Fractions

This week we began working with fractions. To help us learn the vocabulary, we are sitting in the "Numerator" and "Denominator" positions, using the table top as our separator.
The trickiest part so fa,r is remembering that the denomiator tells us how many parts there are in all.

Multiplication Math Video

We have been working on double digit multiplication. Watch this video of KM explaining how she solves the problem.

               Double Digit Math Video by KM

Math Expectations

We are charting how many multiplication problems we can complete in five minutes using the app, Easy Chart. We are learning how to create and interpret different kinds of graphs (line, pie, bar).

Today we made counting strips as another strategy for memorizing our multiplication facts.  I expect students to be able to solve at least 50 or more multiplication facts in 5 minutes. Ask your child how many problems they are getting and see if they need your help to reach their goal. 

Reminder: Our focus is on multiplication up to 10 x 10.

Heart Pointillism

We are getting ready for February. I am asking students to make their Valentine holders at home this year and then bring to school the week of Valentine's Day. A list of student names will come home on Feb. 4th.

Xtra Math

A friend of mine shared an amazing math site with me and I want to share it with you! XtraMath helps you memorize your math facts. Each day my students are expected to practice their math facts at this site either at school or at home. Students learn which problems they need to work on and can see their improvment. It takes about 5 minutes to complete an assignment and then they are bumped off until the next day.
We are competing against our Edmodo Buddies on our multiplication facts and trying to solve 100 problems in 5 minutes. Using XtraMath each day, will help us be successful.
Students,
How well do you want to learn your math facts? How will you accomplish this goal?

Looking for Patterns

My goal is to keep our math as connected to the real world as possible. Today we started our unit on patterns and went for a walk down the street to record the house numbers on our mini whiteboards. When we returned to the classroom I asked if anyone noticed a pattern in their numbers. We noticed that each number was following the rule of subtracting 6. Now we are on the hunt for other number patterns in our world. What number patterns have you discovered?

Math Basketball

We found a fun way to practice our math facts today. We worked with partners to solve a math problem and the first team that stand up showing the correct answer (product), was awarded a point. The team with the most points got to shoot the free throws when it was  time.

Math Fact Shoot-Out

Catching Up

We are having a great time learning and doing all kinds of projects. We are solving multiplication and division story problems as we learn new facts about a variety of animals. Here
Is a sample of one of our solutions.

We also decided to choose 3 words to focus on this year to help us improve our lives, instead of making a New Years Resolution. Here are a few of our posters we will place in he hallway.



Working on more math problems with our partners.


During P.E. we ran the Snowflake Shuffle and received a blue bracelet.

This afternoon we tried a new free app on with our Edmodo Buddies in LaGrande. The app is a called BaiBoard. It is an interactive app that let's you communicate and create with others that are not even near you. Check it out, it was really fun. We found out they have rolled huge snowballs. Where is our snow?

Cindy Schimel

Christmas Party

We spent the day with a variety of projects. We hung snow in the windows since there wasn't any real snow.


Then we made our party treats.








We beaded snowflake ornaments.











We also finished up our iBooks that we have been creating.





Happy holidays everyone!

Posted by Cindy Schimel

Battle of the Books

Today was our Battle of the Books kick off and we are ready to READ! I heard many students say they were adding books to their Christmas lists, so here is the list we will do battle on.

Book List

 

Poppy by Avi (1995) 

 Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and other Scary Things by Lenore Look (2008). 
The Arrow Over the Door by Joseph Bruchac (2002).

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau (2003). 
Diamond Willow by Helen Frost (2008)

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by Jack Gantos (1999 
Keeping Score by Linda Sue Park (2008) 
Masterpiece by Elise Broach (2008

Paint the Wind by Pam Muñoz Ryan (2007 
Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon and Dean Hale (2008) 
Secret Identity by Wendelin Van Draanen (2004) 
Small steps: The Year I Got Polio by Peg Kehret (1996) 
The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry (2008    Pool play will be on Feb. 12 after school unless someone on the team can not stay after school. I am sending home a permission slip for you to sign if you are willing to have your child participate in the after school pool play. No one will be left out if they can not stay after school. They would participate in the pool play during school hours. If you have questions, please call or email.

 

Razkids Reading

We have started working on division and I thought it would be the perfect time to use QR codes. Students worked with their partner to scan each QR code and then showed the solution on their paper using numbers, pictures, and words. Using the QR codes provided a nice opportunity for students to get up and move a little between each problem. Once they scanned their next problem, they were ready to settle in and solve the next one.


Enjoying every moment,
Cindy Schimel

Location:QR Code Math

Reindeer Cookies

We have received enough compliments to have a celebration, so we chose to make some cookies. First we had to figure out how many supplies we needed and how much it would all cost.
Here is what one groups work.


We also received the iPod that we purchased for our Uganda friends. We will send it as soon as we buy a cover for it. I can't wait to see what they do with it.


Here is what our cookies looked like.














Enjoying every moment,
Cindy Schimel

Can Food Drive & Hat Day

Many of us wore a hat on Friday in support of our amazing Principal and also donated some can food to help others through the holidays.


Enjoying every moment,
Cindy Schimel

Writing

We have written our rough draft of our personal stories. Here students are peer editing their work.


Students have become great self managers and enjoyed our latest Minute To Win It competition. We tried to drop a coin into a small cup inside another can filled with water. We cheered each other on and celebrated each victory.




Enjoying every moment,
Cindy Schimel

Writing & Music

We are preparing for our Christmas Concert which is at 1:00 on December 6th at the Vert.



We started writing our personal stories today and I am so excited to hear more. We have great writers. Stay tuned to see our finished work in the near future.


Enjoying every moment,
Cindy Schimel

New Websites

Math Mangahigh Site

Animal Research Site

Letters to Uganda

We had fun today working on our final copy of our letters to our friends in Uganda. We also are using the Pic Collage app to create a fun picture to send them. There were 32 photographers in the room organizing shots like this one.




Did I tell you we received a grant from Altrusa International to purchase an iPod for the Uganda friends? Now we are in the process of ordering and shipping the iPod. Then we will both post pictures and letters to each other through the joint blog. More on that as it develops.

Enjoying every moment,
Cindy Schimel

Candy Elevator

I am hooked on iMovie. It doesn't hurt that I have a few hams too.
We had fun celebrating our good behavior with participation in the Candy Elevator competition.

Paper Wasp Nest

TP brought in a paper wasp nest and we dissected it. We found it had many layers surrounding the brood nursery.






We found all kinds of insect parts too.








Then we learned that they are water proof so we had to test it out. Sure enough, they are! The water stayed on the outer layer.



Thank you TP and family for sharing your find with us.

Enjoying every moment,
Cindy Schimel

Awards Assembly

I was proud to present these students with an award for citizenship during our school assembly today.

 

We are reading a great book called, There is a Boy in the Girls Bathroom.

It has many twists and turns. I wonder how it will end.

 

Movie Premieres

Dim the lights, grab your popcorn, and snuggle up, it's time for our McKay's movie premiere!
Now showing are our helpful, and hopefully, informative videos created just for YOU!

iDevices




 QR Codes 


Edmodo Fun



Woo Hoo Bingo



Audioboo (app)


Our Behavior


I would say our first attempts are pretty good. Now many of us are planning the next project. Stay tuned, they sound very good.

Neon Spirt Day

A great looking group.


Enjoying every moment,
Cindy Schimel

Multiplication Bridge Trick Video

We have our first completely student made video to share with you. See what you think.