Mrs. McNeely's Unique Bunch: 2016

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Books that Hook!

Today, we finished reading this amazing novel. It only took us a week... the students and I were hooked from page 1! I know many of you like reading at home with your kiddos. Grab this one and have them re-read along with you... there will be so many new things they will discover.

The second book in the series, Serafina and the Twisted Staff, can be pre-ordered now on-line. (Debuting in July 2016)

Monday, April 18, 2016

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Choosing Kindness: Small Steps Make a BIG Impact

We read and responded to a story in Writing titled "Young Heroes: Katie Stagliano's Dream." The text was about a third grade student who planted a cabbage and how that one action turned into a way to feed her community and make an impact around the world. Her story is inspiring!

Click on the link below to see for yourself. What a GREAT example of who we want each of our students (and children) to be.

A story to share

My student's responded:

Kate Stagliano Helping Her Community

By: Jordan Mullins

When Kate Stagliano was 9 years old, she harvested a huge cabbage. The cabbage was way bigger than her family needed. She thought about what to do with it. Then she decided she would donate it to a soup kitchen. It fed more than 275 people.
Katie wanted to help hunger by getting kids to plant veggie gardens and donate the harvest to people in hunger. Kate got her whole school involved. The students planted a huge garden, but Kate knew she could do more than that.
More than 60 gardens around the country are being grown by kids because of Kate. The kids have donated thousands of pounds of veggietables to stop hunger. This is how Kate combines gardening and helping her community.

Small Things Make a Big Impact: This story is why I teach

Friday, February 5, 2016

Making Learning Real

So today we began our study of the causes that led to the American Revolution. How do you make colonies and monarchies memorable, applicable, and fun? You "tax" your students for the day. :)
True emotions, rich discussions, and life-learning connections were definitely made today.

Students' Responses Throughout the Day.....
"But we need this stuff!"
"What if...?"
"Can I...?"
"How long will this last?"
"NO MORE MARSHMALLOWS!"
"This is a punishment!"
"You sure are rich, Mrs. McNeely."
"Can we save what we don't use on taxes?"
"Why do I have to do this?"
"What happens when the tax bucket overflows?"
"LOOK at ALL your taxes?"
"But it's teaching us to follow the rules and do good things!"