G-2's Space in Space

Welcome Back to School!

2011-08-14T17:17:00.000-07:00

Another school year is beginning. Our class sizes are a little bigger this year, but I'm still looking forward to an exciting year. We have lots of new technology and I'm getting better and better at learning new ways to use it to make learning and teaching more fun and more successful.

Here is a quick website I found with ideas that parents can use to help teachers out. Check it out.
http://www.education.com/magazine/article/ways-to-help-childs-teacher/?cid=90.

Sorry, one more butterfly pic

2011-06-09T12:30:00.000-07:00

Freedom

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Tiger Swallowtail

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Ain't she perty!

2011-06-09T11:43:00.001-07:00

Our butterfly came out today!

2011-06-09T11:42:00.000-07:00

Caterpillar has begun chrysalis

2011-05-22T18:24:00.001-07:00

Tiger swallowtail butterfly found outside class Friday

2011-05-22T18:23:00.001-07:00

Field trip day

2011-05-15T15:24:00.000-07:00

Cracking geodes

2011-05-15T15:23:00.001-07:00

Climbing in giant tree roots

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Drapes in the cave

2011-05-15T15:22:00.001-07:00

Wedding cake

2011-05-15T15:22:00.000-07:00

Death march to cave entrance

2011-05-15T15:21:00.000-07:00

Boyden..a better pick

2011-05-15T15:20:00.000-07:00

Boyden Cavern Field Trip

2011-05-14T16:10:00.000-07:00

2011-05-14T16:09:00.000-07:00

Trying out tumblr

2011-05-14T05:08:00.001-07:00

We added a new blog this week on tumblr which we can access more easily from an app on our iPods. Check it out.

G2iscool

iPods in the classroom

2011-04-23T10:20:00.000-07:00

In December we received our iPod carts and orientation on iPods basics. Each student has their own iPod touch to use and to be responsible for.

A few of the students were immediate experts, many more spent a lot of the scheduled iPod time just trying to figure out how to turn in on and operate the buttons and never got to the internet or to the apps.

Five months later, we have a class full of experts. Sure, from time to time we have technical difficulties, like the iPods mysteriously jump Wi-Fi networks, keeping us from going on line. Or we have a network slowdown when we all try to go on IXL Math at the same time. But all in all, we enjoy using the iPods to supplement and support our learning. Here are some of our favorite apps.

Pocket Frogs - not all that educational, but fun when all of our work is done

Motion Math - helps us practice fractions and decimals on a number line, one of our toughest standards

Math Zombie - helps us practice our mental math, speeding up our addition skills

We also use the iPods to listen to podcasts. One of our favorite Podcasts is

The Princeton Review's Vocabulary Minute.

Check out our class blog G2Rocks next week to hear thoughts about using the iPods in class directly from the students.

http://kidblog.org/MrsCsclass4/

Mariposa rock and mineral museum

2011-04-10T21:11:00.001-07:00

Took a trip to Mariposa to check out the rock and mineral show. Decided to stroll through the museum. It might make for a nice field trip next year!

Pyrite

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Obsidian

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Colemanite :)

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Halite

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Look at that crystal shape!

Rock with gold

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Magnetite

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Hematite

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Garnet

2011-04-10T21:04:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year Survey

2011-01-12T16:22:00.000-08:00

We use a site called QUIA for doing online quizzes and surveys. On our first two days back from vacation, the students used their new iPods to answer a few questions about their Winter Vacation.
Here are some of the results.

How many books did you read over vacation?

0 books - 9
1 book - 7
2 books - 2
3 books - 2
more than 3 books - 6

Did you stay up until midnight on New Year's Eve?

no - 3
yes - 23

What activity did you do the most over vacation?

read 1
watch TV 7
play videogames 9
skateboard 1
listen to music 8

What was the best part of vacation?

sleeping late 1
staying up late 5
no homework 6
spending time with my family 14

Field Trip is Set

2010-12-22T16:45:00.001-08:00

Boyden Cavern

Saturday, May 14th

The IPods are in!

2010-12-18T05:48:00.000-08:00

We spent our first week using the Ipods and it was great fun!

Monday was our first day. We spent over an hour just finding out how to

use them and exploring all the fun apps and podcasts that are on there.

The rest of the week we used them to practice our reading fluency.

There are lots of other fun activities planned for using them everyday

when we come back from vacation.

Corcoran teachers get iPad training

2010-11-03T16:22:00.001-07:00

G-2 Makes Electromagnets

2010-10-30T08:47:00.000-07:00

G2's first video this year!!

2010-10-30T07:52:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of the school year, we got these great new Mac computers that most of the teachers are still learning how to year. This week we received a very helpful tutorial from one of our aides, Mr. Lugo. Thanks to him, I was able to put together our first video on electromagnets.

It is a little rough around the edges, but not too bad for a first try.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1i14zDEcDU

Multiplication Facts and Division Rules

2010-10-10T13:06:00.000-07:00

Associative Property
changing the way the factors are grouped does not change the product
2 x (8 x 9) = (2 x 8) x 9

Commutative Property
changing the order of the factors does not change the product
2 x 8 = 8 x 2

Identity Property
1 x a number = the smae number
1 x 55 = 55

Zero Property
0 x any number = 0
55 x 0 = 0

Division Rules
1. Any number divided by 1 = that number
55 divided by 1 = 55

2. Any number divided by itself = 1
55 divided by 55 = 1

3. Zero divided by any number is 0
0 divided by 55 = 0

4. You cannot divide a number by 0

CLASS FUNDRAISER BEGINS TODAY

2010-09-27T04:32:00.000-07:00

Materials for the school fundraiser will come home today. This is how we pay for any

class field trip we take. Please help us out in any way you can.

Conductors, Insulators and Resistors

2010-09-22T04:52:00.000-07:00

These are things that help us control the flow of electric current.

Conductors allow electricity to flow easily. Example: copper wire

Insulators stop the flow of electric current. Example: the plastic covering on a wire

Resistors slow down the flow of electric current. Example: the filament in a light bulb.

Electrical Circuits

2010-09-10T15:53:00.000-07:00

Series circuits - one path, if one light goes out, they all go out, all resistors get the same amount of energy

Parallel circuits - two or more paths, if one light goes out, only that light goes our, each resistor only gets the amount of energy it needs

Both circuits all electrical current to flow.

Both circuits use an energy source, conductors(metal wire), insulators(plastic covering),

resistors (ex: light bulb), and a switch

Math Magician is fixed

2010-09-09T15:10:00.000-07:00

The link at the right for Math Magician has been fixed. Try it out. Practice your multiplication facts!!

Parts of Electric Circuit

2010-08-29T16:34:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to an interesting video on someone who work with electricity every day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dqRN0Z7-_o&feature=related

1. Energy source - battery
2. CoWnductor - allows electricity to flow easily
3. Resistor - slows down the electric current
4. Insulator - stops the electric current
5. Switch - closes or opens the loop

Facts of the Week

2010-08-23T19:19:00.000-07:00

We are trying something new to get those multiplication facts memorized quickly.
Each week we have 4 facts to practice.
Practice them everyday
...while eating breakfast, lunch and dinner
...in the car
...before video games
...in a tree
...on the way to soccer practice

you get the idea!

Say the facts + the answer 5 - 10 times each.

this week's facts are:

4 x 9 = 36
8 x 7 = 56
6 x 7 = 42
9 x 8 = 72

Planning our Writing - Power Outlines

2010-08-18T16:50:00.000-07:00

4th grade is a big year for writing

We use graphic organizers for all of our pre-writing steps.

These graphic organizers help us to organize our thoughts so we are ready to write. We start out with the basics, a power outline, which is a twist on the traditional outlining process. Below is an explanation and an example of how it is used.

Power Outlines (from Step-Up to Writing)

Organize your ideas for writing

T = Topic (What is the main idea)

RDF (Reasons, Details or Facts about your topic)

E – explain more

E- explain more

RDF (Another Reason, Detail or Fact)

E- explain more

E-explain more

RDF (Another Reason, Detail or Fact)

E- explain more

E- explain more

CS – Concluding sentence (restate the topic)

Example

T = McDonald’s

D – Milkshakes

E – creamy

E – chocolatey

D- Cheeseburger

E- juicy

E- mouth-watering good

D- French Fries

E-soft in the middle

E –crispy on the outside

E-salty goodness

An Exciting Year Ahead

2010-08-12T00:10:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the 2010 - 2011 School Year!!

It is going to be an absolutely awesome year! Mark Twain teachers have spent some extra days this summer learning a lot of amazing ways to improve our teaching. I can't wait to try them out!

Also, thanks to a grant, we were able to purchase new Promethian Boards, which I am diligently trying to master so we have much more interactive learning going on in class.

We will also be receiving IPod touches. Each teacher will eventually have a class set. I am looking forward to finding many new and interesting ways to use them to improve student learning!!

School starts Monday, August 16th for all the schools in the district.

Back to School Night is that evening at 5:15 or 6:00.

I can't wait to meet all of my new students and their parents!

Some important information:

School starts at 8:03 a.m.

Breakfast is served in the cafeteria from 7:30 - 8:00.

Lunch from 11:45 - 12:25.

School ends at 2:55 p.m. except on Wednesdays, it ends at 1:30 p.m.

Homework!

Monday - Thursday

about 1 hour a night

all review of materials covered in class

Weekly Reports and Parent Letters

EVERY MONDAY!

Look for them!!

Back To School

2010-08-01T20:20:00.000-07:00

August 16th - First day of School

Are You Bored?

2010-06-16T14:32:00.000-07:00

50 fun things to do to pass the time.
http://www.kiwimagonline.com/community/?p=289

4th grade summer reading list
http://www.educationworld.com/summer_reading/4th_grade.shtml

Mission San Juan Bautista

2010-05-25T12:29:00.003-07:00

Mission Santa Barbara

2010-05-25T12:29:00.001-07:00

Mission San Carlos Boromeo

2010-05-25T12:27:00.001-07:00

Mission Santa Clara

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Mission San Juan Capistrano

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Mission San Fernando

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Mission San Francisco 2

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Mission San Francisco de Solano

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Mission San Rafael

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Mission Santa Ines

2010-05-25T12:23:00.001-07:00

Mission San Miguel

2010-05-25T12:22:00.000-07:00

Mission Projects Due

2010-05-12T15:44:00.000-07:00

Your project is a report. It can be done on paper with built mission, on powerpoint, on video, or on a poster.
The rough draft of your report is due to me by Friday, May 14th.
The finished project is due on Monday, May 24th.

Mission Night will be May 25th at 5:30 in the Mark Twain Cafeteria.

On our way to Boyden Cavern

2010-05-02T18:54:00.000-07:00

we stopped for a scenic view
and to play in the snow for a bit

outside Boyden Cavern

2010-05-02T18:46:00.001-07:00

our lunchtime view
The long, hard hike up to the cave entrance
waiting for our guide

Inside Boyden Cavern

2010-05-02T18:42:00.001-07:00

General Grant's Tree

2010-05-02T18:35:00.000-07:00

This was a quick side trip on our way out of the park. Unfortunately, the snow distracted from the giant sequoia trees, so the students didn't pay a whole lot of attention to them.

Moodle

2010-04-28T15:19:00.000-07:00

Mark Twain teachers are learning a new tool today called Moodle.
Hopefully if we can learn it well, next year we will be able to use a lot less paper and will be doing more on computers. It is already being used by students, teachers and parents at John Muir and Corcoran High Schoool. We will be able to post study guides, class work, home work, as well as blog and chat with each other.

CST is almost done

2010-04-28T15:18:00.000-07:00

One day left of the CST. I'm very proud of this class. Everyone is
using the test-taking strategies and trying very hard to do their best.

WE REALLY ARE BLOGGING NOW!

2010-03-24T18:43:00.000-07:00

We finally started for real on Monday and we are taking off. Check out the 2nd link on the left "G2 kids are blogging".

Collecting Data

2010-03-24T18:40:00.000-07:00

We have collected much interesting data this week on ourselves and made some equally interesting graphs so that we could talk about using data. Here are some new words we learned.

median - the middle number in a set of data when the data is put in order from least to greatest

mode - the number in a set of data that occurs most often

mean - the average number (add all the number and divide by the number of numbers)

outlier - a number in a set of data that is distant from the other numbers (an outlier may give you unreliable information)

G2 kids are blogging

2010-02-22T09:29:00.000-08:00

I found a new blog site yesterday, at kidblog.org, which lets the students each have their own blog page in a safe and structured way without having to submit an email address. Hopefully we will start using it to publish some of our writing and thinking about what we are learning. If you click on the first link under "Links to Learning" it will take you there.

I am excited about this new tool because it allows me to give opportunity for the students to blog without them having to have an insecure email adress, without me having to give them access to my email address and it allows me the ability to oversee all posts before they are published.

Comparing Fractions

2010-02-18T08:45:00.000-08:00

When compare fractions we are seeing if the are the same size or a different size.
We use the signs < (less than) >(greater than) =(equal to)

We have a nice easy trick to doing this.

1/4 is less than, greater than or equal to 2/3

1/4 is < > = 2/3

1/4 2/3 to find out, multiply the denominator of one fraction by the numerator of the other fraction. Do this to both fractions. Put the answer at the top of each fraction.

1/4 and 2/3
multiply 1x3 = 3 put that above 1/4
multiply 4 x 2 = 8 put that above 2/3
now compare 3 and 3
3 is less than 8
SO
1/4 < 2/3
1/4 is less than 2/3

Equivalent Fractions

2010-02-18T08:31:00.000-08:00

Equiva lent mean equal, so equivalent fractions are equal fractions.

1/2
Equivalent fractions for one-half are easy, because the numerator is half of the denominator.

1/2 - 1 is half of 2
2/4 - 2 is half of 4
4/8 - 4 is half of 8
10/20 - 10 is half of 20
SO
1/2 = 2/4 = 4/8 = 10/20

Here is a song we learned to help us find equivalents of other fractions.
(to the tune of "Are You Sleeping?)

Equivalent Fractions
Equivalent Fractions
Multiply
Or Divide
By another Fraction
By another Fraction
Equal to One
Equal to One

To find an equivalent fraction, you need to multiply by a fraction equal to one.
Fractions equal to one are 2/2 3/3 4/4 5/5 6/6 ...etc.

So to find an equivalent fraction for 2/3, multiply 2/3 by 2/2. That would be 2x2 and 3 x2, which would be 4/6.

2/3 = 4/6
2/3 is equal to 4/6

Simplest Form
when finding simplest form, you are finding an equivalent fraction that has a numerator and denominator that cannot be reduced anymore.

To find simplest form you divide by a fraction equal to one.
The tricky part is finding a common factor of both the numerator and the denominator.

Put 15/20 in simplest form.
15 and 20 have a common factor of 5.
So divide 15/20 by 5/5. 15 divided by 5 is 3 and 20 divided by 5 is 4.

15/20 = 3/4
15/20 is equal to 3/4

3/4 is in simplest form because 3 is a prime number and because 3 and 4 have no common factors and cannot be divided further.

Finding a fraction of a number

2010-02-18T08:21:00.000-08:00

Fraction of a number.

Alfredo has to read 24 pages in his science book by Friday. If he has completed 3/4 of the assignment, how many pages has he read?

We need to find 3/4 of 24. There are two ways to do that.

3/4 x 24/1
1. multiply 3/x 24 = 72 and 4 x 1 =4
2. that gives us 72/4 which is a division problem
3. 72 divided by 4 = 18
4. So 3/4 of 24 is 18.
5. So Alfredo has read 18 pages.

or

3/4 of 24
1. 24 divided by 4 = 6
2. 6 = 1/4 of 24
3. 1/4 + 1/4 + 1/4 = 3/4
4. 6 + 6 + 6 = 18
5. 3/4 of 24 is 18
6. So Alfredo has read 18 pages.

Formulas are Fun!

2010-01-18T14:56:00.000-08:00

We trying out lots of new things in math for the new year. Last week we worked on negative numbers and this week we are learning formulas for perimeter and area for squares and rectangles!

perimeter = the distance around around a figure

a square has four congruent(equal) sides SO the perimeter can be found with this formula

P = 4s (perimeter = 4 times the measure of one side)

a rectangle has two pair of congruent sides SO the perimeter can be found with this formula

P= 2l + 2W ( perimeter = 2 times the length + 2 times the width)

Area is the measure of the space inside of a figure.

the area of a square or a rectangle can be found with this formula

A = l x w ( area = length times width)

How does SETTING affect a story?

2009-12-02T07:36:00.000-08:00

Our Houghton-Mifflin selection this week is Cendrillon, a Carribean Cinderella Story, by Robert D. San Souci.
We are looking at how the setting of the Carribean changed the story from the original Cinderella story we are used to. We have also read several other versions of this classic story and noted how the setting changed things.
Then we made up our own settings and talked about how the Cinderella story would be changed.
For example:
if it took place in modern times VS the time of the dinosaurs

in modern times: Cinderella would arrive in a limo, have a DJ at the ball and it would be held at the Save Mart Center or maybe at a fancy casino in Las Vegas. Cinderella would have very high-heeled glass slippers.

in the age of dinosaurs: Cinderella would arrive on the back of a very large dinosaur, drums would be the only music played at the ball, and Cinderella would wear a moccasin.

We also discussed a winter VS summer setting

summer: Cinderella would arrive in a convertible or on a surfboard, the ball would take place at the beach, she would wear a tank top and shorts, and would leave behind a flip flop

winter: Cinderella would arrive on a sled or maybe a snowmobile, the ball would take place at a ski hill or ice rink, she would be wearing a parka and would leave behind a boot

Veteran's Day Activities

2009-11-11T07:19:00.001-08:00

Here is a link to PBS with some activities for kids related to Veteran's Day.
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/activitypacks/socialstudies/americanidentity/

Order of Operations

2009-10-13T15:19:00.000-07:00

We are working on expressions, equations and inequalities with all of the operations. The rule we follow to know which operation to do first is called the Order of Operations.
It goes like this:
Parentheses
Exponents
Multiply and/or divide (left to right)
Add and/or subtract (left to right)

We use the Mnemonic Device to help us remember the Order of Operations.
Please
Excuse
My
Dear
Aunt
Sally

Example: 45 - (3 x 8) + 9
In this expression we would multiply 3 x 8 first because it is in parentheses.
That would leave us with 45 - 24 + 9
Then we subtract because it come first moving from left to right.
That would leave us with 21 + 9 which equals 30.
So the value of 45 - (3 x 8) + 9 is 30.

Figurative Language

2009-10-11T18:20:00.000-07:00

We are working on similes, metaphors, personification and hyperbole.

Similes are a comparison of two unlike things using like or as: the boy ran like the wind Metaphors are a comparison of two unlike thing: The misbehaving child was a monster. Personification is giving human characteristics to inhuman things, objects, ideas or animals: The wind whispered my name and told me to come out to play.
Hyperbole is exaggeration: that was the worst movie I've ever seen.

Here are some similes the students in G-2 have written.
I am as brave as a bear.
Mrs. Coleman is as smart as a scientist.
I was as hungry as a bear that hasn't eaten all summer.

Test-Taking Strategies

2009-09-24T18:27:00.000-07:00

Next week is the middle of Trimester 1 here at Mark Twain, which means we have a Language Arts test, as Science Test and a Math Test all in one week. Today we covered some good strategies for a taking a reading comprension test. We talked about how reading in a test is different than reading a book for pleasure or even information, so we need to approach it differently. Here are some strategies that can help us attack a test.

1. Read the Questions First
2. Highlight or underline key words or phrases in the questions.
3. Read the passage 2 - 3 times.
4. Highlight key words or phrases in the passage that relate to the questions.
5. Read the questions again and ALL of the answer choices.
6. Eliminate the wrong answers.
7. Choose the correct answer and mark it.

We are practicing these techniques now, and will continue to review them throughout the year.

Happy Birthday Mr. Anderson!

2009-09-23T11:07:00.001-07:00

What happens when the principal has a birthday?

2009-09-23T11:07:00.000-07:00

Learning Powerpoint

2009-09-13T15:08:00.000-07:00

We made our second trip to the computer lab to learn how to use the program Microsoft PowerPoint to make presentations. The first presentation is All About Me. The students will be presenting these to the class next week. The students will continue to use this program to make reports on science social studies throughout the year. Some students may be able to compete to participate in Tulare County's Cyberquest on November 21st.

Properties of Addition

2009-09-13T15:03:00.000-07:00

Zero Property - when you add zero to a number, the sum is that same number
Example: 5 + 0 = 5
Commutative Property - when you change the order of the addends, the sum stays the same.
Example: 3 + 4 = 7 and 4 + 3 = 7 so 3 + 4 = 4 + 3
Associative Property - when you change the way the addends are grouped, the sum stays the same.
Example: (2 + 3) + 6 = 11 and 2 + (3 + 6) = 11 so (2 + 3) + 6 = 2 + (3 + 6)

Some Good Books We've Read

2009-09-09T19:58:00.000-07:00

Wilma Unlimited by Kathleen Krull - The storyof how Wilma Rudolph overcame immense disadvantages to become a record-winning Olympic athlete. Used this in our discussions on Commitment, our character of the month for August.

Salt in His Shoes by Doloris Jordan - A biography of Michael Jordan, written by his mom, that let's us know, even superstars have to work hard for what they get.

The Honest to Goodness Truth by Patricia C. McKissack - the story of a girl who tells the truth a little too well. This was used in our discussions on Honesty, our character of the month for September.

Tea With Milk by Allen Say - this is part 2 of the story Grandfather's Journey, which we read in our reading anthology this week. Grandfather's Journey tells the story of Allen Say's grandfather, who moved from Japan to California, then back to Japan. Tea With Milk is the story of Allen Say's mother, a California girl, who has to adjust to life back in Japan.

The Bee Tree by Patricia Polacco Ellen is bored with reading, so her grandpa takes her on an adventure to find the bee tree, in the process, teaching Ellen a lesson about the adventures that can be found in books.

Our class guardian

2009-09-09T19:33:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the Sweatts for adding to my Star Wars collection! I love my new Yoda. He has a place of honor at the front of the class. Watch us he will.

We learned a new song this week in science to help us to remember how resistors, conductors and insulators help us use electricity. It is sung to the tune of "How Much is That Doggy in the Window"

Electricity Helpers

Chorus:
Resistors, conductors, insulators
Help us use electricity
Resistors, conductors, insulators
Help us use electricity

Resistors slow down the electrons
Then change them to heat, light and motion
Resistors slow down the current
Then changes it to other forms
Chorus
Conductors help move the electrons
To places far and near
Conductors are metals like copper
Help charges flow smoothly for us
Chorus
Insulators stop electric charges
From going where they shouldn’t be
Insulators like rubber and plastic
Keep us safe, you and me

First Reading Selection: Akiak

2009-08-30T13:57:00.000-07:00

We will be finishing our first reading selection from the Anthology tomorrow: Akiak.
Tuesday will be our first selection test.
Use the information on our class wiki to review the story structure of Akiak.

Place Value Through the Millions

2009-08-30T13:33:00.000-07:00

We spent a lot of time this week working on reading, writing, and understanding numbers up to the hundred millions place.

First we learned The Place Value Song

it is sung to the tune of Row, Row, Row Your Boat

Place Value Periods
Come in Groups of Three
Ones, tens, hundreds
Read them right to left

Thousands, Ten thousands,
Hundred thousands
Place value periods
Read them right to left

Millions, ten millions
hundred millions
Place value periods
Read them right to left.

We also learned 3 forms of a number:

Standard form: 198,876, 612

Word form: one hundred ninety-eight million, eight-hundred seventy six thousand, six hundred twelve

Expanded form: 100,000,000 + 90,000,000,000 + 8,000,000 + 800,000 + 70,000 + 6,000 + 600 + 10 + 2

This week we will be working on rounding numbers and comparing and ordering numbers (putting them in order by size).

We will be using this rounding rhyme

Find your place
Look next store
Five or greater
Add one more
Digits in front
Stay the same
Digits behind
Zero's your name

Data collection and analysis

2009-08-23T14:33:00.001-07:00

We spent some time during math this week getting to know each other a little better. We did some collecting of data and then we displayed that data in bar graphs to find out information that might be helpful to our class. Our first two questions we did together: Do you have internet at your house? and What type of soda do you like? The first question is helpful to me for designing assignments that require use of the internet. The second question is useful when planning a class party. We found out that only half of our class has access to the internet and that Root Beer and Dr. Pepper are the favorite sodas of the class. The students then designed their own research questions and worked in partners to collect their data and construct their graphs. (some of those will be added to the post shortly)

What Do Good Readers Do?

2009-08-23T14:23:00.000-07:00

They think while they read!

This week we practiced several reading strategies that good readers use.
I started the week by asking the students what they thought good readers do.
The answers were: reread if they don't understand and sound out words. Those are both very good strategies. There is so much more!

We talked about METACOGNITION - thinking about what we are thinking about.
Then we introduced several strategies using some very fine stories.

What we read:
The Pumpkin Runner
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
The Araboolies of Liberty Street
What Do You Say Dear?
Odd Velvet
My Rotten Red-Headed Older Brother

visit our wiki to read more about the strategies we practiced

Welcome to 4th grade!

2009-08-13T10:21:00.000-07:00

We have an exciting and challenging year ahead. I am looking forward to getting to know each and every one of you, and to helping you learn.

This is the place to go to keep up to date with homework, school events, and what is going on in class.

try this link to see our school calendar
http://g2iscool.wikispaces.com/School+Calendar

Corcoran teachers learning about blogs and wikis.

2009-08-12T11:31:00.000-07:00

So today the K-5 teachers learned more about using technology in the classroom. One of the things we learned that I'm excited to try right away is a class Wiki. A wiki is similar to a blog, but I anticipate it will be easier for the students to use and to post their work and their projects.
Below is the link to our first class wiki. There is nothing there yet, but hang on, there will be soon.

http://g2iscool.wikispaces.com/

State Testing - Good News

2009-08-07T08:37:00.000-07:00

75% of 4th graders passed the writing test in March
That's up from 47% the year before.

Mark Twain's estimated API is 762 up from 735

Language Arts scores went up too from 36 to 47 % proficient

Math scores went up from 51 to 53 % proficient

Great job Mark Twain students and teachers!!

Shopping for classroom supplies

2009-08-05T18:01:00.000-07:00

Back to School

2009-08-05T17:49:00.001-07:00

Lots of Mark Twain teachers are hard at work setting up their classrooms. This is always an exciting, yet hectic, time of year.

Important dates

Wednesday, August 12th - Teachers officially return to work
Tuesday, August 18th - The First day of School

School starts at 8:03 a.m. We are taking the minutes we used to have in the recess before school, and adding them to the mid-morning recess.
If you are eating breakfast at school, the cafeteria opens at 7:30 a.m.

End of the Year Dates

2009-05-26T15:01:00.000-07:00

trimester 3 excellent behavior activity:
Water Day!
4th grade - Monday, June 1st
5th grade - Tuesday, June 2nd
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Talent Show
4th grade - Tuesday, June 2nd
5th grade - Wednesday, June 3rd
9:00 a.m.

ALL YEAR EXCELLENT BEHAVIOR ACTIVITY
Swimming at the Y.M.C.A.
Thursday, June 4th - 9:00 - 2:00

3rd Trimester Awards Assembly
Friday, June 5th
4th grade - 10:00
5th grade - 8:30

THE LAST DAY of School
June 5th
Dismissal is at 12:30

Summer Info For learning

2009-05-14T18:22:00.000-07:00

I will be putting up information for parents here for the next few weeks about summer activities for students.

Positive Parenting

http://www.education.com/reference/article/Ref_Positive_Parenting/?cid=90.206

Preventative Measures for theSwine Flu

2009-04-28T17:23:00.000-07:00

CUSD has worked to come up with preventative measures to reduce the risk to students and staff to the Swine Flu Virus.

*The district ordered tissues and hand sanitizer for all the classrooms and offices during this outbreak. They should be distributed by the end of the week.There should be enough hand sanitizer for each classroom and office. One bottle should last quite a long time if it is used properly. Student use will need to be monitored, tissues --a couple of boxes per classroom. *Staff and students are advised to furnish their own supplies from home if possible.
*The custodial staff is to take extra efforts to wipe/clean door knobs and faucet handles. Still, the best defense is soap and water hand washing.
*Several articles have been sent with instructions on how to avoid the virus. They are the normal, common, preventative, measures we are all aware of:
- Wash your hands
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
- Avoid physical contact with others
- Keep your hands away from your eyes, mouth, and nose
- Wash your hands
- Wash your hands

Mr. A gives a pep talk for the CST

2009-04-20T11:02:00.000-07:00

Looking for Great Books?

2009-04-04T08:30:00.000-07:00

for strong girls in grades 3, 4 and 5 http://bit.ly/8lmRt

to hook readers in grades 4 and 5 http://bit.ly/wR5nS

An impressionist I think

2009-04-03T17:47:00.001-07:00

Graphing jellybean and finding probability

2009-04-03T17:46:00.001-07:00

Color and luster

2009-03-31T14:49:00.000-07:00

Scratch test

2009-03-31T14:48:00.000-07:00