What electrical appliance or form of technology could you not live without?
Why?
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Happy December!
November sure did fly by fast. We have been busy, busy, busy! We've written friendly letters, set goals for our reading, increased our reading stamina to about 35 minutes on a daily basis, are learning the distributive property in math class, learning about The Three Fires in Social Studies, and started a new unit in Science called "Energy Transfer".
We have made some "shocking" discoveries through experimentation, like how to create a static shock, what materials work well to create static electricity and how long a balloon can stay attracted to various places in the classroom. We are beginning to learn about current electricity as well. Students get to explore and experiment how to light a light bulb using a battery, one wire and a mini light bulb. They have to use trial and error to figure out not just one way to get the light bulb to light, but 3 ways it can light and a few ways that it won't light and then figure out what makes a light bulb light-how do the materials have to be connected to each other to get the light bulb to light.
We have been reading some Patricia Polacco books and thinking about story parts and creating story maps. One book we read was called, Thunder Cake, so naturally, we are making a Thunder Cake to eat too! I'll add a link under ELA with the recipe!
We are trying to increase our vocabulary too. We look for longer, interesting words in our reading, try to use longer, more interesting words in our writing, and try to use them when we talk. Students pull out their Spelling Booklets all the time to ask how to spell an interesting word to use. I am loving this! At my own house, with my own family, when someone uses a wonderful word we always say "Oh, that's a two point word for sure!" Sometimes the words are very impressive. My kid's friends also try to get in on the action and when they think they say a really great word they'll ask me if it's point worthy. If it's not, they keep trying! So, I started to do that in class too. It's fun to hear and see all the fabulous words the kids come up with!
Check out the "shocking" pictures below!
We have made some "shocking" discoveries through experimentation, like how to create a static shock, what materials work well to create static electricity and how long a balloon can stay attracted to various places in the classroom. We are beginning to learn about current electricity as well. Students get to explore and experiment how to light a light bulb using a battery, one wire and a mini light bulb. They have to use trial and error to figure out not just one way to get the light bulb to light, but 3 ways it can light and a few ways that it won't light and then figure out what makes a light bulb light-how do the materials have to be connected to each other to get the light bulb to light.
We have been reading some Patricia Polacco books and thinking about story parts and creating story maps. One book we read was called, Thunder Cake, so naturally, we are making a Thunder Cake to eat too! I'll add a link under ELA with the recipe!
We are trying to increase our vocabulary too. We look for longer, interesting words in our reading, try to use longer, more interesting words in our writing, and try to use them when we talk. Students pull out their Spelling Booklets all the time to ask how to spell an interesting word to use. I am loving this! At my own house, with my own family, when someone uses a wonderful word we always say "Oh, that's a two point word for sure!" Sometimes the words are very impressive. My kid's friends also try to get in on the action and when they think they say a really great word they'll ask me if it's point worthy. If it's not, they keep trying! So, I started to do that in class too. It's fun to hear and see all the fabulous words the kids come up with!
Check out the "shocking" pictures below!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
The BFG
In class we are reading the book "The BFG" ( Big Friendliy Giant) . The author is Roald Dahl .This book is about a giant that is not a man eating giant he is a dream giant. He goes out at the witching hour and he puts dreams in the kid's rooms. Sophie stayed up during the witching hour and the big freindly giant captured her because she saw him walking down the street and putting dreams into kid's room. So he tock Sophie to Giant Country where all the bone crunching, blood drinking giants that eat 8 to 10 human beans every night live. Sophie was trapped there forever and all they had to eat there was snozzcumber. The witching hour was over and the Bloodblottler was coming back .
The Bloodblottler came into the BFG's cave and said, "What are you doing little twerp? You are talking to a human bean aren't you?"
"No", said the BFG but he was talking to Sophie. She was so scared that she hid in the slimy gooey disgusting snozzcumber. The BFG had no idea that she was in there so he asked if the Bloodblottler wanted a little bit. He did take a bite. A little bite and he said it the most disgusting thing he had ever tasted. He spit the snozzcumber out and Sophie flew out with the spit.
Stay tuned for more about the BFG next week.
The Bloodblottler came into the BFG's cave and said, "What are you doing little twerp? You are talking to a human bean aren't you?"
"No", said the BFG but he was talking to Sophie. She was so scared that she hid in the slimy gooey disgusting snozzcumber. The BFG had no idea that she was in there so he asked if the Bloodblottler wanted a little bit. He did take a bite. A little bite and he said it the most disgusting thing he had ever tasted. He spit the snozzcumber out and Sophie flew out with the spit.
Stay tuned for more about the BFG next week.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
Science
Today in Science the students worked on an experiment to see if the mass of solid chocolate chips was the same as melted chocolate chips. We used a variety of heat sources--lamps, hairdryers and an overhead projector. The results were the same--the mass stayed the same--because no particles were added or lost.
"Winn-Dixie" Party
After reading the book, "Because of Winn-Dixie" to the class, we decided to have a party--just like the one Opal had in the book. Some of the kids even dressed up like they did in the book!
We had pickles at the party too--because Otis brought pickles to the party--and what is a party without pickles???
May played guitar music to the class--and just like when Otis would play his music to the animals to calm them down, our class quieted down and listened and enjoyed the music too!
We also had Dump Punch and Egg Salad Sandwiches. It turned out to be a nice party and we must have been hungry because everything was eaten!
May played guitar music to the class--and just like when Otis would play his music to the animals to calm them down, our class quieted down and listened and enjoyed the music too!
We also had Dump Punch and Egg Salad Sandwiches. It turned out to be a nice party and we must have been hungry because everything was eaten!We even had Littmus Lozenges!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
MEAP
This week we are taking a test called the MEAP test. It is a reading, writing, and math test only in separete packets. Every 4th grader takes it in the whole state of Michigan. It takes a really long time to get the results of the test. It shows how you do in the three subjects. Instead of a regular test you have an answer document to put down your answers and it takes about two weeks to do. In the reading section, you read selectoins and answer multiple or short answer questions. So far, we are doing pretty good.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Science News
In Science class we are learning about the States of Matter. We have discussed properties of solids, liquids and gases. Everyday we have done hands-on activities to help students understand the concepts. Today we talked about volume of liquid water and ice. Our experiment showed how water expands when it freezes. We filled up a beaker to 250ml with water, then froze it. After it froze the volume increased to 275ml and the plastic beaker expanded too! We also filled up a water bottle all the way up to the top and put the cap on then froze it. What do you think happened to the water bottle????
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Try to Post a Comment and Add to our Blog!
What book are you reading right now?
Write a sentence or two telling why you like it so far.
(If you send a comment by "anonymous" be sure to write your name after your comment)
Write a sentence or two telling why you like it so far.
(If you send a comment by "anonymous" be sure to write your name after your comment)
Saturday, October 1, 2011
October ~ Book Fair ~ Reading
October is my favorite month. The leaves change, the weather gets crisp, school is rolling along, the kids are in the groove of 4th grade and the Book Fair comes to our school!
On Wednesday, my class get to go to the Book Fair and purchase books if they wish. Our PTO is awesome and gives each teacher $50 to spend on books for our classroom--plus they are treating us to lunch on Monday to kick off the book fair!
To go along with our "Making Meaning" Reading curriculum, the district purchased classroom books for all grades, classrooms, and schools. 4th grade recieved over 350 new books for each classroom. WOW! These books are leveled, high interest, all different genres and I cannot wait to let the kids get their hands on them!
We are up to 15 minutes for IDR time. We are kind of at a stand still at 15 minutes--lots of kids have no trouble reading for this amount of time, but others are still antsy--we are still working on building our stamina and being able to sit and read for an extended period of time. It is nice to see so many students check books back out and read the whole book! So many kids start a book then never finish it--just keep on starting them. It is my hope that my students will start and finish most of the books they choose to read--that is what we are working on!
I have brought in pillows, fish pillows, rugs, and a leaf canopy for the kids to use during IDR time--or writing time--they love to use these to get comfy while reading or writing!
For reading homework each night I have asked the kids to read daily. Hopefully they are reading at home for 15-20 minutes everyday! We are working on "Stop and Think" about what you are reading---after a few paragraphs or a few pages or even a chapter, students should stop and think about what the book is about and asking themselves if they understand what they just read. We have also been working on "Re-reading". Re-reading is a strategy good readers use not only to understand what they are reading but to get deeper meaning out of what they are reading and notice things they didn't notice the first time.
Read, read, read!!!
On Wednesday, my class get to go to the Book Fair and purchase books if they wish. Our PTO is awesome and gives each teacher $50 to spend on books for our classroom--plus they are treating us to lunch on Monday to kick off the book fair!
To go along with our "Making Meaning" Reading curriculum, the district purchased classroom books for all grades, classrooms, and schools. 4th grade recieved over 350 new books for each classroom. WOW! These books are leveled, high interest, all different genres and I cannot wait to let the kids get their hands on them!
We are up to 15 minutes for IDR time. We are kind of at a stand still at 15 minutes--lots of kids have no trouble reading for this amount of time, but others are still antsy--we are still working on building our stamina and being able to sit and read for an extended period of time. It is nice to see so many students check books back out and read the whole book! So many kids start a book then never finish it--just keep on starting them. It is my hope that my students will start and finish most of the books they choose to read--that is what we are working on!
I have brought in pillows, fish pillows, rugs, and a leaf canopy for the kids to use during IDR time--or writing time--they love to use these to get comfy while reading or writing!
For reading homework each night I have asked the kids to read daily. Hopefully they are reading at home for 15-20 minutes everyday! We are working on "Stop and Think" about what you are reading---after a few paragraphs or a few pages or even a chapter, students should stop and think about what the book is about and asking themselves if they understand what they just read. We have also been working on "Re-reading". Re-reading is a strategy good readers use not only to understand what they are reading but to get deeper meaning out of what they are reading and notice things they didn't notice the first time.
Read, read, read!!!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Spelling words of 9-19-11
This week's spelling words are:
1.brought
2.family
3.know
4.number
5.ready
6.admit
7.animal
8.bathroom
9.camera
10.happiness
11.radish
12.manage
13.apple
14.answer
15.cash
1.brought
2.family
3.know
4.number
5.ready
6.admit
7.animal
8.bathroom
9.camera
10.happiness
11.radish
12.manage
13.apple
14.answer
15.cash
Interview
An Interview with Luc:
What is your favorite special?
Gym.
What is your favorite sport?
Hockey
What is your favorite subject?
Writing
What is your favorite book?
Diary Of A Wimpy Kid.
What do you like most about Mrs.Ford?
Shes Nice and Awesome!!!
What is your favorite color?
Red
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
In School This Week.....
We are off to a terrific start of the school year. The students are excited and ready to learn. We have built our stamina to 13 minutes for IDR (Independent Daily Reading) time and have been learning how to choose books to read during this time. We have taken a "Star Reader" test that gives an idea of a student's independent reading level. I will have this information available for parents at conferences in November. Today at library the kids looked for fiction books to read. We talked about how to choose a book: look at the covers, read a page, decide what kind of book you are interested in, ask a friend's opinion, look for a particular author etc... We are also learning how to use the "5 finger" method to see if a book is too hard, too easy or just right. I think all the kids did a good job choosing books today. I have been able to listen to all the kids read and we have some very good, fluent readers with good decoding skills in this class! Keep reading at home daily!!
In Science class we have been learning about the "States of Matter". Each day we have been doing labs and learning about solids. We have been measuring mass using a balance and will be finding volume using a graduated cylindar.
The kids are doing a great job exchanging classes too. Each student has a buddy to check with each other to make sure everyone is prepared, has their books, pencils, folders and homework--so far, this has been really helpful!
School Pictures are next Friday, September 30th. The students also will have their first states and capitals quiz on that day in Social Studies class. Start memorizing now!
I'm having technical difficulties downloading my pictures--but, as soon as I figure this out or install a program, I will begin to post some pictures on this blog. I also have to figure out how to allow comments to be posted---If anyone knows how to help with posting comments, a little help would be appreciated!
In Science class we have been learning about the "States of Matter". Each day we have been doing labs and learning about solids. We have been measuring mass using a balance and will be finding volume using a graduated cylindar.
The kids are doing a great job exchanging classes too. Each student has a buddy to check with each other to make sure everyone is prepared, has their books, pencils, folders and homework--so far, this has been really helpful!
School Pictures are next Friday, September 30th. The students also will have their first states and capitals quiz on that day in Social Studies class. Start memorizing now!
I'm having technical difficulties downloading my pictures--but, as soon as I figure this out or install a program, I will begin to post some pictures on this blog. I also have to figure out how to allow comments to be posted---If anyone knows how to help with posting comments, a little help would be appreciated!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Student Interview
Today we will be innerviewing Sierra.
What is your favorite special?
Gym
What is your favorite subject?
Reading
What do you like about Mrs.Ford.
Shes pretty.Shes also nice.
Thats all about Sierra
Monday, September 19, 2011
Mondays Fundays
Today we will be interviewing Anthony V.
So what is your favorite sport?
Hockey
What's your favorite subject?
Social Studies
Whats your favorite special?
Gym
Thursday, September 15, 2011
The Weekly Update
Hello parents,
This is a little bit about what we do at school.
Jumpstart is what we do every morning. It is seatwork that makes us think and challenge our brains.
Science, we are learning about Physical properties.
Exchanges, we do either in the morning or afternoon
our teachers are Ms.Ruloff and Mrs.Darnell.
Ms.Ruloff is are Social Studies teacher and Spelling teacher
Mrs.Darnell is are Math teacher and
Mrs.Ford does Science and she is our homeroom teacher.
Writing: We just finished our "What If?" poems and now we are on "I Remember When" paragraphs.
We are up to 12 minutes for IDR time (Independent Daily Reading).
Thats it for our Weekly Update!
This is a little bit about what we do at school.
Jumpstart is what we do every morning. It is seatwork that makes us think and challenge our brains.
Science, we are learning about Physical properties.
Exchanges, we do either in the morning or afternoon
our teachers are Ms.Ruloff and Mrs.Darnell.
Ms.Ruloff is are Social Studies teacher and Spelling teacher
Mrs.Darnell is are Math teacher and
Mrs.Ford does Science and she is our homeroom teacher.
Writing: We just finished our "What If?" poems and now we are on "I Remember When" paragraphs.
We are up to 12 minutes for IDR time (Independent Daily Reading).
Thats it for our Weekly Update!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Spelling Words for the week of 9-12-11
This weeks spelling words:
1.also
2.can't
3.have
4.into
5.one
6.stray
7.crayon
8.plane
9.erase
10.grateful
11.waste
12.daily
13.rain
14.plain
15.explain
Remember test is on Friday.
1.also
2.can't
3.have
4.into
5.one
6.stray
7.crayon
8.plane
9.erase
10.grateful
11.waste
12.daily
13.rain
14.plain
15.explain
Remember test is on Friday.
First Days of School
Welcome Back! We have had a great start to our school year. The kids are ready and eager to go! We have been getting to know one another, establishing rules and procedures for the classroom and began exchanging classes for Science, Math and Social Studies. I currently teach Science to the 3 sections of 4th grade, Ms. Ruloff teaches Social Studies and Mrs. Darnell teaches Math. We have also filled out job applications for our classroom jobs. Everybody has a job to do. I am stressing the importance of a job well done and showing pride in your job and ultimately in yourself and your classroom.
This year I will be having students write on this blog to share what is happening at school, share their viewpoints, add pictures and possibly (when I am more tech savvy) to create videos and post them here! The two bloggers for this month are: May Gulley and Brendan Matusik. They will actually post their first blog this week!
This year I will be having students write on this blog to share what is happening at school, share their viewpoints, add pictures and possibly (when I am more tech savvy) to create videos and post them here! The two bloggers for this month are: May Gulley and Brendan Matusik. They will actually post their first blog this week!
Friday, September 2, 2011
Getting Ready for the First Day
I am so excited for this school year to begin! I have been learning all about an orginizational practice called "The Daily 5" that I will try to adapt to my classroom. We are going to be using a new Reading Program called "Making Meaning"--I am so looking forward to this program and getting kids excited, interested and becoming great readers this year! I'll be teaching Science to all of the 4th graders again this year using our Battle Creek Science Kits---I love teaching science anyway, but this curriculum promotes so much hands on learning and incorporates so much collaboration and writing--it's a great way to teach Science!
I've organized my library, created a small reading corner using a leaf canopy from IKEA, put desks into groups, kept a large open area of floor space for our reading and Meeting Place, put together reading boxes for the students for IDR time (Independent Daily Reading), and pushed my desk a little more out of the way so that it is more for a science station area than a teacher desk area--we'll see how that goes! I've created enough class jobs so that each student has one everyday---they will be taught responsibility by being in charge of keeping the room cleaned and organized and hopefully they will take pride in their efforts---One job is to be the class blogger--where they will summarize school happenings throughout the week---
My 1st day and 1st week lesson plans are done-----the focus is on class procedures and reinforcing them so that we have a "well-oiled machine" all year!
We'll be reading and writing on the very 1st 1/2 day of school and I can't wait!
School starts Tuesday--hope everyone is ready for a great year!
I've organized my library, created a small reading corner using a leaf canopy from IKEA, put desks into groups, kept a large open area of floor space for our reading and Meeting Place, put together reading boxes for the students for IDR time (Independent Daily Reading), and pushed my desk a little more out of the way so that it is more for a science station area than a teacher desk area--we'll see how that goes! I've created enough class jobs so that each student has one everyday---they will be taught responsibility by being in charge of keeping the room cleaned and organized and hopefully they will take pride in their efforts---One job is to be the class blogger--where they will summarize school happenings throughout the week---
My 1st day and 1st week lesson plans are done-----the focus is on class procedures and reinforcing them so that we have a "well-oiled machine" all year!
We'll be reading and writing on the very 1st 1/2 day of school and I can't wait!
School starts Tuesday--hope everyone is ready for a great year!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Summer Vacation
School just got out on Thursday, and on Friday I was already writing down ideas, thoughts and planning for next year! I used to have a book by Harry Wong, "The First Days of School" but I must have loaned it out to someone and never got it back so I bought a new one along with one of Rafe Esquith's books. I just couldn't get enough of either of the books--my husband thinks I'm crazy--but, I just really feel like I need some fire and motivation for teaching---so I'm starting now! I'm also going to be in a group this summer with some teacher friends learning about "The Daily 5" and "CAFE". I have found a few wonderful 4th grade teacher blog sites that have great information on them as well--Mr. Oliver's class and Miss Angela's class to name a few.
Our school was just remodeled 2 years ago. It looks lovely and clean and sterile. Every classroom has to have the same desks, furniture, number of computers etc... We aren't supposed to deviate---not supposed to bring in extra computers, printers, tables etc...soooooo......
One thing I am definately doing next year is purchasing picture frames--enough for every student in the class, taking pictures of the kids and keeping the pictures up around my classroom. I'll change the pictures every so often--this may be a student job---Isn't that a great way of making the classroom seem like "our" room and making it more personalized? How easy, inexpensive and fun! I'm also purchasing some small,portable,low chairs for the kids to use when they sit on the floor----My room is small and we are supposed to have a lot of students next year--mid to high 30's--so where I will keep them will be a challenge, but, I am determined to organize my classroom, desks etc... to make it a comfortable place for the kids and me. Another idea I found was to not have a teacher's desk in the room---well, my desk isn't going anywhere, but, perhaps I can use it in a different way than as a teacher's desk--so many possibilities and challenges--this should be fun!
I always get excited about the next year even though it's just the ending of this year. It's probably because endings are sad for me and so if I keep looking ahead to start new, again and different I don't feel sad, but excited about beginning new.
Now, I have to say I have been teaching at the same school in the same grade level for 23 years....I still want to grow, change and improve. Hopefully, this blog will also help me to learn, grow and improve. I can't wait to have the students post and learn how to create a really cool blogsite.
Our school was just remodeled 2 years ago. It looks lovely and clean and sterile. Every classroom has to have the same desks, furniture, number of computers etc... We aren't supposed to deviate---not supposed to bring in extra computers, printers, tables etc...soooooo......
One thing I am definately doing next year is purchasing picture frames--enough for every student in the class, taking pictures of the kids and keeping the pictures up around my classroom. I'll change the pictures every so often--this may be a student job---Isn't that a great way of making the classroom seem like "our" room and making it more personalized? How easy, inexpensive and fun! I'm also purchasing some small,portable,low chairs for the kids to use when they sit on the floor----My room is small and we are supposed to have a lot of students next year--mid to high 30's--so where I will keep them will be a challenge, but, I am determined to organize my classroom, desks etc... to make it a comfortable place for the kids and me. Another idea I found was to not have a teacher's desk in the room---well, my desk isn't going anywhere, but, perhaps I can use it in a different way than as a teacher's desk--so many possibilities and challenges--this should be fun!
I always get excited about the next year even though it's just the ending of this year. It's probably because endings are sad for me and so if I keep looking ahead to start new, again and different I don't feel sad, but excited about beginning new.
Now, I have to say I have been teaching at the same school in the same grade level for 23 years....I still want to grow, change and improve. Hopefully, this blog will also help me to learn, grow and improve. I can't wait to have the students post and learn how to create a really cool blogsite.
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