Viewing: Learning Resources
January 16, 2013
Snow Day Story
Last week, you did some stellar work with figurative language, and you practiced it by continuing two stories that I gave you. (Remember the Grammys story and the safari story?) Today, I have another similar activity for you. Here is your first paragraph:
My eyes slowly opened, and I glanced at my shining alarm clock. “Oh no…” I groaned, realizing that I’d overslept. I squeezed my eyes shut, hoping to avoid the busy morning that I now faced. Finally, I opened my eyes again, just a little bit, and I noticed that my room looked strange. The light coming into my bedroom was strange. It was the wrong color. Too bright, for this time of day. It almost was like the light was shining down from the morning sun, but also shining up from the lawn. Then it hit me: Only one thing could make that happen. SNOW! Cold, white, wonderful snow! Snow as fluffy as a soft, down pillow. I rocketed out of bed and opened the window. It was a true winter wonderland outside, and as I admired the glistening view, I almost missed the note taped to my window. It said:
No school today! Happy snow day! I didn’t want to wake you. Take your time, and come downstairs for your favorite breakfast when you are ready! XOXO
Continue the story. Here are a few things for you to keep in mind as you get ready to write:
- Don’t just start typing. Take a few moments to PLAN your story. What will happen? Will you have a problem and solution? Who will your main characters be?
- Be sure to include some vivid description using the SEVEN senses. This helps the reader to visualize the story happening.
- How can figurative language help your story? Will a simile or metaphor grab the reader? Will hyperbole or onomatopoeia or personification capture attention and interest? Maybe alliteration will allure your awesome audience!
This is, of course, optional. But hopefully you will give it a try. You can write one more paragraph to extend the story I started, or finish the entire story. It’s up to you, friends! But you must continue from where I left off. (Don’t continue someone else’s story.) Remember, by posting your story here, you are inviting your classmates to comment on your story. Kids, remember to avoid using ANY real names (in your story or in your comments) and keep the comments kind and helpful.
Email me (or use the contact page) if you forget how to log in! Have fun!
Posted in Learning Resources|By Jon Moss
January 10, 2013
Good luck tonight!
I love coming to the concerts to see and hear the kids perform, but sadly I’m not able to attend tonight. I’ll be sure to watch the video, however! (Plus, rumor has it that another Room 209 “celebrity” will be making an appearance.) Break a leg, kids! (Ooh, another idiom for us to discuss as part of our figurative language unit!)
Tonight, there still is a bit of homework. Kids need to finish their figurative language worksheet, do three math problems on a worksheet, and study their spelling words and math facts. If the timing doesn’t work out because of the concert tonight, please remember that parents may send me a quick email or jot me a quick note, and I’ll gladly give an extension.
If your fourth grader (or you) need some help with the partial products homework, here is a video that I recorded last year to help with partial products. You may find that the video and audio don’t sync up well, oddly. I tried to reupload the video. At the time of me posting this update, the video is still processing, but if you periodically check this link, you might find that it becomes available later in the evening.
Posted in Class Updates, Homework Assignments, Learning Resources|By Jon Moss
December 3, 2012
Help with Rounding Numbers
Hot off the press!
…with another video on the way!
Posted in Learning Resources|By Jon Moss
October 19, 2012
Looking for fun ways to practice spelling?
Is your fourth grader looking for a fun way to practice spelling? Click on “Spelling Words” in the left-hand menubar to read about 41 unique ways kids can practice spelling words, courtesy of Mrs. Castle.
Posted in Learning Resources|By Jon Moss
October 17, 2012
Help with Partial Sums
Hello! Unfortunately, I’m out again today with a really bad back. But the kids are in good hands Mrs. Holzman and Mrs. Deming, and I’m hoping to be back tomorrow. In today’s math lesson, kids learned a new method for addition: the partial sums addition method. This was introduced in third grade. It has the benefit from being very supportive of number sense because it teaches students to add by place value. The traditional method of addition, column addition, is still fine. (This is the typical method that you and I learned in school.) But I stress to students that it is important for them to learn and understand both strategies so they can make an informed decision about which method they prefer for their own use. Here is a tutorial video to help the kids (and perhaps you) with this evening’s homework.
Posted in Learning Resources|By Jon Moss
October 2, 2012
Number Bonds Homework (1)
For homework tonight, please play the Number Bonds game. Match the addends to equal 100. They come in multiples of 5, so you already have friendly numbers to use. (Remember what Mrs. McCarthy said about how helpful friendly numbers can be.) No need to print anything or to bring in a note – the honor system works fine!
http://www.mathplayground.com/PartPartWhole.html
Posted in Learning Resources|By Jon Moss
September 27, 2012
Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check
This can be a great way to study your spelling words!
http://www.amblesideprimary.com/ambleweb/lookcover/lookcover.html
Posted in Homework Assignments, Learning Resources|By Jon Moss