It's October already!

Wow - September flew by faster than I ever remember it going.

This week, we will be working on estimating then adding, and estimating then subtracting.  I'm confident that we have the estimation piece mastered - so now it's just a matter of knowing our math facts!

On Monday - we will be announcing group leaders, and group members.  These small groups will work together as a team to support and encourage each other throughout the year.

We'll be looking at informational text in reading.  This week will be the start of our election unit, as well.

Keep playing those estimation games online!  If you don't have computer access, you can play "estimation top-it" with a deck of cards.  Remember as well to practice math facts nightly.

Have a great week!

A couple of links!

As I was browsing the web tonight - I found a couple of great resources for parents.  Remember - you're not the "only one" that is going through challenges having a child that is highly capable!!

Article:  "Top 10 things I wish teachers understood about giftedness"
http://lifewithintensity.blogspot.co.nz/2011/06/top-ten-things-i-wish-teachers.html

Links:  50 Essential Websites
http://oedb.org/library/beginning-online-learning/50-essential-links-for-the-parents-of-gifted-children

Article regarding learning styles, and their tendencies:
http://www.gifteddevelopment.com/Visual_Spatial_Learner/vsl.htm


Have you read anything interesting lately?  Post it in the comments!

Sept 24-28

Hi everyone!  I hope you're having a great September.

Don't forget - tomorrow is picture day!

This week, we're working on main idea in reading, and estimation in math.

Try these main idea activities online!

http://www.studyzone.org/testprep/ela4/h/mainideap2.cfm

http://www.studyzone.org/testprep/ela4/h/mainideap3.cfm

http://www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/elementary/samoset/rcmi1.htm

Here's some great math games you can practice with online:

http://www.gamequarium.com/estimation.html

http://pbskids.org/cyberchase/math-games/glowlas-estimation-contraption/
(This one might be challenging!)

http://www.free-training-tutorial.com/rounding-games.html

http://www.eduplace.com/kids/hmm/practice/templates/rules.jsp?ID=hmm07_ep/gr3/0203&GRADE=3&UNIT=1&CHAPTER=2&LESSON=3&UNIT_TITLE=Place%20Value%20and%20Money&CHAPTER_TITLE=Compare,%20Order,%20and%20Round%20Whole%20Numbers

Let me know if you enjoy these activities!!!

This week in math.....

We're working on place value and comparing numbers this week.  In addition to the practice we're doing in class, as well as reviewing work at home, here are some EP links to play at home:

http://math-play.com/football-math-place-value-game/football-math-place-value.html

http://education.jlab.org/placevalue/index.html

http://www.gamequarium.com/placevalue.html

Please let me know if you have a challenge with one of the links!!  Have a great Monday morning, everyone!

Day #1

The first day has come and gone.  Feeling very frustrated that I didn't get to teach a reading lesson today... but when I reflect on all my other accomplishments, I suppose one day without intentional reading instruction will be survivable.  (Maybe?)

"First day packets" were sent home today.  I added to it by inserting our specialist calendar and the EP policy.  Just in case yours gets lost in the shuffle (can you tell I'm a mom?!?!) - I thought I'd link them here as well.

I'm looking forward to getting that reading lesson in tomorrow... be sure to ask the students about Miss John's hiking heels!!!

Sept/October Calendar

EP Guide

See you tomorrow!!!

It's "school week" at my house!

When we celebrate things, our family has the theory of "go big, or go home."  Forget having a birthday - we have a birthday WEEK, where we celebrate each day.  Easter tends to be a month long (it's my mum's favorite holiday).  Although Jaely likes to think her birthday is a year-long event, we've at least muted that idea!!

This is "school week" around my house.  It's full of traditions, excitement, and celebrations.

We did our last summer "hurrah" over the weekend by going to Silverwood in Idaho.  It only took one roller coaster before Jaely decided that she was NOT a "roller coaster kind of kid."  So, we migrated to the water park for the majority of the day.  After a night in Spokane, we headed back to Seattle.  Ten hours of driving within a 28 hour period was exhausting - but memorable.  (Thinking next year, we'll do our "summer hurrah" in Tacoma.  Much better drive time.)

Today (Monday), we will be going into the classroom to get the last set of things arranged, and the last few activities completed.  Tomorrow, I will be in (more) meetings all day, and we'll spend the evening packing our lunches and putting our school supplies in our backpack and work bag.  Have to say, one of the things I'll miss most about the summer is having lunches with my best friend Jenn - it's amazing how many laughs you can have sharing stories over mealtime.  Thinking Jaely will reply with a similar answer about her best friend - we love spending time together.

Wednesday will come quicker than expected, and I'll have these awesome 24 kids to help bloom.  I'm excited to give hugs or hi-fives to my returning kids, greet the new students into our team, and share a laugh or two with the parents about "first day jitters" (including mine).

Remember to email me with any questions you have - I can't wait to see you then!  Happy school week!!!!

T-minus two weeks!!!

Good morning, GATErs!

I'm amazed at how quickly this summer has gone by.  As much as I love summer (imagine "love" in a 352423-sized font!), the second week of August is my favorite time of year.  This is when I start transitioning back into "teacher" mode, and when I start getting refocused on what I want to accomplish in the next nine months.  However - I can't believe my official report date is already this week!!!!!!!!

The room is coming together well - I'm excited about the new layout, and how it will be a great place to learn.  Jacob and Teddy's families popped in a couple of weeks ago and saw the DISASTER my room was at the time.  I'm excited to see the kids' faces when they see it complete!  Thanks to Sophia's family, we now have two couches to snuggle up in while we're enjoying our favorite books.  I'm hoping that my ceiling mounted projector will be... well... mounted! by the first day of school, which frees up a ton of floor space.  I hope the kids love being in the room as much as I have.

I will not be accessible by phone for a few more days, but am always available via email.  (Just don't laugh when you get a response at 3:00 a.m.!!!)  Please, don't hesitate to ask any questions or voice any thoughts you have.  We're in this together - and I don't know how to best serve you until you tell me!

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone on the first day of school - if not earlier!

Miss J

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