Grateful is a word less used these days. Many times we can get caught up in what we deserve or have earned. It is easy to take for granted the people around us and how much they mean in our lives. We fail to consider all that has been done for us and with us along the way. I start this 2016-2017 school year very excited about my new adventure being half time at Ballantyne Elementary and at Elizabeth Lane Elementary. As I reflect on my previous 18 years, I am so grateful to the students, parents and staff that shared their energy, talents and love. Many memories have been created and lessons learned. I can't even begin to count the pictures I have taken and printed through those years. With all the challenges and tough days, today I focus on being thankful for friendships, hugs, pictures drawn for me by students and thank you notes! I cherish memories of field days, field trips, clubs, speakers, grants won and the crazy notions that took shape into projects for the benefit of students and staff. Today and in the future, I plan to focus on the good, seek the potential in others, assume positive intent, and be the leader in my classroom that students want to come see and enjoy the moments of fun we make together. Blessings to my Sterling family!
When you think of lectures, taking notes or preparing for a test you are probably thinking desks and extended times of sitting still. The beautiful thing about learning is that it takes place in many forms and fashions. One of our fifth grade classrooms has been enjoying "The Walking Classroom" this year. After writing a grant and receiving the good news, I reached out to Ms. Peterson who stepped up to the challenge to implement this program. Through the use of headsets with audio podcasts, her students are increasing their physical activity and enhancing their education through curriculum specific, audio delivered content. The text below is from the walking classroom web site… http://www.thewalkingclassroom.org/ "How It Works The program is simple: Students take brisk 20-minute walks, as a class, while listening to the same custom-written, kid-friendly podcast that comes pre-loaded on their WalkKit (audio device). Each podcast begins with a brief health literacy message, and the lesson plans in the Teacher’s Guide help educators effectively discuss and review the podcast material. The two available programs directly align with the 4th or 5th grade Common Core curriculum, but the content is appropriate for and used by students in grades 3–8. Each program contains more than 100 pre-loaded podcasts, and the WalkKits can be shared among classes and reused year after year. Click here to see a listing of podcasts included in each program. In addition to the obvious health benefits of walking, there is much research confirming the link between exercise and cognitive function. Students return to the classroom in better moods, more focused, and more likely to engage in post-walk discussions. Teachers regularly report that after implementing The Walking Classroom, students retain the information better, demonstrate better behavior and engagement in the classroom, and perform better on standardized exams. While all students benefit from the increased activity and educational content of The Walking Classroom, inactive children and children with low academic achievement stand to benefit the most. The Walking Classroom also provides teachers and out-of-school time professionals with an innovative tool to meet the needs of their students with alternative learning styles such as ADHD, dyslexia, and/or autism." 919-240-7877 [email protected] The Walking Classroom Institute 1414 Raleigh Road, Suite 295 Chapel Hill, NC 27517 We are grateful to generous donors who made this grant possible for our students and hope to expand the program to more classrooms in the future! The things we spend our time doing, tell our children a lot about what we value! Our choices today shape how they will live in the future. I want my children to... *enjoy reading *learn to swim *experience a caring family/adults that take time to talk and play with them *love school *be willing to try new things (sports, food, activities) *love the outdoors and know how to interact in the environment (bike, camp, help keep it clean) As a parent I must... *set the example *Make time for my children to have my full attention *Be open and willing to see new perspectives, change my mind and be open to what my children can teach me So the Sluders love to adventure Uptown in Charlotte. We hop on the Light Rail behind Sterling for the 27 min. ride. Our favorite destination is the end of the line at Imaginon, where books, story time, scavenger hunts, interactive displays and weekend events provide entertainment and education! Most of the offerings are free, but they also have shows and camps!
Our next and new favorite place Uptown is the Romare-Bearden Park. The highlight is the waterfall for the kids to get soaked and the open field to play ball or toss frisbee. Our last outing we took snacks and drinks and had a picnic in the park. The view of the city is incredible along with meeting new friends. I hope that you can take advantage of the great resources close to home to explore activity, culture and share time with your family! Mrs. Sluder As we welcome summer, it's time to plan for being active! I am calling all staff, students and involved Sterling community members to join in the discussion about how you are staying active all summer long!
Post to Twitter at #sterlinges or communicate with Mrs. Sluder directly @annesluder Post to the Sterling Facebook page at Sterling Elementary PTA Tell what you are up to and feel free to attach a picture to show who you are with and/or where you are staying active! |
Mrs. Sluder
A good day is filled with laughter, sweat, lots of water and a good night sleep! Archives
August 2016
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