Adventures in 4th Grade

Congrats!

2010-03-25T11:01:00.003-07:00

Congratulations to our 4th graders for a fantastic musical performance last evening. It's always awesome to see them all work together!

Main Ideas and Details

2010-03-22T10:58:00.000-07:00

Today in Literature we focused on main ideas and details. Our class discussed what each of the words meant and how the compliment each other. We came up with the main idea being the "big picture" and the details being like a caption for the "big picture". I like that idea!

King's M&M's

2010-02-17T08:10:00.000-08:00

Today the students participate in an activity called the King's M&M's. Mr. Evans was, of course, the king and he had 2 elected members of Parliament, as well as 2 very unpopular "tax collectors". Our Parliament members came up with several taxes for our colonists to pay. Some examples were a tax on food (if you had snack this morning), chair color, clothing color, and ribbons in your hair.

The class really enjoyed this activity, once they got passed the part they were going to lose their M&M's. We decided to share our taxes with the entire class when we had finished. I think the class can now see why the colonists were so upset at all the taxing from England.

VA History, Colonization, and an Online Quiz!

2009-12-16T06:57:00.000-08:00

Today the students had a pop quiz. We finished up our unit on the Colonization of Virginia and decided to have a pop quiz. The students were not upset by this, because they got to take the quiz online and find out their score immediately! It was a great experience for the kids and great practice...since we will be taking the SOL assessment online in the spring.

Pen Pals

2009-12-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

As you may have heard we have we asked to become pen pals with a 3rd grade class this year. A former student's mother is now teaching 3rd grade school at the American International School of Kingston in Jamaica. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to make a connection/friendship with another person in another part of the world.

Being a teacher, you are always looking for that spark to help you students, especially those resistant to writing. And to be honest you never know what assignment, if any, is going to do that for you. This assignment has been a big hit with many of our resistant writers. Each and everyday someone asks me if they can work on something for their pen pal. We will be sending out the letters early next week.

iPods and the Powhatan

2009-11-17T10:17:00.000-08:00

Today some of the students began watching a podcast and completing a graphic organizer on Jamestown and the Powhatan Indians. They were looking for six key features in the information about their food, clothing, tools/technology, recreation/arts, religion, and society.

Even though we are done studying this part of VA history, what a great way to keep them engaged in learning this information.

Smell the Flowers?

2009-11-10T11:40:00.000-08:00

Today we did! Besides smelling them, we also dissected some tiger lilies. Since yesterday we began studying about flowers and the parts of a flower today we decided that there is no better way to be able to identify the parts then to get inside one. And that's just what we did. The students were able to identify and remove the petals, sepals, stamen and pistil. After the removed and observed these parts we then added them, literally to our data sheets, and had to describe their function.

The class did an awesome job!

Wordle and Story Summaries?

2009-11-02T12:59:00.000-08:00

Today in Literature the class completed summaries of their survival themed books. Rather than simply write a "typical" summary, we used a free web-based program called Wordle to create our "So Far Summary" for our book. The kids had a blast and demonstrated comprehension of the book they were reading.

Spookly the Square Pumpkin

2009-10-30T08:18:00.000-07:00

Today we read a book called Spookly the Square Pumpkin. The kids enjoyed listening to the story and hearing about how it's not always a bad thing to be different. There is a great message in this book! And according to the website...they have made the book into a movie. Cool!

Game Classroom

2009-10-25T18:29:00.000-07:00

I just added a link to the links section of this blog called Game Classroom. It's a really great website that you could use with any of your children, not just your 4th grader. There are games there for all grade levels. The links are broken down into two different categories, homework help and games.

Check it out. I would love to hear what you think of it.

Watershed Education

2009-10-21T07:25:00.001-07:00

This week, for 3 days, we were fortunate to have Jeanette Stewart from Lands and Waters come in and speak with the students. She spoke about erosion, habitats, run-off, as well as various other topics that were covered during our Sharing the Planet unit. Ms. Stewart will be joining us in early November to work on planting and making our school a more eco-friendly place to live, work, and visit.

Here is a link to here presentation she did with the kids about habitats and the book she used with her discussion. It was a fun and amazing way to learn about issues going on here right in our own backyard, literally! The book she read from was Happenings in our Habitat.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

2009-10-19T05:21:00.000-07:00

Be on the lookout for the parent teacher conference sheet I will be sending home today. You will need to fill out the bottom portion, sign, and return. If the time on the form does not work for you please fill out some alternative times and I will find a time that can work for the both of us.

Jamestown

2009-10-15T10:06:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that we will be heading to Jamestown in the coming weeks. Please return your permission slips and money ($36) as soon as possible. If there is a financial need please do not hesitate to contact me so we can work something out.

Math and Wegmans a Fun Combination

2009-10-06T08:51:00.000-07:00

Today in my math class we used the weekly advertisement from Wegmans grocery store (if you have never been the best way to describe it is like Disney World, but for groceries) to work on our estimation and addition skills. The kids were given a budget ($20, $50, and $100) and had to use estimation to determine if they were able to buy all they wanted. After they checked their estimation they then had to come up with an actual number using the prices.

It was a fun and interesting way for the kids to have a real world experience while working on some math!

A New October Reading Log

2009-10-01T09:05:00.000-07:00

Be on the look out for a new and improved, as well as more in depth, October reading log. Your son of daughter should be bringing it home today with them and it will require your initials nightly, or at the end of the week if you're too busy. :)

There are directions to read that go along with the new reading log. See you all tonight!

Back to School Night

2009-09-30T10:59:00.001-07:00

Just a friendly reminder that Back to School Night is tomorrow night, 10/1 at 8 PM. We will need you all to sign up for different events we have during the school year. If you could plan to arrive around 7:45 to take care of that business that would be greatly appreciated.

Book Wink

2009-09-28T08:03:00.001-07:00

Here is a link to a website that has some really great reading lists for students in grades 3-8, it is called BOOKWINK. There are video book chats hosted by former librarian Sonja Cole. Each book talk is a 3-minute video for kids in grades 3-8. The Web site also includes lists of read-alikes for the books she talks about.

Check it out, I highly recommend taking a look.

Book Seer

2009-09-23T07:13:00.001-07:00

Check out this link to The Book Seer. Students can go to this site and type in the information of a book they have read, as well as the author. The "Book Seer" will then suggest some books for them to read. It's pretty cool. I have added it to our Angel page, so the class will have easy access to the link.

Online Flashcard Maker

2009-09-22T10:32:00.000-07:00

Here is a little link I found today to make flashcards online and print them at home. It is from Flashcard Exchange and could be a great tool for your kids to help them study, now and in the future. Enjoy!

Stanford Testing

2009-09-18T09:09:00.000-07:00

Next week we will begin our Stanford testing all week. Today we took a practice test, which was very similar to the test the students will take part in next week. Please make sure your child is well rested and eats a good breakfast before they come to school next week. If eating before school is not really possible feel free to send in some sort of breakfast for them to eat before they begin the test (poptart, muffin, bagel, etc...).

The schedule for the test is below. Have a great weekend!

Monday: Word Study and Vocabulary (Morning session)
Listening (afternoon session)
Tuesday: Reading Comprehension and Spelling
Wednesday: Language
Thursday: Math Problem Solving
Friday: Math Procedures

PTA Grant Approved

2009-09-10T08:33:00.000-07:00

This summer I wrote a grant for the TJ PTA attempting to get an iPod Touch for our classroom. The PTA has informed me that the grant has been approved and the iTouch should be arriving sometime next week. A HUGE THANK YOU to the PTA for having such great vision and a willingness to support these new ideas in our classrooms.

I will talk more during Back to School Night in October about how we will be using this new addition to our class.

TD Bank Summer Reading Program

2009-06-10T08:40:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to the earlier email I sent about TD Bank's Summer Reading program. $10 for 10 books is a pretty sweet deal.

Be sure to read the small print on the bottom, they will need to open a savings account for your child.

VA Day

2009-06-01T06:20:00.000-07:00

Virginia Day is quickly approaching our town of Evansburg. Virginia Day will be held this Friday, June 5, and parent visiting times are from 9-10. The class has been very busy researching their trade/craft and will begin their posters for their presentations today.

Look for posters to be coming home for some finishing touches if they are not completed here in school. Many great links can be found in our VA Day folder in Angel.

Market Day Update

2009-05-26T09:01:00.001-07:00

Hi all! I have met with all of our Evansburg business owners and all have been approved to move forward with their Markey Day plans. We will be disucussing and working a bit more on this assignment in class, but for the most part it will be completed outside of school.

Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program

2009-04-29T09:26:00.001-07:00

Someone sent me a link to this Barnes & Noble Summer Reading program. Seems pretty cool. You read 8 books and complete their Summer Reading Journal, then you get a coupon for a free book. The information is found as you scroll down the screen. They all love to read, so you might as well get a free book out of the deal!

SOL Review...That Time of Year Again!

2009-04-27T08:49:00.000-07:00

Long time no information on here. Things have been super busy at TJ and pile grad school and a 14 month old on top of that...WOW!!! Anyway, we have started to review for the SOL tests coming up in a couple of weeks, see the schedule below, and Mr. Knight provided this great resource for the kids called Study Island. Each student has his/her own log in information (first initial, last name, then @TJ all with no spaces) and the password is their lunch number. It's really cool and they can practice at home!

SOL Dates:
5/5 - Reading SOL
5/12 - Math SOL
5/14 - VA History SOL

Visual Dictionary Online

2009-03-31T13:01:00.001-07:00

Here is a link to the Merriam-Webster Visual Dictionary Online that I stumbled upon today. The cool thing about this link is that you type in the word you are looking for and get not only a definition, but also a detailed (and labeled) picture to go along with the written definition. Very cool!

What's Smaller Than a Pygmy Shrew?

2009-03-30T09:45:00.000-07:00

If you want to know the answer to this questions ask your child when they get home today. In continuing with our discussion about facts and opinions, as well as the differences between the two, we read a book called What's Smaller Than a Pygmy Shrew? The students located facts within the story about exactly what IS smaller than a pygmy shrew.

Important Dates Before Spring Break

2009-03-27T12:25:00.000-07:00

3/30 - Class Pictures
3/31 - TJ Musical practice at GM (9AM - 11:30AM)
4/1 - TJ Musical; Students need to arrive no later than 7 PM
4/2 - Read In; see Friday Folder for information regarding wearing PJs to school for the Read In

Reading logs due MONDAY (3/30)

Freedom on the Menu

2009-03-24T11:53:00.000-07:00

Today in Literature we read the book Freedom on the Menu and continued our discussion about justice and injustice. The book Freedom on the Menu focused on the sit-ins of the early 1960s Civil Rights Movement and the changes that came about as the result of these powerful movements and courageous people who fought so hard for justice!

Lady Mustangs = STATE CHAMPIONS!!!

2009-03-16T10:33:00.000-07:00

After a great season, only losing to 1 Single A team, the GMHS Lady Mustangs wrapped up their incredible season with a victory of single A powerhouse Floyd County in the VHSL State Championship. It has been an absolute joy, to see all the hard work these ladies have put in, reach their ultimate goal.

Check out this hyper link to view some pictures from the Washington Post.

Justice

2009-03-10T12:45:00.001-07:00

Today we began to discuss justice/injustice. We used a book entitled Netties Trip South to introduce the topic and discuss slavery. We will be continuing this unit over the next month or so.

Kid Rex...Thanks Mr. Knight

2009-03-04T17:09:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Mr. Knight for sharing this with me the other day. Here you will find a link to Kid Rex, which is Google for kids. Kid Rex uses Google as it's search engine, but uses the filter so it's safe for kids to use.

Science Test

2009-03-02T12:14:00.000-08:00

The Science test, scheduled for Friday, but rescheduled for today...has been rescheduled again for tomorrow.

Snack Reminder

2009-02-25T12:23:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder about snack and proper snack. I spoke with the class today about what snacks are and are not allowed. We are really aiming for healthy snacks (fruit, yogurt, etc...), but I am pretty lenient about what they bring in for snack. Please do not send in cookies, chocolate chips, candy, or anything loaded with sugar. Most of the students are pretty good about all of this, but some seem to have forgotten the rules. Thanks!

Important Dates This Week

2009-02-24T05:32:00.000-08:00

2/24 Region B Playoffs - George Mason vs Appomattox County 7 PM @ MEH
2/25 Assembly - 10 AM
2/27 Science Test - Living Systems
2/27 Word Study Test

February Madness!

2009-02-19T08:51:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a fun night out this evening you should come on up t0 MEH at 7 PM. The GM Lady Mustangs are facing off with their division rival, the Strasburg Lady Rams, for the Bull Run District Tournament Championship. Admission is $5 and you should see a great game. So come on out and cheer on the Mustangs!

Adaptations

2009-02-17T09:10:00.000-08:00

Recently, the class finished studying all about structural and behavioral adaptations of many types of organisms. After we finished all the hard work studying and researching animals, creating powerpoints, and various other activities I allowed the students to have a little fun and give a paper butterfly and adaptation. They were to camouflage a butterfly and place it somewhere in the room. Here is one example. Next time you are in see if you can find them.

Read Kiddo Read!

2009-01-26T08:24:00.001-08:00

Here is an excellent link to some really great information about books for kids of all ages. The site is from author James Patterson and it called Read Kiddo Read! This may be just what some of you are looking for!

PTA Grant and an iPod

2009-01-14T09:25:00.000-08:00

Yesterday our class was very fortunate to have received a grant from the PTA. Before Winter Break I wrote a grant attempting to purchase an iPod to use in class with my students. Yesterday I found out we would be receiving an iPod, as well as a $50 iTunes gift card to begin working our library up. Now I assure you we will not be using this iPod to listen to music or even watch movies, but we will be putting the $50 toward audio books. My main motivation behind writing this grant was to try and encourage my "less than willing" readers to want to read. And who wouldn't want to use an iPod? I hope this works...it could be a big breakthrough for my students! Stay tuned.

No More Kings

2009-01-09T06:12:00.000-08:00

We have been starting a revolution in Social Studies recently, not like the Beatles, but the American Revolution. Discussing taxation without representation, the different taxes the King put on the colonists, and so on. Today we began Social Studies by watching a little clip from Schoolhouse Rock, so I thought I would post it here for you all to enjoy as well. I am sure many of you watched this show growing up. What song do you remember?

Geography Bee

2009-01-06T12:21:00.000-08:00

Today we participated in the Geography Bee. The students were very excited, and a little nervous, about the questions that would be asked. The kids all did a great job and cheered each other...really clapping for each other. We had a blast and will wait to see if any of our classmates are in the Top 10 for TJ. If so there will be a 2nd part of the competition later this week.

Seeds From Space....Part 3

2009-01-04T10:35:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a great break...I can't believe it's already over. Anyway, I am not sure if you had a chance to check out the Falls Church News Press this week, but our class received a little publicity. Check out this online edition and go to page 37. You will find the article about our seeds there and a picture taken by our very own Kenya B.

Seeds From Space...Part 2

2008-12-16T07:53:00.000-08:00

Well our seeds from space, and earth, have begun to sprout. The students are very excited every morning to come in and observe what has happened to them overnight. Take a look at the image of our plants. I wonder if being in space had to do with the fact that the seeds from space are developing at a faster rate than the seeds that did not make the trip.

Native American Museum

2008-12-16T07:01:00.000-08:00

What a great job the class did on their Native American Museum Projects! We finally finished all the presentations and you can really tell how much effort they all put into completing these. The best part for me had to be the creativity that was involved in making these projects. From gathering sticks to stripping bark, it was really unreal.

Check your email for pictures from the presentations today.

Mr. Baxter vs. Mr. Knight

2008-12-12T12:04:00.000-08:00

Today Mr. B and Mr. K competed in a DDR challenge with each other. Rumor has it that Mr. B won both of Mr. K's challenges. Keep practicing.

This video has been brought to you courtesy of Lydia.

The Challenge...Part 2 from Kyle Evans on Vimeo.

Important Dates and Info

2008-12-12T07:36:00.000-08:00

With Winter Break quickly approaching here is a quick update of all that is happening, as well as important dates.

12/16 - Book Box/Bag Due
12/17 - Science Test
12/19 - Social Studies Test on Jamestown

Also, 12/19 is a full day of school for the students and 12/17 is still our early release day for next week.

No newsletter this weekend.

Seeds From Space

2008-12-05T12:04:00.000-08:00

Today we planted our seeds from space and a seed that did not leave the Earth. We are going to observe the plants and see if there is any difference in the way the two grow here. The kids were also allowed to bring some of the seeds home so they can conduct their own experiment at home!

Videos and Vimeo!

2008-12-04T05:22:00.000-08:00

So yesterday we took some videos while we were bowling and one of the students in our class was our Class Videographer in Jamestown. Now the dilemma I had was, how do I share these videos with the parents? Well the answer Mr. Knight came up with was through my student blog in Angel. This way the kids images are safe and secure, but also the kids will know where to go to access these videos in a safe way.

With your son or daughter, if you log in to Angel have them show you the Evansburg blog I use with the class. On the left hand side you should see some links to videos. Click on one, or 5, and enjoy!

Water, Water Everywhere!

2008-12-01T11:14:00.000-08:00

Today we took a look at how a single raindrop would get from TJ to the Chesapeake Bay. We saw a really cool slide show about a group of teachers who took a trip (and pictures) to follow a raindrop at their school in Louisa, VA all the way to the Chesapeake Bay.

In Literature we read all about Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears to learn all about cause and effect relationships. Ask your children why these insects do this. The tale you hear just might be interesting.

Literature and Social Studies

2008-11-24T13:20:00.000-08:00

Today in Literature we kept on working through our Survival books. We read our books, analyzed character traits, and read a little about watersheds (our next Science unit). More importantly, we FINALLY finished our study of Jamestown. We will soon be moving on!

How High Is That Tree?

2008-11-17T14:14:00.000-08:00

Today during "Science" we did an activity where the students had to choose a tree from the TJ field. After they chose a tree we made some observations and tried to figure out it's height like some Native American tribes would have done.

This is what you might have seen yesterday and today if you drove by the TJ field around 9 AM.

It's Been a While!

2008-11-14T10:26:00.000-08:00

I think the title says it all. I am so looking forward to next week when life will slow down, not too much, but just a little. Right now I am on lunch at the Science Conference in Hampton, VA. I am really excited to use some of the stategies and materials I have been collecting down here with the class this year.

I'll even tell you a little secret...I was able to get, from NASA, some seeds that have been in space. What great timing since we are currently studying plants!

Well have a great weekend!

Super Fun Treat!

2008-11-06T07:18:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, our class had an awesome treat (did we really need another after last week?)! Jacob's dad came in to talk with us about the Comanche Tribe, which his family is a member of. He came in and showed us where his family is from and answered ALL of our questions. We even were able to see some family photos, give some posters, and provided a book (Do All Indians Live in Tipis?).

Here is a pretty cool link I found about Camanche Indian Facts for Kids.

It times like these when you hope the kids realize how lucky were are to be in this community and to have all these resources before us.

Kickball Challenge

2008-11-03T10:35:00.000-08:00

Check out some of the fun we had here at TJ last Wednesday. Click on the word kickball. What a week last week was...between kickball, Pumpkin Math, and Halloween; I am not sure how we survived.

Pumpkin Math...Part 2

2008-10-30T11:54:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Math was AWESOME today! The kids, most of them, had a great time scooping out the guts and seeds of their pumpkins today. It was a really fun way to practice our estimating skills, as well as a good preview of circumference.

A big THANK YOU to Mrs. Handly, Mr. Lethbridge, Mr. Stegenga, and Mrs. Whitaker for coming in to help out. Check your email for the pictures I sent out from today's event.

Up next...Halloween Party!

Pumpkin Math

2008-10-29T11:35:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Math is tomorrow at 9 AM. Be sure to send your child in with a pumpkin, average size, if you have not already done so. It should be a fun day! Come on in if you have a chance.

I just hope no one ends up like the pumpkin above from the smell!

No Newsletter Last Week

2008-10-27T07:05:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that there will be no newsletter from last week. It was a slow week and not much is going on. However, this week is quite a week!

Thursday - Pumpkin Math 9AM
Friday - Halloween Party 2PM

Planting Plants

2008-10-23T08:49:00.000-07:00

Today in Science class we planted our first plants. The class discussed what all plants need to survive and then we designed an experiment to conduct with the plants. The class wondered what would happen if we took either light, air, water, or warmth away from the plants. In our experiment we did just that, to the best of our abilities, and we are going to observe what happens.

One plant doesn't get light, another won't get water, and one is even living in the refrigerator for now. And we are going to observe what happens to these seeds over a 2 week period. I love the excitement this class has for learning...it's so fun!

Parent Conferences

2008-10-22T12:28:00.001-07:00

So as Parent Conferences rapidly approach I just wanted to remind you to send in the form saying if the time I assigned you works or not. I sent it home in the Friday Folders this past week and have not received all of them back. Please email me and let me know if you did not find this, or even lost the form, so I can send you a new one.

A Busy Monday Here at TJ

2008-10-20T11:46:00.000-07:00

Well it's always nice to hit the ground running as they say. This morning when the students arrived fresh off their weekend, we had our first Health class with Ms. Huber. We also had our first computer lab with Mr. Evans where we worked on a Virginia Native Americans webquest and took a look at where in VA each tribe lived as well as how they used their environment to SURVIVE. Feel free to check out the webquest and see what we did today. Click on the word webquest and you should end up there.

Do you see all the pieces fitting into place? In science we are talking about plants, social studies Native Americans, and Literature reading Survival themed books. School is so much fun when everything ties in and the kids can make so many great connections.

This afternoon I began my QRIs with your children (Qualitative Reading Inventory) to assess their word recognition and comprehension skills. The first part I completed, but the 2nd part will have to wait for now.

First Science Lab of 2008

2008-10-16T10:41:00.000-07:00

Today we had our first Science Lab of 2008. After spending 2 days studying the parts of a flower we went to the lab and disected a poor lily, or several poor lillies! Anyway the kids had a chance to get in there and locate the main parts of a flower (sepal, petal, pistil, and stamen) and actually got their hands a little dirty while doing this...there was pollen everywhere.

We had a great discussion afterwards about the parts and their functions. The class made some really great observations...which is what good scientists do!

Where Has Mr. Evans Been?

2008-10-15T09:33:00.000-07:00

Well after a crazy Friday...Picture Day, VA Pizza Day, and all the normal to do's at TJ; Mr. Evans decided to take a little time off to catch up.

Anyway the kids did an awesome job creating their Virginia Region pizzas. Watch for the pictures being email to you sometime this week.

Hopefully the rest of this week will allow me to keep up with this. Oh yeah and we started Science!

Finally!

2008-10-09T07:01:00.000-07:00

We have FINALLY finished our 1st social studies unit. The 5 Regions of VA are done in room 309. Now we will move on to creating our VA Regions Pizza tomorrow around 9 AM.

We will start to create our pizzas around 9:10 or so, right after we take our pictures. Please be sure to send in the items we need to create these delicious treats...I mean this assessment of student learning! :)

Crazy Crazy Morning!

2008-10-08T09:17:00.001-07:00

Today was like a tornado came through TJ. We started the day with Math. Well that was normal, except for the excitement of the Math Olympiad test. Many of our boys and girls chose to participate in taking this test...not an easy task.

Some quotes you may have heard in the halls of TJ...

"Man that was the hardest test I ever took!"

"I can't even see straight right now!"

"Who made up that test anyway?"

Then we had an assembly....Percussion Discussion. The kids love it and even got to participate and dance a little. Ask them about the history of the drums in American Music and see if they are able to tell you some of the songs played today!

Character Traits

2008-10-07T11:53:00.000-07:00

Today during Literature we read The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. We looked at the Boy and discussed what kind of character traits he posessed. The big point of the lesson, besides character traits, was to use EVIDENCE from what we read to support our responses. The class did an AWESOME job completing this task.

When talking with your son or daughter about certain issues/topics ask them why they think this way. Or what happened to make you say that? That will go a long way in 4th grade!

New Reading Unit

2008-10-06T18:43:00.001-07:00

Today we began our new Literature unit...Survival! The class was asked to read several statements about survival and had to decide if they agreed or disagreed with the statements. We then read a book entitled Souperchicken. Ask your children about the story and how it fit in with the them Survival.

Last Night and This Morning

2008-10-03T08:34:00.000-07:00

It was great to see so many of you last night. Hopefully I was able to give you a little more insight into 4th grade and what the expectations are for your son or daughter. If not please feel free to email me.

This morning we had a very special treat! The President's Own United States Marine Band come in and perform for us. A parent of one of our 4th graders is a member of this band. It was truly awesome! Check out our student blog early next week for a full report on this performance!

Blue Ridge Mountains

2008-10-02T08:46:00.000-07:00

Today in SS we discussed the Blue Ridge Mountains. We learned that there are really no major cities there. As Jake said, "Just itty bitty cities!" and lots of apples.

See everyone tonight. Remember 8:00 - 8:30 in room 309.

VA Regions Brochures

2008-10-01T09:17:00.000-07:00

Today we started, and most finished, our VA Regions Brochure. So far we have studied the Tidewater and Piedmont regions of our state. Ask them to tell you a little about the land in each region. Or ask them what the phrase "Please read your journals." means. I'll give you a hint...it helps them identify the major rivers in Virginia from north to south. :)

Sorry about no posting yesterday, but Mr. Evans was super busy. A full day of teaching as well as having to present a budget last night in class. Which in a sick way was kind of fun, but I am sure that was because I wasn't really presenting a real budget to people. :)

NEW MATH TEACHERS!!!!

2008-09-29T08:39:00.000-07:00

Today was our first day of switching math classes. Some of the students, all but 2 leave me, have a new math teacher. It's a great way for the 4th grade teacher's to meet the needs of each student...since every class meets his/her needs based on pre-test data.

This is the first step in getting the students ready for MEH. Going to a different teacher for Math gives the students an opportunity to be responsible. They need to make sure they take all of their necessary supplies to class with them...big responsibility!

Last Day of Stanfords!

2008-09-26T07:19:00.000-07:00

I am not sure who is more excited about the last day or Stanfords...the kids or the teachers. It's sort of like the last day of school! One thing I know for sure, is that everyone is ready to get back to our normal schedule.

Yesterday our community came up with a flag to represent our community of Evansburg. There was a tie between 2 flags, so we will be making one flag out of two.

Stanford Testing

2008-09-22T06:48:00.001-07:00

This morning we began our Stanford testing. It was a very long day for the kids, but they handled it very well. Right now we are taking a little breather just to relax before we finish off our day. There will be very little homework coming home this week.

Do YOU believe?

2008-09-20T19:55:00.000-07:00

I am not sure if any of you have seen this, I think this video puts it all in perspective. Amazing!

Friday Afternoon and 4 Square!

2008-09-19T13:02:00.000-07:00

What a way to end to 3rd week of school...can you believe we are already done with 3 weeks of school? Anyway, the class and I went outside today to enjoy the great weather. Some of the kids played on the swings, played soccer, or wall ball. Most of the class however, at least the boys (and Amelia), played some 4 Square with Mr. Evans. We all had a great time and Avi even taught me some new rules!

Have a great weekend!

Stanford Practice

2008-09-19T10:34:00.000-07:00

This morning we spent a good portion of our time preparing for the Stanford Achievment Test we will be taking all next week. The class seemed to do very well and ask a lot of questions. Most of their questions were dealing with the whole process and what next week will be like in terms of homework! :) It's amazing what they are concerned about. As teachers and parents we are concerned about how well they will do, but the kids are concerned about their homework during the week...too funny!

Chatting with Mrs. Seaver

2008-09-16T11:24:00.000-07:00

This afternoon Mrs. Seaver came to our class to discuss other people's feelings. We talked about different ways to not only help out our fellow classmates, but also people we work and live with! What a great concept to teach our kids at this age. It's something we can all use a little refresher in from time to time. I loved hearing their ideas on how we can help people to feel better!

We also talked about how our feelings about certain "things" may change over time.

Some of the comments from the class meeting today...

"Just because you have different feelings about something from your friend's doesn't mean you can't be friends."

"When I was younger I liked to go swimming and....I still do!"

"When I was younger I didn't like to swim because I didn't know how, but now I love it!"

Isn't it fun to get inside their minds for a little while...just for a little while. :)

What We're Reading!

2008-09-16T10:44:00.000-07:00

Right now the students are getting "Reaquainted with Reading". Each student is reading one of three books (101 Ways to Bug Your Teacher; The School Story; Sideways Storys From Wayside School). These books all share at least one commone theme...SCHOOL!

The students are not only working on getting back in to the school routine of reading, but also how to talk with each other in our "Book Groups". Some of the conversations they are having are simply amazing!

Welcome!

2008-09-16T10:34:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our latest class tool. I will use this blog more and more as the year progresses.