The season and the way we teach has changed...

I just read my co-worker's blog, http://mrsterihenry.blogspot.com/, where she talked about how we teach is so different than how we were taught, not quite 100 years ago;-))) I know many get frustrated when their children bring home practice work and it is a new concept. It is not uncommon for me to google items to understand them better, and I am a 3rd and 4th-grade teacher, who teaches these concepts. I enjoy teaching the common core standards because they allow us to really go deeper and have the kids explain why they come up with the answers they have. We have some really good conversations about the understanding of what they do.  We also do project-based learning in the classroom and try to connect what we do to everyday life instead of just memorizing items to place on a test later. The other item we focus on is making sure each child is learning on their level, although this can be chaotic and the teacher's have a lot to manage- it is what is best for our students. Doing what is best for our kids is always what we strive to do. 
The fact we already see the leaves changing means we have been in school for 2 months now. The kids know expectations and they are learning so much. They like the way we teach and they love the technology because that is the life of a 21st-century learner. We will continue to meet their needs and continue to grow each and every one of them! Have a wonderful October, the holiday season is quickly approaching!