Social Studies :)

Last week and today in my placement class, the 3rd graders were working on learning the continents, oceans, directions, (NSEW) equator, Northern and Southern Hemisphere, longitude, and latitude lines. Wow~ this seems like alot of stuff, but they did it in a fun way. They were able to draw a picture of all the above mentioned in the world on a big posterboard, color it in, and label it, and then of course display it. The teacher had a world quiz that she did through her smartboard where the children came up and answered the questions and then they got to choose the next person to answer. The questions asked were- Find the Pacific Ocean, Where is the Northern Hemisphere, Point to Africa and so on. They were all participating and learning at the same time!! Fun way to do social studies, with out the book!!!

3rd grade~ Here I come!!

Well I went to my placement grade today with a GREAT teacher and she is going to be so helpful, I'm thankful for that. She let me grade their reading tests and help with math and even social studies. She said I could do whatever, whenever, so I feel great that she is willing to give the class to me. She only has 17 students, but some of them are like having 2 each, so it is a harder class, but I'm glad I get to be there to watch her deal with the behavior issues!! (It will only help me in the future)
Now onto some more of the dreaded "H" word.
Looking forward to Pizza on Monday with my good buddies :)

PLACEMENT

Well I'm excited because we (the last few in the class) received our placements at Blountville Elem. I'm already very happy because I know my mentor teacher. My oldest son had her many years ago and she was wonderful then. Kinda nervous too because that's when all the assignments are going to be due, when we are in our classrooms!!Glad we have helpful professors (some anyway)

http://www.brainpop.com/socialstudies/ushistory/

Hopefully this web address will open because it has some great social studies info and lesson ideas.
Also I like the interactive kind of learning (ex. parliament and the colonies, (taking our m&m's)
So I was thinking alot about Ron Clark's ideas and The Presidents Rap Song kept coming to my mind. I couldn't find a good version of it on you tube except the one from the actual movie, The Ron Clark Story, but he definitely has good ideas to brighten up a lesson.
Have a great weekend bloggers =)

Another day

Well I am excited to be getting my placement soon!!! I know some of you have already received your placements and have been to the schools..how exciting!!
I hope everyone gets a chance to blog about their schools, mentors, and just the overwhelming feelings we all will have in our new classrooms :)
See you all tom in class.

Happy Patriot's Day to you all!!

I was able to go to my younger 2 sons school yesterday for a Celebration for Patriot's Day. The younger children released red, white, and blue balloons, while the older students sang patriotic songs and waved flags. The principal talked about 9-11 and about being a Patriot. I think it would be great for all schools to participate in some kind of celebration honoring our country and the heroes that died for us.

My son Caleb is holding the "A"

A picture book read aloud is a perfect opportunity for teachers to make reading fun for children. Read on for ideas to liven things up in the classroom.

A picture book read aloud presented by a teacher to a classroom full of students has plenty of opportunities for amusement. Encourage young readers to become lifelong readers by taking the time to try out some of these read aloud ideas. When reading is fun, children pay attention in school!

Use Props for Making Reading Fun

Puppets that resemble the main characters in a story are fun to use with a picture book read aloud. Puppetry helps story characters “come to life” for children. Puppets can be bought from educational supply stores or can be made by hand using supplies found in popular craft stores.


Read With Gusto During the Picture Book Read Aloud

Young children often enjoy hearing the same picture book read aloud over and over again. Make the 100th reading as exciting as the first time by using a dramatic voice. Reading with a high pitched, low pitched, or accented voice is a sure-fire way to keep the story interesting. Be fearless when teaching and go for the gusto!
Dress the Part

Playing dress up doesn’t have to be reserved only for preschoolers on a playdate. If the picture book has a main character that really is quite a character, play up on that! Rummage for old clothes around the house, at thrift stores, or garage sales in order to look the part. A read aloud that is performed by a life-sized book character look-alike is a definite way to make reading fun for children.
If the picture book is a familiar one, older students may want to dress up as well. Putting on a class play is a fun extension activity that teaches students cooperation and public speaking skills.

Read in a Sing-Song Voice

It is not uncommon for a young child to grow attached to a particular picture book. Using rhythms from popular children’s songs to liven up that 100th reading of The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a fun read aloud idea (especially for teachers who have grown weary of this award-winning picture book). Be spunky and have fun singing the words; children appreciate enthusiasm!


Read more at Suite101: Picture Book Read Aloud – Making Reading Fun for Children http://www.suite101.com/content/picture-book-read-aloudmaking-reading-fun-for-children-a274556#ixzz0z5Lbf9gZ

I have been reading homework for the last couple of hours, and I am still playing around with my blog. I'm still trying to figure out about pictures and slide shows, but there is so much information that can be used in a blog, it is GREAT! Hope you all have a productive Thurs. I am off to a golf match at Warriors with my oldest son Joshua.

Sept 9, 2010

Well I have actually set up my blog, so we will see where it goes from here. Very excited about this semester, kinda nervous with all the "due dates."
It's hard to believe my school adventure is coming to an end. I have been in school since 2006. What will it be like to NOT buy books-WOW!!
Here is a website I want to share.
http://www.kids-cooking-activities.com/
This can be used with classroom activities as well as in your home!