Thursday, April 26, 2012

Each year 4th and 5th graders participate in a track and field day to promote exercise and a healthier lifestyle.  Today was such a beautiful day, perfect weather.  There were many relatives and friends of the athletes in the stands to cheer everyone on.  Thanks to Mrs. Missal for organizing this event and all the volunteers who helped.
Family and friends cheer on athletes!


On your mark, get set, go!
Waiting for ribbons to be handed out, today everyone was a winner!

We Are Actors!

Yesterday and today we shared a choral reading with Mrs. Taylor's class in GA, they in turn sang a song for us.
Future Forest City High School actors and actresses.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Grandparent Tea

It is time for our annual Grandparent Tea,  we celebrate our Grandparents and pay tribute to our Veterans.  Congratulations 4th graders you did a fantastic job.

Then it was back to our classroom to have coffee and cookies, and punch for those of us not old enough to drink coffee.  The students asked their Grandparents questions such as....  How much was a pack of gum or bottle of pop when you were my age?   What did you do for fun?  What did you do on holidays?  There was a lot to share and tell.  Thank you to everyone who helped out in some way to make today a success.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Reading and Writing Go Together

This is an excerpt from a poem by Kate Messner, who is becoming one of my favorite authors.

"Write for yourself.
Write because until you do,
You will never understand
What it is you mean to say
Or who you want to be.
Write because it makes you whole."

"Write because it matters."

Read

"Read for yourself."
Read because it will show you who you are,
Who you want to be some day,
And who you need to understand.
Read because it will open doors
To college and opportunity, yes,
And better places still..."

For the entire poem go to www.katemessner.com/a-tuesday-poem-revolution-for-the-tested

Monday, April 16, 2012

My Class traveled to Norway today!  Thanks to Forest City alumnus Jenna M. who is currently student teaching in Norway.  We took a virtual tour and saw gorgeous Norwegian landscape, which included Fjords, a beautiful lake, and snow capped mountains.

Jenna told us about brown cheese and wasa crackers.  She can see starfish off her dock, so neat.  She also talked about a historic estate called Barony Rosendal.  She takes boats, ferries, and hikes.  Thank you Jenna for taking the time to teach us about Norway.

Friday, April 13, 2012

On April 10th we completed our first Mystery Skype with Christina Rockwood's 4th grade class in Walpole, MA. Questions included climate, native animals, famous landmarks, famous people, crops, and bodies of water.  We also had time to tell each other about our schools.  My students are excited for the next skype.  Where will it be?

Each student eagerly awaited their turn to ask a question.
Skype with author Kate Messner
One reason for starting a class blog was to showcase what we are doing in our classroom using skype. On April 5 we had the opportunity to skype with Kate Messner author of Sea Monster's First Day and Marty McGuire.  She told the kids that it is very important to spend time reading and writing. Thank you Kate.
www.katemessner.com   
It has been my goal for the past few months to create a blog to showcase the learning opportunities that my students and I have.  Here is my first attempt.

In 4th grade we study the continents of the world, here are a few of the places we have skyped so far.