11/26/13

Today's guest blogger is Eutimio:

Today was a great day at school because we got to learn about college and careers. I learned stuff about theater, hospitals, and T.V. Stations. In math we learned about long division and Mr. Wyborney showed us a faster way using pictures. Then we went to lunch. I ate nachos. Then we went to library. We had a gator Activity celebration for not getting a refferal all month. I chose to go to the computer lab to play games. There were other activities to chose from like art and basketball. Today was a great day!

~Eutimio 

This weeks secret word is "Guest." I appreciate and look forward to really letting room 9 take ownership over the blog. Please remind your students to turn in their reading calendars on Monday. Also, I will be needing some volunteers to help out with our Winter Wonderland Poetry Slam. Everyone will be invited to attend. I will post the details as soon as possible, but if you are available to help please let me know. Thanks and enjoy the extra long weekend! 

11/25/13

A Learning Community

As I reflect on the week by scrolling through pictures on our classroom Ipad, the classroom learning community that has been created comes to life. What an amazing group of kids that have come together to tackle problems and discover answers as a team. 

In the next few weeks, I look forward to posting student work and allowing some "guest" bloggers. This week Mayson wrote, "Today we got to go and sing with the other class (during music). Yesterday, we watched a movie about not giving up on our dreams. We also learned how to do division with pictures and it was so fun!" 

Next week is a short week and will also include College & Career Day. Students who have gone the month without receiving a referral have been given the choice to sign up to attend either Art, Computer Time, or a Physical Activity. Encourage your student to work hard at being safe, respectful, and responsible. 

This weeks secret word is "community." Thanks for all that you do! 

Nov. 12th-15th

I am truly baffled at how quickly the weeks are going by! This week has been a lot of fun. In math we have been working on two digit multiplication. In social studies we have been studying the nine federally recognized tribes of Oregon. In P.E. we played a personal favorite, basketball. In writing, we have began a personal narrative unit. This week also marked the beginning of "Lit Menu." This is a time where students are able to experience a variety of literacy based classes. My Lit Menu class is utilizing the Read Live program in the computer lab. Even after just a week, I have seen tremendous progress! It is rewarding to watch students build fluency in daily practice. Be sure to ask your child what he/she is doing during lit menu. 

This week I also had the privilege of participating in a learning call with other bloggers from the tech connect project. It was wonderful to hear about the great things that are happening around the state as families connect with their child through a blog. I also was able to take away some wonderful ideas and resources that I am looking forward to putting to use. Stay tuned! 

This weeks secret word is: blog. 

Thanks for all that you do!

Problem Solving

As I reflect on the week, one main theme becomes clear; problem solving. Being able to problem solve is a huge skill for everyday life. As I think about our week, our problem solving was mainly centered around the area of mathematics. Although our problem solving was directly related to academics, there is a direct correlation in the skills used that relate themselves to problem solving in all different aspects of life.

The first idea we discovered is: Solving problems can be very challenging because it takes hard work. Answers don't come instantly. We have to work hard at a problem in order to be able to solve it. The next idea we uncovered is that: In order to be succesful we must know lots of different strategies. In math our strategies include: draw a picture, guess and check, write an equation, act it out, use manipulatives, and work backwards. The third idea we found is probably the most difficult: We must persevere with determination. 

It was rewarding to watch students as they applied these problem solving principles and successfully solved some very challenging math problems. The true success being the application of these principles. What a rewarding week!

This weeks secret word is "determination."

Things you need to know:

Students should be reading 20 minutes each school night. Reading calendars are due at the end of the month. Self managers will lose their badges if they do not turn in their reading calendar at the end of November (Self managers must be responsible.)

After school math has started and we are having a blast! 

The weather is getting colder, please make sure your child is dressed accordingly.  

Thanks for all that you do!

2nd Quarter Fun!

What a fantastic week. On Tuesday, we had our non-referral party. The "improv party" was a blast! It was exciting to see students exploring creative drama in such a fun way. On Thursday we also had a great time at our harvest party. A big thanks for all the treats brought in! We also worked very hard this week. We have been working on publishing stories for a writing contest. In math we wrapped up our unit on two digit by one digit multiplication and have began studying variables and expressions. We also ended our study on the Iroquois Constituition and flag by creating our own classroom flags. Next week we will begin our novel study with the book, Eagle Song. 

As the new month begins, please remember to have your child fill out his/her reading log.  We are participating in Pizza Huts Book It program and your child will receive a certificate for a free pizza when their reading calendar is returned. I am always looking for classroom volunteers so please let me know if you are available. This weeks secret word is "read." 

Thanks for all that you do!