Training Class Inspiration

So, we have to go to professional development classes over the summer.  I chose to attend one at the local community college because I figured I needed some better background knowledge for our science units. The professor decided to take us on a field trip to our local beach which was great because my brain has switched to "Summer Mode." Despite the fact that  I was hot (I don't like being hot!), I had some inspiration. I decided to take pictures of the examples of erosion and deposition so the students can make connections to something right here near us! Not exactly life changing, but maybe something the students will keep in their memory banks! My thoughts are to make several 8" x 10" copies of each picture. I will just have the students put their "Scientist Thinking Caps(this sounds like another project)" on to brainstorm with tables or partners what they notice about the pictures and discuss. (I'm thinking this will be done after we have already introduced these concepts.) Then, using the pictures, the students can brainstorm their own definitions for erosion, deposition, and transport. Scientists in the making!! I think this will increase their understanding and make it more memorable.  I downloaded the pictures here because they are also nice to look at. :)  There are some other ideas swirling around in my head, and I will share those when I have a better grasp on it! Meanwhile, what ideas do you have? Leave a comment. Thanks!

 

 

 

Teacher Websites

Okay, I have just the place for those of you looking for a way to communicate with your parents and students on the web. My friend, Alisa, pointed me to a great site called schoolrack.com. You can do many things on the website for free such as choose a theme(I chose a space theme since we cover the solar system in 4th grade), create a calendar, and add multiple pages to share all you need with parents and students. For a monthly fee, you can also add password protection, photos, select lists of people to view certain aspects of the website, and have multiple other features. I am currently working on mine for the upcoming school year. You can check my page out at www.schoolrack.com/Ragland. I have only made the calendar, and I will start adding to my pages soon. Check out the website and let me know what you think!

Welcome!

I am so excited! I feel like I am finally making progress on my blog! This has been a work in progress for a while now. It was inspired by the many creative teacher blogs I have read in the past. This is my fourth year teaching fourth grade and I am looking forward to the fall. However, I am glad to have the summer to rest, spend time with my family, and plan for the great school year that is to come. :)