Where in the world is Ms. VonderHaar today, Saturday, November 23rd, 2013?

Hello.  Today I am attending a workshop called Handwriting Without Tears.  I am sitting by an Occupational Therapist from Sterling, CO.  Here is a short piece of research that caught my eye:

Handwriting & Technology

Though today’s elementary students are increasingly
influenced by tablets and computers, they are still
required to write on paper for 25 to 60 percent of their
classroom learning time in grades K–5. This compares to
15 to 22 percent spent on various forms of technology
(computers, tablets, interactive whiteboards, etc.).1
Research also states that even in the higher grades,
students who took notes by hand versus on a computer
were shown to have better comprehension of what
was being said and had more sustained attention
during discussion of texts and concepts (Peverly 2012).

However, we should not focus on handwriting versus
technology in the classroom. We should be looking
at how they work together in the classroom to create an
engaged, balanced, and successful learning environment.

As a rule, research states that learning how to write
by hand is a necessary motor exercise as it helps
develop eye-hand coordination motor skills (Saperstein
Associates 2012; James and Gauthier 2006; James
2012; Berninger 2012). Handwriting is a foundation skill
that needs to be developed first and will influence students’
reading, writing, language use, and critical thinking.

Guest Teachers

We have been fortunate to have had two guest teachers these past weeks.  Mr. Steve Rydalch and Mrs. Lori Smith have been covering for Mrs. Leong who will return next week.  In January, we will welcome Mrs. Dufresne back to Graland who has been on maternity leave this fall.

Dear Parents,

What a busy fall we have had.  I woke up this morning reflecting on ALL the students and I have been learning.  Yes, I did write "I".  Each day is a learning opportunity for me as I work with all of the amazing teachers at Graland to give your child the best educational experience.  I know that I said this at back to school night, but it is worth repeating.  I am truly grateful to teach your child!  I hear again and again from our guest teachers what a great class we have.  Of course, I smile and say thank you.

On this bright and crisp Sunday morning as I sit down with a warm cup of my favorite spiced tea, my dog Scooby resting beside me and my cat scurrying around upstairs as she entertains herself, I am beginning to write stories about your child, otherwise known as report cards.  As the students know, I LOVE to write.  I hope that when your read their individual story in a few weeks, I have painted an accurate picture for you.  Writing for me is a passion and an area where I strive to grow.

Happy Sunday!

Sincerley,

Ms. Carrie VonderHaar