What a fun-filled day of learning!!
We had an assembly this morning where we learned a bit about the history of Veterans Day (Or Armistice Day as it was previously called) from our friend Mr. Knowlton. We were treated to the Otis Honor Guard presenting the Colors while Mrs. Scheer sang and signed the National Anthem. We were led in the Pledge of Allegiance by State Representative Dave Vieira. Student behavior was commendable, and we enjoyed meeting as a whole-school.
Back in the classroom, I showed students a video provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs, where students were able to enjoy seeing retired veterans and disabled veterans enjoying activities such as skiing, singing, painting, rock climbing, basketball, racing and a whole host of other sports. The kids loved the videos, which were narrated and set to inspiring music. I am usually moved to tears when I watch it, and this year was no exception.
Our new unit in Reading Street started today – we are focusing on the question: “What are smart ways problems are solved?” Our first story will be read on Monday, entitled Penguin Chick. After students explored their learning styles recently, we discovered that many of them are “Nature Smart” – having a strong connection to all things having to do with nature. It seems (crazy, I know) that kids love penguins! I had a video, ready to roll, and they really got a kick out of watching it. I said I’d share it here on the blog for them to see again at home (click the pic).
I allowed students to write reflections in their writing journals before we headed off to special – and their insights really impressed me. Spelling does not count in our writing journals when we are writing to build stamina (as we did today for 17 minutes), because it sometimes gets in the way of our being creative.
We have been measuring maniacs!!! We have been working with the SMARTBoard, Ladibug and individual student white boards. Here’s a peek:
We start whole-class with student whiteboards, watching the SMARTBoard. I demonstrate with example after example, as to how we measure to the nearest quarter-inch. Students “flash” their answers at me so I can gauge the level of understanding. See if your child can explain this problem we did today:
Next, students head off to work on measurement papers that look very similar to this one – to independently practice the strategies we’ve been doing whole-group. 
While students are working independently, I open the SMARTBoard as a math center – where students circulate through (in number order) to solve measurement problems from the FunBrain measurement practice site. Today, we cycled through all students three times, so they were each given many opportunities to try their hand at these problems.
I enjoy watching them from where I sit nearby, working with students having difficulties. My goal of using the SMARTBoard as a center is becoming more and more of a reality in Room 204!
204-ers certainly learned a whole bunch in the few short hours we have had together today!
Enjoy the long weekend, and your children. They are simply wonderful.
PS: If there are any parents who are interested in going on our field trip to Plimoth Plantation on Tuesday, let me know – there is still space and I could use the extra CORI-Checked assistance!!