It looks like a crime scene ...

Today we studied transformation.  I love this math lesson, because there is so much to do.  After defining translation, rotation and reflection, we practiced this by playing Simon Says---Simon says translate right, Simon says rotate 90 degrees and well you get the picture.  Then we go outside with our sidewalk chalk, boys with boys and girls with girls.  Your partner lays on the sidewalk and you outline them using the sidewalk chalk.  Then, your partner rotates 90 degrees and you chalk their outline again.  It looks like a crime scene when we finish, but they really enjoy this lesson.

Life lesson for 4th graders

Whenever there is a real life teachable moment, take it. So goes our lesson on the current gulf oil spill.  Each student was given a cup of water, couple of pieces of foam (dropped in the water), a pipette, and a few cotton balls. As the students were talking and trying to figure out what they were going to be doing, I walked by and put a couple of tablespoons of cooking oil in their cup of water. "Now your job is to clean it up." After a few moments of shock and horror, the work began. There were several silent minutes of intense cleaning going on.  Then the light bulbs began to shine. "This is killing our fish, we'll never get this all cleaned up, oh no, this will affect the food chain."
They got it. A lesson learned.
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No more critters---and my room still stinks!

Most of our class crabs, frogs and millipedes that we studied during our life science series, have now found new homes. ( I use the word homes loosely.) And, I was just getting used to my room returning to tolerable fragrance.  When ...I noticed that it's that time of year when my 4th graders need that health lesson on using deodorant.
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New to blogging---and already so many boo-boos

I am a relative newcomer to blogging and after reading so many awesome teachers' blogs, I find I have already made several blunders.
1. I don't have a catchy blog name.
2. I really don't have any profound statements.
3. I still don't know how to use many apps,gadgets,and widgets.
4. I have probably over cluttered my blog with pictures.
5. I don't update my blog daily.
What I do know is ...
1. There are so many incredible sites to enjoy.
2. I can post and add whatever I choose.
3. I can obtain new lessons,solutions,opinions and ideas.
4. I can share my lessons,solutions,opinions and ideas.
5. I can only get better by learning from the best, most creative and talented individuals.
Thank you.

Interactive Math Journal

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