Ms. Sauriol's 4th Grade Classroom

Discovery Speeches

2009-09-14T20:20:00.007-07:00

Our classroom discovery speeches are oral activities that familiarize the students with public speaking and independent research skills. We have had 11 kids present already, and I have been THRILLED with what they have done! Keep up the great work, Room 20 Students!

Science is Fun! Studying the Properties of Matter: Our Creation of GAK!

2009-09-14T20:20:00.000-07:00

On Monday afternoon, we created Gak! This easy experiment, which examines solids, liquids, and chemical reactions, was a great way to conclude our initial introduction to matter and its properties!

We started with white school glue! Glue contains millions of long strands of molecules that are linked together like a chain. We began by mixing some water to make the glue "thinner".

Measuring out the right amount of borax solution to add to our glue, food coloring, and water mixture.

Getting ready to see the chemical reaction!

Vigorously mixing...

When you add borax to the glue, things begin to happen! The borax links the long strands of glue together! This process creates a net-like structure, making Gak behave like a solid! The "net-like" structure traps the water inbetween the strands. With this, Gak behaves like a liquid!

Gak acts like both a solid and a liquid!!! Gak is called a "Non-Newtonian fluid". It is Non-Newtonian because it does not behave the way Newton said fluids should. Who knew science could be so fun! I loved seeing the kids making observations and really getting into this activity!

It's rubbery!

It's melting!

It acts as both the solid and liquid!

Each child took home some of their creation!

Science is FUN!

Examining Celsius and Fahrenheit!

2009-09-14T19:28:00.008-07:00

As we become familiar with the scientific method and experimenting, we have been practicing working with reading thermometers. Here are the kids investigating Celsius and Fahrenheit and properly reading each. They went crazy measuring the temperature of our classroom, body temperature, water under a light, water that had been sitting outside all afternoon, soil, metal, etc. etc. etc.!

Gathering data...

Scientists at work...

Wow!

Hot soil!!!

Buddies!

2009-09-14T19:06:00.004-07:00

We have Kindergarten Buddies this year! We have teamed up with Mrs. Loop's class this year! We have done many fun things, and it has been a great opportunity to bond with some younger BBS students! Here are a few of the buddy pairs in action!

Keep checking back to see all the cool activities we have planned with our new friends during the school year!

Daily One Minute Reading!

2009-08-18T18:30:00.006-07:00

One Minute Reading is a fun daily practice activity we do with partners to improve reading fluency, speed, and expression! Here are some pictures of the students in action!

Math Art!

2009-08-18T18:15:00.006-07:00

Math Art is always one of our first activities of the year! it involves creating a grid, patterning, and being creative! The kids did an awesome job! Check out the finished products outside our classroom!

Welcome to Ms. Sauriol's 4th Grade!

2009-08-11T13:25:00.003-07:00

Welcome to the 2009 - 2010 School Year! Based on our 1st few weeks together, I am positive we are going to have a WONDERFUL year!

To find out More about Ms. Sauriol click here!

To see our schedule click here!

To see our first Newsletter/Parent Letter click here!

Our Arizona Living History Museum! The kids were AMAZING!!!

2009-05-12T16:24:00.000-07:00

At our Living History Museum, each student researched a famous Arizonan and created a characterization of this person! They wrote a report, made a poster, and were prepared to answer questions about their figure in Arizona's history!

I was so impressed with the way the students worked on this and answered questions the day of the "living museum"!

I really feel all of their Discovery Speech practice over the course of the year helped to make them more at ease in front of an "audience"!

GREAT JOB, GUYS!!!

Our Door...

Poster Sample...

Our Visitors...

Is that Jan Brewer back near the whiteboard glancing at us???

Talking with Ira Hayes...

It's John Wesley Powell!

Hello, Coronado!

Fray Marcos de Niza joined us...

Hi, Judge Sandra Day O' Connor!

Rose Mofford prepping for the opening...Do you see the bee in her hair? hehehe

Father Kino was sure entertaining!

Cabeza de Vaca joined us as well!

Lori Piestewa with Sandra, Ira Hayes, and Father Kino

Kit Carson brought some pelts...

It's Geronimo and Sharlot Hall!

Frances Willard Munds encouraging all women to fight for the right to vote!

I LOVED Rose's hairdo...What a lady!!!

Cabeza answering questions...

Cesar Chavez and Powell (poor guy lost one of his arms) greet each other!

Janet Napolitano greeted everyone as they walked into the museum!

Barry Goldwater sat with John McCain and Sandra Day O'Connor!

Thanks to all the kids (and parents) for putting your ALL into this project!!!

Some Pics from the AZ State Capitol Field Trip!

2009-05-11T11:42:00.012-07:00

It was so much fun to visit the state capitol and to reinforce all the things we have been learning this year regarding the Grand Canyon State!

Exhibit we saw @ the Desert Botanical Garden: Chihuly: The Nature of Glass

2009-04-09T12:10:00.010-07:00

When visiting the Desert Botanical Garden, our class had the opportunity to see an exhibition by renowned glass sculpture artist Dale Chihuly. The exhibit, Chihuly: The Nature of Glass, was located throughout the Garden!

Here are some pictures we captured of his work!

Arizona Living History Museum Project Information!

2009-04-03T12:51:00.003-07:00

There is no homework packet this week because of AIMS Testing NEXT week. However, I have assigned our Arizona Living Museum Project so that the students can start on that. This is always a FUN activity that allows for the students to be creative and showcase the report writing/presentation skills they have been building upon this school year! Each child has been assigned a figure in Arizona.

Please read over the assignment “syllabus”, which includes an outline for the written biography, questions that MUST be answered within the written report and during the Living Museum, a timeline for getting all components of the project done by our presentation date of April 28th, and a note for you to sign acknowledging your understanding of the project!

I have sent a paper copy of the project home with the students in their homework folder. This week, I am asking that the children only do their 120 min reading and possibly get started on the AZ project.

***Please sign your child’s HW folder and send back the “Note of Understanding.”
THIS WILL BE CONSIDERED THE HOMEWORK FOR THIS WEEK.

All information can be found to the right or here!

BBS Auction!

2009-04-03T11:45:00.000-07:00

Teacher Auction! BOWL w/ Mrs. Czarniecki!

2009-03-24T13:30:00.006-07:00

Parents, have you heard about our upcoming BBS event?!

On Friday, April 24, 2009, there will be a dinner and auction held at the San Marcos Resort in Chandler! I am UP FOR AUCTION! Well, an afternoon of bowling, games in the game arcade, and pizza WITH me is up for auction!

On a Saturday afternoon, I will treat one wonderful student and one of his or her friends to some games of bowling, a visit to the bowling alley's game center, and some yummy pizza @ the Brunswick Zone XL in Gilbert!

More info will be coming home soon about the event and the Auction!

I hope to see you there!

Our Current Novel Study and the Six Pillars of Character!

2009-03-23T11:33:00.004-07:00

We are currently reading the book Seedfolks by Sid Fleischman.

Not only is this a wonderful, uplifting tale of a neighborhood transformed when a young girl plants a few lima beans in an abandoned lot, but it is completely aligned with our studies of the Six Pillars of Character! There are examples and lessons woven through the story of Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship--all the Six Pillars! What wonderful lessons this book teaches! Please ask your child about this inspiring story, where each chapter is told in the voice of a different member of the neighborhood!

Please look for your child's completed novel study work and responses to be coming home soon after we finish this book!

Cool Things Around Our Classroom!

2009-03-06T12:33:00.009-07:00

Here are just a few things you can find on display in and outside our classroom right now!

We made these the first week of school!

Our Mad Minute Math!!!

Our Travel Brochures for cities in Arizona!

We tied our study of Adjectives into our studies of Arizona!

I Made a Mistake Poems! Funny!

Mrs. Czarniecki's Cranium Commanders Club!

Hemisphere work!

Map Creations...

We study the Regions of the USA too!

Kid Created Science Posters: Vertebrates!

Help Wanted: Animal Resumes!

Love is in the Air! 4th Grade Music Performance!

2009-03-02T14:00:00.009-07:00

On Friday, Feb. 27, all the 4th graders performed Arizona and "Love Inspired" musical numbers for their parents! They sang "Can't By me Love" by the Beatles and "I Just Called to Say I Love You" and "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by Stevie Wonder. In addition, they sang Mr. Pop's new and improved version of the "Arizona March Song"! They were AWESOME, and have been asked to perform for the whole school this Thursday!

"Professional Pose"

"Goofy Pose"!

Waiting to head out to the amphitheatre!

Lined up and waiting to perform!

Mr. Pop introducing the group...

Treats after! Yum!

Happy 97th Birthday, Arizona!

2009-02-26T23:05:00.002-07:00

As you know, much of our Social Studies Curriculum focuses on Arizona! We have already learned so much about this “Land of Contrast”! Topics of study have concentrated on the state’s history, culture, native people, geography, cities, towns, and counties, government, and flora and fauna. We will continue to learn much more about the “Grand Canyon State”! We are looking forward to our upcoming field trips to the Desert Botanical Garden and State Capitol! They are always very educational and enjoyable!

During our Valentine’s Day Party it seemed very fitting to celebrate the 97th birthday of our state which was admitted to the Union on February 14, 1912!

Did YOU know that we were the 48th and last of the contiguous states admitted to the Union? Do you know what Arizona’s 5 C’s are? Ask our child about ALL the amazing things he or she now knows about the great state of Arizona!

Valentine Party Fun!

2009-02-26T22:43:00.004-07:00

During our day of celebration, we did some valentine-themed science, estimation, graphing, sentence writing, and deductive reasoning!

Our red soft drinks were PERFECT for a dilution experiment!

Boxes of candy hearts lent well to an estimating and graphing activity.

We also had fun making up sentences using the words on the candy hearts!

We were all smiles as we played the game "Prominent Pairs"! Kids were each assigned 1/2 of a famous pair. However, they did not know WHO they were! We taped the "person" on their back! Everyone had to ask others yes or no questions about who was on their back until they thought they knew who they were...and then find their partner! The winners were the 1st pair to figure it out! Examples of pairs were Michelle and Barack Obama, Jack & Jill, Minnie and Mickey Mouse, Beauty and the Beast, Romeo and Juliet, Kermit and Miss Piggy, etc. etc. etc. It was fun and a total BLAST!

Questioning...

Michelle, aka Justin!

Frustrating at times!

Breathtaking Valentine Boxes!

2009-02-26T21:43:00.007-07:00

During our Valentine's Day/Arizona's Birthday Party, the kids tapped into their creative side! The Valentine boxes they created to receive valentines in from classmates were breathtaking!

Check them out--here are some of the boxes!
I CANNOT pick a favorite! They were all so cool!

Jelly Bean Mad Minute Pajama Party!!!

2009-02-13T13:17:00.002-07:00

The students were rewarded with a party for their Jelly Bean Math success this past Thursday! As a class, they reached over 200 Beans in our jar! The kids wore pajamas, brought in pillows, blankets, stuffed animals and board games to play during the day! The kids also used flashlights for “Lights Out-DEAR (reading) time.” This was a fun-filled ½ day with “pajama party” activities and popcorn!

We had to take time out during the party to work on VALENTINE GRAMS!!!

Light's Out DEAR time with Flashlights=FUN!

Yes, that is Mrs. Czarniecki in her Caterpillar slippers!

Notable African American PowerPoint Presentations

2009-02-13T12:58:00.006-07:00

The kids began work this week on their 5-Slide PowerPoint Presentations on Notable African Americans. Each child has chosen a African American to research and is gathering information to go into the report. Using this medium to do a report is relatively new to them! Mrs. Pencek is helping guide them through the process during our computer time.

On Wednesday they began creating a "skeleton" of the PowerPoint. This report will contain information on why they chose the person, his or her early life, family, adult life, contributions, successes, and challenges. They are also finding websites about the person. They are catching on quickly and doing a wonderful job on these! I can't wait for the final products!!!

Jupiter Jail Preparations...

2009-02-11T15:38:00.009-07:00

For the past 3 years our 4th grade classroom has done the JAIL at our school carnival! It is so fun! The kids love being "sheriffs" and "arresting" people! It's a popular booth at the fair! Since the fair is in a couple of weeks, the kids started getting ready for the big event yesterday after school. Many people came together to start preparing the jail. We dusted off the the sheriff uniforms, and are looking forward to the big day on Feb. 28th!!!

Painting the Jail...

Our First Valentine Gram Sales!

2009-02-09T09:54:00.006-07:00

We had a GREAT 1st morning of sales! We sold close to 50 Valentine Grams! The kids did a great job, and people really like our idea for a classroom business! We received LOTS of positive feedback about our business endeavor!!! Hopefully after school and the rest of the week is as successful!

Our 1st Dollar!

Preparing posters for the school

Our Classroom Business! Valentine Grams!

2009-02-06T14:33:00.005-07:00

Next week will be a busy week! We’ll see if we can tackle the latest “idea” created class! We may have bitten off more than we can chew, but it should be a FUN experience for the kids!

Up until about 3 years ago, my 4th grade classes would have a class business which allowed them to learn about economics and run an actual business. About 3 years ago I took a break from it! WELL…drum roll please…we are going to try it again!!!

Next week we will be selling VALENTINE GRAMS. The students will sell before and after school starting Mon., Feb. 9th! This is a healthy alternative to sending candy for a Valentine treat!

The students will be responsible for advertising the Valentine Grams, taking the orders, organizing data, packaging the orders, dealing with customers, delivering the orders, and handling money!

Keep checking back--we will be posting pictures of the entire class as we take on this endeaver!

Check out our AD!

Honus and Me was a great Novel Study! We are now CRAZY about Dan Gutman!!!

2009-02-02T22:41:00.005-07:00

We just finished another Novel Study by author Dan Gutman! I can honestly say that not one person in our room could wait to read it each day! Honus and Me was a wonderful story! The students did a super job discussing and responding to the text!

For those of you who HAVEN'T read this awesome book, here is a brief description of Honus and Me by Dan Gutman:

Joe Stoshack and his mom aren't rich, so when Joe finds a valuable baseball card in a neighbors attic, he thinks he's got it made! Joe is an avid baseball card collector, so he knows that the Honus Wagner card is baseball's rarest find. What he doesn't know is that he has the ability to travel through time and meet Honus Wagner. Joe even gets to play in the 1909 World Series! This book was not only entertaining, but well researched and should delight everyone--even readers not into sports will enjoy the fantasy elements! Mrs. Czarniecki's class sure did!!!

OTHER Dan Gutman masterpieces:

Miss Daisy Is Crazy (Book Description Ages 6-9 Grades K-2) By Dan Gutman Miss Daisy told to her students that she would rather eat bonbons than go to school! Plus, she says that she can';t read one word or do one math problem! What kind of teacher is that? Never before has school been this mixed up — or this much fun.
The Green Monster in Left Field (Book Description Ages 8-12 Grades 3-5) By Dan Gutman This is the tale of the Medford Maulers' newest player: ?Footsie,? an 8-foot-tall, 500-pound Bigfoot monster!
Dan O';Brien (Book Description Ages 12-15 Grades 8-11) By Dan Gutman Describes the training, competitions, and triumph over an attention deficit disorder of the winner of the decathlon in the 1996 Olympic games.
The Million Dollar Putt (Book Description Grades 3-5) By Dan Gutman Thirteen-year-old Ed Bogard, also know as Bogie, proves that blind people can do almost anything. Then he meets Birdie, the unusual girl next door, who learns of his natural golf swing and becomes his coach. This unlikely team with unorthodox ways actuall
Shoeless Joe & Me (Book Description Ages 8-10 Grades 3-7) By Dan Gutman Thirteen-year-old Joe Stoshack has the ability to travel back in time using baseball cards. He wants to use this ability to prevent Shoeless Joe Jackson from being implicated in the Black Sox Scandal of 1919.
Landslide! (Book Description Ages 9-12 Grades 4-7) By Dan Gutman Is the President the boss of the country? BR What happens if there's a tie? BR How does a voting machine work? BR Who belongs to the electoral college? BR Election fever is never higher than when the country is electing a president, but how does it all work? In a fun and snappy question-and-answer format, this book tells you everything you want to know about our democratic process in action.
Baseball's Biggest Bloopers (Book Description Grades 3-5) By Dan Gutman This book showcases some of baseball's worst moments with true stories of men such as Fred Snodgrass, who dropped a fly ball in 1912, and Bill Buckner, who let an easy grounder dribble through his legs to blow the 1986 World Series.
They Came from Center Field (Book Description Ages 8-12 Grades 3-5) By Dan Gutman This story, which is especially for young baseball fans, shows a team of kids who take on a crew of extraterrestrials determined to learn the game.
Abner & Me (Book Description Grades 3-5) By Dan Gutman In this Baseball Card Adventure, thirteen-year-old Joe travels back in time to the Civil War to find out if Abner Doubleday really did invent baseball. This time, Joe's mother wants to come with him, and she has a great plan that could save a president and
Satch & Me (Book Description Ages 8-10 Grades 3-5) By Dan Gutman Stosh and Flip Valentini, are on a mission to find out if Satchel Paige was really the fastest pitcher in the history of the game. With radar gun in hand, they travel back to 1942 and watch Satch pitch to power hitter Josh Gibson in the Negro League World Series.
The Million Dollar Goal (Book Description Grades 3-5) By Dan Gutman Eleven-year-old twins Dusk and Dawn Rosenberg see their family life turned upside-down when their grandmother wins an opportunity to take a hockey shot worth one million dollars.
Casey Back at Bat (Book Description Grades K-2) By Dan Gutman
Babe & Me (Book Description Ages 8-10 Grades 3-5) By Dan Gutman Thirteen-year-old Joey and his father travel back in time to witness Babe Ruth';s famous home run! The trip not only teaches Joey about life during the Depression, but it also brings him closer to his father.
Virtually Perfect (Book Description Grades 3-5) By Dan Gutman When twelve-year-old Yip uses his father's software to create a virtual boy on the computer, the creation breaks out of cyberspace into the real world and begins to take on a dark side.
The Get Rich Quick Club (Book Description Ages 9-12 Grades 3-5) By Dan Gutman This is the dazzling tale of five kids who form the Get Rich Quick Club and make a pact to earn a million dollars by the end of the summer. Their fantastic scheme of selling a phony photograph of a UFO leads to a nationwide frenzy and some hard but hilarious lessons.
My Weird School #6 (Book Description Grades 3-5) By Dan Gutman In the sixth book of the "My Weird School" series, second-grader A.J. and his friends are thrilled when a rapping music teacher replaces boring Mr. Loring.
The Million Dollar Kick (Book Description Grades 6-8) By Dan Gutman Seventh grader Whisper Nelson doesn't know why anyone would waste time pursuing a ball--any kind of ball--around a playing field. When Whisper is challenged to kick a soccer ball past a professional goalkeeper for a million-dollar prize, she doesn't know
Mrs. Roopy is Loopy (Book Description Ages 6-9 Grades 3-5) By Dan Gutman In the third book of the My Weird School series, the new librarian tries to make reading exciting for the students by dressing up as a variety of historical and literary characters. The students aren't sure what to think after George Washington, Johnny A
Mr. Docker Is Off His Rocker! (Book Description Grades 3-5) By Dan Gutman In the tenth book of the "My Weird School" series, an eighty-year-old retired scientist turns second-grader A.J. on to science.
Ms. Todd Is Odd! (Book Description Grades 3-5) By Dan Gutman In the twelfth book of the My Weird School series, the substitute teacher at Ella Mentry School is awful because she teaches too much and she looks and acts just like the perfect Andrea Young. How can A.J. and his friends survive the day with odd Ms. Todd
Mrs. Kormel Is Not Normal! (Book Description Grades 3-5) By Dan Gutman In the eleventh book of the "My Weird School" series, bus driver Mrs. Kormel has the worst day ever when Principal Klutz sends her to pick up the new boy.
The Kid Who Ran for President (Book Description Ages 9-13 Grades 6-8) By Dan Gutman With his friend as campaign manager and his former babysitter as fifth-grade running mate, twelve-year-old Judson Moon sets out to become President of the United States.
Jackie Robinson (Book Description Grades 3-5) By Dan Gutman, Herb Dunn and Meryl Henderson Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play Major League baseball. Throughout his life, Jackie fought against racism and prejudice. His professional baseball career opened doors for other African Americans.
Qwerty Stevens Stuck in Time with Benjamin Franklin (Book Description Grades 3-5) By Dan Gutman Qwerty and Joey use the Anytime Anywhere machine to bring Benjamin Franklin to the twenty-first century in New Jersey. The problem comes when the boys get stuck back in 1776 when they try to send Ben back home.
Ms. Hannah Is Bananas! (Book Description Grades 3-5) By Dan Gutman In the fourth book of the "My Weird School" series, second-grader A.J. and his friends learn all about art from a teacher who wears a dress made of pot holders and doesn't believe in throwing anything away.
The Edison Mystery (Book Description Grades 6-8) By Dan Gutman While digging in his backyard, thirteen-year-old Qwerty Stevens discovers a strange box with Thomas Edison's name written on it. Find out what happens after he finds a strange machine in the box.
The Million Dollar Strike (Book Description Grades 3-5) By Dan Gutman Ouchie and Squishy set out on a mission to prove to the city council that they can save the Bowl-a-Rama. But they realize that there is a mystery behind the old bowling alley. Is the Bowl-a-Rama really haunted, as Mr. Z believes? Someone wants to see th
Miss Small Is Off the Wall! (Book Description Grades 3-5) By Dan Gutman In the fifth book of the "My Weird School" series, second-grader A.J. and his friends are excited about gym class until they learn that they have to balance feathers and juggle scarves instead of playing dodgeball or baseball.
Johnny Hangtime (Book Description Ages 9-12 Grades 4-7) By Dan Gutman 13-year-old Johnny Thyme is "Johnny Hangtime," a stunt kid who fills in for Ricky Corvette during dangerous stunts that are done in Ricky's action films. Johnny's father died doing a stunt, and his mother wishes that he would quit the profession. A big sur
The Kid Who Became President (Book Description Ages 9-13 Grades 6-8) By Dan Gutman Judson Moon, who became president at age 13, bungles his way through one year of presidency. After keeping the U.S. out of war, he resigns. This story provides the reader with information about the White House and the presidency.
Miss Lazar Is Bizarre! (Book Description Grades 3-5) By Dan Gutman In the ninth book of the "My Weird School" series, second-grader A.J. and his friends come to admire their school custodian after she saves the day.
The Million Dollar Shot (Book Description Ages 9-12 Grades 4-7) By Dan Gutman Eddie Ball enters the poetry contest sponsored by Finkle Foods and wins. He must make a basket from the foul line at the NBA Finals to win a million dollars.
Race for the Sky (Book Description Grades 6-8) By Dan Gutman After his mother tells him to practice his writing in a blank book, fourteen-year-old Johnny Moore begins recounting his experiences with the Wright brothers as the two men try to build a successful flying machine in the early 1900s.
Mickey & Me (Book Description Grades 3-5) By Dan Gutman After thirteen-year-old Joe's father is in a car accident, he asks Joe to travel back in time to warn Mickey Mantle about a career-changing injury. But thanks to a trick played on him by his nine-year-old cousin Samantha, Joe ends up in the wrong time and
Shortstop Who Knew Too Much (Book Description Grades 3-5) By Dan Gutman Knocked out by a pitch, eleven-year-old shortstop Jake wakes up to discover he has developed ESP and wonders how ethical it is for him to be using his powers to guide his team to victory.
Mr. Klutz Is Nuts (Book Description Ages 6-9 Grades 3-5) By Dan Gutman Something weird is going on! Principal Klutz is hanging upside down from the school flagpole! He painted his bald head orange! And now he wants to bungee-jump off the roof of the school, dressed like Santa Claus!
Jackie & Me (Book Description Ages 8-11 Grades 3-6) By Dan Gutman For his school report, Joe decides to go back to meet one of the greatest baseball players ever, Jackie Robinson, to find out what it was like to be the man who broke baseball';s color barrier.
Mr. Macky Is Wacky! (Book Description Grades 3-5) By Dan Gutman In this book from the "My Weird School" series, A.J. plans to do a better job than Andrea on their oral reports about presidents.
The Homework Machine (Book Description Ages 8-10 Grades 3-5) By Dan Gutman Brenton, Sam, aka Snik, Kelsey, and Judy have a secret that binds this unlikely foursome together. The fifth graders have discovered an invention that will do all of their homework for them. Will their secret be discovered? What will be the consequences of their choices if the teacher finds out?
Gymnastics (Book Description Ages 9-12 Grades 4-7) By Dan Gutman Discusses the history, competitive events, and some superstars of gymnastics, as well as problems and miscellaneous facts related to the sport.
Mrs. Patty Is Batty! (Book Description Grades 3-5) By Dan Gutman It's Halloween, and the students at Ella Mentry School are excited about trick-or-treating. Mrs. Patty, the school secretary, says that she has the most candy at her house, but many think she is a witch who lives in a haunted house. Find out if this is t
The Secret Life Of Dr. Demented (Book Description Grades 6-8) By Dan Gutman When fourteen-year-old Wesley accidentally discovers the secret identity of the most famous and violent of professional wrestlers, he promises to keep it a secret, and learns a lot about wrestling and himself.
Miss Holly Is Too Jolly! (Book Description Grades 3-5) By Dan Gutman In the fourteenth book of the "My Weird School" series, A.J. thinks his Spanish teacher Miss Holly is too excited about the holidays and the school's upcoming pageant. He doesn't want to dress like an elf, and he refuses to kiss anyone under the mistletoe
My Weird School #8 (Book Description Grades 3-5) By Dan Gutman In the eighth book of the "My Weird School" series, a new lunch lady from France makes lunch interesting for second-grader A.J. and his friends.

Race for the Cheese!

2009-01-28T15:33:00.004-07:00

We enjoy playing games with our buddies! We especially likes ones where we can help them learn important things! This past Friday, we played a game called "Race for the Cheese," which is a cool adding to 100 dice game! It was FUN!

More Discovery Speeches!

2009-01-28T13:06:00.004-07:00

This past week brought us more AWESOME Discovery Speeches!

Outside Fun!

2009-01-28T08:45:00.016-07:00

100th Day Celebration!!!

2009-01-17T13:45:00.018-07:00

It is hard to believe we have been in school for 100 days! That's roughly 21 weeks! The year is flying by! They say "Time flys when you are having fun," and that is just what we did on Friday!

We started our day by bringing in 100 pieces of our favorite breakfast cereal. We had cereal with milk, fruit, juice, yogurt, and granola bars during our 100th Day Breakfast! We also had a drawing every 100 minutes of the school day and the kids whose names were drawn received "school supply" prizes--mini dry erase boards, calculators, highlighters, oversized pens etc.! We also had 100th Day Celebration Tasks that we worked on throughout the day. What a super end to our 21st week of 4th grade!

Yum!
Cereal!

Chowing Down!

100th Day Tasks!

100th Day Buddy Fun!!!

2009-01-17T13:33:00.005-07:00

To add to the fun of the 100th day, we got together with our Kindergarten buddies for some more 100 FUN! We helped our buddies make necklaces made out of 100 Fruit Loops! We worked with them on counting and patterning! We took advantage of the beautiful Arizona weather and did this outside...then we played on the playground! What an end to a great day!

Discovery Speeches!

2009-01-17T13:21:00.006-07:00

Each Friday, a group of the students present DISCOVERY SPEECHES. Discovery speeches are oral activities that familiarize the students with public speaking and independent research skills. Students participate once a month for a total of 6 presentations over the course of the year! I cannot believe we are on our 4th installment of speeches! Here are some students presenting!

All about the History of Dogs!!!

Tribute to Rosa Parks...

Personal Poetry...

The Dream of Being a Professional Ballet Dancer...

Becoming a Zoologist...

A favorite Author...

Our Heard Museum Field Trip: Learning about the Native People of Arizona!

2009-01-14T14:13:00.012-07:00

This week we explored the native cultures and art of Arizona at the Heard Museum! The Heard was a great field trip which correlated with our current studies of the Native Americans of AZ.

We really enjoyed the journey we took, via our personal guide, through the Southwest and the vibrant arts and cultures of Native people.

We saw jewelry, cultural items, pottery, baskets, textiles, beadwork, a Navajo hogan, Hopi katsina dolls , and a 30-foot stunning glass and clay art fence by local artist Tony Jojola. We were able to try out a traditional pump drill and also create a bracelet using handmade beads! During our lunch, we were entertained as two men practiced hoop dancing!

We learned a lot, and the students were on their BEST behavior, as usual! It was another successful field trip! Thanks to Hiba's mom for sharing the pictures she took during the trip!

The fence...

Beading...

Trying out a pump drill...

Hoop Dancing....

The Students' Generosity Makes For a Wonderful Christmas...

2009-01-13T23:13:00.009-07:00

We raised enough money this holiday season to purchase some GREAT things for our "Christmas Angel!" I was able to bring in the items that the generous donations allowed us to buy! In addition, each family registered not only received gifts for their children, but a food box which contained enough food to feed a family of four for one week.

The students were so enthusiastic throughout the process! I love that we were able to help the less fortunate this holiday season! What a super way to end 2008!

Lilia, our angel, received a bike, helmet, clothes, gloves, sneakers, and "girly" things!

Giving to the Less Fortunate this Holiday Season! Our X-Mas Angel!

2008-12-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

Every year I get a "Christmas Angel" for our classroom. We talk about how fortunate we are and that there are children, of the same age, who are not as lucky!

The children have been generously donating to our fund. Before winter break, after all money has been contributed, I will go out and buy what is on the child's list. Before it is sent off, the kids will actually get to see what their contributions made possible!

This program is awesome because each family registered receives gifts for their children and a food box, which contains enough food to feed a family of four for one week.

We have a collection jar in our classroom and it is ALREADY VERY FULL! The students are so enthusiastic and are really getting into bringing in ANYTHING they can!!!

We will be collecting money until this Thursday! This is what it looks like so far!!!

Over $160 already!!!

Donating!

Everyone has been so generous!

Sparkle!

2008-12-08T20:21:00.006-07:00

Sparkle is a game we play each week to practice our spelling words! It involves paying attention and working in cooperation with the other students! It is the one and only time the kids get to SIT on their desks! They LOVE IT!!! Ask your child about this fun game we created!!!

It was an exciting game of Sparkle today! We were reviewing for our spelling test which is tomorrow!

Goofing around for the camera!

Down to the last 2 sitting...

It's a battle!

Gabe had the Sparkle bag at one point during the game! The person with the Sparkle bag at the end gets a little prize!

One Minute Reading!

2008-12-08T20:09:00.004-07:00

One Minute Reading is a fun daily practice activity we do with partners to improve reading fluency, speed, and expression! Here are some pictures of the students in action!

Special Visitors!

2008-11-23T19:51:00.008-07:00

We had some special guests in our classroom recently! Roy and his father shared some of their "friends" with us! We were able to learn about various desert snakes, scorpions, and tarantulas. In addition, we had the opportunity for some "hand's-on" experiences!!! How AWESOME!!! Thanks to Roy and Mr. L!

Strike a Silly Pose!

2008-11-23T19:44:00.007-07:00

The kids ASKED me to take these pictures of them!!! Funny!

Random Shots of Kids HARD AT WORK in Class!

2008-11-23T18:30:00.017-07:00

I couldn't ask for a better class of 4th Graders! They work so hard and are so enthusiastic! Here are some shots we have taken thus far this year!

Here are some pictures I have of kids cooperatively working in their Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes Literature Circle.

Random Discovery Speech Pictures

Domino Math

Goldfield Ghost Town Field Trip!

2008-11-04T16:43:00.001-07:00

Today we spent a fun filled day at the Ghost Town! We learned a lot about Arizona's history related to gold mining and marveled at the Superstition Mountains! We toured the historic Mammoth Gold Mine, visited an exhibit of Sonoran desert reptiles, panned for gold, and took a ride on Arizona's only narrow gauge train! Thanks to all parents who drove and/or chaperoned the class!

Back in the 1890's Goldfield boasted 3 saloons, a boarding house, general store, blacksmith shop, brewery, meat market and a school house. Just when it looked like the town would outgrow Mesa, the vein faulted, the grade of ore dropped and the town died a slow painful death. It has now become a place where we can experience a ghost town rich in wild west history!

Ready to start our day!

Our mining tour guide! He taught us a lot!

"Down" in the Mine!

On the train!

Awesome views from the train!

Check out that Saguaro cactus skeleton!

Learning how to pan for gold! We were able to pan and collect gold, pyrite, and garnet!

More Pictures from the Ghost Town...

2008-11-04T15:29:00.000-07:00

Panning for Gold!
Thanks, Jodi!

Science: Pumpkin Exploration!

2008-11-04T00:55:00.001-07:00

We had a great time applying the scientific method while using pumpkins as our focus on Oct. 31st!

First, we made estimations!

Then we started to gather data...circumference, weight, height, etc.

We also checked to see if pumpkins float or sink!

Then we cut them open and got messy...collecting all the seeds and goop to count and weigh!

Hard at work writing about our results and counting seeds!!!

Great job, 4th graders!

JAMBO! We Showcased AFRICA at the Multicultural Fair!

2008-11-01T18:31:00.002-07:00

On Friday, September 26 we had an AWESOME day full of Multicultural fanfare! 4th Grade selected AFRICA to showcase! The kids had a ton of fun and learned so much as we prepared and presented this continent to the entire school! We highlighted the food, items, traditions, games, diverse countries, and African influences! All the children were super hosts to those who visited our room!

Our Classroom Door...

4th Grade Africa Display in front of another 4th Grade classroom! SOOO Cool!

Preparing for the BIG DAY!!!

The day could not have been better! It was so fun to have people learn about AFRICA and for US to learn about other countries as we visited other rooms!

Mancala

We researched and worked in pairs to present 11 countries in AFRICA!

We had an AMAZING woman (Mary Poindexter) who came to our classroom to share her African influenced dolls!

The Jackmans provided some YUMMY African food for all to try! The Hills also provided Plantain chips for the sampling table!!! We had lots of people enjoy our samples!

Our Research Posters were a hit!

We recreated the flags of the countries we researched.

What a WONDERFUL day that is sure to be remembered in our 4th grade memory!