Lots on Friday!

Well Hi there! Today was a fun day in E4. Oh, and a busy one. :0)

We started the day off with Rusty's lesson.  Today, he talked about the connection of making responsible choices and being a person of trust with the fact that we may lose our freedom to do fun things or have things we like at school or at home, and even later in life. I asked the kids if they liked to do this or that. They would raise their hands yes. Then I said that I was now going to step into their parent's shoes and take it all away. WHAT!!!!! NOOOOO!!! they said. I shared with them that in life, if we want to have fun and have things we like then we need to make responsible choices and be trustworthy people. When we don't or aren't then our freedom and things start to disappear. I lastly connected this to school. If kids want to do fun extra activities or have fun extra things they have to buy in with their money. If they are irresponsible or dishonest, then they lose the money that they need to buy into these things. We ended with me saying, "Ah man, Ms. Erickson is teaching us one of those life lessons again!" Yeppers!

After CC meeting, we did our final Snow-ology lesson. It was a COLD science lab! Kids had to go out and fill up their jars with snow to the top and pack it down. Then we came in and took the temperature of the snow and measured the height of the snow to the nearest centimeter. We also took note of it's physical characteristics and any signs of pollution we saw. I then asked kids to hypothesize on three questions. 1. With the temperature of the liquid snow go up, down, or stay the same as the solid snow? 2. Will the height go up, down, or stay the same? and 3. Is it easier to see signs of pollution in solid snow or liquid snow? Then, we sat the jars on our desks and let them melt naturally. Kids recorded the time that their snow all became a liquid. They then recorded their second set of data: temperature, height, characteristics, and pollution signs. We then discussed the outcome of the three questions I asked and why the answers were the way they were. Great lesson with TONS of scientific vocabulary and lab skills going on.

In Montana History, we continued our journey up the Lewis and Clark trail. We are really starting to understand that life back then was very different then life now. I am also trying to establish a sense of empathy in the kids regarding what it would be like to be doing this adventure as a white explorer, a black slave, and as a Native American. I really want to present this from all sides. We had a class debate the other day, and it was very interesting to just sit and listen to where the kids stand on these issues. The topic of the debate was: Should this expedition have even taken place? Many kids thought about that question from a Native perspective and the consequences it had. Others thought that they might not have even been born had it not happened. Others thought that Montana might not have been their home without it. All great perspectives! We stressed that everyone has a right to their opinion and to share the evidence they have to support it. :0) And the kids think that we only have CC Meeting once a day on the carpet???? Nope!

Tomorrow is Friday. That means we get to have some fun the last half hour of the day. Kids may bring in their electronic toys tomorrow. A big thank you to Collin for mentioning that he just got the newest I-phone and wanted to bring it to class. Well, he said that it has been delivered and he is ready to show it. So, kids may bring in any type of electronic devise to play with during our Fun Friday time. The buy in, as always, is $100. I will offer a $300 buy in to use it all throughout the day when I am not teaching directly. Kids bring them at their own risk.

Tomorrow is also Hats for Hope day again. Please encourage your child to wear their favorite hat all day long for just 50 cents. Remember, all money goes to Bitterroot families in need.

Tomorrow is also the last day to pay for the Operation Cookie Drop. I will mail the letters and the money out tomorrow afternoon. I have reserved a box for each kiddo and each kiddo has a letter ready to send. So, please send in the $3.50 tomorrow if still need to. Here are the kids that still need to bring it in: Evan, Collin, Alyssa, Robby, McKenzy, Tyson, Sebastian, and Cameron. Thanks so much.

Tomorrow, we will make the snow globes. They will come home, along with the Biography boards. Kids are excited, excited, excited to do those snow globes!

Lastly, I love that so many of you took the time to relax last night. Was it relaxing???? Tonight's homework is a little odd. It is two printing handwriting sheets. Why in the world are we doing small and capital p practice sheets in the 4th grade? That is a very, very good question. Your kids have the answer for you. Just ask them. If they can tell you why, and you understand it, then write the word HANDWRITING in the planner for $20 tomorrow. Let's go 4th graders! Best work every single day!

Have a lovely night with your amazing kid!

Homework: READ, READ, READ!

Hi there.

I feel like I am always typing that today was a busy day, but man it is always busy in here. :0) Today, was no exception. Ask your child what their favorite part of their day was today. I bet they would say relaxing for five minutes on the floor and/or Hitting the Lewis and Clark Trail. All 4th graders got two fun sticker packs to put together as we go along the trail. We are learning soooooo much as we go. Ask your child one animal that Lewis and Clark discovered along the way today. If they can tell you, write it in the planner for $20 tomorrow.

Back to relaxing in class. Today, Rusty shared with us that relaxing is soooo important. Kids took the time to put it into their schedules that they made on Monday. They needed to add at least 5 minutes of relax time at least 3 times in their "work" week. Then, we practiced relaxing. We got  down on the floor and the time was set. We sat still on our backs and just breathed for five whole minutes. Minute one and two were KILLLER!!! I couldn't turn my mind off. But, then by minute three I was off to relaxation land. My challenge to you is....DO IT with them tonight. Lay down on their bed or floor and just sit. Don't listen to music, don't go through your to do list. Just sit still and breathe for five whole minutes! If you do this with them or on your own, write RELAX in the planner for $50 tomorrow. Enjoy!

The Read-A-Thon is going strong. So far we are in the lead. However, I have seen some pretty suspicious parent initials come past my desk. Remember: PARENTS must sign the initials, NOT the kids. By you signing, you are telling us that they really did read what they are saying they read. We talked about how we don't want to win something because we cheat. We want to win and feel absolutely proud of that accomplishment. WE all agreed to be honest, make any false corrections tonight, and get our sheets signed by parents today. We can do this the right way, and really enjoy that banana split party!!!! Go team Erickson!

Tomorrow is the last day to bring in a figurine for snow globes. It's optional but a fun way to wrap up Snow-ology. Tomorrow is also library. Please help bring in the books.

I leave you with a quote from one of my 4th graders. Her mom shared it with me last night. She says, " I wore my snowpants at lunch recess today and was a little cold. Then I see a 5th grader, who is supposed to be smarter than us 4th graders wearing a sweatshirt and freezing. I am glad that I had my snowpants." Well put Miss. Olivia! Please, I beg you, send your kiddos with warm clothes. It was 9 above at lunch so kids HAD to go out to play. Those little ears and hands were red, red, red! I know I hate doctor bills as much as you do, and I love having your kiddos at school each and every day. So, please help them remember what Olivia says. Thanks.

Have a wonderful, wonderful snowy night! Drive safe!

Cold, Cold, Cold!

Hi there. Just a quick post tonight.

According to the kiddos at CC Meeting this morning, the thing that drives Ms. Erickson the most crazy is: getting in her bubble of space, people copying off others, class clowns, shouting out, not being respectful, guessing, lack of effort, not believing in themselves, negativity, not caring, and bullying. However, the one thing that drives me absolutely insane is when kids will not even try! We talked in great length about this during our morning meeting. Kids have got to learn to take risks and make mistakes. That is the story of life. It is why life is so fun! If everything was natural and easy, life would be boring! I am hoping to see more kids try things first before asking for help now. Great lesson Rusty!

Our observers from Round Up came today. They said that they were very impressed with how independent this class is and how well they do with the classroom routines. It was great fun having them here to share all that we do in E4 for the day! Thanks ladies!

Homework: Math review 18. It has two fraction problems. We have done a few in class, but if they need help please assist them or they can wait till tomorrow and I will help.

We started to write our Operation Cookie Drop letters today. The kids really started to get into it, especially when I showed them the types of cookies they can order for their soldier. We all got hungry! Remember, last day is Friday! I have gotten money from: Natalie, Chloe, Austin, Alexis, Brayden, Olivia, Andrew, and Kayla. Elijah is short 50 cents. :0) The rest I am still waiting for. No worries until Friday! :0) Ask your child how their letter went today. If they can tell you why they might get itchy when writing a letter write what makes them itchy in the planner for $20 tomorrow. :0)

Kids need recorders and gym shoes tomorrow. They also need hats and warm clothes. They were freezing at recess. Brrr, Brrr, Brrr.

Have a fantastic night!

Who's Going Bananas Today? We Are!!!

Howdy! It was a great Monday here in E4.

We started the day off with our CC Meeting after gym class. Today, Rusty talked to the kids about why we have them do homework and chores! Of course it is to get smarter and help out, but there is another reason...Time Management. For homework tonight, each student is coming home with a weekly schedule spreadsheet. They need to fill in all their "happenings" for the week. They need to be as specific as possible. They can change the given times as needed. On Wednesday, Rusty has another item that they need to add in. Oh boy, where are they going to fit one more thing in their day??? Sounds like life to me! Please have your child discuss and show you their completed schedule. Talk about what they are missing and where. Have fun with it. If you do discuss this, please write SCHEDULE in the planner for $20 tomorrow.

Tyson shared all of his fun stuff for Star of the Week today. He is quite the Steelers fan, as he should be being born there!!! We had a lot of fun learning more about our friend. Next up, Ethan!

In reading, we started Unit 5 in Lead 21. It goes right along with the Midwest Unit we just finished in SS, so it is perfect. The kids will love learning even more about those fun states. We will also be reading a mystery novel as well. It will take us awhile to get through it due to time limits of Lead 21, but novels are so important to kids too. We will enjoy both. I will, of course, continue to read Petey aloud to them. Man, are they loving this book!!!!

We had our "Bitterroot Has Gone Bananas" assembly today. The Read-a-thon has officially started. Kids need to track their reading at home for the next ten days. All the information is on the envelope or inside it. Please read over it today. Kids may choose to get pledges to support Bitterroot if they choose. I know that you have been supporting all year long, so try to get friends or relatives on this one instead of you! :0) Kids need to bring back their SIGNED envelope daily to get their prizes. Those that bring it back filled out correctly, will earn $50 daily. We can win a banana split party for the class if we all read every single night!!!! Which also means we can't be absent that much! We can do it team Erickson!!!

We started Montana History today!!!!!! WoooooHoooooo!!!! The kids reminded me that we haven't done it since LAST year! Holy smokes 2012! We pressed on today remembering that when we left on everything was going well for the Natives. Now, we are going on to the Westward Expansion. This is where things started really going down hill for this group. We will take a in-depth look at what that looked like from all angles, especially the Native Americans. I am just so glad we are back in action, and so are the kiddos!

Tomorrow, we have two teachers from Round Up coming down to observe us for the day. They attended some of my workshops back in October during MEA conferences. They now want to see it all in action and take it back to do it in their school. CC meetings....here we come. What an honor for these kiddos to show how taking just a few minutes a day can go a long way in a classroom! Awesome!

Keep sending in that Operation Cookie Drop Money. It is not due until Friday. $3.50. Thanks so much!

We will finish up snow-ology this week. Kids can make a snow globe if they want too. They just need to bring in a small figurine to glue inside their lid of the glass jar they brought last week. After drying for 24 hours, we will add the snow globe syrup and glitter. Walla...they have a treasure to remember all that they have learned. They can start to bring those in tomorrow. We will get them all done this week.

Well, I think that is about it for today. Have a wonderful night and enjoy the sun. COLD weather is expected later tomorrow along with more snow, so please remind kids to dress warm. Thanks.

It's a New Week

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Hi there. Happy Sunday!

Last Friday was a crazy day. Kids had two Venture Theater performances so the day was a little chopped up. So, the optimistic side of me took over and made the best out of a busy situation. I decided to use all day to finish up our biography reports. I added a few components and then we put together our entire boards. AND...they turned out great and of top notch value. Kids had to go back and redo some that they tried to rush through, but overall they really did high quality work. They will be up for display tomorrow in the hall. Even those in Read 180 or System 44 had enough projects to make their own poster board!!! We learned so much about all those involved in the Civil Rights Movement and we have project after project to show that. Please stop in and see them if you have time this next week. Boards will go home on Friday.

Hats for Hope went great! We also did our Purple Hand Nominations for January. All seven kiddos (Ethan had to leave before the picture) deserved the cookie. The class voted though, and Elijah got the award! He noticed that when Emily left our class to move to Pennsylvania that Chloe had to walk home alone. So...he has been walking with her everyday. What a great, great act of kindness!

I sure hope you were able to catch a performance of the Venture Theater play. What a great job all the kids did. They sure looked like they were having fun! I enjoyed it, and I am so proud of all those that were brave enough to do that. What a wonderful risk to take. I think some of them have caught the acting bug!!

This week will be quite busy. Here is what we have planned:
Math: Continue with fraction unit
Reading: Main Idea, Cause and Effect, and Making Predictions. We will start a new unit in Lead 21 and we will also start reading a new novel called Hatchet. It is by one of my favorite authors! I used to do it in 5th grade, and I can't wait to have fun with it in here as well. It is an easy, fun read, and we will be able to do a lot of skills within it.
Spelling: Unit 22. We will take Friday's test tomorrow as we didn't get to it on Friday. Please study one last time. I left the words up for ya.
Language: More Adjectives. Kids are now able to take an entire sentence and tell me the part of speech of each word. It takes the entire class, but they get it. Soon, they will need to be able to do it on their own. We do this in a program called DOL.
S.S:MONTANA HISTORY!!! Soooooooo excited!
Science: Finish up snow-ology.
CC Meeting:Responsibility, relaxing, and time management.

There are new parent videos on Rusty's site. This week he is talking about anger, attention from others, and admitting our mistakes. I especially loved the one on anger. My son, Beau, has anger issues. He has come so far! Rusty shares that anger is normal. That is something I had forgotten. Everyone gets angry and it is a normal emotion. It is how we deal with the anger that matters. Beau used to throw Oscar Winning temper tantrums. He also used to hit and communicate with his fists. Now, using many of the strategies Rusty talks about and many, many nights of open communication he and I have come up with ways that are positive. I have included the activity we did together. I wrote his list, with his help. He got to write one for me. They are hanging in our bedrooms. Now, when Beau becomes angry we go look at the poster for an idea that will work. And, yes...he has told me to go look at mine. Something that always puts a smile on my face. If you watch the videos this week, write the word Rusty in the planner at anytime. I will grant your child $100 whenever I see it in there. Thanks for making time to just sit, watch, and discuss these important topics with your kiddos. :0) It really, really, really is worth the ten minutes. I promise!

Operation Cookie Drop is underway. The kids will write their letters to their soldier this week. Thank you to all of you that have already sent in your $3.50 for your box of cookies. I will have the kids order their flavors soon. If your child still needs to send in their money, no worries. They can do that anytime up till Friday. Can't wait to get them sent off! They are going to love it!

Tyson was our star of the week last week. Due to the crazy schedule, we will get to listen to him tomorrow. I know he has a lot of fun stuff to share. Go Steelers!!!

Have a wonderful evening and don't forget those tennis shoes. :0)

Happy Birthday Robby!

Hello there.

We began our biography reports today. We got so into the movie however, that we lost track of time (well Ms. Erickson did). We will finish them up tomorrow. They are getting pretty far on their projects, and tomorrow we will put them all together on the boards. Then...share time!!! I can't wait to share all that we have learned on these three important people and the Civil Rights Movement! They really have learned a lot and have had a good time doing so.

Tomorrow is Hats for Hope. If your child would like to wear a hat they may do so for the entire day for a 50 cent donation. What a great way to help out our very own here at Bitterroot. I know I will be be wearing my cowboy hat for sure.

Tomorrow is also the Venture Theater performances. The primary kids will watch it at 9:30. We will watch it at 1:00. You get to watch it at 6:00!!!! They should be good and ready for ya when that time comes. They have all worked so hard, and they are so excited to show off their talents. I can't wait to see it all come together tomorrow.

Homework tonight is a math sheet on congruent and similar shapes. We had this lesson a week or so again. I want to see what they have put into long term memory. Remember: congruent means the shapes have BOTH the same shape and are the same size. Similar means they are the same shape, but not necessarily the same size.

I am sad that we have just not been able to get our MT History in yet this week. We have just been having too much fun with Civil Rights. This morning, in CC Meeting, we read a book about the bus that Rosa Parks rode on came to life and told a little girl the story. Ask your child what their favorite part of the story was, and then ask them what they had their bus say yesterday. If they can tell you both write ROSA in the planner for $20.

The quarter has come and gone, and we somehow forgot to end our money system. Therefore, in the next two weeks kids will be given opportunities to spend, spend, spend. One way they will spend $500 for sure is the upcoming Valentine's Day Party. We are out of school on Feb. 14th for our long weekend break, so we will celebrate it the day before (which is a half day) on the 13th. I will send home a list of kid's names next week so they may begin to make their valentine cards. Kids MUST make a card for ALL students in class if participating. They may make ones for other friends in other classes as well. All but three students bought in already today. Wow! Great job saving your money this last quarter! Those that have not, will need to do so by the 12th. We will also form committees next week. Your child can be on the decorations, food, or entertainment committee. I will send home a notice and explanation of the committee that your child has selected for your approval before we begin planning to make sure it is okay with you as well.

We have a spelling test tomorrow. Please help review those words one last time.

Lastly, a happy, happy birthday to Robby! He brought some yummy, colorful cupcakes to sell in class today. He made quite the fortune! Hoping he has a great birthday night doing something fun! :0)

Have a great night!

Ruby Rocks!

Hi there. Please look for the note that I sent home today with three important topics. Please read through them and return them signed tomorrow. Remember, item one is only for my reading class. The link for the movie I mentioned is off to the right. Please don't allow your child to watch it if they will watch it in my reading class tomorrow and Friday. Thanks.

The kids wanted me to share the fun song we learned in CC meeting this morning. It really says everything we talked about thus far. The kids are really getting into this Civil Right's Movement. They are going to blow their teachers away in high school. :0) The song is off to the right under my favorite links. If you watch it with your kiddo, write SONG in the planner for $20 tomorrow. Have fun!

Today, we read about Ruby Bridges. She was one of the first African American children to be integrated into an all white school. Man, was she brave! I have always considered myself a brave person, but boy I am nothing compared to this little first grader!

Today kids designed their own peace signs, asked some pretty fun questions of historical figures, and thought of a sentence that Rosa Park's Bus might have said. I have a great book about this very topic that I will read tomorrow during CC meeting. It is called, If the Bus Could Talk. Great read! Ask your child what their items looked like. We will add all of these to our Biography boards in my reading class.

Lastly, a HUGE fun thank you to Mrs. Hoke for seeing a BELIEVE shirt yesterday and thinking of me. I was sooooooooo excited to put it on today! And, it was pink! One of my two favorite colors. Ask your child what my other favorite color is and write it in the planner for another $20 reward!

Have a fantastic night! Remember, we have library tomorrow and tri-fold project boards MUST be brought by tomorrow. I did not get any notes of needing help, so I am hoping everyone has one ready to go tomorrow.

Peaceful Day in E4!

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Hi there. We continued our studies in the Civil Rights Movement today. We started the day by listening to Martin's Big Words online. It took us through his life story once again. Later on, we created a timeline and then answered some questions using it. After that, we created Peace poems. As you can see and hear they turned out great! My reading class will include them on their biography board.

Speaking of biography boards. Daniel brought his in today!!!! Yay Daniel!!! He found it at Walmart in the school supply section. Please have all boards here by this Thursday morning. We will start to create them together in class that day. Remember, this is ONLY my reading class. Boards need to be the tri-fold project boards. They are sometimes called Science Fair Boards. They open up into three sections are about as tall as my waist from the floor. They are two dollars and change at Walmart. If your child needs fund assistance please write me a note or text me by tomorrow. Thanks.

Homework tonight is Rosa Parks. We talked a lot about her today in reading class. We will read another fun story tomorrow during CC meeting. We read the informational part of the homework together in class. Now, they need to do the questions. Please remind them to LOOK back in the story for the answers instead of guessing.

Two important papers came home tonight.
1. AIDS/HIV permission slips. Mrs. Buss will do a lesson on this topic in February. Kids need your permission to participate. Please sign and return tomorrow for $50 reward.

2. NAEP Testing. Bitterroot has been selected to take the NAEP test this year. It is a test for National Statistic reasoning only. It shows where Billings kids are in the nation standards. Kids don't need to study, and all they need to do is their best. It will be on Tuesday, February 19th. Please ask your child for the note that came home today. If they give it to you AND you read it, please write NAEP in the planner for $20 tomorrow. We are lucky to be the chosen ones!!!! Shine Bitterroot Shine!

I think about does it for today. Peace out!

Happy Birthday MLK, Jr!!!

What a great day! We started the day off with a special activity...watching President Obama being sworn into his second term as President of the United States of America. Watching history live...priceless. We then took a look at MLK Jr.'s famous I have a Dream speech. The kids said he sounded powerful. I agree! Later today we did some fun MLK Jr. Activities. See the pictures below for details. :0) We also thought that MLK Jr. would have wanted glazed donuts and Sunny D drinks for his birthday. So, kids were able to buy into that fun event for $200 if they had it. It was a perfect day to just celebrate being American and discovering what that meant to us. Please watch the slideshow below with your child. Have them explain things as it goes. If you do this TOGETHER please write MLK in the planner for $20 tomorrow.

Kids in my reading class (not Read 180 or System 44) need a tri-fold board for their upcoming biography report. Please have it to class by this Thursday if possible. I got mine at Walmart this morning for $2. 97. They need the big one. The smaller ones will not work for what they need to do. If this is an issue for your family, please send a note tomorrow and I will see what I can do. Kids can start bringing them in as soon as tomorrow. Just make sure they have their names on the back. I bet they have them at Target or maybe the dollar store, but they HAVE to be the large ones. I have posted a picture of mine below. Thanks.

Homework tonight is to finish up their MLK Jr. sheet from this morning. Many needed more time to finish.

Have a great night!

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It's MLK, Jr. WEEK!!!!!

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Hi there. Happy Sunday to ya. I hope you had a great weekend.

This week, we will be taking a lot of time to really dive in and discover just who Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was. As you can imagine, he is one of my heroes. He stood for peaceful solutions and not judging those by their outward appearances but by their character instead. He has really become a huge part of who I am and who I am striving to become. MLK, Jr. died at the age of 39. That is the same age as I am. I can't imagine leaving this world yet with so much left to do. People that stand up to others and gracefully demand change often do get beaten down to the point of death though. I stand up for kids daily, sometimes to some very powerful people (including parents). Teaching is not a job for me, it is a mission from above. I was born to teach. I was born to teach kids how to read, write, and solve math problems. BUT, I was also born to teach kids to be kind to one another, to stand up to those that feel they can bully others, and to BELIEVE in themselves, especially when those that should don't. Kids have it tough these days. They live in a world that is full of opportunity, but they struggle with finding gratitude in working hard to get it. You and I grew up very differently, and our parents were different kinds of parents than we are. I personally place more value in conduct and character than I do in academics with my own children. I feel at school they need to learn how to function in a structured world with respect and dignity. They need to seek out those that are treated unjustly and befriend them. They need to model how to behave and respect a teacher. I have found, that when those skills are established, the academics naturally fall into place. So, Dr. MLK, Jr is an important piece of our history. He deserves to be studied and understood. I admire what he does, along with one of my other favorite people in history: Rosa Parks. We will read literature on them, write poetry about them, complete projects about them, and we will act like them. I can't wait to share the experiences on the blog.

Last Friday, we did a lesson in CC Meeting that was pretty powerful. Rusty's Bully Byte of the week was that Bullies look for weaknesses. Weaknesses are reasons they pick on other people. So, I had the kids draw an outline of a kid. I then had them tell me things to add to the person that would make them a target for being bullied. We added glasses, unibrows, messed up teeth, big ears, ratty clothes, pants that were too short, shoes with holes in them, crutches, a missing hand, and others. These were kid's responses as to what the weaknesses they have faced before. They were not teacher driven. We then talked about the fact that yes, they would most likely be teased about all of these things, possibly even to the point of being bullied. So, what do we do about it? We prepare for it. If we wear glasses, then we create a response to say to a bully if they tease us about it. We are ready for it! Or, we try to change our weaknesses. We can ask our parents to get us clothes that fit or clean them. We can ask school to help shop if funds are tight. We have programs for that. We can switch to contacts when we get older rather than glasses. Then we talked lastly about accepting our natural weaknesses like spaces in our teeth or calics in our hair. I gave them examples from my own life. I was teased for the space between my teeth growing up. My parents couldn't afford to get me braces. Luckily for me, I LOVED David Letterman and Madonna growing up, both famous people that have gaps between their teeth. They had the money to fix them and didn't. I found power in that. So, when people would tease me about it, I would simply say, I know, but I want to be just like Madonna or David Letterman. Then we would both laugh and the teasing would stop. I was prepared. I was ready for teasing. Most importantly though, I was ok with the weakness and turned it into a strength. Telling kids that I was teased helped ease things. Ms. Erickson was teased and she made it through. It gives kids confidence to know that the people they look up to were just like them. May I encourage you to do the same. Share your stories from their age. Share how you dealt with bullies and teasing. (Hopefully not with violence, or if so that you discovered a better way eventually). Kids need to know they are not alone in this area of life, and that we are here to help them prepare. I also encourage you to make sure they are walking out of the house without weaknesses. Do their clothes fit? Are they clean? Is their hair brushed? Have they showered daily? These simple things in life are not a big deal to kids, but when they are teased for them, they become a big deal. Above is the picture we created as a class showing some of these weaknesses.

We had our Award's Assembly on Friday. Above are the winners of the awards. Great job kiddos! Now, let's add more kids to that list in 3rd quarter's assembly!!! I will be watching for a certain kiddo that is showing strong effort to improve for the Bobcat award. They all can do it!

Kenzi was our star of the week this week. She brought in some pictures of her with her family. She had a lot to share about each picture. By the end, we finally figured out who lived in Montana and who lived in Utah. :0) She also shared her favorite Sponge Bob DS game. It was fun to learn even more about our Kenzi!

I am happy to say that we will resume our Montana History studies this week. We will be venturing into Westward Expansion. We will spend a lot of time this week and next learning about Lewis and Clark's adventure and all those that they came in contact with. Mrs. Hankins and I were awarded some money to spend from Indian Ed For All. We bought some fun supplies for each kiddo to recreate the actual trail they took. Mrs. Hankins and I have also been asked to put on some workshops this summer to teach other teachers how to create these fun notebooks that kids love! What an honor!

There are three new videos on Rusty's site for parents. They are good ones yet again! Please take the time to watch them with your kiddos and have a quality discussion with the tool box questions. If you do this, even just one show, please write RUSTY in the planner for $20 on Monday. I will ask kiddos what they discussed with you. It is fun for us to hear what kids are talking about at home.

Lastly, we have PE on Monday. Yes, we have school on Monday!!!!! You might have the day off, but we do not. It is a regular school week.

Have a great Sunday!

Report Cards Today!

Hi there. A great report from Mrs. Gleason put a smile on my face right off the bat today! Great job kids while I was gone yesterday afternoon.

Today, however, was WAY to talkative. I think it is  that it is nice out, and so we all want to be outside, but enough with making excuses. We know how to move in here without our voices and how to be respectful. We ended up doing more than a few jumping jacks at the close of the day to get out our wiggles and giggles. Better day tomorrow I hope.

As you can see, we sure had fun helping our 2nd grade buddies with their MLK, Jr projects. We have some wonderful future teachers in here! So patient!

Tomorrow is the Awards Assembly for Quarter 3. I texted or called all those that have a child receiving an award. Please keep it a secret. All parents are welcome to attend if they want. It will be at 2:00 in the gym.

Report cards came home today. (Sorry, I thought it was tomorrow). Please look them over and have your child return ONLY the signed envelope. If your child's came home without an envelope that is because they never returned it after Quarter 1. Please look at home and return. Those that return signed envelopes tomorrow will earn $50. Please make sure the kids read my comments to them as well, or better yet, read them together. I am so proud of every kiddo. I have asked some kids to focus on a certain skill in Quarter 3. Please help your child make a plan on how they will accomplish them. Thanks.

Homework tonight is the next page of our massive geometry review. We will go over all of these tomorrow.

Today, in math, we started fractions. After the lesson, I asked kids to share with me one thing they learned that was new. My favorite response was from Ethan. "I never knew that fractions could be so much fun!" That is awesome Ethan. When work is fun, we tend to remember what we learned even more. Yay!

Tomorrow, we will finish up our space unit in Lead 21: Reading. We have learned so much and today we got to read plays and fiction stories about space!

We have two tests tomorrow. One is spelling. The other is our Midwest States and Capital's Test. We reviewed a lot today by playing BINGO. Kids need to really work on finding the locations of states on a blank map. Please sit with them tonight, and practice this. Don't have a map of the Midwest? I have put a link to one under Ms. Erickson's Favorite Sites. By the way, did anyone check out the Mars site last night? Anywhoooo...back to the topic on hand...if your child sits with you and studies their states and capitals tonight (especially the locations) write the capital of Kansas in the planner for $20. Thanks for all your help at home, and I mean it!

Have a super night.

Kids are Awesome!

Hi there. I hope all went well this afternoon. A HUGE thank you to our very own Mrs. "Kayla's Mom" for rescuing the day and subbing for me this afternoon on such short notice. AND, on her birthday no less. I sure do appreciate it, and I bet Kayla thought it was super fun to have mom as her teacher for the afternoon. I am looking forward to hearing how it went.

In CC Meeting today, we spent a lot of times just connecting with one another. I asked everyone how they were feeling today and why. I LOVE doing this, but don't always get to listen to every child every day. Today, for some reason, I just wanted to sit and listen to their lives. Upon doing so, I heard a lot about Venture Theater. Sounds like the kiddos are pretty pumped up about it. I know they are going to rock the house next Friday (not this Friday). We also got to welcome back Austin. He was under the weather, but is feeling much better now. We sure did miss him! Class just isn't the same when kiddos are out and we are not all together. That being said, we sure hope to see Mr. Evan tomorrow!

This Friday we will have our B.U.G. club, Terrific Kids, and Bobcat award assembly at 2:00 in the gym. Allow me to explain.

BUG-Brought Up Grades. This award goes to those kiddos that brought up their grades or even one grade. In doing so, they may NOT have dropped any other grades. So, for example, a kid might have had a B in Math and now they have an A. As long as they didn't drop in any other subject they would make BUG club. If a child has earned a D or F in any subject, they are automatically disqualified from the award.

Terrific Kids- This award goes to kiddos that earned straight As. WOOHOOO!!!! If kids have had straight As in both quarters, they automatically are qualified for BUG Club as well!

Bobcat Award-This award goes to one student that has just done an overall great job this quarter. They have really, really tried to do better than Quarter 1, they have been to school on time and with few absences. They are kind and helpful to teachers and classmates. They have just been caught doing great things! They are selected by teachers each quarter.

If your child has earned any of these awards, you will be getting a text from me tonight. Please feel free to join us at the assembly. Please keep these a secret though. It is fun to see kids get surprised at the Assembly! The assembly usually lasts 20-30 minutes. Kids get treats afterward. If your child did not earn an award they still have two more chances this year. They need to look at their grades when they come home on Friday, and make a goal. How are they going to raise a grade? How can they maintain other grades. Anyone can do it!!!!

In Science today, kids did a Snowman Scoot. What is that? Ask your child. Ask them one thing they learned by doing it. If they can explain it all, write SCOOT in the planner for $20 bonus cash tomorrow. Fun!

Tomorrow we have library. Please help get those books back. It is always fun to get new books.

I hope everyone has a great night.

Tennis Shoes Tomorrow!

Hi there! Happy Monday (Really Tuesday!)!

First and Foremost, thank you so much for helping us with the Rusty videos. I have LOVED reading your feedback and ideas. As a parent myself, I totally agree that parenting today's children is a lot different then when we were kids ourselves. They are faced with so many things that we didn't have to worry about. It is nice to have Rusty on our side. One thing I never even thought about, but many of you said, was that it was nice for you to finally meet Rusty. Wow! I never thought of that connection. Too funny! If you have yet to watch or email/text me your thoughts please do so this week sometime. It really does make a difference to both Rusty and I that we have real parental feedback to help make the site what YOU want it to be. My email address is ericksont@billingsschools.org. I will forward all of your comments onto Rusty as well. Remember, doing so will score your child $200!

Today, we started the day off pretty heavy. Secret Agent Dan came from the FBI to talk to kids about Internet Safety. WOW! If they ever do a parent one here, please attend. Pretty scary world right here in Billings. His first question to the kids was who in here has a facebook, twitter, or myspace account? His second question was who in here is 13 years old. Some hands went up on the first one, but none on the second. By law, kids need to be at least 13 years old to have one of these accounts. Parents may not "co-sign" for them. After hearing about some of the cases he has worked on right here in Billings, I know that my children will not have an account at all until they are responsible adults. Things like predators, cyber bullying, illegal (naked) pictures, and chat rooms are all over Billings, Montana. He showed us how dangerous it is to put our pictures or home videos on these kinds of sites, and how easily they are snagged by creepers. He also shared that the average predator is between the ages of 30-50. They are a white male. They have attended some college, and they are all out to hurt kids. Did you know they can find your kiddos thru x-box chat rooms as well. He said that they have seen a rise of cases from 10 year olds sending naked pictures back and forth over phones and internet in Billings. WHAT! He also shared that predators are getting younger and younger. I beg you, and so does the FBI, to please delete any and all internet chat programs your child may have that I have listed above. It just isn't worth it. We would all feel so horrible if something tragic happened to our kids for something that is set up to protect them. Lastly, the FBI agent asked kids to go onto the website: www.NetSmartz.org. It has movies and games that they can play to learn more. It is NOT a chat room of any kind. Please go on as well. If your child and/or you does go on it, please write FBI in the planner for $100. I have linked it off to the right under Ms. Erickson't favorites. If you have any safety questions or concerns Dan's text me for Dan's number. Ask your child what they thought of the talk. Then ask them how old the oldest person that Dan has caught was. If they remember, write the age in the planner tomorrow for $20.

Have an amazing night!

Schooltoolstv.com for Parents!

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Happy Monday! Remember, kids have today off. Teachers are at trainings today and finishing up report cards. 

Above, you can see that last Friday, we had a blast just enjoying one another in the snow. Even Mrs. Hankins and I got in on the action. Reminded me of when I was a kid. Snow is so fun, and what great exercise! 

You will also see that 4th grade has started to play the recorders in music class with Mr. Goodheart. He will be announcing the concert date soon. It is a short concert with only the 4th graders. They come a LONG way on these instruments in a short amount of time. Every student has a recorder that they may use at school. It is checked out to them, and will only be used by them the entire time. If your child would like to have one for their very own, they have options. They may purchase one from Eckroth Music Store on Grand themselves or they can send in a check or $8 cash and Mr. Goodheart will go buy them for them. They only have until next Friday to have Mr. Goodheart get them. They have four colors to choose from. Kids just love having their own to keep and to continue using after the concert is over. Plus, they can practice at home for the concert. They are welcome to bring them every Wed and Friday to use in class as well. Kids NO NOT have to buy one at all. Like I said above, all student have one checked out to them to use at school. Please refrain from buying recorders from other places like Walmart or the Dollar Store. They will not be allowed to use them in class as they create a different sound than the other ones. Thanks. 

Lastly, you will see Daniel on the Smilebox. He was our Star of the Week last week. He had some great things to share, and he is still calculating the total number of Angry Birds he has in his collection. We are looking forward to the answer on Tuesday. 

This week, we will be learning a lot. 

Math: Fractions

Reading: Finishing up Space and Doing a Biography Project

Spelling: Unit 19, words with k sounds. 

Language: Parts of Speech Sentences and Adjectives

Science: Snow-ology Labs and Projects

S.S.: Finishing our MW tour and States and Caps test is THIS coming Friday. 

CC Meeting: Learning to Get Along With and Learn From Other People. 

I was very excited to see so many kids from E4 go to Venture Theater tryouts. It is an awesome program, which has a TON of character building built into it. It also gives kids a taste of what acting and speaking/performing is all about. I LOVE seeing kids take risks! What a great way to meet and connect with new people. Remember, practices start on Tuesday at 3:15. Kids MUST be picked up at 5:15. Parent Volunteers are needed daily. Just show up, and you will be put to work, even if it is only one day. Any help helps. 

Speaking of character building, I have some super exciting news. Rusty has created a new show for home. It is designed for you, the parent, to watch at home with your child. Then, he gives you a toolbox question to discuss with your child. The videos are one minute long, and the discussion is meant to take about 10-15 minutes, and they are free to parents. Right now, there are three videos up. The first discusses what the show is and why he made it. The second and third explain what he will be talking about each week. There will be one show on EQ (feelings and emotions) and another on the subject of bullying. This a sure fire way to generate great discussions at home, and to connect to what kids are already doing at school. I CAN'T wait to watch it with my own kids. Please take the time to go online to schooltoolstv.com. Once there, off to the left is the main menu. Go to the tab that says Parenting Page and click on it. It will take you to the three videos I talked about above. Watch them all at once or one each day with your kiddos. You will be amazed at what your kids have to tell you and how they are experts on sharing their feelings. Finally, please give us some feedback. You can email me your responses or text me. I will then forward them onto Rusty. Those that do this will earn their child a $200 reward. Please tell us what you like, how it went, and what you want as topics. This is YOUR page to help your kids find themselves and become prepared for whatever life throws at them. Having an issue at home? Tell us. We can create a show about it so you are not alone in discussing it at home. I know in case, my kids often need to hear it from someone else to believe it.  In class, we will also talk about these shows as well and kids can share their input from home. I am soooooo excited about this! What a fantastic way to build the bridge from home to school and back again. I also put the link to Rusty's Site off to the right under Ms. Erickson's Favorite Websites. If you at least watch the videos and have a discussion with your child about them, write the word RUSTY in the planner for $20 on Tuesday, but please, please consider giving us feedback. Thanks!

On that note, have a super day off! If you attended the movie Brave at school last Friday, don't forget to write BRAVE in the planner as well so I can reward your child with their $300. Thanks for supporting our schools! 

Venture Theater Try Outs TOMORROW!!!!

Hi there. It is Thursday!!! Boy, this week has been a long one after our long break and then a short week. However, we are almost there. Let's finish up strong!!!

A couple of things are coming home today.

1. Venture Theater Information Sheets. Try outs are TOMORROW after school at 3:15. Kids MUST be picked up PROMPTLY at 5:15. It is dark by then, so please avoid kids walking home if possible. Rehearsals will then begin starting the following Tuesday, the 15th. Don't forget we DON'T have school this coming Monday the 14th. They are also looking for parent volunteers to help with rehearsals.

2. Online Safety Presentation Slips. I blogged about this earlier this week. Mrs. Neese is bringing in a detective to talk with kids about online safety. Kids don't need permission, but if you don't want them to attend for some reason, please call the number on the sheet to discuss. This will be 4th grade appropriate. If you see this sheet, please write SAFETY in the planner for $20 tomorrow.

3. Missing Assignments Sheets. Grades are done tomorrow for Quarter 2. ALL assignments are due! Those that are not turned in will be given an F in the grade book and will effect report card grades.

In buddies today, we had  fun snow-ology project. We used Q-tips to create a winter snow globe! Kids had to practice the character trait of being patient today. It takes a long time to make a scene one dot at a time. While dotting though, kids also worked on creating a relationship with their buddy. They asked them a lot of questions and just had a good conversation while doing a fun activity. The snowglobes are in the hallway if you want to see them. :0) Due to buddies, we did not get to do Rusty today. We will do double duty tomorrow to wrap up our safety lessons.

Speaking of snow-ology...we again worked on our stories. Today, it went much better for most. Some kids however, continued to let the process of Ms. Erickson helping them learn for themselves, frustrate them, and got no where. We will continue the process tomorrow.

Tomorrow, we have a spelling test. Please review words one last time tonight.

Tomorrow is also FUN Friday. We are really hoping to spend some time with Mrs. Hankin's class outside building snowmen! SOOOO...please hope for snow tonight, and kids MUST dress warm to participate! Fun, fun!

Lastly, please remember that the PTA movie night is tomorrow. They will be showing the movie BRAVE. It will start at 6 and run until 8. There are cheap concession snacks, and the movie is free. So, bring the family and some pillows and blankets and snuggle in where it is warm for a fun movie with friends and other families. Those that attend WITH their family, will earn $300 on Tuesday. Please write me a note on Tuesday if your family attended.

Have a wonderful night! We are supposed to get some snow, so dress warm please.

Safety First!

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Hello. Today in CC Meeting we learned a little more about staying safe at school. Rusty taught us the three Cs of safety today: Stay CALM, COOL, and COLLECTED. We stretched these out to staying calm by taking deep breaths, staying cool by focusing our eyes on the teacher, and staying collected by reeling in our brains to remember what we did in practice drills. When we do these three things we avoid fear and panic. I had the kids pair off and practice using these skills in action. I had them imagine that I needed their help to help others that were frightened to calm down. Watch Cameron and Brayden above to see that in action. They did a great job. After watching them, I shared with the class that they also need to ask the person if they are ready to be safe. If the person says yes, then go forward. If no, or no response is given, then repeat the process with them. We talked about how this may also be used at home to calm down little brothers or sisters, and they should practice it. This is one of the methods I would use on kids during a crisis situation. I wanted them to know what it would feel like to be the one in panic and the one calming them down. Have your child do this with you tonight. Have them help you calm down. You will need to come down to their level by kneeling or sitting on a couch. If they do it, write CALM in the planner for $20 tomorrow. Awesome lesson Rusty!!

Well, we started part 2 of our Snowology stories today. Oh boy, frustration was in the house today!!! Kids had a rough time finding their own errors. However, after a little calming down, the kids started to find them. We will continue to work on this tomorrow. Some kids did chose to bring it home and have you read it and offer suggestions. However, I will have to approve them tomorrow. 

Please continue to send in those glass jars if have yet to do so. We will begin those projects next week. 

Venture theater is coming to Bitterroot once again. Thank you PTA!!! As a 4th grader, they can audition to get a part. Anyone that tries out will get a part! A letter explaining all of this will come home  tomorrow. There is NO cost to students, and the practices are after school from 3:15-5:15. This is SOOOOOOO fun for kids, and no experience is needed! 

Homework tonight is a review practice sheet on perimeter. So, kids need to take a walk around the block of any and all polygons and add as they go. :0) 

Have a fantastic night! 

Will We Ever Stop Having Fun While Learning?

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Hi there! Another fun but educational day in E4. Now, after watching the video above, you may say what is the educational value in that? Well, let me tell ya. If you look close, we did a lot of measurement with a ruler to the nearest inch. For example, I would give the kids the dimensions of the stripes on their legs and they would have to create them (2 inch by 1 inch). They also were graded on if they listened to directions and glued things in the right place or location. Our next step, is the part you don't see. Now, the kids will listen to a story read aloud about snowmen coming to life at night. They will then create their own version of THEIR snowman coming to life. We will go through all the steps of writing including a rough and final draft. (New to us). 

In CC meeting today, we added staying calm and taking practice drills serious to our School Safety poster. We talked in length today about how if something were to happen to Ms. Erickson, they would still know what to do. That is why we practice so it becomes a routine. That being said, we also talked about staying calm. Panic is crisis's worst enemy. I told the kids that if they see a child in panic mode to have them make eye contact with the other student and say "Charlie! Calm Down! Look at my eyes. Take a Deep Breath." This usually helps kids to snap out of panic and back into calm crisis mode. We will be role playing this tomorrow. We again ended the discussion and meeting today by saying that this is probably never going to happen, BUT we have to have to be ready just in case. Great discussion! 

In Social Studies, we continued our journey through the Midwest region. Are your kiddos studying their states and capitals at home? If so write MIDWEST in the planner for $20 tomorrow. I gave them all maps of the region yesterday to bring home to help them study the locations of each state as well. Today, we came across Detroit, Michigan. It is also know as MoTown. The Model T was invented and created there. I gave each kiddo a shell of a car and they had to add on the parts as if it was coming down an assembly line. After they got all the must have parts on, they could add their own touches of creativity. Some finished in class, others had to bring it home to finish. Either way, we will share them with the class tomorrow. I can't wait to see how they made their Model T's unique! 

In math we did a lesson on Symmetry. Kids have homework on this tonight. 

In reading today, we did a lesson that I was honestly not real comfortable teaching. It was on different beliefs/stories about why/where things are the way they are in the sky. Personally, I believe that God created all things. These stories told other views and legends. (Mythology, Native Legends, African tales, and other) The entertainment value is good, but the book that I am REQUIRED to teach kind of did a poor job of presenting it. It is a chapter placed in the middle of a nonfiction piece. Thus, making kids think that this is truth. Now, I am not putting my beliefs onto kids, but I want them to believe whatever they believe. NOT what is presented to them in a reading book. I, over and over again, reminded them that they may not agree with the text and that is ok. Needless to say, I am glad that the chapter is over and we can move on. Please discuss any confusions your child might have about any of their beliefs that may have been compromised today in class. As a mom, I would recommend just sharing your family's beliefs when it comes to why is the sun and moon in the sky and water on the ground, how the stars were created, and why there are tides each day in our oceans with your child. The chapter is in your child's theme reader if you would like to read it. They are welcome to bring it home. Thanks. 

Lastly, we have PE tomorrow and keep studying those spelling words and states and capitals. 

Have a great night! 

Projects Underway!

Happy Monday!

We had quite the busy day today. Rusty is talking about being safe at school this week on his shows. We will be collecting data all week on how to do this. Today, we talked about how teacher's are trained to handle any and all crisis situations, and the best thing they can do is to find their teacher's eyes, listen, and follow their lead. It is also important that they NOT ask what is going on or for me to stop and explain why I am having them do this or that. They need to trust their teacher in all and any crisis situations without questions. Then, I brought out my safety/crisis backpack and showed them all the things in it. I think that knowledge is power, and showing them that I am prepared with everything we might need puts them at ease. Please ask your child to tell you at least two things I have in my backpack. If they can, write the word SAFE in the planner for $20 tomorrow. Lastly, we talked about how schools are very safe. We discussed how crisis situations will probably NEVER happen, but it is our job to be prepared. We ended on a note of trust and with me answering some very good what ifs. Rusty will help us discuss these topics more and more on a 4th grade level. Next Tuesday, Mrs. Neese is bringing in a detective to talk with us about internet safety. It will be geared for 4th graders and age appropriate. A note will come home soon.

We started our Snow-ology writing project today by starting to make our snow people. Kids will then write a story about them using a story I will read aloud as a guide. In the past, these kids do a great job with coming up with some very fun and creative ideas. This time, we will be writing a rough and final draft to really focus on those conventions. It will be student led this time, rather than me telling them what they need to correct or edit (grammar wise). I will help with spelling. They will not be cleared for final drafts until their rough draft is completely edited.

For homework tonight, kids have a review sheet for diameter and radius. Remember, a radius is half of a diameter. So, if they are given the length of the diameter (all the way across the circle) then all they have to do is divide that in half to find the radius. If they are given the radius, then all they have to do to find the diameter is double it.

Some kids may have reading homework as well. We had a lot going on today, so some did not finish. We read Ch. 1 in class and discussed it. Please, please refrain from helping them with finding the answers. Instead, encourage them to look back into the chapter to find them on their own. The guide goes in order of the chapter, so finding them is pretty logical and sequential. Thanks.

Lastly, if your child has not done so already, please have them bring in a glass jar with a lid sometime this week. It can be a baby food jar up to a jelly jar. Please remove labels on it so it is completely see through. Thanks.

Have a wonderful evening!

New Year's Resolutions.

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Hi there. Happy Sunday!!! I hope you all had a great weekend. Mine was full of relaxation, playing board games with my kids, preg testing cows, watching a cattle drive go up our street, making cookies with my son, going to church, and having our weekly family dinner on the ranch! All of my favorite things. Well the testing cows for pregnancy...not so much fun, but watching Zach be a true cowboy...that is the fun part! He is an amazing man! 

Church this weekend sunk home for me. The lesson was all about being kind to those that need kindness. To seek out those that are alone and different, and having the courage to go up to them and just say hello. That does take guts when you are an adult. I think kids have it a little easier here. They have that sense of innocence in them. Adults, or at least I am, at times are reserved to those that may require some of our precious time. But, that is a mission on Earth...to be kind to one another for no reason at all. Since the shooting in Connecticut, I have made sure to add kindness to our CC Meeting and my ducks in a row board each day. On Friday, I had them do something a little unusual. I had them look around the room and find the one person that they just really don't know very well. They know them in class, but they just haven't made a connection to them yet. Not for fault of their own, just that they have not had reason to. Then, I had them go over to that person and say hello. I also had them ask that person for their phone number. I asked that they make a resolution to call up that person and invite them to play sometime in the 2013 year. I did this as an example that so many times we make new year's resolutions that take away things from their life; things they are no longer going to do. I wanted them to make one that may add something to their lives. So, please encourage them to take a risk and invite their mystery friend over in the next few weeks. Sometimes, we make new friends with people that we never would have dreamed we would connect with. I also shared that my best friend is a boy (not Zach, although he is my dearest friend). Sometimes boys and girls become friends and stay that way for life. It is an amazing connection. So, I told them not to shy away from the person they are thinking of connecting with just because they are the opposite gender. Rusty's show today was the exact way of thinking. He shared about being positive with new goals for the New Year. Amazing how he and I think alike!!! :0) Ask your child who they connected with. Their name and phone number should be in their planner on the first page. Make a plan with your child for when they can invite them to do something fun together. All I asked of them was to give it a one shot chance. If you discuss this, write FRIEND in the planner for $20. 

Friday was a fun day altogether! As you can see in the video we did a lot of hands on learning. It started with our reading class. They are reading about objects in space, and we came to the moon. I figured that we might as well have some fun while learning, so I brought out the Oreo cookies. Kids had to only use their teeth to create models of each of the 8 moons we see throughout the month. It was harder than we thought. We tried to glue them down, but they just were not meant to be stuck to paper. They were meant to be in our bellies! All we were missing was the milk. :0) The best part for me, was when Alyssa raised her hand and said she was having a self to text connection. She said that in CC Meeting this morning, we just said that if we make learning fun it sticks in our brain, and now we were doing that. WooHOO!!!! Awesome connection Alyssa!

In Regional Social Studies, we stopped in Iowa on our Midwest tour. There, we learned about farming and ranching. We learned that the life of a cowboy is not always fun and games. We sang the song, Home, Home on the Range together. Then, kids had to come up with words, describing cowboys or cowboy's ways, using all of their senses. So what does a cowboy smell, taste, see, feel, and hear. They had some pretty funny and predictable answers. I then had them write a new verse to add to the Home, Home on the Range song. After a bit, they all performed for us. We then voted on which song we liked the best, and the video shows you the one that won. It was pretty funny!!! Everyone was great and very brave to sing their songs...including Ms. Erickson, whom would never, ever, ever win American Idol no matter how much she believed in herself. :0) 

We ended the day with our usual Fun Friday Team Builder. This week, I wanted kids to work together as a team and to make a plan BEFORE starting. Some teams did this naturally, and some...not so much. It was pretty clear after 10 minutes which team designated people for this and than job and those that didn't have much organization. We once again took a vote, and Kenzi's team took the Human Snowman Prize! It was a great team building experience for all, and it tied right into our science study of Snow-ology! 

This week is the last week before the end of the 2nd quarter. Reports will come home on the 17th. Just a reminder that kids do NOT have school on Monday, the 14th of January. That is a work day for teachers. I will be doing report cards that day along with taking a training on our new LEAD 21 reading series in the afternoon. Teacher's never stop learning I tell ya. Again, that is NOT this Monday, but next! :0)

This week will be business as usual. Mr. English is on military leave once again. He will be gone for 6 weeks. He is learning to fly some new equipment and has to get in a lot of air time. We are so grateful that he is out there fighting for our rights and freedom! Mrs. Hardgrove will be here the entire 6 weeks in his place. She is a retired principal, that never seemed to retire. :0) We love her dearly, and she is so amazing with our kids. She has been here many times, so she knows many of our Bitterroot families. Feel free to stop in and introduce yourself. She is also up to speed on all the new safety procedures in our school. I feel absolutely safe and confident knowing she is our leader for the next 6 weeks. A BIG welcome to her. 

Lastly, we have gym tomorrow, so please help remember to pack or wear those gym shoes. 

Have a wonderful weekend, and be kind to one another! :0) 

Wear Those Fallen Rock Shirts Tomorrow!!!

Well hi there!

Today was another busy day in E4. We started our morning off with Rusty's help to realize what diamonds are really made of. They are made of grit, perserverence, optimism, and curiousity. Who knew! We talked in length that if kids are going to turn into a diamond with all this pressure and heat over time, they will need to keep these things in mind. Great lesson. We then did our little writing project with our stamped envelope. You will be seeing the outcome of that VERY soon. :0) Enjoy!

We had buddies today. Both our class and Mrs. Seward's 2nd graders are in the midst of learning about snow. So, we spent the morning playing a fun game and reading a really fun story. Ask your child about both. If they can tell you about them, write the object that both the story and the game created in the planner for $20 tomorrow at check in.

In Language Arts today we took our SRI test. This test tells me their current reading level. It is also used to place them in their Read About Program. I am so proud to say that all but three of my students made growth!!! That is awesome!!! Some are reading as high as an 8th grade student! Wowzers!!! Keep on reading at home!!! Kids should be brining home new library books today.

In math, we took our Perimeter Quiz. Tomorrow we will venture into area. Thanks to all those that helped kiddos with their area and long division homework last night! We went over them today as well. They will eventually get the division, it just takes practice, practice, practice. Once they get it though, they will have it forever. Yay!

The kiddos voted for indoor recess this morning. They didn't want to go out in the cold. When, lining up for lunch recess later, I may have discovered why. MANY were not dressed for the weather. Please, please make sure your child leaves the house with a COAT (not pullover sweatshirt), hat and gloves. When it becomes really cold, students in my class will not be allowed to go outside to recess without a warm, heavy coat. If you need assistance obtaining one for your child, please stop by the office and talk with Mrs. Zimmerman or Mr. English for help. We have programs available. It is just too cold for kids to be cold. Thanks.

We created our states and capital's flashcards for the MidWest Region today in class. Kids will again need to be able to match these up on a test and identify the location of each of the 12 states. Remember, there is a word bank, so kids need not memorize the spelling of the states, unless you want them too. :0)

I am so pleased with the progress of my class. Each student is making growth academically. However, even more than that is their character. They are really beginning to believe in themselves and in each other. It is so awesome to see that right in front of my eyes each day! Thanks for sharing them with me!

Lastly, please meet our new student Alexis. She is now officially on the blog! Yay! Welcome to her and her family!
Have a wonderful night!