Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Lit Circle Prezis

We wrapped up this round of Literature Circles by each group creating a Prezi over their novel.  I was so proud of the effort and teamwork displayed for this project.  Check them out!

The Mouse & the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary: 
http://prezi.com/ogcelokoutjb/?utm_campaign=share&utm

Rascal by Sterling North: http://prezi.com/oeajyyxoqcqh/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share

Loser by Jerry Spinelli: still to come

Monday, January 13, 2014

Hoot Hoot for 4th Grade!

Check out our beautiful classroom canvases...to be auctioned at this year's Hoot on February 1st! 

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Wonder



One of the great things about being a teacher is that I get to influence kids in a positive manner.  Reading Wonder by RJ Palacio to my class allows for just that.  Wonder is one of my favorite books of all time.  If you haven't read it, READ IT! 


Wonder is the story of 5th grader, Auggie Pullman, who has a facial deformity.  The story is one of courage, acceptance, and friendship.  One of Auggie's teachers  always begins each month with a precept (words of wisdom) on his chalkboard.  Upon completion of the novel, I challenge my students to write their own precepts.  These can be original or quotes from someone else.  The only guideline is that the words need to be something that the student feels strongly about.  4th graders never disappoint with this assignment.  I am always in awe of the insight they possess at such a young age.  Enjoy...

Grace:  "Every student can learn, just not on the same day or the same way." -George Evans

Lexi:  "The purpose of our lives is to be happy." -Dalai Lama

Logan:  "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." -Neil Armstrong

Travis:  "Before God, we are equally wise and equally foolish." -Albert Einstein

Will:  "It is our choices that show us who we are, far more than our abilities." -JK Rowling

Chris:  "If you play hard, play FAIR!" -Chris

Abe:  "You can look very ugly, but as long as you're nice, kind, and have good thoughts, people will
            come toward you." -Abe

Taylor:  "We need love from God.  God is love.  Be friends with lovers.  Just be a lover." -Taylor

Josie:  "Love is not something we should take for granted.  We shall honor it with our hearts and find
             it within us." -Josie

Ella:  "Be nice to the world, and the world will be nice to you." -Ella

Luke:  "If you aren't kind, don't expect for people to be nice to you."  -Luke

Celeste:  "When doing something, do it from your heart."  -Celeste

Noah:  "Be nice to everyone.  If they are nice back, great but if not still be nice."  -Noah

Elizabeth:  "God is above us everyday." -Elizabeth