Farm Field Trip

On Monday, we will be visiting the Sims Farm in Alpine, Alabama. Mr. Sims is a farmer by trade this is how he makes his living. That means that everyday instead of getting ready to go to an office he gets up to tend to his farm. What responsiblities do you think Mr. Sims has? If you could have a conversation with Mr. Sims about his job, what would you say?

The Leader in Me

We have spent a lot of time discussing teamwork, being proactive verses reactive, and building our classroom community. How do you think you fit into our classroom community? Are you a possitive, supportive member of the group? Do you encourage others? Are you as willing to give help as you are to ask for it? What kind of leader are you learning to be?

Trapped Miners

WOW!! I can't begin to imagine what these miners are going through at this moment. These miners have been without their families for 70 days. They were stuck under ground about 1/2 mile after a tunnel collapsed, and had to eat only two teaspoons of tuna fish, a sip of milk with a half of a biscuit each every 48 hours. They are probably filled with joy and excitement as they reach ground one at a time. Waiting above ground are their families members to greet them with hugs. They did not know if they would ever see their love ones again. If you could talk to these miners, what are some questions that you would ask them about their adventure.

The Seven Habits of Happy Kids

We have been studying the seven habits of happy kids. Each habit provides us with a new outlook on daily life and how we should handle ourselves. What have you learned from the habits? Has it changed how you think about yourself or how you treat others? Have the habits made a difference in your school or home life? Please explain your answer.

Summer 2010

Wow!!! I can hardly believe that the summer is coming to an end and school is about to begin! It is amazing all the activity that can be packed into two short months. I have spent my time playing in the water wheither it be the lake, pool, or ocean. I took several trips and attended several workshops. My family always goes to PCB, Fl for vacation however, this year we took an adventure to Myrtle Beach, SC. We had a great time but wow that was a long drive. I was horrified at the damage the recent oil spill caused to our beaches and watched the BP website frequently to learn of what was being done to stop it. How has the oil spill effected your family vacation? Did your travel plans change? Have you thought of any ideas of what we could do to become involved and help save the gulf? A close friend of mine held a photo shoot with 4 photographers to raise money for the gulf. I thought it was an awesome idea and I actually participated. Every small idea can help.

Natural Disaster: Haiti

Wow, I cannot believe the overwhelming tragedy the recent earthquakes have caused in Haiti. Before January12th I cannot say that I really knew very much about Haiti. My learning has certainly changed. Together we have learned that Haiti is a small island. We have learned that the people of Haiti are typically poor, which makes the earthquake tragedy worse. Together we have decided on raising money to send to the Red Cross. We also discussed our feelings and how knowing that their are kids just like you and grown-ups just like me in Haiti who are suffering. All of these feelings make you want to do more. I think that it is important for each of us to truely understand what natural disasters are and know how to be prepared. You have divided into groups and started researching the different types of natural disasters. What can you tell me about what you learned? Has your thinking changed? If so, in what ways?

Genre Study: Fairy Tales

We have been practicing the use of comparison and contrast. Through the use of this reading strategy we began a genre study on fairy tales. We have learned that each fairy tale contains certain elements that make them more than just a story, a real fairy tale. Which element did you find was a sure give away that what you were reading was in fact a fairy tale? Was it the beginning, the characters, or maybe the plot? What element did you find yourself looking for immediately as we began a new text? We have also learned that their are many versions available for our enjoyment of our favorite "traditional" fairy tales. Which fairy tale combination did you find most interesting and easiest to compare/contrast? Why?