Kiker's Strength-Based Learning Cohort

Today was filled with food, fun and fall activities! :) We started our day with pumpkin pancakes that we mixed ourselves. We wrote about our pancake process in Language Arts, created story problems about ants and spiders in Math, and made spooky popcorn hands in Science to learn a little hand anatomy! Our parent photographers captured many moments and have already updated our photo site. If you have photos to add, please do so here . :) Thank you to all the wonderful parents who donated supplies, time, or both...we couldn't have done it without you!   Have a safe and happy Halloween! 

Parents: This is an in class assignment :) Select one of the pictures below. In your notebook, write down the number of the picture, the vocabulary word you think it represents, and WHY it means that to you.                                                                                  1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Thanks to those of you who came out, rooted, ran, or supported through positive thoughts! It was a fabulous brisk (ok, really cold for Austin) morning, and we joined the 4,000 who ran for this terrific cause. I personally kept myself going by thinking about the characters -- both Nya and Salva -- and the incredible way the story was brought together by strength and forgiveness. Way to DIG DEEP, SBLC!

Our first Super Star Store was a huge success! Students were able to apply their understanding of our ongoing Classroom Economy Unit. As consumers, they knew that they had three choices: spend, save, or share their money (in the form of a donation to the Gazelle Foundation). Here they are doing some shopping... ...and happily enjoying their purchases!  Our store wouldn't have been nearly as successful without the donations provided by our fabulous parents...thank you! Also, thank you to our A-W-E-S-O-M-E store helpers: Carrie Keith, Kate Scholz, Becky Strandwitz, Luressa Smith, and Carrie Stein...you're the best! Have a wonderful weekend! :)

Our scientists have been busy! We've performed many investigations during our Matter Unit. Here's a glimpse into what we've been up to this week. Combining vinegar... with baking soda... ...and creating carbon dioxide to demonstrate how gas expands! This video captures the excitement I get to see everyday. One of the many reasons I love teaching Science... We also observed matter changing states from a liquid to a solid by making... ...ICE CREAM! That's some seriously delicious learning! :)

*Parents, this is an in-class assignment. Hello, SBLC Super Stars! Today, you are explorers of the four Texas regions. If you get finished--AND your have double checked your work--please make a comment that includes your name and something you enjoyed learning today! Directions : Carefully read below and use the links to investigate the characteristics and history of each region. Remember to write neatly and double check spelling...everything you do deserves your best effort! :) 1. A  sub-region  is a smaller part of a region or area. What are the sub-regions within each Texas region? Look at the picture below to see how to record your findings in your notebook. Now, click here to find your answers:  http://bookbuilder.cast.org/view_print.php?book=41216 2. On the next two pages in your notebook, create a half-page "fact sheet" for each region. Set your pages up first! Use a ruler to make straight lines and create a half page for each region. Then write:

Although we consider ourselves  Super  Stars of the Hollywood sort these days, we've kicked off October like we're rock stars! We've been busy classifying matter in Science, empathizing with kids halfway across the world in Language Arts, and sharpening our rounding skills in Math. What a fabulously busy week! :) Have a wonderful weekend!