Our New Class Pet

Yesterday was one of the best days ever because in class we got a new class pet.It is a girl, her name is herbie. by the name you can tell its a hermitcrab.i think shes really pretty espeicailly because she has a butterfly painted on hershell. I cant wait until we get to studie hermitcrabs so we can learn more about herbie.          

Yesterday was Amazing!

Hi! My name is Tessa and I`m posting the blog of what we did yesterday . We saw Miss John`s pet hermit crab named Herbie .She was amazing.She even came out of her shell once.In Reading\Language Arts today we sequenced , which means we put story parts in order. We practiced for the assesment in Math .So,in all,the day was amazing and educational.

A Must-do!

Jaely and I had a great time on Black Friday, shopping our little hearts out.  It was so cute - she decided (with NO input from me, seriously) that she wanted to take a nap on Thursday afternoon, so she could stay up all night long.  And that, she did.  We were at Toys-R-Us at 10, Southcenter at midnight, and numerous other stops all the way home.  Even at 4 a.m., she was begging to go to more stores - thank goodness I have veto power.

After a nap and round 2 at the Supermall, we decided to head up to Bellevue Square.  What an awesome experience.

I'd seen signs for "Snowflake Lane," but I thought it was just going to be a cute little thing where it snows outside for 5-10 minutes.  Boy was I wrong.  Live drummers come out and play along with the music, and there is a parade that goes up and down both sides of the street.  Add some snow and festive music, and there were great memories made.

Yes, it is a drive up there.  But it is totally worth it.  Google "snowflake lane bellevue" to find more information.  It starts at 7, but we were there at 6:15 and didn't get a prime spot to stand.  Plan for the weather, bring your camera, and enjoy a great tradition!

Guest Blogger!

A  fun  turkey  project! Is  the  title  of  my  story. Hi! My  name  is  Emma.R. And  I'm  our  class's  guest  blogger.11/21/11. Today  our  class  made  turkeys. I  didn't  put  together  my  turkey  because  I   was  adding   to  the  blog.We  formed  groups  of  3  and  there  were  8  stations. It  was  really  fun. The  turkeys   were  paper  just  so  you  know.

An awesome activity! By Emma R.

Hi!  My  name  is  Emma.R  and   I'm  our  class's  guest  blogger.   11/17/11  Today  our  class  had  a  special  visitor.  Miss. John's  mom  came. She  came  in  to  do  a  special  project  with  us.  It  was  a   pumpkin.It  was  really  fun  and   cool  to  make.

Amazon Link

For those of you that read the pink "celebrations around the world" letter and are looking for the Amazon link - here it is!  Thank you so much for helping us with additional resources!

http://amzn.com/w/2PI2ZYVC3HZOT


Talk to you soon!

Meet an author!

I just saw this.... it's a long drive, but definitely worth it!

Meet the Author: Christopher Paolini 

Tuesday, November 29, 7pm
Redmond Library

Not so very long ago, Eragon-Shadeslayer, Dragon Rider-was nothing more than a poor farm boy, and his dragon, Saphira, only a blue stone in the forest. Now the fate of an entire civilization rests on their shoulders. Long months of training and battle have brought victories and hope, but they have also brought heartbreaking loss. The Rider and his dragon have come further than anyone dared to hope. But can they topple the evil king and restore justice to Alagaësia? And if so, at what cost? Inheritance is the much-anticipated, astonishing conclusion to the worldwide bestselling series.

Books available for sale by Secret Garden Books. A book signing will follow the program.
First come, first seated.

Donors Choose

I was able to find a few minutes last night to finish up our Donors Choose proposal.  If you haven't heard of this website - it's a place where donors can search for classroom projects they'd like to support.  It is an awesome concept and I'm excited to take part.

Over the next week, I'll be submitting two more proposals - one for big books, and one for chart paper.  In the meantime, if you'd like to check out our current DC project...

Go to:  www.donorschoose.org
Click on "Projects"  (upper right)
In the keyword box:  search 661420
*or* you can search gaters (yes, with an E) - both bring up the same proposal.

Our proposal is called:  It's as easy as an easel.  I'm hoping to be granted an easel rack for the classroom, so we can create and display our anchor charts in one spot.  You can read more about it on the proposal page.

If you have any of those $10 Donors Choose cards that Starbucks was handing out a couple of weeks ago, or if you would like to sponsor a project, I ask you to take a couple of minutes to consider helping us work towards being granted the easel.

Have a great evening!  Until next time....

Book Report FAQ's

Good morning, GATEr parents!

There have been a few questions regarding the book report.  I'm hoping to answer most of the frequently asked questions here, just in case you have the same question as well!  If you have any additional questions - please let me know so I can answer them.

When will this project be completed?
The pumpkin book report project will be completed 100% at home.  If your student is unable to complete it at home, please let me know so I can work with them during recesses.  Students will bring their book report to Student Led Conferences (Oct 27/28) and they will be presenting it to the class on October 31st (and November 1st if needed).

What will my student need to bring in to the conference?
The paper bag with the story element candy pieces inside, and the pumpkin decorated like a character in the story.

What about a written report?
The "written" part will be on the candy pieces.  There is no formal written report for this project.

How long should my student be spending on the project?
Every student will spend a different amount of time on it.  With 24 different levels of learning in the class, there will be 24 distinct projects brought to conferences.  For example, some students are reading chapter books and some students are reading picture books.  There is a distinct difference it takes in the time to read the two texts.  Each project will take 2-4+ hours from starting to read the book to carrying the pumpkin in to the classroom.

What should their pumpkin look like?
Students have seen color examples, and copies of examples have been included in the instruction packet.  The student should take a main character's physical traits, and create a pumpkin based on what they look like.

Awesome!  Glitter galore!
If at all possible, please limit your glitter consumption.  If absolutely necessary, glitter glue is a great alternative to the loose glitter that tends to get everywhere once it comes into the classroom.

How can I help my student prepare for the oral report?
The oral report will be very casual and (hopefully) low-stress for the students.  At this point in the year, I'm more concerned with the comfort level of the students standing in front of their peers than the duration/content of the speech.  Students will present their pumpkin, and share their favorite element.  They will then answer 1-2 questions from students, as well as 1-2 questions from me.  I use a "question-suggestion-compliment" format in which students have the opportunity to ask the speaker 2 questions, then two students can give suggestions, and finally 2 students can offer compliments.

The bag can be decorated in any way, right?
Well, yes and no.  I've asked the students to draw/decorate the front of the bag like the cover of the book.  The back of the bag is at their discretion but hopefully relates to the text.

We only have one bag.  What if we mess up on the front drawing?
I've suggested to the students that they may draw the illustration on a piece of paper, and then glue it to the bag.  We even reviewed the importance of glue sticks - liquid glue is very challenging to work with for paper-to-paper bonding!

Can I come see the oral presentations on Monday?
OF COURSE.  Please - always feel free to come in - there's no need to ask or make sure I know you're coming.  Be sure to check in at the front office!  We will begin presentations at approximately 9:45, and they will go until noon (lunchtime).  There will be brain breaks in between.

Do the books have to be at the students' level?
Not for this project, but they will be asked to present books at their level for all future book reports.  Students can present picture books or chapter books.

What if I can't afford a pumpkin?
Please, let me know if this is the case.  I would be happy to (quietly) provide one.  As a single mom - I know these things can be challenging, especially toward the end of the month.  I don't want finances to hinder your student in any way, shape, or form.  Just send me a note saying that a pumpkin sounds great!

Do you have any other questions?  Please, let me know so I can include them here!!!

Field trip success!

I know it was a great field trip when kiddos fall asleep in the bus on the way home.  Despite the rain, an overwinded tour guide, and only having 45 minutes to see the zoo - it was a blast.

I seriously wish there was a way to post pictures of the trip online... but as a parent, I'm resistant to do so.  When you come for conferences, I will have one of the computers up & going with a slideshow, so you can see what a great time we had.  It was just awesome.

Don't tell the kids... but I snuck into the gift shop and bought a momento of our trip!  Be sure to ask them about it tomorrow night.

Tomorrow is Wacky Wednesday, where we'll be working with our expert text.  I'm excited for the students to start writing and typing their essays, so they can share them with you at conferences.  My coworkers think I'm insane for having second graders write seven-paragraph essays... but I have faith.

Two of the words we're focusing on during expert text:  carnivore and herbivore.  It was awesome to see this vocabulary in action today when a student would see an animal and say "chomp chomp" if it was a meat eater.  It's nice to know the lessons we're learning in class are cementing.

It truly feels like there aren't enough hours in the day, and the hours I do have - I want to spend with kids.  I am doing my best to keep the blog updated and to do everything I can to keep you informed of what's going on in the classroom... and want to be sure to encourage you to ASK ME if you don't know something or if you are unclear about anything.  I am always looking for new blog inspiration!!!

If anyone has an hour of time either this week or next, I would love to get some things scanned into the computer.  It's an easy task that just needs time to accomplish.  Please, stop by anytime if you're able to help.

Alright, I'm off to do dinner and homework.  You all should be proud - I've cooked two nights in a row!  (I'm starting to convince myself that the oven is for more than just storing my purse.)

Have a great night, everyone!

Today was the day!

In all of the trainings, classes, discussions, etc. that teachers attend - the essential question always comes down to, "How do you know that the student gets it?"  I'm thrilled that I work in a district in which the student is the center of the focus, and where the focus is on how we know that a student understands.

We talk, in jest, at times - in saying "Trust me, you'll know when it happens."

Ladies and gentlemen, today was the day.  Trust me - it happened.

We've been working on the routines for reader's workshop for five weeks now.  We've been tracking how long we've been 100% engaged, learning how to use our voices, working on what good readers do, etc.

Today, I finished our mini-lesson, and then worked 1:1 with a couple of students.  At the end of my second readers conference, as I was writing some notes about how it went, my ears tuned in to the productive chatter happening in the room.  I heard kids talking about their reading.  I heard kids coaching on each other with how to pronounce words ("Try saying it with the other sound.")  I heard kids reading to someone with voice and expression.  I cautiously looked up -- and saw the same things I heard.

I've never had 100% of my kids *SO* actively engaged, for so long.

Of course, I celebrate these kinds of things.  I had to pull out my camera and start taking photos and video.  Even with that minor distraction - I still had total engagement.  I loved walking around asking kiddos what they were working on, and actually having them tell me.  In detail.

It gave me goosebumps and brought tears to my eyes.  As a teacher, it's amazing when you recognize that all the things you're trying to do are making a difference.  That the students are finding value in what you're trying to show.  That all the time we've spent on routines and procedures pay off in the end.

I can't wait for Thursday when we get to do it all over again.

Books are on their way!

I snuck into the classroom while the kids were at recess today, and picked up the last-minute book orders.  After entering the orders and purchasing expedited shipping, I'm excited to say - the books are on their way!  They should be here the middle of next week.

I've already talked with a couple of parents about setting books to the side so they can be surprises for birthday/holiday gifts.  Please, let me know if you'd like to do this as well - I'd be happy to.  (I can't think of a better gift than a book!!!)

Thank you so much for supporting this reading program.  I'm thrilled that we "earned" so many new books through Scholastic.  I've already picked out 26 that will be coming with this order, and will be scouring future offerings so we can get some new books throughout the school year.

I hope you have a great weekend!  It's supposed to be beautiful on Saturday... and the fair is still in town!

Annie

What an awesome day!

We had a fantastic Neighborhood Block Party to help celebrate the culmination of our communities unit.  I really wish I was able to post photos online, so you could see the kind of fun they had.

It was great to see some of the students that don't typically take leadership roles come out of the woodwork.  Alex, Asya, Tori, and Tessa made fantastic speeches about how proud they are of the community they built.  The support the students have for each other is great.

A parent suggested to me that I compile the laws they created for the community, and post those on the blog.  I will definitely be working on that this weekend.  I'm thinking we should always have the under-10-crowd make the laws for everyone from now on!!

Thank you so much for the parents that were able to stop by.  I love having the sense of family that our class has.

Can't believe October is right around the corner - I am so excited to start pulling out my Halloween decorations and books!  It's my favorite part of the year!!!

Until next time -
Annie

I hate being "human."

Some days (ok, many days) I wish I had one of those "easy" lives that we all dream about having - my biggest worry would be that my child doesn't get enough sleep because we're too busy having fun.

Sadly, that's just not me.  At least, not this week.

Due to personal circumstances, I will be having to take 4-5 days off over the next couple of weeks.  (I will be giving the students a head's up that I will be out a couple of times, but will not give more specifics than that.)  Normally, I wouldn't disclose this information or discuss my "personal life" with parents.  However, with the awesome community we've built, I feel like you guys deserve to know.  I also want to be sure you know that I'm doing my best to leave our kiddos in the best hands I can find while I'm gone.

Trust me - I would rather be teaching than taking these kinds of days off.  

Although I will be out, I've spoken with some fantastic guest teachers that are willing to come in to the class when I'm unable to attend.  Lessons will continue as planned, and the students will thrive.  

I will still be accessible via email in the evenings regardless if I am able to attend school that day or not.  Please, let me know if there is anything I can do to help your student be their best.  Although taking care of my daughter is my first priority, taking care of your kids is my second; just because I'm not physically there doesn't mean I'm not thinking about them (ALL the time!).

I love the way Kyle's eyes light up as soon as someone says his name.  The way Emma W. uses glitter on EVERYTHING.  How Emma R. and Bruno are amazing model students when they read to each other.  The spunkiness Tessa has and how much joy her enthusiasm brings me.  I enjoy how dedicated Olivia is in math, trying to figure out the problem solvers.  I laugh when the guest teacher tells me how Lauren was a little "too helpful" - because that's one of my favorite things about her.  The laughs we have all day long, like when we're talking about adding more pictures/artifacts of alligators in the room, and Emily comments that I'm surrounded by GATE-rs.  I love how R'Mani knows where he learns best, and he is proud to tell me that he's heading to "his spot."  It's awesome to see Pagna and Jean jump at the chance to be the lunch helpers, and how Jalen always walks faster than the class because he wants to hold the door open for everyone.  I love sitting with Kaycie, Leah, and Allison in math and listening to the conversations they have together about brilliant math concepts.  It's so cool for me, as a teacher, for Kourtney to tell me, "Miss John, I don't get it."  (Why?  Because she *wants* to get it and will ask questions until she does.)  I love when we do our victory dance and I see Asya and Alex out of the corner of my eye completely dancing their hearts out, not caring about what others think.  I love Claire's funny faces and how her huge heart is completely apparent to anyone she meets.  It makes me smile when Luqman is so happy that his teeth show when he smiles, and how I know that Jacob will say more in the last five minutes of the day than he will throughout the day.  It's great to see Shelby's dimples showing when she's trying *not* to smile, how Marco wants to volunteer to do even the gross helper jobs, and how Tori stares off into space sometimes (and even greater to get her attention back and to have her say, "Yeah, that happens sometimes, it bugs my mom.").

We've created this fun, fulfilling, fantastic community where each one of us is able to bring something to the table.  I miss the kiddos every night in the evenings and smile about the little things that happen during the day.  It will be very hard for me to be away - and I'm looking forward to the ability to share nonstop every day with the students again.

Thank you for understanding the situation - and for knowing that your child will be in good hands.

Please continue to let me know if there's anything I can do to help support you at home.

Not-so-awesome news.

Well, the school bus funding fell through for our 826Seattle trip in November.  Because it's still an awesome opportunity - I'd like to take the class anyway.

The cost works out to $10 per student.  Considering the experience, I still think it's a good deal (yes, $2 was a better deal, but I can't control the economy.).  I will be asking PTA for scholarships for a few families that have already spoken with me; if you unable to fund this cost - please let me know so I can find other funding.  One way or the other, all 24 of us will be heading up there!

Field trip forms will be coming home tomorrow in Tuesday folders.  I will also be sending home chaperone forms - first come, first served!  It will be a fun day to spend with your student!!

So many field trips, so little time.

Wow - just got another confirmation back - we got selected to go to the Woodland Park Zoo!

I know, it's not as competitive as the 826Seattle, but here's the good news:  They are donating the field trip to us as well!  On top of that - they are even paying almost 100% of our bus and chaperone costs!


I'm not sure if you've looked at the Zoo ticket prices lately, but it's $17.50 for adults and $11.50 for kids.  Just calculating ticket prices - and overlooking the personal educator that gives us a great tour - it would be over $350 just in admission.  Then, there's the bus cost of approximately $200.

I don't have the *exact* amount calculated  yet, but it should only cost approximately $1.50-$2 per student and chaperone - total, including admission, bus, and educator tour.

What a great way to end our Animals unit!  I love hands-on learning!!

More math games!

I *finally* found the math game pages I've been searching for!!!  The students have NOT been exposed to these games - but if you were looking for a little something to spice up your math routine, these may be fun!

http://pepnonprofit.org/uploads/2/7/7/2/2772238/acing_math.pdf

Let me know if your student loves one of these games and I will work on incorporating it into our "Get Your Facts Straight" routine!

OK, I need one of these.

I saw these and had to share.  It's my new "favorite thing"!!  Can you believe it's made of plastic?!?!  What a *GREAT* seat for Author's Chair.  Too bad it's half my paycheck...

Do you think we could get PTA to sponsor a $1100 chair?  Hmmmm.

You can tell it's Monday...

For years, I've said that I'm not sure if it's harder for the teachers or the students to adjust to being back in school... this year, however, it's obvious:  the students are exhausted.  Have you ever seen what zombie eyes really look like?  Feel free to stop by at 1:00, when we get back from recess and begin math.

I know it's hard, but *please* send your child to bed no later than 8:30 or 9:00 nightly.  Students at this age need approximately ten hours of sleep per night.  If they are getting up at 7:00 in the morning, this means that they should be sleeping around 9.  We all know it takes about 30 minutes to mentally wind-down before sleep arrives - so heading to bed around 8:30 is ideal.

The good news?  Nobody has fallen asleep in the classroom (yet).

Because of district testing, this week's schedule is a little funky.  The third graders took the Gates vocabulary/comprehension test today.  Tomorrow, the students will be taking the district math beginning of year assessments.  Wednesday and Thursday, we will have a guest helping me in the classroom while I perform reading assessments on the students.  Friday will be cause for celebration, as it will be the end of testing week!  (To think, we don't have to do this again until... well.... October.)

Regardless of the assessments, we always have fun in class.  I think I showed a little too much of my "weird" side while we were creating our Community Frieze.  I was singing, the kids were laughing, we were rhyming, and anybody that walked in could see the joy happening in the classroom.  It was plain silly, yet educational and a learning experience on numerous levels.  I loved bonding with the class and having fun.

I was telling Jaely about this on the way home, and she buried her head in her hands.  "Mom, really?  You sang to them?!  Oh, those poor kids."  My sentiments exactly.

Two quickies about math - you'll see the note in this week's Gater Gab (going home tomorrow in our Tuesday Folders!) about the math matrix.  The students DO NOT need to finish this matrix, especially at this point in time of the year.  Some addition and multiplication facts are very hard to master.  These are being brought home so you, as parents, can see growth and give encouragement.

Also, as of today, students will be bringing home math extension pages.  Depending on when I meet with their math group, these may be already finished by the time the student goes home, or they may be incomplete.  These are optional practice pieces that may or may not be completed at home.  If you are able to work with your student on these, I know they would enjoy the time spent.  Please, do not send them back to school.  These pages take the concepts we have practiced in class and, in the spirit of GATE, extends their thinking.

For level 2's - the students had to think which two balloons combine to make the target number.
For level 3's - the students had to find the answer, and write it in number, expanded, and word forms.

You will also be getting a couple of goodies in your Tuesday folder - four pages of math games to play with your student (as part of your 20 minutes of math facts nightly) as well as the current GATEr Gab.  I'm hoping that our "Twin Lakes Copy Lady" is able to make it in tomorrow, so I can also send home copies of the triangle math flash cards.  If not - I'll be getting those out to you as soon as they are ready.

Thanks again for raising such great kiddos.  I'm a lucky teacher to be able to spend part of their lives with them.

OH MY GOODNESS OH MY GOODNESS OH MY GOODNESS!

Last Spring, I discovered 826Seattle.  This organization is simply amazing - using volunteers that are "actual" writers, they bring the love of writing to students.  After quite a bit of research, I saw that they bring classes to their location to create a story together - and they actually publish the book.

Needless to say, these field trips are in high demand, and operate on a lottery system.  They are only offering it to 25-30 classes in Washington for the 2011-2012 school year.  I knew that the only way to get an invitation is to put my name in the hat (with over 250 other classes).  I just checked my email, and guess what...

WE GOT A SPOT!!!!!!


More info will be coming home in the following weeks - but I had to share the news ASAP.

Needless to say..... good things are happening in Gaterland.

Day 3 - Feeling successful!

Wow - we got through so much today, it's unbelieveable!

This morning, we shared the book we are donating to the class.  It was great to see what our peers are reading, and to receive recommendations from them.  Surprisingly, nobody brought the same book!  We used these peer recommendations to practice our first reading task:  Read to Self.  The class discussed how practicing makes us better readers - and why it's essential that we practice.  Our goal was to have 100% of the students "Read to Self" (using guidelines from our anchor chart!) for three minutes.  Although we didn't meet our goal today, we are going to make another attempt tomorrow!

We began to create our class book, which will be a great addition to the classroom library. The kiddos were so quiet during this activity - I had to encourage them to socialize and get to know each other.  It's not very often that the teacher gets to say "You guys are too quiet - why don't you talk to a friend?"

In math, we continued to work on our journals (way to go, Kaycie and Leah for really expanding your thinking!).  For the first time, we met in the "math meeting" area and looked at our menu choices for math.  To practice independence, the students played our first "G" game:  TOP IT!  We were able to make it to twelve minutes with 100% engagement.

Tomorrow, we will add to our reading and math menus, work on our engagement, and of course - have more fun!

Please, please, please continue to work on math facts nightly, as well as read.  Thank you for all you do!

Day one - and there's already glitter in the lunch bucket.

Wow - I can't believe today went so quickly.  In all my years of teaching, I've never sat down at lunchtime and thought, "Goodness, we didn't even get to my reading lesson today."  (On a side note, my colleagues were surprised I was going to try to fit reading into everything else we're supposed to do on the first two days!)


First day of school, and we've already had a real lockdown.  Mrs. Drummond was as surprised as I was when the announcement came over the loudspeaker and we just happened to be outside her room.  So, we filed in.  We then realized that Mr. Reid's class was right behind us - and quickly escorted them in as well.  Yes, folks, you're reading it correctly - 80 SECOND AND THIRD GRADERS WERE NOW IN ONE CLASSROOM.  I'm sure you are as surprised as I was that we all fit.  


I'm SO, SO, SO impressed with these kiddos.  All 80+ were whisper-quiet and calm the whole time.  Having a lockdown is a scary thing, even for adults.  For about 45 minutes, lunch was delayed (and boy were we starving!), the lights were all off, and nobody could talk.  Mrs. Drummond came to the rescue and read us a spectacular book called "The Yes Day."  It was so cute, I came home and told Jaely about it.


After lunch, I decided that although reading just didn't happen today (we were too busy learning about Metacognition!), I was going to attempt math.  The kiddos just loved it!  We learned how to create our secret number, and manipulated it numerous ways.  There are so many skills integrated in our math journals:  place value, algebra, numeric sense, arrays, logic... just to name a few!  Ask your student to show you how to do this at home.  They just loved it.  


In fact - we were so "into" math, we forgot about recess!  (Apparently, for second graders, this recess concept is a big deal!!)  We caught the last ten minutes and they ran their little hearts out.  We learned a math game "Top It" when we returned, and then it was time to do our planners and pack up for home.


Seriously - I could have used another two hours of school today to fit everything in.


The best part about my day?  I loved being there so much, with those kiddos, in my "element".... I came home energized and excited to return to school tomorrow.  I'm such a lucky woman.


And yes, as the title says, there was glitter in the lunch bucket.  I don't dare ask the students tomorrow where it came from.

EEEK!!!!!!

Well, the district has decided to save some money.... no surprise there. However, one of the first things they decided to discontinue using was our website server. That just figures, right?!?! As soon as I get it set up and running, and looking semi-decent... it disappears. So, here we are at blogger. I hope the transition wasn't *too* painful for you (or, at least, it was less painful than mine!!)

I will try to carry over the previous website's postings. The good news is, at least they haven't deleted my uploading site (yet). We'll see how that goes.

In the meantime - PLEASE feel free to comment, ask questions, etc.! I love hearing from you!