tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44715420802789713182024-02-18T18:10:08.878-08:00Mrs. Carroll's Classroom BlogNancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471542080278971318.post-49213751634313799292016-08-18T11:33:00.000-07:002016-08-18T11:33:44.008-07:00Welcome Class 2016-2017<br />
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Welcome to the Fourth Grade. There is a wonderful
year planned for you, your classmates and me! This blog will provide a
"window to our learning" for you, your families, relatives and
hopefully many others. (<i>What I love about this blog is that you and
your families can leave a comment in the section below!</i> <i>If you're not sure how, don't worry we'll learn how this September and you can teach others!</i>)<br />
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Fourth
grade is such an exciting year. We will spend the first week or two
getting to know one another and working on some team building
activities. We are going to try some "Whole Brain Teaching" which is
fairly new for me! This year we will focus on a "Growth Mindset" which is how we "think" about our tasks, abilities and
the effort we put forth. I think you'll really like what's in store for you
this year!<br />
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We will also spend time building our reading
stamina. We
will start out small and reach the goal of reading at a sustained pace
for 30 minutes! You will be hearing a lot about the Daily5 which will
give you many CHOICES on your reading journey. This year we will use the Guided Math model. Like the Daily5 you will be given choices in your math workstations. I think you are going
to enjoy learning
math using this model (<i>I went to school this summer so I could learn about it and use it with you!)</i> I have some new and exciting
lessons planned in Science and Social Studies as well.<br />
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This
year I hope to do more STEM type activities - you will be designing
and creating all kinds of interesting things from boats to roller
coasters! We will also become GLOBAL Learners and connect with other
classrooms using Skype & other tools. Hope you are as excited as I
am about this upcoming year!<br />
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We are going
to have a great year! Looking forward to meeting you and getting to
know you. <span style="background-color: yellow;"> Please fill out this "All About You" Survey. (click on
these words: <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSftYELcyO4lZMgEM3LJQDu1uuWD6MAhk5gIIVxZF86L3rEVAA/viewform"><span style="font-weight: bold;">All About You</span></a>) It will help me get to know you before we meet face to face! <span style="background-color: white;">Click and you can get to know more about <b><a href="http://ncarroll.edu.glogster.com/meet-me/">ME</a></b>!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Please leave a comment below and tell me something that got you excited this summer! </span><br />
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I'll be looking out for you on the first day of school.<br />
<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancykids/sig.png" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471542080278971318.post-12464734180880230862015-10-31T06:43:00.002-07:002015-10-31T06:43:39.152-07:00Third Annual Science Fair<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBgCHr9MzvWRhohZfz-y5ZQqU_hVAjACbOCd60t5tr-_xOuYopJoz6Ngwzl0cDwP2YHu-0eegxefONz2cY0hkPbNfrpR_KYbPUgrzbBMtp9dDoVGvRDkCu0x2kgMQKYcaByMtZgZngro/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBgCHr9MzvWRhohZfz-y5ZQqU_hVAjACbOCd60t5tr-_xOuYopJoz6Ngwzl0cDwP2YHu-0eegxefONz2cY0hkPbNfrpR_KYbPUgrzbBMtp9dDoVGvRDkCu0x2kgMQKYcaByMtZgZngro/s1600/photo+2.JPG" /></a><b>Which salt melts ice the quickets?</b> What is the effect of increasing your running distance on jumping distance? Does light travel faster through water or air? These are just a couple of questions that were being examined during our Third Annual Science Fair.<br />
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<b>Using <a href="http://www.brainpop.com/educators/community/bp-jr-topic/scientific-method/">BrainPop</a>, <a href="http://www.songsforteaching.com/science/thescientificmethodblues.htm">JP Taylor's Scientific Method Blues</a> and other resources,</b> students were given instruction around the Scientific Method. To begin the process students explored a topic in Earth Science, Life Science or Physical Science and then learned about asking a question. Following that came researching the topic, forming a hypothesis, testing that hypothesis and coming up with some conclusions. <br />
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<b>Students had the option of creating either a Google Presentation or a Tri-fold Board. </b> Most students in our class chose to complete the Google Presentation. Some printed out some of the Google Presentation and included it on their tri-fold. Others followed the tri-fold directions from the guiding packet.<br />
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On the day of the fair, students brought in items that helped create a visual for their project. One student brought in the rocks and a scale he used to check for absorbancy, another brought in her lava lamp to show the effect alka seltzer has when mixed with oil & water, while another brought in the balloon & and metal items used in her experiment to show the effect of static cling on metal objects.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZDe8jaMk1wAPLa-INUabKSbsKAaj5uBeOXvTOldoQFQ7cLFVeuZcIzff_dTYs9Q9Uq2JJku-hx7WPbWwjkobFoPGXKWPIqB0jB_ZJCIXIZXwejHMhwkutxOldy6BuLPSULxon_tXL_4/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZDe8jaMk1wAPLa-INUabKSbsKAaj5uBeOXvTOldoQFQ7cLFVeuZcIzff_dTYs9Q9Uq2JJku-hx7WPbWwjkobFoPGXKWPIqB0jB_ZJCIXIZXwejHMhwkutxOldy6BuLPSULxon_tXL_4/s1600/photo+4.JPG" /></a><b>There was a buzz in the classroom as classes from other grade levels learned from the fourth graders</b> about chemical reactions which create sedimentary rocks, how the weight of paper affects the distance it flies, and the reaction of certain candy to soda to which makes it explode. Others listened intently as students explained which citrus fruit conducted electricity, which cupcake was chosen most - a smiley face or frowny face and explained how the flow of lava affects the landscape of the land.<br />
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<b>When the Fair was all over the students completed a "Reflection</b>." The last question on the reflection asked students to describe the Fair in one word: Awesome! Amazing! Fun! Educational! were just some of the descriptions.<br />
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<b>The 4th Grade Science Fair is a worthwhile experience! </b><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Students: What advice would you give others about completing a science fair?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Others: What parts of the Science Fair would you like to learn more about?</span><br />
<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancykids/sig.png" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471542080278971318.post-74764979186633663652015-09-27T07:48:00.000-07:002015-09-27T07:50:17.266-07:00Change Your Words - Change Your Mindset<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOO2FHQYvIAnJdDBuM4R6W9S5lpsynDAKm9hRVJNkTeieqn264b6ZJKKcdV26F34kw0WDBY-FzEs0ckXB-nMLoYQeZSsxs9uPg3rEh2AU9WwFPm_FWhF0iuEdxaB5KpNn3q9Vxw9Kr-yQ/s1600/photo%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOO2FHQYvIAnJdDBuM4R6W9S5lpsynDAKm9hRVJNkTeieqn264b6ZJKKcdV26F34kw0WDBY-FzEs0ckXB-nMLoYQeZSsxs9uPg3rEh2AU9WwFPm_FWhF0iuEdxaB5KpNn3q9Vxw9Kr-yQ/s320/photo%25284%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a><b>Building and fostering a "<a href="http://mindsetonline.com/whatisit/about/index.html">Growth Mindset</a>" doesn't happen overnight.</b> In Room 310 we have started the year with several activities to help inspire the idea that "intelligence can be developed" and that "you can learn anything through hard work and effort!"<br />
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<b>On the first day of school we watched this video created by the Kahn Academy titled "<a href="http://They posted their thoughts on a sticky note which were displayed in the classroom.">You Can Learn Anything</a>!</b>" Students viewed it once to enjoy, viewed it two more times to come up with a 'take away'.<br />
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<b>The video really resonated with many students because they could directly relate to it.</b> Students posted their thoughts on a sticky note which were displayed in the classroom.<br />
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<b>Take a minute to watch the video to see what positive message you take away from it.</b> Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section of our blog! I know the students of Room 310 would love to see what you think.<br />
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<b>Another day we watched another video where the idea of Growth Mindset was introduced. </b>From this video we talked about the idea of "Training Our Brain" to accomplish things we want to learn. This happened to coincide with <a href="http://www.thedotclub.org/dotday/"><b>International Dot Day</b></a> so we completed an activity where we drew on a dot something we wanted to learn.<br />
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<b>For the first school assembly we decided to share some words that will help change your mindset.</b> It was inspired by this <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Change-Your-Words-Change-your-MINDSET-Bulletin-Board-2113097">TeachersPayTeachers bulletin board by Pinkadots Elementary</a>. For the lesson students were given the Fixed mindset statements (I give Up; I'm not Good at this; This is too hard, etc) and asked to replace them with positive statements (I'll try my best; I'll keep working on this; With some effort I'll get this; etc). Then students carouselled around the room and added more statements to each others' posters.<br />
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<b>The final step in this process was to select some phrases that would be added to some homemade speech bubbles, </b>which would then be presented to the school during the assembly. Students worked hard and did a fabulous job presenting. <br />
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Training your brain doesn't happen overnight so we will continue the process of working towards a "Growth Mindset" throughout the year! The ultimate goal is about 'Learning' and how we can do that best!<br />
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<b><span style="background-color: #ffd966;">Feel like sharing your thoughts on Mindset? Please leave a comment - my students would love to hear your ideas.</span></b><br />
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Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471542080278971318.post-46664743573240255322015-09-20T07:24:00.002-07:002015-09-20T07:24:28.063-07:00Building Stamina to Read<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedZ4ehGqOP6ruvU884YtKKKu1JaWTlVaADEgM9UAXpiCpRkf4xJpcVcYa6ILHuxi78EdbnIhjNvNp5VKzmzKQsXHfoGzpWA7pdT37TQyQ4vYdd0yeAf8tA-hHJYamS73O2Jdyrcy6LbE/s1600/BuildingStamina2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedZ4ehGqOP6ruvU884YtKKKu1JaWTlVaADEgM9UAXpiCpRkf4xJpcVcYa6ILHuxi78EdbnIhjNvNp5VKzmzKQsXHfoGzpWA7pdT37TQyQ4vYdd0yeAf8tA-hHJYamS73O2Jdyrcy6LbE/s320/BuildingStamina2015.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 15, 18, 20...Twenty Minutes (actually 20.41.4 minutes!) </span> The students have been working hard since the beginning of school to build their "stamina" during <span style="font-style: italic;">Read to Self</span>
time. By Friday of this week the class reached 20 minutes! I am so proud of their
efforts. The goal for our class is to be able to be independent
readers and to sustain their reading attention for 20-30 minutes. They are already on their way. <br />
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<b>Building stamina takes time and training</b>. They have practiced finding a comfortable spot right away, stay in that one spot, read quietly the whole time and to respect others' learning while reading. The training which began on the first day of school is hard work and students should be proud of their own efforts.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">The children understand that building stamina in reading is similar to running a marathon.</span>
You wouldn't just start by running 26.2 miles - you would gradually
work your way up to it. This is what we are doing. We are 'training our
brain' much like a marathoner would train their legs. There is a sense
of
urgency to become independent. Once a student can read for a sustained
amount of time, they are able to work on comprehension, accuracy,
fluency and expanding their vocabulary.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">One of the most important aspects of <span style="font-style: italic;">Read to Self</span> time is that the students are reading books of interest to them. </span>
They also know that choosing a "Just Right" book is key in being able
to read for extended periods of time. Students were giving the analogy:
"If the Shoe Fits..." <span style="color: #000099;">Ask your child about the "shoe lesson" that was presented in class. </span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Check out this presentation below that goes along with finding a book that is JUST RIGHT.</span><br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/FDL2nE3e_y4/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FDL2nE3e_y4?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Students were asked to 'reflect' on the Building Stamina process in their journal. </span>While some students said that it was an easy process for them some said it was a difficult activity. For those who thought it was 'easy' I responded that it must be that their 'brain muscles' have already been in that training mode while those who found it more difficult still need some practices. Most all students shared that they were proud of their efforts and how they felt they worked hard.<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Expectations for the upcoming week are high, and we hope to continue the 20 minute mark in Reading.</span> This week we will also begin building stamina in writing! Becoming independent learners is a priority in Room 310!<br />
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Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts about Read to Self and Building Stamina! <br />
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<span style="color: #330099; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Happy Reading!</span><br />
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancykids/sig.png" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471542080278971318.post-48756968281738629382015-05-24T06:33:00.000-07:002015-05-24T06:40:32.822-07:00Visiting Scientists, Script Writing & Forget Me Nots<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVfKUx0qFEzq4ccrM_jxDhZg8I-Kd3n1mfwGbLaM-Slr0A6kpRknjphnW1H4LM-hG70yqrdUIEEQwnbIOYaS9iQTolUNVBH4UuZyjn10YfD6XSYgDx9jquimru2GQxjDaBGywhszjZfg/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVfKUx0qFEzq4ccrM_jxDhZg8I-Kd3n1mfwGbLaM-Slr0A6kpRknjphnW1H4LM-hG70yqrdUIEEQwnbIOYaS9iQTolUNVBH4UuZyjn10YfD6XSYgDx9jquimru2GQxjDaBGywhszjZfg/s1600/photo+4.JPG" /></a><b>What a busy week it was in Room 310.</b> Some highlights included State Testing for Mathematics, revising craft stick bridges, a visit from local scientists, writing scripts based on a the story, "The Case of the Gasping Garbage" and filming of those very same scripts! One other very important part of the week included making "Forget Me Not" cards for the local disabled veterans at the VA Hospital.<br />
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<b>Each year, our class is visited by about six scientists who work at the nearby <a href="http://www.siemens.com/entry/cc/en/">Siemen's Corporation.</a> </b>Outfitting the students with lab coats, safety glasses and lab notebooks, the students become REAL scientists ready to work! The visit starts with a review of information about the Water Cycle. Students then observe a "Storm in a Box," replicate the sound of thunder, learn how to make a thermometer and finally explore how filtration works. Writing down their hypothesis and checking to see if they are correct, students go from passive to active participants. It's an hour filled with wonder and wondering! <br />
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<b>This visit couldn't have been more appropriately timed! </b> In ELA students were reading a story called, <u>The Case of the Gasping Garbage!</u> It's about two young detective/scientists who try to solve a mystery. Vocabulary words included: beakers, analysis, precise, microscope and more (which they noticed the Siemen's scientists used too)! The two characters in the story go to their attic laboratory, make and test their hypothesis and solve the case!<br />
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<b>After reading the story, students then created scripts based on the characters and the story.</b> Working with a partner, students created their scripts using Google Docs. Each student used a Chromebook<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><i>(thanks to our <a href="http://www.donorschoose.org/project/chromebook-create-collaborate-commun/1528246/?rf=link-siteshare-2015-05-account_projects_teacher-teacher_1011220&challengeid=173725">Donors Choose Projects</a> - please donate if you can we need a bit more to get one last chromebook!)</i></span> and collaborated with their partner - each able to write on the document at the SAME time!<br />
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<b>One of the challenges was to include at least 5 vocabulary words. </b> As an added bonus, once the scripts were complete, filming could commence! Using our green screen set up and the very-easy-to-use, <a href="http://www.doink.com/">DoInk App</a> students donned their lab coats, grabbed their scripts and clipboards and they were ready to proceed. After the film was created, we added it to the iMovie app and created the final product!<br />
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<b>Be sure to check out one of our "Gasping Garbage Movies</b> by clicking <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjGXrKA0ynk">HERE</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2mqDbUhqs4">HERE</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5oeRfpNONs">HERE!</a> Students LOVE making the green screen movies as they are learning all aspects of the process.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/yjGXrKA0ynk?rel=0&controls=0" width="560"></iframe>
<b> </b><br />
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<b>Probably the most IMPORTANT work of the week included the making of "Forget Me Nots" for our local disabled veterans! </b> Several times throughout the year we send notes or cards to those men and women who are at the VA Hospital in West Roxbury (you can read about some of what we have done <a href="http://teachingiselementary.blogspot.com/2013/05/writing-to-our-veterans.html">HERE)</a>. In honor of the upcoming Memorial Day, we decided to create "Forget Me Not" flowers (the symbol of the Disabled American Veterans). One each of the petals, students wrote a simple, thoughtful yet powerful message for the vets making sure each person that received one would know it was made especially for them!<br />
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<b>I am so proud of all the hard work and effort my class exhibited this week and every week!</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">What message could you send the students about their hard work and effort?</span><br />
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancykids/sig.png" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471542080278971318.post-64765395290902225142015-03-08T16:04:00.000-07:002015-03-08T16:07:44.882-07:00Creating a Sail Car<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KMbzdAXMKieFGGKL79XlHliCGMk1gSD4bDp6SA20_vU5Tno3NQhzU95j_osboJbMGI-lWHiA9Qv2N_gKZgmNUbHPZ5hyphenhyphenSFkaYJm5mIP9AObMpfpl0SlqZ4u8CpA0MKdBNC5WxrY61Bc/s1600/BeFunky_Sail+Car+Group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KMbzdAXMKieFGGKL79XlHliCGMk1gSD4bDp6SA20_vU5Tno3NQhzU95j_osboJbMGI-lWHiA9Qv2N_gKZgmNUbHPZ5hyphenhyphenSFkaYJm5mIP9AObMpfpl0SlqZ4u8CpA0MKdBNC5WxrY61Bc/s1600/BeFunky_Sail+Car+Group.jpg" /></a><b>An opportunity arose this past week for the students to participate in an activity where they would be 'sail' car designers</b>!<br />
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<b>The class was given some supplies to test out (and review through me) for Scholastic's Instructor Magazine</b>. The materials were very simple: cardboard wheels, notched craft sticks, 6 inch dowels, elastics & straws.<br />
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<b>The level of engagement & enthusiasm was high!</b> There were fist pumps & "oh yeahs!" when student learned they would be building. They first decided if they wanted to work independently or part of a pair or group. Once that was decided the work began. Students were encouraged to make some sketches of possible models. However, most wanted to get right to the building part of the project. (Students later reflected that next time they would take MORE time planning!). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBIREFEDYEP8OZTTP9AqRSyxHOsItFmJID0F4w62nkfuGJjfOs8lrMdrKdSzqNphyphenhyphenIyLXpX_vnWXBjjaxTT-ec90Nkjf1j-XPS-dj0aTVrFAVJcRjMOHgcTyf41zrN9bRgXvMNJ8WLeg/s1600/Car+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBIREFEDYEP8OZTTP9AqRSyxHOsItFmJID0F4w62nkfuGJjfOs8lrMdrKdSzqNphyphenhyphenIyLXpX_vnWXBjjaxTT-ec90Nkjf1j-XPS-dj0aTVrFAVJcRjMOHgcTyf41zrN9bRgXvMNJ8WLeg/s1600/Car+3.JPG" /></a><b>Due to the cold weather we had indoor recess. Most students voluntarily continued working on the 'sail' car for BOTH recesses.</b> Still, more time was needed to complete their creations which was given throughout the week. Along the way we learned about and discussed axles, axle bushings and the importance of planning. We talked about sail designs & about wheel placement. In the meantime, those working in groups learned about compromise and listening to others' ideas. Even those working independently learned that sometimes collaboration is helpful. I hadn't anticipated the level of learning this activity provided.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59E0aYsfzXNvdfJmobNjHKAIsID6fccVE-Wt1S1CHAjeLEDv63VKPV9eBjkKQpueWMxD1rq9aKHOA2E1D8iWjhzp_pl2MI0rDIKoLDW8LoGqrL5XYi80Wb8x421Rs_w3r4aP_DIqdpBU/s1600/photo+3+22-55-03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59E0aYsfzXNvdfJmobNjHKAIsID6fccVE-Wt1S1CHAjeLEDv63VKPV9eBjkKQpueWMxD1rq9aKHOA2E1D8iWjhzp_pl2MI0rDIKoLDW8LoGqrL5XYi80Wb8x421Rs_w3r4aP_DIqdpBU/s1600/photo+3+22-55-03.JPG" /></a><b>The day arrived that we were ready to test the cars to see which one would travel the furthest.</b>
A START line was created and several tape measures were secured to the
floor! Students were only allowed ONE blow through a straw - then the
distance was measured. Each car had 3 tries. Students all lined up
along the start line and awaited their turn. It really was fun. You
could hear the students discussing why someone's car worked well or
didn't work as well. The cars' distances ranged between 6 inches and 60
inches! Huzzah!<br />
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<b>To wrap up the project students all discussed what they learned and wrote a "Sail Car Reflection". </b> <span style="font-family: Times;">“Awesome! Fun! Confusing! Hard! Challenging!” – these are the words my students used to describe the project.
They loved being able to “create something using their own
ideas.” "Next time I'll take time to make a better plan." "I liked the materials because they were simple to use."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times;"> <span style="font-family: Times;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times;"><b><span style="font-family: Times;">What's the next activity???? I'm not sure, but I
do know that IT will happen again and SOON!</span></b></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/nks-7De7Au8?list=UUKobVrptoBiSuvT_bz0Imfg&controls=0" width="560"></iframe>
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<span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><b><span style="font-family: Times;">Students: What is ONE change you would make to your car if you were to do this again? WHY? </span></b></span> </span><br />
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancykids/sig.png" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471542080278971318.post-71435266718740249972015-02-26T17:09:00.000-08:002015-02-26T17:21:53.676-08:002015 Drug Free Walpole Video/Poster Contest<b>Back in early February our students were given the opportunity to participate in the <a href="http://www.drugfreewalpole.com/Video_Challenge.html">2015 Drug Free Walpole Video/Poster Contest</a>.</b> This contest which is sponsored by the <a href="http://www.walpole-ma.gov/walpole-coalition-for-drug-alcohol-awareness">Walpole Coalition for Alcohol & Drug Awareness</a> is open to students who are in 4th-12th grade. The idea: Promote "living a drug free" life.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqafDLvwAqAsa_-EULDgAEtA_IRiLtVfD8Z4iSo5u6Xjmi7j26qcC2OXhATWph-G7aNh7-zGMUfxKOIHeEtDAikVdS1Yq4SDJnoqH9vuUfiAoK7T1Gz5a5ICslpMaNgMepL5KIy5Bz8c/s1600/maddie+-+lauren.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqafDLvwAqAsa_-EULDgAEtA_IRiLtVfD8Z4iSo5u6Xjmi7j26qcC2OXhATWph-G7aNh7-zGMUfxKOIHeEtDAikVdS1Yq4SDJnoqH9vuUfiAoK7T1Gz5a5ICslpMaNgMepL5KIy5Bz8c/s1600/maddie+-+lauren.JPG" /></a></div>
<b>Class time was spent doing some research. </b> Before research began a quick introductory mini lesson on taking "<a href="http://coe.jmu.edu/learningtoolbox/cornellnotes.html">Cornell style notes</a>" was given. Students then partnered up and looked at a couple different websites that were on the class Edmodo page.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3meAlwHIeU8nfpAXJWEsFhr6pcrw5hRVnJDt53DWJuwvAZKTs2hoP6DdMXoLE93LjM5RkdWenAUB5OBkcR1xiQwwIbqDAXq5qz046MonEL96-UHaQcUFWsM9HuzrBzjoTh_GkvCMCRU/s1600/shriya.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3meAlwHIeU8nfpAXJWEsFhr6pcrw5hRVnJDt53DWJuwvAZKTs2hoP6DdMXoLE93LjM5RkdWenAUB5OBkcR1xiQwwIbqDAXq5qz046MonEL96-UHaQcUFWsM9HuzrBzjoTh_GkvCMCRU/s1600/shriya.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJWggkh7WeaX5rg-v57CmgK98t3HyjFyoahBDpDL4wmLp5sizFMWWaEu7VtTTpg0qQWIIxZHlLw3VIbjLqshPk4Fon2h28WCcI46UUU_n5RK0_qKYaJEZbDT2FlhS2BIu_f5LXmzvnGM/s1600/natalee+marian.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJWggkh7WeaX5rg-v57CmgK98t3HyjFyoahBDpDL4wmLp5sizFMWWaEu7VtTTpg0qQWIIxZHlLw3VIbjLqshPk4Fon2h28WCcI46UUU_n5RK0_qKYaJEZbDT2FlhS2BIu_f5LXmzvnGM/s1600/natalee+marian.JPG" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBiY5CwY-PRjxXb7BXgs83e-yxVs5wwgxg1iwKEInHfvEzQs96XcuEWiVKQguJDJJ-eZCO00ObykxAnKwzPzIzFgp7p2G5_nHcTzvemSo4AXUYJtj-XDoNRrnKivf6IYuFLF1eNYKETAk/s1600/AidanGigiStephen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBiY5CwY-PRjxXb7BXgs83e-yxVs5wwgxg1iwKEInHfvEzQs96XcuEWiVKQguJDJJ-eZCO00ObykxAnKwzPzIzFgp7p2G5_nHcTzvemSo4AXUYJtj-XDoNRrnKivf6IYuFLF1eNYKETAk/s1600/AidanGigiStephen.JPG" /></a><b>After students had gathered all their information</b> we had a quick class discussion to answer any questions and clear up misconceptions. Students were then ready to create their video or poster.<br />
Students decided if they wanted to work alone or with a group and then got to work creating a story board for their video or brainstorming ideas for their posters. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA839kBE0Nre7bZm1jTNezFtzDGk0YJ289G4PBXeKC2k1mr6oD_F0uigQ2WSvXYFxJfP8AlJ7EIRvvCu4VFQzyrLqCh8ceJCQjYCef6l_2iN-J-1tx5omkwZfR3vJWlqYCgVDejPOyXro/s1600/charlotte.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA839kBE0Nre7bZm1jTNezFtzDGk0YJ289G4PBXeKC2k1mr6oD_F0uigQ2WSvXYFxJfP8AlJ7EIRvvCu4VFQzyrLqCh8ceJCQjYCef6l_2iN-J-1tx5omkwZfR3vJWlqYCgVDejPOyXro/s1600/charlotte.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><b> </b><br />
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<b>It was really heartwarming to see the students working with a partner or in a small group discussing how best to deliver the message!</b><br />
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<b>An award night for participants, families and friends will be held</b> at the Public Library on March 23, 2015. Even if their poster or video is not selected as one of the big "winners" my students are ALL winners for they surely worked hard on this project and learned something new.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDIvEF7vF1BLARiPlA_avHvyruM9bbb_fvn-65m_sBpPH7uivsK6pw1YL1nV1Tygy2oljH2R973zJgYzN5_fGtmSP7c2Xka0oYfkg6vUCki_F2P2YBz5rGs7oCmx6_hiLHgt_MrdHH_0/s1600/BeFunky_jack+robert+dalton.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDIvEF7vF1BLARiPlA_avHvyruM9bbb_fvn-65m_sBpPH7uivsK6pw1YL1nV1Tygy2oljH2R973zJgYzN5_fGtmSP7c2Xka0oYfkg6vUCki_F2P2YBz5rGs7oCmx6_hiLHgt_MrdHH_0/s1600/BeFunky_jack+robert+dalton.jpg.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">However, YOU can help our video participants by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/drugfreewalpole">VIEWING and LIKING their video HERE!</a> The more votes and likes they get, the better their chance of winning. "Voting" is open until March 16th! So PLEASE share the video with your family, friends and co-workers! Let's show these kids their work is appreciated!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HIr6QbzEVY" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?<wbr></wbr>v=0HIr6QbzEVY</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;"> <u><i><b>Resources:</b></i></u></span><br />
<a href="http://www.saynotodrugs.org.uk/reasons-not-to-take-drugs"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms, sans-serif;">Say No to Drugs </span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.drugfree.org/resources/top-8-reasons-why-teens-try-alcohol-and-drugs/">Top 8 Reasons Why Teens Try Alcohol & Drugs </a><br />
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancykids/sig.png" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471542080278971318.post-40409198417035759212015-02-18T05:55:00.002-08:002015-02-18T06:03:33.225-08:00State Fair Project<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3NlwsY-G7e1zlNUrdMvrh6nYVmY3w836KQErUCENf2z23fMkyQvXr2MRu_wyWXKBL3-Yx366XAZMF9s13HrMiV-g3igD2VOyJBujgI-wuM98GjkIERoHYsbWb05gMGoNmeUrvrTWba3U/s1600/State+Fair+BeFunky_Underpainting_242.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3NlwsY-G7e1zlNUrdMvrh6nYVmY3w836KQErUCENf2z23fMkyQvXr2MRu_wyWXKBL3-Yx366XAZMF9s13HrMiV-g3igD2VOyJBujgI-wuM98GjkIERoHYsbWb05gMGoNmeUrvrTWba3U/s1600/State+Fair+BeFunky_Underpainting_242.jpg.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><span class="main-text">"Our State Fair is a great state fair<br />Don't Miss it don't even be late<br />(our state fair is great)<br />It's dollars to doughnuts at our state fair<br />It's the best state fair in the state!" (State Fair Lyrics Written by Rodgers & Hammerstein)</span><br />
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<span class="main-text">This song by Rodgers and Hammerstein could have been written for the State Fair at OUR school which was held last Thursday in the Grade 4 wing. The State Fair was the culminating activity for a research project that began in early January. </span><br />
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<span class="main-text">To start each of the 80 students chose a state. A lottery was held to decide who would choose first, second, third, etc. There could be no more than 2 students studying a single state (mostly because we don't have an abundance of print resources.) </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasjFhv-prdyys3prespuhMLQIzNRiJpTCF3RkiotYTxf5x6xaZ31gr-sOZgQ1KMP2TH4eyUZidmvqigWaJz4PGiarrGb8Jrgs-2Q1EIA3n3Sc7NkPot9wf6Ig-9J6J45B7Rt0NhLwV9E/s1600/BeFunky_State+Fair+Lauren.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasjFhv-prdyys3prespuhMLQIzNRiJpTCF3RkiotYTxf5x6xaZ31gr-sOZgQ1KMP2TH4eyUZidmvqigWaJz4PGiarrGb8Jrgs-2Q1EIA3n3Sc7NkPot9wf6Ig-9J6J45B7Rt0NhLwV9E/s1600/BeFunky_State+Fair+Lauren.jpg.jpg" /></a><span class="main-text">Once the states were chosen, students were given their PSC (Portable Study Centers) which was made up of a sturdy pocket folder and an outline. Books borrowed from the Media Center would also have a home inside the PSC. Students were instructed to bring this to and from school each day.</span><br />
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<span class="main-text">Once the outline was reviewed, the process of learning how to 'research' began. Using a table of contents, using an index to find information and note-taking were just some of the skills explored. Students had the option of completing the outline on paper or as a Google Doc. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3y_vVZWm5LRIyTRg7PiiBcyKvoMgimsSia0xTszduE4Vi4g8-IjCTLup3IKb-P-uCGt3GLuu2dS9YiYhUg47GeRul2LlHcJg5wNE48gRXn5qVliS5UNfhTV7XpAHhirjhqxzXqqp24E/s1600/BeFunky_State+Fair+Aidan.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3y_vVZWm5LRIyTRg7PiiBcyKvoMgimsSia0xTszduE4Vi4g8-IjCTLup3IKb-P-uCGt3GLuu2dS9YiYhUg47GeRul2LlHcJg5wNE48gRXn5qVliS5UNfhTV7XpAHhirjhqxzXqqp24E/s1600/BeFunky_State+Fair+Aidan.jpg.jpg" /></a><span class="main-text">Next the "project" piece was introduced. The <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/State-in-a-Bag-United-States-Region-Project-462251">State in a Bag</a> from TpT (created by Amy's Smart Designs) was the focus. It's a wonderful! Students are given a bag (donated by the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/the-good-food-store-and-deli/228079572083">Good Food Store of Walpole) </a>along with Amy's packet. The packet includes instructions on how to complete the project (basically - decorating the bag and finding 3D items to represent different topics around the state - resources, history, tourism, etc.), a checklist, object slips and a rubric. Well worth the cost of two dollars! </span><br />
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<span class="main-text">Snakes, coins, mountains, glaciers, busses, pots of gold, footballs, tractors, headdresses, masks, clay animals, maps, cans of corn are just some of the items that were in those fantastic bags! Students really used their imaginations to select, locate and create objects that would represent their state in a unique and appropriate way. It was great fun to see how students related these objects to classmates! </span><br />
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<span class="main-text">At the State Fair students set up their desks around the room and displayed their bags and items. The rest of the school spent time visiting the 4th grade classrooms! It was a huge success. Students not only got to share their work but got practice their presentation skills! </span><br />
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<span class="main-text">Over the years our State Fair presentations have evolved and it's safe to say that we found a 'keeper'. </span><br />
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<span class="main-text"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Students: What did you like best about the State Fair?</span> </span><br />
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<span class="main-text"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Photos edited using BeFunky.com</span></span><br />
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<span class="main-text"> </span><img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancykids/sig.png" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471542080278971318.post-20722423665690312342014-11-28T07:47:00.000-08:002014-11-28T07:51:33.633-08:00Green Screen Makes Learning Real...Fun!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58D0PN2U8eUZuze9pEGhQySkUV0eRNlmE4CD33b-p6sSILlr7vlZe4fN46-_mlIRucxhZvWP-76IuDyWEjzB940XUgbURiml20n_ITagEffkBZB9jjaFU4j0MdmWTu2lxJlHMpxawceM/s1600/IMG_1117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58D0PN2U8eUZuze9pEGhQySkUV0eRNlmE4CD33b-p6sSILlr7vlZe4fN46-_mlIRucxhZvWP-76IuDyWEjzB940XUgbURiml20n_ITagEffkBZB9jjaFU4j0MdmWTu2lxJlHMpxawceM/s1600/IMG_1117.jpg" height="320" width="215" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bay Colony Educators - Tim & Carole </td></tr>
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<b>This week our school was visited by the Bay Colony Educators thanks to funding by our PAC.</b> This husband and wife team having been coming to our school for over 20 years. Students learn what life would be like living in the 1760's in New England. Learning about colonial homes, chores, food, clothing, school and more makes this visit interesting as it is quite extensive.<br />
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<b>Using a graphic organizer, students take notes during the hour-long presentation.</b> Using those notes students then were able to compare and contrast Colonial life to the lives of the Pilgrims and our own lives today. <br />
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<b>Technology certainly has improved since the eighteenth century, and we decided to capitalize on it.</b> Using a Green Screen app on the iPad, <b><a href="http://www.doink.com/">DoInk</a>,</b> students were able to share what they learned in a fun and unique way. Using their notes students wrote about what they learned, their opinion why they <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglB_VksdtzHVBK17OekVhYr8QN_qRW7Ce5koHw161sY7pLvm7HaiXvrfMOMcBG12XxHQvNAzi3WMdOEa1oqCR69bGC9BPwWHtawwn8XL8ICgGhtJXan0vtPqZrTSBqsdFv__ezHBwampM/s1600/DoinkLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglB_VksdtzHVBK17OekVhYr8QN_qRW7Ce5koHw161sY7pLvm7HaiXvrfMOMcBG12XxHQvNAzi3WMdOEa1oqCR69bGC9BPwWHtawwn8XL8ICgGhtJXan0vtPqZrTSBqsdFv__ezHBwampM/s1600/DoinkLogo.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DoInk App</td></tr>
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would and why they would not have liked to live during that time period. Then they chose one of those topics to create a mini video. Placed in front of the "green screen" students choose a colonial background and shared the information by creating a video on DoInk. DoInk is easy to use. Simply choose a background image, clipart, or background video then create the overlay video. Save the video to your camera roll. <br />
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<b>After saving the video to the camera roll,</b> we used the iMovie app to create a video that can be shared via Youtube! It really is very easy and quick. (Except this first time since we were learning how to use the app!).<br />
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<span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><b>Take a look at some of the creations! Using this type of technology is
engaging for the students which makes learning REAL....fun!</b></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/zJosXbKRrlA?controls=0" width="560"></iframe>
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancykids/sig.png" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471542080278971318.post-39612240575026638652014-11-02T16:01:00.001-08:002014-11-02T16:06:37.631-08:00Second Annual Science Fair<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDnsMoH8lpFsrCUEg3ON7f7aby8Zh1yCvOGH_IseT_YpEjFZnw9U3y0HOufWP-7qMng1CVzSaWyIcK4igqVpzfgHnZAkVxLPq6JbKZzoYbAqC80HQLK20nN5DCSo_woCYBd6wb8QiEhs/s1600/gigisciencefair.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDnsMoH8lpFsrCUEg3ON7f7aby8Zh1yCvOGH_IseT_YpEjFZnw9U3y0HOufWP-7qMng1CVzSaWyIcK4igqVpzfgHnZAkVxLPq6JbKZzoYbAqC80HQLK20nN5DCSo_woCYBd6wb8QiEhs/s1600/gigisciencefair.jpg.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
What is the effect of soda on teeth? What is the effect of light on fish? Do cats have a dominant paw? These are just a couple of questions that were being examined during our Second Annual Science Fair.<br />
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Using <a href="http://www.brainpop.com/educators/community/bp-jr-topic/scientific-method/">BrainPop</a>, <a href="http://www.songsforteaching.com/science/thescientificmethodblues.htm">JP Taylor's Scientific Method Blues</a> and other resources, students were given instruction around the Scientific Method. To begin the process students explored a topic in Earth Science, Life Science or Physical Science and then learned about asking a question. Following that came researching the topic, forming a hypothesis, testing that hypothesis and coming up with some conclusions. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5op58Z6peo_1r75IHH05CtvQkIkMs8x3YPNZPP2PzraeDiyc54SDPpSZVFn4yUJMeQbvqzxAs2KFc51qFKHcSHtR7U9pFHEKE9OcG6eRvh4odFEA_FjCgvYy-61yBsorDYXx6G3lYFY/s1600/groupsciencefair.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5op58Z6peo_1r75IHH05CtvQkIkMs8x3YPNZPP2PzraeDiyc54SDPpSZVFn4yUJMeQbvqzxAs2KFc51qFKHcSHtR7U9pFHEKE9OcG6eRvh4odFEA_FjCgvYy-61yBsorDYXx6G3lYFY/s1600/groupsciencefair.jpg.jpg" height="222" width="320" /></a></div>
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Students had the option of creating either a Google Presentation or a Tri-fold Board. Most students in our class chose to complete the Google Presentation. Some printed out some of the Google Presentation and included it on their tri-fold. Others followed the tri-fold directions from the guiding packet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSi2vU3ncZ7DXkx-NOH5wZgGA-7jbPaHBKkuWbu9emF3a9RRDMunqM28FS0q2uWciJlyvUEwh_JZpFJn-TOe1DT_PUjKD-brisWYVw11awhJONk0ttpWGhVsUbqtzATlovcawNh3yfuIs/s1600/Science+Fair+LC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSi2vU3ncZ7DXkx-NOH5wZgGA-7jbPaHBKkuWbu9emF3a9RRDMunqM28FS0q2uWciJlyvUEwh_JZpFJn-TOe1DT_PUjKD-brisWYVw11awhJONk0ttpWGhVsUbqtzATlovcawNh3yfuIs/s1600/Science+Fair+LC.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>On the day of the fair, students brought in items that helped create a visual for their project. One student brought in the rocks she used to check for absorbancy, another brought in her moldy bread, while another brought in bouncy balls used in her experiment.<br />
<br />
There was a buzz in the classroom as kindergartners through 5th graders learned from the fourth graders about chemical reactions which create rock candy, clean copper and cause soda to explode. Others listened intently as students explained the amount of iron in cereal, where the most germs are located and how the temperature of water affects the time it takes to freeze.<br />
<br />
When the Fair was all over the students completed a "Reflection" worksheet. The last question on the reflection asked students to describe the Fair in one word: Awesome! Amazing! Fun! Educational! were just some of the descriptions.<br />
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The 4th Grade Science Fair is here to stay! <br />
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Students: What advice would you give others about completing a science fair?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Others: What parts of the Science Fair would you like to learn more about?</span><br />
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancykids/sig.png" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471542080278971318.post-19896225626591382392014-10-05T07:22:00.002-07:002014-10-05T09:11:43.619-07:00Using Models to Solve Math Problems<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg455zW62wLzGedVs0HLOjgYfCGIzwCvpwIw5UCoYUe5N_-PMxCJRUujNCPYV2yjmGfJLIn6w7iyjKf7e92cDlnQW9r5pHxlt9bmuYyqb0txTlVQuFi9FMcFyrbFlfkWY_vLwDBpEpZZuE/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-10-05+at+9.56.12+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg455zW62wLzGedVs0HLOjgYfCGIzwCvpwIw5UCoYUe5N_-PMxCJRUujNCPYV2yjmGfJLIn6w7iyjKf7e92cDlnQW9r5pHxlt9bmuYyqb0txTlVQuFi9FMcFyrbFlfkWY_vLwDBpEpZZuE/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-10-05+at+9.56.12+AM.png" height="241" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>More and more we are asking students to solve complex math problems.</b> Along the way we do a lot to help them be successful. We incorporate the use of many tools during the math classroom.<br />
<br />
<b>One of the tools we are using this year in the classroom is called, <a href="http://www.mathplayground.com/tb_addition/thinking_blocks_addition_subtraction.html">Thinking Blocks</a>".</b> This website (there is even a <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/thinking-blocks-addition/id668450919?mt=8">'free' app</a> for the thinking blocks) poses problems around different types of models. As a warm up before the regular math lesson we practiced solving addition and subtraction word problems using the "part whole model with two parts" and the "part whole model with 3 parts".<br />
<br />
<b>As a group we watch a quick 3 minute tutorial</b>, practice several problems and then break off with a partner. Using the chrome books, students access the website and begin discussing each new problem by first checking for understanding and then manipulating the blocks. Working with a partner also gets the students used to 'talking' about math problems. It's great listening in on conversations - students help one another understand why something is working or something isn't! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMf1xdCCHsfHUGcP0XCVDCP-hQ9rvs8Cn3FZmFWOlzUrC6gGCwwaOab3vXtSW8m3ahAETEbmdyAHIqmbwdA73oMggvN2VgWdFCEu1oWJiR9qEliamkaH4hyphenhyphen1WfWD7IIW_Nzs-ADJakMg/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMf1xdCCHsfHUGcP0XCVDCP-hQ9rvs8Cn3FZmFWOlzUrC6gGCwwaOab3vXtSW8m3ahAETEbmdyAHIqmbwdA73oMggvN2VgWdFCEu1oWJiR9qEliamkaH4hyphenhyphen1WfWD7IIW_Nzs-ADJakMg/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHFgsNbyRHwLW5slnBF8T7NSUokPy7yAonM-646pUxHNWx-GqMs_q5BbcbDTs-lI1eTBei-A7QQShofjG6IepECgSU8WU01VpkMt3eHpF_wnD2cUAv3cG8C68RPM_XDv4P3Hj-ZGwT4U/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHFgsNbyRHwLW5slnBF8T7NSUokPy7yAonM-646pUxHNWx-GqMs_q5BbcbDTs-lI1eTBei-A7QQShofjG6IepECgSU8WU01VpkMt3eHpF_wnD2cUAv3cG8C68RPM_XDv4P3Hj-ZGwT4U/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3xywQGinuPBSCfP8yHVxh8aUNRPUSVFJ6z2xEfSEfwuRmZI1FxSZH6vgj7K-kSAO7F4PDDOlMijBk7baH91CyCSpNJShEm1Xn__1nNBiWQhBOPamKnC-Ut6B999m92arqHDFbnnj76g/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3xywQGinuPBSCfP8yHVxh8aUNRPUSVFJ6z2xEfSEfwuRmZI1FxSZH6vgj7K-kSAO7F4PDDOlMijBk7baH91CyCSpNJShEm1Xn__1nNBiWQhBOPamKnC-Ut6B999m92arqHDFbnnj76g/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />
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<br />
<b>These blocks help students identify the known and unknown quantities.</b> Using these models students will gain confidence in solving problems while developing strong reasoning skills. They are also a great tool for students to use to 'discuss' math and explain their thinking. <br />
<br />
<b>Eventually, students will be making these types of models on their own</b>. But for now, it's a great tool help attain understanding.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><b>What are some ways you talk about math at home?</b></span><br />
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancykids/sig.png" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471542080278971318.post-69110294492580660182014-09-27T20:14:00.000-07:002014-11-02T16:02:43.242-08:00National Geographic Giant Traveling Map<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylKaDA1r-cj4HADy2VXQUh-_Lxn4FixD-GOIpbjyVJBPrPhaUL1wutxlslXdu3ny4Qm48IGcVCyJk11xUMzDOGSwKCnq2fLOPvbkpSWlPI-vHoz-lkf3AWcZ4sxJrsSEenFX5fhmqz0s/s1600/map+pic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylKaDA1r-cj4HADy2VXQUh-_Lxn4FixD-GOIpbjyVJBPrPhaUL1wutxlslXdu3ny4Qm48IGcVCyJk11xUMzDOGSwKCnq2fLOPvbkpSWlPI-vHoz-lkf3AWcZ4sxJrsSEenFX5fhmqz0s/s1600/map+pic+2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finding Alberta, Canada after a Skype to a Class in Camrose!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Talk about seeing the world up close!</b> This past week we had the opportunity to get our hands AND their feet on the <a href="http://events.nationalgeographic.com/events/special-events/borrow-map/">Giant National Geographic Map</a>.
Quickly taking off their shoes, my students rushed over to explore the
mammoth "Map of North America". Squeals of delight could be heard as
the students found various states and features. On the day of our first
visit we just so happened to have skyped <a href="https://twitter.com/weswils5">@weswils5</a>
's class in Alberta, Canada. It was so fun to watch the students crowd
around the province on the map! A stronger, 'bigger' connection was
certainly made.<br />
<br />
<b>I had no idea such a thing exsisted!</b>
The map which measures 26' by 35' was brought to my attention by a
parent last year. It was rented for two weeks through the generous
donation from our Parent Advisory Council. All the classes in the school
were able to visit the map at least twice during the two week rental
period.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbsISwS327FSTULsFPY5xl9_xZ_90p6scjqIPbgReUvwvcJmTyiDZv61WhHJMxgplEuW3RbGS0qxDL5mwFanOGrCUZKm5Y4TXnABP7KkMj5IjDyP4c9HFUCHeQ0viMHj4iC-yjnTl1atf/s1600/map.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbsISwS327FSTULsFPY5xl9_xZ_90p6scjqIPbgReUvwvcJmTyiDZv61WhHJMxgplEuW3RbGS0qxDL5mwFanOGrCUZKm5Y4TXnABP7KkMj5IjDyP4c9HFUCHeQ0viMHj4iC-yjnTl1atf/s1600/map.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simon Says: Put your Right foot on a state with...</td></tr>
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<b>The first time we visited the map we played a "Simon Says" type game to familiarize ourselves with the map.</b>
"Simon Says find a state that begins with an M" or "Simon says put your
left foot in the Atlantic Ocean". These type of statements had the
students visiting different areas of the map. The next activity was
based around using the "Cardinal Directions". Using the compass rose, we
found locations on the map while stepping North, South, East and West.
Student gained a better understanding and appreciation of directions
after this activity. It's wasn't as easy as one would think. Another
activity involved finding particular states. Each child was given a card
with a state name & had to find that state as quickly as possible.
It sure was a lot of fun exploring the states in such a manner.<br />
<br />
<b>Every day the students asked if we were going to visit the 'giant' map.</b>
They not only loved the size of it, but they loved exploring the
different features. Each time, someone learned something new! It makes
me think that we need to be incorporating more activities like this in
our classrooms. <br />
<br />
Maps
are fascinating on many different levels. Some folks may argue that
'reading a map' is not longer relevant due to technological advances and
GPS systems. Others say that reading maps lead to 'global learning'.
Witnessing the allure and attraction of these enormous maps makes me
realize that students LOVE learning about places using visuals (especially one bigger than life).<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #ffe599;">How do you use maps in your daily lives? Does your child enjoy reading road maps? </span><br />
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancykids/sig.png" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471542080278971318.post-8231992567531516382014-08-20T18:14:00.002-07:002014-08-21T13:41:40.438-07:00Welcome Class of 2014-2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnW9K6WpWybW9IJwf2XH7taCAvegOdCcZlKCHqNj8FmmGPaUTSfzm-WNRl3lQC6f_k7dA_Fb3723rDbl_zS43yJOhEMJrkY4f5ywLAY7Fq3L-shv10g8jMSN7vwX5swosPPeal76JBmbI/s1600/welcomebacktoschool.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnW9K6WpWybW9IJwf2XH7taCAvegOdCcZlKCHqNj8FmmGPaUTSfzm-WNRl3lQC6f_k7dA_Fb3723rDbl_zS43yJOhEMJrkY4f5ywLAY7Fq3L-shv10g8jMSN7vwX5swosPPeal76JBmbI/s1600/welcomebacktoschool.gif" height="320" width="319" /></a></div>
Welcome to the Fourth Grade. Planning on you having a wonderful
year of learning with your classmates and me! This blog will provide a
"window to our learning" for you, your families, relatives and
hopefully many others. (What I love about this blog is that you and
your families can leave a comment in the section below!)<br />
<br />
Fourth
grade is such an exciting year. We will spend the first week or two
getting to know one another and working on some team building
activities. We will also spend time building our reading stamina. We
will start out small and reach the goal of reading at a sustained pace
for 30 minutes! You will be hearing a lot about the Daily5 which will
give you many CHOICES on your reading journey. This year we will continue with our new
math program called EnVisions. I think you are going to enjoy learning
math with the help of this program! I have some new and exciting lessons planned in Science and Social Studies as well. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLPKDeqikTC3JOe5WrJZpP1nQp6KNkEnNy8GMUJmpdwIdB-4aBEp5iZ0G4a9djUuyr-wbMMVBcyrPXF07MLiD9xh6ryjTQUEk_fZbKsmMLS3UlIWaOlAVCtHQPaSv0VJDbB8-g6-R6qQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-08-20+at+9.10.01+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLPKDeqikTC3JOe5WrJZpP1nQp6KNkEnNy8GMUJmpdwIdB-4aBEp5iZ0G4a9djUuyr-wbMMVBcyrPXF07MLiD9xh6ryjTQUEk_fZbKsmMLS3UlIWaOlAVCtHQPaSv0VJDbB8-g6-R6qQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-08-20+at+9.10.01+PM.png" height="348" width="640" /></a></div>
During the summer I went to a conference and found some great websites that will help us as we are learning and make your days in our classroom exciting and fun. An app I hope to use in the classroom is called "Plickers" and the other is "Do Ink". We will be using "Class Dojo" to keep track of homework! Let me know if you can find out anything about any of those apps!<br /><br />
We are going
to have a great year! Looking forward to meeting you and getting to
know you. Please fill out this "All About You" Survey. (click on
these words: <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?fromEmail=true&formkey=dHFMaTJHZ3plSHZQMXkzc1lCQzJEOFE6MQ"><span style="font-weight: bold;">All About You</span>)</a> It will help me get to know you before we meet face to face! Click and you can get to know more about <b><a href="http://ncarroll.edu.glogster.com/meet-me/">ME</a></b>!<br />
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Please leave a comment below and tell me something that got you excited this summer! <br />
<br />
I'll be looking out for you on the first day of school.<br />
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancykids/sig.png" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471542080278971318.post-6630108248967085482013-12-08T06:55:00.000-08:002013-12-08T07:05:55.928-08:00Random Acts of Kindness<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDVZFgfPKnzQ9EGNmoo7GAlrkvlBSZCohmdRc0t8j206Q-ojWlbGBkgtrVMN0LrFAa4GBCvfQnKVb4vf59c7FPC5S2nCE3A-WlZdqf5DaPqj7Jm6wohSDZERDw-OV3NoPKQQtFk-E7gk/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+9.46.38+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDVZFgfPKnzQ9EGNmoo7GAlrkvlBSZCohmdRc0t8j206Q-ojWlbGBkgtrVMN0LrFAa4GBCvfQnKVb4vf59c7FPC5S2nCE3A-WlZdqf5DaPqj7Jm6wohSDZERDw-OV3NoPKQQtFk-E7gk/s320/Screen+shot+2013-12-08+at+9.46.38+AM.png" width="320" /></a><b>"Ms. Albert, says, that everything we do goes out, like a ripple into the world."</b> This excerpt is from the book,<i> </i><underline><a href="http://www.jacquelinewoodson.com/category/books-ive-written/picture-books/"><u><i>Each Kindness</i></u></a><underline><a href="http://www.jacquelinewoodson.com/category/books-ive-written/picture-books/">, written by Jacqueline Woodson</a>, which Mr. Dearborn read to the class the other day as part of "Inclusive Schools Week". The story is about a young school girl who misses several opportunities to befriend a classmate. She finally makes a decision to be friendly to the other child. The end of the story is not what one would expect <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">(ask your child to share the story ending.)</span></underline></underline><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVG1fqGtna5Qncpoi6MDRYeL4sk6NiYAbNEp9SQQ-PMXCVNus4FcKMNrmAwRhXCOi4npkW7k9bw1ifXYxCzws1nukcMZ6-R1t8sxGfl9Hs9iWTfA_aXSHCtpM-akHOTfLlRLtz-eGMaWw/s1600/RAK+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVG1fqGtna5Qncpoi6MDRYeL4sk6NiYAbNEp9SQQ-PMXCVNus4FcKMNrmAwRhXCOi4npkW7k9bw1ifXYxCzws1nukcMZ6-R1t8sxGfl9Hs9iWTfA_aXSHCtpM-akHOTfLlRLtz-eGMaWw/s1600/RAK+1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding a rock for each kindness shown</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<underline><underline></underline></underline><underline><underline><b>The students (and I) were moved by this book.</b> So much so they were asking if there was a sequel. It gave us an opportunity to talk about friendship, inclusion and simple ways to make someone feel connected. Next we discussed "Random Acts of Kindness". Students brainstormed how to "Treat Others Like You Want to be Treated". A few thoughts included: holding the door for someone, passing the ball to someone who usually doesn't get it; help find a missing item and Smile at someone. </underline></underline><br />
<underline><underline></underline></underline><br />
<underline><underline></underline></underline>
<underline><underline><b>Knowing I must do something with these ideas, I decided I needed to find a way for students to create "ripples" of their own.</b> I grabbed a container and filled it with water. As I have a container of rocks in my classroom I grabbed those too. And so, the Ten Days of Boyden Random Acts of Kindness was born. Each student who performs a RAK at school will drop a rock in the container at the end of the day. We will celebrate the ripples that will surely ensue from these simple yet grand gestures. </underline></underline><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YvEsoK4hOydlmnUG7guYh56o7_ppXDlIpE4f5kwFeeB0QRnRJeFDfalHcwEL1SYI_BRNFurBKguI-G-qz5pQrkOBZf_o8Y4MOMLLpneut90_L9pMb_PXD4-0tIwytwoIQE_VqEZcXeM/s1600/RAK+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YvEsoK4hOydlmnUG7guYh56o7_ppXDlIpE4f5kwFeeB0QRnRJeFDfalHcwEL1SYI_BRNFurBKguI-G-qz5pQrkOBZf_o8Y4MOMLLpneut90_L9pMb_PXD4-0tIwytwoIQE_VqEZcXeM/s1600/RAK+2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creating Ripples of Kindness</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<underline><underline></underline></underline><br />
<underline><underline></underline></underline>
<underline><underline><b>We started on Friday and were able to collect 12 rocks in our container.</b> While hoping to fill that bucket before the holidays the long-term goal is that these acts of kindness will continue way beyond our holidays and creep into our lives by habit!</underline></underline><br />
<underline><underline></underline></underline><br />
<b><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><underline><underline>Students: What are some ways we can extend this to our lives at home? </underline></underline></span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><underline><underline></underline></underline></span></b><br />
<b><underline><underline></underline></underline></b><br />
<b><underline><underline></underline></underline></b>
<underline><underline><b><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Others: What are some other RAK that could be added to our list for school?</span></b></underline></underline><br />
<underline><underline></underline></underline><br />
<br />
<b>Resources:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.cybraryman.com/characterethics.html"><b><br /></b></a>
<a href="http://www.cybraryman.com/characterethics.html"><b>Cybraryman: Character and Ethics</b></a>. This collection is filled with all kinds of resources for Character Education which includes Random Acts of Kindness<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/">Random Acts of Kindness Foundation</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.foundthemarbles.com/2012/02/acts-of-kindness-for-kids/">20 Random Acts of Kindness for Kids:</a> </b>A list of other ideas that go beyond the classroom.<b> </b><br />
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<underline><underline> <img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancykids/sig.png" /></underline></underline>Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471542080278971318.post-16692846339709650342013-11-17T05:43:00.002-08:002013-11-17T06:05:33.231-08:00Using Google Docs<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5JZuXOn2Cgn1CR9uB9fmGWwPYOk6Lsm_hdiBWhNmjjdMlPKD-sWBCYEIDQQxZxnUj0VtVIA2USgeS2xsHfqxRPX6howM9xc20PbvkWsi1A9Ptf7i63uSrkLqb1LB2YEbd1ZDv2NrPjI/s1600/ZackChromebookBefunky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5JZuXOn2Cgn1CR9uB9fmGWwPYOk6Lsm_hdiBWhNmjjdMlPKD-sWBCYEIDQQxZxnUj0VtVIA2USgeS2xsHfqxRPX6howM9xc20PbvkWsi1A9Ptf7i63uSrkLqb1LB2YEbd1ZDv2NrPjI/s1600/ZackChromebookBefunky.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zack showing off his "bats"</td></tr>
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Our district has gone "<a href="http://www.google.com/enterprise/apps/education/benefits.html">Google Apps for Education</a>" which means that we are using "all things Google"....gmail, documents, spreadsheets, presentations, etc. With this initiative our school recently received a couple class size sets of "<a href="http://www.samsung.com/us/computer/chromebook">Chrome books.</a>"<br />
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Well, Room 310 couldn't wait to have a chance to use them! Students first started by learning the different ways to log in to their Google Accounts. Using their school usernames and passwords they can easily access their accounts from school and home!<br />
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Next students learned how to create a folder where they will place all their digital work. That folder was shared with me along with any items that get placed in the folder. <a href="http://youtu.be/wlpSIfKXt88">Check out this video</a> that Morgan and Shaylyn made showing how easy it is to create and share a folder.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sFmlqVWxX-hdyXlxBpc1J7ONorbv6x8e-l4QF38lXjQlHleDb_mdyY6-s8SRCmS9iQpcsY8cNqTuGCph-ESgP4y3xrAP-xP2M8Lbyj6hk5Pflqrf1GX_KfwuLc0AWig5GiaFBxxELZs/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-11-17+at+8.50.50+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sFmlqVWxX-hdyXlxBpc1J7ONorbv6x8e-l4QF38lXjQlHleDb_mdyY6-s8SRCmS9iQpcsY8cNqTuGCph-ESgP4y3xrAP-xP2M8Lbyj6hk5Pflqrf1GX_KfwuLc0AWig5GiaFBxxELZs/s640/Screen+shot+2013-11-17+at+8.50.50+AM.png" width="416" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving Dinner by Maggie S.</td></tr>
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After that, students learned to create a document. The first document they created was about their "Scary Stories". (These narratives are a work in progress). As an added incentive students were allowed to add a "Drawing" to their work. Using the Drawing app in Google the kids quickly were able to add a complimentary drawing that added to their stories. <br />
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This process was repeated again when they formulated their <a href="http://www.jackprelutsky.com/">Jack Prelutsky</a>-style Exaggerated Poems about Thanksgiving. Please check out the examples. Great poetry & great drawing!<br />
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What I love best about using Google documents is that I can give immediate feedback in the form of comments on student work - WHILE they are working. As they are each writing I can literally "see" what they are doing from my computer and make suggestions, corrections without drawing the attention of other students. More to come on this later!<br />
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<span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Students: What advice can you give others about using the Document or Drawing apps?</span><br />
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancykids/sig.png" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471542080278971318.post-3353568719449730222013-11-03T15:30:00.002-08:002015-10-31T06:00:22.455-07:00Spooky Writing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwCs6K9L0oyxRLJ48Qq26ZW-VjZmBpwzIZsSDKIjJWjh3QOmUBY8_ElLGlpU0TCrjfHGV7PygJRiIInNREsXuMWrGeSin1ZT6FwQLbqOOq9xtwNgwmUdCBBKWrKbLp341jWnh7X1vt28/s1600/haunted-house-2-youtube.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwCs6K9L0oyxRLJ48Qq26ZW-VjZmBpwzIZsSDKIjJWjh3QOmUBY8_ElLGlpU0TCrjfHGV7PygJRiIInNREsXuMWrGeSin1ZT6FwQLbqOOq9xtwNgwmUdCBBKWrKbLp341jWnh7X1vt28/s320/haunted-house-2-youtube.jpg" width="320" /></a>There's nothing quite like Halloween to inspire creative writing. Our class took advantage of this spooky season to generate some narrative stories.<br />
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First, the students learned how to "hook their reader" by incorporating "sound" as part of their entertaining beginnings. Using this haunted house image as inspiration, students quickly brainstormed different sounds that could be associated with this picture. Various sounds and ideas such as "Squeeaak! The front door slowly opened" or "Creak! The stairs made loud noises as I walked up tot he door" and "Ohhhhh! Ahhh! I heard the moaning of ghosts from inside the home." became the opening sentences of student narratives. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoc4omkgwZGjkMiONQPXoMcMs4MVsyCjWTtSmzsf0j5jsY8TOso_x91C0ryKYhoRwWkTeGM5221w0D8JylEp8qvmnbnEQUvjVBBr58upkGluz51kKsY1ErsQMk3w2vejB9IBHBPHyPJ0s/s1600/Totem+Pole+-+Lulu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoc4omkgwZGjkMiONQPXoMcMs4MVsyCjWTtSmzsf0j5jsY8TOso_x91C0ryKYhoRwWkTeGM5221w0D8JylEp8qvmnbnEQUvjVBBr58upkGluz51kKsY1ErsQMk3w2vejB9IBHBPHyPJ0s/s1600/Totem+Pole+-+Lulu.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharing the creature</td></tr>
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Next on the <a href="http://empoweringwriters.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/NarrativeDiamond.jpg">Narrative Writing Diamond</a> after Entertaining Beginnings is "Elaborative Detail." This technique asks the writer to stop the action and describe in 'detail' a character, setting or object using the 5 senses. To aid in this process the students first brainstormed the types of creatures which might appear at this house on Halloween. This would fit nicely with our theme of Halloween. However, it had to be something more special than just drawing a creature.<br />
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In comes <a href="http://wonderopolis.org/">Wonderopolis</a> and a quick lesson on <a href="http://wonderopolis.org/wonder/what-is-a-totem-pole/">Totem Poles</a>. Students each fashioned a Halloween creature to use as part of their writing project, which would then be placed with their classmates' creatures to create a Halloween Totem Pole. We modeled how to write an Elaborative Detail segment and then students had the opportunity to add to their Spooky stories. <br />
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It was exciting watching students' creatures and stories come to life! Here is part of Michaela's first draft: <i>Squeak! A little mouse ran by just as I looked up and saw an old run down house. As we came closer to the old house the scarier it seemed. My friend said "You go ring the doorbell while I run!</i>"<i> As I was walking up the steps to the unlevel porch, I yelled to my friend "I think I just saw a ghost in one of the dark windows!" I was about to ring the doorbell, but I spotted a black and dark brown creature staring down at me. It was the size of three apples put together. The creature had a long, shiny wing and bright, round eyes. </i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt28ede51ynXHq7dx_JkzfllPKZKUOMImJzE6wZoxDSul_5xtkmzNpU2_HwJlvsGl6BYzStrA-Zrw_rYvl_wFohuIeWGP2VlMmJF-HkIpM274XCDNiL8enrqZzTnjLOgjZVVmeHSGkJBM/s1600/Totem+Pole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt28ede51ynXHq7dx_JkzfllPKZKUOMImJzE6wZoxDSul_5xtkmzNpU2_HwJlvsGl6BYzStrA-Zrw_rYvl_wFohuIeWGP2VlMmJF-HkIpM274XCDNiL8enrqZzTnjLOgjZVVmeHSGkJBM/s1600/Totem+Pole.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Students: What was your favorite part of the writing lesson?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Others: What creatures can you see in our totem poles?</span><br />
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancykids/sig.png" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471542080278971318.post-60820201133017287342013-10-20T18:22:00.001-07:002013-10-20T18:22:39.124-07:00A Homemade Horned Toad<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcjBBMwBQPkclpB6Qt-lh1ts-5SfmmZY7Ari46qX34Juhsy9GvprvGzSWuzr1mMdcENeonXAV2x3eI5mDlV8LmV6XLEux9bX2uVmVrUFM0tUAk2f1uT6iViM82p24EfitMXgQUm6Ow4c/s1600/kate+d+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcjBBMwBQPkclpB6Qt-lh1ts-5SfmmZY7Ari46qX34Juhsy9GvprvGzSWuzr1mMdcENeonXAV2x3eI5mDlV8LmV6XLEux9bX2uVmVrUFM0tUAk2f1uT6iViM82p24EfitMXgQUm6Ow4c/s1600/kate+d+.jpg" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate holding our homemade "horned toad"</td></tr>
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<b>Before reading "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Horned-Toad-Prince-Jackie-Hopkins/dp/1561455482">The Horned Toad Prince</a>"</b> many of the students did not know the horned toad is really a lizard (including me!). While the story which is a "Trickster Tale," based on the story about the <a href="http://www.eastoftheweb.com/short-stories/UBooks/FrogPrin.shtml">"Frog Prince, </a>doesn't mention this fact, the students did some extra <a href="http://naturemappingfoundation.org/natmap/facts/short-horned_lizard_k6.html">research</a>. <br />
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<b>The students discovered the horned toad is about 4 inches long and has the weight of a quarter.</b> It was a bit hard to imagine so we found a ruler about 4 inches long and taped a quarter to it. The students were able to better visualize what this interesting little creature. <br />
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<b>After listening to the story and reading it together, the students created a Tall Tale using vocabulary from the story.</b> It was fun to read as the lesson included instructions to add a hyperbole or two. <br />
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<b>Generating number as well as geometric patterns was a focus in math this week.</b> During math we are trying to incorporate centers using the <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ysikpLHqGV_Xc4qarCOBgaJj3ej1HWCZ_7z1S70GfcpoR56GsQwjEoK-zqcwXMv9OZHJN4eDwcvZkBaf1CGrrl4ACXiAmPiy0SgceizssxquzAF_Gqk6-aNXwKReVj6Ub7cb4q27cZE/s1600/shaylyn+centers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ysikpLHqGV_Xc4qarCOBgaJj3ej1HWCZ_7z1S70GfcpoR56GsQwjEoK-zqcwXMv9OZHJN4eDwcvZkBaf1CGrrl4ACXiAmPiy0SgceizssxquzAF_Gqk6-aNXwKReVj6Ub7cb4q27cZE/s1600/shaylyn+centers.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shaylyn doing At Your Desk Center</td></tr>
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M A T C H acronym. M stands for "Math Facts" - students at this center practice their math facts by going on XtraMath or using worksheets. A means "At Your Seat". Students work on individual activities which include review topics or topics being studied. Students at the T center work with me on the current topic or a review lesson. C stands for Center Games. The Scott Foresman program came with Games that can be played for each lesson. H is the "hands on" center. This week the students used pattern blocks and created patterns and their partner had to predict the 15th block in the pattern.<br />
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<b>Of course we rounded out the week with the class's favorite "Chicken Fat Friday"</b> (to be explained in a later post!) <br />
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<span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Parents: What did your child come home excited about this week?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Students: What did you enjoy working on this week? Please leave a comment below! </span><br />
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancykids/sig.png" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471542080278971318.post-59776091457868129092013-09-29T20:05:00.001-07:002013-09-29T20:11:19.293-07:00We Proudly Recite the Pledge of Allegiance<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnn5L3PRZj3AYGZJwmLSxMLhC2NWKL-ag3Jbb12mGGX_XHBPm1fFRbPIP5iVXM_yMJ06Xxf0m7oLOBtheJ0DCeGlOhNrhvOBwpJfklS8Yl6UYjuxS8X0iAZfmOqpmFi1RIowxR53tgKpc/s1600/Pledge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnn5L3PRZj3AYGZJwmLSxMLhC2NWKL-ag3Jbb12mGGX_XHBPm1fFRbPIP5iVXM_yMJ06Xxf0m7oLOBtheJ0DCeGlOhNrhvOBwpJfklS8Yl6UYjuxS8X0iAZfmOqpmFi1RIowxR53tgKpc/s320/Pledge.jpg" width="320" /></a>Each day the students at our school (like many other children across the country) recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of our day. Not quite sure the students fully understood words like: <i>pledge, allegiance, republic, nation, indivisible, liberty, and justice</i>, I decided I would review the meanings of those words.<br />
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After reviewing the meanings and participating in a "Reader's Theater" about the pledge, the students in our class have a new found appreciation when speaking those words each day. They respectfully recite the Pledge now with greater understanding.<br />
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This video by former comedian,<a href="http://www.redskelton.com/PLEDGE.htm"> Red Skelton</a>, had the students sit up and take notice. He mentioned two things that really got the kids wondering. After listening to it, can you guess what the kids questioned? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJUqsAYW6sCssVBqMpeXTQUBCVKErte5YNykh45h-Hnr2POKgdclC4WNY7eKNloXpw9RiRuUzQjY45OZTULgFXpIw8t3Hn-CBNeRmxDs3hFD3e1WMeivKYbTrMlc96PRXVHx6LoptMbk/s1600/AssemblyWatercolor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJUqsAYW6sCssVBqMpeXTQUBCVKErte5YNykh45h-Hnr2POKgdclC4WNY7eKNloXpw9RiRuUzQjY45OZTULgFXpIw8t3Hn-CBNeRmxDs3hFD3e1WMeivKYbTrMlc96PRXVHx6LoptMbk/s1600/AssemblyWatercolor.jpg" /></a>At the end of the week the class presented the Reader's Theater about the Pledge of Allegiance at the school assembly. It was our hope that all the other students would become more competent with the meaning behind The Pledge.<br />
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Even though there is <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/04/us/massachusetts-pledge-of-allegiance/index.html">still controversy</a> about saying "The Pledge" in schools, our students proudly recite it each day.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Students: Which word in the Pledge do you think is the most important and why? </span><br />
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancykids/sig.png" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471542080278971318.post-30091513628499202852013-09-25T17:34:00.000-07:002013-09-25T17:34:09.455-07:00Quadblogging - Getting to Know Our School<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUPidMm7q2BHhOOyEjOOM3SmjkyTPzSkFcCZt1ANfgXaT3HxjlOjggKfKPkROGiH9OJzizDIr01pdVP8jXfZRaQbb6wpzE8FHeIMXTTzBwdciGX8SxKcTTwjBk0sNTUVKUtEo3e89DUI/s1600/253059ec05f1a4af5fb5cbf04c5c7f24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUPidMm7q2BHhOOyEjOOM3SmjkyTPzSkFcCZt1ANfgXaT3HxjlOjggKfKPkROGiH9OJzizDIr01pdVP8jXfZRaQbb6wpzE8FHeIMXTTzBwdciGX8SxKcTTwjBk0sNTUVKUtEo3e89DUI/s320/253059ec05f1a4af5fb5cbf04c5c7f24.jpg" width="320" /></a>This year we are Quadblogging. That means that there are four classes exchanging ideas and comments. One class is from Wisconsin, one is from Australia and one is from India. We are excited to be connecting with our fourth grade friends from all over.<br />
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It is our turn to share some information. We hope you enjoy learning about our school. <br />
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Our school has different sections built in different times. The kindergarten and art room section was built in the 1930's. The gym and hallway where first, second and some third grade classrooms are located was built in the 1960's. The fourth grade wing and the upstairs where the rest of the third grade classes are was built in the 2000's. Our school is good sized. (Maggie & David)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSaHAKpA7lARSAY6igND1tkLHaLa5Xh-aOsxtYksCx8uwhiQWQsdP2gGPkr_EP_0W-11O4zElJNFeFLfmYD8oGohHdgLFxY4WNOB0LGDkowRXqm5_Zr0w8vbbtQX_Xa24_Mb32ID79NWQ/s1600/BoydenSchool.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSaHAKpA7lARSAY6igND1tkLHaLa5Xh-aOsxtYksCx8uwhiQWQsdP2gGPkr_EP_0W-11O4zElJNFeFLfmYD8oGohHdgLFxY4WNOB0LGDkowRXqm5_Zr0w8vbbtQX_Xa24_Mb32ID79NWQ/s320/BoydenSchool.JPG" width="320" /></a>We love our gym. The floor is made out of rubber. It is also very big. We also have a lot of athletic equipment inside the gym. (Faith & Daniel B.)<br />
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Our mascot is the Bulldog. He was carved out of a log in 2008. The who carved it went by the name of "The Chainsaw Guy). He painted it too. It welcomes the kids each day. (Patrick & Daniel F.)<br />
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<span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Can you tell which picture is includes the older part of our school? </span><br />
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancykids/sig.png" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471542080278971318.post-28296289462933594242013-09-22T17:26:00.002-07:002013-09-22T17:28:42.682-07:00Math Tools<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-twqEA5__x9ZnNwruguDwt8x82RAEx8OKSnGeAfeI-ddRntfyQYJgH-d5K0CqyqBTvtDuvMDejn_9YssfY6qvO3w8a9UkpO23UUyQwtvnnlScrFBC4jJpxz-TiApNSXvWvCkJqSUM4g4/s1600/Toss+&+Talk+Break+Apart+Numbers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-twqEA5__x9ZnNwruguDwt8x82RAEx8OKSnGeAfeI-ddRntfyQYJgH-d5K0CqyqBTvtDuvMDejn_9YssfY6qvO3w8a9UkpO23UUyQwtvnnlScrFBC4jJpxz-TiApNSXvWvCkJqSUM4g4/s400/Toss+&+Talk+Break+Apart+Numbers.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toss and Talk (about the Distributive Property)</td></tr>
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<b>This year we will be using many different "tools" that will help strengthen the student's mathematical skills.</b><br />
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<b>The Distributive Property was a focus this week during math time.</b> Students worked at breaking apart numbers into two simpler problems. Creating arrays on graph paper to help visualize was one strategy. After several days of practice the students really started getting the hang of it and showed deeper understanding.<br />
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<b>A new tool is the Scott Foresman website. </b>Each topic is introduced via a quick video. The video includes vocabulary needed for the lesson. Previewing vocabulary before the lesson helps activate the learning. There is also an engaging, guided story problem based on the concept being learned.<br />
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<b>Students will have also have access to the Scott Foresman website at school and home.</b>
The student text is available on line as well. Usernames and passwords
will be given out this week. Perhaps you could spend an evening
checking out the site with your child.<br />
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<b>Built into the math block is a game which correlates to the day's lesson.</b>
Students played a "Toss and Talk" game to practice breaking numbers
apart. <br />
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<b>For homework students will be given at least one question where they will need to "explain" their answer. </b>Explaining using math vocabulary/numbers or diagrams will be modeled in the class all year long.<br />
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<b>An Interactive Math Notebook will be used to aid the students</b>. It will be a used as a resource where students may refer back to the concepts and explanations. (More to come on this topic at another time!)<br />
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<b>Math manipulatives will be a regular part of the classroom. </b>Using base ten blocks, fraction tiles, power polygons, protractors will give students an opportunity for hands on learning during math.<br />
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<b>Finally, other math websites will be used to compliment the learning. </b> Some favorite sites include XtraMath (to practice math facts - username & passwords will be given out this week); Sumdog (a subscription based site that practices facts & more - usernames & passwords will be given out this week.) & <a href="http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/math.htm">Sheppard Online Math Games</a>.<br />
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<b>With the help of these varied tools the students are sure to have a wonderful year in Math. </b><br />
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<b><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span>Students: What has been your favorite math tool so far?</span></span> </b><br />
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Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471542080278971318.post-9501120724459662692013-09-15T17:23:00.003-07:002013-09-15T17:59:22.064-07:00Reader's Theater Workshop Wednesdays<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxO_W0G2eWk1_Bcx8jagfQbJbGoz1MHay-xOgIIs_W_nRGRYiKic7X-jjzm4nJrldF_zjbu2sQQpM1ZxAukc4mdL8ou_Ad5LjH43Px3uZ-3RGnEH0JGVdc-OlEuw5wbKSowlilKIB04Y/s1600/ReadersTheater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxO_W0G2eWk1_Bcx8jagfQbJbGoz1MHay-xOgIIs_W_nRGRYiKic7X-jjzm4nJrldF_zjbu2sQQpM1ZxAukc4mdL8ou_Ad5LjH43Px3uZ-3RGnEH0JGVdc-OlEuw5wbKSowlilKIB04Y/s1600/ReadersTheater.jpg" /></a>Wednesday afternoons in our class has been dubbed "Reader's Theater Wednesdays." <br />
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For a half hour or so each Wednesday afternoon the class will participate in by performing a Reader's Theater. A Reader's Theater is a 'play' based on literature or poetry. It may contain parts for two or more readers. The readers are using their voices to perform instead of gestures or action. Typically, it doesn't involve memorizing.<br />
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Students build confidence in public speaking while building reading comprehension and fluency. Our first workshop consisted of a short 'play' about punctuation. Working with a partner the students took turns being Reader 1 and Reader 2. Roles were then reversed. A final reading was done where students practiced the passage using expression. Several pairs came to the front of the room and read for the class. As the year progresses I plan to use more complex Reader's Theater pieces.<br />
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If you would like to read more about the benefits of Reader's Theater, <a href="http://www.scholastic.com/librarians/programs/whatisrt.htm">Linda Cornwell's article in Scholastic</a>, goes into detail. She describes it as an "<i>integrated approach for involving students in reading, writing, listening, and speaking activities</i>."<br />
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Certainly the students were very excited, and said they were looking forward to the next one! Love the enthusiasm of this group!<br />
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<span style="background-color: #ffe599;">For my students: What did you like/not like about the Reader's Theater?</span><br />
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancykids/sig.png" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471542080278971318.post-68155313764308323322013-09-08T06:48:00.001-07:002013-09-08T06:48:51.033-07:00Snowball Fight in September!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs0L4jtxfTBUimRWx5HPrsRVo5DSBZWYe6jViiBcW0UggrWlGo-9U77vmJPatVjomi93XPAlIZZZqYbJVw_-N0KRTXO_i_ZOURi7J1YnbLW0Shpahnl6X2Ynd012eFKO4DpG6aTeM9iaQ/s1600/MS+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs0L4jtxfTBUimRWx5HPrsRVo5DSBZWYe6jViiBcW0UggrWlGo-9U77vmJPatVjomi93XPAlIZZZqYbJVw_-N0KRTXO_i_ZOURi7J1YnbLW0Shpahnl6X2Ynd012eFKO4DpG6aTeM9iaQ/s1600/MS+2013.jpg" /></a>Snowball fight! Yes, you heard it right! Our class actually had a 'snowball fight' on the first day of school. It's an unusual activity for school, but it served several purposes. The biggest idea behind the snowball fight was for students to share information about themselves. <br />
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Students completed the 'snowball worksheet' and when finished crumpled it into a 'snow'ball. (The worksheet contained 'getting to know you prompts' such as "Something I like to do..." "Something I'm nervous about this year..." "One thing I'm excited about this year...") Names were purposely left off the papers. When everyone was ready the class was divided in half and took their places on opposite sides of the room. With their 'snowballs' in hand, we counted to three and let the snowballs fly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0osMpizZtbhiCvXiTBeNZehxJdld8uKTg1okuhFwJqq9CQot_8v9afdUJpOOGRxhwrPTU2ICbejlWnqoSOxPmq-cmkwsMmFA3BVt9f0eqWQmtWRRmAEU5f7mv-FzM6s9y4_Tb30h3ne0/s1600/BN+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0osMpizZtbhiCvXiTBeNZehxJdld8uKTg1okuhFwJqq9CQot_8v9afdUJpOOGRxhwrPTU2ICbejlWnqoSOxPmq-cmkwsMmFA3BVt9f0eqWQmtWRRmAEU5f7mv-FzM6s9y4_Tb30h3ne0/s1600/BN+2013.jpg" /></a>When the 'exchange' was over students picked up a snowball and opened it up making sure they didn't have their own. Then, they tried to guess who the paper belonged to by reading and sharing the clues. It was a great way to learn something new about one another.<br />
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Papers were returned to their owners and then we had another discussion (<a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/awesome-bullying-lesson-from-a-new-york-teacher">based on this lesson from a New York Teacher</a>). Students were asked to get all the wrinkles out of the paper. Impossible right? I told the students the wrinkles represented harsh words or actions and no matter how hard you try to fix it or say your sorry - a mark is still left. <br />
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We vowed to be good to each other and I believe this class will be true to their words! It was a great start to building a strong 4th grade community.<br />
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancykids/sig.png" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471542080278971318.post-77062746359048548232013-08-26T13:23:00.000-07:002014-08-20T18:06:04.203-07:00Welcome Class of 2013-2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome to the Fourth Grade. Planning on you having a wonderful year of learning with your classmates and me! This blog will provide a "window to our learning" for you, your families, relatives and hopefully many others. (What I love about this blog is that you and your families can leave a comment in the section below!)<br />
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Fourth grade is such an exciting year. We will spend the first week or two getting to know one another and working on some team building activities. We will also spend time building our reading stamina. We will start out small and reach the goal of reading at a sustained pace for 30 minutes! You will be hearing a lot about the Daily5 which will give you many CHOICES on your reading journey. This year there is a new math program called EnVisions. I think you are going to enjoy learning math with the help of this new program! <br />
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We are going to have a great year! Looking forward to meeting you and getting to know you. Please fill out this "All About You" Survey. (click on these words: <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?fromEmail=true&formkey=dHFMaTJHZ3plSHZQMXkzc1lCQzJEOFE6MQ"><span style="font-weight: bold;">All About You</span>)</a> It will help me get to know you before we meet face to face! Click and you can get to know more about <b><a href="http://ncarroll.edu.glogster.com/meet-me/">ME</a></b>! <br />
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I'll be looking out for you on the first day of school.<br />
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancykids/sig.png" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471542080278971318.post-80935975793508621402013-06-27T19:40:00.001-07:002013-06-27T19:46:55.526-07:00End of the Year Activity - Roller Coasters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.wylio.com/credits/flickr/3035803903" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ - click to view more info about 'Roller coaster' or find free 'roller coaster' pictures via Wylio"><img alt="'Roller coaster' photo (c) 2004, Andréia Bohner - license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXh4Ahi3JVCyrZmINqy2bRNrQXpvXz1z1Kx6I1geqe3zwisF1zdfTtUl9J6K5-KWZwMKPVJn3lv-P_15X8sYOwmQyuQmaaC24vKipAyjS3vppT7fFc-W3-ZdHBzTkusTepsIp6KotYJoU/" style="float: right; margin: 0px 10px;" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Desperado, Nitro & Goliath are just a few of the roller coasters students learned about on the last 2 1/2 days of school. </b>This thematic unit <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/A-Roller-Coaster-Day-7-Hour-Complete-Sub-Plan-Thematic-Unit-for-Common-Core-668741">(designed by a teacher, Lovin' Lit, from Louisiana)</a> included activities that related to all areas of the curriculum from reading non-fiction articles, recording and analyzing statistics, using map skills, to comparing and contrasting kinetic & potential energy.<br />
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<b>Videos and pictures of roller coasters were used to engage students.</b> Sharing their war stories about being on a roller coaster helped them make connections. Then following directions students slowly created a lap book using the information about the roller coasters. They made bar graphs, learned about energy through this <a href="http://quietube6.com/v.php/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vl4g7T5gw1M"><b>song</b></a>. The final activity was to <b><a href="http://pbskids.org/zoom/activities/sci/rollercoaster.html">build their own roller coaster</a> </b>using simple materials. The designs were unique and many worked. I believe if we had more time - ALL of them would have completed the challenge.<br />
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<br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/FRB9XqEPFr4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<b>As the temperatures remained high during the day, so did the level of engagement.</b> Students are encouraged to visit the eBoard site to design their own roller coasters via an internet program.<br />
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<b>It was a great way to end the school year. </b> Please feel free to leave a comment (and especially leave a comment if you visit a roller coaster this summer!). <br />
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancykids/sig.png" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4471542080278971318.post-15392823309099218842013-06-15T05:27:00.002-07:002013-06-15T05:29:00.214-07:00Back to the Basics of Writing<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Written by: Grace M. (& Mrs. Carroll)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> On Thursday, June 6th, we were lucky
enough to Skype with Jerry Blumengarten, author of the book “Energy Kids”,
written for and energy company similar to NSTAR.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> He is a former New York City Teacher and Librarian. He now compiles resources and houses them on his own "<a href="http://www.cybraryman.com/">Cybraryman Man's Educational Websites.</a>" </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During our
discussion, Mr. Blumengarten gave us helpful tips about writing and the many
steps you have to take to write a book. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">He used his "Cartoon Book" to guide us through the process.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
Skyped just in time for our “Night At The Museum” project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will definitely improve our grades because
he spoke to us about taking our time researching and writing a detailed script. For The Night at the Museum Project we will be researching a famous person then writing a script and performing as though <i>WE</i> are that person. Night at the Museum will be held June 20th for parents. </span></span><br />
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<img src="http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u378/designbychristi/nancykids/sig.png" />Nancy Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17785303835521700957noreply@blogger.com0