Saturday, March 13, 2010

Bulletin Boards: Habitats

Over the past two months, I have been working on six different part of Habitats around the world with the students from first through fourth grade. None of them had any science experience, but they all love what they had learned through by LOTS of visual aids, activities, and games on Smart Board.

I started out with the Desert. It helped them to understand of where that's close to our region.

I even included the desert plants without thorns. Many of them were awing on the plants because many of them never saw any different kinds of cactus.

After we finished our Rain forest, we invited one of the deaf guests to do the Story telling on: The Great Kapok book. (click the book) It was an excellent book for the students to understand how important to preserve the environment.

This is a close-up Pond picture. While I was teaching Pond, I even taught about their life cycle (click on Life Cycle ) on the Smart Board. While working on between Pond and Ocean, I had to explain the students between Fresh and Salt Water. I had two bowls of Fresh and Salt Water sitting outside in the sun for three days, so they could see the difference when the fresh water lose the water from the sun.

While I was working on Ocean, I had some Art Activities with the colorful sponge and writing about the animals.
After the Ocean, we started discussing about the Grassland. They were shocked that there were different types of Grassland, especially green and yellow grass after I read and show a book about the life in Grassland. The next day, one of my students brought over the dry grassland.


The last part of the region is teaching Tundra. I had to explain the different animals living in Arctic and Antarctica . I even gave each student a cup of ice cube and water to see how the ice stay or float up. It gave them a better picture about the glaciers. The best part is that they never knew these two places: Arctic and Antarctica have Spring and Summer. They kept saying, "What!" Now, they know there are small areas that grow flowers and green grass during these two seasons.

Overall of my Habitat lesson plans, I felt really good that each level had learned. They all loved the lessons. This will give them a life time educational experience.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Awards

Recently, we got a letter from Ryan's teacher. He was getting an award for Accelerated Reading. On tests, he was getting many 80 % or better. David was able to show up for his award this time. While watching the assembly, David was astounded that the award was also giving the gift certificates away: Jamba Juice, AMC Movies, and Starbucks! What a classic way to get a gift certificate. Ryan did not get the gift certificate this time.

He was so proud to get an Accelerated Reading Award. His teacher told me he jumped from 1.5 to 2.9 for Reading Comprehension within 7 months. Now, he is getting another award next month because he has earned so much points in reading.

The next day, I met his teacher for the parent conference. We discussed on his second benchmarks from his I.E.P. He met all of the goals! The team was really pleased that he did extremely well in school.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Picture Ads

This book gives the reader the secrets on how to keep the relationship last longer.
This lady is a fan of Dylan.
A future star!
A bulletin board emphasizes how important to keep the bonding between mother and son.




Lost a Tooth

All in this week, Ryan's upper tooth was wiggled. I have tried to help him to move his tooth around each day. While I was at the grocery, his front tooth was pulled out by him in a front of David. He sent him a video through by my pager.




Now, I will have to think about how much should a tooth fairy put the money under his pillow tonight?

Friday, March 5, 2010

Sleeping Over

When we received a letter from the boys' school asking us if we were interested having our boys staying the "Reading Activities" night, I thought this was a win-win situation for both of us. The purpose of sleeping over were encouraging kids to read books, and purchase many new books for the library. I personally thought it was a splendid idea.

On the day of sleeping over the night, Ryan had been talking all day. "Mom, we are having sleep over tonight. We need to bring books, pillow, sleeping bag," said Ryan. He actually was looking forward to sharing all of the fun along with the other kids at school. Dylan wanted to stay home, but knowing he needs to learn to sleep at other's place such as Summer Camp.

By the time, we arrived, Dylan immediately wanted to sit down and read books. Ryan was so curious out there. While we were observing the place before left them for the night, we were surprised that the air mattresses were set up for their children.

Then, Dylan and Ryan gave their thumbs up to let know that it was time for us to leave. We eventually did for the night. I can't hardly hear all about this special event.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Star Wars

Know what? Would you consider me loony if I admit that I NEVER or EVER watch any Star War Movie after part I ? I stopped liking watching any Science Movie. All I know that they were fighting and don't even know their names at all.

But on one night, we had surprise visitors at Cub Scouts Banquet. It was the Star War trooper. The boys were thrilled to see them there.


The boys had a good time chatting and playing with the Star War Troopers. Now, David tried so hard to convince me to watch all Star War movies. I still will NOT let him convincing me.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Happy Early Spring!


Oh, I love SPRING!!! That's why I am posting on my new background blog. Isn't it beauty???

Here are the reasons why I love Spring:

1) Seeing all of the beautiful flowers blooming.

2) Many new animals are being born. My cats were born in Spring.

3) I can't wait to wear capri pants, and sandals.

4) Sitting and eating outside of the patio during the meal

5) Spring Cleaning!

6) More importantly, this year will be my first student teacher. This means I will be a mentor teacher for two months. This will look good on my resume'.

What do you love about Spring?