Mrs. Volker's Variables

Starting next week, I will be uploading videos of lessons.  Today was our first test run on recording a video and uploading it to my YouTube channel.  Here is the link for you to check it out: https://youtu.be/UkSwxk1pm1I

Dillion Trenton Harley Harley Sophia Keygann Levi Kasyn-  It isn't that bad, Kasyn! LOL 😍 We did our first class Zoom meeting today and it was SO great to get to see everyone's faces.  The kids loved getting to talk to each other and their faces lit up when they saw their buddies pop up on the screen.  It made me realize just how much I missed my precious students!  These pictures y'all are sending me make me smile!  I am grateful we can still see each other through all this wonderful technology.  I am so proud of y'all for working hard on your school packet at home.  I hope you are being good for your parents, grandparents, and whoever else may be taking care of you while school is out.  Keep working hard, keep reading and practicing your math facts!  I MISS YOU ALL AND CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU AGAIN!

Today the boys followed the routine and never complained.  Here are photos so you can get an idea of what  some "at home learning" may look like. First, they got some free time as it takes Mom a while to wake up and have her morning ☕ :)  Next, we all sat together and did our Bible lesson.  On a normal school day, this would not happen because we usually do not wake up early enough to make it a priority.  We normally would listen to worship music on the way to school and sometimes a Christian podcast for kids.  They actually love the podcast and their Christian music, but this just isn't the same as reading the word of God and letting it seep into the corners of your little world. After Bible lessons we continued at the table with our school packets.  Lucky for them their Mom is a teacher and will always have EXTRA work for them to do other than the provided packet.   They briefly did alone play on the iPad and then they cleaned....

It looks like homeschooling is going well for Sophia!  Her home desk looks much cozier than the ones at school.  THANKS for sharing your photos!

Questions & Answers Q: Will my packet/work be for a grade? A: NO.   There is no way we can expect everyone to get it all done because everyone’s situation is different.   You still need to try your best and show your work and strategies like you would in class. Q: When will we go back to school? A: As of right now, we are scheduled to return to school on Monday, April 6 th .   It is still possible this date could change though.   Keep checking the New Waverly ISD website, email and/or NWISD social media to stay up to date. Q: Are we still going to have to take the STAAR test? A: NO.   The state has canceled all STAAR tests for this year. YAY! 😊 Q: How can I turn my work in? A: Packets can now be turned in at the back of the school in a large, plastic container.   Make sure your name, homeroom teacher, and grade level are put on the front of the packet and placed in the 3 rd Grade folder. Q: What new material are we missing for 3 r...

I don't know about you but I seem to thrive off of routine and schedules.  I like knowing what is expected every day and it helps make the day go by quicker and smoother.  The kids enjoy it also!  Even my own children say, "Mom, stations are fun!"  I seem to get more done around the house too, so it's a WIN-WIN.   I also know a lot of you are trying to actually do your job from home now. Or maybe you're having to rely on older siblings to watch the little ones.  It may be beneficial to post a daily, kid-friendly schedule, have stations/centers set up wit h all the necessary materials for easy access, and let your kids follow the station schedule on their own.  Having designated areas for art, alone play, school work, etc. wit h all the materials ready to go will help prevent them from asking you for things and you will be able to get more work done. I hope this helped a little.  Here are some schedules or stations you can use or tweak to me...

Here are a few photos of some of my sweet kiddos working hard during this chaos! We can find comfort in a little bit of structure and familiarity. School work, reading and making the best of all this new free time.... Our class pet, Stinky the Tadpole, is still alive and well...but no frog legs yet.

I am starting this blog today to help my parents and students stay connected during the COVID-19 epidemic.  We had spring break last week, March 9-13, and then had this whole week (16-20th) off to help prevent the spread of the corona virus.  As of today, we cannot meet in groups of 10 or more and we will not have school until April 6th.  This all could change as this is a moment by moment situation.  I suspect it will get worse before it gets better.  Although, I am hopeful we will be back in school by April 6th. I miss my students, I miss the routine, I miss all things that go into teaching.  I do see the silver lining in this situation though.  I am able to do things at home with my own family that have been put to the side for a while.  I am still able to provide somewhat of an education to my class and to my own children at home.  The slower pace of life has allowed me to dive into the word and have devotional time more while also focu...