Summer's almost over...

 

Next week will be my last official week of Summer 2015, so I spent a few minutes today putting a few last minute touches on things in my classroom.  I am so excited to have the opportunity to have Duke in my fourth grade class this year.  I have been thinking non stop on ways that he can be incorporated into our class.  I have decided that since the first week of school is usually spent covering procedures and expectations that I want to include Duke in that process as well.  So off to www.amazon.com  I went.  I found several fiction and non fiction books.  My favorite book is "Adventures of Sheila that Therapy Dog" because is so much like Duke's story.  Sheila is a black lab that was rescued from a shelter and trained to be a school service dog.  How awesome is that!  I'm thinking we can use a few reading strategies for this one.  Maybe a compare and contrast chart.....hmm seems like the possibilities are endless.  Some of the other books will help in setting expectations and procedures about how to handle Duke in our classroom.  They will also help to explain what Duke's purpose in school.

 

 

 Another thing I really wanted to do was introduce Duke to parents at open house.  Knowing that I would be very busy talking with my new students and parents, I decided that a bulletin board outside my room would be a great way to introduce and inform them about Duke.  This will also give the other classes on our hall a glimpse at Duke before we set up a meet and greet time.

 I bought the cute fabric from Joann's Craft store.  I love the print.  It has scribbled dogs running around fire hydrants and the black fabric border has bones on it.  How appropriate!  I cut out a black silhouette with the service dog vest and had it laminated.  We added a few paw prints for instant recognition.

 

I then added a picture of Duke and some of his basic facts.  I also put a brief summary of why he is in our school and things we can learn from him along with a few reminders on how to treat him.

 

 

I think the finished product is AMAZING! 

 

 

 

Next on my list is to finish a power point  presentation to show the faculty during our in-service week.  Our teachers are so excited and supportive of the K-9 for schools program and have asked for a brief overview and what they can do to help. So, since they asked they will receive!  I've already found my first picture to use...

 

 

That's Duke and Popcorn!  They are adorable separately, but when you put them together it's cuteness overload.  I can't imagine anyone groaning about looking at these two faces for a few minutes during a quick overview of the dogs and how to welcome them to school.  Can you?