Just a couple extras...

Indoor recess and our infamous lunch talks.

I've never found so much joy than listening to my students talk to me and each other at lunch.  These are when the BEST conversations happen... and the funniest! :)

Big Shots!

Yesterday, I was able to go back to my high school for a pageant.  While I was spectating, there were so many great talent acts.  Some of these freshman students were voted best singer in the district, best dancer in the district, etc.  Then, it hit me.  I have students sitting in my classroom who also have talents like these.  They will grow up to be like those students one day.  They will shine, they will win awards.  They will do GREAT things.  I can't wait to see who these wide-eyed, vivacious children grow up to be.

Do you know how talented your child is?  They can KILL it academically, play sports, have deep conversations, be friends, give advice, receive advice, challenge themselves, challenge others, make a difference... the list goes on and on.  This week, I had the opportunity to see several of my students participate in extracurricular activities!  It was the best time! 

Celebrate!

My students are so incredible.  Literally, they're incredible!  We have been doing MAP testing the past couple of weeks, and not only have these students rose to the occasion, they've KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE PARK!  I've never seen a group of students work so hard to be the best they can be in EVERY area!  I am truly blessed to teach these sweet souls!  In order to celebrate their accomplishments, we had  "Dress for Success" Day!  We dressed our Sunday best in order to show that we mean business!  Their achievement was recognized, and when they were asked why they were dressed up, they were able to brag on themselves.  You know, sometimes it's okay to do that... we must teach our children to celebrate their success and believe that they are great!  I also made stickers for them that said, "Ask me how I did on MAP!"  They wore these loud and proud!  I was in awe at how excited something so small could impact a group of children.  It pushes me, if nothing else.  As a teacher, I am creating memories.  My BEST school memories come from third grade.  I hope these children grow up to remember the times we celebrated their success, and I hope they remember to continually celebrate their success.  It's a hard lesson to learn in motivating ourselves, but it's one of the most important lessons we must learn.  Our drive is what creates our passion, and our passion creates who we will be one day, and who we will be one day has the potential to change the world... so, CELEBRATE!

The Best of 2013 in Room 521!

And just like THAT, it's 2014!  This is the year that these 3rd graders become 4th graders.  This is the year that they will leave my classroom and enter a new one.  I'm not ready to talk about that yet, so instead here are some pictures that show off the BEST of Miss Fincher's Class in 2013! :) Enjoy!

Community Service Opportunity at Clemson Community Care!

Just hanging around! :)

Writing Buddies hard at work!

I love to see them working together!

Doing multiplication like it's our JOB!

Researching... It's so FUN!

During our Guided Reading groups, we've had a group of students researching service dogs.  What a better way than to bring this to life for ALL students?!  We had a mother/daughter trio visit our class and bring the infamous Jackson, the service dog.  My students really seemed to enjoy our special guests!  I think we were able to gain some great research as well!
Some really cool facts about Jackson:

• He is 10 years old.  That's 70 in doggy years!
• He knows over 50 commands.
• During training, he was only trained 30 minutes a day.
• He can turn off lights, open refrigerators, and retrieve almost anything!
• He is retired now, but still responds to all commands.
• He loves children... and attention! :)
• One time, in Red Lobster, he walked straight under the table, pulled his legs and tail in just like he was supposed to.
• He likes pizza, but he's not supposed to eat it.
• One time, he would sneak in the fridge to eat carrots.

Meet Jackson... :)

Thanksgiving. I'm Thankful For...

  Wow!  It's already time for Thanksgiving?!  Where has the time gone this school year??  Time flies when you're having fun! :)  I thought it would only be the MOST appropriate to list what I'm thankful for within my 3rd grade class.  I could talk for days on this subject, so I'll keep it short!

What I'm Thankful for...

1) I'm thankful that I have students who legitimately care about their work.  Their work ethic is out of the roof.  It's the most incredible thing I've ever seen.

2) I'm thankful that I have a group of 18 students who make me laugh every single day.  Having students that can make others laugh is a very special treat.  I count my blessings daily.

3) I'm thankful that my class and I can appreciate each other's weirdness.  We are so strange together, but it works, and we learn  A LOT more than if we were normal and boring. :)

4) I'm thankful for third graders who care about each other.  These students care more about giving than receiving.  I'm not teaching students.  I'm teaching human beings who are going to be WORLD CHANGERS.  I'm 100% convinced.

5) I'm thankful for third graders who care about themselves.  From 7:35-2:30 (the first bell to the last) my students do WHATEVER it takes to be the best they can be.  There isn't anything I could ask more for.  

6) I'm thankful for 8 and 9 year olds.  Period.  :)

7) I'm thankful for students who want to teach each other and for students who encourage each other.  There aren't many adults who even do this in life.

8) I'm thankful for students who ask questions.  Not just about what they are learning in class, but about real life issues.  Ways to make themselves better citizens.

9) I'm thankful for students who challenge me to be the best I can be.  My heart bursts with joy every day in Room 521.  

10) I'm thankful that the 9 previous statements are 100% genuine.  I don't have to make things "seem okay" for my students and I.  I am so blessed to teach this group of students.  It's November, and they have changed my LIFE!  

I love you, Room 521!!!! <3

Writing Buddies

For any teacher who has not ever used Writing Buddies in their classroom, I HIGHLY recommend it!  My students absolutely LOVE having someone to talk to about their writing other than the teacher!  We are currently working on an Imaginative Narrative, and we are taking it very slow paying close attention to details and strong adjectives.  The students’ writing has just taken off and hit new levels.  This week, I had my students take their writing a little deeper, and after they did, they met with their Writing Buddy to switch notebooks and chat about what they wrote.  There are so many reasons I love this!  #1-I love to hear the students talk about what they are writing and asking questions to get advice from their buddy.  #2-They really take this as an opportunity to teach each other!  What’s better than teaching 18 students??  Having 18 teachers teach each other!!!