Tangram Enrichment

Enrichment 7th hour has focused on Asian activities.
One of the activities is the Tangram Puzzle.

The Tangram is a Chinese ancient game called Chi Chiao Bread, which means table of the wisdom. The puzzle is made of seven pieces or "tans" that are created by cutting a square in five triangles of different forms, a square and a trapeze. The game consists of using all the pieces to construct different forms.
Students are given the opportunity to use 2-D and 3-D puzzle pieces along with an iPod application and computer challenges. Students can create their own Tangrams puzzle pieces and share with others.
Try your luck at this web site:

Dotty-Dots can help with Spelling

c Need a place to study your spelling and have fun at the same time? I found just that place at Dotty-Dots     http://dotty-dots.appspot.com/?h=4f656c7765696e
I'm not sure why seeing our spelling words jumping around a computer screen makes me smile, but it does...try it and see if you can do it without cracking a smile.

These are a Few of my Favorite Things...

KidLitCon 2010:
Books, authors, Books, sharing, Books, friends, Books, blogs, Books, laughs, librarians, Books, Twitter, Books, teachers, Books, publishers, Books...

I will be sharing many of the Books that I bought and learned about at KidLitCon 2010
It may be a while- I have sooooo many to read!

Does New Technology Scare You?

Introducing new technology and applications to students isn't usually hard to do. Students at OMS jump at the opportunity whenever I am able to present it.

ITAG2010 Presentation

Recently, I was offered the chance to share how I use technology in both my classroom and in my own professional development at the Iowa Talented and Gifted Conference in DesMoines. My English Enrichment students were able to "attend" and be guest presenters using Twitter to share their thoughts on using social networking in our classroom. The response was a positive sign that technology isn't as scary as it used to be.

Students Learn and Teach the Teacher

After viewing some of the other Global Read Aloud projects, my students couldn't get enough of voki an online talking head graphic. I had looked at this site before, but hadn't had a chance to play/learn.
The excitement was explosive to say the least.
Students: Teacher6th:
"How do you do that?" "I don't know."
"Can we do that?" "Go for it!"
"LOOK WHAT I DID!" "Wow, I need to try this!"
"You need to try this!"

The Little Prince Global Read Aloud

E2 Class has been participating in a global read aloud focused on the book The Little Prince. While listening to the story concurrently with about 60 other school around the globe, students shared predictions, facts, and opinions pertaining to the chapters being read. It was fun to read the wiki, blogs, and tweets from the other classrooms. Our students a were able to use Twitter to meet and share with a class from Canada in real time. More activities and networking is being planned along with individual student projects being created to share with others.

Reading Picture Books-Memories & Fun

Picture books aren't just for preschoolers and young readers. Our reading class has been busy reading and enjoying picture books during our free reading time. Picture books are written in all genres and topics cover all our interest topics. They are entertaining and a nice way to remember favorite reads from the past.
We will be sharing some of our favorite picture books via Skype with our 4th grade friends at Wings park Elementary School.

Baby Baby Baby! by Marilyn Janovitz made our tongues tingle with the rhyming chants and repetitions. "Bitsy bouncy baby on a bumpity lap Mommy's little baby likes to Clap Clap Clap!"

shared alliteration and examples of sensory text. Students recommended this book because of the bold illustrations and the rhythm that made them want to read it again and again. Baby Baby Baby! would be a must read while taking care of siblings or tucking in little ones while babysitting.

Super Skype Friday has Started!

What better way to end the week then to share a book over Skype with new friends...
Super Skype Friday started this month as we introduced ourselves to the 4th grade students in Mrs. D's class at Wing's Elementary School. Our class was their "Mystery Reader" class for the week. After sharing waves and smiles, I shared the picture book, Nothing to do.
The students on both sides of the cameras were able to share how they like to spend days just doing nothing.

Who will be the mystery reader next week? 6th grade students will be reading from now on!
What book will be shared? Students will be choosing picture books they want to share.
Where will there be learning? Both sides of the cameras!

Share your Friday morning reading a book with others- I highly recommend it!

My Name Is Not Isabella

My Name Is Not Isabella is a picture book for girls of all ages. Jennifer Foseberry shares "Just how big can a little girl dream?" through a normal day with extraordinarily women in history. The day starts with Isabella claiming to be Sally and blasts off to breakfast. Her day introduces Annie, Rosa, Marie, Elizabeth, and the extra special Mommy. The vivid illustrations by Mike Litwin creates a eye catching journey. This book opens the door of discovery and creates a community for girls to achieve. So if your name isn't Isabella who would you like to be known as? How will you make your name a name that a young girl would like to claim? What is your name? Read this book to be inspired to make a difference.

October book Orders Due 10/15/10

Online Ordering Information
Web address: scholastic.com/bookclubs
Class Activation Code: GNLJK

Dear Parent,
Now it’s easier than ever to find the perfect books for your child—shop our NEW online Book Clubs Web site. Choose from a much-wider selection of books than in the printed flyer. Plus, you can send your orders directly to me online and use your credit card to pay.

Best of all, we earn a FREE book for the classroom library every time a parent places an order online.

It’s so simple! Here’s how it works:

• SIGN UP at www.scholastic.com/bookclubs. On the parent page, register by clicking click the “Don’t have a user name or password?” link. When prompted, enter the one-time Class Activation Code shown above. This unique code ensures that your order is sent to me.
  
  
• SELECT the books you’d like to order—choose from thousands of titles—many more than in our monthly flyers.
  
  
• SEND your order to me online by the due date and your child’s books will be delivered directly to my classroom.

Ordering online is fast, easy, and secure.

Of course, you can still order using the form from the printed flyer. But why not see for yourself how convenient it is to order online?

Thank you,
Mrs. Duff