Kiker's Strength-Based Learning Cohort

It's been a cold week! In our project block we finished and shared our PowerPoints. After reading a picture book about empathy and staying true to yourself, they summarized the book using CSERT and learned how to add background, special effects, and change the font and color of their slides.  In math fourth graders compared and ordered fractions. Students enjoyed playing a game called  Fraction Action where they found fractions less than, more than, or equal to 1/2. We also completed a Skill Builders assignment that reviews concepts and definitions. Third graders modeled equivalent fractions and played a game where they compared equivalent fractions. They also completed a Count Down to STAAR assignment where they used strategies and showed their thinking. Second graders worked on subtraction. They used regrouping to subtract two digit numbers. Second Grade focused on summaries once again, only now we are using the complexity of an ent...

Hello, second & third grade citizens! Use the link below to learn more about our Presidents, their role, and responsibilities. http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/presidential-cyberhunt Question 3 link below: http://biography.yourdictionary.com/articles/which-president-was-in-office-when-the-white-house-was-set-on-fire.html Question 9 link below: http://www.ushistory.org/us/56a.asp If you get finished, please leave a comment to share the fact that was most interesting to you . Remember to follow our comment guidelines!

This week we had the opportunity to use our flexibility muscle by adjusting our schedule. Starting on a Tuesday was one thing, but in addition, 3rd and 4th grade had two days of benchmark testing too! We are all so proud of the hard work and effort they put into each minute of their tests. Second grade had two special days with Mrs. Blake, and accomplished some grade level specific TEKS. They also created some stage decorations for their upcoming play, Bugs on Parade. More play info to come, but mark your calendars for the evening show on March 5th at 6:30pm and the school performance March 6th at 8:45am. All the grades are showing what tremendous readers and writers they are. They are developing theories and talking about our books -- during recess, lunch, and after school!!! They continue to develop their written communication, showing how they connect with their world through stories they choose and write. We look forward to getting back to our normal routines soon! On Frid...

Hello, Fourth Grade Historians! Use the links below to gather information about your assigned explorer. Remember: who, what, when, where, why! http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-spanishexplorers5.html https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online http://www.worldbookonline.com/kids/home

We're moving right along into February! In science, we completed our Force and Motion Unit. To reinforce our learning and celebrate the end of the unit, we applied our knowledge of force with a little marshmallow catapulting.  We conducted an experiment to see how the height of the fulcrum affects the distance of a catapulted object. Needless to say, collecting our data was pretty fun and exciting! Mid-launch! A perfect day for some outdoor classroom time! In reading, second grade is well into their fourth section, and we are drawing things together. We have noticed that Billy is growing in confidence, and becoming a young man who believes in himself and his capabilities. It's so exciting to discuss chapter books as they are coming together and we can see what the character's true struggle is... Third grade finished Rain Reign (so sad to have it end)! We responded to the book as a whole, reflecting on the major changes that Rose has exp...

This week, our schedule was a bit jumbled due to 4th Grade Benchmarks. In true SBLC fashion, however, we were all flexible and worked hard to squeeze every moment in. Second Grade began their new section, "Sister," in Billy Miller . We hustled through spelling and writing centers as well! Third Grade read a few chapters farther in Rain Reign , and have been fast proving that Rose's struggle is maturing, and she's growing in that area each day. Fourth Grade worked tirelessly this week! They took the opportunity to show what they know in writing and did a great job on the Benchmarks. I know we are all looking forward to getting back to normal next week though! We began our Force & Motion unit in science. We started out with week with a scavenger hunt to identify the numerous pushing and pulling forces around our school. We have some pretty observant scientists! After our initial introduction, we spent the rest of the week exploring, defining, and investigati...

Hello, scientists! Use the websites below to understand more about force, motion, and energy. Remember to read the directions and ALL information on the sites. When you are finished, leave a comment about something that surprised you. Remember to check spelling, capitals, and punctuation before you publish your comment! 2nd & 3rd grade Part I: Friction http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/scienceclips/ages/8_9/friction.shtml Part II: How Pulleys Work http://www.neok12.com/php/watch.php?v=zX56004f445662567a447c45&t=Simple-Machines Part III: Forces in Action http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/scienceclips/ages/10_11/forces_action.shtml 4th grade Part I: Forces http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks3/science/energy_electricity_forces/forces/activity/ Part II: Parkworld Plot http://www-g.eng.cam.ac.uk/mmg/teaching/peterstidwill/interact/resources/parkworldplot.htm Part III: Friction http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/scienceclips/ages/8_9/friction_fs.shtml