I wish...

By the end of this week, students will know if they are getting the correct amount of change when they go shopping. Students were given a Scholastic book order form and $30 to spend. They created a "Wish List" of books they would like to buy, but had to stay within their budget. Their totals were then subtracted from $30 to determine the amount of change they would receive. Finally, the students used play money to show the fewest amount of bills and coins they would receive as change.

Some students practiced making change in the virtual world. They visited websites like Just Kids Games to make purchases and determine the correct amount of change. 

Sound Travels

Sound traveling through water

Today we learned about how sound waves travel through matter. During the investigation, we discovered that sound waves travel fastest through solids. The particles in a solid are compact, allowing sound to travel faster.

Investigating sound traveling through a solid

Visitors Near and Far

Everyday at work is amazing, but these past two days have been SPECTACULAR!

Christina Leveanworth, traffic reporter for WWL TV, shared the ins-and-outs of traffic reporting. She explained how she gathers information from cell phone towers, traffic cameras, and viewer call-ins to keep us aware of delays and construction. The students were engaged in her discussions and asked great questions. Some questions included, "How did you become a reporter?" and "Would you rather report on something else besides traffic?" After Ms. Leveanworth's visit, I believe WWL will have new viewers. The students interest in local happenings has been peaked and there is no turning back. :)

My homeroom had our first Mystery Skype! Through a webcam over the Internet, we talked with Ms. LaCrosse's 5th grade class in Ohio. The students did not know what state the other class was from. We took turns giving clues about our state and, using maps, determined the locations. I was SO EXCITED to see the kids properly using political and climate maps!

Logan reading a clue about Louisiana

After the Skype, double bubble maps were created to compare and contrast Louisiana and Ohio.

3 weeks...

Welcome to room 1!

3 weeks into the school year and our routines are becoming second nature. The kids are learning expectations quickly and have adjusted very nicely to 4th grade.
I teach Math, Science, and Social Studies to two groups. My homeroom is taught these subjects in the morning and then I teach Mrs. Shepherd's homeroom after lunch.

In the morning, students work on Mountain Math problems. They answer questions to practice skills throughout the year.

Every week, Thinking Maps are incorporated into the lesson. These graphic organizers allow students to visually organize their thoughts about a skill. Each map addresses a different process. For example, we can show the life cycle of a frog using a flow map. Or, we can compare similar fractions, decimals, and percents using a bridge map. Also, we can compare and contrast various map types using a double bubble map. I LOVE thinking maps and more importantly, so do my students!

These past 3 weeks have been a joy, and I cannot wait to see what the rest of the year brings!

Me By The Numbers

On the first day of school we will explore numerous technology tools. One of these tools is Glogster. You will create a glog about yourself using numbers. Here is a part of my glog. You will need to click on the picture to see the full image.

Earth Has A Message For You

I am so excited about a new school year! To start the year, Earth has a special message for you. Click here to see it.

I WON!!!!

Until recently, I had a link to an owl webcam through Wild Watch. When I checked the link today the video was gone due to the owls leaving. In my search for another owl webcam I came across Molly and McGee.  Perfect timing too.....there was a contest to win one of these cute, fuzzy owl beanie babies.

So, look for which one will be in our classroom. We will watch Molly and McGee throughout the year and dissect owl pellets (can you guess what that is???)