KRAGEN U
  • Class Notes
  • 4-5 Stuff
    • Science Fair
    • Group Projects in Health
  • Surveys
  • 6-8 Stuff
    • History Day
  • Student Links
  • Teacher Resources
  • Parent Resouces
  • Books
    • Creating America
    • Decade Days
    • Elementary English
    • Staying Sane in the Classroom >
      • part two sample page
      • part one sample page
      • part three sample page
    • novels
  • About

The First Genre Book Worksheet Is Due September 30!

9/24/2016

1 Comment

 
Four students have already turned in worksheets, more than a week early. Amazing!

Of course, having corrected those four, I have some reminders for everyone:
  • Don't forget you need citations for EVERY answer. 
  • When you are done, read it out loud to make sure your answers make sense and you didn't leave out any words.
  • Have a parent help you edit for conventions. LISTEN to what your parent tells you!

We read The Phantom Tollbooth together and completed a worksheet together as a model so everyone knows how to do a quality job. ​
pt_sample_worksheet.docx
File Size: 26 kb
File Type: docx
Download File

race_poster.jpg
File Size: 40 kb
File Type: jpg
Download File

For students who are still working on their books, I recommend that they open a worksheet file on the computer NOW if they haven't already. They should answer at least one question each day. Remind them that they don't have to answer questions in order. After all, we didn't answer questions in order while we were reading The Phantom Tollbooth. We answered questions as we found the answers in the book. 

​The last thing you want your child to do is to try to finish the entire worksheet on the night before it is due!
1 Comment

Starting Science

9/19/2016

0 Comments

 
Our class is starting a new science unit called the FOSS Variables Module. We'll be learning about the essential elements of performing experiments. 

The big ideas in this unit are system and variable. A system in science is any collection of objects that is working together. In this FOSS module the class will work with a variety of systems: pendulums, boats, windup airplanes, and little catapult systems the kit calls "flippers." Each part of the system affects how the whole system behaves or performs. We change one part and make that a variable in an experiment. Teaching students about controlled experiments with single changed variables is an important step in helping them understand the scientific process.

Besides, we will have a blast with this unit! Be sure to ask your child what is happening in science in the next few weeks!
0 Comments

Getting Organized

9/8/2016

0 Comments

 
You should be able to go through your child's 3-ring binder now and find helpful information in nearly every section. We've been adding pieces and discussing them daily. One of the most important parts of the binder for YOU is at the front. The pocket in the front (or the front section) is where I send papers home. Those papers get taken out. The front of the binder should get cleaned out at least every weekend, and you should look over the papers.

The front is also where your child keeps a list of due dates. At the end of each day I have the students pull out their 3-ring binder, open it to the front, go to their assignment list, and add any new assignments they have. As they complete assignments, they get to cross them off. What joy, what a sense of accomplishment, what bliss! (We all know how great it is the knock things off a list!)

Remember, you can also go to the calendar (see the elementary stuff tab) to look for due dates coming up.
0 Comments

Welcome Back to School!

9/6/2016

0 Comments

 
I have posted my calendar for the year in the elementary resources!

Each day the students enter the room and start writing a brief journal entry. I give them prompts  like:
  • Tell something great that happened over the weekend.
  • What is your reaction to the quote on the bulletin board as you walk in the door? (The quotes are inspirational or humorous.)
  • What made you happy this week?
  • Or they might have something to do with creative writing.
The mindfulness ideas came from a TED talk on Happiness that I've seen a couple of times. I encourage you to watch it too! I plan to use the gratitude turn-around in November.

We are also working on teamwork through class activities and especially through a simulation called Agency. Meanwhile they also get to learn about advertising, which will help them expand their skills for Market Day. 

Starting this week, we will read The Phantom Tollbooth together, and we do the worksheet and activities together so they can learn how to do the genre reading worksheets and projects they will need to do on their own.

​I'm having so much fun with your children! I hope they are having fun with me.
0 Comments
    Picture

    About Me

    read bio

    Picture
    CALENDAR
    Picture

    From Education Week--According to the latest research, the two best predictors of college success are not grades and intellectual ability. Number one is “conscientiousness” (dependability, perseverance, work ethic). Number two is “agreeableness” (interpersonal skills, getting along with other people, working well in groups).

    From what I’ve observed, I would say the same is true for life after college—jobs and careers, marriage and family life. Success comes more easily for people who are willing to work hard and who are able to cooperate with other people.

    ​Diet Coke and Mentos

    200 years of demographics

    Hydrophobic?

    Holland vs. the Netherlands

    Super scientist--and only 15 years old!

    How to use paper towels

    Air cannon at the
    White House

    "Junior" HD project

    HD project: nationals

    HD project: award


    Greek alphabet song


    Archives

    March 2022
    November 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    October 2020
    September 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    September 2012
    July 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    March 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    September 2010
    June 2010