It's 4:40 PM on Friday and I will try to create a short, yet coherent summary of some of our activities this week.
We are going great on First in Math competition on the computer. Students from grades 3-8 are all working on it and we are working our way up in the rankings.
The 8th grade Reading finished a unit of Civil War fiction and non-fiction with a speaker today. O.J. Fargo spoke about conditions for the soldiers and told about the battles of the War. We learned that Iowa had more soldiers per capita than any other state and also had the oldest soldier who enlisted, who was 81 years old. Iowa was a key state in winning the battle for the North. We read several articles about younger soldiers in the War, and we learned to day that there were even a couple of 12 year olds who enlisted from Iowa. The students loved the talk and had a number of questions. some even came back during lunch to finish the discussion. Great Kids !
The 6th grade Reading group is tackling "The Miracle Worker" as it tied in with a shorter selection we had in the textbook. They are getting some tough vocabulary and are slowly learning about the relationships among the family members and how Annie Sullivan came to be such a key figure in Helen Keller's life.
Reading in the 7th Grade group is focused on "The Arabian Nights" right now - the stories of Scheherazade. Just pronouncing the names in the play is a challenge to the phonetic prowess of all of us. They read "The Lady or the Tiger" yesterday and wrote their own ending, which always causes great discussion. Several tweaked the story so that the door for the lady opened, but William didn't marry her, and still went back to the Princess, therefore guaranteeing a happy ending.I can't say that I blame them.
The 6th grade Math started on exponents today, which is always a challenge. We will be practicing those for a couple of days. It's really important as it comes up in every aspect of Math throughout their education. Just ask them what "5 squared" is and hopefully they'll have it down pat.
The e-pals connections have getting started.The 7th and 8th graders are starting to contact students in France and later in Italy. We hope to get messages back next week. It's always fun to see what students across the world have for interests and customs.
The fifth grade is working on Oceans to supplement their classrooms, 4th grade is doing Sherlock Holmes right now ("The Red-Headed League"), 3rd grade is learning about King Tut and the second worked on Johnny Appleseed this week. All the units give opportunities to improve Reading skills, cultural awareness, Social Studies understanding and Math skills, plus they're interesting topics.
No real "funnies" this week, but I'm sure something will come up soon, if I can remember to write it.
Anyway, the students are great, and I'll try to have them help write this - they are more interesting !
Friday, September 11, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
September 1, 2009
We have a great week started ! Had some super discussions today in Reading classes. The 8th grade is finishing their unit on satire and parody. We have finished the "Animal Farm" play and George Orwell discussion and are doing some commercials that are parodies.(hilarious)
The 6th grade had read a story about claim jumping during the Klondike gold rush and the story was interesting, exciting and really made them think about the tough times back then. There was a a lot of debate about author's purpose. We'd had a read- aloud yesterday about life during the gold rush in the Klondike and it was learned that 70,000 people tried to get up to Alaska for gold, but only 30,000 made it. Also, that White Pass through the mountains became known as "dead horse trail" for obvious reasons.
The 7th graders read an article about kids being over-scheduled and then shared their schedules with us. It was interesting to hear how their days are arranged. Most of them are pretty well-organized and have some good extra-curricular activities, but no one seemed to be overwhelmed. Most had chores, as well.
First in Math has started and the students should be working on it when they can. It is motivating and educational and the students really enjoy the challenge. I am planning on two teams this year and want to have some 3rd and 4th graders try it as well as the older ones. They have their i.d.s and passwords and can work on it at home. Try to watch them when you get a chance!
The 6th grade had read a story about claim jumping during the Klondike gold rush and the story was interesting, exciting and really made them think about the tough times back then. There was a a lot of debate about author's purpose. We'd had a read- aloud yesterday about life during the gold rush in the Klondike and it was learned that 70,000 people tried to get up to Alaska for gold, but only 30,000 made it. Also, that White Pass through the mountains became known as "dead horse trail" for obvious reasons.
The 7th graders read an article about kids being over-scheduled and then shared their schedules with us. It was interesting to hear how their days are arranged. Most of them are pretty well-organized and have some good extra-curricular activities, but no one seemed to be overwhelmed. Most had chores, as well.
First in Math has started and the students should be working on it when they can. It is motivating and educational and the students really enjoy the challenge. I am planning on two teams this year and want to have some 3rd and 4th graders try it as well as the older ones. They have their i.d.s and passwords and can work on it at home. Try to watch them when you get a chance!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
First Week of School /8/26/09
We are getting into the first week and have started on some interesting units.
8th Grade Reading - We are reading about and discussing George Orwell who wrote "Animal Farm" and "1984". Literature circles read about and then presented a display sheet about Orwell's personal life and experiences. We will be reading about Burma today where Orwell lived for a time and the human rights issues there to put some of Orwell's political dissatisfaction into perspective. The literary focus for "Animal Farm" will be on satire and we will be analyzing and doing some creative presentations exemplifying satire.
6th graders in Reading brainstormed this week about things that we associate with summer, and then we "acted out' the vocabulary words while leading into the story called "The Sound of Summer Running". These students will be working on note cards this week also to study various terms associated with literature that may be used during the year to help them become familiar with the meanings for these terms. We'll be working on fluency today, also - how do you phrase your reading, etc. Next story will be "Stray" - students love a good animal story.
7th Reading - We're ready today for an Amy Tan story about a mother who desperately wanted her daughter to be a "genius" in some area - a by-product of many Chinese fleeing from Communism and desperately hoping for a better future. The story is "Two Kinds" and I'm sure will generate great discussion about the pressure kids may feel.
More later
8th Grade Reading - We are reading about and discussing George Orwell who wrote "Animal Farm" and "1984". Literature circles read about and then presented a display sheet about Orwell's personal life and experiences. We will be reading about Burma today where Orwell lived for a time and the human rights issues there to put some of Orwell's political dissatisfaction into perspective. The literary focus for "Animal Farm" will be on satire and we will be analyzing and doing some creative presentations exemplifying satire.
6th graders in Reading brainstormed this week about things that we associate with summer, and then we "acted out' the vocabulary words while leading into the story called "The Sound of Summer Running". These students will be working on note cards this week also to study various terms associated with literature that may be used during the year to help them become familiar with the meanings for these terms. We'll be working on fluency today, also - how do you phrase your reading, etc. Next story will be "Stray" - students love a good animal story.
7th Reading - We're ready today for an Amy Tan story about a mother who desperately wanted her daughter to be a "genius" in some area - a by-product of many Chinese fleeing from Communism and desperately hoping for a better future. The story is "Two Kinds" and I'm sure will generate great discussion about the pressure kids may feel.
More later
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Time to get ready
I've been working in my classroom a lot to get ready for August 18th, which is when the teachers start. It's best to have everything organized, because it is hard to fit everything in during the teacher's workshop before students come.
Got several new things to put in the room. I think I'll try the new digital bookmarks to help the students in keeping track of their independent reading times. I got twelve of them for $80, which was a bargain. Also, I have a new poster on which you put an answer and the students have to determine the question. I think that could be fun, but if anyone has ideas for what the answer could be for the first week, let me know. The students really like the poster called "Question of the Day", which is usually one about their opinions, so this should be good, also. I do have new book sets coming in. The 6th grade last year read about nine different books as a group, besides their independent reading, so I hope we can be as successful this year. Have to get to work - might as well get used to it.
Got several new things to put in the room. I think I'll try the new digital bookmarks to help the students in keeping track of their independent reading times. I got twelve of them for $80, which was a bargain. Also, I have a new poster on which you put an answer and the students have to determine the question. I think that could be fun, but if anyone has ideas for what the answer could be for the first week, let me know. The students really like the poster called "Question of the Day", which is usually one about their opinions, so this should be good, also. I do have new book sets coming in. The 6th grade last year read about nine different books as a group, besides their independent reading, so I hope we can be as successful this year. Have to get to work - might as well get used to it.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Summer is a good time to reflect on the year past and to analyze what we need to do the gifted students we serve.
I have to say congratulations to the 8th grade class moving to the high school next year. They were so much fun, talented and such fantastic workers that they made it a pleasure to teach. So, to Katie, Travis, Jessica, Austin, Sydney, Adam, Kelsey, Bryce, Caleb, Shaylen, Emma, Logan and Emily: Be proud of a job well done and the high school will be a better place for your contributions. I don't think we always remember to compliment the students who do try to fulfill their responsibilities and they need the positive reinforcement as much as any other student.
It is easy to assume that the capable students do not need as much from the school as other students, but we really need to make a concerted effort to engage and challenge these students. As the world changes so rapidly, it is one way the U.S. will be able to relate to and compete with other countries. These students are part of our best and greatest hope and we have to be active in demanding what is part of the new Iowa Core Curriculum - and that is rigor and relevance in all our subjects. Do not doubt that students in a gifted program are aware of when they are really working in a subject areas, and when there is care and planning in preparing their lessons. I know that there are days when it is hard to plan the perfect lesson, but I intend to try every day to make the program for these students meaningful and productive. We do not want frustration with the educational system to alienate our best and brightest just when they are going to be so sorely needed.
I know this summer I need to work on reorganizing pars of the Reading class, evaluating the effectiveness of Reading Logs, writing out and planning the whole books for each class, for example. The sixth grade class this year read eight books as a class along with other short stories, plays and readings in the "Read" magazine, and were an engaged and vibrant class - great discussions and real involvement. Should be a fun group next year, also. I will be reading the books this summer we can focus on next year and trying to pick those I think they can relate to in some way.
The gifted students flourish when they have some time when they are with their intellectual peers. It doesn't have to be all the time, but there needs to be some time, so I try to provide that . It has to vary according to grade level as some students have more accessible time, but we can be flexible with that. Also, student programs can vary. Some students may be in a Reading group, some in a Math group and some may have individual programs as well. Acceleration is the answer in some cases, there may be advancement of grades, or students may just need enrichment. All of those programming options are used in Creston.
That is some information on the program, but I know soon I need to go over materials from the year and start planning ahead.
More later.
I have to say congratulations to the 8th grade class moving to the high school next year. They were so much fun, talented and such fantastic workers that they made it a pleasure to teach. So, to Katie, Travis, Jessica, Austin, Sydney, Adam, Kelsey, Bryce, Caleb, Shaylen, Emma, Logan and Emily: Be proud of a job well done and the high school will be a better place for your contributions. I don't think we always remember to compliment the students who do try to fulfill their responsibilities and they need the positive reinforcement as much as any other student.
It is easy to assume that the capable students do not need as much from the school as other students, but we really need to make a concerted effort to engage and challenge these students. As the world changes so rapidly, it is one way the U.S. will be able to relate to and compete with other countries. These students are part of our best and greatest hope and we have to be active in demanding what is part of the new Iowa Core Curriculum - and that is rigor and relevance in all our subjects. Do not doubt that students in a gifted program are aware of when they are really working in a subject areas, and when there is care and planning in preparing their lessons. I know that there are days when it is hard to plan the perfect lesson, but I intend to try every day to make the program for these students meaningful and productive. We do not want frustration with the educational system to alienate our best and brightest just when they are going to be so sorely needed.
I know this summer I need to work on reorganizing pars of the Reading class, evaluating the effectiveness of Reading Logs, writing out and planning the whole books for each class, for example. The sixth grade class this year read eight books as a class along with other short stories, plays and readings in the "Read" magazine, and were an engaged and vibrant class - great discussions and real involvement. Should be a fun group next year, also. I will be reading the books this summer we can focus on next year and trying to pick those I think they can relate to in some way.
The gifted students flourish when they have some time when they are with their intellectual peers. It doesn't have to be all the time, but there needs to be some time, so I try to provide that . It has to vary according to grade level as some students have more accessible time, but we can be flexible with that. Also, student programs can vary. Some students may be in a Reading group, some in a Math group and some may have individual programs as well. Acceleration is the answer in some cases, there may be advancement of grades, or students may just need enrichment. All of those programming options are used in Creston.
That is some information on the program, but I know soon I need to go over materials from the year and start planning ahead.
More later.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Summer is here !
I will still try to post some information when there is something to share this summer.
The class lists for next year in TAG are tentatively set. There will be 19 new sixth graders next year in either Math or Reading.
I also hope to put more emphasis on some different areas, such as the National Geography Bee, since I do have some younger students that are very interested in that subject.
I am not sure if I will still do Mock Trial. I don't know if students really want to do it, and it is getting hard to compete against schools that have on-site attorneys to work with them. However, the process and lessons learned from the experience of preparing a trial help students in many ways, from the writing to the thinking and the speaking aspects of the cases. I'll have to see if there is interest from students and parents.
It is sad to see the 8th grade go on to the high school, but they will be a positive addition there. There are many really strong and able kids who work hard in that class. They will be missed. Congratulations to Adam, Travis, Jessica, Bryce and Caleb on a great end-of-year video. Everyone enjoyed it.
More later this week.
The class lists for next year in TAG are tentatively set. There will be 19 new sixth graders next year in either Math or Reading.
I also hope to put more emphasis on some different areas, such as the National Geography Bee, since I do have some younger students that are very interested in that subject.
I am not sure if I will still do Mock Trial. I don't know if students really want to do it, and it is getting hard to compete against schools that have on-site attorneys to work with them. However, the process and lessons learned from the experience of preparing a trial help students in many ways, from the writing to the thinking and the speaking aspects of the cases. I'll have to see if there is interest from students and parents.
It is sad to see the 8th grade go on to the high school, but they will be a positive addition there. There are many really strong and able kids who work hard in that class. They will be missed. Congratulations to Adam, Travis, Jessica, Bryce and Caleb on a great end-of-year video. Everyone enjoyed it.
More later this week.
Monday, April 27, 2009
April 24, 2009
Friday, April 24 was a day when we went to see the On-Act plays at the high school done by the 9th and 10th grade students and directed by Seniors. They were very well-acted and hilarious ! The plays were "The Seven Wives of Dracula" and "Check Please". The first play gave a twisted view of what happened to Count Dracula when he became involved in life at a sanitorium for the insane - hijinks ensued ! "Check Please" had short excerpts from the worst dating disasters anyone could imagine and the humor involved in dealing with those. Many of the former TAG students were involved in the plays in both acting and directing.
One of our 8th grade Students has been very successful with a History Day project and will be traveling to Boston as a result of the project ! Emma J. and her partner, Katie S. did an extensive project about Leymah Gbowee of Liberia and have been invited to visit an awards ceremony for Ms. Gbowee in Boston in May where she will receive the JFK Profile in Courage Award.Ms. Downing, their Social Studies instructor, will also accompany them to Boston. It should be a great trip as they will get to spend a couple of days seeing historic sites as well as attend the awards. What a great experience that will be for all of them and congratulations to all three for a job well done !
Purple comet math contest this week. Sixth and seventh grade students have teams competing in an hout long math contest this week. It should be a challenge and will help us see where we need more work.
One of our 8th grade Students has been very successful with a History Day project and will be traveling to Boston as a result of the project ! Emma J. and her partner, Katie S. did an extensive project about Leymah Gbowee of Liberia and have been invited to visit an awards ceremony for Ms. Gbowee in Boston in May where she will receive the JFK Profile in Courage Award.Ms. Downing, their Social Studies instructor, will also accompany them to Boston. It should be a great trip as they will get to spend a couple of days seeing historic sites as well as attend the awards. What a great experience that will be for all of them and congratulations to all three for a job well done !
Purple comet math contest this week. Sixth and seventh grade students have teams competing in an hout long math contest this week. It should be a challenge and will help us see where we need more work.
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