Hope everyone has a great week before Winter Break! This should be a fun week with the special events going on. Among other attractions, I will be having my head shaved at the Winter assembly (Friday at 2:10) if the students can bring in enough items to reach our goal of 2,000 points in our food drive. So far they've been doing a great job of bringing in items, so I may be looking for a hat by the end of the week!
Media Literacy
Lots of special things going on in Media Literacy this week! Our COW (Computers on Wheels) is now ready for use, so students will be learning how to properly use and care for the laptops contained within that cart. While using the COW, they will be organizing their server folders - with all the work they've been completing, they need cleaning! Students will learn how to rename files, create folders, and delete unneeded files.
In addition to using the COW, students will be entering their fitness test results on the computer this week. They will enter their height and weight on a web site to calculate their BMI (Body Mass Index), which can provide a basic idea of whether or not a student is at a healthy weight. To get even better information on their body composition, students will measure their (approximate) body fat percentage using a fat loss monitor. This device uses the "Bioelectric Impedance Method." Essentially, it passes a small, harmless current through the body and measures how much returns to the device. Different body materials (muscle, bone, fat) contain varying percentages of water, and therefore resist electricity at different rates. Higher resistance, or impedance, of electricity indicates a higher percentage of body fat, since fat has less water than muscle.
Lastly, students will be given an overview of some great new books we have in the library. We have processed the books for three different awards: Children's Choice, Sasquatch, and Young Reader's Choice. Students who read at least 2 books for a specific award will be able to vote for a winner in a state-wide poll around March and April. Prizes will be available for the students who read the most books for these awards.
P.E.
We'll be continuing our basketball unit this week. Students did a great job last week of practicing passing, dribbling, and shooting. It was a lot of fun to see them work together as teams to finish dribbling relay races, or to do timed passing drills. This week, we're adding some drills for offense and defense, and more shooting. Games practicing sets of those skills will also be played. Captain Ball, where they must get past the opposing team to pass a ball to their "captain," will be one of these, as will other simple basket-shooting games such as Around the Key. After the break, we'll come back and start playing games that incorporate all the skills together.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
December 6 - December 10
Please remember that there is a late start this Wednesday, December 8th.
Media Literacy
Third graders will be learning more about using our file server this week. Classes that haven't yet been introduced to our keyboarding program, Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing, will log into the server to access it. After that, they will learn how to save a file to their folder, and how to open it again once it's been saved.
Fourth and fifth grade will continue with their sports research projects. After finding resources (and learning how to copy-and-paste and highlight on the computer), they will start to organize their notes so they can use them to create their final project.
P.E.
Fitness tests are all completed now, so we'll be able to begin our basketball unit (there turned out to be too little time to begin it last week). Students will work with a variety of drills and games to build their ball control, passing, dribbling, and shooting skills.
Media Literacy
Third graders will be learning more about using our file server this week. Classes that haven't yet been introduced to our keyboarding program, Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing, will log into the server to access it. After that, they will learn how to save a file to their folder, and how to open it again once it's been saved.
Fourth and fifth grade will continue with their sports research projects. After finding resources (and learning how to copy-and-paste and highlight on the computer), they will start to organize their notes so they can use them to create their final project.
P.E.
Fitness tests are all completed now, so we'll be able to begin our basketball unit (there turned out to be too little time to begin it last week). Students will work with a variety of drills and games to build their ball control, passing, dribbling, and shooting skills.
Monday, November 29, 2010
November 29 - December 3
It's so nice to be back after so much time away! I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving and enjoyed the snow days!
Media Literacy
This week, third grade students will be reaching the end of their keyboarding unit. They are graduating to the computerized typing tutor, Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing. This will allow them to instantly see their progress in accuracy and words per minute.
Fourth and fifth grade classes will be starting a sports research project. This week, they'll be choosing a sport, finding resources, and getting a few notes on how it's played, where it comes from, and other information.
P.E.
It's time for fitness tests! All classes will be completing these this week, measuring their abilities in Muscular Strength, Cardio-Respiratory Endurance, and Flexibility. After that, they'll be finishing up their soccer unit if they haven't, or starting the basketball unit if they have.
Media Literacy
This week, third grade students will be reaching the end of their keyboarding unit. They are graduating to the computerized typing tutor, Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing. This will allow them to instantly see their progress in accuracy and words per minute.
Fourth and fifth grade classes will be starting a sports research project. This week, they'll be choosing a sport, finding resources, and getting a few notes on how it's played, where it comes from, and other information.
P.E.
It's time for fitness tests! All classes will be completing these this week, measuring their abilities in Muscular Strength, Cardio-Respiratory Endurance, and Flexibility. After that, they'll be finishing up their soccer unit if they haven't, or starting the basketball unit if they have.
Monday, November 22, 2010
November 22 - November 26
Hope everyone has a wonderful week! It's another week of crazy schedules. Last week we had half-days for conferences, and this week we have a half-day on Wednesday and no school on Thursday or Friday. Happy Thanksgiving!
Media Literacy
Classes that meet this week will have a chance to work on a Thanksgiving webquest. They will visit 2 different web sites about the first Thanksgiving, and answer a few questions about what they learned. Last week, students had the privilege of having the children's librarian from the Tenino Timberland library, Sara Wall, come in and give a talk about what books and resources are available there.
PE
Classes that have finished up their soccer unit will be starting fitness tests this week, measuring their aptitudes in the 5 different components of fitness. Other classes that have earned it will enjoy a free day this week, where they can choose what activity to do.
Media Literacy
Classes that meet this week will have a chance to work on a Thanksgiving webquest. They will visit 2 different web sites about the first Thanksgiving, and answer a few questions about what they learned. Last week, students had the privilege of having the children's librarian from the Tenino Timberland library, Sara Wall, come in and give a talk about what books and resources are available there.
PE
Classes that have finished up their soccer unit will be starting fitness tests this week, measuring their aptitudes in the 5 different components of fitness. Other classes that have earned it will enjoy a free day this week, where they can choose what activity to do.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
November 8 - November 12
There's a lot going on this week: a late start on Wednesday (school starts at 10:20), a Veterans' Day assembly at 1:40 on Wednesday, and no school on Thursday to honor the veterans who have served our country. I hope everyone has a wonderful week!
Media Literacy
Students will be completing a short test on the computer this week that assesses how much they remember of the things we went over during the first quarter. Questions about finding web sites, using library resources, and the 5 components of fitness will be included.
P.E.
Our soccer unit will be drawing to a close over the next week or so. Now that the students have had a chance to practice the basic skills, we'll start moving up to team-based games. Foosball soccer, where students stay on a line just like in a Foosball game, is one example, as is four-corner soccer (4 teams), and line soccer (2 teams, with a sideline that can kick the ball if it comes near them). It should be a lot of fun!
Media Literacy
Students will be completing a short test on the computer this week that assesses how much they remember of the things we went over during the first quarter. Questions about finding web sites, using library resources, and the 5 components of fitness will be included.
P.E.
Our soccer unit will be drawing to a close over the next week or so. Now that the students have had a chance to practice the basic skills, we'll start moving up to team-based games. Foosball soccer, where students stay on a line just like in a Foosball game, is one example, as is four-corner soccer (4 teams), and line soccer (2 teams, with a sideline that can kick the ball if it comes near them). It should be a lot of fun!
Monday, November 1, 2010
November 1 - November 5
Media Literacy
All three grade levels will be busy finishing up assignments this week. Classes that have completed all their assignments will be creating a Wordle about their favorite sport. To see more about Wordles, go to their web site.
P.E.
We're starting on soccer this week. We'll start with basic ball-control skills such as dribbling and juggling, then move on to kicking and play a few modified games. It should be a lot of fun!
All three grade levels will be busy finishing up assignments this week. Classes that have completed all their assignments will be creating a Wordle about their favorite sport. To see more about Wordles, go to their web site.
P.E.
We're starting on soccer this week. We'll start with basic ball-control skills such as dribbling and juggling, then move on to kicking and play a few modified games. It should be a lot of fun!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
October 25 - October 29
Media Literacy
All three grade levels have been hard at work at their internet research. Third grade is researching animals, writing down the site they found their information from, and what search engine they used to find the site. Fourth grade is evaluating web sites about sunken ships (i.e. Titanic, Edmund Fitzgerald, etc.). They must pick 2 web pages about their topic, writing down information on who created the site and what they say about the ship. They must then determine whether or not their site is a good overall resource about their topic. Fifth grade is also evaluating 2 web pages, but their topics are more difficult: topics such as Crop Circles and Bigfoot where it's more likely to find web sites with inaccurate information. The students are doing a fine job of determining which sites are credible, and which are not.
Moved to this week is the library call number review. Students were so busy in the lab last week that most classes didn't have a chance to get to the library. This review will help students to become more familiar with how the Call Numbers are sorted on books, with the intent that they can more easily find resources they are looking for in the future.
P.E.
Unfortunately, an out-of-order pole standard prevented us from playing 4-square volleyball last week, so most classes have finished with our volleyball unit. We will be able to revisit 4-square volleyball later in the year as a review activity when the pole standard is fixed.
For this week, students will be learning the 5 components of fitness: Cardio-respiratory Endurance, Muscular Endurance, Muscular Strength, Flexibility, and Body Composition. Then, students will have a chance to play various games and complete different activities that help to build their abilities in the different components. For example, a tag game helps to build Cardio-respiratory endurance, while tumbling activities can help with flexibility. In the near future, once students are familiar with the components, they will be taking a fitness test and setting a goal for a specific component. Then, near the end of the year they will be re-tested, and they can see how much they have improved in their goal area.
All three grade levels have been hard at work at their internet research. Third grade is researching animals, writing down the site they found their information from, and what search engine they used to find the site. Fourth grade is evaluating web sites about sunken ships (i.e. Titanic, Edmund Fitzgerald, etc.). They must pick 2 web pages about their topic, writing down information on who created the site and what they say about the ship. They must then determine whether or not their site is a good overall resource about their topic. Fifth grade is also evaluating 2 web pages, but their topics are more difficult: topics such as Crop Circles and Bigfoot where it's more likely to find web sites with inaccurate information. The students are doing a fine job of determining which sites are credible, and which are not.
Moved to this week is the library call number review. Students were so busy in the lab last week that most classes didn't have a chance to get to the library. This review will help students to become more familiar with how the Call Numbers are sorted on books, with the intent that they can more easily find resources they are looking for in the future.
P.E.
Unfortunately, an out-of-order pole standard prevented us from playing 4-square volleyball last week, so most classes have finished with our volleyball unit. We will be able to revisit 4-square volleyball later in the year as a review activity when the pole standard is fixed.
For this week, students will be learning the 5 components of fitness: Cardio-respiratory Endurance, Muscular Endurance, Muscular Strength, Flexibility, and Body Composition. Then, students will have a chance to play various games and complete different activities that help to build their abilities in the different components. For example, a tag game helps to build Cardio-respiratory endurance, while tumbling activities can help with flexibility. In the near future, once students are familiar with the components, they will be taking a fitness test and setting a goal for a specific component. Then, near the end of the year they will be re-tested, and they can see how much they have improved in their goal area.
Monday, October 18, 2010
October 18 - October 22
Media Literacy
We'll be continuing our work on internet research this week. Third grade students will be learning how to use different types of search engines, writing down information they find and how they found it. Fourth and fifth grades will be adding the skill of evaluating the accuracy and credibility of a web site. For example, The History Channel is generally an accurate source on history, someone's blog site may not be. Classes that complete their internet research introduction will be reviewing call numbers in the library, so students can become faster and more accurate at finding books they're looking for.
P.E.
Volleyball skills continue throughout this week. Individual and small-group practice is followed by simplified volleyball games that work on specific skills. Circle volleyball works on setting, Volley Bombers works on accurate serving, and 4-square volleyball combines all the skills we've learned into a fun game.
We'll be continuing our work on internet research this week. Third grade students will be learning how to use different types of search engines, writing down information they find and how they found it. Fourth and fifth grades will be adding the skill of evaluating the accuracy and credibility of a web site. For example, The History Channel is generally an accurate source on history, someone's blog site may not be. Classes that complete their internet research introduction will be reviewing call numbers in the library, so students can become faster and more accurate at finding books they're looking for.
P.E.
Volleyball skills continue throughout this week. Individual and small-group practice is followed by simplified volleyball games that work on specific skills. Circle volleyball works on setting, Volley Bombers works on accurate serving, and 4-square volleyball combines all the skills we've learned into a fun game.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
October 11 - October 15
Media Literacy
After completing their library scavenger hunts from last week, students will be back to the computer lab to learn how to find good resources on the internet. Strategies for using search engines and evaluating what makes a good resource will be covered.
P.E.
This week we will begin our volleyball unit, starting with serving, setting, and other basic skills. From there, we'll move up to practice in partners and small groups in preparation for a full game.
After completing their library scavenger hunts from last week, students will be back to the computer lab to learn how to find good resources on the internet. Strategies for using search engines and evaluating what makes a good resource will be covered.
P.E.
This week we will begin our volleyball unit, starting with serving, setting, and other basic skills. From there, we'll move up to practice in partners and small groups in preparation for a full game.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
October 4 – October 8
Remember, no school this Friday for a teacher inservice day. Hope you have a great long weekend!
Media Literacy
Over the past week, students have begun working on their keyboarding skills. For 4th and 5th-grade students, we have used the program Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing. Since they have already learned to correct posture and fingering, the program allows them to review their skills and increase their accuracy and speed. Third-grade students have been working on worksheets from the Herzog keyboarding program, which takes them through the alphabet from A-Z. After they have learned the fingering for all of the letters, they too will be working with Mavis Beacon.
Students will also be in the library this week to work on their book-finding skills. After reviewing where everything is found in the library, students were given a scavenger hunt to see if they could find the various resources around the room. Soon students will be working on research in the library and computer lab, so they will be well-prepared to find the resources they need.
P.E.
Over the past week, students have begun a unit on football, which we will be completing this week. We have focused on passing and receiving skills, passing between partners and small groups. This week they are working up to team-based games, finishing up this week with a version of touch football called Ultimate Football.
Classes that finish the football unit will be working together to finish the Scrabble relay, where teams work to build a word, running for 1 letter at a time for their team.
Media Literacy
Over the past week, students have begun working on their keyboarding skills. For 4th and 5th-grade students, we have used the program Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing. Since they have already learned to correct posture and fingering, the program allows them to review their skills and increase their accuracy and speed. Third-grade students have been working on worksheets from the Herzog keyboarding program, which takes them through the alphabet from A-Z. After they have learned the fingering for all of the letters, they too will be working with Mavis Beacon.
Students will also be in the library this week to work on their book-finding skills. After reviewing where everything is found in the library, students were given a scavenger hunt to see if they could find the various resources around the room. Soon students will be working on research in the library and computer lab, so they will be well-prepared to find the resources they need.
P.E.
Over the past week, students have begun a unit on football, which we will be completing this week. We have focused on passing and receiving skills, passing between partners and small groups. This week they are working up to team-based games, finishing up this week with a version of touch football called Ultimate Football.
Classes that finish the football unit will be working together to finish the Scrabble relay, where teams work to build a word, running for 1 letter at a time for their team.
Friday, September 17, 2010
September 20 – September 24
Welcome back! I finally have my blog site up and running again, so check back each week to see what classes will be up to for Media Literacy and PE. Media Literacy is the name we've given to our computer class this year, since students will be working extensively with finding, sorting, and using information found on the internet and other electronic sources. We will also be in the library on occasion to learn how to use search for books, use nonfiction resources, and do other tasks related to books.
So far, students in Media Literacy have been introduced to the computers and the rules, and have started right out with researching in our World Book encyclopedia. They have also worked in our updated Renaissance Place system, where they can access Accelerated Reader quizzes, practice math facts, and take the STAR reading assessment.
In PE, students have been learning the rules and procedures, and we have started the year with a variety of games to practice working together, pairing up or dividing into teams, and other skills we will need throughout the year. Games they have played include Moving Day (working as teams to move a variety of equipment without using hands), Rock / Paper / Scissors Splits (a flexibility exercise using rock / paper / scissors), and a few different tag games. This week, students also played Indiana Jones, where they had to work as a team to move a large cage ball in order to tag the person playing Indiana Jones.
Upcoming activities this week:
Media Literacy
We'll be finishing up MAP testing in the lab on Monday and Tuesday, so students will have PE during that time. After that, any classes that have not yet seen the new Accelerated Reader will learn how to use it. Classes that have already taken quizzes will learn how to navigate our Technology Resources page, where they can find various educational web sites.
PE
We're breaking out the scooters this week in PE for Scooter Basketball. In this game, students work on small teams of 4-5 people to try and get a foam ball into the opposing team's goal (we're using a clean trash can). This game mostly works on the skill of passing, since there is no dribbling involved, and the ball can be passed to any other player, even if they're on the sideline. Third-graders will later be playing Bean Bag hunt, where teams work together to find bean bags of a specific color that have been hidden under cones. Fourth- and fifth-graders will play 4-team battleship, where they try to knock down the opposing teams' bowling pins.
So far, students in Media Literacy have been introduced to the computers and the rules, and have started right out with researching in our World Book encyclopedia. They have also worked in our updated Renaissance Place system, where they can access Accelerated Reader quizzes, practice math facts, and take the STAR reading assessment.
In PE, students have been learning the rules and procedures, and we have started the year with a variety of games to practice working together, pairing up or dividing into teams, and other skills we will need throughout the year. Games they have played include Moving Day (working as teams to move a variety of equipment without using hands), Rock / Paper / Scissors Splits (a flexibility exercise using rock / paper / scissors), and a few different tag games. This week, students also played Indiana Jones, where they had to work as a team to move a large cage ball in order to tag the person playing Indiana Jones.
Upcoming activities this week:
Media Literacy
We'll be finishing up MAP testing in the lab on Monday and Tuesday, so students will have PE during that time. After that, any classes that have not yet seen the new Accelerated Reader will learn how to use it. Classes that have already taken quizzes will learn how to navigate our Technology Resources page, where they can find various educational web sites.
PE
We're breaking out the scooters this week in PE for Scooter Basketball. In this game, students work on small teams of 4-5 people to try and get a foam ball into the opposing team's goal (we're using a clean trash can). This game mostly works on the skill of passing, since there is no dribbling involved, and the ball can be passed to any other player, even if they're on the sideline. Third-graders will later be playing Bean Bag hunt, where teams work together to find bean bags of a specific color that have been hidden under cones. Fourth- and fifth-graders will play 4-team battleship, where they try to knock down the opposing teams' bowling pins.
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