Who Sailed the Ocean Blue in 1492?

You guessed it, Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492.

In the United States, Columbus Day is always celebrated on the the 2nd Monday of October.  This year it is on October 10.  The first Columbus Day was celebrated in New York in 1792 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Columbus' historic arrival.  2011 marks the 519th anniversary of Columbus' arrival.

Now that we know a little information about Columbus Day let's find out more about Christopher Columbus himself.  Have fun and be sure to comment what you learned.

Rocks Rocks Everywhere

Rocks are a part of our lives, especially in the Ozarks.  How many of you have been told to pick up the rocks in the yard?  We have many different types of rocks that are native to Missouri.  This week we will be learning about the three different types of rocks: igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary.  To get started play this fun matching game.

After you play the game post a comment about what you learned.  Look around online for more rock information.  You can start by clicking on links in my PortaPortal.  Be sure to get your parents help.

Measurement Time

Oh no, I forgot to bring my ruler.  How will I ever figure out how wide the bookshelf is and will it fit in the space I need it to go in?  I have an idea.  Maybe if I use my arm from my wrist to my elbow I can measure the space and the bookshelf.

It is important to learn to use alternate forms of measurement.  Most of us have fingers, whole hands, arms, and feet.  Please take a few moments to measure some items at home and bring the information to class to share.

Here is a suggested list of things to measure.  Use your hand, arm, or feet (if appropriate).  What can you measure that is not on the list?  Please post your findings as a comment and include other objects that you measured (example: refrigerator = 2 arms).

1.  Refrigerator
2.  Window
3.  Your bed
4.  Bathtub
5.  Door
6.  A table
7.  TV
8.  Sofa
9.  Path from door to your bedroom.

Here are some fun measurement games to play.

The Importance of Reading to Your Child

Reading to children helps them develop listening skills.  Reading to and with your children is a good bonding experience.  Children learn that reading can be fun and relaxing not just reading for school work.

Choose books that have pictures to help your child comprehend the story.  Books should be at or just above your child's reading level if you would like to partner read.  Let your child pick the book to read.  It is a more enjoyable experience if he/she is interested in the story.  Usually, the books your child chooses at the library are on their reading level and they thought they might like it or they would not have chosen it.

For more information you can contact me or visit Beyond Words.

Please comment on what books you like to read to your children or what books your children like to read.

Happy Reading

Welcome

Hello Eagles,

Students, I am so glad you are going to be in my classroom.  Together we will learn so much this year.  I am very excited to find out what you already know and watch you grow this year.  I have some exciting learning opportunities planned.  I hope everyone likes rocks.  Please post a comment telling the rest of the class about yourself and what you would like to learn this year.  Then comment on a classmate's post. Remember to be polite and treat others how you like to be treated.

Parents, I have a list of helpful websites that I will refer to from time to time.  Please take a look at the site and let your child use some of the websites.  I have posted fun yet educational sites that are safe for the kids on my portaportal.  Use the guest name TWinters and click on visit.

Please bookmark the school's website for schoolwide information.

Mrs. Winters