50-$2.00 per day on snack.  When you add $1.50 up for the week, you’re spending $7.50/week and $30.00/month on snack alone.  That is pretty expensive!  With the idea of bringing snack one day out of the month, snack is covered the entire month—what a relief!! J

Overall, I am amazed at the diverse procedures that different teachers practice.  What works in some classrooms very well might not work in others.  Nonetheless, the idea is to focus on good organization and communication skills between school and home.  It is important to have the home support as well.