ZERO THE HERO

Zero the Hero flies in to Daniels Run Elementary School every year on the 100th day to visit all the Kindergarten children.  His purpose is to support the academic, PE, and Music programs by emphasizing the importance of numbers, counting, singing and physical activity.  During his visit the children participate in “flying exercises” as they count to 100.  Afterwards there is a question and answer period where the children learn more about Zero the Hero and he about them.

The children share a song with Zero that they have learned and Zero talks about the importance of numbers in our daily lives.  At the conclusion of the activity Zero flies off to join other children around the world to celebrate the use of numbers.

Mix It Up Day in the Cafeteria

Ever feel like you are just in a rutt?  Sometimes routine can be a good thing.  Other times breaking the routine can create a memorable learning opportunity. 

Recently, our 5th grade students and teachers felt like they were in a rutt in the cafeteria with behaviors and conversations that were not always creating the type of environment kids felt good about.

Rather than impose harsh consequences, assigned seats, or give the broken record of reminders, every 5th grade classroom held a morning meeting with our counselor, Mrs. Mullarkey, and either Mr. Gerstner or Mr. Erbrecht to talk about the issues that were occurring and help students problem solutions to take ownership themselves of creating a positive place to eat every day. 

Out of those conversations came the idea for a Mix It Up Day.  As 5th graders entered the cafeteria yesterday, they were each given a different color slip of paper to correspond with a random table for them to sit at with people from different classes and different friendship groups than where they normally would sit. 

Mrs. Mullarkey gave them a Scavenger Hunt of ice breaker discussion starters for them to get to know one another better and give examples of positive things they could talk about.

At the end, we held a grade level wide meeting to reflect on what was different about lunch that day and how it made them feel.  Every 5th grader committed to take control of getting a positive lunch time back and had fun in the process.  Every one walked out feeling like it was possible to have 100 friends to sit with at lunch on any given day. 

One 5th grader commented on the way out..."Best lunch EVER!!"...maybe we'll just have to try again sometime soon. 

It's a great example of how taking a Responsive Classroom approach to model and provide kids with positive choices can make a difference in a big way.   Thanks guys! Mr. E.

Recital Day in General Music Class

At the end of each quarter, students who study music outside of school can perform for their classmates during general music class.  This gives the performer a chance to build confidence and poise, and it gives the classmates practice in respectful listening, or concert etiquette.  It also gives classmates an opportunity to appreciate the hard work that goes into practicing a musical instrument at home.

Ashley, a sixth grader, has been studying piano since the age of 3.  She is new to Daniels Run this year; before moving to Fairfax, Ashley lived in the capital city of Cameroun, in central Africa.  She also speaks French fluently, plays violin, and performs with Daniels Run Singers. She practices piano at home one or two hours a day.  Listen to her perform two preludes by Ashley.