Welcome Back Elijah!!!!!

Hello. What a fun Thursday. The days are just flying by with our new rotations in math and reading, and I am loving that they are loving learning. They keep saying math is fun! Music to my ears!!!

This morning in CC meeting, Rusty was talking about negative feelings. He taught us that if we hold onto them for too long, they can create a bad mood. This can then lead to things like depression. So, I had each kiddo write down one thing that they are holding onto in their hearts. I asked them if just writing it down and getting it on paper helped them. Many responded yes. Great strategy. Then, we had to let those feelings go. So, after a quick fun snowball war, we each took a turn at the garbage. Before we SLAM DUNKED them, we all said this phrase in our minds. I am forever letting go of _____. I gave them the example of I am forever letting go of my dad divorcing my mom. Then, the kids SLAM dunked it! And, man did they SLAM DUNK them. Wow, there was some raw emotions there. Ask your child about this. I don't want them to have to tell you what they wrote, but I would like them to share how they felt. What a great strategy to use at home when needed. Write SLAM DUNK in the planner if you have a discussion about this for $20 tomorrow.

Have a great, great night!

Dancin and Unplugging????

Good evening. We had a great day!

Our afternoon was packed with learning about our carbon footprints in science and shaking our heads, hips, and feet in Social Studies. Sounds fun doesn't it. Some kids have decided to join me in reducing our footprints on Earth by implementing a new change when it comes to using our precious nonrenewable resources. We found many places in our classroom where we had things plugged in and didn't need to. We also discovered that even though things are not turned on when plugged in, there is still energy being used. BAAAADDDDD!!!!! So, we went around and unplugged our pencil sharpener, scency pot, and radio. Now, it is the kids turn. What can they turn off in their room and unplug each morning before leaving the house. We talked about how somethings have to stay plugged in like programed tvs and refrigerators. But, kids are to go in and see if there is a lamp, radio, or something that does not need to be reset or programmed when unplugged. If they do this AND show you their new plan, write the word FOOTPRINT in the planner for $20 tomorrow.

The SE states and capital's test will be not this Friday, but the next. Study, study, study!

How is xtramath going? Ethan is in the lead right now knowing 77 of his facts faster than 3 seconds! Way to go Ethan!!!! Continue to do this nightly to get better and better!!!

Well, that is about it. Have a great night!

Dead or Alive?????

Hello there. I am hoping all of your kiddos got home alive today. (How is that for an opening sentence???) Yikes. Most of the kids died today while trying to survive living in the Jamestown Colony in Virginia. It was one of our stops in our SE tour for social studies. Kids played a board game that challenged the kids to survive a day by finding food or shelter or dying from one of the most common deaths during this time, like malaria. It was extremely difficult to survive in this colony back in the 1600s and many colonists died from starvation, malaria, or lack of shelter. Ask your child how they did. If they tell you about it and exactly what happened write the word JAMESTOWN in the planner for $20 tomorrow.

We have been doing rotations in math. Today, kids said that they love this new style. They spend 15 minutes in each rotation. One of the rotations is me. Here, we do our lesson. You may not think I can get a lesson taught in 15 minutes, but boy howdy I can!!! Not only that, but because there are less kids to teacher ratio, they all get more of my attention, and they are getting me on their level. I am able to challenge those that need to be pushed beyond the 4th grade limits, and I am able to really focus in on the key areas for those that need more time to comprehend math. They stay on task and they are highly engaged 100% of the time. The other two sessions are computer sessions. One is success maker and one is xtramath/blog multiplication games. They are doing great!

The surprises have arrived!!!! Now to get them home. I will be sending a letter home this week, for you to decide method of delivery to you. I don't want to just give them to kids, as it will ruin the surprise. Please be watching for letter marked parents only and return it ASAP. Again, this will not be coming home until later this week. Thanks.

Have a wonderful night!

Happy Birthday Collin!

Hi there. Welcome back!!!! We had a great day!

Kids are coming home with two pieces of homework today. One is Math Review #17. The second requires you. It is an instruction sheet on how to log in to our new math program called xtramath. Kids were on it today and loved it. Playing it at home takes a one time code (see their flyer in their backpack). If for some reason it needs my email address (It did in class) it is ericksont@billingsschools.org. After that, they should be ready to race Mr. C. Yay!!!!! Kids that do a session at home will earn $50 in the morning. When they do one, it sends me an email, so you don't have to write it in planner. However, if you sign up write MATH in the planner and your child will earn $20 tomorrow. :0)

We started our new science unit. Ask your child what it means to be "green!" We also learned three renewable and 3 nonrenewable resources. Can they name them? Lastly, we discussed what the difference between extinct and endangered is. Bet they can tell you that too. Just ask them. They are so smart!!!

Please continue to practice those SE states and capitals. It might not be a bad idea to review those NE ones as well. :0)

A big Happy Birthday to Mr. Collin! Thanks for the delicious strawberry cake frosted by himself! Yum!

Have a fantastic night! The sun is shining on all our pretty snow...but still dress warm!

Welcome Back!!!!

Hi there. Well, when you hunt and kill 10 deer on the family ranch in order to fill everyone's tags you spend the ENTIRE day cutting them up! Wowzers!!! Sorry that this is so late, but literally have been wrapping meat since 10 this morning!

This week we will be back to normal. The only real changes will be a new unit is Science...Earth and Animals...A Green Future! I am pretty excited about it and spent the majority of the break finding some fun stories and activities to go along with it. In math we will move to geometry. We took a large review test before the break and I am so proud of how well most of the students did. I will also be sending home a new computer program called xtramath.org tomorrow with all kids. I would love it if they could do this as part of their nightly homework. It only takes about 5-7 minutes for them to do a session. It is a multiplication program and it helps kids know their math facts quickly. They even get to race the teacher, Mr. C! I had my Emma try it out this weekend and she enjoyed the challenge! More on that tomorrow.

Last week, Ali came back from his trip to Canada. On his way he and his mom got to travel through the NE states that we just finished studying! How fantastically cool. As you can see, he got to see many of the same sites that we saw on our tour through our text book, including this lighthouse in Maine. He did a great job sharing all his photos with us! Thanks Ali!!!!

Well, that is about it. I hope you had an amazing Turkey Day and all spent some time bonding. Cya tomorrow morning!!! Dress warm. :0)

I am Thankful for YOU!!!!

Hi there. Happy Monday, and welcome back Ali!!!! We can't wait to hear about your trip tomorrow at CC Meeting. Evan...get well soon buddy! We miss you in class!!!

Today, we started the day right off the bat with being thankful. I did a fun thankful game with the kiddos. Step 1: Write down 5 things you are thankful for and couldn't imagine living without. Write them in order of importance, so #1 is the thing that you absolutely cannot live without! Step 2: Transfer that to you handprint. Write #1 on your thumb and then the rest of the them working towards the pinky. So pinky is #5 on your list. Step 3: Cut out the hand. Step 4: One at a time, starting with the pinky, I had the kids snip off the turkey's (handprint) feathers. After each one, I asked how it would feel if they didn't have that item in their life anymore. As we went along, and got closer to the thumb, kids didn't want to cut anymore. They found themselves cutting out parents, teachers, education, friends, siblings, pets, God, Jesus, and yes...video games. When we finally came to the thumb, I said to them that this is it. This should be the number one thing that they can't live without. I was so proud of every single kid at the end. They all had meaningful PEOPLE at the end. No one had THINGS that could be thrown away or replaced. We then hung that leftover turkey on the poster you see above. I also shared with them about how I lost my little sister over a year ago and she was my best friend. I didn't get to say goodbye to her or tell her I loved her one last time, and neither did her 12 year old son. I couldn't imagine my life without her (cutting her off my handprint). But, it happens. That is where Rusty's message came in today. He loves Thanksgiving because it is a holiday about PEOPLE and not THINGS. It is a time to just sit and really connect to those you love. He shouted out that he misses his mom, just as I miss my sister. We can always buy more STUFF, but people are priceless. I encouraged them to share with you their handful of specials tonight and the one they ended up with. Maybe you could share with them what your thumb would be and why. If you do, write THUMB in the planner for $50 tomorrow. Powerful!!! I am so grateful that I work with such awesome kids!! Thank you so much for sharing them with me!

I printed grades out today. I just wanted kids to know where they were at in the books. Please ask them to share them with you tonight. If you have concerns please call. They are doing great overall.

Tomorrow is a half day. Please make sure your child knows where they are going and with whom tomorrow BEFORE they arrive at school. Students are dismissed at noon.

There is no school Wed-Friday. We will see everyone back on Monday, which means I will not blog again until Sunday. Wowzers...I miss it already!

Thanks for all the surprise orders. I will text you when the surprises arrive in a few weeks.

Have a wonderful night and have a blessed Thanksgiving. Enjoy every minute and every last drop of gravy!!!!

I-pods, Kindles, and I-phones oh my!

Olivia brought Wolfie to share! So cute!

Hi there. I am blogging as watching my Grizzlies play Mrs. Hankin's Bobcats play some football. What a great game. Love the teamwork going on!!! Write who wins in the planner for $20 on Monday. I am sure hoping you write the GRIZ!

Kids had a great time with their electronics on Friday. Many bought in all day for the $300 price. Others just bought in for the Fun Friday time slot for $100. Either way, as you can see, they love their electronics. Oh to be a kid again!!!

In our final CC meeting this week, we talked about emotional energy. We now know that our emotions often create non-verbal gestures and facial expressions. And, we already knew that those two things often say more than any words we say out loud. The kids had some fun examples of this with you at home. :0) Man, we learned a lot this week in our Character Circle lessons.

In math, we have been continuing with our timed multiplication tests. Kids are given 5 minutes to complete 50 problems. We are through the 9s now. Grades are slowly going down for some. It is very obvious who knows these basic facts and who does not. At this point in 4th grader's education, they need to know all their basic facts 0-12s like they know their name. It should be an automatic response. I am still seeing a lot of thinking and even counting on fingers. Please encourage kids to play the blog games off to the right on the 6-12 levels. Flashcards at the table each night will also work miracles, even if it is ten a night. Not knowing these will hinder the rest of 4th grade math from this point on, and well into their educational success. They just HAVE to memorize them.

We had some great birthday treats brought in by a student on Friday. Ice cream and homemade cupcakes! Delicious!!!! Happy Birthday to you!!!

Next week is a short week. We only have one and half days to learn this week. Please make sure kids are on time and present. We will do a lot in that short time period. We have had some issues with tardies with a few students. Kids need to be in class on time. Please let me know if I can help make that happen.

Monday is the last day to partake in the special surprise secret! Please send in your envelopes on Monday. Thanks.

Spelling is a review week this week. Students will have their review test on Tuesday morning. There is no list to study from. All words are words that they have had before.

Have a great weekend!

Two Posts Today...Look Below for Pictures!

Hi there. Make sure to view the pictures on the post below. Once I put them on, I couldn't type around them. Weird. So I have two posts today.

We met our 2nd grade buddies today for the first time. We interviewed each other and the 4th graders helped their buddies to write with capital letters, correct spelling, and nice handwriting. We will be helping them out each week on Thursday mornings.

In CC meeting today, we talked about what a surprised face looks like. That is Rusty's feeling of the week. Kids helped me draw in mine. They gave him surprised eyes, nose, eyebrows, mouth, ears, hands and feet. They also drew their own in their CC journals. We then talked about why he might be surprised. The answers were great: someone scared him, he won the lottery, there was an act of violence, he just got an awesome gift, and so on. I then steered the conversation to what if it was Mr. Surprised Man's friend that surprised him, and that it was the friend doing something mean to him. We talked in length about when our friends act out of character, it is not our fault and that we should not take things personal when people we love act different. Instead, we should ask them why they are acting differently, offer to help, and if they don't want our help, we need to let it go and let them solve the problem. There are so many times that we want to take on other people's problems. We need to just listen to others, offer advise, and then wait for results. Once again, an awesome lesson in Character Education!

We made our SE flashcards in class today. I also showed the class three new games I put on the blog to help practice all 50 states and capitals. When we have indoor recess, I always notice that kids love to do my USA puzzles. On the right of this blog, under Ms. Erickson's favorite websites, there is a game that allows kids to put together the USA puzzle online. It is challenging!!! Love it. Please allow kids time on the computer/phone to play these games when possible. There are also some of my other favorites, especially multiplication ones. Kids know not to pick the easy levels like 0-2s. They already know these facts. They need to work on 6-8s right now. The grades are not going as well on these speed tests lately.

In an earlier post, I said that midterms come home tomorrow. I was mistaken. That is for high school. SO...if you want to see your kiddos grades thus far you can go online. If you need the paperwork on how to do this, please stop in at the office. You will need your child's password. Again, the office takes care of this one. Midterms don't come home for a few more weeks. Thanks.

Lastly, please remember that if you want to participate in the secret project it is due next Monday. I only have three at this time: Kayla, Tyson's, and Olivia's. They sure are going to be surprised!!! Yay!

Have a wonderful night. Homework is Math review #9.

2nd Grade Buddies and Mr. Surprised Man!

Meeting our 2nd Grade Buddies. We interviewed each other! 

Happy Birthday to McKenzy! We finally Got the Picture!

Collin has a November Birthday Coming Up! Happy Birthday to him!!!

Kenzi has a summer birthday, so she celebrated it this week! Happy Summer Birthday to her!

Mr. Surprised Man!

You Are What You Eat, and We Think It Too???

Hi there.

Today in CC meeting, we talked about the idiom, You are what you eat. We watched a video about how we really want to eat all the yummy food that has salt and sugar in it, but after we eat it we can feel jittery or sluggish. We talked about the word moderation, and how we can have those foods once in awhile, but not all the time. I then had the kiddos draw themselves as a food that they ate recently that was high in sugar or salt. As you can see, they are pretty funny. Wouldn't it be weird if we really did look like what we eat? Rusty talked to us that about a different version of the phrase...you think what you eat. Eating food high in sugar and salt can effect how we think and concentrate. So, watch those snacks and lunches. Every once in awhile is fun, but the rest of the time we need to be watching those two ingredients. Great advise, even for me, Rusty! Ask your child which food they drew and why. If they can tell you, write FOOD in the planner for $20 tomorrow.

In music, the kiddos are busily getting ready for their Christmas program. It will be on the 19th of December. There will be a morning and afternoon show. Please plan ahead so you can attend. They are working so hard to get their songs memorized and ready for you. Friday, kids that want to, can try out for solo speaking and singing parts. :0)

Have a terrific night!

Be Proud!!!

Another photo slideshow by Smilebox

Hi there. How fun is the radio announcement above???? Bitterroot is famous!!! Awesome job Bitterroot Bobcats, especially E4 ones!!! 

We were able to get in every single subject today. Wow! We even got in both MT history and our US History. As you can see, we started the SE region of the US today. We did our geography challenges and know which states and capitals we need to study for the test in a couple of weeks (after the Thanksgiving break sometime). Please create flashcards at home again. The states and capitals are off to the right. 

In science we talked more and more and more about wolves! All kids were able to write down five new facts that they didn't know before, and create a food chain involving a wolf as a top predator. Ask your child to tell you at least three of the five facts they wrote down in their science notebooks. If they can, write the word WOLF in the planner for $20. 

This Friday, kids can buy into a fun Friday all day event. Kids are welcome to bring their ipods or other electronic devises (including hand-held game devices) to school on Friday. During their freetime and the half hour of fun Friday they can play or listen to their devices. Students will need to buy in for $300 fake dollars to join the fun. Devices may be shared with one other student. 

Homework tonight is Math Review #14. There are 3 long division problems on the bottom. I told them they can try them if they want, but they are not to get frustrated over them. I have only taught a few kids at this point how to do it. 

The weather is supposed to warm up over the rest of the week. We can probably skip the snowpants and boots now. Coats, hats, and gloves are always smart to have in bags just in case. Yay! 

Have a great, great evening. So proud of these kids!!! 

Dress Warm Please.

Hi there. Pretty crazy day! We started new book clubs in reading and I always forget how long the first day goes. Therefore, we felt behind all day long. :0(

In math, we started time. Kids at this age should know how to tell time to the minute. There were some that had some difficulties figuring out the minute. There were also some that didn't know if it was one thirty or two thirty. We will dive into elapsed time tomorrow. That is the new skill with time in the 4th grade. Kids will need to determine how much time has past between two times. It can get tricky, and kids tend to become frustrated and give up. They just need to keep trying. We had about 80% get their 2 by 2 multiplication problem right today. We are almost at a 100%!!! When I see that everyone has mastered the skill of moving over to the tens place on the second partial product, then we will quiz out of that skill. Till then, we will keep working on it. :0)

We had a great time in MT history today. We have been studying Native Americans in Montana during the 1700-1800s. Today, we got to see how kids played. I took the kids to the gym to play three on three double ball. Man was I disappointed when my camera said low battery!!!! The kids were so funny and so excited to play the game. Ask your child to explain it to you. If they can, write DOUBLEBALL in the planner for $20 tomorrow. I will snag some action footage another day!

Yesterday, I mentioned a secret letter coming home with your kids today. Everyone got one, and it is in their backpacks in a sealed envelope!! They were told NOT to open them, and to give them directly to you. If your child did that, please write the word SECRET in the planner for another $20 tomorrow. Please remember to keep it hush hush, even if not participating. Thanks.

In CC meeting today I had each child fill out a blank puzzle board with all of the gifts and talents they could think of in their lives. Then, I asked them how hard it would be to put their puzzle together if I took away all the blank pieces. Of course it would be impossible. That is the beauty of the puzzle of life. Kids need to stay safe in order to grow up and get all their pieces. We also talked about how we have no idea what the cover of their puzzle box looks like. It is always changing and is a mystery. Rusty did a great job explaining this to us today in his show! It was pretty weird for kids to realize that it may take them 90 years to put together this puzzle, instead of the 20 minutes they are used to. Patience...ahhhhhh!!!!

Thanks for all the cereal/snack boxes. Mrs. Wardrip was sure surprised!!! She said she has enough now thanks to our class. Yay!! Please continue to donate to the Bitterroot food drive throughout the week.

Homework tonight is a math review #13. Please feel free to check over it and discuss answers.

Have a great night!

Got Boxes????

Well hello there. Are you enjoying the white stuff on the ground? My kiddos have been sledding all day! It has been the perfect weekend to just stay home and play outside. I hope you are busy creating new memories in it as well! I am constantly reminded with my own children as well as with yours how fast they seem to grow up. Before we know it, they will be beyond school days and in the real world. I for one, am learning to slow down and enjoy them more and more!

Just a few pictures for you today. As you can see, Natalie was our star of the week. Another coin collector...who knew??? She shared that she got into this because when she was younger she used to get her allowance in coins instead of cash. Her parents would find special coins to give her if she did her weekly chores. What a cool idea!!! As you can also see, the kids really enjoyed looking at the different coins. Thanks Natalie!!

You will also see proof of our secret mission we did on Friday. Mr. English was supposed to be on his own mission and out of the building on Friday. However, due to the weather, he was unable to fly so it was cancelled. So....we had to recruit Mrs. Voigt to help us get him out of his office so we could decorate it with our Thank You Dog Tags project. Boy, was he surprised. We are so proud of all that the veteran's do for us, especially Mr. English. He came down at the end of the day to say thank you for all the nice letters. He felt special and loved. Awesome!

Speaking of secrets...I have one of my own! I will be sending home a letter to let you in on it tomorrow. Please keep this one from the kiddos. I think you will love it! The secret will be revealed to your kiddos around Christmas. Please send back the form, if you chose to, in a sealed envelope or avoid that by texting me your response. No peeking for kiddos!!!!

It is impossible to believe, but Midterms will be coming home this Friday. I can't believe we are halfway through quarter 2 already. We are learning a ton, but we still have a long way to go. I am very proud of all the kids for the growth, academically and socially, already.

Bitterroot needs your help on two projects. Mrs. Wardrip, the art teacher, is in need of cereal boxes and/or snack boxes (cheezits, glodfish, or whatever type). So, if possible, could you take out the contents and send in your boxes for her tomorrow. Each one sent in will be worth $20 for kids. We have art tomorrow, so kids can give them to her then. Tomorrow only!!! Thanks.

The second project is the Bitterroot Food Drive. If you can spare a can or box of perishable food, please do so. There is a bin by our classroom or the front office. Those that do, I will pay a standard $50 reward regardless of the amount they bring. I know how it feels to be a person in need, and now I know the importance of paying it forward. I, for one, will have my cans in hand tomorrow. Please join me in helping this great cause put on by the 5th and 6th grade KC Club. (Kindness Club). Thanks!!

Have an amazing Sunday, and we will see you tomorrow. (Billings Public Schools, unlike the rest of the world, has to come to school tomorrow.)

Birthdays and Veterans!

Make your own slideshow design

Hi there. We had another busy day. I say that a lot don't I? Guess that is a good thing. :0) 

Mr. English was amazing this morning! I was glued to the presentation myself!!! Holy cow, he does some amazing things to keep us free and safe!!! Ask your child what they learned. If they can tell you, write MR ENGLISH in the planner for $20. 

We will finish up with our studies on Veteran's Day tomorrow with one more fun project. 

Montana had another year added to her belt today. We had a fun time exploring the state by playing a fun scavenger hunt with Mrs. Hankin's class. Then, we sang Happy Birthday and ate some yummy cake. Everyone did great! 

Tomorrow is Friday, and it is projected to be VERY, VERY cold! Dress warm please. I think it is time to put away the shorts and bring out the gloves and hats. Many kids were FREEZING today and complaining. They have to go out if it is not below zero, cold or not. Please encourage your kiddo to dress warmly. Thanks.

Lastly, believe your kiddos when they say there is no homework tonight! Happy Birthday Montana!!!

Have a great night!!!

Bring Out the Birthday Candles!!!!

It is Veteran's Day in E4!!! We are sooooooo lucky to have our very own Veteran at Bitterroot Elementary School! Our very own principal, Mr. English, is an active soldier in the US Army. He is a medic helicopter pilot. He actually has training over the next few days so tomorrow he going to visit with both 4th grade classes! He has an entire presentation. Super excited!

So....today we spent discovering what this holiday is about. We did a couple of projects to help bring it home. For homework today, kids are to write a letter to Mr. English. I modeled my expectations in class. They need to use their VERY best handwriting, fill up the entire page with words of gratitude, and do their best on spelling. Please DONT edit. I want them to be kids on this one, so spelling errors are ok as long as they try.

Tomorrow is HAPPY BIRTHDAY MONTANA!!! Kids that dress that part as cowboys and cowgirls tomorrow to school will earn another $100. Don't have any cowboy gear? Dress the Veteran's Day part and wear red, white, and blue for Mr. English tomorrow. Cowboy hats are allowed and encouraged!!! YeeHaw! How old is MT anyway? If you can do the math, write the answer in the planner for $20 tomorrow.

In CC Meeting today, we continued to talk about Working hard. We talked about the fact that work is NOT a four letter word. It is a good thing that will lead us to our future dreams and goals. The kids found their favorite quote again, Thoughts become your reality. If you think work is a bad thing or a good thing...you are right! Awesome!

Vote, Vote, Vote

Hey there fellow Americans! Today is a big day for us!!! If you voted today/tonight right the word VOTE in the planner for $100 bonus tomorrow. If you got the little I voted sticker, stick it in the planner and your child will earn another $100!!!! (Has to be the official one from the polls).

Today we started off our day talking about what a Hardworking 4th grader looks like. Kids came up with all of the ideas written on the poster above. I could tell that they remembered these throughout the day as they were taking extra precaution in doing them. What a great group of kids. Today, after watching Rusty's show, they thought his most meaningful quote was Win or lose, I can feel proud of myself when I give 100%. Awesome!

Elijah also shared his star of the week stuff today during CC meeting. Who knew he was a coin collector???? Not I. This is why I love this job. I learn so much about kids that I never knew before. Next up...Miss. Natalie!

Our Flakesgiving Fundraiser is tomorrow. Kids may bring in that sandwich bag size of leftover Halloween candy and their $1 donation tomorrow. Some kids asked if they could donate more than $1. I said WOWZERS!!!!! Of course you can, but you can still only have the one bag (6-8 items). :0)

You will also see a flyer coming home with some 5th graders in disguise. They mustache you to bring a perishable item to donate to our food bank drive. This can be anytime this week. Awesome ways to help and pay it forward! I know I will be doing this one for sure!!!

We started our new science unit today...WOLVES! As you can see, the kids knew a lot about this animal already. Today we talked about the science terms predator and prey. We will learn a whole lot about this animal and animal terms in general.

Daniel bought a Show and Tell coupon at the auction last week so he decided to use it today. He brought in his box turtle for us to see. How fun! His name is Claws because he has the biggest claws ever seen on a turtle! Thanks for sharing Daniel!!!!

Homework tonight is value. It is coming out of the past and haunting them again. Gotta keep it fresh at all times!!! It should be a total review!

Have an amazing night!