Sunday, December 11, 2011
New England Breakfast
As part of our culminating project for the Northeastern region of the United States, the kids indulged in a New England breakfast. This breakfast featured some of the goods shipped from the New England region. These products include blueberries, maple syrup, cranberries, and apple juice/cider. While we enjoyed consuming some of these foods, the kids also completed an activity as a group. This activity required the kids to match the edible goods (as well as other goods such as granite, marble, and ball bearings) to the state that most commonly makes/grows/produces these products.. Additionally, a special thanks goes out to all the families that were able to provide either their time or particular foods for this. It wouldn't have happened without you! *Pictures coming soon!*
Monday, November 28, 2011
Khan Academy - Coaching Update
So far, seven students have signed up for Khan Academy! Some have spent a lot of time with the website, fulfilling their mathematical curiosities. I mentioned this website at conferences, but I wanted to send you a reminder. This is a free, not-for-profit website, and it allows your child some choice with what and how much to learn during a particular session. Again, take a few minutes to observe the site, and if you're interested, add me as a coach. My coach name is brandonjamesbauer@gmail.com. Let me know if you have any questions about signing up.
Multiplication Game of the Week - Time for a "Change"
Great news! The class averaged 82% on their last 50-facts multiplication test. That is an 8% increase from three weeks ago! Additionally, this is the earliest one of my classes has scored over 80%! Keep it up!
This week's math game is called Diaper Derby from multiplication.com. You have the option to choose any multiple or a range of multiples (i.e. 2-9 or 3-12). To begin, customize your baby racer. Next, answer the questions correctly and quickly to advance your racer. Simply finish the race in first place to win!
As we prepare for the coming weeks, students will be learning and practicing how to solve multidigit multiplication problems. Again, the more fluent students are with their facts, the easier solving problems like this will be. Best of luck, and keep practicing!
This week's math game is called Diaper Derby from multiplication.com. You have the option to choose any multiple or a range of multiples (i.e. 2-9 or 3-12). To begin, customize your baby racer. Next, answer the questions correctly and quickly to advance your racer. Simply finish the race in first place to win!
As we prepare for the coming weeks, students will be learning and practicing how to solve multidigit multiplication problems. Again, the more fluent students are with their facts, the easier solving problems like this will be. Best of luck, and keep practicing!
Friday, November 11, 2011
Multiplication Game of the Week!
Even though the kids have been dilligently working on mastering 4th grade concepts involving decimals (including ordering them, comparing them, adding them, and subtracting them), we still have multiplication on the brain. As we work through 4th grade, I expect students to be completely fluent with all of their facts by the end of the year. It is SO important that the students even have a "Team Achievement" card that could be earned by showing proficiency. Take a look at this week's game to help motivate your child to practice. After all, I've heard once or twice that practice makes perfect.
This game is fantastic for three main reasons. First, the kids are able to race against each other if they wish, or they are able to play against the computer. Some kids LOVE challenging their friends while other prefer challenging themselves. Second, this mixes several different facts rather than just multiples of a specific number. (for those who are ready). Last, the facts are a little bit more difficult, involving numbers times 10-12 as well as 0-9. Enjoy this game, and check back soon for another featured math game!
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Ping Pong the Panda: Multiplying Action!
This week's math game of the week is Ping Pong the Panda. Similar to Sketch's World, this game allows you to choose which factor to practice with, and it also include a range of factors. After answering a certain number of facts, you play as Ping Pong. He is out for sticks of bamboo, but watch out for the fighting rabbits! How many math facts can you master? How many levels can you complete? Find out in Ping Pong the Panda!
Link: http://multiplication.com/flashgames/pingpong/Pong.htm
Link: http://multiplication.com/flashgames/pingpong/Pong.htm
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Data Folders + Math Facts = Progress
By kids learning their basic math facts, more difficult concepts will be easier to learn. Adding/subtracting factions, finding lowest common denominators, or balancing algebraic equations all rely on fact knowledge.
While facts are so important, that's not all we do in math (actually we take a mere 10 minutes or so working on math facts and computation each day!). Here's a look into these 10 minutes:
1. Mental Math: During this time, we review previously learned concepts, using it as a warm up time. This unit, mental math has revolved around factors, multiples, fact families, and even prime numbers.
2. ATTACK OF THE 6020s!: Students have 60 seconds to answer 20 facts; each fact has a common multiple. These are completely optional, as students who aren't ready to take them will not benefit from an impossible struggle. However, if they opt out, those students will spend time practicing those particular multiples. Once a student defeats a 6020, s/he gets to fill in that number on a data folder sheet. It's a sweet one minute that is differentiated to meet each child's level!
3. 50-Facts Test: This is the grandaddy of them all! We only do these even 2/3 weeks, and it is more of a progress tracker than anything else. Students are given 50 facts to answer and three minutes to do so. During the first minute, they cannot skip any problems. In the last two minutes, they can work on problems they choose. We then score and graph these in our data folders as well. However many facts students answer correctly in the first minute is how much they will shade in green. Their total score for the entire three minutes is scored in blue. I've posted a link to an "ideal growth" example. Again, we do this quite sporadically, but it a perfect way for students to see their growth over a longer period of time.
Include these three aspects with lots of fun math games, and I'm expecting all students to exceed their goals with math facts (and concepts!). All of this, in turn, adds to their love of learning!
While facts are so important, that's not all we do in math (actually we take a mere 10 minutes or so working on math facts and computation each day!). Here's a look into these 10 minutes:
1. Mental Math: During this time, we review previously learned concepts, using it as a warm up time. This unit, mental math has revolved around factors, multiples, fact families, and even prime numbers.
2. ATTACK OF THE 6020s!: Students have 60 seconds to answer 20 facts; each fact has a common multiple. These are completely optional, as students who aren't ready to take them will not benefit from an impossible struggle. However, if they opt out, those students will spend time practicing those particular multiples. Once a student defeats a 6020, s/he gets to fill in that number on a data folder sheet. It's a sweet one minute that is differentiated to meet each child's level!
3. 50-Facts Test: This is the grandaddy of them all! We only do these even 2/3 weeks, and it is more of a progress tracker than anything else. Students are given 50 facts to answer and three minutes to do so. During the first minute, they cannot skip any problems. In the last two minutes, they can work on problems they choose. We then score and graph these in our data folders as well. However many facts students answer correctly in the first minute is how much they will shade in green. Their total score for the entire three minutes is scored in blue. I've posted a link to an "ideal growth" example. Again, we do this quite sporadically, but it a perfect way for students to see their growth over a longer period of time.
Include these three aspects with lots of fun math games, and I'm expecting all students to exceed their goals with math facts (and concepts!). All of this, in turn, adds to their love of learning!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Take TIME to Learn Your Multiplication Facts!
In the October newsletter, I mentioned that I will start posting a featured multiplication game each week. Well, here is the first one:
http://multiplication.com/flashgames/sketchPlatform/sketcher.htm
Sketch's World is a fantastic way to work on particular multiples. For example, if you wanted to practice the multiples of seven, simply click "7" before you begin.
To play, first, select your multiple. You can even select a range of numbers! Second, answer ten multiplication questions correctly. Last, maneuver through each level, collecting pencils on the way. Once you have collected the paint pad, open the door to advance to the next level. All the while, however, avoid the erasers along your journey!
In addition to the variety of multiplication games, students have started a game I call "6020!". In this game, they have 60 seconds to answer 20 problems. Upon doing so, they move to the next level, a more difficult multiple. Students started with zeros and ones, and they now move to the tens and fives. Students also have the choice to pass on particular days. We will do this about three times per week.
All of this practice will pay off in the end. One accomplishment on our "Team Achievements" board is to score 100% on a 50-Facts test (three minutes with any basic multiplication fact). More importantly, your child will know their multiplication facts instantly, which will lead to an easier time learning how to convert fractions, find equivalent fractions, and solve a variety of problem solving questions!
Tune in next week for another game that will help "clean up" any unknown facts. Until then...!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
"Spook"tacular October Events
Let's take a look into the month of October:
Language Arts: The kids will be taking their Unit 1 reading test, which covers comprehension, vocabulary, writing, and literary elements. These are all skills/strategies we have been learning and using over the first five weeks of school. I will be using these results (in addition to classroom observations and reading records) to continue to provide your child with the appropriate help needed to develop into a successful reader. In the upcoming weeks, we will be reading about topics such as baseball, immigration, Chinese artifacts, Benjamin Franklin, and an apologetic girl.
Math: Attention! Attention! Our class average for facts solved in three minutes is currently at 34/50. While it is a good start, I have every intention of making sure your child has his/her multiplication facts mastered by the end of the year. Through learning the basic facts, more difficult mathematical concepts will be easier to solve. I'm going to feature an online math game each week to help support this. Also, I have lots of files I can email to you if you are interested in "going the extra mile" with your child. Additionally this month, we will be working with fractions, decimals, and very large numbers!
Science: We have learned the functions of our skeleton, and we have recently been learning about the important of joints. We have already immobilized our thumbs, but we will also be immobilizing our wrists and fingers. After joints, we will be looking at muscles and creating replicas of our hands and thumbs. Some fantastic hands-on opportunities await!
Social Studies: We are close to wrapping up our introduction to the United States. We will finish by researching a US president or first lady. Before studying the regions of the United States, the kids will be labeling important cities and landmarks as well as all states on a map. My expectation is for that all students to be able to identify all states by the end of the year, as well as several cities and landmarks. After that, we will begin our exploration of the Northeast, creating lobster buoys and enjoying a New England breakfast.
Lots of interesting and entertaining lessons await October. As always, please let me know if you have any concerns or questions about the school year. I am always here to help. Have a "spook"tacular October.
Language Arts: The kids will be taking their Unit 1 reading test, which covers comprehension, vocabulary, writing, and literary elements. These are all skills/strategies we have been learning and using over the first five weeks of school. I will be using these results (in addition to classroom observations and reading records) to continue to provide your child with the appropriate help needed to develop into a successful reader. In the upcoming weeks, we will be reading about topics such as baseball, immigration, Chinese artifacts, Benjamin Franklin, and an apologetic girl.
Math: Attention! Attention! Our class average for facts solved in three minutes is currently at 34/50. While it is a good start, I have every intention of making sure your child has his/her multiplication facts mastered by the end of the year. Through learning the basic facts, more difficult mathematical concepts will be easier to solve. I'm going to feature an online math game each week to help support this. Also, I have lots of files I can email to you if you are interested in "going the extra mile" with your child. Additionally this month, we will be working with fractions, decimals, and very large numbers!
Science: We have learned the functions of our skeleton, and we have recently been learning about the important of joints. We have already immobilized our thumbs, but we will also be immobilizing our wrists and fingers. After joints, we will be looking at muscles and creating replicas of our hands and thumbs. Some fantastic hands-on opportunities await!
Social Studies: We are close to wrapping up our introduction to the United States. We will finish by researching a US president or first lady. Before studying the regions of the United States, the kids will be labeling important cities and landmarks as well as all states on a map. My expectation is for that all students to be able to identify all states by the end of the year, as well as several cities and landmarks. After that, we will begin our exploration of the Northeast, creating lobster buoys and enjoying a New England breakfast.
Lots of interesting and entertaining lessons await October. As always, please let me know if you have any concerns or questions about the school year. I am always here to help. Have a "spook"tacular October.
Community Service at Twin Pines Golf Course
On Friday, we had the privilege of completing a community service project. We walked from Pierce to Twin Pines Golf Course. From there, we learned about the importance of trees, how to correctly plant a tree, and how to work as a team!
Before the project started, 93 trees needed to be planted. After we split each fourth grade class into three groups, each group was set on a mission to plant 2-4 trees. All in all, the fourth grade class helped plant about thirty trees total (which we consider a pretty successful morning!).
At the end of our service, we were treated to granola bars and cans of pop. The kids were incredibly helpful in cleaning up as well. Our hard work goes to show that working together, we can all make a difference.
Before the project started, 93 trees needed to be planted. After we split each fourth grade class into three groups, each group was set on a mission to plant 2-4 trees. All in all, the fourth grade class helped plant about thirty trees total (which we consider a pretty successful morning!).
At the end of our service, we were treated to granola bars and cans of pop. The kids were incredibly helpful in cleaning up as well. Our hard work goes to show that working together, we can all make a difference.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
A "Landmark" Math Lesson
We have reached new heights with our data collection! After learning about maximum and minimum, median, mode, and range, we put together all of this information to analyze...our HEAD SIZES!
The results:
With a maximum of 57 centimeters and a minimum of 51 centimeters, our range totaled 6 centimeters (57-51=6). We discovered the mode (most often occurring) was 55, as seven kids had the head size of 55 centimeters in circumference.
After finding these landmarks, we wondered what size was exactly in the middle. After lining up the sizes from smallest to biggest, we took the smallest and the biggest down at the same time. After repeating this 12 times, we were left with two head sizes of 54 centimeters. Thus, 54 was our median.
I have shown the kids that data collection can happen almost anywhere: test scores, head sizes, books read, or even in a game of 4-square. Look for it around your house. Oh, and by the way, ask your child about the fun gestures we do to help us represent these landmarks!
The results:
With a maximum of 57 centimeters and a minimum of 51 centimeters, our range totaled 6 centimeters (57-51=6). We discovered the mode (most often occurring) was 55, as seven kids had the head size of 55 centimeters in circumference.
After finding these landmarks, we wondered what size was exactly in the middle. After lining up the sizes from smallest to biggest, we took the smallest and the biggest down at the same time. After repeating this 12 times, we were left with two head sizes of 54 centimeters. Thus, 54 was our median.
I have shown the kids that data collection can happen almost anywhere: test scores, head sizes, books read, or even in a game of 4-square. Look for it around your house. Oh, and by the way, ask your child about the fun gestures we do to help us represent these landmarks!
Friday, September 16, 2011
Abracadabra!
I introduced our multi-digit addition and subtraction lessons with a little magic trick that amazed the entire class. Over the next few days, we will be working diligently on mastering these areas of math. Next Wednesday, I will reveal the trick to all students, and because we will all be proficient, you and everyone in your household should be prepared to be astonished!
As a side note, I realize some of these algorithms may be unfamiliar to you. To assist you with questions you might receive at home, consult the video instructionals I made. Simply click on the links below.
Addition:
Partial Sums
Column Addition
Subtraction:
Partial Differences
Trade-First
Of course as always, send an email or give me a call if you have other questions!
As a side note, I realize some of these algorithms may be unfamiliar to you. To assist you with questions you might receive at home, consult the video instructionals I made. Simply click on the links below.
Addition:
Partial Sums
Column Addition
Subtraction:
Partial Differences
Trade-First
Of course as always, send an email or give me a call if you have other questions!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Word Study in Room 127
As previously stated (hopefully several times already), it is my mission to differentiate instruction as much as possible for all children. One area that is quite time-consuming in preparation, yet very worthwhile, is word study (more commonly taught as "Spelling").
I'd like to extensively discuss how I plan on differentiating for your child in this area. With successful implementation, not only will spelling while writing improve, but decoding words, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension will also improve.
After administering a test called a Qualitative Spelling Inventory (QSI), I figure out where your child is on the spectrum on phonetic development. From that point, I pair him/her up with other kids that have similar areas for growth. Then we get to work! Here's what we do in class and some suggestions as to how you can help your child at home.
Day 1 - Monday
At School: The children discover patterns within their sets of words. They sort the words according to these patterns, then write a reflection statement based on what they've learned (see below).
At Home: Write or orally use these words in sentences. Give them life!
Day 2 - Tuesday
At School: Students develop high-quality sentences and find synonyms for ten unknown or troubling words from their list (the left side of the picture).
At Home: Look for words pertaining to the patterns in the paper, online, or in your conversation.
Day 3 - Wednesday
At School: Students will pair up and sort the words as quickly as possible. They will do this three times. After finishing, students will look through their books to find other words that match the same pattern.
At Home: Sort these words as well, trying to beat the best time. Also, continue looking for words within texts at home.
Day 4 - Thursday
At School: Pairs will work with each other on a No Peeking Sort. One student will say the word, and the other student will write the word correctly, placing it in the correct column. Both students will complete this, making changes in any errors (see the above picture, right side).
At Home: Complete a No Peeking Sort in the same manner.
Day 5 - Friday
At School: Before being quizzed over 10 of their words, they will glue their words into their notebook under the appropriate columns (see the picture below). If the group scores above 80%, they have shown proficiency and will move to the next list. However, if they are below 80%, they will continue working with these works in the next week.
At Home: Continue to promote words and patterns by reading and writing together!
I'd like to extensively discuss how I plan on differentiating for your child in this area. With successful implementation, not only will spelling while writing improve, but decoding words, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension will also improve.
After administering a test called a Qualitative Spelling Inventory (QSI), I figure out where your child is on the spectrum on phonetic development. From that point, I pair him/her up with other kids that have similar areas for growth. Then we get to work! Here's what we do in class and some suggestions as to how you can help your child at home.
Day 1 - Monday
At School: The children discover patterns within their sets of words. They sort the words according to these patterns, then write a reflection statement based on what they've learned (see below).
At Home: Write or orally use these words in sentences. Give them life!
Day 2 - Tuesday
At School: Students develop high-quality sentences and find synonyms for ten unknown or troubling words from their list (the left side of the picture).
At Home: Look for words pertaining to the patterns in the paper, online, or in your conversation.
Day 3 - Wednesday
At School: Students will pair up and sort the words as quickly as possible. They will do this three times. After finishing, students will look through their books to find other words that match the same pattern.
At Home: Sort these words as well, trying to beat the best time. Also, continue looking for words within texts at home.
Day 4 - Thursday
At School: Pairs will work with each other on a No Peeking Sort. One student will say the word, and the other student will write the word correctly, placing it in the correct column. Both students will complete this, making changes in any errors (see the above picture, right side).
At Home: Complete a No Peeking Sort in the same manner.
Day 5 - Friday
At School: Before being quizzed over 10 of their words, they will glue their words into their notebook under the appropriate columns (see the picture below). If the group scores above 80%, they have shown proficiency and will move to the next list. However, if they are below 80%, they will continue working with these works in the next week.
At Home: Continue to promote words and patterns by reading and writing together!
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Healthy Minds, Active Participants
While we have only one recess in the middle of the school day, our class takes additional breaks during the day. The first one falls between "Read to Self" and "Read to Someone" time, and the second one falls between Math and Social Studies.
During these five minute breaks, we play a variety of games, energizers, and team-building activities. To name a few, we have played Frogger, Buzz, Who Started It?, What's Changed?, Barnyard Babble, and a variety of Jammin' Minutes. The pictures here required each table group to stand on two touching sheets of paper without having any part of their feet touching the ground. They came up with some great ideas!
During these five minute breaks, we play a variety of games, energizers, and team-building activities. To name a few, we have played Frogger, Buzz, Who Started It?, What's Changed?, Barnyard Babble, and a variety of Jammin' Minutes. The pictures here required each table group to stand on two touching sheets of paper without having any part of their feet touching the ground. They came up with some great ideas!
After we've finished, we meet as a class on the carpet to briefly discuss the event. I'll ask open ended questions such as "Why would we do something like this?" or "How is this activity like our real lives?" Since most games require teamwork, skill, and planning, the kids realize that even during energizers, we are continuously learning.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Getting the Year Started Correctly!
Howdy, and welcome to the first official post of the school year! The kids have been hard at work getting procedures, routines, (songs!), and expectations learned quickly. Here's a brief look at what's been happening:
Reading:
The kids have been working on conditioning muscle memory. Basically, this means that they have been getting used to getting focused and staying focused while reading independently. This is incredibly important when I will be working with small groups, as those reading independently will be able to work on skills without my help. Additionally, the kids have also been practicing their fluency daily by reading with a friend. Ask your child what EEKK! means in our classroom :).
As a whole group, we have also been working with finding the problem and solution with a story. This is a basic, yet essential strategy in fictional passages. We will continue working with this as well as 'facts and opinions', 'character traits', and 'making inferences'.
Math:
The kids have been doing a fantastic job working in groups with rotations. I have been able to work with small groups, which allows me to adjust instruction according to academic needs. Everyone has had a thirst for knowledge, especially in this content area. Make sure to stay posted to our class website, as links to all the songs, videos, and games we watch/play in class can be found there. Our next unit deals with place value, and I have a whole new arsenal of songs, games, and manipulatives ready to go!
Science:
We have started our investigation of the human body. So far, the class has observed a classmate jumping rope, counted an approximate total of bones in a human skeleton, and put together a human skeleton (in paper format!). We will continue our investigation by looking at some real bones (the non-human kind), exploring how muscles help our bodies move, and discuss coordination in a few weeks.
Social Studies:
Before beginning our exploration of the United States, the students have been learning about how to study geography. They have taken a scavenger hunt through our social studies book, started creating definitions for different geographical terms, and reviewed the five themes of geography. During September, we will be exploring the Presidents of the United States, American Symbols, and setting some goals with cities, states, and major landforms.
General:
Thanks for the parents who have volunteered to join us in our classroom! I will be sending out a schedule before the end of next week. If you aren't on the schedule, please contact me for some ideal times and dates. Any extra help is greatly appreciated!
All three fourth grade classes will be traveling to Twin Pines Golf Course later in September for a community service project: they will be helping plant trees throughout the golf course (more hazards for me, I guess). This will be done in the morning, and more details are soon to come.
Lastly, I do not require your child to have his/her agenda signed each night. However, it is important that you look through and discuss with him/her the events of each day. Also, we will be writing dates of upcoming field trips, tests, and other important events in there.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions. By closely communicating with each other, we will make this a year of immense academic and social growth!
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Google Calendar - Parent Volunteer Appointments
You now have the ability to sign up for a classroom time Mondays - Fridays, 8:50-9:50 or 1:00-2:00. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Right-click on the link below, and select "Open in New Tab".
https://www.google.com/calendar/selfsched?sstoken=UUNMUnFhaWhmbmdPfGRlZmF1bHR8ZTI3NGM1ZThlOGY1ZmQ5Mzc1NDUwNDA0NmMwNjQ4YjI
Step 2: Find the date(s) you would like to volunteer, then click on the gray area(s) to set up an appointment.
Step 3: In the "What" box, replace the information listed with your name.
Step 4: Click "Save", then join us on that day!
If you would like to sign up early, you may do so at our Open House (Monday from 5-7:30). I'll be there to help you with these steps. Also, on Monday I'm going to post a screen-captured video showing how to do the above steps. I'll post that link at the end of this post upon completion. If you have any further questions, you are welcome to send me an email as well.
Step 1: Right-click on the link below, and select "Open in New Tab".
https://www.google.com/calendar/selfsched?sstoken=UUNMUnFhaWhmbmdPfGRlZmF1bHR8ZTI3NGM1ZThlOGY1ZmQ5Mzc1NDUwNDA0NmMwNjQ4YjI
Step 2: Find the date(s) you would like to volunteer, then click on the gray area(s) to set up an appointment.
Step 3: In the "What" box, replace the information listed with your name.
Step 4: Click "Save", then join us on that day!
If you would like to sign up early, you may do so at our Open House (Monday from 5-7:30). I'll be there to help you with these steps. Also, on Monday I'm going to post a screen-captured video showing how to do the above steps. I'll post that link at the end of this post upon completion. If you have any further questions, you are welcome to send me an email as well.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Open House on Monday, August 22nd from 5:00 - 7:30
I look forward to meeting your family at Pierce's Open House this coming Monday. While there will not be a formal presentation, I welcome you to use this time to ask questions about the curriculum, my teaching style, expectations, class arrangements, differentiated instruction, or any other ideas that may come to mind.
One BIG request I will be asking at Open House is to have parents sign up to volunteer! My hope is that I have at least one parent volunteer in my room in the morning and one in the afternoon. In the morning, our class will need your help for word study, grammar practice, and writing. That time will be from 8:50 - 9:20. In the afternoon, we will need your assistance with math games and small group work (from 1:00-2:00). The math games assist us in mastering skills and are easy to learn. As I am working with small groups, an additional helper could clarify any questions and regulate game play. Finally, and this is a BIG wish, I am hoping a parent (or two) will volunteer to help organize lots of parents to come in lots of times throughout the year.
Again, I'm extremely excited to meet everyone at Open House or the first day of school. This will be the best year of your child's life!
Best wishes,
Mr. Bauer
One BIG request I will be asking at Open House is to have parents sign up to volunteer! My hope is that I have at least one parent volunteer in my room in the morning and one in the afternoon. In the morning, our class will need your help for word study, grammar practice, and writing. That time will be from 8:50 - 9:20. In the afternoon, we will need your assistance with math games and small group work (from 1:00-2:00). The math games assist us in mastering skills and are easy to learn. As I am working with small groups, an additional helper could clarify any questions and regulate game play. Finally, and this is a BIG wish, I am hoping a parent (or two) will volunteer to help organize lots of parents to come in lots of times throughout the year.
Again, I'm extremely excited to meet everyone at Open House or the first day of school. This will be the best year of your child's life!
Best wishes,
Mr. Bauer
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
I'll Just Wait for the Movie
One of my favorite picture books is written by Chris Van Allsburg. In 1995, he released Bad Day at Riverbend, a story set in the southwest. In Riverbend, a typical southwestern town, every day is like the other...until one day, a stagecoach with no driver shows up, covered in SLIME! Determined to figure out who cause this atrocity, the sheriff sets out into the desert to find the culprit.
That book was written 16 years ago, before the internet was commercially available. Additionally, iPods, iPads, Kindles, smart phones, 3G networks, WiFi, and a plethora of other electronic devices weren't in existence either. No Matrix Trilogy, hybrids, or Lady Gaga. A lot has changed since 1995.
I'd love to tell you how the story ends, but that's not what this is about. With such a wonderful delivery, you certainly wouldn't do justice to this story, speccifically the title of this post. It makes me appreciate the blinding light the story describes. Read to find out exactly what I'm talking about, because after all, you won't be able to wait for the movie. Just be careful of the slime and blinding lights.
Buy Bad Day at Riverbend on amazon.com
That book was written 16 years ago, before the internet was commercially available. Additionally, iPods, iPads, Kindles, smart phones, 3G networks, WiFi, and a plethora of other electronic devices weren't in existence either. No Matrix Trilogy, hybrids, or Lady Gaga. A lot has changed since 1995.
I'd love to tell you how the story ends, but that's not what this is about. With such a wonderful delivery, you certainly wouldn't do justice to this story, speccifically the title of this post. It makes me appreciate the blinding light the story describes. Read to find out exactly what I'm talking about, because after all, you won't be able to wait for the movie. Just be careful of the slime and blinding lights.
Buy Bad Day at Riverbend on amazon.com
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Avoiding the Summer Slump
Before the kids left for the summer, I informed them of some homework they need to do over the summer. That homework was this: when doing anything, don't just do it, think about it.
I've seen lots of kids say words like "I never get the ball" or "That's not fair". While supervising recess one day, someone told me he never got the ball. I continued watching. There were 6 people on his team, and he got the ball twice...out of 14 plays. That's one out of seven, which is almost one out of six. After explaining this to him, he was still upset, but had a better understanding.
Someone also made a great connection in math. We were learning about volume, and she said that she wondered how many cubic feet of water were in the city pool. She now knows how to find that out, but it's just a matter of doing it.
Lastly, and this to me is a no-brainer, read. Each day, our class enjoyed reading independently and within groups for 45 minutes. When they have been conditioned to do so for that period of time, reading is incredibly enjoyale and rewarding. However, if kids aren't given that 45 minute time for only reading, it's hard to enjoy reading when it comes in 5 minute segments.
Mark Twain writes, "I've never let school interfere with my education." I don't completely agree with this, but outside of school really is where the skills developed can be used. Enjoy your summer.
I've seen lots of kids say words like "I never get the ball" or "That's not fair". While supervising recess one day, someone told me he never got the ball. I continued watching. There were 6 people on his team, and he got the ball twice...out of 14 plays. That's one out of seven, which is almost one out of six. After explaining this to him, he was still upset, but had a better understanding.
Someone also made a great connection in math. We were learning about volume, and she said that she wondered how many cubic feet of water were in the city pool. She now knows how to find that out, but it's just a matter of doing it.
Lastly, and this to me is a no-brainer, read. Each day, our class enjoyed reading independently and within groups for 45 minutes. When they have been conditioned to do so for that period of time, reading is incredibly enjoyale and rewarding. However, if kids aren't given that 45 minute time for only reading, it's hard to enjoy reading when it comes in 5 minute segments.
Mark Twain writes, "I've never let school interfere with my education." I don't completely agree with this, but outside of school really is where the skills developed can be used. Enjoy your summer.
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