Flynn Park GATE

Fifth Grade Update - Feb. 16

2012-02-16T14:20:00.000-06:00

Today, we had an inventions working day. The students created their posters using their Past, Present and Future research. Most of the students used this opportunity to research something close to the item they are inventing and that was exactly the point of the assignment. I spoke with each child about their inventions and gave them tips to keep going and how to proceed with the model building.

Models need to be at school on Thursday, March 1. We will have a public display on Thursday March 8. Next, week we will create an advertisement for the inventions. Your child needs to know what they would charge for their invention and where it might be sold in order to complete this activity. The information on prices and location should be written into the Invention Log.

We did not having a building activity this week because I had lost my notes. Luckily I found them yesterday, but not in enough time to gather materials for today. So, next week we'll be doing another quick thinking building activity.

IMPORTANT: I have reminded the students many times not to wait until the last minute to ask for help on their invention project. They must have their model here on March 1.

Third Grade Update - Feb. 15

2012-02-15T15:42:00.000-06:00

Man o' Man did the children work their thinking caps today. We did a detailed analysis of the networks the children worked on last week. The children analyzed the odd and even vertices in each network they drew last week. Then they were looking for a pattern in those numbers that might determine whether or not a particular network can be traveled in one continuous, non-repeating line. Please take a look at your child's papers. Most of them are loose in the front pocket of their binder.

Next week they'll be working on a final project, a test of sorts. They will be able to use all the information we've gathered on networks in order to solve the final problem, so please do not recycle the work they have in their binders.

We also did our think and touch problems. Your child should have their answers in the first section of their notebook. They should also be able to explain each of the problems.

Book orders are due tomorrow if you are sending in a paper order. If you'll be ordering on line, please place that order by the end of Friday. I will submit the order over the weekend.

Second Grade Update - Feb. 15

2012-02-15T11:34:00.001-06:00

We have made it through the first unit of Hands-On Equations. The children are doing a fabulous job. Remember to practice skip counting the digits 1 - 9. If they can do that it will help tremendously. Next week they will take a test. This is similar to the pretest they looked at when we began the unit. Then on Feb. 29 we'll introduce the next level of difficulty (-x). Yes, they will do equations with negative numbers.

We moved onto PETS visual thinking skills. Today they had tangram activities that had the student not use one piece of the tangram set to solve the puzzle. They are so used to using all seven pieces that this activity proved to be bit difficult for some. These activities develop the connection between our eyes, thinking and require the students to use deductive thinking to solve the puzzles.

Many of the students are working each week to learn how to solve the Rubik's Cube puzzle. This ties in so well with our visual thinking skills I am encouraging them to continue working on it at home if they have a cube. Unfortunately I just don't have enough cubes to allow mine to be checked out.

Remember, book orders are due to me tomorrow or to be placed on line by Friday.

BOOK ORDERS DUE THIS WEEK

2012-02-14T14:55:00.000-06:00

If you want to submit a paper order form with a check please send that in on Thursday. If you are going to order on line you can do that through Friday, Feb. 17. I will submit the order over the weekend.

On Line Ordering

Website: www.scholastic.com/bookclubs

Click on I am a parent. The first time you will need to set up a login id and password.

Classroom Activation Code: GL7HN

First Grade Update - Feb. 14

2012-02-14T14:53:00.000-06:00

Today was our day to finish up two different activities. First we finished learning about Abraham Lincoln. The children have their booklet to share with you. There were many difficult concepts, but my goal is to introduce them to the information. If they enjoyed the topic, maybe they will seek out a book at their own reading level to learn even more. We learned two really big words today emancipation and seceded. I wast thrilled with the amount of information that the students remembered from last week.

We also finished our pattern activity. The children should have a bead necklace with them that is designed using a building pattern of their own development. I was happy with the results.

Next week we'll be finishing the Max the Magician Visual / Spatial Learning activities. Our next thinking skill is Evaluative Thinking with Jordan the Judge, an owl.

Fourth Grade Lewis and Clark

2012-02-14T14:43:00.002-06:00

This week marks the beginning of our unit on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Many of the lessons will be in class, but each child will also have an individual assignment. I will give as much time in class as I can to work on them, but THERE will be work to be done at home. We will be taking a field trip to the Lewis and Clark Historic Site in Hartford, IL on April 25.

Below is a copy of the assignment sheet and tasks the children were given Tuesday, February 14. For each of the tasks there is a specific assignment sheet that will be given to the children once they make their decision. Decisions must be made by February 28 and can not change after March 6. All individual projects will be due March 27. We will begin presentations that day.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition – Corps of Discovery

Each student will complete the activities listed below to extend your understanding of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This will require research and work outside of our scheduled GATE time. You should make use of the Internet sources listed below and posted on the Flynn GATE Blog. You can also go to the University City Library to find additional books on your specific topic. Books in the classroom must stay in the classroom.

You will take a pre-test and post-test on the Expedition.
Along with the members of the group you are assigned, you will research a series of events, put them in order and then create an illustrated timeline of the events. Everyone in the group is to assist in locating the date of the events using any resource available in the classroom.
You will be assigned a dilemma to research and discover the real solution as described in the journals and other resources. Your dilemma number is ___________________________
You will act as in Interpreter for one of the Native American Tribes encountered by the Corps. Choose a tribe and complete the research as describe on the Interpreter handout. Get your index card from Mrs. Lecours when you are ready to prepare your final product.
You will choose one task from the list of Task Descriptions attached. Task _______________
You will make an oral presentation to the class using one of the tasks from #5 as your source.

Below is a short list of Lewis and Clark Internet resources. There are hundreds of sites on the expedition. You are not limited to these sites, but be careful when doing general searches on the web, many sites are for adults and may be too difficult to understand. Please let me know if you have trouble with the links. I have tested them and as of this post they are working.

PBS: http://www.pbs.org/lewisandclark/index.html

Scholastic: Slow to load http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/lewis_clark/#

National Geographic:
Kid Friendly http://www.nationalgeographic.com/west/

Adult Version http://www.nationalgeographic.com/lewisandclark/

Interactive Movie: http://www.kidsknowit.com/interactive-educational-movies/free-online-movies.php?movie=lewis%20and%20clark

Smithsonian: http://www.edgate.com/lewisandclark/

Lewis and Clark Task Descriptions

Use the handout to guide your project, but be sure to come back here for the final assignment; some have been changed from the handout.

Sign Language – Learn why sign language was so important to the Expedition. Write a report for Mrs. Lecours. Learn 10 words related to the expedition and teach them to the class.

Speech to Congress – Research Jefferson’s reasons for wanting the Expedition. Write and present a speech to request the money needed for the Expedition.

Equipment for the Expedition – Research and write about the equipment needed for the Expedition.

Poem – Create an original poem about the expedition.

Biography – Research and write about a member of the Corps of Discovery.

Louisiana Purchase – Research the history of the Louisiana Purchase. Write a newspaper article either in support or against the purchase of this land.

Plants & Animals – Research one of the NEW plants or animals discovered by the Expedition. Present a report and picture (original) to the class.

Fort Mandan & Fort Clatsop – Research one of the forts. Write a report and build a model of the fort.

Animal Skin – Write a story on “animal skin” then translate it for your classmates.

Native American Tribe Map – Research the Native American tribes that helped the Expedition. Create a map to show your classmates where they lived at the time of Lewis and Clark’s trip.

1803 US Map – Research the states and territories of the United States at the beginning and end of the Expedition. Create maps to show the changes.

Kindergarten

2012-02-13T15:42:00.000-06:00

Today was all about making up for lost time. We covered a lot of material in a short time and the children were wonderful. They used deductive (detective) thinking in every activity we completed. We started with a reading of the book Corduroy. I then put them to figuring out words when given a clue and a set of letters. The words they made are on a paper they brought home that was printed after they completed the activity.

Next, we went back to visit Dudley in Crystal Pond Woods. We reviewed his rules of detective thinking. The rules are:
         There is only one right answer.
         Delay judgement of certain information if necessary.
         Put more than one clue together to find all needed information.
         And last, patience is important.

We used these skills to complete three Dudley activities. First, I read clues that lead to the children guessing the animal that was being described. Then, we used clues to rule out which picture - out of five- matched our clues. (I am keeping the Dudley activities until we are done with the unit so that we can reference them as we move along.)

Last, I introduced the children to Roman Numerals. The children are bringing home an activity page we did together and a bookmark with the Roman Numbers for 1 - 10. We'll be revisiting these each week for a while. They will be able to recognize 1 to 20 in Roman Numerals in a just a few short weeks.

Last, I gave your child the GATE book club orders. I realize this is late in coming to you, but if you'd like to order I will need paper orders back here by Thursday or you can order on line through Friday.

Due to the President's Day Holiday we won't have class next week. Again, we'll just have a busy day on February 28.

Fifth Grade Update - Feb. 9

2012-02-09T15:22:00.000-06:00

Wow, it was another exciting day in Room 213. Today's tower building activity involved shaving cream and toothpicks. The children were given one cup of shaving cream and 30 toothpicks. It was so much fun to see these "older" children playing in shaving cream. They actually wanted to play when we were done. That made me smile. The winning tower was just one foot tall, which seemed short compared to the last few weeks' towers. However, had you seen the activity in progress, you understand why this was such an amazing feat. The winning team was Miles and Leanne. Many other teams also built towers that would stand, but theirs was the tallest. We saw many in the 9.5 inch to 11 inch range. Very impressive.

We spent more time than I had planned on the towers, so we did not get to making our posters on the past, present and future research. There is no new homework this week, just continue to work on the invention log and begin gathering materials for the actual building of the model.

Each week your child should bring their binder and their invention log to class so they are prepared to work on their invention in class.

Remember, inventions are due MARCH 1.

Third Grade

2012-02-08T15:09:00.001-06:00

Today I introduced the children to Shongo Networks. This is another exercise in mental discipline. The children are wonderful about staying focused to accomplish the task. Here is a link that explains the networks: Shongo Networks - Lawrence Hall of Science. The Lawrence Hall of Science is the unit I am doing with the children, so this is right "from the horse's mouth."

Next week we'll investigate a mathematical way to know if a network can be traveled in one continuous line. Please ask your child to show you their trials from today's class. I was very impressed with the perseverance they showed in trying to get the problems.

Book Orders are due next Friday, Feb. 17.

Fourth Grade Update - February 7

2012-02-07T15:26:00.000-06:00

We had a great last day of division today. The students were put into pairs to solve a multi-step problem. After much work, everyone was able to get an answer. Best of all, each group had a different right answer. Please ask your child about this problem. They really worked hard.

Next week we begin Lewis and Clark - in depth.

First Grade - Feb. 7

2012-02-07T12:32:00.000-06:00

We received another Flat person letter, this time from Moscow, Russia. Flat Jack went to visit his mom's cousin who lives in Russia. It was an exciting letter with many photos of his time in Moscow. Please let us know where your Flat person is traveling. We love to keep up on all the activities.

We also began a lesson on Abraham Lincoln. Today we covered his early years up to his time in the US Congress. I gave the children a very brief lesson on our political parties. I would love to know if any of them bring this up in conversation. Next week we'll finish our Abe Lincoln lesson and the booklet will come home at that time.

Last, we created patterns with beads as part of our visual/spatial lessons in PETS. I introduced expanding patterns. This is a very difficult task. While most of the kids were able to figure out expanding patterns, making them is a more difficult task. Most of the kids made the same pattern, which they will see next week when we finish this activity. They will be bringing home pattern necklaces for you to see the pattern they created.

Book order forms were also sent home with those children that chose to take a packet. If you like to view them online check out the directions in my earlier Book Order post on this blog.

Kindergarten - February 6

2012-02-07T12:27:00.002-06:00

I am sorry I had to cancel class yesterday, Feb. 6. I will see the students next week, Feb. 13.

Fifth Grade Update, February 3

2012-02-04T08:15:00.000-06:00

This week's word plexers really stumped the kids. We've finally hit the ones that aren't so easy. It will be fun to see how they grow as they learn to "read" these tricky puzzles.

Our tower this week was built with 12 straws and three paper clips. Gage and Makore built the winning tower, with Amit and Thomas right behind them. Way to go!

Inventions is in full gear. This week there are two assignments for the children to be working on.

1. Research the past and present of an invention and then try to imagine what it will look like in the future. The students will create the report part of this assignment in class next week. They have a detailed description of the assignment, but PLEASE DO NOT complete the poster part of the assignment, just the research.

2. Begin working on your own invention. You can use the above assignment to begin this research or go in a totally different direction. Again, a VERY detailed assignment sheet was handed out. Read it carefully. Make sure any information you collect about your invention is noted in the Invention Log Book made on Thursday. You will have class time for most but not all the work. The actual prototype will need to be made at home, but if you need supplies just ask. Inventions are due March 1.

Last, we began our Spring Stock Market game. The students are in teams that include only others from their homeroom classes. This should make it possible for them to check with each other, log on to their accounts to check progress and make decisions. They need my approval to sell or buy a stock which they can get any time. I am almost always in my room before school so they can come up and see me once they check in with their teachers.

NOTE: There were four absent students this week. If you are reading this and you were absent please come see me on Monday to get your assignments.

Book orders are ready on line, I just forgot to pass out the paper orders on Thursday. If you want a paper order before Feb. 9, just come on up and get one from the room.

Fourth Grade Update - January 31

2012-02-02T08:10:00.001-06:00

Fourth graders were given their first of two final division problems. Working in pairs the students had to figure how many pens they could make for the Maharaja's elephants given certain constraints. Once they figured out how to make the pens, they had to use the "King's Rule" to determine how many elephants they could hold. Next week, they will work on a more challenging problem using this week's information to advise their work. Next week's activity will be the final division activity. We'll begin the Lewis and Clark unit in Mid-February.

They also continued the Language Arts Mind Builders. This week we looked at imperative sentences, past participle forms of verbs and then brainstorming adjective, verbs and adverbs for the letters SMILE. The students are getting better at using the resource book I've provided to answer their questions.

February Book Orders Are Available

2012-02-01T20:30:00.002-06:00

Scholastic Book Club Orders – Due Date: Friday, Feb. 17

You can order online by following the directions below. If you would rather, you can send a paper order form to me along with a check, made payable to Scholastic Book Clubs. OR you can send cash with your paper order.

If your child’s classroom teacher also does the book clubs, please order from them first. I provide above grade level clubs to enable you to find those books your child might be able to read and enjoy. However, the grade level selections are often of the most interest to the students so don’t overlook those either.

On Line Ordering

Website: www.scholastic.com/bookclubs

Click on I am a parent. The first time you will need to set up a login id and password.

Classroom Activation Code: GL7HN

First - Second - Third Updates

2012-02-01T20:29:00.001-06:00

This just got away from me this week, so here are the Tuesday and Wednesday Updates all in one posting.

First Grade - The students finished their visual thinking activity which required that they copy a picture. Seems easy enough. But, they had the first picture with a grid over it, then using the grid they were to copy each square. It was very difficult. But, I see some budding artists in the group. I was able to bring in "real" art work that used this method to reproduce a photo to a colored pencil drawing while enlarging it in the process.

Next we learned about groundhogs. Hopefully by now you've seen the activities we did. I like these weekly reading activities. So far we've had topics that the children do not have very much background in, which makes it even better. New information, new learning, reading comprehension, writing skills, spelling, all of these areas are covered with these simple books. For me the best part is the enthusiasm your children show for absorbing new information. Next week we'll learn about Abraham Lincoln.

Last, I had the children do a quick write about something they had lost. This is a tie in to the Frog and Toad story, The Lost Button that we've been using for a different activity each week.

I also sent home the book orders. Please see the book order post for the details on ordering on line if you haven't seen the order forms.

Second Grade - The children did a fabulous job again today with the Hands-On Equations. I hope you are able to look through their work each week and see the level of work they are accomplishing.

Binders have been an issue lately. It seems each week a different batch of students don't have their binders. Please help your child to remember this important tool each week. I wish I had room to store them at school, but I don't and then you wouldn't see what we do each week either.

The second activity today was a round-robin writing lesson. I gave out different story starts to each student at a table. They were also given four random words that were drawn from a bag. Once they read the story starter they continued the story. After about 10 minutes of writing they gave the story to another student at their table. This went on for four rotations. Once the story got to the last person, they had to tie it up and finish the story. Last, the children had a chance to read all the stories they had contributed to and then with the little bit of time left they shared with other tables. I can't wait to read all the stories.

Third Grade - In third grade the students continued with the Hanoi Tower activity. Today, we learned the mathematical route to knowing how many moves each set of discs would take to complete. We also graphed the data. It was so much fun to see their excitement with the REALLY large numbers we were dealing with. We used the calculators to figure 2 ^64 - 1 = 18,446,744,073,709,551,615. Which is the number of moves it would take to move all 64 discs.

Third Grade Equations Update: Due to many obstacles, we were not able to get our 3rd grade Equations team together in enough time to practice for this year's tournament in March. So, I will be introducing the children more to Equations as the school year continues. Then, in the fall, we'll be ready to launch a fourth grade team for Equations 2012 - 2013.

Kindergarten Update - January 30

2012-01-31T08:38:00.000-06:00

Well, we had a quiet day. Half of our class was missing. For this reason I had the students do a variety of problem solving activities that I use to assess where they are in their understanding of geometric terms, visual thinking and problem solving skills. The students also completed an on line word making activity based on the book Chrysanthemum. We will do more of these in the future.

Fifth Grade Update - January 26

2012-01-27T14:56:00.003-06:00

Video Update - Super Humans - Two weeks ago your children did a fabulous job with their Super Human newscasts. I promised the students I would burn the videos onto dvds for them. When I went to do this last weekend, the files were too large for the basic dvds. So, this week I gave the children three options.
1. Have just their own newscast burned.
2. Choose which groups they'd like to have burned
or 3. If you have the capability at home, I can have the files zipped smaller, but that requires the students to have the ability to "unzip" the files. IF you choose this options I am pretty sure I can get all six videos on one disc.

I asked the students to check with you, the parents, and then let me know next week what they would like. I will then burn the disks and bring them the following week.

Thursday was another day of inventions. For their group problem solving activity the children built towers with ONE piece of paper and 3ft of scotch tape. Remember, last week is was 10 pieces of paper and 1 ft. of masking tape. The winning tower was built by Amit and Rowan, with a tower that stood at 26.5 inches tall. This is the second week in a row that Amit was in the winning group.

Next, we learned about Rube Goldberg. Some of the children had seen this before, so it was a chance for them to expand on that learning with their new invention. We have some very interesting ideas on ways to accomplish simple tasks. Also, some of the tasks chosen were very creative. If you'd like to see all the inventions, stop by room 213, they are all on display outside the classroom.

In reviewing the Most Important Invention in History we learned about toilets, computers, plumbing, light bulbs, electricity, pencils, books and more. I really enjoy these short research activities to see where the student's interests direct them when choosing important people or things.

HOMEWORK: This week's assignment is to research a famous inventor. This can be anybody your child chooses. Below are the guidelines as given to the students yesterday.

Also, next week is our first transaction day for the Stock Market Game. Students should be ready for their first purchase. They have had lots of time to research stocks, they need to know which stocks they will want to recommend to their teammates.

Research Assignment: Inventors and their Inventions

Your homework is to research an inventor.

Include the following things in your ONE page report.

1. Name the inventor.

2. Diagram of an invention developed by this inventor

3. Background information on the inventor

4. How and why the invention illustrated in #2 came about.

5. Did any earlier inventions influence the inventor in this invention?

6. What difference did this invention make in the world?

7. What is the source you used to find your information?

You are limited to one page. You may type or handwrite your report. Be sure your final report is error free.

Example:

Alexander Graham Bell

Invention: The Telephone – 1876

By Suzy Student

Alexander Graham Bell was a teacher of the deaf. He became very interested in the source of sound. Soon he….etc.

INSERT A DIAGRAM HERE

Source: My two main sources were the website www.britannica.com and the World Book Encyclopedia in the Flynn Park Library.

Third Grade Update - January 25

2012-01-25T15:07:00.000-06:00

We focused on just one main activity today. Mental discipline. I introduced the students to Hanoi's Tower. This is an activity that was introduced to Hindu priests-in-training to help them increase their ability to concentrate. At the same time it also has a math variable in that the number of moves it takes to complete the task is static. I don't want to explain too much here yet, because we will look at the math aspect next week.

Here is a link to an online version. I am sure there are more, but I just want the children to have fun and yet practice at the same time. http://www.mazeworks.com/hanoi/.

Second Grade Update - Jan 25

2012-01-25T14:34:00.000-06:00

Today we went on to lesson three of the Hands-On Equations program. The initial problem today was 4x + 2 = 3 + 9x. Yes, your children can do this problem. First they solve for the x, then they find the answer to the problem. Today was a great day. Most of the children really seemed to click this week. They worked quickly and got the right answers. They have gotten over being scared of the work and now seem to be enjoying it.

Then the students wrote a news article on their inventions from last week. I will be putting these on the bulletin board outside my classroom in just a few days.

There is no homework, but I would like you to look at the algebra pages. If there are only stars your child is getting the problems right the first time. I circle the parts of answers that are incorrect and then the students must fix their errors. Everyone is successful, it just takes some longer than others, which is perfectly normal. I'm not looking for speed, especially at the third lesson, I'm looking for understanding. The speed will come as we progress.

Fourth Grade Update - January 24

2012-01-24T15:47:00.000-06:00

The Language Arts Mind Builders have really revealed to me the need to cover grammar terms. The questions often have grammatical terms that the children aren't familiar with, like possessive noun. I know that can identify these words, they just didn't know they had a "name." The students have a reference book available to them during the work time which they are learning to use.

We did another evaluative thinking activity during our PETS time. Today they were give three pictures that belong in a set, then from another three pictures they had to pick one to go with the first set and tell why in a clear, concise sentence. Almost everyone got tripped up on at least one problem. The bases of criteria is that it must be factual and in this case must also fit ALL the pictures put into the final group. The explaining part is what was so difficult for the children. Many found it hard to put into words what they were thinking. After they told me out loud they were better able to put it in writing. There are a couple of students still struggling with the concept, which is ok as this is their first introduction to the idea of explaining with a factual basis on what could be abstract or random groupings.

Last, I shared the student written division problems with the whole class. I wrote the problems on the overhead and then the students had to solve each others problems. This was fun. Some were very challenging and others straight forward. This type of activity allows each child to rise to their ability level. It's a great way for me to see where they are in their mathematical understanding. Most of the students that didn't include division didn't because they missed that part of the assignment when reviewing the directions. We will wrap up the division unit next week and then move on to a Lewis and Clark Unit.

First Grade Update - January 24

2012-01-24T10:55:00.000-06:00

Gung hay fat choy! or Have a prosperous New Year. Today we learned a little about Chinese New Year and the country of China. Your child should have a small book that we made that explains just the basics of Chinese New Year, China and the phases of the moon. I hope they share it with you.

Next, we worked on our visual thinking skills. Max the Magician teaches visual skills. He looks for visual clues that will lead us to the solution. So, today we did four puzzles. Two we did together using the overhead and helped each other. Then I gave the children visual subtraction problems. They did a fabulous job. Next, I gave them a picture of Max that has been overlaid with a numbered grid. Their job was to redraw Max using the grid as their guide. This is a technique that many artists use when painting or drawing from another source such as a photograph. Based on the work I saw today, we have many artists in first grade.

Last, we worked on our retelling of The Lost Button, a Frog and Toad story. The children read the story with a partner and then had to retell the story to their partner using buttons to guide their storytelling.

It as a wonderful day of learning.

Welcome Kindergarten

2012-01-24T07:51:00.000-06:00

It was the first day of school on Monday afternoon. I was able to finally meet the Kindergarten GATE / Enrichment class. The afternoon was treated just like a first day. I sat with the children while they made name cards that were decorated to tell about themselves. Next week I'll have them share their cards with the group. While we were sitting I asked each student to tell me about themselves. It's so fun to get to know new students. I took the students on a tour of the classroom also. We discussed the Primary Education Thinking Skills (PETS) program that we will work on throughout the year.

PETS introduces students to six types of thinking through stories and activities. Our first set of thinking activities will center on deductive thinking. Dudley the Detective is a character used to deliver the stories and activities. He's one of many animal characters the children will meet as we work our way through the program.

We also went for a tour of the MySci Van. This activity was already scheduled for the Kindergarten classes and I wanted to make sure my students didn't miss out.

We had just a little time left after our MySci tour and the students were given choice time. The could choose reading, Rubik's Cube, tangrams or pentominoes. Ask you child what they chose.

Fifth Grade Update - Jan. 19

2012-01-20T07:58:00.001-06:00

It was a day of cooperation and invention.

After our Language Arts Mind Builders and Word Plexers, each table group was given 10 pieces of paper and just 12" of masking tape. Their task: Make the highest free standing tower you can with just those materials. Only one group was able to succeed, but there were others very close behind. It was fabulous to see the teamwork, the concentration and determination. It's good to be frustrated at times, and I am going to try to give the children more of these kinds of activities so they can see that when they work together and problem solve, almost anything is possible. Oh: the winners were D'Avion, Thomas, Amit, and Leanne.

Next I introduced the Inventions Unit we will be working on until Spring Break. Today's activity was a group invention. Most of the work in this unit is individual with just a few in class group activities. The students were given fairy tale dilemmas and asked to invent an item to help solve the problem. The inventions can be seen on the bulletin board outside the GATE classroom. The inventions ranged from a new food source for the Big Bad Wolf to a way to put Humpty Dumpty together again.

Groups that finished early on their fairy tale invention either worked on stock market research or in preparing the hundreds of box tops we've received. The fifth graders are the work force behind preparing and counting all the box tops before they are submitted. Last year Flynn Park earned over $600 through this project. I've heard Delmar Harvard earned over $200. Together we can really support all the wonderful activities that reinforce our curriculum.

SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday evening, May 8, at Jackson Park we will have a district wide 5th Grade GATE Showcase. All the fifth grade GATE students in the district will display their work from throughout the year. Please plan on attending. As soon as I have a specific time, I will let you know.

HOMEWORK: Your child was given a handout describing a quick research activity. I've put the requirements below, just in case the paper is misplaced. :) They will be sharing their invention choice with the class next week.

Your homework is to choose what you consider to be the “most important invention in history.”

Follow these steps:

1. Talk to other people to get ideas, but you must make the final decision as to what YOU believe is the world’s most important invention.

2. Research the invention you have chosen.

3. Complete the index card as shown below. This is to be your neatest work.

THE MOST IMPORTANT INVENTION IN HISTORY

By Suzy Student

· Invention

(Name it and explain what it does)

· Name of Inventor

(Give his/her name and birth date)

· Date the invention was developed and /or patented

(Give dates and place if you find this information)

· Source of your information (Where / how you did your research

(List people you talked to and what your read (Internet site, books, etc.))

Third Grade Update - Jan 17

2012-01-19T11:05:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Ava Barvian who won our Kalah Tournament. She was able to beat four competitors. Next week we'll be doing an activity called Hanoi's Tower. This is a problem that requires a great deal of concentration to complete. There is also a formula to figure out the "answer". Your child will be bringing home their own version of this puzzle to practice and show to you.

We also worked on our critical thinking activity. I asked the children to come up with five criteria (fact based) that they would use to choose a restaurant for the family. It's always very interesting to see what they feel is important when making these kinds of decisions.

Second Grade Update - Jan. 18

2012-01-18T11:23:00.000-06:00

Today was the second lesson in Hands-On Equations. I did a complete review of the first day then moved on to today's lesson. Today they did problems with multiple Xs. For example 3x = 9. They had to figure out what x equaled and then check their answer. What I have discovered is that the children need to work on their addition and subtraction facts to 20. Please spend some time this week with the basic drill of facts. The more comfortable they are with their facts the less frustrated they will get while doing the Hands-On Equations problems.

Also today they wrote descriptions of last week's SCAMPERations. This is also very interesting. I can see that many of the children are not comfortable with their writing. We will do more writing to give them more exposure and then hopefully more comfort with the writing process. I know in class they are working on main idea and supporting details, so I will look for those ideas in their writing here in GATE also.

HOMEWORK: Work on addition and subtraction math fact to 20.

Fourth Grade Update - Jan 17

2012-01-17T15:11:00.000-06:00

Today the fourth graders learned about adjectives, adverbs, predicates, proper nouns and more with our Language Arts Mind Builders. Ask your child to show you the answers.

Next we did a Problem Solving Matrix to choose a restaurant that your child would like to eat at on Friday night. I kept this page, but you can see it next week in their binder. You can ask them what criteria they used to determine the best restaurant for your family.

Last we did more of the multi-step problems from Maharaja's Task. After doing three more problems I have challenged the children to create their own problem that the others will solve next week.

HOMEWORK:

Create a multi-step problem that requires division. On one sheet of paper, write the problem in four lines or less. Then, on a second sheet of paper, show how to solve the problem and fully explain why your solution works.

Be creative, write a problem no one else might think of, that might make me think twice.

Remember, if you need help, don't wait until next Tuesday morning to come see me, come sooner.

First Grade - January 17

2012-01-17T11:25:00.000-06:00

Today's activities related to math, social studies, and reading. We began trying to think of ways to come to the number 10. I was really surprised to see multi-digit subtraction problems. Next, we read about Benjamin Franklin. Today would have been his 306th birthday. This was done simply to expose the children to a famous person. We read a short passage and then used the passage to answer questions. This paper should be in your child's backpack.

The unit lesson for the day brought us back to Frog and Toad. We read the story, A Lost Button. Then using a cup of buttons the children worked in pairs to read through the story and find buttons that would fit the descriptions in the story. After they finished rereading, the pairs looked for ways to sort the larger group of buttons. The language and discussion was terrific. When they finished we wrote down all the words they had used to describe their button collection. Next week we'll write detailed descriptions of just one button.

The children were so engaged with the button activities that we didn't get to the PETS activity for the day. We'll be sure to revisit Max the Magician next week.

Fifth Grade Update - Jan. 12

2012-01-12T14:50:00.000-06:00

Fantastic doesn't begin to describe how well today went. We were able to do all six presentations in less than a half hour because your children were so helpful, cooperative and just terrific examples of everything we are trying to instill in our children here at Flynn Park. When one group finished, the next was up and ready to present. They helped each other set up and take down their props. When it was time to be silent and listen they did just that. I am jumping with joy. The children were so proud of themselves too. This was a wonderful ending to a fabulous project.

We will begin our Inventions unit next week. This unit will require weekly homework, so check back here to see the assignment listed.

Book orders have been extended to next Tuesday, Jan. 17. Feel free to place an order online through Tuesday or send in a paper order with your child on Tuesday morning.

Second Grade Update - Jan. 11

2012-01-11T12:25:00.000-06:00

Today was our first day of Hands On Equations. This is an algebra program aimed at younger children. Today's lesson went very well. Ask your child to show you their page that we completed today. We did numbers 1 - 5 together, some stayed with me for #6 while others who felt confident were allowed to continue without my guidance. Each week I will review the previous week's lesson, teach the new lesson then the children will be on their own to complete the problems in their binder. I have help from Mrs. Debbie Schwartz who has been helping me for the last two years. Between the two of us we are able to help any one who might be struggling with the concept of the day. Each week you will be able to see how your child did on their independent work. I always mark the problems they do wrong, but they do have to correct them, then I recheck the work. If necessary I do a 1:1 reteaching session.

I also continued with our PETS lessons. Today I introduced the SCAMPER method of modifying a product. Your child has a description of SCAMPER in their binder along with a sketch of an item they applied this concept to during class today. Next week they will write a detailed description of their new invention.

I have extended the book order deadline to next Tuesday, Jan. 17.

Gifted Resource Council Winter Learning Lab

2012-01-11T08:24:00.001-06:00

I have a few of the brochures for the Winter Learning Lab classes sponsored by GRC available in my classroom. You can also get all the information at their website at www.giftedresourcecouncil.org or by calling them at 314-962-5920.

This Spring's offerings include..
Matter
Chess
Architecture
Writing
American Girls
Math
Olympus
Bridges
Solar Powered Cars
Debating and
Much much more.

Also there are parent classes at the same time the kids are in class. These are $20 per class or $80/indiv/$100/couple for the series. If you are a member of GRC they are free.
Feb 18: Self-Advocacy: Who Needs it? Gifted Children with Dr. Agnes Meyo
Feb 25: Exercising your Mind with Dr. Denise Ford
March 3: The Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda and What if's of Worry with Nancy Bonn-Winkler
March 10: Best Practices for Communicating with Your Gifted Child with John Yunker

Fourth Grade Update - Jan 10

2012-01-11T08:16:00.000-06:00

Yesterday began a new brain teaser unit. I've begun a series of lessons that use language arts concepts combined with challenges to teach some of our basic grammar concepts. Yesterday's focus was on words that can be both a noun and a verb. Also, we looked at words that become plural without adding S. Using the dictionary we had in the room two of the words the students came up with were proven wrong. As is often the case one student felt the need to find the REAL answer. The students were sure that the plural of platypus was platypi, well, our dictionary said platypuses, so that's what I went with. Thanks to Gabe's dogged research we are corrected. Platypi is acceptable. (Interesting: My spell check doesn't like platypi either. :) )

The next activity was to look at word problems with multiple steps, possibly having multiple answer or just not enough information. I gave the students many examples and they attempted to solve the problems. Next week we'll review a few more before I ask the children to write their own problems similar to the ones we've been doing.

Also, in PETS we looked at the Problem Solving Matrix. This activity required the students to come up with possible solutions to how to organize a house full of magic trick supplies. The conversations the children had were fabulous. Our rules require that criteria be factual. This is a tricky component as each child had their own opinions. I, of course, had to throw a few wrenches into their thinking. Next week, we'll review the work they did this week and see if they are still willing to support their choices.

First Grade Update - Jan. 10

2012-01-11T08:08:00.000-06:00

After completing a fourth grade level activity on homographs we gathered to find out about Flat Samantha's adventures in Seattle, Washington. We were able to add Washington state to our list of states the flat people have visited. The children get so excited every time we add a new location. Please keep those letters coming. We also learned about the seven continents and four oceans. We used a very simplified world map to identify the continents. Since we have had a few of our flat people jetting around the world I took that opportunity to introduce the children to the map.

Max the Magician is our next PETS character. Yesterday we heard his story and how he uses visual and spatial thinking to help him solve problems. The icon for Max is a magic hat which the students made and should have brought home. The key ideas for Max are:
- Thinking skills don't occur in isolation; spatial perception can combine with the other thinking methods to solve a problem
- Shapes can be manipulated mentally, without concrete devices.
- Visual patterns are predictable.
- The eye and the brain must work together to think about given information.
- Tolerance for ambiguity and perseverance are essential components for flexible, high-level thinking skills.

I think that last statement really sums up the activities I use to engage the students. Often they are used to already knowing an answer or being able to get it quickly. Then they come to GATE and they can't get the answer right away and they get frustrated. The visual puzzles really require a longer focus than most of the others. It will be a real learning experience for us all as we move through the visual problems each week.

Book orders were also sent home with those that chose to take a set. The due date is actually Jan. 17(Tuesday).

Book Order Extension

2012-01-10T07:48:00.002-06:00

I have extended the deadline for January book orders to Tuesday, Jan. 17. You may order on line or send in a paper order form with a check made payable to Scholastic Book Clubs.

Fifth Grade Update - Jan. 5

2012-01-06T08:07:00.001-06:00

If things always went as we planned there would be no excitement to life. Anyway, the children worked very hard to prepare their newscasts. We are hoping for presentation and recording next week if we have enough time prior to the MLK / Citizenship Assembly at 2:15.

In the meantime... I assigned the Spring Stock Market Game teams. We have seven teams this time and each team is from a single class. Mrs. Schuler and Mrs. Thompson each have two teams while Mr. Christensen's class has three teams. I gave the students about 15 minutes to meet and confer about what stocks they want to watch for the next few weeks. On January 26 they'll make a decision as to how to spend their money on our opening day which will be February 2.

Homework: Keep an eye on the business news, watch your favorite stocks to help you make that educated decision about your purchases later in the month.

Third Grade

2012-01-04T11:34:00.001-06:00

Due to the Third Grade Field Trip to Magic House we did not have class today.

Second Grade Update - January 4

2012-01-04T11:18:00.000-06:00

Today was the second and final day of playing the student made games. The children did such a wonderful job. I love seeing their creativity come out when they are inventing the rules and the game board itself. I am very proud of the work they have done.

We also took a pretest for our next unit, Hands-On Algebra. This unit will be done completely in class beginning next week. But, I'm sure you'll hear all about it at home. The children were unable to complete the pre-test which is what I had expected. I had one or two students who were able to do the easier problems 2x = 8 and
x + 4 = 7. However, when they got to the harder problems there was really no way they could know the answers. At the end of six weeks of classes the students will be able to solve the equations: 2(2x + 3) = x + 9. Yes, I know, you may not think this is possible, but it is. I will post updates each week with sample problems from that day's lesson so you can ask the students about the work we are doing.

We'll also be continuing with the PETS activities. We'll be learning the SCAMPER method of modifying work.

Book Club Order Forms

2012-01-04T09:07:00.001-06:00

Scholastic Book Club Orders – Due Date: ~~Thursday, Jan. 12~~
New Due date is Tuesday, Jan. 17

On Line Ordering

Website: www.scholastic.com/bookclubs

Click on I am a parent. The first time you will need to set up a login id and password.

Classroom Activation Code: GL7HN

First and Fourth Grade - January 3

2012-01-04T09:04:00.002-06:00

I am sorry that I missed the January 3 classes. I will see these students next week at our regular times.

All Updates - Week of December 19 - 22

2011-12-21T12:37:00.000-06:00

All of the classes are working on a visual thinking activity using tangrams. Tangrams are a geometric puzzle. The seven pieces are used to form specific shapes. I ask all students to first create a square using all seven pieces. Then, they have a stack of about 30 other designs of varying difficulties to try to complete. These puzzles work on the development of visual /spatial thinking. The pieces must be manipulated to fit the given shape. Often the children get frustrated, but the satisfaction when they accomplish the square is immense. They are so proud of themselves.
You can see and or print a tangram puzzle at http://math.about.com/od/geometr1/ss/tangram.htm.

First Grade - During our class on Tuesday we not only did the tangrams but we wrote another good news / bad news story. These stories, along with the ones completed last week, will be put in the classroom library for all the enjoy during their free reading time. We caught up with the travels of a few flat students. If you know where the flat person might be we'd love to get an email update. They can be sent to my school email: llecours@ucityschools.org.

Second Grade - Wow, the games are fabulous. We only had time to play eight of the games today, but the rest will be played when we return. Most everyone brought their games home to be played over the vacation. Some want to make improvements to their game after it was played in class. It is not required that they "improve" the game. I would like all games back in the class on January 4 when we return from break. I will give the kids more time on the fourth to play the games that have yet to be played. During the rest of January I will give the kids time to play the games at the end of each class. Game will come home permanently in February.

Third Grade - After tackling the tangram puzzles we moved back into the Math Around the World game of NIM. I hope you had a chance to try it out at home. We discussed the strategies students thought they had found for winning the game. Next, we tested out the strategies and tried to prove them wrong. Our next game is Kalah or as most know it Mancala.

Fourth Grade - Students continued to tackle the 17 kings and 42 elephants problem. It's really interesting to see how differently each student sees the problem. Here is the basic problem: How do you divide 42 elephants between 17 kings? The students had to show it with cubes and then write their explanation. The writing was very difficult for some. After they wrote their solutions we traded papers to see if another student could recreate the solution with their cubes. Some were unable to do so and wonderful conversations ensued. We'll continue on with the division unit when we return.

Fifth Grade - Due to the minimal time we'll have together this week, the fifth graders will be fine tuning their newscasts during any time we do have together on Thursday. Everyone should bring their binders to turn in to me for review.

THANK YOU

2011-12-15T08:53:00.000-06:00

A belated thank you to the Zukosky family. They donated two Equations games to our classroom. This is vital to having the games available to take to the competitions as each team must have their own game to share with the group. We know have 7 games that can be checked out for practices and taken to competition.

Thank you so much.

Third Grade Update - Dec. 14

2011-12-14T14:41:00.000-06:00

The third graders completed self-evaluations today on the same format I will use for the semester Progress Reports. It was really interesting for them to think about how their behavior has been in class up to now. I will send home the self evaluation after I've completed my reports. Progress reports will come home with the second quarter report cards.

I also finally introduced them to Math Around the World. This is our next unit. The students will be learning many games through which they will develop understanding of different math concepts. Below are the rules for our first game, Nim. Nim is from ancient China. However the name was attributed to a Harvard mathematician.

HOMEWORK: I have asked the children to come home and play the game with their families. Nim is a two person game. Be careful, they are very good at this. Ask them what their initial strategies were and maybe they can develop new strategies for winning. They will have the chance to try out new strategies next week.

NIM
Rules of the Game:
1. Create three rows of pieces with 3 pieces in the first row, 5 in the second and 7 pieces in the third row.
2. Players will take turns removing pieces.
3. On your turn, you may remove one or more pieces from any one row. You may not remove pieces from more than one row at a time. You may not "pass" when it's your turn.
4. To win the game, you must be the last placer who removes the last piece or pieces.

Have fun.

Second Grade Update - Dec. 14 - IMPORTANT GAME NEWS - Updated 12/19

2011-12-14T11:04:00.001-06:00

We are in the final week of the GAME project. Today in class we worked on putting the final touches on the game boards, making cards and writing directions.

I also provided the class with paper money that they can cut out to use in their game. They only need to cut out what they need for their game. If they have extra sheets they can bring them back to school. If you need more you can go to www.activityvillage.co.uk to print whatever you might need.

For homework, they are to finish the game. This will mean different things for different students. Below is a list of the parts of the game that should be in class on Wednesday, December 21, when we will have a day to play each others games. Your child has a copy of this note with them in their back pack to help remind them of what they need to bring. They have indicated whether the item is here in my classroom or they have brought it home to work on.

Students brought home sheets of play money to use in their game.

It will be a wonderful day. If you are available to stop by we have class from 9:15 – 11:35. Please feel free to drop in and see the finished games.

___ Game Board in class brought home

___ Directions in class brought home to be typed or written neatly

___ Subject Cards in class brought home

___ Extra Cards in class brought home

___ Play Money in class brought home

Fourth Grade Update - Dec. 13

2011-12-13T15:56:00.000-06:00

I asked the children to complete a self-evaluation to help me when preparing the semester report you will receive in January. It's always interesting to see how the children see their work and behavior. You can ask your child how they rated them self. You will receive my progress report with the second quarter report cards in mid-January.

Then we moved onto our division unit. During this unit I am going to focus on gaining a deeper understanding of the concept of division, NOT the numbers. Most of the kids really understand they are dividing,but I will be pushing them to explain their thinking both verbally and in writing. Today they had to divide 42 elephants among 17 kings (a reference to a book I read them last class). They then had to write an explanation that would allow another student to recreate their divisions the same way, with only their writing as a guide. Again, quite a few students finished the assignment, but there are a few struggling with how to make the explanation clear enough for someone to just read it and recreate their groups.

Next week, we'll finish up on the division writing and then move on to a new task within the division concept.

First Grade Update - Dec. 13

2011-12-13T15:50:00.000-06:00

Another flat person, Flat Jack, appeared via photographs. Flat Jack visited his Uncle Bill in Virginia. He also traveled to Maryland while visiting his uncle. Uncle Bill has sent Flat Jack onto Moscow, Russia. We can't wait to hear about those adventures.

I read the book, Fortunately by Remy Charlip to the children. Ask your child about fortunately /unfortunately stories. After reading the book, the students made their own Good News / Bad News stories. They'll finish the illustration next week and I'll post them on the board outside the classroom.

We hope to see more flat people returning after the Winter Break. The kids love getting the letters back. It is wonderful if the current host is able to pass on the flat person to another willing participant. The more the better.

Book Orders are Due

2011-12-08T12:20:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow, Dec. 9, by Midnight if done on line or in my hand by 3:30 if sending in a paper order form. I will submit the order over the weekend from home to ensure delivery by Dec. 20.

Third Grade Update - Dec. 7

2011-12-08T12:17:00.000-06:00

As always we started our day by working our creative brains. Today's thinking activities were to come up with words that begin with the letter u, and to think of creative uses for a paper bag. The second one was much more difficult than I expected it to be. What could you do with a paper bag, other than use it as a bag.
We also had a very brief discussion on the important invent that occured 70 years ago, the Pearl Harbor attacks. I was impressed with how many of the students knew what the day was about. I asked them to check with you, their parents, to find out if they have any relatives that have served our country in a conflict or war.

The students wrote the final copy of their letters to Mrs. Blumberg about school uniforms. Mrs. Blumber loved reading the letters adn will come and discuss them during next week's class.

Last, we played a few rounds of Equations. The students are really being quite clever. It's fun to see one students use a technique on one round then have others pick it up and use it on the following rounds. I just love it when students learn from each other. We'll continue to play some Equations each week until Winter Break.

Second Grade Update - Dec. 7

2011-12-07T15:49:00.001-06:00

Today, after brain work, we did a PETS activity that required the children to read a set of directions to place people (PETS Characters) at a table based on the directions. Ask your child about this activity. It was much more challenging than I think they expected it to be when they first saw the directions. We'll move on to Divergent Thinking next week.

We then spent the last hour working on games. Most of the children have their boards completed. Next week we'll finalize directions and test run the playing of the games. We'll play them all in two weeks.

Fourth Grade - No GATE This Week

2011-12-07T15:46:00.000-06:00

I am sorry I had to leave at lunch on Tuesday due to a sick child. I will see the fourth graders next week. Remember, you have car buying criteria to ask your parents about and complete the PETS form sent home last week.

First Grade Update - December 6

2011-12-07T15:45:00.000-06:00

First graders traveled to Italy and Cleveland, Ohio on Tuesday courtesy of Michael. It's so fun to see what the kids already know about these different places the Flat children are visiting. We also reviewed the hemisphere concept and looked at a map of the Western Hemisphere. Flat Claudia had visited Cabo San Lucas so we colored Mexico along with our United States on the Western Hemisphere map.

I gave the children ten more words from the list of 100 we're working through. Most did a really good job. Some of the trickier spellings are all that is stopping them. We also worked on stretching some more silly and serious sentences. The students were given a group of words and were forced to use just those work to make sensible sentences. They did a terrific job.

COLLEGE FOR KIDS

2011-12-02T13:00:00.001-06:00

College For Kids is a wonderful opportunity for after hours enrichment classes. These classes are held on Saturdays at St. Louis Community College - Meramec.

Just some of the class offerings:

Jr. Docs & Vets: Dissections
Learn to Juggle
Designer Board Games
Creating with Legos
Studio Photoshop
Video Game Creation
Adventures with Outback Ed
Chemistry for Kids

and so much more.

Please go to stlcc.edu/continuing_education/college_for_kids.html for more information on the dates, times and class offerings.

Fifth Grade Update - Dec. 1

2011-12-02T12:56:00.000-06:00

A normal day...

Yes, we finally returned to a normal day, at least the schedule was normal. We did our regular brain work then some problem solving. We rounded out the day with the first four events for our Super Humans. This was so much fun. The students were given calamities and then given 5 minutes or less to figure out how their Super Human was going to survive. After describing each of the Super Humans we dove right into the calamities. They children had fun, but at the same time were involved in some pretty incredible critical thinking.

Next week we'll continue with more calamities, the first of which is how is the Super Human, as quarterback for the Rams, going to help save the team that is about to loose the Super Bowl.

Book orders came home last week and are available on line at www.scholastic.com/bookclubs. Check out the earlier entry for details on logging in and placing your order.

Third Grade Update - Nov. 30

2011-11-30T15:46:00.000-06:00

Today was packed full of excitement. We began with taking roll. Many students did not have their binders with them. Also, many did not have a completed story. We will no longer have school time to finish the mysteries. These will need to be finished at home. You may email them to me, bring in a printed copy, or bring me a flash drive which I will open and print from.

After our brain stretching activities we learned a new way to organize our thoughts when trying to make an important decision. It's called a Future's Wheel. I did a demonstration on electric cars and then had the students work in small groups on the topic of school uniforms. They were very excited to complete their wheel activity. The wheels allow the students to organize their thoughts into pros and cons of a topic. Ask your child to explain their wheel. They should be able to draw a Futures Wheel chart. After we made the charts we met as a whole group simply to read over each others ideas. I then asked the student to choose a side and write a letter to Mrs. Blumberg explaining why they are for or against school uniforms. I will review the letters this week and have the students write final drafts next week that I will present to Mrs. Blumberg. She is always interested in student's opinions and the school uniform issue is one that comes up often.

Last, I introduced the game of Equations to the children. I gave them a very simplified version of the game. I think I have found some more players for our teams. Some of the children may not have signed up before but want to now. I am happy to take more players. If you don't have the form any longer, just send in a note with the child's name, parents' names, phone number and email address. If you are willing to coach or help coach please let me know.

Book orders were also passed out, but we ran short. Look down the blog a bit and you will find a link to look at the order forms on line.

Second Grade Update - Nov. 30

2011-11-30T15:39:00.000-06:00

After completing the brain work (the letter G and things that jump) we moved right in to working on our board games. The students were so focused today, it was amazing. They had an hour and a half to work and most of them were working the entire time. I am pushing them to do their BEST work, not quickest. It was wonderful to see the concentration and excitement as the games came together. Next week we'll work on the rules of the game. Everyone may have small variations, but we'll work on the basic set of directions together.

Book orders are due next Friday, Dec. 9.

Fourth Grade Update - Nov. 29

2011-11-29T15:35:00.000-06:00

Today was another busy day in GATE. I tend to over plan, and today was definitely one of those days. The brain work we do at the beginning of the day is always eye opening for me. Today's thinking questions were: words that begin with G and things that jump. Your children are very imaginative and come up with interesting ways to answer these problems. My favorite answer this week for the jump questions, was: Students who jump to conclusions. I LOVE it when students come up with such original answers. Sitting here now writing this, I want to say it was Mereya Riopedre who came up with this solution. If I'm wrong I apologize. Great job to all the children on their wonderful creative thinking.

Next, we got back into our PETS activities. Today, I introduced Evaluative Thinking which uses criterion based decision making to help students choose the best choice of solutions based on factual criteria. That is quite a mouthful I know, but the students seemed to understand it. You will know if they did with their homework this week. They are to work with you to come up with five criteria for purchasing a car. We did two examples in class, so should your child be having difficulty explaining the concept to you, please have them come see me and I'll go over it again.

Last, I gave the students a pre-test on the concepts of groups of three or three groups. They had to explain how these two statements are different. I am happy to report that a majority of the students were able to do this very clearly. Some gave wonderful examples. There were just two that weren't what I would want from a GATE student. I had one student who knew the difference but just wasn't able to put it into words correctly, but I could tell they understood. And I had just one student who wasn't able to explain at all. Through activities we'll be doing over the next few weeks, we'll explore, in more detail, the concepts of division and apply those to gradually more difficult problems. Often I think this unit is going to be too easy for students, but every year, my students seem to be challenged by the problems I pose, which is why I continue to offer this short but important unit.

Remember, book orders are due next Friday, Dec. 9. Drop me an email if you want your order to be a surprise. I will email you or call, whichever you prefer, when the books come in.

First Grade Update Nov. 29

2011-11-29T15:15:00.000-06:00

The big word of the day was hemisphere. We were lucky enough to receive Flat Michael yesterday all the way from Seoul, South Korea. We found Korea on our big classroom map, then on a printed map of the world as well as a smaller map of just the Eastern hemisphere. This is the first time the children have heard the term hemisphere. I certainly don't expect them to fully understand it yet, but each time we get a person back we can now talk about where in the world that place is. Flat Michael jetted off today with Mrs. Standish to Toronto where she will be working. How fun for Flat Michael. We also got an email last week of Flat Claudia's visit to NYC. We located New York state and the city on our USA maps today also.

We also learned about stretching a basic sentence today. I am trying to move away from making very silly sentences to sentences that makes sense and is real. The students and I worked together to expand the following sentences: The boy ran. My mom reads. The baby cried. The house sits. The children did a wonderful job.

Also today we reviewed the To, Too and Two page. Many students didn't seem to show this to their parents when it came home two weeks ago. We reviewed it together. We'll continue to work on the differences between the three forms of the word.

Book orders came home last week, so don't forget to place those holiday orders before Friday, Dec. 9 in order to get them back by the winter break.

December Book Orders - Holiday Suprises

2011-11-22T12:51:00.000-06:00

For December I've added a Gift Books catalog in addition to the regular grade level choices. I often have gift orders placed in December. If you would like me to keep your secret, feel free to drop me an email at llecours@ucityschools.org and I'll email you back when the order arrives.

In order to make sure the December book club order arrives prior to our Winter Break, I will be sending the forms home late this week and early next week. Forms will be due by Friday, Dec. 9. I will place the order as soon as ordering closes to make sure the orders arrive prior to our leaving for Winter Break.

To Order Online

Website: www.scholastic.com/bookclubs

Click on I am a parent. NOTE: The first time you will need to set up a login id and password.

Classroom Activation Code: GL7HN

Thanksgiving Week Updates

2011-11-22T12:43:00.002-06:00

First Grade - We had a somewhat normal class. The students continued to work on spelling the Fry List Words. We did 10 more today. I had only three students with their To, Too, Two handout completed. Many of the students couldn't find the page in their binders. Please help them look for the page. I kept the binders, as it is Thanksgiving and I don't like to give new assignments just before a holiday.

Second Grade - There will not be a GATE class this week for 2nd grade. Due to Wednesday's shorten schedule, I will be pushing into the classes to check on game research progress. If your child would like, they can always come get cards from me to work on their game after they finish their normal classwork.

Third Grade - No Class due to the early release day. Students should be finishing the typing of their mysteries. Stories are due next Wednesday, Nov. 30. The stories can be submitted three ways: in print, via email or brought to class on a flash drive and I'll print it out.

Fourth Grade - Tuesday was a relaxing day of reading and brain games. We shared the published A to Z books with each other, then played various games requiring a bit more thinking than the kids sometimes like to do. They also had time to read and choose a new book from the classroom library to read after they eat all that wonderful food on Thursday.

Fifth Grade - The students will be coming for about an hour on Wednesday to hopefully finish the Super Humans. We'll begin the competition next week.

To One and All: HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Fifth Grade - Nov. 17

2011-11-18T08:55:00.002-06:00

There was no class on Thursday, Nov. 17 due to my absence. See you all on Dec. 1 to finish the Super Humans.

Third Grade Nov. 16

2011-11-17T04:14:00.000-06:00

After completing our brainwork the students' PETS activity was a card came of sorts. They were shown three cards that had some common factor. Then they were shown five cards to choose from and pick the ONE best card to fit into the first set of cards. This was a wonderful activity to watch in action. The minute the second set of cards was shown (on the overhead) they sprang into conversation to convince their table mates why they thought their card choice was the right answer. As with most PETS activities the first few seemed obvious and as the demonstration continued the choice was harder to make. I then gave the students a hand out with six more problems. I asked them first to do it on their own, without any help from their neighbors. After most had finished, I let them talk together to see if they agreed. On some problems there could be more than one right answer, but the explanation had to be there to support the decision. I will be looking over their papers and will return them next class.

Speaking of next class... Due to the early release day next Wednesday, I will not be seeing the third graders. I have asked them get their stories typed and printed if possible. Please let me know if either the typing or printing is an issue. Students can bring their flash drives to me and I'll print out the story or they can email me the final story to llecours@ucityschools.org.

We have not been getting enough time in the computer lab due to the tight scheduling of that space. If there is any reason your child can't get to a computer at home, just let me know and I'll work with them to get the story typed at school.

All stories are due Wed., Nov. 30.

HOMEWORK: Finish your mystery. Have a final copy ready to turn in on Wed., Nov. 30.

Second Grade - Nov. 16

2011-11-16T12:12:00.001-06:00

Today was again a game working day. I had intended for the students to complete their game cards, but so many students either didn't bring their research or hadn't done the research that only about half were able to start on the cards. I realize that your children are just in second grade, they need your help to remember their GATE things. By mid year this should be ingrained in their schedule. Check with your child to see where they are at in the research process. I know many students had been working hard, but then without the information at school they were unable to continue working on the final project.

Due to the early release day next week we will have a shortened class time. We will meet from 9 - 10:40 a.m. It is really important that the children have their binders, research books and any extra information they may have that will help them finish their game. November 30 will be the last day we work on the games in class. After that they will need to come home to get finished. We'll play the games on Dec. 7.

Fourth Grade - Nov. 15

2011-11-16T12:08:00.001-06:00

Most of the A to Z books were turned in yesterday. It took awhile to get them all printed but they look terrific. I can't wait to read them. I always learn so much from the student's research. We always say that we learn from our students, but every time a project is turned in I am amazed by the work some students put into their books. We will be able to share the books next week when they are all bound and ready to be handled.

I will be using the scoring rubric given out at the beginning of the unit to score the books. While I don't give letter grades, I do complete an evaluation on work completion, being prepared, self motivation, and staying on task among other areas. Please check with your child to see if they need to bring in any pages for their book. Some students neglected to complete the Title / Author page as indicated on the project outline.

We also did our regular brain work. This week's letter is F and we also tried to think of things that glow. As always so pretty amazing concepts came up during this activity.

First Grade - Nov. 15

2011-11-15T12:07:00.000-06:00

Today was all about words and writing. We, of course, started our day with our thinking activity, words that begin with the letter F. The kids did great. We had to pull out the dictionary for flabbergasted and other multi-syllablic words the kids came up with. Our other thinking activity was things that glow. This was difficult, but I was still so impressed with what they did come up with for this topic.

Next, the children were asked to write three super sentences about school. Super sentences are something they are learning in their regular classroom. These activities are wonderful for me to see as they give me a sense of their everyday work. I was impressed with the creativity of the sentences. I will ask them to think about super sentences when we do our writing in GATE.

I also gave the children a short spelling test on 10 random words from the Fry 100 list. Your child has their paper in their binder. Please continue to review these words each week. I will ask them to spell 10 words again next week. A couple of the words will be words most of the students missed this week. Last, I gave the students a short activity on the homophone set: to, too and two. They should complete the worksheet and return it next week.

Homework: Study the Fry 100; complete the To, Two and Too worksheet.

Another Crazy Week - All Grades Updated Here for the Week of Nov. 14

2011-11-11T08:13:00.000-06:00

ALL GRADES - The thinking activity this week for grades 1 - 4 was to come up with words that begin with W and items that fold. What can you come up with?

First Grade - Wow we were busy on Tuesday. The day was all about stories. We are beginning Yolanda the Yarnspinner in the PETS series. Yolanda is all about being creative with words. We'll be doing more with stories for this unit, we'll read them, write them, and read aloud as much as we can.

I gave the kids a list of the 100 most used words and had them read them to me. I found out that I have a group of excellent readers. However, there were many words, that while they could read them, the students weren't so sure about how to use them properly in a sentence. So we will work through those words to make sure we can use them all properly.

We also did a short non-fiction writing activity. A few weeks ago we researched frogs and toads. I asked the students to use their notes from that research to write at least two sentences about frogs and toads and then they were to illustrate the idea being presented. Their work can be seen on the bulletin board outside my classroom.

Next week, I'm going to focus on some of the words the kids were unsure of and see if we can create unique sentences that still give us the meaning of the words.

Second Grade - Second graders learned a new thinking game called Attribute Stax. There is a commercial game called SET that is very similar. The children will play the game again next week and then I will let them bring a deck of cards home so they can teach you the game.

I guided the students through the process of laying out their game boards for our special Monopoly games. Next week we will begin to apply all the research the students have been doing to their game. They will choose which spaces to put each item they've learned about. They will also make fact cards for each space they put on their board. All of this work will be done in the classroom. Students will need to be sure to have their binders and research with them each week to be ready to work.

Third Grade - Third graders were introduced to criterion based decision making. That's a mouthful isn't it. Well, hopefully they are talking to you about the grid we learned to use when making an important decision. We did a couple of examples together as a whole class then each table group worked on a decision grid for choosing a restaurant for the entire family to enjoy. It was really interesting to see what they deemed important in deciding about a restaurant. I asked the children to show you the grid and see if you agree with their decisions. I can't wait to find out how those conversations turned out.

We also spent a great deal of time on the mysteries. Those that had a written or printed version of their stories were able to trade with a classmate to get feedback. It is wonderful if you, the parents, want to help your child. Once the story is typed into the computer (just as written please) have your child look at all the errors that the word processing program will so kindly point out with the red and green wavy lines. Ask your child to try and figure out why the computer program thinks there is an error. The student should be trying to fix the errors, but it is fine for you to help them should they need a little guidance. Often the gifted child will want to write and use vocabulary well beyond what they have learned to date. I would also appreciate a heads up to any particular writing or word choice that is cropping up that you think I might need to address. Last week I should the children how to punctuate dialog because I saw so much of it being used in their rough drafts. I hope to have the stories done the week after Thanksgiving.

Fourth Grade did not meet this week as I had to be out of the building. They should be FINISHING their A to Z books which are due Tuesday, Nov. 15. They may be turned in three different ways: 1. printed and bound; 2. printed and I will get it bound; 3. on a jump/flash drive and I will get it printed and bound. Please let me know if there are obstacles to getting this project completed.

Fifth Grade - I was able to meet with the fifth graders for about an hour on Thruway. The entire time was spent creating the Super Humans. Those will be finished next week during another shortened class. We are back to normal after Thanksgiving. You can see the in-progress Super Human outside room 213. They are really interesting creatures.

Crazy Week - Multiple Grade Levels on This Post

2011-11-04T13:38:00.000-05:00

I am so sorry for the delay. Somehow it's Friday already, and I'm not quite sure what happened to the rest of the week.

Book Orders: Everyone should have received the first quarterly GATE program newsletter along with the book orders. Order forms need to be to me by Noon on Friday, Nov. 11 (end of conferences) or please place your on line order by midnight Friday. I will submit the order over the weekend.

Second Grade

Second Graders worked very hard on visual puzzles that required some very tough abstract thinking. I hope they told you about the puzzles. After I do them puzzles with another class I will allow students to borrow the puzzle bags overnight so they can bring one home to challenge the family.

They also spent a great deal of time in the library working on their game topic research. I also met with everyone in the library again today during their regular classroom library time to help them check out appropriate books for their projects. I have suggested to many students that they pay a visit to the University City library to do further research. The larger library is certain to have more books on a student's chosen topic than we are able to house here at Flynn. Everyone is doing a wonderful job so far. We'll work on organizing our thoughts next week.

Third Grade

After a mini-lesson on punctuating conversations, the students were given time to work on their mystery stories. We were able to get into the computer lab at the end of the day. However, we ran into a little snag. It seems, for the time being, the student computers in our building are loaded with Microsoft 2003. So, if your child's story was saved as a 2007 document, we were unable to open it in the computer lab. For this reason I am going to have to ask that the stories be typed at home. I can open them in my classroom, on my teacher computer, and then print them, no matter the version of Word that the document is saved in. I will again give the children time next week to edit and revise their stories. I am hoping to have enough done or near done that the children will have a chance to peer review their stories.

Fifth Grade

The fifth graders had a fantastic experience at the Da Vinci Machines Exhibit. We were treated like royalty from the minute we arrived. The students first watched short videos about Da Vinci's life, his inventions, his art and his rivalry with Michelangelo. They were silent for the entire time. It helped a little that they were eating lunch at the same time. After a detailed guided tour of all the machines in the museum, the students were given time to explore with their hands. This was fantastic. I highly recommend this exhibit to anyone with an interest in Da Vinci, inventions or just plan hands-on fun and learning. The information on the exhibit can be found at http://www.davinciexhibitstl.com/. I purchased the exhibit companion book and will have that available to view during conferences.

When we returned to school the children worked on their Super Humans. The works in progress can be seen out side the classroom.

Fourth Grade Update - Nov. 1

2011-11-02T08:37:00.001-05:00

There will be no Fourth Grade GATE class next week, Tuesday, Nov. 8. I had the students write a note to help them remember. They now have two weeks to finish their A to Z books. Some students mentioned they were still doing research, that should have been completed last week. I have reminded them repeatedly to not wait until the last moment to let me know if they get behind. I will be at school every day and they are welcome to come see me with questions. Also, I am always available via email.

Students are welcome to bring me their flash drive or email their books to me to be printed prior to the deadline. Each student has an outline of what MUST be in the book. Please help them to check over their work and see that they have everything they need.

We also did a visual thinking activity. Ask your child about the "game" they played with their classmates. If students would like they can come by the classroom and borrow a set of materials to bring home to share with you what we are doing in class when there is no paper trail to explain the activity.

Your child should have brought home a newsletter and the book orders yesterday. I am only sending one per family so if you have two children in the GATE program you will only receive one newsletter and one set of book club order forms. Book orders are due by Friday, Nov. 11.

First Grade Update - 11/1/11

2011-11-02T08:32:00.000-05:00

Tuesday's primary activity was learning about analogies. We did some together, then I gave the children a chance to do some on their own. This lesson works into our PETS activities on Analytical Thinking. The children did a great job. I will be throwing more analogies in as the year progresses just to keep them on their toes.

Brainwork this week was words that begin with E, but not EX words. Also they thought of things that are square. What can you come up with?

Next week we'll focus on writing a paragraph about frogs and toads. I've taken a short break from this series of lessons to work on vocabulary and classifying information in preparation of the writing process. We'll focus on main idea and supporting details.

Please let us know if you hear back from your flat person during their adventure. We love to share what they are doing while we are back here in St. Louis. We saw a picture of Flat Claudia enjoying Cabo San Lucas, Mexico this week.

The first newsletter of the year, along with book orders should have come home Tuesday. Book orders are due by next Friday, Nov. 11.

Fifth Grade Update - Changes

2011-10-27T08:22:00.000-05:00

I will not be seeing the children today, Oct. 27. Between the early release schedule and the parties this afternoon there was not a solid block of time that I could get all the children. Next week is our field trip. I still have a few children who haven't turned in their permission slips and money. I really need that by Monday so that I can call and confirm with the exhibit coordinator.

Upcoming Classes
Nov. 3 - Field Trip 10:00 am - 2:00 pm then GATE time.
Nov. 10 - Conferences - no class
Nov. 17 - Normal Day

Third Grade Update - Oct. 26

2011-10-27T08:19:00.001-05:00

The third graders are such a fast working group of children that we are moving right along on our Mystery Writing Unit. After we completed the brainwork and Think and Touch, I was able to give the children most of our time together to plan and begin writing their own mystery stories. They will have two weeks to work on writing and then we'll get to publishing.

I told them it is OK to start typing their stories, but not to worry about fancy fonts, paging, pictures or anything beyond getting the words on to the page. Parents are allowed to type for the children as long as you type exactly what your child has written. For some children dictation works well also. But again, please type exactly what your child says. You might ask them about dialog punctuation if they start giving a lot of back and forth dialog. I will be covering that next week.

If you have a flash drive for your child, please send it in with them next week. We will be going to the computer lab to begin typing. If your child has already begun typing at home, please send the document on the flash or you can email it to me and I can open it for them in the computer lab.

Second Grade Update - Oct. 26

2011-10-26T12:25:00.000-05:00

Your children were the perfect audience for our guest author, Gordon Korman. He was engaging and told wonderful stories about how he gets his inspiration for his books. When we came back to the room the children were all buzzing about the presentation.

We had a bit of time to do our brainwork and I discussed the game project. The children then were able to search for books no their chosen topic from my classroom library. A couple of children also checked out Gordan Korman books. Yea!!

Game Project - Each student has chosen a topic to begin researching. I asked that they read the books they checked out from me or they could go to the U City Library to get a book on their topic. They will also be able to check out research books from the Flynn Park Library beyond their normal free choice books. This week is just about research. Each student needs 15 - 20 different items for their game that they will use as the "streets" of Monopoly. For example: If the topic is cats, then your child should make a list of 15 - 20 different cats. Then they can locate one to two facts about that particular cat that will go on the cards they make to go with the game. Next week we'll begin making the game board and cards.

Brainwork - Can you name words that begin with x, or ex? How about things that play? These are the kind of questions I ask the students to think about when they first come in the classroom. They also tried to make words with the letters: L, M, R, I, E, E, P - Can you find a six letter word in these letters?

Fourth Grade Update - Oct. 25

2011-10-26T07:54:00.000-05:00

Can you name things that play or words that start with x, or ex? This is what your child did as they came into the classroom. Take a moment to look over the amazing vocabulary your students are building. I can always tell what they are studying in their regular classroom by the words they come up with each week.

We did two visual activities for our PETS time. The first required matching similar shapes that had been turned or flipped. This was much more difficult than the students expected. Visual thinking is very difficult for many people. The more you do these kinds of puzzles the better you get.

Last we went to the computer lab for a quick Microsoft Word lesson then time to either type or research for the A to Z project. Students should be working on their project at home. We will have limited time at school. The due date will be Nov. 15 when we will have a book launch party.

First Grade Update - Oct. 25

2011-10-26T07:49:00.000-05:00

Due to the Pumpkin Run we had a shortened class, but it was a wonderful time. I loved looking through all the items the children brought in. This may just have to be a new activity for all my grade levels. I learn something new each week, but this was wonderful. The children used the information to group and describe items they brought in. At the end, they combined their items with their neighbor's items to create interesting groups. Ask your child how they sorted their items.

Next week we're back to our usual schedule. Book Orders for November will also come home next week.

Fifth Grade Update - Oct. 20

2011-10-21T11:16:00.000-05:00

Things really settled down this week and we accomplished quite a bit. All the teams are up and going on the Stock Market Game. From here on out, the children need to research and keep an eye on their portfolios on their own time. I will not be giving dedicated time to the game. Teams will be given the opportunity to make trades during class, but not for the research and discussions that lead to a trade.

The teams have been set for the SuperHuman Olympics. Students took their 60+ animal characteristics and brought it down to just 12 that they would use to modify a human for our competition. We are going to see some very interesting creatures when they are done. The next few weeks will be focused on designing the creatures. The first class in December (12/1) we'll have the Olympics.

Speaking of schedule... Below is the tentative schedule for Fifth Grade GATE for the month of November.

Thursday, Oct. 27 - Early Release schedule due to parade / parties
- 9:30 - 10:45 - GATE time

Thursday, Nov. 3 - Field Trip - Some students still need to send in permission slip and $6.00

10:00 am - 2:00 pm - Field Trip to DaVinici Exhibit
2:00 - 3:00 - They will come back to my classroom for follow up to field trip information. Possibly attend the 2/4th grade concert at 2:30.

Thursday, Nov. 10 - Early Release Schedule due to Conferences
- 9:00 - 10:45 - GATE time

Thursday, Nov. 17 - Citizenship / Ambassador Assembly 2:15 pm
- 1:00p.m. - 3:30 with the assembly in the middle

Thursday, Nov. 24 is Thanksgiving. I know, right? Wow, already.

So, assuming everything goes my way, the schedule above is what I'm planning on following. Your child is responsible for remembering their binder each and every Thursday.

Third Grade Update - Oct. 19

2011-10-21T11:06:00.000-05:00

Wednesday went so fast, I'm always thrilled with how focused and engaged your children are when they come into my classroom. We had the first full Think and Touch set of activities. They were challenging, but I also heard a few say they were fun. What could be better, fun and hard at the same time.

We also finished our Doggone Mystery. Ask your child about this activity and see if they can remember important details from the information we were given. The packet will come home next week and you'll be able to see the details we had to wade through to find the real dognapper.

Next week we'll begin writing our own mysteries. The children should bring their flash drives to school. I'll review the parts of a story and then the children can begin writing. I like to let them choose between writing out a long hand rough draft of just begin typing. Some children are just better at getting stories down when they can type.

If your child is not a typist, it is fine with me if you type for them. I just ask that you type EXACTLY what they've written. It's important that they learn to edit their own work. I will be showing them how to set up their word documents during our computer time.

Second Grade Update - Oct. 19

2011-10-21T11:01:00.001-05:00

Wednesday became "one of those days". I was only able to be with the children for about one hour. We were able to do our brainwork and PETS activities. We'll continue the PETS activity next week and move along on our game making unit. We'll go to the library to do research on a topic your child has chosen to study.

Next week we'll also get to meet Gordan Korman, a wonderful author of children's books. His visit it at 9:30 and I'm thrilled the second graders get to attend this "big kids" presentation. I have many of his books available here in the classroom and have ordered more in anticipation of demand after the children hear him speak.

Fourth Grade Update - Oct. 18

2011-10-18T15:06:00.000-05:00

Today we finished our Valentine Mystery. We used secret codes, and logic grids to solve the mystery of who sent the secret message about a birthday party. Ask you child to show you their work.
Also, we had our last day of in-class research in the computer lab. A few students are already writing their books. Students can begin typing in their pages. Next week, I will show them how to set up their pages. EVERYONE should bring their flashdrives with them next week.

Remember, I am always available on email at llecours@ucityschools.org. I check email on a regular basis and should be able to get back to you during the school day or within a couple of hours if it's in the evening. I am an early to bed person, so if you send it after 9:00 p.m., I'm not likely to see an email until the next morning, but I will try to reply from home if possible.

First Grade Update - Oct. 18

2011-10-18T11:00:00.000-05:00

As you may have guessed the Pumpkin Run was cancelled due to rain. We'll try again next week.

I did not get back to Frog and Toads today as planned, and now with the run postponed it maybe two weeks before that happens. It all depends on how our time goes next week after the run.

This week we finished comparing and contrasting animals. In fact, your child has brought home a sample to complete with you or another adult they spend time with. I told the children they can do it with an older sibling, an adult from their day care or with you. I hope they have fun and don't get too frustrated. They have their previous work to look back on for ideas.

Also, I sent home a one-gallon zippy bag. We need your help. Next week's activity requires many small interesting objects. To get those objects, I'm asking that you and your child search your home for items that can come to school for the day next week. All items will be sent home after we are done. I've advised the children not to bring back anything they cherish or would not want damaged as there is always that chance when children are handling things.

Homework
- Finish Alike / Different - Animal Page
- Fill the baggie

Bring Back Next Week: Binder w/homework page, Book, and Baggie

Stock Market Game Update

2011-10-17T12:04:00.000-05:00

I checked standings today and discovered that one of our teams was not yet in the game. After a little sleuthing and thanks to patient students, we discovered that I gave two teams the same team number. Hence, we have one team that is now 8 people instead of just 4. In order to back this out and start over the current team would loose the 2% commission on all the purchases the extra team placed on their portfolio. So I am going to let it continue. We may do this again in the Spring and I will double check my double checks to make sure this doesn't happen again.

Current Standings (Monday as of 10:40 am)
Team 49 - 8 / 21
Team 43 - 9 / 21
Team 41 - 11 / 21
Team 51 (the big team) 12 / 21
Team 47 - 16 / 21

My apologies to both teams impacted by my error.

Third Grade Update - Oct. 12

2011-10-14T07:53:00.000-05:00

Third graders this week learned the last of the Think and Touch activities that we'll begin in full swing next week. Ask them to show you some of our "problems". They enjoy them so much, yet at the same time, they get frustrated. It's wonderful to see their delight when they learn the "trick" to solving these problems.

We began a short activity called Doggone Mystery. We are working through the elements of a crime to try to solve the mystery of a dog napping. I am keeping this packet at school until we finish, just to make sure no one gets too excited and finishes the mystery before we're ready. Next weeks part involves solving a very complicated logic puzzle, so that will be the focus of most of our class.

The students also had time to read more mysteries. They seem to really love this genre, so I encourage you to visit the U City library to see if they have more that are at a slightly higher reading level. Mine are actually below their reading level so there is more comprehension accomplished since they are not struggling to read. I am focusing on learning the elements of a mystery so they are ready to write their own in just a week or two when we begin the writing process.

There is no homework for the students.

Second Grade Update - Oct. 12

2011-10-14T07:48:00.000-05:00

The students were challenged with using a variety of designs to fill a three-way Venn diagram. This was a real challenge for most of the students. Many made the task much harder than it needed to be, which I like, it shows that they are really trying to push themselves and they stuck it out and completed the assignment.

The children also had a chance to play each others games. It was a lesson on writing directions to a game. Some of the games needed a little help so that a person unfamiliar with the game could play.

I've asked the children to look over the game Monopoly. If you have it at home it would be great if the children played it at least once before class next week. They will be creating their own version of Monopoly on a topic of their choice. They will need to pick a topic and then gather information about their topic that can be used as the "streets" of their Monopoly. So, instead of having Boardwalk, our St. Louis game might have The Gateway Arch. Most of the children have already picked their topic. We'll spend time in the Flynn Park library next week beginning our formal research.

On Wed., Oct. 26, children's author Gordan Korman will be visiting Flynn Park. An assembly has been arranged for the older children but I will

Fifth Grade Update - Oct. 13

2011-10-14T07:36:00.001-05:00

We were finally able to make stock purchase so EVERYONE is in the game. By mid day Friday all teams will be ranked. The children should continue to research the stocks that were purchased to keep up on whether or not they are making money. The teams may decide to sell some or all of their under performing stocks. Also, students can research new stocks to recommend to their teams.

The students were given time in the computer lab yesterday to continue their search at asknature.org to find up to 20 animals / plants that would be included in his team's Super Human. Next week the teams will be meeting to decide on the final "pieces" of their SuperHumans. This is always an interesting process in give and take.

My biggest concern with the class this week was their social interaction during class time. Almost the second I pause, or begin to pass out paper, the students are talking. I spent a great deal of class time settling the students back into our work. Please ask your child how their behavior is impacting our class.

So... Homework this week:

Track purchased stocks
Research new stocks to purchase
Research more "parts" for your SuperHuman
Complete pages 16 and 17 of the math packet related to our stock market game.

Fourth Grade Update - Oct. 11

2011-10-12T12:31:00.000-05:00

After completing our brain wake up exercises we finished up on our coded messages. Each student is creating their own code, then writing a message to the class to decode. Once I have all the codes I'll give everyone a copy to try to solve.

I also introduced a mystery that will take about three weeks to complete. The first page introduces the story and gives us a coded message to solve. The next activity is an elimination logic grid. We've done these in the past but this one is a bit more complicated and I'll ask the students to do most of the work on their own.

Last we went to the Flynn Park Library to do further research on the alphabet book topics. Many students were able to find books to help them further their research. Some students used the encyclopedias. There are a few students that will be dependent on the Internet for their research.

HOMEWORK:
1. Some students need to finish their personal codes.
2. Some students need to finish their coded messages.
3. All students need to have all 26 letters identified and at least 13 letters researched. This includes tracking sources and writing notes about the information. I showed two students' work to give the others an idea for organization.

Please email me if you have any questions about what we are doing in GATE.

First Grade Update - Oct. 11

2011-10-12T12:26:00.000-05:00

The first graders put the final touches on their Flat Stanley project today. We completed a letter and addressed our envelopes to send our Flat people on their way. They went into the mailbox Wednesday morning. The students were given a map of the USA to color in all the states our Flat selves will be visiting. We have nine students going to 8 different states from Oregon to Virginia and in between. Hopefully we'll hear soon from our host families.

We also spent a bit of time on our PETS activity. We compared animals that initially were very similar but by the third pairing they were not so much. Next week, we'll move toward less and less similar animals to be compared. This is a real stretch for the kids and I was very impressed with how well they worked.

Next week we'll steer back to frogs and toads. We'll finish our research and do some summary writing about what we've learned.

Fifth Grade Update - Oct. 6

2011-10-07T03:21:00.000-05:00

Thursday was very hectic. Please ask your child how they are helping to keep us moving through our day. Since I only have your children for two and one half hours a week, I move fairly quickly through our material. Unfortunately, I had one-third of the class not prepared for Thursday's lessons. I know it can be difficult to remember once a week events, but please help your child to remember to: 1. do their homework and 2. bring the homework and their GATE binder back to school each and every Thursday.

So, here's what we covered.

1. Thinking activity: letter A, things that are lost, letters: R,S,T,A,V,H,E
2. I reviewed the homework. One third of the class had not finished this assignment. They have two more pages for next week.
3. I introduced our next unit, Biomimicry / Inventions. There will be a field trip on Nov. 3. I wasn't able to pass out the field trip form, but will do that next week.
4. We went to the computer lab and watched a video on biomimicry and then I showed them how to begin their research for the next project.
5. We attempted to purchase stocks for the Stock Market Game. Unfortunately not enough students had done their research homework for us to make any purchases.

HOMEWORK:
1. Math pages 14 and 15
2. Research the ONE stock you want your team to buy and FILL out the form given out in class.
3. Begin research for SuperHuman / Biomimicry. You'll need 10 - 20 characteristics you would want to include on the new and improved SuperHuman.

As always, please contact me if you have any questions. Also, I am available before school everyday. Students can get permission to come see me.

Third Grade Update - Oct. 5

2011-10-06T11:56:00.000-05:00

As with all the other classes, we began with our Brainwork activity. This week was the letter A and things that are lost. These activities force the children to stretch their thinking a bit and often they want me to tell them the "right" answer. There are no right answers. We are trying to come up with answers NO ONE else will think of each time.

I introduced the next Think and Touch activity which is adding and subtracting with Roman Numerals. The twist is the equations I give them are incorrect and they are not written down, but constructed with toothpicks. They are only allowed to move one toothpick to make the equation correct. The students really had fun with this, so I am excited to begin giving them even more of these types of problems.

Last, we completed two activities to further our study on mystery novels. First we did Cloze the Case. Ask your child what CLOZE means. The kids were given a prompt with missing words and they had to fill in the blank to make a coherent sentence. I was impressed with their thinking and creativity. The second activity required the kids to read, make predictions and then continue reading a short mystery book. Each cild was given a Cam Jansen myster book to work with. The few students that didn't complete the assignment in class have brought it home to complete.

We are almost ready to begin the writing of our own myster stories.

Book orders were sent home. Orders should be input or paper forms returned to me by Friday, Oct. 14.

Second Grade Update - Oct. 5

2011-10-06T11:45:00.000-05:00

Second Graders were very busy this week.
We began with our regular "brainwork". Each week they are given a letter of the alphabet and asked to write down all the words they can think of that start with that letter. It is a great way for me to see a students vocabulary and discover something about their interests.

Next, we completed a PETS activity on attributes and Venn Diagrams. This was very difficult for many of the children. We will continue to work on attributes and how to compared objects. The pages they completed will be in their binders next week.

Last they finished working on their St. Louis Landmark Games. The students were in pairs to complete this activity. It is good to see how they work with a partner they did not choose. Next week the students will rotate around and play each other's games. The next step will be for them to design a game of their own.

Book order forms were sent home. Please enter the orders on line or return the paper orders by Friday, Oct. 14.

Fourth Grade Update - Oct. 4

2011-10-06T11:31:00.000-05:00

Fourth graders this week finished up the PETS secret code activity, as well as spending time in the computer lab working on the alphabet book research.
Ask your child to show you the code they solved and then also the code they created. I really pushed some of the children to force them out of their comfort zone. Some of the students are taking the easy route when I ask them to complete an assignment. They don't seem to like it too much when I ask them to try again. This will be the norm as I expect everyone to do the very best work in my class as well as in their regular classroom.

Many students still had not identified the 26 items they would use for their books. I had one student who still had not pinpointed their topic. Topics and the identification of the 26 items must be complete by next week.

All students can begin working on the information they will be sharing about their topic. Students have the assignment sheet and grading rubric in their binders to guide them as they do their research. They do not need to begin typing yet, but they do need to organize their information for each letter. They can put more than one letter on a page for note purposes, but not for the final project.

I will do a progress check next week and will be notifying parents if I think someone is too far behind in their work.

Book order forms were sent home. The orders need to be placed on line or turned into me by next Friday, Oct. 14.

First Grade Update - Oct. 4

2011-10-04T11:25:00.001-05:00

Today was all about nouns and frogs and toads. We began with words that start with the letter A. Ask your child some of the wonderful words that the students came up with. They were very challenging words. After a child tells us the word, it is written on the board for all to see. Your children are still developing the sounds letters make and there are so many exceptions in English that I think it is very important that the students see the word. I also point out the exception or rule of spelling that the word illustrates.

Next, the children read non-fiction texts about Frogs and Toads. They read in small groups of two or three. Then they wrote down facts they had learned and we shared some of those as a whole group. Next week we'll take our lists and turn them into a paragraph about frogs and toads.

Last, we read the Spring story from Frog and Toad are Friends and looked for nouns in the story. We made a list of the nouns we found. This brought up how words can be two things; IE: noun and a verb. Ask your child to point out nouns while they read.

I have just four students that need to turn in their person that we will mail their Flat Stanley. Please try to have those to me this week. Next week, we'll write our friendly letters and I'll get the Stanleys off on their adventures.

I also sent home the October Book order forms. These are due by Friday, Oct. 14.

All Grades - Week of Sept. 26

2011-09-30T13:15:00.001-05:00

This week just flew by, so I will give a summary of each grade level here.

NEWS FOR ALL

Book orders from September have arrived and been distributed. October order forms will come home next week and will be due Friday, Oct. 14.
The thinking cues this week were the letter Z and things that are pulled. What can you think of?
Due to the shortened day on Tuesday and a district GATE meeting I did not see First or Fourth Graders this week. We'll be back to normal next week.

Second Grade
The second graders finished their Logic Elimination Grids. They did a fantastic job. I'll be giving them these throughout the year. As soon as we finish this PETS unit the papers will come home. The first project for the second graders will be to design and build their own game. They will have to pick a topic that will be seen on the game board (sort of like the subject specific Monopoly games). The children will research their topic so that their game board is accurate. This week they practiced with a friend making a game about St. Louis attractions. They will be finishing those and playing them next week. I am also going to introduce algebra to the kids.

Third Grade
Third graders dove right back into "researching" mystery novels by trying to read as many as they can. I gave them a glossary of words that are often used in mystery books. When it was time to read, many of the children were finding those same words in their books. I also did the second Think and Touch activity which involved using coins. In our world today there are fewer and fewer opportunities for the children to use "real" money. Please encourage them to help you when you do use cash. Next week, we'll look at story maps for mysteries so they can begin thinking about the sequence of their story. We'll also learn another Think and Touch activity using Roman Numerals. Then we'll do more PETS thinking with decision making charts.

Fifth Grade
The time with the fifth graders flies by so fast. We had seven students absent, but we had to keep moving. After completing the thinking activities the students shared their stock prices from their homework. We also learned how to figure the cost of stocks and I showed them quickly how to calculate the commission fee. We had time in the computer lab to look at our Stock Market Game pages and see the interest we've already accrued. Hopefully groups will make their first purchases in the next week. HOMEWORK: Complete pages 12 and 13 ONLY of the algebraic thinking packet I handed out to each of you. If your child was absent the packet was given to their homeroom teacher. Here are a few website links I promised to post: The Stock Market Game - http://www.smgww.org/ Investor Guide - www.investorguide.com - This is a website given to us by Andrew Guest. The last is Yahoo Finance at www.finance.yahoo.com .

BOOK CLUB ORDERS

2011-09-24T07:55:00.000-05:00

Wow, you are a wonderful bunch of parents. Not only do you see the value in reading and providing books for your children, your generosity has made it possible for me to get over 20 FREE books for the classroom library. Thank you for your orders.

I will be transmitting the order this weekend, and then we wait for the huge box to arrive. I will send books home with the children.

Fifth Grade Update - Sept. 21

2011-09-24T07:53:00.000-05:00

I do the same brain teaser activity with all the grade levels. This is where I can really see the growth in children through the years. It's amazing to me the vocabulary and interests your children have in their minds. We did the letter B and things that are hard this week. Ask your child to see their list of items for these ideas.

We spent the rest of the class working on The Stock Market Game preparations. They were put into teams and worked as a team to complete the quiz on the rules. They did a wonderful job. I know the homework last week seemed daunting. There were many new concepts and vocabulary that was totally unfamiliar. Discomfort is ok when learning. It makes the students read a little more carefully. Hopefully too, it opened up a dialog with you, the parent, about what we are doing in class. I had one parent jokingly ask to audit my stock market talks so they too could learn. Trust me, each year I do this I learn more and more about how our financial world works. I was a mortgage loan underwriter prior to becoming a teacher, so I do have some background, but I don't think ANYONE can ever stop learning.

I also showed the students the Yahoo Finance web site, it's a wonderful one stop site for information on any stock traded on any US stock exchange. The address is finance.yahoo.com. We then spent the last 40 minutes of class in the computer lab, exploring the Yahoo Finance website.

HOMEWORK: This week's assignment is to research a stock they would like to convince their teammates to purchase next week when we have our first chance to enter the game. Also, they have an activity to look up the price of four or five real companies and see what it would cost to purchase those stocks. The price used on the activity should be the price listed at the time your child is completing their homework. EVERYONE could have different answers for these problems.

Please, as always, email me if you have questions, concerns or just want to chat. I usually check my work email at least once an evening and if for some reason that doesn't happen, I am at school by 7:30 most days and check it when I arrive.

Third Grade Update

2011-09-21T14:59:00.000-05:00

Many students did not have their binders today. Please help your child to remember their binder, each and every Wednesday. I just do not have room to store the binders for every student.

Wow, the first few weeks of class is always so busy. We covered a lot of ground today. We began with our Creative Problem Solving thinking activities. Each students had to think of words that begin with the letter B. Also, they listed things that are hard. If you look in the binders these lists should be behind the first tab.

Next, we learned a new number activity. This is called Think and Touch because many of the activities that I'll be teaching will require something the children touch while they are thinking about their answer. The children were given a grid in which they had to fit specified numbers in order to get a certain answer. Again, you can see the examples in the first tab of the binder. Each week I'll be teaching a new Think and Touch problem type until they've all been taught. After that, I'll be giving one of each problem for them to complete each week when they come into the classroom.

The third activity of the day was PETS (Primary Education Thinking Skills). We are learning about criterion based decision making. Last week we heard a story about the Crystal Pond Woods School and how they wanted to make improvements. Today, the children came up with criterion by which they could decide on a restaurant to take Mom to for her birthday. There is HOMEWORK this week that requires adult help. The children seemed very excited to involve their parents in this process, I hope you find it useful as well.

Last, we began a soft entry into our first project, mystery writing. The children will be reading mysteries in class for the next few weeks. Then, we'll figure out all the components of a good mystery so we can finally write our own.

Soon we'll settle into a routine for GATE. When the students come in they have what I call brainwork. These are activities that require the students to use many different parts of their brain to solve. We'll then do a PETS activity and finally our project work.

Don't forget, book orders are due this Friday, Sept. 23. On line orders need to be entered by midnight on Friday, paper orders should be here at school that morning.

Second Grade Update 9/21

2011-09-21T14:47:00.000-05:00

The second graders went on a field trip to the St. Louis Zoo today. I can't wait to use what we learned in GATE class. I'll see them next week for our regular class.

Don't forget, book club orders are due this Friday, Sept. 23. If you are ordering on line you'll have until midnight. Otherwise, you can send the paper order in with your child.

Fourth Grade Update - Tuesday 9/20

2011-09-21T09:20:00.000-05:00

This week the students had to list words that begin with the letter B and things that are hard. I love these activities. I am able to see the fabulous vocabulary that your students have hiding in their brains. Some students are struggling and I think as we get further into these activities they will let themselves write more. Many students edit their entries, when what I really want is what I call a "brain dump". Anything in their brain should be put down on the paper.

The Thinking Skills activity was to break a secret message and the code it was written in. Next week the children will write their own code and message.

I passed out guidelines and a grading rubric on the alphabet book project. We then went to the computer lab to begin researching topics. Most of the students were able to find enough information to fill an A to Z book, so they should be working on identifying which item will be used for each letter.

We will not have class next week, so they have two weeks to find all 26 letters. We'll begin writing our books on Oct. 4.

First Grade Update - Tuesday 9/20

2011-09-21T09:15:00.000-05:00

Tuesday was a very busy day for the first grade students. The day began with our Thinking Skills activity. We are currently learning about being an analytical thinker. We worked together to sort Sybil the Scientist's lab creatures. Then each students sorted their own "limpets". These pages will come home at the end of the Sybil unit.

Next, we began our Flat Stanley Project. Hopefully you were given a letter requesting a person who might be willing to host your child's flat person. The person who takes in Flat Students needs to be willing to take pictures and write a letter back to your child. The children created their flat versions after we read about how Stanley was flattened and traveled to California in an envelope.

While the children were designing their flat selves, I read the first two stories in Frog and Toad are Friends, Spring and The Story. We will be using these stories to launch many activities that will cross all aspects of the curriculum.

Next Tuesday I have to attend a district GATE meeting so there will be no class. Please return the Flat Stanley letter on October 4.

Fifth Grade Update

2011-09-15T15:20:00.000-05:00

This is one very large class, but they did a terrific job today. We had a "first day" of school experience. I did a very quick overview of how the classroom will run on GATE days. The children were wonderful about remembering from last year and also helping the new students to get "the system". I already heard, "This is hard." My three favorite words.

I introduced our first unit, "The Stock Market Game". The students have a lot of reading for this week as well as two pages to complete for next week. There will be test on the rules of the game next week. We will also get into teams to choose team names. The actual game begins on Sept. 26 so we'll be all ready to go.

Third Grade Update

2011-09-15T15:15:00.000-05:00

Wednesday was our first class. It was just like the first day of school all over again. Our time was spent reviewing procedures and reviewing what we've done in the past. Mrs. Sorrell was able to visit at the end of our class.

Next week we'll really get moving with PETS activities, Think and Touch activities and voting on our first unit of study.

We're going to need a coach for our Equations teams at third grade. If you love math and are available either after school or on the weekends to host practices, please contact me and I'll give you more details on the game and how it's run at Flynn Park.

Second Grade Update

2011-09-14T11:59:00.000-05:00

We had a terrific first class. There are many crossovers between our program last year and DH's so that made it quite smooth. We jumped right into Creative Problem Solving using the PETS (Primary Education Thinking Skills) Program. We learned how to do Logic Puzzles. We were able to complete three puzzles today and will finish them in TWO weeks.

NEXT, week the second grade classes are going on a field trip to the St. Louis Zoo. This is a wonderful opportunity and I'll be joining the students so that I can incorporate what they are learning in class into our GATE curriculum. Students need to bring their binders with dividers on Tuesday, Sept. 27, our next class together.

Each student should have brought home a note explaining our program and book orders. The book orders need to be returned to me or placed on line by Sept. 23. The links are on an earlier post here on the blog.

Fourth Grade Update Sept. 13

2011-09-14T06:14:00.000-05:00

Welcome back to GATE.

The fourth graders had a wonderful first class. We covered a lot of ground today so I'm going to make this bullet points.

Brainwork - ask about the letter D, things that Spin and Scrabble
PETS - just barely touched on this, more next week
Classroom Library - Yes, I do have over 1,000 books to loan out.
A to Z books - Our first project. Each student needs to think of THREE possible topics for an alphabet book they will research and write. We reviewed the basics of the assignment. Details will be posted on this blog next week after I review the guidelines in class.
Book orders. The brochures were sent home yesterday, orders are due Sept. 23 either on line or the paper order back to me.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Email is the surest way to get me: llecours@ucityschools.org.

Book Orders

2011-09-09T14:11:00.000-05:00

Scholastic Book Club Orders – Due Date: September 23, 2011

Each month I make the Scholastic Book Club order forms available to my students. Generally they will come home the first week of the month and be due the following Friday.

This month I've sent home Lucky and Arrow Book Clubs, next month I'll also have TAB which is for older readers.

If your child’s classroom teacher also does the book clubs, please order from them first. I provide above grade level clubs to enable you to find those books your child might be able to read and enjoy. However, the grade level selections are often of the most interest to the students so don’t overlook those either.

On Line Ordering

Website: www.scholastic.com/bookclubs

Click on I am a parent. The first time you will need to set up a login id and password. If you ordered from me last year, you are still registered.

Classroom Activation Code: GL7HN