Frog Hops!

Tomorrow starts the first day of standardized testing! Eek! Today’s class time was spent mostly on working on our weak areas. One area that I noticed that we needed extra practice was measurements and collecting/analyzing data. During snack time, I gave my students a frog coloring sheet on card stock to color and cut out. They love any opportunity to color since this is not a daily activity!

We cleared all of the desks from the middle of the floor so we could have plenty of “hopping” room. You could also use a gymnasium or other large, open room. Next, I listed the supplies for each student to gather (ruler, frog, pencil, notebook paper, clipboard, and calculator).

When all of their supplies were gathered, I assigned them a partner to sit with on the floor. Then, I began the demonstration of the activity. 

 

Our big, open space!

Step 1- Set one frog on the floor and stand beside it, placing your feet even with the tip of the frog.

Step 2- Take a frog hop (this demonstration is necessary as some students may try to dive and need a reminder of what a “frog hop” is)

Step 3- Have your partner place his/her frog when you landed. I had my students place the bottom of the frog even with the tips of their toes. 

Step 4- Measure the frog hop with a ruler and record the data in your chart. I had my students write down their partner’s jumps so that each student jumped 2 times. 

Step 5- After each student has jumped twice (4 jumps total per group), have students look over their data to make sure their measurements make sense. For instance, a student that jumped 125 cm. recorded that that was 102 inches…that is not reasonable. If they need to, have them re-do a jump. As a teacher, glance over their data and ask questions if something looks “a little off”.

Step 6- Gather students together and make a class chart on the whiteboard. I used four different groups’ data for my chart.

Step 7- Average the class chart data (we used calculators).

Step 8- Students work with their partner to complete their chart (averages).

You can download this activity for free at my TeachersPayTeachers store at https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Frog-Hop-Measuring-Activity-1810217

The Earth is like a...pumpkin?!?

Fall! Pumpkins are everywhere! I really wanted to do an activity with pumpkins...but I also wanted it to be something educational. We were beginning our study in geography and my students needed some extra practice with continents and oceans. So....we made an EARTH PUMPKIN! I found these adorable little pumpkins at a local farmer's market.

Step 1- Paint the pumpkin blue. Some students needed to paint a couple of coats on their pumpkin.Then, allow the pumpkin to dry. It only took ours about a day. 

 

Step 2- Print and cut out basic templates for each of the continents. Use pushpins to slightly hold down the paper on the pumpkins. Trace with an erasable pen. Then, remove the papers and paint the insides of the continents green. For an extra challenge, have students use a globe and paint the continents without tracing. 

 

Step 3- Allow pumpkins to dry once again. Have students share with a partner (we call partners "sidekicks" in our superhero classroom) the names of each continent and ocean. For an extra challenge, have them find approximate locations for other places around the world. If they are unsure, have them look it up on a computer/globe and then find it on their pumpkin!

Birthday Message Board

Another teacher gave me this idea and I LOVE IT! I sectioned off an area of the chalk board for birthday messages. On each student's birthday, everyone writes a special message to that person! 
Another birthday tip- When parents ask to bring in goodies for their child's birthday, I have found that having them wait until the last 15 minutes of the day and eating in the cafeteria saves a lot of stress (and eliminates a huge mess)!!!!

On my birthday, the students wrote me messages! I had them guess how old I was....some of their guesses were 40, 17, and 29...Needless to day, they were surprised when I told them that I was turning "23".

Grandparents Day!!!!

In September, all of the grandparents of each student in the school were invited for a special day. Each class was given a few minutes on stage to perform for their grandparents. I wanted to do something unique with my outgoing group of performers. I found a cute skit on YouTube and then changed the words to fit the personalities of my students. They found perfect costumes, wigs, and props which really added to their skit. We practiced for a couple of weeks and their performance was a HUGE hit! After our performance, the grandparents joined us for about an hour of classroom time. We played "Are You Smarter Than a 4th Grader" using material that my students had been learning in class. If I can figure out how to upload the presentation to here, I will! My students also read essays they wrote about what they love about their grandparents. We shared in a time of worship and prayer before heading to lunch and an ice cream party!

Narrator 1- Isn’t it awesome to see all of these grandparents here today?

Narrator 2- Oh yeah! Where’s mine?!? Hi Grandma, hi grandpa! (waves)

Narrator 1- They look so excited to see you! Mine are here somewhere here too....oh there they are!! Hi!! (waves) I have the best grandparents.

Narrator 2- So do I!

All: So do we!

Narrator 1- I have an idea, since we have them all here, let’s talk about what is so special about them!

Narrator 2- Our grandparents are so special because they enjoy spending time with us.

Narrator 1: They make cookies with us

2 students (one is a grandma and one is a child)

Grandchild 1- Let’s make double fudge chocolate chip cookies!!!

Grandparent 1- How about oatmeal raisin? It will help you go to the bathroom!

Narrator 2: They let us work in the garden in them.

Grandchild 2- I’ll pull up the weeds for you!

Grandparent 2- NOOO! THOSE ARE MY FLOWERS!

Narrator 1: They play basketball with us.

Grandchild 3- Look Grandpa, I can make a basket from the 3 pt. line!

Grandparent 3- Let me show you how it’s done, sonny! (Shoots)

Grandchild 3- Whoa grandpa! I didn’t know you could slam dunk!

Narrator 2: They let us help them walk the dog.

Grandparent 4 casually walks the dog.

Grandchild 4- Can I have a turn?

Grandparent 4- Sure, hold on tight!

Grandchild 4- Acts like dog pulls them away

Grandparent 4- Come back, Sparky!

Narrator 1: They take us to the beach.

Grandparent 5 takes sunscreen and liberally wipes on grandchild 5’s face.

Narrator 2: They watch TV with us

Grandparent 1 and grandchild 1 sit down and act like they are watching TV.

Grandchild 1- Watching Duck Dynasty with my grandparent makes me HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY!

Narrator 1: I know of a grandpa that is 93 years old and still runs every day!

Grandpa 4 runs in with grandchild 4 jogging slowly behind.

Grandparent 4- C’mon kid, we’ve got to stay under my 3 minute mile!

Narrator 2: Our grandparents have taught us so many things!

Grandchild 3- Hey grandpa I can’t wait to show my parents everything you showed me. I know how to make a model airplane with a really cool motor and I know how to…

Grandparent 3- (interrupts)- Have I ever taught you how to take a nap?

Narrator 1: Our grandparents have loved us, prayed for us, and taught us so many things.

Narrator 2: So whether you are Grandma, Grandpa, Mimi, Nana, Pap, Paw paw, Maw maw, Nana, or Granny….we want to say...

All- Thank you! We love you!

                                                                    

Another seating arrangement....and new technology!

I was blessed with an overhead projector and transparencies to use in my classroom. However, I had never actually used one of these ancient contraptions in my teaching. I began to brainstorm and found a great solution. A donor gave new computers and monitors to several of the teachers. I was one of the grateful recipients. I asked if I could keep the old monitor in my classroom and was granted permission. I went to the local Radio Shack and found an adapter to hook up the monitor to my laptop computer. WooHoo! My teaching aids became so much more advanced! I could now show my students videos, type presentations, explore other continents, and so much more. 

This called for a new seating arrangement! I decided on a "U" shape formation. This arrangement brought my class together and encouraged discussion among the students. Looking back, I really think that this arrangement united my group of super students.

Homework

AH, the much debated issue. Should teachers give homework? How much homework should be given? Should homework be graded? 

My school has a policy that states that students in fourth grade should do spelling homework, work on a Bible memory passage, and study for upcoming tests. 

I decided to give as little homework as possible to my students, keeping in mind that families are busy in the evenings and I would not be at their house to help them. However, that extra study time and opportunity for parents to partner in the child's education is very beneficial. I do not "grade" the homework, but I do give a completion grade for each activity. Homework is never assigned on the weekend.  If a student does not finish their classwork due to playing around or not using time wisely, it is sent home to complete.

Each week, my class learns a new Bible verse that correlates with our Bible curriculum (which I love, by the way). We use ASCI Purposeful Design and study a new doctrine each week, such as the Trinity, Salvation, etc. For homework on Monday-Wednesday, students practice writing their verse in cursive (yes, we still teach that). On Thursday night, students must quote their verse to a parent and return a signed verse slip or note in their assignment book.  

Every Monday-Thursday evening, my students complete a spelling activity. I do not tell them what they must do, but they choose from a list of activities and study in a way that they learn best. Many of my students do various activities throughout the week and then do the "practice test" activity on Thursday night (the day before the test).

Here is my list of spelling activity options- 
 

• Typing - Type each word 3 times on a computer. Print it out.

• ABC Order - Write words in alphabetical order.

• Story - Write a story that makes sense using all of your words.

• Neat Words - Write your words neatly 5 times each.

• Sentences - Write sentences using each word.

• Silly Sentences – write silly sentences using each word. (My pony wears a hat to lunch.)

• Picture Words - Draw a picture and write your words in the picture.

• Goofy Letters – Write each spelling word normal and write it with “goofy letters”

• Puzzle - Make a word search puzzle using Puzzlemaker.com. Print it out and solve it.

• Poem - Write a poem using each word.

• Practice Test - Take a practice test and have your parent sign it.

• Reversed Words - Write each word in ABC order backwards.

• Rainbow Words – Write each word in three times in three different colors.

• Backwards Words - Write each word forwards, then backwards. (smile , elims)

• Ransom Words - Cut out letters from a magazine or newspaper and glue them on paper.

• Pyramid Words – write your words adding one letter at a time. The result will be a pyramid shape of words.

• X Words – Write two words having one common letter so they criss-cross.

• Spelling City – Take a test on SpellingCity.com and print out the results.

• Bubble Letters – Write and then color in your spelling words using bubble letters. 

 

Ransom Note

Procedures Save the Day...and My Sanity....

One of the best pieces of advice that I received prior to teaching was to spend a great deal of time at the beginning of the school year developing and practicing classroom procedures. Here are a few of the procedures that I use in my classroom that work very well.

Entering the room

Come in and put your backpack on your chair. Unpack. Turn in any homework papers on the small desk beside Miss Stuttler's desk. Make sure that you have pencils sharpened and notebook paper in a folder. Put your backpack and other belongings in your locker. Return to your desk and look at the board for morning work instructions. You may have work on your desk to get started on. There is to be no talking during this time. If you have any money or permission forms, hold onto them until the teacher calls your name for attendance/lunch orders.

Using the Restroom

Only one student is allowed to be out of the room at a time. You must ask for permission before leaving and you must have a hall pass. Make sure you flush and wash your hands! If you make a mess, clean it up. If the restroom needs attention, tell the teacher immediately. 

Fire Drill

When you hear the alarm, stop what you are doing, leave everything, and quietly walk directly to the door. We will exit the middle stairwell that leads to the playground and walk to the right towards the parking lot. NOTE- THIS ONE REQUIRED RE-TEACHING WHEN WE DECIDED THAT IT WAS A GREAT IDEA TO RUN OUT OF THE ROOM SCREAMING "FIRE, FIRE!"

After a few times of practicing and a fire safety poster on the classroom door, we no longer have this problem.

Lining Up

Wait until you or your pod/row is called, then quietly stand up, push in your chair, and line up facing forward. Bring all the necessary items you may need with you.

Ending the Day

Clear off your desk, place papers to go home in your homework folder and wait to be called. Once you are called then gather your belongings, quietly sit in your chair, and wait to be lined up. If you have an assigned job, such as sweeping the floor, do that job before sitting down.

Classroom Jobs

Classroom jobs are posted on a bulletin board. These will be changed weekly. Every student will have an opportunity to do every job at least once. The teacher may add a job or ask a student to help a classmate complete their assigned job at times. Such as the line leader may hold the dust pan for the Super Sweeper.

Getting out of seat

Students may not get out of their seat unless they are given permission. If a student needs to throw something away, they should wait until an appropriate time (during the lesson is not an appropriate time).

Classroom visitors

When there is a visitor in the classroom, students should remain in their seats and should not be talking. 

Signals for attention- MY STUDENTS LOVE THESE! Other classes and parents usually turn and look at us like we are crazy...I think we may be. : )

Teacher- Mac and Cheese                    Teacher: Avengers!                   Teacher: Hocus Pocus

Class- Everybody freeze!                      Class: Assemble                    Class: Everybody Focus

 

Asking questions

Students should always raise their hand to answer questions, unless the teacher begins by saying “Class” and then everyone may answer all at once.This procedure has been such a life saver and eliminated a lot of blurting out and confusion about who was to answer.