Similies

Today we learned about similies. Here are a few we wrote together.

Names were changed to protect the innocent.

Owen is as excited as a monkey in a truckload of bananas.

Haley's temper is as bad as a rabid german shepard.

Ella charged through the crowd like Mrs. Pearson at a Foo Fighter's Concert.


Pretty descriptive aren't they?

Today's Journal: Trains

"Hi, Emma! We're glad you could make it!" "Hey Emma, I saw your name on the nice list!" For me, this was the most magical part of the Polar Express ride. After we departed from the train, we were met by hundreds of elves shouting Emma's name. The first time we went on the Polar Express, Emma completely believed we were heading to the North Pole. When she heard a little boy crying she said to me, "I think he's homesick."

Mrs. Pearson

Yesterday's journal: Snowflakes

Snowflakes are snowcrystals. I hope there is not enough snow so Santa will crash.Then snowflakes will come to life and attack him. On this show this kid put darts in the fireplace. I hope a antler falls off one of the Reindeer.

Herbert

Busy, busy , busy

Things are getting crazy in our classroom. We have been learning about the reasons for the seasons and the winter solstice. Remember, after the 21st, days will start getting longer again!

Yesterday, we continued studying rocks with our ELF educators. There were some great rocks to look at and activities to solidify our understanding of rocks.

Today we studied the adaptations that chickadees make in order to survive the winter. These are some amazing animals!

We also had math and muffins today. It was great to see parents working with their students on math problems...

Ask your student about some of these lessons and see what they have learned!

Green Mountain Boys

Today we learned a little about Ann Story who is often called the "Mother of the Green Mountain Boys". We learned about the New Hampshire land grants and the arguments that broke out over the land in what is now Vermont. We began reading a book called Green Mountain Hero.

Tonight, for homework, choose a character from the story: Amos, Ann, Solomon, Ephraim, Samuel, Hannah, or Susannah. Write a journal entry from their point of view about the barn fire.

Use neat handwriting and your best writing skills!

Today's Journal: Cats

I have a cat her name is Sugar Bug.I love her.Her favorite food is fancy feast.I got her from
pony club.She is afraid of dogs . She scratched Odey's nose my old cat jumped
on Patch and then ran away for ever. I think he joined the thunder clan.

Thursday's Journal: Winter Smells

Winter smells are turkeys in the oven, pies on the cooling rack. Winter smells are burning candles ,and cranberry sauce a dish. Some people have ham in the oven too. Winter smells are candy canes being pulled off the Christmas tree. Other smells of winter are Hershey Kisses, mints, and candy in a dish waiting to be eaten. Winter smells remind me of the twenty-five days to Christmas.

Tatum

Homework

Reading Journal
Finish cursive if needed

Today's Journal: How to build a snowman

I love building snowmen because I never did as a kid. The first step is to make a big snowball for the bottom . Then you make another snowball to put on top. Finally you make an even smaller ball for the head. Once the body is made you can gather sticks for the arms, rocks for the buttons and eyes, and a carrot for the nose. A hat, a scarf and pipe finish up the look for this fun snowman.

Michelle

This week's theme: Rocks and Minerals

This week we are studying rocks and minerals. So far we are learning about sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks. Thanks to Rudd for the awesome book he brought in to share! Ask your students about these kinds of rocks!

Today's Journal: Hibernation

Bears are very lucky they get to sleep through the winter. I would like to be a bear, that would be very fun. I would miss all the presents though. That would be very bad. I would go to boring old sleep.

Sullivan

Yesterday's Journal: Fun with a sled

I do not have fun with a sled,because one year I flipped on a sled it was fun but painful.I hate the cold but I like playing in the snow,so why can't we have snow and warmth together?

Kayla

Math Content Knowledge

I recently stumbled on this page from the math learning center, the people who publish Bridges, our math curriculum. Check out this site for insight into some of the stategies kids will be taught. I was particularly interested in the section on subtraction of the counting numbers and how the concept can be transitioned to the "borrowing" or "trading" algorithm.

http://www.mathlearningcenter.org/resources/gene/play-on-numbers/default.asp#

Today's Journal: When I feel lonely I...

When I'm lonely I go outside to play or watch t.v. I don't usually get lonely because my parents are there most of the time. I don't like to be lonely.

Caelb

Guest Writers!

We had two more guest writers today! Thanks to Mrs. Tourville and Mr. Durfee. We are really getting a kick out of hearing all the journaling.

We also met a published writer, Tracey Campbell Pearson. It was great to see a person who makes their living by writing and illustrating. To some of us, it seems like a dream job!

Today's Journal: At the movies

When I go the movies I loved to see Alvin and the chipmunks. when my gramma goes she just sleeps through the movie. When I have a friend over and they're older than me. Every time I go I make sure your gramma does not snor. The End

Maygan

So anyway...

Report cards were sent home yesterday. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions.

Today we had our first guest writer. Thanks to Missy. It was funny to watch the kids try to figure out if she was going to read her journal or not. It was great for the kids to see another grownup expressing themselves through writing!

We have planned our holiday party. The kids insisted on a "secret santa" so I caved in. We picked names today and will have our gift exchange on the 23rd along with our party. I will send the minutes home so you can see for what you were volunteered!

Yesterday we had Karen come in from the Flynn as part of the "words come alive program". It was a great reenactment of our learning about New France. Kids acted out leaving, traveling, and building a settlement in New France. It was a wonderful enrichment experience!

Homework

Math problem solving with inches, feet and yards.
Practice flashcards.

Guest Writing

Every morning we choose a journal topic randomly. Then we write about the topic. One child writes their journal entry on an overhead so we can help edit together. Later on each person who wants to gets to read their journaling.

We think it would be fun if we could get some guest writers to come in and write and read with us. We journal every morning between 7:45 and 8:15, then read them around 8:15. If you would like, please join us any morning at that time and write with us! There is no need to schedule, we can accomodate as many guest writers as we can get! Come in any morning and write with us!

Today's Journal: Nuts

My brother is nuts. He thinks he knows everything. My dad and mom gets really annoyed with him. I like some kinds of nuts. I like peanuts and walnuts. Some people are allergic to nuts and some people hate nuts. Peanut butter is made out of peanuts. My dad likes maple walnut ice cream but I dont. Its disgusting.

Emma

Homework

Heritage project:

Interview an adult in your home about where their family immigrated from and why. Write their answers.

Today's Journal: How to plant a pumpkin

First you put the seed in the ground Then you water them. You have to wait a long time until they grow .
They have to be orange. Then they are ready.

Maggie

Math and Muffins

The kids and I had a great time at Math and muffins this morning! Thanks for coming in and learning about math with us. I had a request for more information about the Bridges program. Here is a link to the company that provides the Bridges curriculum. www.mathlearningcenter.org . While I am still learning about the program, I do have to say I am impressed so far. I wish I had known some of these strategies when I was a kid!

Tracy

Today's Journal: My new bike

I got a new bike.It was for my birthday.I like getting new bikes.They are so cool.My mom does not like me riding my bike in the road,but I always tell my mom that I will watch for the cars.

Meghan

Pilgrims

Recently, we have been looking at human migration, immigration, and lately the Pilgrims. We are talking about the reasons people migrated to this part of the world.

We have spoken about the potato famine in Ireland, Ellis Island, and now we are looking at religious persecution through the Pilgrims. We have been doing a simulation of sorts. Kids have studied how the Pilgrims made the decision to leave England, what the crossing was like, and the new notion of self government through the Mayflower Compact. Yesterday, they simulated building a new settlement.

Please enjoy discussing these concepts with you child at home. They should be able to talk at length about human migration, immigration and the Pilgrims!

Tracy

Today's Journal: A lucky day

One time I found 20 dollars on the lawn. Which was split in half. Then my mom spent it on pizza. That day was not my lucky day. But it was for my mom. THE END

Damian

Today's Journal: A hair cut

In 3rd grade I had a mohawk. It got cut off. My dad did not like it. I had a marine buzz cut after that. I liked that better.


Darien

The Mayflower

Today we learned about the agreement the Pilgrims made when they landed on the new world, called the Mayflower compact. Each of the groups had to write a compact as well describing their rules as well as their leader.

Homework

Share the sixes strategies and practice on the worksheet!

Words Come Alive!

Today we had Karen come to us from the Flynn Theater to facilitate Words Come Alive! It is a program of using theatrics and movement to enhance learning. I will be meeting with Karen to plan some activities to enrich student's understanding of concepts such as immigration and erosion.

Ask the kids what we did today!

Today's Journal: What makes me cry

The only time I ever cry is when I get hurt or when I get yelld at. I get yelld at alot. I usually get
grounded or go to my room. It stinks to go to my room! one time I flipped off my four-wheeler. It really hurt. Because I flipped over the handle bars



THE END
Caleb

Today's Journal: Pumpkin Pie

I enjoy pumpkin pie most of the time.I have three pieces every Thanksgiving. My brother
eats five pounds of chicken .I love pumpkin pie.I like pumpkin seeds on the pumpkin pie.

Molly

Homework

Study for spelling test.
Practice math flashcards

Today's Journal: If I were an animal I would be...

I would be a dolphin. One of my favorite things to do is swim, and dolphins swim all the time. I would like to see the tropical water and coral reefs. I don't know what kind I would be but I wouldn't want to be a pet for people to study! I love dolphins!

Tatum

Heritage Project

We are learning about immigration in class. The kids will be doing a heritage project based on family information. Actually, they can either base it on their family information, or research and create a fictional heritage. Kids may be asking those at home about where some ancestors of the grown ups at home came to America from.

I understand that kids and families may have differing circumstances and relationships....I am not concerned about researching "biological" histories. Instead, I am hoping kids can learn more about immigration through the grown ups who are bringing them up.

The Flynn Trip

Hey There!

Yesterday we all went to see The Phantom Tollbooth performed at the Flynn Theater. We had a great time. the kids made comments about how the play was different from the book, but we all enjoyed the interpretation. The kids behaved beautifully in the theater. A HUGE thanks to all the parents who took time out to drive the kids back and forth. We couldn't have gone without you!

Tracy

Today's Journal: My allowance

Today I got some money because I cleaned the car for Kayla. I got one dollar just for cleaning the car. I get money if I clean something. The last time when it was my birthday I got $80.

Courtney

Today's Journal: I found a...

There once was a girl and she was digging and she found a box. When she opened the box something jumped out of it.That something was a vampire.She closed the box and burried it.That was the last time she was going to dig again.

Hannah

Homework

Finish the cups and quarts table and problems.

Also, you can discuss what you learned today from Ms. Rozeman's presentation on medicines with your families.

Today's journal: Clouds remind me of

Clouds remind me of German zeppalins. There they are, huge zeppalins just waiting to be shot down. So I imagine using an "air" machine gun. I imagine them catching fire and hurtling down to Earth. Unlike planes, they are slow and lumbering which makes them easy to shoot down.

Sullivan

Homework

Write a hamburger paragraph about Erosion. Use your neatest handwriting and check your spelling.

Tomorrow

Friday will be a busy day. First we have "Math and Muffins". Come in a join us from 7:45 - 8:45 for cider, muffins and math activites.

Later, after lunch, we have our Halloween party. Kids can bring in costumes and change into them after lunch. The kids planned the party earlier this month. I can't wait to see how it goes!

ELF

Today we had ELF and learned about erosion. There are a few causes, wind, water, gravity, and weathering. The kids did many activities that would enrich their understanding of erosion.

Last year there many questions on erosion on the science NECAP test that all fourth graders take in the spring. We are lucky to have our ELF volunteers to teach these important lessons!

Today's Journal: Night sounds

The only thing I hear is my sister on the phone. Plus her T.V. is on and she has it so loud I end up awak at 11:00 wich is not bad. And the last thing her dog that evil thing comes in my bed room and barks and poops on my floor.

Kayla

Homework

Spelling words - refrigerator lists.

Also: Sharing is now on Tuesdays and Fridays

Today's Journal: The biggest mess

When I was little I used to throw A hissy fit. I used to throw my toys on the ground. Then gramma made me clean it up. Why can't she clean it up? I hate to have a mess in my room, so there.

Maygan

Guidance Class: Bullies

Today in Guidance the kids talked with Mrs. Mayer about bullies.

Homework

Math Home Connection #9 , front and back (Remember square numbers are the ones who will form a perfect square!)

Reading Journal

That's it!

The Painted Essay

Today we reviewed the Painted Essay. It is a format for writing both reports and literature responses. Please check with your student to see if they understand the ideas of this tool. We will practice writing one tomorrow.

The Painted Essay
4 paragraphs

Red: Hook, Context, Topics
Yellow: Topic #1, details (and elaboration, right Kayla?)
Blue: Topic #2, details
Green: Conclusion: Restate Topics, Connections, Big AHA!

Class meeting: Talking

Each afternoon we have a class meeting. Some days we talk about issues in the classroom. Yesterday we talked about the off task talking and how we talk to each other. The kids made a plan.


For off task talking, they decided I should have them put their names on the board if I have to speak to them. That is a warning. The next time I talk to them they get a check and that is 5 minutes from recess. The next check is 15 minutes. The third check is a call home and all of recess. The kids wrote the plan, so we will begin to implemement today.

Also, we talked about how we should use our voices to each other in class. We talked about how it feels to be called names and left out. We will keep working on only saying something nice - or not saying anything at all.

We had a big discussion about bragging and celebrating. We decided that celebrating sounds like "Yea!" and bragging sounds like "ha! ha!"

Today's Journal: In the dark

One day I went to a haunted house. I really wanted to scare my brother so he could scream like a little girl. I have tried to do that before but it didn't work. When I went on vacation my brother scared me so my stepdad scared him back.

Emma

The Halloween Party

The kids have planned a party for Halloween. They have decided on food, decorations and entertainment. I will send the minutes from the class meeting home. If you cannot do all the kids signed you up for, don't worry, just let me know. They were very ambitious planners!

Tracy

Homework

Math sheet on multiplying by three. Don't forget the game I taught you today. You will be teaching it to someone at home later this week!

Today's Journal: If I were invisible

I would walk around and scare people. I would turn off all the lights. I would love it. I would scare the pants off of Russell and Robert. I would be happy.

Margaret

Today's Journal: Your sister, cousin, brother....

My cousin is so annoying. She always tells on me when I don't do anything to her. She gets me in trouble all the time. Sometimes we are nice to each other. Most of the time we fight.

Meghan

Homework

Tonight and tomorrow night kids should work on showing me what they already know about writing a literature response.

I have given them a question to answer on The Phantom Tollbooth: How does Milo change as a result of his trip through the lands past the phantom tollbooth? We have discussed this as a class at length, and yesterday we used a Venn Diagram to sort our thoughts.

I have also included the state of Vermont's writing benchmarks for literature response. We went over these in class, and they can act as a guideline.

If kids remember the painted essay format they should use it. Otherwise, write in hamburger paragraph form. This assignment should show me where kids are and where we still need to go with this kind of writing!

Due: Friday
Thanks!

Class News

We have almost finished NECAP testing. We have one more test to go on Friday afternoon. I think the worst part is finishing early then having to sit still while others finish. It is really hard, but the kids are really trying!

We are getting close to the performance of The Phantom Tollbooth. I sent a note home today tying up some loose ends. Let me know if you have any questions!

Thanks!

Today's Journal: I get angry when....

I get angry when my mom lets my little sister play in my room. She makes a mess. Then she dosent pick up. When I get home I have to pick it up. then the next day while I am gone she will make a bigger mess and I will be the one picking it up.

Darien

Today's Journal: A broken window

WHEN I WAS LIVING WITH MY GRAMMA AND GRAMPA . I WAS WATCHING TV IN MY ROOM. I JUMPED ON MY BED. I FELL OFF MY BED. I HIT THE WINDOW WITH MY KNEE.

Damian

Writing a literature response

Today we began talking about a literature response. A literature response is different from a book report. Children across the state of Vermont are asked to make connections to the text as well as judgements in order to show true understanding.

Today we looked at the state rubric and two examples of writing which meet the standards for fourth grade writing. We studied Farmer Boy and Horton Gives a Hoot.

If you get a chance, take a look at the benchmarks found on the state's website. It is a great way to become involved in your child's writing!

http://education.vermont.gov/new/pdfdoc/pgm_curriculum/literacy/writing/benchmarks/grade_4/grade_4_1_7_response.pdf

Conferences

It was nice to meet parents at conferences. As I reflected on the meetings I realized how lucky I felt to have this class this year. It really is a great group of kids, and while we try to have fun once in a while, they are really working hard and showing me what they can do!

Thanks for coming in and supporting what we are doing here in class!

Tracy Pearson

Today's Journal: A place I would like to visit.

I would like to visit Florida. I'd like to go to Disney. It would be fun. I've already been to Disney. It was fun, and I would like to go again.

Caleb

Today's Journal: Making a sandwich

To make a sandwich for peanut butter and jelly. You get bread and take the two pieces apart. Then get peanut butter. Put it on the bread.You get jelly and put spoon of it on it.Put the two
pieces of bread together then you have pbj.

Molly

Today's Journal: A funny dream

I woke up (really in a dream) and walked down the hall.There was a very big fluffy bird with a baby rattle, and was supposely a baby." He sure is the biggest baby I've seen!" He started to cry! I woke up ( for real) "we are having an earthquake again!

NECAP tests and Homework

Today we began the reading portion of the NECAP test. We will be testing Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons this week.

For homework tonight, please work on your refrigerator list of spelling words and your math fact flashcards. Please focus on the 4 times tables. Remember to think....double doubles!

Today's Journal: Ice cream cones

I love ice cream it is good. My favorite is vanilla and orange. I like sprinkles on my ice cream. My mom and my dad and my sister like ice cream. Ice cream is my favorite thing after I eat.

Courtney

Today's Journal: A yellow pencil

I have a green pencil box and in that pencil box there are no yellow pencils. But I have High School Musical and a heart one. In 2nd grade Emma had 50 something pencils. I have 6 pencils but none of them are yellow. I have a yellow colored pencil though.

Hannah

Social Studies and ELF

Today we began to look at the history of Vermont. I planned on reading about the Algonquin Indians and starting vegetable plants as they would have done. The kids began asking about how the Earth was formed and the beginning of life, so we watched part of a Discovery Channel video called Earth's Catastrophic Past. It helped me answer some of their questions. (I often need all the help I can get!)

Also, we had our first ELF class. Thanks to all the parents who volunteer your time. It is a great learning activity and the children love it!

Today's Journal: Your favorite T.V. show

I like the Simpsons. It is a very funny show. My favorite show is when the principal and Bart are fighting each other with sticks. All the while, Starwars music is playing. The music is funny. It goes like this: da da da da, dadadadadada, daaaaaaaaaa!

The End

Sullivan

Homework

Read for 20 minutes and write at least 5 sentences about your reading! Have fun!

Math Class

Today we learned two new strategies for figuring out multiplying by fours and sixes. When you multiply by four you can figure it out using "double doubles". When you multiply by sixes you can use clock facts plus one more. Ask your student how these work!

Today's Journal: Bubble Gum

I like gum, especially bubble gum. My favorite is cotton candy it is the best. It is the kind I usually have. There is a lot of kind of gum but I do not like all kinds.

Today's Journal: Autumn

Autumn is fun because you can make leaf piles. Then halloween comes and candy. You can jump in the leaf piles. Halloween you get candy and sugar.

Zach

NECAP

It is that time of year again. We will begin NECAP testing next week. There are 6 days of testing, so we will do Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday tests from 12:30 - 2:00. Please send in books, crosswords or quiet activity books that kids can work on if they finish a test early. Each testing session can be up to 90 minutes long!

Homework:

Tonight, please make a refrigerator list of your spelling words and study them for the test tomorrow. Also, finish the math activity with multiplication, as well as your constructed response paragraph if you needed more time.

Today's Journal: In My Desk

In my desk there is the greatest thing in the world it is a box. In that box there's two pairs of scissors. Next to those scissors there is a pencil sharpener. Next to the pencil sharpeners are the pencils. Next to the pencils are pens and that is the end.

Kayla

Join us for Math and Muffins!

This Friday is the last Friday of the month. As I wrote earlier, I would like to invite families in for the first hour of school. At this time, students will share what (and how) they are learning math this year!

We are using a new math program this year called, Bridges to Mathematics. It has a few very interesting components. So far, I have been very happy with the results!

So, if you are able, join us on Friday morning from 7:45 - 845 for math and muffins. We will share our math portfolios, try some games, and try to answer any questions you have about math instruction this year! If it is successful, we can make it a monthly event!

Tracy

A Cry for Help

Hello, there. We are about to begin a unit of study on Early Vermont and Heritage. One activity in the curriculum is to build an Algonquin Indian style wigwam. To do this we need natural materials such as wood saplings and birchbark.

I think it would be really educational (yes, but also really fun) to build one large enough to sit in. I am not a builder and a project like this run by me would be doomed to fail. Are there any parents or grandparents out there who are handy enough to gather materials and help us construct one on the playground? It would not have to be a full size one, a playhouse version would be fine.

We are also going to start some seedlings inside to replicate gardening for the Algonquins. Do you have any left over seeds or potting soil that you would be willing to donate? If so, contact me either through email at the school, call, or send in a note with your student.

New Math Vocabulary!

Today in math we talked about the words dimension and factor. Ask your student to explain what we did in math today and what those words mean!

Homework

Tonight's homework is reading for 20 minutes and writing in your reading journal.

Today, after reading the Phantom Tollbooth, we decided to try and interview the characters in chapter 12 and 13. Here are some questions and inferred responses the children wrote.

Q. Soundkeeper, why do you keep all the sounds?

A. I keep the sounds safe.

Q. Dynne, why do you like bad noises better?

A. Because all the good noises were used a long time ago, so more people like bad noises instead of good noises.

Q. Dynne, why do you work with Dr. Kakafonous Dischord?

A. Because I love the sounds that he likes. Plus, good sounds are bad and bad sounds are good sound.

Q. Soundkeeper, why do you not like sound?

A. Because I do not want there to be a lot of commotion, so I will not let them out.

There were many more great questions and responses. Check with your child to hear what they wrote!

Homework

Tonight, just make your refrigerator list. Make sure you spell everything correctly and get a parent's choice word!
;)

Today' Journal: A Mud Puddle

One day in a mud puddle an ant splashed happily. He went swimming. All of a sudden a boy came and spashed so hard all of the water came out! The ant slowly walked home. When he got home his coleny was under water! the end

Caleb

Homework

Tonight, please complete the math worksheet, read for 20 minutes and write in your reading journal.

Writing Prompt: What could a nervous frog do in a restaurant?

In writing we are working on using adjectives to describe things. We have a randon prompt generator and using that we got the writing prompt, "What could a nervous frog do in a restaurant?"

One student wrote the following story.

A nervous frog went into a restaurant. Nobody saw him come in. He jumped on a table. A little boy saw him. The boy grabbed his knife. The frog grabbed a fork. After about tw o minutes of fighting, the frog's fork was knocked away. The boy said, Ha! I have you now!" Then the frog saw some mac and cheese. The frog got a big spoon. He scooped up some mac and cheese. He threw the mac and cheese on the boy. Then he attacked the dad. the dad tried to dump his plate on the frog, but the frog was to quick. The frog jumped on the dad's head. then he made a big jump to another table. There was an old woman at that table. When she saw the frog she screamed so loud her dentures her denturs fell out. The frog looked around for food. He found some salad. He then quickly gulped it up. Suddenly, he smelled pie. It was coming from the kitchen. He quickly hopped to the kitchen door. He waited patiently until it opened. When it did, the waiter carried out steak. He still had time. He went into the kitchen. When he found the pie, he slipped onto the plater. Just as a waiter pu on a lid. When the pie got to the family, there was none left. Everyone chased him out. When he was out, he vowed never to go into a restaurant again.

The End

Sullivan

Homework

Write creatively about the writing prompt. Use as many adjectives and descriptive words as you can!

Also, don't forget to study your spelling words!

Today's Journal: Recess

I like running at recess.I like playing with my friends. SometimesI go on the zipline with my friends .We go on the swings. We do lots of things at recess.

Meghan

Homework

Today we learned about adjectives and adverbs. Please finish the adjectives worksheet. We are also working on writing story problems that can be solved using multiplication. Please finish the math worksheet.

I am also sending home a permission slip for The Phantom Tollbooth performance at the Flynn theater. Please have it signed and returned as soon as possible.

Thanks!

Today's Journal: Your favorite subject

My best subject is art . I like art because I like crafts and stuff . Crafts are cool because art is cool too . Art is awesome . Paint, paint all you can .
Margaret

Today's Journal: New Friends

I first met Caleb when I was 2. I think Caleb is a really good friend. I met Caleb at daycare. We alway use to play Scooby Doo with Hannah and Maygan. The person who babysat us was Tammy Lokerbey.

Emma

Today's Journal: Bananas

I had a banana for breakfast. The banana was good. Bananas have tiny seeds in them. Bananas are yello. Some people do not like bananas. Bananas are very good for you. At breakfast my friends came over so we had bananas with breakfast.

Darien

Breaking News!

This just in...The Phantom Tollbooth is coming to the Flynn Theater on November 5th. I am reserving seats. We will need 5-7 driver/chaperones to take us to the theater. The tickets cost $8.50, and if we had to take a bus that would make the cost of the trip way too high...

We are going to the 12:00 show. If you are able to drive some kids to the show, please let me know. I will be sending a permission slip home very soon!

Homework

Today, in the Phantom Tollbooth we met Alec Bings who teaches us and Milo about Point of View. I told a short story from my point of view and the same story from Emma's point of view.

Me: Every night I have to tell Emma the same thing...go take a bath. Every night she gets mad at me and stomps up the stairs and gets all huffy! Why should I have to tell her the same thing every night! She needs to take a bath so she won't be a stinky kid! It's for her own good!

Emma: My mom drives me crazy. I used to only take a bath every other night, but now I have to take one every night! I have a lot of things to do like play with my breyers. I never have time to watch T.V. cause I always have to take a bath!


Tonight, I would like kids to write a similar short story from two different points of view.

In addition, please make your refrigerator list of your spelling words...:)

Homework

Today's homework is the reading journal. You should have a great book to read since you went to the library today!

Today's Journal: New Shoes

I got new shoes. They have hearts on them. I got three pairs of them. I like all of them. I like to shop for new shoes and new clothes. I really like to go shopping.

Courtney

Today's Journal: Weekends

On the weekend... I play with legos. I watch tv at night. I ride my bike. I play soccer. I play in my fort.

Damian

The Hamburger Paragraph

In order to help kids understand the format of a paragraph I teach the "Hamburger Paragraph". The idea is this.....

□ Your top bun is for your topic sentence or your strong opening sentence.
□ The sentences that come next are your supporting details. They are the heart of the hamburger, just like meat, tomatoes, lettuce, etc.
□ Holding it all together is the bottom bun of the hamburger. It should be an interesting conclusion sentence.

We will have these to practice for homework tonight, also, don't forget to practice spellling words!

Homework!

Tonight, for homework, please complete the two math papers. Also, remember you voted to have a spelling test on Wednesday, so please study your spelling words.

Try to get some outside time in also!
Mrs. P.

A Shout Out to Conner D.

Sullivan: Hope you have fun, by the try to aim for Sophie's bed!

Maggie: Hi! Bye!

Herbert: Bring your treboucher to school and chuck water balloons at it!

Tatum: How are you, I hope you are having fun.

Today's Journal: What is your favorite airplane?

I would name it Josy flight 3,000.
It would start out at a spa. It would go to a spa too.
Josy would fly the plane.You could pay $40.00 to ride Josy.There would be
an indoor ring. Only girls except for ODEY.

Molly

Thinking in Math

We continued to work on pattern block areas today. Try a video to hear about our thinking!

Today's Journal: List 10 reasons to stay up late.

I wold stay up late to...
1. ride my four-wheeler
2. to play video games
3. to watch t.v.
4. to light a bonfire
5. to set off fire crackers if I had them
6. to ride my dad's side by side
7. to eat candy
8. to chase my dog
9. to go on the computer
10. to swallow swords

By Rudd

Today's Math Lesson

We are working on finding the area of different shapes using different pattern block units. Not only does this teach us about area and geometry, but we are also connecting the area to multiplication.

Looks like fun, doesn't it?

Today's Journal: What is your favorite video game?

My favorite video game is Star wars.In the game you play levels.Once you beat a level you unlock a new level.My favorite character is Yoda.I like getting money because then I can buy stuff for the levels.My favorite level is the toxic waste.My favorite light sabrer is a blue one.

Herbert

Homework

Tonight, please spend 20 minutes reading. Write the name of the book, pages read, and at least 5 sentences about the book.

That's it!

Note to parents:
I have adopted the policy of keeping kids in for recess if they have not completed homework. It is not my favorite thing to do as I really feel that kids need a chance to get outdoors. If you have anymore creative suggestions, please drop me a note or email!

trapear@gisu.org

Today's Journal: Make up your own folktale

There once was a fairy that granted wishes but there was no one to grant a wish to. One day the fairy saw someone to grant 3 wishes to. The little girl was living in the smallest house ever. They lived on a island. So the fairy granted 3 wishes for the little girl. The little girl lived in a mansion and had tons of land and they lived happily ever after.

By: Hannah

Homework 9-3-08

How is homework going? If you have trouble completing an assignment, please have your parents drop me a note to explain why it could not get done.

Tonight, please complete the math activity. Also, you need to ask your parent's for a spelling word for this week. They get to choose one, you choose 8 and I choose one. You should have all 10 words. Please check and make sure they are all written neatly and spelled correctly. Make your refrigerator list and post it up on the fridge or wall if possible. Practice them whenever you get a chance!

In addition, get out there and try to get some fresh air! I don't know whether we will have nice weather like this for long!

Tonight's secret word: Macabre

Today's Journal: What is your favorite event in history?

Helen Keler

Helen keler was a little girl, who was born hearing and seeing,but got very ill. She was left withboth ears deaf and she was also left blind. She learned sign language and Bralle. Bralle is a way you read with your fingers on raised dots. That means lettersof the alphabet. Each dot in different places, and some letters have more dots to show it.Now Helen Keler is nown as a susectful person with the help of Ann. Sullivan. She was her teacher. Ann almost came to the point in going blind.

By: Tatum

Homework!

Tonight please investigate the word Humbug. You may look it up on your own, ask someone else, or read the provided article. Then write what it means and answer the question.

Also, please fill in the pattern block relationships chart. Pass in both papers on Wednesday.

Have fun!

Mrs. Pearson

Can you make a magnet from a nail?

Today we read about magnets and what kinds of things you can do with them. We also learned about a famous mathematician named Carl Gauss who figured out a really cool way to add numbers. We call it Rainbow Math. Give it a try at home.

The secret word for this week is LETHARGIC. Say it to me on Tuesday for a fun sticker!

Don't forget to share the blogging permission slip with your family.

Have a great long weekend.

Mrs. P

Magnets and Lethargy

Today we explored with magnets and found that magnets don't stick to all metal. Ask us what kind of metal an object has to have in order for a magnet to "stick" to it!

Also, in the Phantom Tollbooth, Milo got stuck in the Doldrums with the Lethargarians. Ask us what lethargic means! We all should know it now!

I will be sending home a permission slip in order for students to have photos and work displayed on our blog. Hopefully, the kids will show some work here soon!

Tracy

Homework

There will not be homework this week. Homework will most likely begin on Tuesday, September 2, 2008.

Thanks!

Welcome to the Tollbooth Times!

This year our class will be starting off by studying the fantastic book, The Phantom Tollbooth, by Norman Juster. This book is about a boy name Milo who goes on a journey through Dictionopolis and Digitopolis in order to find the princesses, Rhyme and Reason. Along the way, Milo realizes the importance of being a lifelong learner.

Also this year, I am piloting a new math curriculum called Bridges to Mathematics. In many ways the format of learning is similar to MathLand, our district's current math curriculum, however, it is more directly aligned to Vermont's Grade Expectations. The math is rigorous, but presented with a game and problem solving focus. I am very excited about teaching with it this year. I would love to have families become involved with math instruction this year and to that end, I will be inviting families to join us on the last Friday of each month, starting in September. Families can join us for the first hour of school before their work day begins. We can share math portfolios and play some math games and explain some of our learning from the previous month! Join us when you can!

I hope to use this blog to update families on our school day, homework, and share student work. Please try to check in as often as possible. If I get behind in updating - feel free to bug me!

Also, if you have any questions or information to share, please email me at trapear@gisu.org.

Thanks!

Tracy Pearson