A Busy Friday--Have a Great Vacation!

Fifth grade boys discuss which materials are most important for survival during the CerritoBerry meeting

This morning at our CerritoBerry meeting students used their communication and teamwork skills to "survive a plane crash".  Students broke into groups to rank the top five most important items out of a list of materials.  According to the "survival experts" the top five were a lighter (for sparks), steel wool (for fire), clothes (warmth), can filled with Crisco Oil (rub on to keep warm/use can) , and a 20 foot squared canvas sheet.  

Students counted $185.00 from yesterday's bake sale!  Thanks again for those who baked.  This morning Strawberry students and their buddies chose to buy the following (the criteria were that they had to be physically or academically "educational"): skateboard for Eninea (9 yrs.old), an activity center for Ashley (1 year old), a board game for Keyira (9 years old), and educational game for Johnson (9), a warm blanket for Edward (3 months old), an infant toy for Daniella (infant), and a baby doll with stroller from Emily (3 years old).  

Finally, the day ended with Secret Santa gift giving, decorating cookies (thanks, Deborah Lambe, for organizing)!and appreciations.  More photos from today.  

Decorating cookies

Margaux does a "math trick" for Talent Friday

Also, thanks so much for those who contributed for the teacher fund.  The gift was really generous and your notes on the card were sweet, sincere and valued.


What a busy and fruitful first part of the school year!  I hope everyone has a restful, enjoyable and rejuvenating break.  When we return, we'll begin a short study on Mountain Men, the tough trappers who ventured West after Lewis and Clark.  We'll also continue reading groups (but be sure your child has a Just Right Book for the week we come back in case there's down time), botany, measuring (fourth grade math) and typing (to name a few).

See you in 2011!  Happy Holidays!

Jed

Almost Finished Watching the Lewis and Clark Documentary

Students respond to questions while watching the Lewis and Clark documentary.

We have almost finished watching the PBS Lewis and Clark documentary.  Between reading groups, PE and typing, we managed to fit it in today.  Students completed four pages of note taking questions like these while watching the movie, and since the documentary is pretty specific, they’ve learned a lot from it.  Students love getting the right answers and knowing what's important!  Here are a few more pictures Charlotte took while watching the movie (scroll past the typing ones).

We're planning two culminating events to end our Lewis and Clark study.  One is a field trip to Tilden Park on Wednesday, January 12th.  Students will "become" part of the Corps of Discovery and complete a Scavenger Hunt. On Thursday, January 13th we will have a Lewis and Clark feast (we won't be eating dogs, horses, or roots, but we'll try to get "appropriately" close to what they ate).  Deborah Lambe will e-mail a sign up sheet when we come up with the menu.

Thanks to everyone who baked for the bake sale.  It was a huge success!  Tomorrow we'll count the money and decide which gifts to buy.  

Homework for tonight is to:

1.  Read for thirty minutes 

2.  Spelling

***Students should bring their Secret Santa gifts tomorrow.

Have a good night!

Jed

Reading Aloud Picture Books at Morning Meeting

Leo Leoni's Six Crows

When things are busy and hectic during the holiday season, it's always nice to have routine.  Each day (except for field trip days) we have a morning meeting.  The meeting begins with a greeting-- a handshake, eye contact and "good morning."  Next, I share announcements (usually happenings of the day).  If it's Monday, students share one "moment in time" from the weekend.  Often, we'll review subject matter covered from previous day, a current event or a story.  The meeting ends with a short game.

A favorite Leo Leoni read aloud anthology

Fourth and fifth graders love to hear picture books; during meeting this morning I read Six Crows by Leo Leoni (out of the Frederick Fables anthology).  It's a story about a farmer who built a scarecrow to protect his wheat from being eaten by six crows.  In retaliation, the crows made a "ferocious kite"; the farmer built another, scarier scarecrow "brandishing two swords"; the crows built a "more ferocious kite" until an owl had the foresight to get the two parties together to talk "first in anger, then more reasonable, finally like old friends."  Stories like these are a great springboard to discuss social/emotional growth (specifically cycles and communication).  Students also hear colorful writing and voice that transfers to their own writing.  Plus, picture books are so fun to look at, listen to and read.

Students are learning lots about Lewis and Clark from both our read aloud and Kevin Burn's PBS documentary.  Ask your child about their journey--"How did they get along with Native American tribes?"  "Which tribes were easier to get along with?"  "What were the Native American tribes like at the time?"  "What major problems did Lewis and Clark encounter?"  "What did Lewis and Clark have that the Native Americans didn't?"  "What were they ultimately trying to do?"  Questions like these show that you're involved, and students love to discuss this colorful journey.

Homework tonight is to:
1.  Prepare for reading groups tomorrow (read chapter and do job).
2.  Spelling

***try to bake something for tomorrow's bake sale
***make sure your child gets lots of sleep for the last two days before break

Have a good night!

Typing!

Strawberry students getting into their "first day" of typing

Whether a student struggles physically with the task of writing words on paper or writes fluidly in cursive,  students feel empowered while practicing and eventually learning to type.  Cerrito took a field trip during this morning's math time (their Lewis and Clark field trip that we'll do in January) so we used part of the time to formally begin typing.  We'll continue this practice through January usually once or twice a week after lunch.  .  We plan to use the Herzog approach to typing in addition to freetypinggames.net.  Here are more pictures of typing.

Listed to the right are good online typing sites (a great down time during the break).  Students received this form today while using freetypinggame.net to track their progress.  They begin on lesson #1.  Fourth graders set their goal at 15 wpm while fifth graders tried for 25.  After students complete a lesson, they are allowed to play a typing game.  (Often, students need reminders to keep their fingers in the home row position, just in case they practice at home).  While working on a Powerpoint Presentation, a fifth grader looked at a fourth grader and gently said, "Practicing typing is going to really help you."  It's always nice to hear that practice pays off.

Bake sale reminder:  Strawberry students teamed up with their Laurel Creek buddies to raise money for the Family Giving Tree, an organization that allows less fortunate children to post their holiday wish list.  Although it's not mandatory, students should try to bake something--it would be nice to have lots of goodies to sell.  The money we raise will be counted by buddy groups on Friday; next, we'll choose two or so items to purchase for a child via the site.

Homework for tonight is to:
1.  Be prepared for reading groups (completing reading and job).  Terebithia groups should read up to chapter 5.
2.  Spelling
***plan ingredients to bake something on Wednesday night for the bake sale
Have a good night!

Jed

Sampling and Categorizing Like Lewis and Clark

Margaux shows her off her plant collection before sketching and classifying

I hope everyone had a nice weekend!  Sorry for not updating Friday's blog.  It was a really tiring last day of the week. On Friday during the CerritoBerry meeting we played Geography Jeopardy.  Click here to see it.

We had a busy, productive day today.  Students wrote a second Lewis and Clark journal entry for their quick write.  After lunch recess students became part of the Corps of Discovery and took samples of various plant species (as well as some insects).  They brought them back from school, categorized and sketched them just like Lewis and Clark.  Looking at details and assigning categories (even creating them) is a key scientific skill.  Lewis and Clark spent a huge amount of time sketching and keying plants and animals.

Ready for sorting

Example scientific journal entry

Click here for more photos.

Due to popular demand, Strawberry Students chose to do Secret Santa for this last week.  Students chose names today and will give a gift to the chosen person on Friday.  The purpose is to find out a little more about what that particular student would like and surprise she/he with something nice.  Ideas are a  homemade card with a special pencil, stickers, a freshly made brownie, etc...Students should spend no more than $10.00 (if they elect to spend any money).

**Just a reminder that tonight's Holiday Sing-a-long is at 6:30 at Northbrae Community Church.
Homework for tonight is to:
1.  Read for 30 minutes (no reading log)
2.  Fourth math page (due Wednesday but most have already completed it in class).
3.  Spelling

Class Meeting

Reading groups were really successful today!  Reading logs were complete and everyone was engaged during discussions.   Thank you for helping read with your child (if you did).

Thursdays are a class meeting day.  We discussed an entry (in the class meeting log) about friendship forming and how some people are feeling excluded.   Friendship and acceptance is a key topic, especially because the feeling of "belonging" is quite powerful and transfers to how "ready" a student is to learn.  The quote this morning was "When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves."  We talked about it this morning; it's a good topic for a discussion at home, too.

Towards the end of the day after Spanish and reading groups everyone seemed pretty tired.  Please be sure your child gets lots of sleep especially during these last few days before the holidays.

Have a good night!

Homework for tonight is to:
1.  Read for thirty minutes
2.  Spelling

This morning we watched a Strings Performance (Strawberry Creek's Uma did a fantastic job) which interfered with some reading groups.  Unfortunately, not all of the reading groups were able to meet, but each group should continue to read the next chapter and do their next job.

This afternoon we watched a bit of the Lewis and Clark movie (at the part where they finally make it to the beginning (headwaters) of the Missouri River).  It really helps to have questions to answer while watching.

Homework for tonight is to:
1.  Reading group reading and job (students should read for a total of 30 minutes which may be a Just Right Book if necessary).
2.  fourth math
     fifth math
3.  Spelling

Have a good night!

Getting into Lewis and Clark

Example Lewis and Clark journal entry--10 minute quickwrite

On Tuesdays before lunch and after music students do a ten minute quickwrite.  Today's topic was to "become" a character on the Lewis and Clark expedition and write a journal entry.  Just like the Holes perspective pieces, the opportunity to become someone else and mimic their voice captivates students.  Much is written in a short time; often these quickwrites become "seed" ideas for larger stories or just remain as a single gem.  Finishing the day reading Streams to the River River to the Sea gives fodder and voice for further journal entries.

Another quickwrite example

United States geography integrates nicely into Lewis and Clark's journey as these places slowly come to life.  Students are also beginning to understand that the current United States was inhabited and "owned" by different cultures and countries.  This afternoon students mostly finished their PowerPoint presentations and will teach their topics beginning tomorrow.  Example Power Point presentations one and two.  Also, I showed students how to make a Jeopardy game as a quiz on the content they presented.  Some really got into it.  Click here for an example of one.  

Homework for tonight is to:
1.  Re-read reading group chapter and be sure job is complete (reading groups are tomorrow).  If finished with this then read Just Right Book.
2.  Fourth math
     Fifth math
3.  Spelling

Students as Teachers

I hope everyone had a nice weekend.

To feel more comfortable with the Geography Bee (and to learn more) students will become experts on a topic then teach classmates.   While working in pairs, students are creating Powerpoint presentations about a facet of United States Geography.  The United States topics are: highest and lowest points, size of states, original ownership (Britain, Spain, Russia), Civil War loyalties, major bodies of water and geographic regions.  I'll post examples of the presentations tomorrow.  Ask your child which topic she/he has.

Students spent a little time watching the PBS Lewis and Clark documentary, and we finished our third read aloud, Small Steps.  Tomorrow, we'll begin Streams to the River, River to the Sea by Scott O'Dell which is a story of Sacagawea.

Homework for tonight is to:
1.  Read for 30 minutes (students can re-read the chapter they're responsible for reading group or choose a just right book).  No reading log tonight.
2.  fourth math
     fifth math
3.  Spelling

Have a good night!

Posting a Recording and Announcements

Tyrell, Ze'ev and their buddy design a poster announcing the upcoming bake sale.

Happy Friday!

A couple of updates:

I figured out how to record Reading Group conversations with my iPhone and post them here (after a couple of steps).  I was Discussion Director in this particular group (the student Discussion Director was absent).   Now that I know how to record and post, look forward to listening to more recordings.

More poster design with buddies.

Geography Bee:
Strawberry and Cerrito classes are entered in the National Geographic Geography Bee.  The way it will works is that Mike and I will run our own Bee with Cerrito and Strawberry students,.  The two winning students then take a test, and if they score high enough, they will go onto the State Bee then National one.  The Bee is not meant to intimidate students, and it's a great excuse to delve deeper into geography.  Ultimately, students choose to participate in our Bee, but after focusing on it for a few weeks, students should feel comfortable and excited.  Next week we'll practice state mottos, borders and topography.   Our Bee will be held the second week in January.  Also, posted on the right are links to geography websites (lots of which focus on world geography which we haven't covered yet, but is pertinent to the Bee).

Buddy Holiday Service Learning:  
Strawberry and Laurel are planning a bake sale for Thursday, December 16th.  The money will either go to a chosen cause or to buy toys to give to less fortunate children.  Students designed signs today and will become a liaison with a particular class to remind them.  If you or your child could bake something on Wednesday night of the 15th, it would be much appreciated.

Sam and Riley act as a taxi driver and passenger in a game at the end of morning meeting.

Friday Folders:
Students brought home Friday folders today.  Please set time aside this weekend (or next week if you don't have time), find a quiet place, and look over the contents as a parent-child team.  Sign the folders and send them back to school with your child.

Click here for a few pictures from Thursday and Friday.

Looking ahead next week will be more reading groups, Lewis and Clark and botany.

Hope you have a nice weekend!

Jed

Helping Students Filter Information

Last year TBS teachers took a Chuck Ahern workshop.  Chuck studies how the brain works and how it pertains to learning.  One key idea is that students need to know (or be trained) about what's important.

On Monday students watched a snippet of the PBS Lewis and Clark documentary.  Although the students began to show interest, they quickly drifted off--maybe because it was in the afternoon after a holiday weekend; plus, there was lots of information to disseminate.  Yesterday, however, was a different story.  Students received a list of key points and questions to complete.  Telling students facts to listen for really focused them; their interest level peeked; they chose to sit in chairs rather then on the rug, took notes on a clipboard, asked questions, and showed general excitement.  Witnessing The West for the first time, interacting with Native Americans, surviving in an unknown land (in addition to plowing the way for others) are concepts that really interest this age level--as long as it's presented in a manageable way.

This afternoon students completed their first reading group discussions, and each one was a huge success--students frequently participated in their groups, and as a result, interesting, high-level conversations filled the air.   Tomorrow I'll try to post a short recording of a discussion.

Instead of reading for thirty minutes, students should read their next assigned chapter tonight.   Please check in with your child about their reading (you may take turns reading it together).

Homework for tonight is to:
1.  Finish Reading Group reading and job (Bridge to Terebithia Groups should read chapter 3).  Read for thirty minutes if already finished with reading group.
2.  Spelling

Have a good night!

Quote of the day compliments of Uma:

"Be happy.  Eat chocolate."

Rabidly Reading

Neema and Charlotte industriously read Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh

Happy Wednesday and Happy Hanukkah!

Students excitedly began reading groups today!  Each received a special journal.  The first task was to decide how much of their book to read each session (most groups chose to read a chapter) and who does which job when.  Students now know the chapters that they are responsible for and the assigned job for each session through the remainder of the book.  Click here to see the reading group job descriptions that were posted in student reading journals.  Ask your child which job s/he has for tomorrow.

Riley and Ze'ev partner read (each reads a paragraph aloud)

After assigning jobs, groups rabidly read.  To be a witness to this intensity and excitement to both read and complete the group task was inspiring.  Click here for some more photos.

Reading groups occur on Wednesdays and Thursdays for forty five minutes while students are in half groups for Spanish.  Generally, a group discussion lasts for twenty minutes, and students spend the rest of the time reading then doing their group job.  Homework for Wednesday and Thursday nights will be for students to complete their assigned job.  Posted in a previous blog entry are the reading groups--please check in with your child periodically about how things are going in regards to understanding their book.  It really helps to re-read chapters and even preview chapters by listening to a tape first.  Reading aloud or taking turns reading would also be a help.

Tyrell dives into Bridge of Terebithia

Because it's the first night of Hanukkah, there is no homework.

Have a good night!

Quote of the day:

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."

Visualizing History

Joe proudly displays his visual representation of  The Great Plains after reading a Lewis and Clark journal entry

Another rendition

Reading first hand accounts really brings life to history!  Today we read and discussed  Lewis and Clark journal entries.  Students noticed how the crew members spelled so poorly, and we brainstormed reasons why that may be the case (conditions, education, it's a 'journal').  Students visualized The Great Plains after reading these passages as evidenced by their impressive paintings and sketches.  Looking at present day pictures of Lewis and Clark's journey from this site also helped.  You can see a few more pictures from today's sketching here.

On another note, students (as a whole class community) are really progressing in all areas of the curriculum.  Their fluency--both orally and in math and writing--is obvious.  I hope you're seeing the same thing at home.

Homework for tonight is to:
1.  Read for 30 minutes and complete Lewis and Clark Troublesome Portage reading (if not completed in class).
2.  Fourth math
     Fifth math
3.  Spelling

Have a good night!

Quote of the day:
"Because life is a gift, all of us are gifted."

Circle of Viewpoints

I hope everyone had a restful, relaxing Thanksgiving Break!  This morning we shared a 'moment in time' from the weekend, and students shared lots.  A memorable moment for me occurred on Saturday when I sloshed through the rain and mud to complete my twelfth Quadruple Dipsea.  I love running on muddy trails, and this last one was the wettest and muddiest of them all!

Today we spent time learning roles for reading group jobs.  I'll distribute their reading group books in the middle of the week (probably on Wednesday), but I just want to be sure students understand the different roles.  For example, what are successful questions that a Discussion Director asks?  To practice being Discussion Directors students read the first chapter in Bridge to Terabithia and invented questions.  We discussed which ones would spur discussion.  Other roles to go over tomorrow are Connector, Summarizer and Illustrator.

This afternoon I showed a clip from PBS documentary about Lewis and Clark, and we played a Circle of Viewpoints game.  The class split into different roles such as Native Americans, Lewis or Clark, or prarie animals.  Each group discussed how they felt and what it would be like to see white explorers coming down the river.  This activity is an effective tool to teach what it would be like to be living during that time, and the students really embraced their roles!

Homework for tonight is to:
1.  Read Preparing for the Lewis and Clark Expedition, write three examples of Marginalia and complete the back page.  Students will need a dictionary (online dictionary.com would work, too).
2.  Fourth grade math
     Fifth grade math
3.  Spelling


Have a good night!

Reading Groups

Students pose with future reading group books

Today students chose their first reading group books.  I displayed each book cover on the Elmo, read the summary on the back and then the first page of each book.  The choices were: Bridge to Terebithia, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh, Esperanza Rising and Tuck Everlasting and Dear America My Heart is on the Ground.


I'm posting the groups below just in case you'd like to preview the book or even listen to it on tape if possible.  Next week we will go over each of the book club jobs (I'll post copies as well).  There will be a teacher facilitator for each group.

Bridge to Terebithia 
Group 1
Jesse
Riley
Ze'ev
Sam
Margaux    
----------
Group 2
Anjanette
Tyrell
Jonas
Seli
Max C.
--------

Esperanza Rising
Pasquale
Uma    

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh 
Neema
Charlotte
Max M.    

Tuck Everlasting
Lily
Anika
Joe

Students persevered and finished their state brochures!  Each also has a second, published writing piece.  Yay!

I hope everyone has a fantastic Thanksgiving Break!  (If there's down time, perhaps you could do some quick multiplication fact practice, too).  Each of us has lots to be thankful for!

Jed

Finishing Up Loose Ends

One of the reasons for not too exciting blog entries the last couple entries is that we've been working hard to complete projects.  The satisfaction from publishing a piece of writing, completing a state brochure or finally learning all fifty states is so tangible--but it takes persistence and focus on both the student's and teacher's part.  Sometimes when we're 'in progress', there's not too much to report.

The goal by tomorrow (Tuesday) before we leave for Thanksgiving Break is for each student to publish their second piece of writing and finish their state report.  When we return, we're excited to learn about Lewis and Clark, create a seed/plant book and begin our first reading groups (which will be based on a choice of four books that I'll post on the blog tomorrow).

As we complete these projects and begin new ones, we should pause and be thankful (it's Thanksgiving after all) for all the wonderful learning and growth that's been happening!

Homework for tonight is to:
1.  Read for thirty minutes (no reading log)
2.  Fourth grade math
(No spelling since it's a short week...)

Have a good night!

"How Many Cubes Do You Have?"

Strawberry students reading  Giving Thanks to their buddies this morning

This morning during the CerritoBerry meeting we discussed what I like to call the "Cube Concept".  This is how it works: each child arrives to school with a certain number of cubes, and this amount changes daily.  If students feel "normal", they begin the day with five imaginary cubes.  Waking up too early, fighting with siblings, or forgetting homework would be reason to lose a cube or two.

Over time, some students arrive to school with a plethora of cubes--these types of students have enough so that minor incidences and annoyances do not bother them.  Others who continually lose cubes (or arrive with few) tend to act extra sensitive, easily irritated and show overall low self esteem.

Using the cube analogy is a way to teach empathy, perspective taking and understanding.  

Ask your child, "How many cubes do you have?" to gauge how they are feeling.  They'll tell you--and tell you why they have the amount they do.

Also, I posted fourth grade unit 3 math parent letter on the right.

Today's photos.

Quotes of the week:

"If you want to be happy, be."

"Be yourself.  Everyone else is taken."

"The fool who asks questions is better than the wise man or woman who listens."

Have a nice weekend!

Homework for tonight is to:
1.  Read for thirty minutes and complete the Character Sketch Reading Log
2.  Spelling

Another busy day working on state brochures and publishing writing pieces.

I can already feel a heightened "holiday" energy (which is normal just around the time of Thanksgiving). In class we try to keep the schedule and daily routines the same as they've been. At home, please be sure your child gets lots of sleep and keep nightly routines as consistent as you can.

A short note to fourth grade math parents: This week we're beginning another unit about multiplying larger numbers. While some students quickly grasp new concepts, others may feel overwhelmed or frustrated. As the year progresses, student fluency and confidence greatly improves over time. Today there was a bit of frustration, but it was only the first day covering new material.

In math class we are learning various ways to multiply larger numbers. For example, 23 x 9 could be solved by the "break apart" method by breaking 23 into a 10, 10 and 3 then multiplying each "part" by 9 (10x9)+(10x9)+(3x9). Thinking of it this way builds number sense and mental fluency. However, some students will quickly line up the numbers on top of each other and solve it using the algorithm approach. Ultimately, they both work, but for homework I'd like to focus on the "break apart" method.

Homework for tonight is to:

1. Read for 30 minutes and complete the Character Sketch Reading Log

2. Fourth grade homework is to complete class work (if necessary)

Fifth grade homework

3. Spelling

Have a good night!

This will be short as things have been busy lately--expect a more detailed update later this week.  Because Cerrito was on a field trip, we paired a fifth grader with a fourth and played math games.  We also began research for state brochures.

Homework for tonight is to:
1.  Read for thirty minutes
2.  Do Show Not Tell Writing homework
3.  Spelling

Have a good night!

Homework for tonight is to:
1.  Read for 30 minutes
2.  Complete a writing worksheet on active versus passive voice
3.  Fourth grade math
4.  Spelling

Have a good night!

Jed

Dance Video Clogs the Server?

Friday's buddy day--Anika builds Jenga block structures with her buddy

I am not sure if it was the dance video, perspective pieces, but this blog received a record number of views yesterday--forty one.  Moving from an average of around four hits in September to around twenty or so now shows that parents are starting to use the blog as a tool to see what students have been doing in class (and to get homework copies).  It's nice to know there's an audience and more impetus to spend time posting and participating in this type of communication.  I'll try to continue to post student work examples and things like this.  However, because of the number of visits, Dropbox, the online server used to store files, has been temporarily disabled.  I'm trying to find a way around this problem, but I wanted to let you know why the links are inactive.  (If you have any suggestions around this, please e-mail me).  We'll try to figure out a solution soon.  

Now for a quick Friday update:
Of all the days of the week, students tend to love Fridays.  The day begins with a CerritoBerry meeting.  As guests at Cerrito this morning, classes updated each other about what was learned during the week, sang a Bob Marley song "Three Little Birds" and ended with everyone's favorite song "Fifty Nifty United States."  Students love rattling off those states!  Next, we played with buddies, stuffed Friday Folders, created art with Julianne, took a spelling test, and finished the day with choices and Talent Friday.

Click here to see photos from the day.

Your child will bring their Friday Folder home today.  Please find some time this weekend to look it over with your child.  I gave some of you student work during conferences, too.  After you meet, keep the work and send the folder back to school with your child.

Next week we're looking forward to beginning Botany and creating U.S. state brochures.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Jed

Quotes from the week:

"Many a small step was made from standing still."--Fortune Cookie


"It's kind of fun to do the impossible."--Walt Disney


"The only place where dreams are impossible is in your own mind."--Emalie

Seeing, Thinking and Wondering

We made time for cultural studies today and did a 'See, Think, Wonder' thinking routine after looking at John Gast's painting, American Progress.  I showed the same painting to you during Back to School Night.  No offense, but the students were more observant.  We discussed the "white woman in the toga thing" (as one child described it) and what she may represent.  Many students thought she was an angel or goddess bringing progress (telephone or electricity) with her.  Taming the "darker" west was also discussed and the contrast between the two.  Students demonstrated quite an understanding of symbolization!

John Gast's, American Progress

....and a 'see, think and wonder' to go along with it

As promised, here are some perspective pieces:

Perspective piece 1
Piece 2
Piece 3
Piece 4
Homework for tonight is to:
1.  Read for 30 minutes and complete the Summary Reading Log
2.  Fourth grade math
3.  Fifth grade math
4.  Spelling

"Going With" Learning

Sam happily takes comments after reading his Holes perspective piece

Having lots of uninterrupted time allows us to be flexible.  Even though I was prepared to kick off Westward Movement today with a 'see, think wonder' activity, after lunch recess students chose to expand on their Holes perspective pieces.  They wrote and wrote and some produced upwards of ten pages.  When the character and voice are already established, words flow.  Students didn't stop, then wanted to share; I went with it, and what a treat it was to hear more great writing!  I’m not going to post the pieces yet (like I promised yesterday) for two reasons: 1. Some are now 10 pages and would take about an hour total to scan and 2. Some are not yet complete.

Last night I spent lots of time at the public library and chose six books to present for a next read aloud: Across a Wide and Lonesome Prairie by Gregory (a Dear America Book about Westward Movement), Crispin the Cross of Lead  by Avi, and Small Steps by Louis Sachar.  Students chose Small Steps, the sequel to Holes.   The other books are great, too, and we hope to read them this year.  Everyone is so excited about the read alouds!

Students were grounded, rested and excited to learn today.

Here are some pictures from the day.

On Mondays and Tuesdays from 10:15-10:30 Amy has been choreographing a dance routine.  Click here to see it!

Homework for tonight is to:

1.  Read for thirty minutes and fill out the Summary Reading Log

2.  Fourth grade math

3.  Fifth grade math

4.  Spelling

Have a good night!

Words Coming to Life Through Reading Aloud

Each day ends with read aloud.  Students relax in the library while listening to stories filled with colorful description, dialogue and characterization.  When I stop reading, a chorus of “aaawwwws” ring the room.

Last Wednesday marked the end of our last read aloud, Holes.  It was the second Newberry Award winning book we read so far (Walk Two Moons being the first), and students just loved it.  Today we watched the movie and tonight students are comparing the two. 

To prepare for the movie, today students wrote incredible perspective pieces in the voice of a character in the book.  I will take pictures of the writing tomorrow and post on the blog.  Their ability to mimic voice and style is obvious.  Also, writing in another's perspective allows students to 'test out' themes such as love and death.  

Homework for tonight is to:

1.  Read for thirty minutes

2.  Write at least three similarities and differences comparing the movie and book version of Holes.

3.  Fourth grade math page

     Fifth grade math page

4.  Spelling

A Few Thoughts About Conferences

After three solid months of school, it’s exciting for me to connect with parents.  So much happens in the course of just one school day, and I often surprise myself with the amount of anecdotal stories I have about each child.  A conference could continue for hours, and it’s always difficult to end them after just thirty minutes.

Because of the time, I try to choose the most important information.  As a parent/teacher team, we look at your child’s self assessments, academic work and discuss learning and emotional goals for the year.  It’s also important for me to hear about homework and how things are generally going at home.

I’m not trying to brag at all, but one of my strengths (and one thing I love about teaching) is the ability to understand and connect with each child.  I think I’m good at it because I’m able to recall so much about a child (even when I often forget ‘little’ every day things).  Throughout the days, I can quickly pick up nuances and feelings/struggles that children are having.  And I’m not saying that I don’t miss subtleties or that I totally understand each child, but at the same time I’ve never ‘not liked’ a child; I’m able to see and appreciate the good in each one.  This is what I love so much about teaching, too.  Every child is perfectly different--in their myriad of learning styles and  dispositions—and each has their own wondrous idiosyncrasies.  This variation brings color, spice, meaning and life to the classroom community.

When it comes to learning, often things are not clear-cut.  Why does a child struggle with spelling or remembering math facts?  Why is it that one subject comes so easily and another does not?  This is where discussion about what has worked in the past and what hasn't comes into play.  And team problem solving is key.

Whether you know it or not, you too are an extension to our classroom community of learners and a link to the past.  The more aware you are of what is going on in your child’s life, the more connected and ultimately supportive you become.

Let’s embrace this round of conferences with rich discussion, goal setting and teammwork.  I hope they’re as valuable to you as they are to me!

See you at conferences!

Jed

Most students watched the Giants win the World Series last night, yet arrived rested and ready to learn.  Thanks for all you do to keep your child healthy and ready for school.  We’ve had limited absences due to illness this year (knock on wood).

Keeping with the ‘learning-through-art’ theme, this afternoon students illustrated each organ of the digestive system and explained its role.  The diagrams are both informative and creative!

Homework tonight is to:

Read for 30 minutes

Fourth grade math page

Fifth grade math page

Have a good night!

Halloween Aftermath

We managed to cover some academic material in the aftermath of Halloween and a slew of Giants World Series games.  However, due to a shortened week and the fact that everyone seemed to have a busy weekend, I am assigning lighter homework for the next couple of days.   Also, please be sure your child gets lots of sleep.

 Homework for tonight is to:

1.  Read for thirty minutes--no reading log this week

2.  Fourth grade math

     Fifth grade math

No spelling

 ***note to fourth grade parents:  Save Halloween candy wrappers and send them to school with your child to make a Candy Wrapper Graph.  Thanks!

Have a good night and Go Giants!

Freaky Friday Fun!

Happy Halloween! What a freaky, fun Halloweeny day (and a busy one at that): meeting with Cerrito, counting, graphing pumpkin seeds with buddies, doing art with Julianne, walking in the Halloween Parade, taking a spelling test and then relaxing with buddies while watching a movie/eating pumpkin seeds.  As students grow older, they still love (and crave) time with buddies (listening to picture books, carving pumpkins, etc…)  They specifically ask for buddy time so they can participate in these types of things.   Click here for today's photos. Here are photos from yesterday's field trip (thanks Clare and Catherine!): Clare W's photos, Catherine M's photos Quotes of the week: "The quieter you become, the more you can hear." "No one is perfect – that’s why pencils have erasers." "Fall seven times stand up eight." "When witches go riding,and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers, ‘tis near Halloween." I look forward to meeting with each of you on  Thursday and Friday next week (remember no school for students).   Have a safe, fun Happy Halloween weekend (and go Giants!).

Another Great Field Trip!

Strawberry Students pose in front of their Altar at the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts

We had another successful trip to The Mission.  Thanks to all the chaperones for making it great!  It was interesting to see the whole cycle of the exhibit--from setup to the final show.  Students took advantage of their second visit by spending time really looking at each altar, investigating and inventing reasons for how objects fit into overall themes. Thinking of art as representing bigger ideas is ongoing practice.

I’ll post pictures tomorrow.  If you chaperoned and have pictures, please send them to me. 

The Halloween Parade is tomorrow at 11:00am, and you all are invited to watch.  Costume guidelines are in last Friday’s post.  Your child can either bring her/his outfit and change before the paraded or come to school already in costume.  By the way, I already apologize for my costume as I’m allowing students to create one for me...just mentioning this so you know beforehand….  

Homework for tonight is to:

1.  Read for 30 minutes and fill out the Question Reading Log

2.  Spelling

Have a good night!

Jed

Expressing Understanding Through Art

A vivid memory of my week at Project Zero this summer was sitting beside a tree while painting an abstract picture that reflected what I learned.  I thought deeply about the colors; I wanted to capture different moments of my personal journey.  I'm neither an artist nor artistic, but I still relished the experience.  The process of “doing art”--stroking the brush on the paper, expressing myself freely, and feeling settled---was therapeutic especially within the context of an intense academic week.

Seli and Anika sketch costume designs for their Manikin Book Report Project while Amy works with Uma and Margaux on a Claymation movie

Example of a manikin sketch

Fast forward to today....Students chose one of three topics for their first book report: decorate a wooden manikin and create a backdrop for it; invent a claymation movie based on a part of the story; or construct a model that symbolized something about their book.  After choosing, students sketched their plan and listed materials.

Today students began to implement their plan.  Watching students design clothes for their manikin, draw cartoon strips to plan their claymation movie, or choose just the right color for their backdrop reminded me of painting outside this summer. Their opportunity to demonstrate understanding through art felt equally powerful and therapeutic.

I will post pictures and videos of the final products when they’re completed.  Click here to view a few pictures from today.

Homework for tonight is to:

1.  Read for 30 minutes and complete the Question Reading Log

2.  Fourth grade math page

     Fifth grade math page

3.  Spelling

***Reminder:  Tomorrow we will return to The Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts to see the altar exhibits (including ours).   We will also get to eat at a Taqueria again, so please send $10 with your child (turns out that $7 was not enough last time).  Hot lunch students will get a ‘lunch voucher’ to use for another time.  

Homework for tonight is to:
1.  Read for 30 minutes and record it in the Question Reading Log
2.  Fourth grade math page
     Fifth grade math page
3.  spelling
**Reminder:  Even if your child has a hot lunch, they should also have a snack.  After morning meeting and an hour of math, students need nourishment.

Listening and Speaking Skills

Much of school (and life) focuses on speaking and listening skills.  Listed below are examples of how we’ve been practicing:

Speaking:  During morning meeting we took a minute to think about the weekend and chose one moment that stood out.  Next, students shared the moment in as much detail as they could remember.  Interestingly, their classmates often asked for more detail.  Focusing on one specific part of a whole and describing it is a skill in and of itself; it transfers to all areas of the curriculum. 

Today students presented their map projects to the class.  Groups described what they learned, what was hard and what was fun.   They’re learning to speak out, use eye contact with audience members while teaching new information.   Students are presenting all of the time—by voicing questions, connections, and discoveries; they formally do so every couple of weeks.

Students write comments about design and content while listening to each others map presentation

Listening:  Sometimes during meeting I will ask a question to check for understanding.  For example, “Point to the student who went to the craft fair this weekend.” 

Another more formal way of assessing for understanding occurred last week.  After half the students presented their ‘Why do People Move’ interviews, I asked seven questions based on what was covered (a quiz question could be, for example, “What reasons did Seli’s Dad move from California?").   After the pop quiz, we discussed strategies that students could have used to retain information (sit close, take notes, no side conversations).  During the second round of presentations, students sat close rapt in attention while taking notes.  They listened much more effectively!

Learning listening strategies and understanding how one best comprehends information is empowering.  Now, students often ask to take notes or sit closer. 

Homework for tonight is to:

1.   Read for thirty minutes and record it in the new Question Reading Log
2.    Fourth grade math

        Fifth grade math

3.  spelling

We're growing together!

Field Trip:  Not only was our trip to the Mission Cultural Arts Center a communal bonding experience (eating at La Taqueria, taking BART as a class) students also installed artwork in a real gallery setting.  After lunch we returned to the Cultural Center to finish assembling the altar and do a 'see, think wonder' thinking routine.  Here are examples of the thinking routine.

Strawberry Creek Students head to The Mission Cultural Center to set up altar

Click here to see more pictures from the field trip.

For homework last night students wrote Moment in Time pieces from the trip.  Today we shared and discussed different strategies writers use to “capture” sights, sounds, smells and feelings.  We noticed that each writer could have expanded their piece.  This type of critiquing and looking at writing is slowly developing us into a community of writers!

buddies:  Today we designed and carved pumpkins with our buddies!  Click here for more pictures.

Halloween Parade:  You are all invited to The Halloween Parade on Friday, October 29^th at 11:00.

Guidelines for costumes in the parade are are no weapons, masks, or gore; discouragement of figures from pop culture and encouragement of figures or ideas from literature, history, science, or nature. Random creative costumes are also acceptable, as long as they fit the guidelines.

Buddy Pumpkins picked from pumpkin patch await carving

Class meeting: Each week we have a class meeting about issues that arise inside and out of the classroom.  It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to have “a say” in what happens in the classroom in addition to problem solving social issues. This week’s class meeting discussed whether people should be allowed to play certain games specific to the students who thought of them, what to do with nameless papers, and whether food should be shared for snack.  

Example class meeting agenda item

Flags of the United States

State Flowers

Finally our maps are finished!  More student maps posted here.

Quotes of the week:

"The grass is much greener on the other side of the fence."

"Be yourself."

"Say what you mean, mean what you say, but don't say it mean."

Have a wonderful weekend!