Thursday, February 28, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Monday, February 25, 2013
Team 16 Update
Hello Team 16 and Families,
Welcome back! I hope everyone had a great and relaxing vacation. We are off to a great start. We started Unit 5 in Math and learned how to extend multiplication facts. Students shared their strategies on how they solved the problems. We will be moving on to partial products of multi-digit multiplication and finally learning the traditional method for solving multi-digit multiplication.
In writing, we watched a video on TREE. Ask your child what TREE stands for and why TREE will help us in writing. Team 16 is started to write opinion/persuasion pieces. Their writing homework is a preview and a good way to start. This gives the students' a way to use vivid adjectives and be creative as they try to persuade people. Tomorrow, we will start writing an opinion piece and the children get to pick their own topics.
In reading, we are starting new reading groups. I ran out of time today to get everyone's group started. I will finish the groups tomorrow. I am trying smaller reading groups this time to see if students can really discuss the book and can meet frequently. We had run into some problems with larger groups as some kids didn't finish the work or they were absent. We will try this and see how well it works out. In addition, we are going to start shorter reading passages with questions for the students to answer to show understanding. We will practice going back into the passage and underlining important parts. I will also start sending some home for homework. This is great practice for the MCAS's.
Students also worked on updating their google site with work they are proud of. I will be showing this to you at conference time along with assessment data. I am going to send out a doodle link for conference sign-up this week. I apologize for the delay.
We have our last session of Just Like Me this Wednesday and Thursday.
If you feel like it, check out my new blog. I created a game-based site focused on STEM activities. It is a work in progress. I welcome feedback. Please click on the link below to check it out if you want:
Click Here to View Game-Based Educational Blog
Thank you!
Susan
Welcome back! I hope everyone had a great and relaxing vacation. We are off to a great start. We started Unit 5 in Math and learned how to extend multiplication facts. Students shared their strategies on how they solved the problems. We will be moving on to partial products of multi-digit multiplication and finally learning the traditional method for solving multi-digit multiplication.
In writing, we watched a video on TREE. Ask your child what TREE stands for and why TREE will help us in writing. Team 16 is started to write opinion/persuasion pieces. Their writing homework is a preview and a good way to start. This gives the students' a way to use vivid adjectives and be creative as they try to persuade people. Tomorrow, we will start writing an opinion piece and the children get to pick their own topics.
In reading, we are starting new reading groups. I ran out of time today to get everyone's group started. I will finish the groups tomorrow. I am trying smaller reading groups this time to see if students can really discuss the book and can meet frequently. We had run into some problems with larger groups as some kids didn't finish the work or they were absent. We will try this and see how well it works out. In addition, we are going to start shorter reading passages with questions for the students to answer to show understanding. We will practice going back into the passage and underlining important parts. I will also start sending some home for homework. This is great practice for the MCAS's.
Students also worked on updating their google site with work they are proud of. I will be showing this to you at conference time along with assessment data. I am going to send out a doodle link for conference sign-up this week. I apologize for the delay.
We have our last session of Just Like Me this Wednesday and Thursday.
If you feel like it, check out my new blog. I created a game-based site focused on STEM activities. It is a work in progress. I welcome feedback. Please click on the link below to check it out if you want:
Click Here to View Game-Based Educational Blog
Thank you!
Susan
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Ultimate Math Invaders~ Free Download
Ultimate Math Invaders~ Free~ Get it Today! This program is worth $49.95. Click on the link below to learn more.
Click Here to Learn More About a FREE Download~ Math Software
Highlights:
Parents
- Help your kids by downloading Ultimate Maths Invaders for free today!
- Tell others about this amazing opportunity
Teachers and schools
- Download a free copy of Ultimate Maths Invaders for yourselves. Let other teachers know!
- Download and photocopy the Ultimate Maths Invaders Parent Information Leaflet and distribute it to the families in your school
- Include this amazing offer in your school newsletters
- Place a link on your school website
Too good to be true?
No! This offer is genuine! There are no catches!
- Just send anyone to www.edalive.com and they can download their fully functional copy of the multi-award winning Ultimate Maths Invaders for free!
- They’ll also receive automatic membership of the EdAlive Software Club and have access to the amazing discounts offered on other EdAlive titles.
About Ultimate Maths Invaders
Ultimate Maths Invaders teaches kids aged 5 – 15 all their tables and number facts while building mental maths ability. Ultimate Maths Invaders extends able mathematicians, deepening and broadening their abilities with advanced challenges in fractions, decimals, percentages, numeration, counting, squares, square roots, powers and directed numbers. More
Let me know if you try it!
Let me know if you try it!
PBS Design Squad Video~ Can a Bike Power a Blender
Can a Bike Power a Blender?
"Pedal power is used around the world to create electricity. Watch as Nate repurposes a bicycle into a blender- cycle. Smoothies anyone?"
Click Here to View PBS Design Squad Video
Check out the latest design squad challenges. Think about trying one!
Doodle 4 Google~ Design Contest
Click Here~All About Doodle 4 Google Contest
"Are you a young artist from California? Alabama? Or Massachusetts? Well, get doodling with the topic “My Best Day Ever…” for a chance to see your very own artwork on the Google homepage—and help represent your piece of the union.
Today marks the 30-day countdown to the March 22 submission deadline for the U.S. Doodle 4 Google competition. And in the spirit of friendly competition, we’re inviting you to rally fellow students and teachers in your state to take part in Doodle 4 Google’s 30-day Race to the Finish with an interactive map that shows the top submitting states. States are ranked in order of submissions relative to student population size.
Whether your state tops the submissions race or not, you still have the chance to become the individual state winner. The 50 state winners will win an all-expenses paid trip to New York City in May for the final awards ceremony, where we’ll reveal the winning doodle. The national winner will see his or her doodle on the Google homepage, win a $30,000 college scholarship and a $50,000 technology grant for his or her school. Download an entry form today to get doodling!
Fun fact for those of you who can’t get enough doodles: we run Doodle 4 Google competitions in many countries worldwide, year-round. Vote for your Irish favorites now—the winner will appear on www.google.ie on April 16.
As always, happy doodling!"
Engage Minds, Inspire Discovery~ New Game- Based Educational Blog
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Check out my new blog by clicking on the link below:
Engage Minds, Inspire Discovery~ Game- Based Education
"Providing innovative strategies and tools to intertwine STEAM into daily curriculum through the use of technology, gaming, and hands-on experiences."
This site is still under construction. Please check back frequently to discover new posts and information. Feedback is welcome.
Thank you!
How Free Play Can Define Kids' Success
Powerful article- Here is a sneak preview of what the article is about. Please click on the link below to read the entire article and learn what the 7 C's of Resilience are. I would love to hear any feedback or thoughts you have after reading the article. Thanks!
Highlights:
"To Ginsburg, a successful child is one who finds something he loves to do, is generous, empathetic and compassionate, committed to repairing the world, shows grit and the ability to collaborate, creativity and can take constructive criticism. These are what will serve young people as they move into the world on their own."
"So many of the things that we care about are completely learned through the creative process,” Ginsberg said at an event hosted by the Bay Area Discovery Museum. When kids are allowed free time to play, they learn how to work in groups, negotiate, share, self-advocate, and make decisions."
"Instead, one of the most important skills a parent can foster in children is resilience, which he says can be fostered through creativity. Ginsburg relies on the “Seven C’s of Resilience” as a road map for helping students to find their inner grit."
"Keeping children on rigid, academically driven schedules denies them the space for some of the real self-learning that will see them through unexpected challenges, the ones that aren’t on the test."
How Free Play Can Define Kids' Success- Complete Article
Highlights:
"To Ginsburg, a successful child is one who finds something he loves to do, is generous, empathetic and compassionate, committed to repairing the world, shows grit and the ability to collaborate, creativity and can take constructive criticism. These are what will serve young people as they move into the world on their own."
"So many of the things that we care about are completely learned through the creative process,” Ginsberg said at an event hosted by the Bay Area Discovery Museum. When kids are allowed free time to play, they learn how to work in groups, negotiate, share, self-advocate, and make decisions."
"Instead, one of the most important skills a parent can foster in children is resilience, which he says can be fostered through creativity. Ginsburg relies on the “Seven C’s of Resilience” as a road map for helping students to find their inner grit."
"Keeping children on rigid, academically driven schedules denies them the space for some of the real self-learning that will see them through unexpected challenges, the ones that aren’t on the test."
How Free Play Can Define Kids' Success- Complete Article
Smithsonian Quests~ New, Innovative Program for Students
http://shout.smithsonianquests.org/
Team 16,
Please read about this exciting new and innovative program the Smithsonian Museum is offering to students for free. I have registered our class. Parents, please read about this exciting opportunity and decide if you would like your child to participate. I have emailed you this information too. I have also emailed families the instructions on how to register your child. Please click on the link above to check this out for yourselves. I would love to hear your thoughts on this innovative program. Thank you for taking the time to research about the quests.
Susan
Smithsonian Quests inspire students to explore their own ideas and interests online, in school,
at home, and across the nation. The quests connect and reward learners of different ages and
in different regions as they learn through discovery and collaboration. Rewards include digital
badges that students (and teachers) take with them for life!
at home, and across the nation. The quests connect and reward learners of different ages and
in different regions as they learn through discovery and collaboration. Rewards include digital
badges that students (and teachers) take with them for life!
The primary goal is to inspire youth to explore their own interests through a series of online
activities and related incentive badges. Many of these badges are integrated with content from
online education conferences, which highlight a variety of different topics. The second goal is to
enhance students’ cognitive capabilities by incorporating knowledge and skill-building into the
quests. The online conferences and quests are interdisciplinary in nature, offering students the
opportunity to choose what they care about most.
activities and related incentive badges. Many of these badges are integrated with content from
online education conferences, which highlight a variety of different topics. The second goal is to
enhance students’ cognitive capabilities by incorporating knowledge and skill-building into the
quests. The online conferences and quests are interdisciplinary in nature, offering students the
opportunity to choose what they care about most.
All quests engage students in exploring a topic of interest either as part of a formal standards-
aligned school curriculum or as a student-driven after school activity. An important secondary
audience is you, the educator, whose support is vital in connecting with students. To this end,
you also will be offered badges that will document their participation in Smithsonian online
conferences, online professional development sessions, and the completion of class projects. All
quests will be reviewed and badges awarded by a team of Smithsonian experts.
aligned school curriculum or as a student-driven after school activity. An important secondary
audience is you, the educator, whose support is vital in connecting with students. To this end,
you also will be offered badges that will document their participation in Smithsonian online
conferences, online professional development sessions, and the completion of class projects. All
quests will be reviewed and badges awarded by a team of Smithsonian experts.
The Smithsonian Education program is funded by conference producer, LearningTimes LLC,
and a Smithsonian Youth Access Grant.
and a Smithsonian Youth Access Grant.
About the Smithsonian Institution
Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex,
consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research
facilities. There are 6,000 Smithsonian employees and 6,500 volunteers. Approximately 28.6
million people from around the world visited the Smithsonian in 2011. The total number of
objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at 137 million.
consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research
facilities. There are 6,000 Smithsonian employees and 6,500 volunteers. Approximately 28.6
million people from around the world visited the Smithsonian in 2011. The total number of
objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at 137 million.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Updated E-Portfolio's
Team 16 Families,
Team 16 worked hard on Friday updating their e-portfolio's. I will share these with families at conference time. I know that some students planned on working on them over vacation. I love your passion and enthusiasm. Please remember I encourage you to add your "personality" with the design and links. All posts must be school related. I understand some students decided to add favorite learning games. This is a great addition after displaying your most treasured work- again, please keep those links to educational sites. Save your favorite recess games for your own personal blogs/websites one day. Thank you for your understanding and help with this.
I hope all families are enjoying a relaxing and fun break.
Thanks!
Friday, February 15, 2013
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Valentine's Day ~ Educational Online Games
Happy Valentine's Day Team 16!
Morning Work: Explore educational games inspired by Valentine's Day, read short Valentine's Day stories, or learn non- fiction facts about the heart and history of this special day.Valentine's Day Typing Challenge
An assortment of Valentine's inspired Learning Games
Read short Valentine's Day stories
Explore the human heart
Spot the Differences- Exercise your brain
5 hearts in a row- thinking game
Learn about the history of Valentine's Day
Cultural Celebration = Success and Class Update
Thank you to all families for coming to our Cultural Celebration and bringing in delicious food from around the world. Thank you for taking an interest in all the students projects and asking questions and complimenting their hard work. In addition, thank you for families for bringing in many gluten- free foods. Students commented on that and were very happy to be able to taste many different foods!!!
Valentine's Day is tomorrow. Please bring in Valentine's for the whole class if you choose to participate. Candy may be brought in and will be sent home unopened. I sent home a class list yesterday as well as posted a link in a previous post you can refer to. Most students chose to decorate a Valentine's mailbox in school, but some did choose to create one at home. Please remember to bring it to school tomorrow. In addition, Team 16 made Valentine cards for our 2nd grade buddies. Most of us completed them in school and some of us decided to create a card for them at home. Again, please remember to bring in your card for your buddy tomorrow if you are making it at home.
Friday is Spirit day. Happy Hollow is having pajama day! Students can wear pajamas, bring slippers and stuffed animals if they wish. Please do remember to bring boots and snow pants for recess time. As a friendly reminder, students must have boots to walk on the snow and snow pants to play in the snow. It is always a good idea to keep an extra pair of dry in socks in your child's backpack. Even with boots, sometimes their socks get wet!
The flu is going around Happy Hollow as well as different viruses. Wash your hands consistently throughout the day get plenty of rest. Vacation is coming and we want to be healthy to enjoy our time with our families. I am going to send home the children's headphones over vacation. Please clean them and have students bring them back to school after vacation sealed in a ziplock bag. Thank you for your help with this.
We have been busy wrapping up our immigration project, taking math/reading assessments, publishing personal narratives, and completing Unit 4 in Math. After vacation, Team 16 will be starting to write persuasive/ opinion pieces and new reading groups will be starting. We will be discussing inferences during our read aloud, as well as in small reading groups. I was planning on starting this week but due to our busy schedule, I decided that waiting until after vacation would be a better choice. In math, we will be starting Unit 5 and focusing on multiplication and division. I will post several math videos over vacation on the blog if students wish to preview. In addition, we will be doing much more problem solving in math and focusing on explaining our thinking in words, pictures, or numbers. We will also wrap-up our science rotations. Team 16 will be heading to Ms. Devlin's class to learn about animal adaptations. Spelling/ Vocabulary will start-up again after the break.
Team 16 each shared 1 goal they wanted to work on for themselves after the break. Ask your child what his/ her goal is. Examples from the class: keep my desk clean, remember to pass in my homework on time, stop calling out, complete my morning routines, celebrate challenges, etc...
New Math RTI groups will be starting after vacation. Team 16 will work closely with Ms. Devlin's class and explore different project- based learning activities.
Spring conferences are coming up. I will send-out a doodle link for you to sign-up. I will post on the blog and email it to all families. Families, please let me know if you do not read the blog. This is important because I don't send home paper copies for most events or updates. I post them on the blog. I also post research articles for parents to read if they wish that explains my teaching strategies or where education is heading. I understand parents are busy so if you aren't reading the blog at least once a week, please let me know and I will start to send home paper copies of my posts. This came to my attention after Monday's celebration. I apologize to all families who thought I didn't communicate. I was under the impression families were reading the blog. I know the students go on a lot for links and homework assignments. To help me out, if you would like paper copies of updates, please write me a note and stick it in your child's homework folder, send me an email, or call me at school. This way I can communicate to all families effectively. My email is susan_cherwinski@wayland.k12.ma.us.
Thank you for your help with this!
In conclusion, I must share my celebration of all your child's enthusiasm, curiosity, engagement, and unique strengths! I am amazed daily at what Team 16 is accomplishing!
Valentine's Day is tomorrow. Please bring in Valentine's for the whole class if you choose to participate. Candy may be brought in and will be sent home unopened. I sent home a class list yesterday as well as posted a link in a previous post you can refer to. Most students chose to decorate a Valentine's mailbox in school, but some did choose to create one at home. Please remember to bring it to school tomorrow. In addition, Team 16 made Valentine cards for our 2nd grade buddies. Most of us completed them in school and some of us decided to create a card for them at home. Again, please remember to bring in your card for your buddy tomorrow if you are making it at home.
Friday is Spirit day. Happy Hollow is having pajama day! Students can wear pajamas, bring slippers and stuffed animals if they wish. Please do remember to bring boots and snow pants for recess time. As a friendly reminder, students must have boots to walk on the snow and snow pants to play in the snow. It is always a good idea to keep an extra pair of dry in socks in your child's backpack. Even with boots, sometimes their socks get wet!
The flu is going around Happy Hollow as well as different viruses. Wash your hands consistently throughout the day get plenty of rest. Vacation is coming and we want to be healthy to enjoy our time with our families. I am going to send home the children's headphones over vacation. Please clean them and have students bring them back to school after vacation sealed in a ziplock bag. Thank you for your help with this.
We have been busy wrapping up our immigration project, taking math/reading assessments, publishing personal narratives, and completing Unit 4 in Math. After vacation, Team 16 will be starting to write persuasive/ opinion pieces and new reading groups will be starting. We will be discussing inferences during our read aloud, as well as in small reading groups. I was planning on starting this week but due to our busy schedule, I decided that waiting until after vacation would be a better choice. In math, we will be starting Unit 5 and focusing on multiplication and division. I will post several math videos over vacation on the blog if students wish to preview. In addition, we will be doing much more problem solving in math and focusing on explaining our thinking in words, pictures, or numbers. We will also wrap-up our science rotations. Team 16 will be heading to Ms. Devlin's class to learn about animal adaptations. Spelling/ Vocabulary will start-up again after the break.
Team 16 each shared 1 goal they wanted to work on for themselves after the break. Ask your child what his/ her goal is. Examples from the class: keep my desk clean, remember to pass in my homework on time, stop calling out, complete my morning routines, celebrate challenges, etc...
New Math RTI groups will be starting after vacation. Team 16 will work closely with Ms. Devlin's class and explore different project- based learning activities.
Spring conferences are coming up. I will send-out a doodle link for you to sign-up. I will post on the blog and email it to all families. Families, please let me know if you do not read the blog. This is important because I don't send home paper copies for most events or updates. I post them on the blog. I also post research articles for parents to read if they wish that explains my teaching strategies or where education is heading. I understand parents are busy so if you aren't reading the blog at least once a week, please let me know and I will start to send home paper copies of my posts. This came to my attention after Monday's celebration. I apologize to all families who thought I didn't communicate. I was under the impression families were reading the blog. I know the students go on a lot for links and homework assignments. To help me out, if you would like paper copies of updates, please write me a note and stick it in your child's homework folder, send me an email, or call me at school. This way I can communicate to all families effectively. My email is susan_cherwinski@wayland.k12.ma.us.
Thank you for your help with this!
In conclusion, I must share my celebration of all your child's enthusiasm, curiosity, engagement, and unique strengths! I am amazed daily at what Team 16 is accomplishing!
Monday, February 11, 2013
Team 16 Cultural Celebration Pictures
Please click on the link below to view pictures from our cultural celebration. Thank you all for coming!
Cultural Celebration Photos
Cultural Celebration Photos
Cultural Celebration Videos
Thank you Mr. McCann for creating these 2 videos during our Cultural Celebration! Click on the link below to view.
2 short videos of our cultural celebration
2 short videos of our cultural celebration
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Re-Posting Cultural Celebration Reminder- It's Tomorrow Evening!
This is just a reminder that Monday evening, tomorrow, from 5:00-6:00pm, Team 16 is having our cultural celebration. Students, please organize any artifacts you want to bring in for the event this weekend. If parents allow, students please bring your artifacts to school with you on Monday morning. This way we can set up the room and have everything ready to go. If you are planning on bringing food, that can come when you arrive at night. Please remember to include a recipe or ingredient list for any food brought in. Also, please bring a serving utensil if needed. I will have paper goods and silverware.
Most of the students are finished with their project. Hopefully, you had a chance to view the pictures of them working hard creating and designing their posters. All their hard work and research paid off! We will have a busy Monday finishing everything up, setting up the room, and practicing a "headline" sentence or two.
Families, please try your best to arrive promptly at 5:00pm. If you are bringing artifacts and food, please try to arrive a few minutes before 5 to set-up. Students will stand by their project display. At about 5:05 when everyone has arrived, each student will stand by their exhibit and announce a headline.
For example: Ciao, My name is Susan. I studied Italy. Italians love sports. Cycling, Skiing, Soccer and Motor Racing are just some of the sports Italians have very strong interest in.
Students, if you have time, brainstorm what your headline can be. We will be working on them on Monday and practicing.
After the headlines, families walk around and view the exhibits. The students will stand by their exhibits and share what they learned about the culture that they studied. Around 5:45, students and families can walk around together and taste the food from around the world. At 6:00pm, students and families can pack up their exhibits and all artifacts, posters, and platters will go home that evening.
During the day on Monday, the students will get a chance to visit the other 4th grade classrooms and view their classmates exhibits.
Stay safe this weekend. Let's hope no one loses power!
***Option 2 for Valentine's Day seems to be the popular vote. This means that students can bring in both cards and candy if they want. We will separate the candy and students will take it home. Please remember if you decide to participate, you need to give everyone a Valentine in the class. We will make mailboxes next Tuesday. Click on the link below to view our class list. Thank you!***
Team 16 Class List
Playforce: Learning from the Games We Play
Team 16, Join me and register with your parents permission on this new site. Read the introduction below. We can share and be a part of innovative change as we share the educational value behind our favorite games. Click on the link below the introduction if you are interested in learning more.
This is the message I received after I registered:
"You are now part of a special team assembled to discover and share learning experiences in games. Your mission is to uncover the lessons embedded in your favorite games. Then, share your experiences with the Playforce community so others can learn from them.
Your joined Playforce because you already know that games are important. They challenge us, push the boundaries of possibility, and feed our imaginations. They give us a safe place to express ourselves, connect with people from all over the world, and develop important skills through practice.
But not everybody knows that what games really do is help the players learn. It's up to us to show them.
So let's get started! Begin your training by learning how to add your perspective on a game, or explore the games that others are talking about.
Thank your for being brave enough to stand up and tell the world what games can do!
Together, we will level up the way the world thinks about games and learning."
Playforce- Learning from the games we play
Game Design: The Key to Education? ~ Powerful Article
"Imagine a learning environment where students engage core principals using gameplay, solve problems through team-based collaboration, and use gaming systems in place of standardized textbooks. Is our education system ready for that? Do we have a choice?"
Click on the link below to read the complete article. I believe it's a powerful, thought- provoking article and the direction schools should be heading for...What do you think? I would love to hear your feedback!
Game Design: The Key to Education?
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Anxious about tests? Read this article!
Click on the link below to read an article that is research- based and provides tips for easing student anxiety before test- taking.
3 Tips to ease testing anxiety
3 Tips to ease testing anxiety
Friday, February 8, 2013
Monday Night is Our Cultural Celebration
This is just a reminder that Monday evening from 5:00-6:00pm, Team 16 is having our cultural celebration. Students, please organize any artifacts you want to bring in for the event this weekend. If parents allow, students please bring your artifacts to school with you on Monday morning. This way we can set up the room and have everything ready to go. If you are planning on bringing food, that can come when you arrive at night. Please remember to include a recipe or ingredient list for any food brought in. Also, please bring a serving utensil if needed. I will have paper goods and silverware.
Most of the students are finished with their project. Hopefully, you had a chance to view the pictures of them working hard creating and designing their posters. All their hard work and research paid off! We will have a busy Monday finishing everything up, setting up the room, and practicing a "headline" sentence or two.
Families, please try your best to arrive promptly at 5:00pm. Students will stand by their project display. At about 5:05 when everyone has arrived, each student will stand by their exhibit and announce a headline.
For example: Ciao, My name is Susan. I studied Italy. Italians love sports. Cycling, Skiing, Soccer and Motor Racing are just some of the sports Italians have very strong interest in.
Students, if you have time, brainstorm what your headline can be. We will be working on them on Monday and practicing.
After the headlines, families walk around and view the exhibits. The students will stand by their exhibits and share what they learned about the culture that they studied. Around 5:45, students and families can walk around together and taste the food from around the world. At 6:00pm, students and families can pack up their exhibits and all artifacts, posters, and platters will go home that evening.
During the day on Monday, the students will get a chance to visit the other 4th grade classrooms and view their classmates exhibits.
Stay safe this weekend. Let's hope no one loses power!
***Option 2 for Valentine's Day seems to be the popular vote. This means that students can bring in both cards and candy if they want. We will separate the candy and students will take it home. Please remember if you decide to participate, you need to give everyone a Valentine in the class. We will make mailboxes next Tuesday. Click on the link below to view our class list. Thank you!***
Team 16 Class List
Most of the students are finished with their project. Hopefully, you had a chance to view the pictures of them working hard creating and designing their posters. All their hard work and research paid off! We will have a busy Monday finishing everything up, setting up the room, and practicing a "headline" sentence or two.
Families, please try your best to arrive promptly at 5:00pm. Students will stand by their project display. At about 5:05 when everyone has arrived, each student will stand by their exhibit and announce a headline.
For example: Ciao, My name is Susan. I studied Italy. Italians love sports. Cycling, Skiing, Soccer and Motor Racing are just some of the sports Italians have very strong interest in.
Students, if you have time, brainstorm what your headline can be. We will be working on them on Monday and practicing.
After the headlines, families walk around and view the exhibits. The students will stand by their exhibits and share what they learned about the culture that they studied. Around 5:45, students and families can walk around together and taste the food from around the world. At 6:00pm, students and families can pack up their exhibits and all artifacts, posters, and platters will go home that evening.
During the day on Monday, the students will get a chance to visit the other 4th grade classrooms and view their classmates exhibits.
Stay safe this weekend. Let's hope no one loses power!
***Option 2 for Valentine's Day seems to be the popular vote. This means that students can bring in both cards and candy if they want. We will separate the candy and students will take it home. Please remember if you decide to participate, you need to give everyone a Valentine in the class. We will make mailboxes next Tuesday. Click on the link below to view our class list. Thank you!***
Team 16 Class List
Thursday, February 7, 2013
New Survey: Half of Teachers Use Digital Games in Class ~ Interesting read
New Survey: Half of Teachers Use Digital Games
Click on the link above to read the full article. Below is a brief summary.
Click on the link above to read the full article. Below is a brief summary.
"No longer relegated to experimental programs, digital games are becoming much more commonly used in classrooms across the country, according to a survey by the Joan Ganz Cooney Center released today.
Half of the 505 K-8 teachers surveyed said they use digital games with their students two or more days a week, and 18 percent use them daily.
There will be further, more in-depth coverage of this report in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, some more statistics from the study:
- Nearly 70 percent said that “lower-performing students engage more with subject content with use of digital games.”
- Three-fifths reported “increased attention to specific tasks and improved collaborations among all students.”
- Sixty percent said using digital games “helps personalize instruction and better assess student knowledge and learning.”
- Though most use Apple or PC computers, 25 percent said their students use iPads or tablet computers, and less than 10 percent use other mobile devices or video game consoles.
- 62% said games make it easier to level lessons and effectively teach the range of learners in their class.
Teachers mostly used literacy (50 percent) and math (35 percent) games in class, and said the games’ alignment with Common Core State Standards was the most valuable quality, the study showed."
Updated Photo Album- Team 16= Design Squad
Updated Design Squad Pictures
Click on the link above to view pictures of Team 16 in action! Once you click on the link, you can click on slideshow to view.
The posters look amazing. The pictures will show you how hard the students worked on this project.
Enjoy!
Click on the link above to view pictures of Team 16 in action! Once you click on the link, you can click on slideshow to view.
The posters look amazing. The pictures will show you how hard the students worked on this project.
Enjoy!
Early Release Tomorrow + No Homework Tonight
Team 16 worked all day today designing their immigration posters. Due to the weather, I was worried we would miss a whole day of school so we tried to get a lot of the project done today. The students worked continuously all day so I gave them the night off from homework.
Tomorrow is an early release day. Dismissal is at noon. The school will be still serving lunch. 4th graders will eat at 11:20.
Tomorrow is an early release day. Dismissal is at noon. The school will be still serving lunch. 4th graders will eat at 11:20.
See Live Photos of Team 16 Designing their Posters!
Design Studio in Progress
Click on the link above to view photos. I will add to this album later this afternoon and tomorrow.
Enjoy!
Click on the link above to view photos. I will add to this album later this afternoon and tomorrow.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Inspiring Visuals that Reflect Team 16!
Team 16 had our 2nd problem solving session today led by me and Mr. McCann. Our whole class worked so hard and put forth 110% effort. It was amazing to be a part of. Motivation and using your best effort truly does pay off in the end! I found these visuals below that shows what Team 16 is all about! Way to go everyone! I am proud of each and every one of you!
Immigration/Culture Celebration- Monday, February 11th
Team 16 Families,
The students are working very hard on completing their immigration projects. It is exciting to watch them learn new things and share interesting facts with their classmates. This is a reminder that our celebration is next week on Monday, February 11th from 5:00-6:00pm. Click on the link below and read the family letter.
Immigration- Culture Project
Students can start bringing in artifacts from home or actual photographs. We will start putting the posters together tomorrow. Food is also allowed since our celebration is at night. Please provide a recipe and/or ingredient list for any food item that is brought in. We have some students with food allergies. Thank you for your help with this.
Please call, email, or write me a note with any questions.
We hope to see all families on Monday!
The students are working very hard on completing their immigration projects. It is exciting to watch them learn new things and share interesting facts with their classmates. This is a reminder that our celebration is next week on Monday, February 11th from 5:00-6:00pm. Click on the link below and read the family letter.
Immigration- Culture Project
Students can start bringing in artifacts from home or actual photographs. We will start putting the posters together tomorrow. Food is also allowed since our celebration is at night. Please provide a recipe and/or ingredient list for any food item that is brought in. We have some students with food allergies. Thank you for your help with this.
Please call, email, or write me a note with any questions.
We hope to see all families on Monday!
The Future Will Not Be Multiple Choice- Great Video and Article
The Future Will NOT Be Multiple Choice
Click the link above to watch the video and read the entire article. Here is a brief summary:
Click the link above to watch the video and read the entire article. Here is a brief summary:
"Educator Jaime McGrath and designer Drew Davies explain how to create a “classroom of imagination” by turning lessons into design problems and giving students space to be creative in this Tedx video. In a New York Times op-ed The MacArthur Foundation’s Digital Media and Learning Competition’s co-director Cathy Davidson said she thinks it’s possible that 65 percent of students today will end up doing jobs that haven’t been created yet.
McGrath and Davies argue that school needs to keep up with the times by promoting creativity, entrepreneurship, design thinking and hands on skills. McGrath’s experience teaching design problems has convinced him that the approach includes all learning styles, brings the best of project-based learning, encourages cooperation and integrates subject matter horizontally. But mostly, McGrath and Davies are impressed at the cool stuff kids design."
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Math Update
Team 16 is ALMOST done with unit 4. It seems to be dragging on due to alternate assessments that keep popping up. We started the GMADE today which is a math assessment that focuses on computation, process and application, and vocabulary. The students took a similar test in the Fall. We have 1 section left to complete.
Also, Mr. McCann, our math coach started coming in every other Wednesday to model and coach the students on how to tackle solving a word problem. Tomorrow will be his 2nd day with us. This is great practice for the students to learn different strategies on how to solve word problems. We practice reading the word problem 3 times, the students work independently for 10 minutes, then with a partner for about 10 minutes. We wrap up the lesson by having several kids share how they solved the problem. It's very interesting to see the various ways students go about solving the problems. This is great practice for the MCAS. We have enrichment questions ready for the students who solved the problem quickly and accurately. In addition, starting after vacation, we will focus on the explaining your thinking piece to the word problems.
Math RTI is going well. New groups will be starting next week. Ask your child what he/ she has been working on in RTI. My groups have been doing several challenging math puzzles, logic problems, brain games, etc...Students can work alone or with a partner. They seem to enjoy the challenges. We started off with many students saying, "I can't do this!" and "This is too hard!" Now, they have learned to say, "I'm trying my best." or "I can't do it YET, but I'm working on it." The students are working hard and staying positive. The smiles on their faces say it all when they get a problem correct!
Please remember that the math videos/ songs I have posted in the past are still here on the blog. There is a link at the top next to the homework section. Click the link and you can scroll through older videos if you come across a problem we haven't done in a while. It came to my attention when we started adding/ subtracting decimals. Some students had forgotten how to regroup and borrow. This is a great opportunity to watch a quick video as a refresher.
Also, Mr. McCann, our math coach started coming in every other Wednesday to model and coach the students on how to tackle solving a word problem. Tomorrow will be his 2nd day with us. This is great practice for the students to learn different strategies on how to solve word problems. We practice reading the word problem 3 times, the students work independently for 10 minutes, then with a partner for about 10 minutes. We wrap up the lesson by having several kids share how they solved the problem. It's very interesting to see the various ways students go about solving the problems. This is great practice for the MCAS. We have enrichment questions ready for the students who solved the problem quickly and accurately. In addition, starting after vacation, we will focus on the explaining your thinking piece to the word problems.
Math RTI is going well. New groups will be starting next week. Ask your child what he/ she has been working on in RTI. My groups have been doing several challenging math puzzles, logic problems, brain games, etc...Students can work alone or with a partner. They seem to enjoy the challenges. We started off with many students saying, "I can't do this!" and "This is too hard!" Now, they have learned to say, "I'm trying my best." or "I can't do it YET, but I'm working on it." The students are working hard and staying positive. The smiles on their faces say it all when they get a problem correct!
Please remember that the math videos/ songs I have posted in the past are still here on the blog. There is a link at the top next to the homework section. Click the link and you can scroll through older videos if you come across a problem we haven't done in a while. It came to my attention when we started adding/ subtracting decimals. Some students had forgotten how to regroup and borrow. This is a great opportunity to watch a quick video as a refresher.
Valentine's Day Options- Feedback welcome
Valentine's Day Options:
Here is the email staff received from Mr. Lee:
"In the spirit of keeping all things fun and child-centered, we need to keep Valentine's Day intact. Last year, we said that students may bring in Valentines with the candy treats as long as they all go home UNEATEN. That means you could choose to do one of three things and still be within the state guidelines by which we are bound:
1. Students may swap Valentine's greetings and put them in sealed envelopes/mailboxes to be opened at home so all parents decide what is appropriate and what is not.
2. Students have two envelopes, one for the greetings and one for candy treats. All candy goes into a sealed envelope and is taken home for parent discretion in what is appropriate and what is not. Greetings can then be read in class.
3. Ban candy and have only greetings which can be read any time.
IMPORTANT: If you decide to allow the swap of candy ~ please notify your families that this is student to student and not something given out by the school in any way. It is also not to be eaten during the school hours at all and parents and students are to be told that the final decision will remain with each parent and each family according to their values. These are gifts from students to students, families to families. ~ Do this by notice, on your webpages, blogs or any way but please make certain that this is addressed sooner than later in case there are families with questions and/or concerns. If families in your room feel strongly that it should not be served, we are obligated to honor this and ban it. "
Team 16 talked about this a little bit today. The majority wanted to do option #2. I asked the students to go home and discuss these options with families. I welcome any and all feedback.
Please email me or comment on this post what choice you prefer the most. Thanks!
susan_cherwinski@wayland.k12.ma.us
New Challenges/ Games on Mangahigh and Power My Learning
Team 16,
Check out the new challenges on Mangahigh. I tried to add a variety of challenges to meet every students needs. We are all working on different math skills. The optional math enrichment this week is online at Mangahigh. Try your best to earn a bronze, silver, or gold medal! I will check the results on Friday!
I added a new playlist on Power My Learning called Fractions/ Decimals. Try out a new game. Let me know what you think.
Happy problem solving!!!
Check out the new challenges on Mangahigh. I tried to add a variety of challenges to meet every students needs. We are all working on different math skills. The optional math enrichment this week is online at Mangahigh. Try your best to earn a bronze, silver, or gold medal! I will check the results on Friday!
I added a new playlist on Power My Learning called Fractions/ Decimals. Try out a new game. Let me know what you think.
Happy problem solving!!!
Friday, February 1, 2013
Sketch- Projects- Students first attempt at Screencasting
Check out Sophia and Jocelyn's 3D projects. Jocelyn created her dream house from the inside out. Sophia created a town with houses a pool, sports field, restaurants, etc...This was their 1st time screencasting. This will be a work in progress and next week, we will learn how to include audio. Great job girls!
Report Cards...
Families,
Report cards went home today. I had forgotten about sending them home so many of the bus students left without them. I apologize about this. I put the report cards in their mailboxes. You can view your child's report card online using I-Pass.
Thank you for understanding!
Report cards went home today. I had forgotten about sending them home so many of the bus students left without them. I apologize about this. I put the report cards in their mailboxes. You can view your child's report card online using I-Pass.
Thank you for understanding!
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