NEEDED…

SUPPLIES NEEDED!

We are officially out of pencils and running VERY low on glue sticks.  If you are able to donate pencils and/or glue sticks to the GT classroom, the kids and I would be extremely grateful.  Our crayons are looking a little sad too, but pencils and glue sticks are at an urgent state.  Thank you for helping keep the classroom supplied!

Kindergarten Parent Meeting

Parents,

A big thank you to all of the parents that were able to make it to the parent meeting.  I know it is not easy with work and parenting responsibilities.  I love meeting the parents of my wonderful students.  I hope that you will be in contact on a regular basis. 

I understand that some of you were unable to make it to the meeting.  I am embedding the presentation that I gave.  Please take a moment to look through it and let me know if you have any questions.  I also sent home a packet with your child.

                                                               Thanks Again!

We’re Brainy!

The 3rd graders had a great time exploring many different aspects of the brain through some brain centers. They were learning about the functions of the small parts of our brain, like the amygdala and hippocampus, by solving a cryptogram.  They worked on writing a script for a radio station sharing their understanding of the large parts of the brain.  The kids used 2 great sites to learn about the neuron and brain related issues.  They also had the opportunity to create their own neurons using pipe cleaners.  It was neat to see them working away.  The brain is a fascinating topic.  Enjoy the video below showcasing the kids at work.

Brain Centers on PhotoPeach

What do you wonder about the brain?  What questions do you have? 

Leave them in the comments.

 

Cells

Unfortunately Middle School testing has shortened my last two classes with 5th grade, but we still managed to get in some research on cells. The fifth graders took a pre-test on Cells last week.  They were then assigned to a group and given a Discover Magazine on Cells.  Each group was given two pages to read, study and learn.  They were then to create a poster and presentation to teach us all that they learned.  The 5th graders became the teachers and quickly learned it is not as easy as their great teachers make it look.  The kids created amazing posters and had terrific ideas on how to get us to engage with their presentation.  While their presentation ideas were terrific, we need to work on execution.  Many of the groups failed to project their voices, face their audience, check for understanding, etc.  I still think it was a terrific first attempt. The kids learned a lot and had a great time.  The study of the cell is leading us into a deeper investigation of genetics and the role it played in The Giver and other short stories and novels to come.  Here are some pictures of the kids creating and presenting.

Learning About Cells on PhotoPeach

What A Monday!

I had quite the Monday with my first and second graders.  I started my morning by traveling to Africa with my first graders, but by 11:00 was in Australia with my second graders.  You can imagine my exhaustion after traversing two such amazing continents.

As I said, I started my morning with a trip to Africa with first grade.  We read a terrific folktale called The King of the Frogs.  It was the story of how peace came to the frogs.  You may not realize, but frogs were quite the rambunxious group before gaining a new king, Mamba the Crocodile.   The unruly frogs had asked their God Mmumi for a King, but I am not sure this is what they had in mind.  The kids and I had a wonderful discussion on being careful what you ask for and having the ability to govern ourselves. It was neat to hear their perspectives.  Following our discussion the kids created their own origami jumping frogs using an index card.  They had a wonderful time allowing their frogs to jump about “doing as they please” just like the frogs did in the story…before grumpy King Mamba entered the picture. 

After our frogs settled down long enough to sit in their habitat, the first graders created poems about their frog.  Enjoy the example above.

Once we arrived back to Bulverde Creek it was time to head off to Australia.  The second graders spent time learning about the Aborignies (natives to Australia).  We studied their cave drawings, their technique, languages, music, etc.  It was great fun.  After studying the beautiful art attributed to the Aboriginal people the kids were influenced to create their own pieces.  They attempted to use many of the techniques we saw in the paintings we studied.  The kids wrote poems to go with their wonderful art work.  Below is a book with a preview of some of the art and poetry.  To see the completed book, please click on the link below the book.

Click HERE to see the completed book. When you See CLICK HERE TO READ, please click on it so that you can see the book in Full Screen. 

 

Getting to Know the Kindergartners

In our effort to know more about each other, the Kindergartners created a Cinquain poem about themselves.  To write a cinquain, students need to know what verbs and adjectives are.  We spent time brainstorming and discussing these new words.  I was impressed with how quickly the Kindergartners caught on.  Below is a video of the finished Cinquains.  I hope you will enjoy watching them as much as I enjoyed seeing the kids create them.  It is also exciting to know a little more about the wonderful kids that make up this class.  Enjoy!

Friendship Quilt

In second grade we have started our travels around the world to learn about various walls and their concrete and abstract meanings.  We started with a trip down under, to an island south of Australia, called Tasmania.  The children learned about a wall at was built to celebrate the different cultures that are present in Tasmania.  It is called The International Wall of Friendship.  The kids created a symbol to represent friendship.  Below you can see the kids symbols and hear about the reasoning behind their creations.

The Lobes of the Brain

In 3rd grade we have begun our study of the brain.  We started our investigation with a look at the large parts of the brain…the brain stem, cerebellum, and cerebrum. The students learned the function of each part and considered how their life would be altered if one of the parts failed to work properly.

This week we took a closer look at the cerebrum, the thinking part of the brain, by studying the four lobes of the brain. The children used a great website called Neuroscience For Kids to research the function of each lobe.  As they researched they created a circle book to keep all of their information, which they glued into their Interactive Notebook. The children created Haikus about one of the lobes of the brain. I hope you enjoy their poems.

It Was Our First Day!

What a fabulous first class with my kindergartners!  They were enthusiastic, ready to learn, and oh so excited.  Today was mostly about getting to know each other, so that we will be a great team of learners.

When the children first came in they found their spot and spent time designing the cover for their GT folder.  While designing their cover iPads were being passed around and the kids were using an app called iCardSort to brainstorm feeling words.  They did a terrific job using both the iPad and the new app.  I can see that there are quite a few iPad pros in the group.  Below is one of the brainstorming boards.

Following our brainstorming each child drew and wrote about how they were feeling on their first day in GT.  Be on the lookout next week for their responses.  They are going to record themselves reading their sentences.  I just love recording their sweet voices.

Speaking of sweet voices, you can click on the play buttons below to hear why the kids think they come to GT each day.  I always love hearing their responses…in their own words.

To view FULL size Glog  just hover over the word GLOGSTER and you will see that option.