Thursday, November 12, 2015

Read, Draw, Write for Math Problems

A Great Strategy for Problem Solving

Students are working hard to solve multi-step math problems in class. This can be overwhelming to them at first. We are using a wonderful strategy in class to help them through these types of problems called Read, Draw, Write. To learn more about this strategy link this link; Read, Draw, Write. Make sure they are using this strategy when doing their homework.

Here is a video that helps demonstrate this awesome strategy.

Wednesday, November 11, 2015



Dear Families,
We are currently studying Earth’s Changing Surface in science class! The students are learning that Earth’s surface has specific characteristics and landforms that can be identified. The surface of Earth changes due to weathering, erosion, and deposition.  
We are going to look in our own beautiful backyard to study these Earth changes. Both science classes will walk down to Lakewood Park to learn, observe, discuss these ideas, and see them with our own eyes! You are more than welcome to join us on this natural scavenger hunt.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
                            Sincerely,
                            Mrs. Sharon Gorris


Date: November 17, 2015 (This is National Take a Hike Day)
Destination:  Lakewood Park
Transportation: Walking
Time: 1:30 pm - 2:45 pm

Clothing: Dress appropriately for weather and walking.

Friday, October 30, 2015

Kawah Ijen Crater (Indonesia)



The students are reading, learning, and researching this awesome Indonesian Volcano.

Thursday, October 29, 2015

A Letter From President Obama

So proud of one of my students. She decided to write a letter to President Obama and ask him some questions. He wrote a lovely heartfelt letter back to her. She shared the letter and all the wonderful things he sent in the envelope with our class today. She inspired many of the students to write a letter too. 
If you are inspired to write a letter to our President here is the address; 

 The President
 The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW                                 Washington, DC 20500 


If you need some tips for writing a letter to our President, this link will be helpful Contact the President of the United-States

Monday, October 26, 2015

Amazing Homework Award Party


Great Job Room 108






Great job students! Keep up this good work for next quarter!

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Fun Reading



Shared reading makes the story so much more fun!
We are reading a great story about a boy from England who convinced his "Misery Guts" parents to move to Australia because he thinks it will make them happy.Keith soon learns that the grass isn't always greener.  
Students are having a lot of fun learning about these different countries and their cultures. 
Discussing the story and talking. Students are creating questions for other groups to answer. 
Finding evidence in the story to support their ideas.

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Hey, Parents and Students, I signed us up for this awesome event!  Extra-Credit to all families that participate!

White House Astronomy Night:
Celebrating Science, Technology & Space

October 19 | 7:00 PM ET

The 2015 White House Astronomy Night is a celebration of science, technology, and space. Students, teachers, scientists, engineers, astronauts, and others will spend the evening stargazing, learning about some of the newest astronomical discoveries, and checking out the cutting-edge technologies that enable us to explore and live in space.

Watch it LiveStudents, parents and educators are welcome to tune in online at www.DiscoveryEducation.com/AstronomyNight to watch the live broadcast.

Schedule of Events
  • MythBusters' Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman to host this exciting event live from the White House South Lawn
  • Remarks followed by short walk looking through a telescope and visiting an exhibit
  • Storytelling panel with Commercial Crew astronauts and answering questions from the internet audience
  • Additional questions and answers with the MythBusters

White House Astronomy Night

Friday, October 16, 2015

Eureka Math Collaboration

Collaboration in math class is key. Students discuss how to solve math problems and realize there is more than one way to solve these multi-step problems!

Space to Ground: Spacewalk Preps: 10/16/2015



Getting ready for the space walk!

Speed of Sound



You've got to watch this! This is so exciting, we are watching history and the future take place. It is inspiring and amazing. Think of the sacrifices these astronauts are making to help us understand the world and our future! 


Monday, October 5, 2015

The Legend of Keesh from the Jack London story, "The Story of Keesh"



The above video was used to grab students attention before our Close Reading of;
Students are reading and carefully annotating the text so that they can answer questions based on evidence in the story.




Sunday, October 4, 2015

Peer Conferencing is Golden

Peer Conferencing is a big part of our cIassroom. Students engage in writing conversations to discuss important elements of writing. It is so powerful to get feedback from a peer. Students feel more comfortable taking risks and discussing their mistakes with their writing partner.

I get so excited when I listen in on these conversations because I know that the impact it has on the work is tremendous!

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Reading discussions



It is so wonderful to see my students having rich discussions on characters
and their motivations. The students are learning to support their opinions and 
ideas with evidence. 

Monday, September 28, 2015

Personal Narrative Talk

The students are finishing up their Personal Narratives and they are working very hard. I am so proud of them! The stories are about small moments in their lives, but the words and craft make them so rich and interesting! All the stories are so unique. Even though they are different each one contains the following elements; a strong lead, dialogue, character description, setting description, strong words, similes, and transition words.

I can't wait to share these awesome stories and let others read these fantastic moments that these 4th graders have experienced.


Monday, June 29, 2015

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Math Fun!

Math Live, a fantastic site for upper elementary students, is full of cartoon math tutorials on subjects like fractions, multiplication, area and perimeter, tessellations, probability, and a variety of other topics. The glossary section is an amazing collection of math concepts animated for more solid understanding.

http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/me5l/html/math5.html

Summer Vacation!



Want to go on a virtual summer vacation schlepping around Europe? Try  Toporopa on your browser and learn all about the geographical, political, historical and economical aspects of the wonderful continent. There is nothing like a free vacation! Happy travels!
http://www.toporopa.eu/en/index.html