August 26, 2010
Mrs. Miller

As the bell rang to begin the fourth day of school, my smiling students all filed into the classroom. After taking roll and listening to Morning Announcements, the students began working on Add 3. One of the concepts we worked on was 5/6 is equal to ?/12. I explained that to find the answer they needed to see what was done to the 6 to get 12. The students quickly realized that the 6 was doubled or times by 2. I told them to do the same thing with the numerator. I saw many lightbulbs go on when they figured out the answer was 10.

It was then time to complete Day 3 of our Self-Start. One of today's questions was - What is the name given to a point of land extending into a body of water?____________ This was tricky but learned the answer is cape. We went over the the Self-Start and I reminded the students that tomorrow was the test. I sure hope they all study tonight so they get a good score tomorrow.

At 9:20, the students that are taking instrumental music went to the auditorium to learn more about the music program this year and talk about the instruments. They were given notes to give to their parents. They are all excited to learn a new instrument.

With all the students back from music, we fill out our study guide for the first 12 states and capitals. Only 1 student has been in all 12 states. Wow...quite a traveler.

We had 15 minutes before morning recess so I read some more in "Nightmare Mountain". Woo hoo! The students were on the edge of their seats wondering if Molly and Glendon would get out of the avalance alive. We learned that Molly was able to dig herself out and with the help of Glendon's dog they found Glendon. But we don't know if Glendon is alive or dead. The chapter ended with Molly digging out her cousin not knowing if she was saving him or recovering his body.

When morning recess time arrived, we were all excited to have a break. The students went outside to talk and play with friends and I went down to the office to take care of some teacher stuff.

After the much needed recess, we transitioned to Reading. I gave the students a Reading Assessement test. It had comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and spelling. Wow...a lot of stuff!! Half way through the test I thought the students could use a break. We ran in place, stretched, took deep breaths, and did some jumping jacks. It was good to get some wiggles out of our bodies so we could continue to work our brains.

Following a delicious lunch, the students returned to the classroom to watch a movie entitled "Blue Dolphin". I told them it was one of my favorite to read when I was in 4th grade. While the students were watching the movie, I took some of them into the hall to give them a Dibble's test.

I couldn’t believe it when I looked up at the clock and discovered it was 3:15 already. We quickly got our backpacks ready, checked our planners, and cleaned up around our desks. At 3:20, the bell rang and the students filed through the door to go home. It was another phenomenal day in room 18!