My sweet dog Jack!

Introducing... Jack!

If you're looking at this blog and wondering, "Why is there a winking dog as the profile picture?" I get it. The truth is, I am VERY new to this blogging thing and creating a catchy theme and image that matches is a little daunting for week one. So, I chose to use my sweet pup!

This is Jack.

 I found Jack on Pet Finder back in December of 2008. We met on New Year's Eve and I took him home on January 2, 2009. I don't really know how old he was when I got him, but the estimate is 1 1/2, maybe two years old. Jack is a rescue in many, many ways. First, he was found roaming the streets and taken to the nearest Humane Society. He was in bad shape because he had a terrible infection in his right eye. The infection was so bad the Humane Society had to remove it. I believe this is when he was given the name Jack... as in, "one-eyed Jack." Our story doesn't stop there. Jack was not adopted during his time at the Humane Society. He was put on the... the... well, you know, "...the List." A wonderful couple took him in and cared for him at their shelter. I would put a link to the no-kill, non-profit shelter, but I can't find an active site. However, they are called Project Zero and are located in Gaffney, SC.

When people first see Jack in pictures, they always comment with things like, "Aww. He's winking in this picture." Then I explain his story, and they inevitably fall more in love. Our first Halloween together we entered a costume contest... He won!

Arrgggh! Captain Jack wins first prize!

 Now, let's get to why I have photos of Jack in my classroom. Simple! I quickly realized that my students connected with Jack as soon as they learned about him. I thought, "May as well make this work to my advantage!" I brought Jack with me to school one summer day and took pictures of him doing morning routines my students do every day. Then I used the photos to create a simple Power Point slideshow that explained each routine and what to do. My students loved it, and it kept their attention. I'm including a few images (below).

It's okay to be nervous to start the day. You're not alone. Jack was a little nervous too.

After unpacking, Jack puts his book bag in the book bag bin for his table.

Good job, Jack!

When Jack sits on the rug he remembers to sit crisscross, keep his hands to himself, and look at the teacher.

Jack loves working with Mrs. Hray at the group meeting table!

This is Jack's favorite book about going back to school.

Jack loves to curl up with a good book in the Author's Library!

When Jack works at his desk he remembers to be quiet so he and others can do their best work!

Those are just a few examples of how I used Jack to help introduce classroom procedures! I love them. My students loved them! I also used pictures of Jack on reminders home about parent teacher conferences and in our class newsletter. I found the students were much more likely to pull the reminder flyer out of their folder if a picture of Jack in his pirate hat was on there!

I'll have to wait and see if the administration will go for this idea at my new school. If I can swing it I plan to take the "Jack Goes to First Grade" idea one step further. In addition to the powerpoint, I want to print out some of the pictures and include captions of text stating the procedure. I'll post the pictures around the room as a reminder throughout the year. I'll also do this using pictures of my actual students.

How do you help your students make connections to the daily procedures you expect of them?