Have patience. All things are difficult before they become easy.

Oh My Goodness! Indoor recess is taking its toll on these kiddos. They are cooped up and restless. I was told at lunch today that my class was horrible. Kind of put a damper on my entire afternoon, not to mention that it ruined my yummy lunch I had just eaten. So, we talked about it. Fines were given, and tomorrow we will make a new plan for indoor recess activities that are calm and quiet. It is very difficult with this group to get up and do a fun moving activity (like a just dance on the computer) because there are just a few that can't calm back down or do the activity like a 4th grader. And, it only takes those few to ruin it for everyone. Shucks. We will keep trying to lead positively to encourage those that aren't to do so. I am not a big fan of the masses suffering for a few. The few will eventually just have to sit out and watch. :0( Thank goodness tomorrow is always a new and better day!!!!

This afternoon, we watched a movie called Dear America: A Picture of Freedom. It was the story of Clotte, a slave girl. Since February is Black History month, it was the perfect tie in. We also studied slave life in our S.S. books in the last unit. It was a great film put out by Scholastic Books. It did a great job of portraying what life was like back then at a level that was appropriate for a 4th grader. These films are based on the books, Dear America. So, if your kiddo enjoyed the film, they should ask Mr. Casey where those books are in the library. They have all different times of American History told from a  first hand perspective. Great for those history buffs! :0) Kids were also offered caffeine free pop and some popcorn for $100 each. (fake money)

Homework tonight is Wally Amos. Again, to tie into Black History Month, kids have been reading about famous African Americans. Tonight, they get to read about the man behind the Famous Amos Chocolate Chip cookies. Yum!!! I could go for some of those right now! :0) Kids also need to recored their exercise and servings counts.

Alternate Spellers took their first test today in the new program. Casasha, McLean, Chase, Haylee, and Caden all scored a 100% by missing fewer than 3. Congratulations!!!!!! They will not have to take the final test on Friday. Those that missed 3 or more have their test from today graded and ready to bring home to study from now. The exact same test will be given on Friday for a final grade. 0, 1, or 2 wrong earns a 100%. More than 2 wrong earns a 70%. Study, study! Those in the regular spelling book, will also take their test on Friday. If they make a 100% on their test, they will be offered a place in the alternate spelling group.

Today in math, we learned to subtract mixed numbers with regrouping. Holy buckets! It was fun to see so many lightbulbs come on when they realized that they needed to regroup a whole fraction rather than a number. Have your kiddos show you how to solve 4 and 2/6 - 2 and 4/6. They should tell you that they can't do 2/6-4/6 and need to regroup the whole huber 4 to a 3. This bringing over a whole number fraction of 6/6 to add to the 2/6 they all ready had making it 8/6. Now, they can subtract 8/6 and 4/6 and get 4/6. Finally they subtract their remaining whole numbers of 3 and 2 and get 1. Bringing the final difference to 1 and 4/6. If they can show you this, write the word MATH in the planner for $10 tomorrow.

Yesterday, we made our new region, the Midwest, flashcards for Social Studies. The states and capitals test will not be for awhile yet, but it is never too early to start studying. I have listed them off to the right for you. We also filled out a map together for them to use in order to study the location of each state in this region. Remember, the test is over both the location on a map and the ability to match each state to its correct capital. A word list is provided, so spelling can be just copied and not memorized. I will let you know when the test gets closer. I am thinking the end of February though.

A HUGE thank you to everyone that came to the Showcase last night. It was so fun for me to stand in the back and just watch you with your kids. I thought it was a HUGE success and that they were really able to show you all that they have been learning. I also wanted to show you how much they learn that they don't realize that they are learning, because it is fun. Little do they know, with every project done, there is a common core standard behind it. Well, actually they do know because we always talk about what we have learned in the week with our weekly I can objectives. :0) My favorite part of last night though was when one parent came up to me and said, "Thank you so much for creating an opportunity for me to just spend quality time with my child." Tears to the eyes I tell ya. That is why I do what I do, for those very special moments that matter in the world. Teachers only become teachers for one reason, and it is not a paycheck. It is to make a difference in the world. When I hear things like this or like all the kind things you all share with me through emails, notes, texts, or face to face, it lets me know that my purpose of becoming a teacher is alive and happening. It kicks me into high gear and makes me want to do even more! So, thank you for making my day and for filling my bucket by allowing me to see in action you spending quality time with your kids and showing them that they are so loved and special. An extra BIG thank you again to Spencer's mom and dad for bringing all those treats! Black + White = Yummy stuff!!!! A BIG thank you also to Adelaide and her mom for coming when she wasn't even here when we did the projects. I LOVE that you made the point of showing her that you care about her new school. What a great family. I sure hope you were able to meet them last night! :0)


Have a spectacular night!
Ms. Erickson