Autumn Poetry

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Open House 2011 Video

Animals on the Move

We've been learning about migration.  We've been using various modes of both print and digital resources to assist us as we learn about different animals that go on journeys.  For the above activity, students worked together during centers.  They read books from our school library about migration to find information to add to the web on the SMARTboard.  The above web was created by all of the four groups each taking a turn and contributing to the web.  

For a fun-filled, high-energy activity on our science theme, we migrated outdoors and went on a Geocaching hunt. During our Autumn Adventure, students worked together in teams to use hand-held GPS units to navigate to various "caches" or treasures. After finding all the items, we returned to the classroom to piece the puzzle together. Be sure to ask your child more about this event. We learned about re-sizing images and importing photos as we created our Glog poster below together.

We also had our first Skype call.  Students learned how to use the webcam and snowball microphone to communicate on the topic of migration.  We Skyped with Mr. Griffith, both Mrs. Griffith's husband and a bird enthusiast.  He shared with us more information about the hummingbird and the canadian goose's migration.  Each student was able to interact during the call by either asking a question, answering a question, or introducing themselves.  The students were impressive communicators and we look forward to working with other classes in the near future through this format.

Morning Math Madness

Friday mornings our classroom is transformed into Morning Math Madness.  Every week we'll be getting into concepts, topics, and strategies that'll we'll explore further.  We'll be using tech tools, as well as manipulatives.  Many of the projects will involve cooperative team work.  This week, we created a graph together on our birthday months.  We also used manipulatives to solve addition word problems.  Stay tuned for more news on our math projects and get your thinking caps ready.

All Sorts of Spelling

Spelling.... all the ways to practice those weekly words!  We'll not only be focusing on learning the words of the week and the pattern or rule, but also how to use these words when we write.  So far, we've learned how to use Fridge Letters, Spelling City, SMARTnotebook magnet letters, The Office center, our journals, our dry erase boards, our spelling lists, wordle, and more ways to practice are yet to come.  Can you guess the spelling pattern of the words above?  Ask your child how each of these helps them practice.  Many of these modes can be used at home as well.  This week we'll be getting writing pals too!

Welcome!

This year is off to a great start!  We've jumped right into learning.  This classroom blog will be used to highlight some of the projects, events, and daily activities happen in room 40.  Please feel free to leave a comment, question, or suggestion.  We'd love to hear from you!  The Griffith Gazette, our newsletter, will continue to come home on an as needed basis to ensure you don't miss important dates and announcements.