Did you know that in 1963, Harvey Bell, a resident of Worcester, MA, created the smiley face?! The smiley face is the most recognizable symbol of good will on the planet. Harvey decided that the first Friday in October should be World Smile Day. That's this Friday! Like many other people and places, I think we should devote the day to smiles and acts of kindness.
Did you know there is even a Smiley Face Song?! Here's the video and song that you just have to smile along as you listen:
And here's a short video clip with some facts about smiling:
We have a parent who is donating smiley face stickers to give out to all of our students, as well as some posters for us to hang up in the school! We can encourage our students to come in wearing a smile...and maybe yellow to support World Smile Day. I would also like to encourage everyone in the building to think about some random acts of kindness to complete either this week or on the actual World Smile Day. Be sure and talk to your students about what acts of kindness could look like...especially the part about how sometimes you do them and no one knows, and the reward is that you fill your own bucket by helping others.
How will you help one person smile this week? How will you help our students learn about being kind to others?
Currently reading:
I have so many books I want to read and never enough time! This weekend I read a great picture book that will be added to our school library very soon. It's called How Do Dinosaurs Learn To Read? We love Jane Yolen and Mark Teague's dinosaur books in our house. The great thing about this book is that at the end of the book, it gives parents some tips about working with early readers.
I am definitely excited about reading the historical fiction book called Resistance. I love that the main character is a girl who realizes that even though it will mean risking her life, she has to try to do something instead of just giving in to the Nazis who are occupying Poland. She becomes a currier and joins a resistance cell that sends her on some very dangerous missions.
Thanks to a book recommendation from Jamie Leroy, I am also reading a book called The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates. It is a memoir that tells the story of two men who grew up near each other, similar childhoods, same name, yet one became a business leader and the other a convicted murderer serving a life sentence. It's definitely a thought-provoking read!
**All for Books Coin Collection in the lobby
Monday - 5th grade trip to Sargent Center
Tuesday - Mr. Wilde's Fit Club @ 8:00 am
Wednesday - Wellness Wednesday! Staff Meeting @ 8:00 in the library, 5th grade committee meeting @ 7:00pm
Thursday - Mr. Wilde's Fit Club @ 8:00 am, Liz at CPI Refresher Class all day, 2T Curriculum Night @ 6:00pm
Friday - 3rd-5th DRA assessment end date
Saturday - Grade 5 singing at the Providence Bruins Game @ 7:00!
Great things I noticed last week:
- Thank you to everyone for an awesome curriculum night! The parents gave lots of positive feedback about the evening and the different formats that many of your tried out. I spoke with several teachers who felt like the evening was a success. Kudos to all of you!
- I caught some 5th graders reading and talking about a great book...Out of My Mind.
- I happened to walk into the pod when 3rd grade was practicing for their pen pal program, and then I was lucky enough to be in the cafeteria and experience the launch of this awesome program!
- On Thursday, I was able to be in meeting with Jeff Riley, the new Commissioner of Education for MA. He is a great person to talk to and I am hopeful for the direction this state will move under his leadership.
Check it out:
Check out this "kindness in the classroom" project that one school did:
And out of the mouths of babes...check out this video about kindness through kids' eyes:
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