Mrs. Perry's 4th Grade Class at SLES 2005-6

Guest Expert: Seargeant First Class Kevin S. King

2006-05-20T10:12:00.000-04:00

Sergeant First Class Kevin S. King is a 1st Platoon Sergeant/ Crew Chief currently stationed in Iraq. Besides flying missions, his day to day activites include making sure that flights scheduled make it off on time. He usually issues the special equipment needed on each flight and makes sure that equipment is properly accounted for once the helicopters return. Once the flights leave for the flight line he monitors the radio in case something is needed or left behind. Since flying is the safest way to move around the country, SFC King is kept busy flying VIPS and soldiers around from Forward Operating Base (FOB) to FOB.

Sergeant King came to our class and gave a very interesting talk about Iraq and the job that he has. Here is a place for you to ask him additional school appropriate questions about Iraq, the military, and his job. To see pictures of his presentation, please visit our class pictures page.

Time Capsule! Celebrating 10 Years of Pride!

2006-05-12T15:07:00.000-04:00

As part of SLES's 10th birthday, each class is being asked to secure one item that is meaningful to the class to place in a time capsule which will be buried before the end of this school year and dug up during the 2015-2016 school year.

The item we pick to represent our class should be something that is unique and specific to our classroom. It should represent what life was like here at SLES in 2006.

So.... what should we pick to represent our class? Let the brainstorming begin! Make sure that you give convincing reasons why we should include this item to represent our classroom. Use O.R.E.O!

National Geographic's Forces of Nature

2006-05-11T05:49:00.000-04:00

Explore hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, and volcanoes at National Geographic's Forces of Nature website. Your job is to:

1. Pick a natural catastrophe to learn about.
2. Explore this catastrophe by exploring the catastrophe at your own pace. Do NOT just skip to the simulation at the end!! (If I see this happening, you will lose computer priviledges.)
3. Once you have read & explored the information of the catastrophe of your choice, write a well developed paragraph about your catastrophe. Then write a second paragraph about the new facts that you learned. This should be done on loose leaf paper.
4. Proofread your paragraph for spelling & grammar errors. (Reading/Language students should pay close attention to this.)
4. Post your paragraphs to this blog.

All homeroom and reading students are responsible for this assignment.
Due date: May 23.

Calendar Math: May!

2006-05-04T17:28:00.000-04:00

Wow! I can't believe that it's nearly the end of the school year! Sorry for the delay in getting May's Calendar Math spot up and running on the blog.

Besides the observations, predictions, and confirmed outcomes of yours regarding Calendar Math, here are some other questions to think/write about this month:
Calendar Questions
1. What polygons appear in the Calendar pattern this month?
2. Why is a square a rhombus?
3. Why isn't a circle a polygon?
Daily Depositor
1. How much money will we have by the end of May?
2. How much more do we need to reach $2,000,000?
How much is a million?
1. An elephant eats about 300 pounds of food every day. How long will it take that elephant to eat one million pounds of food?
2. How many ten-dollar bills would it take to equal $1,000,000?
3. The distance from Los Angeles, California to Atlanta, Georgia is about 2,000 miles. How many times would you have to make this trip to equal 1,000,000?

Please make sure you specify in your post if you are talking about the Daily Depositor, Calendar, Coin Counter, Counting Tape, or Graph. Also, if you are working on a bonus questions, make sure you tell which question you are answering. Enjoy!

Class Participation Reminder: As always, everyone should post at least once during the course of the month. Earn end of the year extra credit by posting more than one thoughtful, well organized post.

Spring Break!

2006-04-18T06:08:00.000-04:00

Here is a place for you to write all about your Easter and Spring Break! Share your special trip, lazy days, or family events with your class.

On another note, I've created a page for class photos. There is a new link added so that you may view pictures of our biography presentations and VIP Day. Enjoy!

Calendar Math: April!

2006-04-04T07:00:00.000-04:00

Here is a place for you to post all your observations, predictions, and ideas regarding Calendar Math. As always, make sure that you identify the Calendar Math component that you are writing about.

Class Participation Requirements: All homeroom students should post at least once during the month.

Guest Expert: Josh Kobak

2006-03-25T23:56:00.000-05:00

Miranda's uncle has graciously agreed to be a guest expert on our blog!

Mr. Josh Kobak studied at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music where he was in several plays, including playing Huckleberry Finn in Big River. He then toured and performed in musicals on Broadway. Mr. Kobak wrote and directs a play "Subway Train" which he produces from time to time in an Off Broadway Theatre. He currently has a CD out called "Above and Beneath" featuring his band Swim. He also scored all the music for an A&E TV show "The Passion of Helen of Troy." Right now he's getting ready to perform in Disney's new Broadway musical: Tarzan!

Here is a place where you may ask Mr. Kobak questions about musical professions, acting, and music in general. Be sure to think critically about the questions you ask him (as with all our experts) as he has a very busy schedule and we don't want to waste his time with questions that are not clearly stated.

Animal Expert: Dr. Camilliere!

2006-03-25T23:08:00.000-05:00

Welcome Dr. Camilliere to our classroom blog!

Dr. Camilliere studied biology (the study of life), received a Master's degree in zoology (the scientific study of animals), and completed his veterinary training. Currently, he is a small animal veterinarian at Banfield Pet Hospital in Annapolis, Maryland. His job includes providing medical and surgical services for many types of pets including dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, birds, and reptiles.

The Camilliere family lives in St. Leonard. They share their home with their dog, two cats, several lizards, and a tankful of guppies.

Here is the perfect spot to ask Dr. Camilliere questions pertaining to his areas of expertise. Please remember to keep your questions geared towards science, our "In the Wild" reading theme, and questions that fascinate you about animals in general.

Science Questions for Dr. Perry

2006-03-25T22:00:00.000-05:00

Class, here is where you can ask Dr. Perry astronomy questions you'd like answered! It's your very own spot to ask an expert! Proofread your questions carefully before you post!

Dr. Perry was one of the managing astrophysicists who worked on Hubble Space telescope. Retired, he is currently producing a local access cable TV show, "Know Your Sky," for Anne Arundel County. His show's purpose is to provide the amateur star gazer with information about celestial objects visible during each month of the year and how to find them in the night sky. His other expertises include forest and agricultural preservation.

Engineering Expert: Mr. Chris Gay!

2006-03-25T09:20:00.000-05:00

Welcome our newest guest expert from the Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Mr. Chris Gay!

Mr. Gay is currently a flight test engineer for Pax River. Last year, he attended the United States Test Pilot School at Pax River to help him design better planes. This is the same test pilot school that astronaunt John Glenn attended! Mr. Gay has flown in many of our military's highest performance aircraft, including the F18 pictured here! Below is a picture of him in flying an F-18 Super Hornet over Pax River:
Before returning to school to earn his engineering degree, Mr. Gay worked as an automotive technician, working on all kinds of cars - from Honda Civics to Ferrari Testa Rosas. He's even helped design and build race cars!

Today his main projects at Pax River includes redesigning the Hawkeye aircraft so that it has the capability for midflight refueling and a new propeller design that lowers noise and vibrations. He lives in Lusby, Maryland with his wife and baby girl Lillyn.

Here is a place for you to ask Mr. Chris Gay all your engineering questions! Questions about cars, planes, Pax River, and engineering design are all great types of questions to ask him!

Idiom Fun!

2006-03-24T20:54:00.000-05:00

As we create our idiom flipbooks this week, take the time to list your favorite saying or expression here! Define an idiom and use it correctly in a short (but creative) paragraph. Use at least 4 descriptive adjectives to make your writing more interesting. Be sure to proofread you writing before you post!

Start the fourth quarter off on the right foot - extra credit will be awarded for multiple entries!

Here are some of my favorites... can you figure them out based on the literal pictures?

Love that Dog Discussion Post #3

2006-03-10T13:22:00.000-05:00

Miss Stretchberry is able to convince Jack to write poetry and share his feelings even though he doesn't want to. Point out the qualities Miss Stretchberry has as a person and as a teacher that allow her to reach Jack and help him express himself through writing poetry. How did you as the reader figure out these qualities?

Post Guidelines:
1. Answer the question.
2. Give detailed support (paraphrase/quote with page #)
3. Extend your answer by connecting to prior knowledge, making a text connection, etc...

Be sure to check for spelling and grammar errors before you post. Make sure you have at least two detailed pieces of support and make sure you wrote one to two developed paragraphs.

Love that Dog! Discussion Question #2

2006-03-07T07:01:00.000-05:00

In Love that Dog we only get one side of the conversation (Jack's) and never what the teacher writes or says to him. Why did the author do this? How can you, the reader, figure out what the teacher is saying? Do you think this writing style (only writing from Jack's perspective) adds to or detracts (takes away) from the story?

Post Due: March 9th

Reminder on requirements: You should have your ideas on paper BEFORE you sit down at the computer to type. Remember, your posts are now graded on content (your ideas and how well you express them) and mechanics (spelling/language). You have three questions to respond to in the above prompt, so I would expect a well developed paragraph that's at least 7 sentences.

Love that Dog! Discussion Question #1

2006-03-02T17:56:00.000-05:00

Post your response to the following discussion question:

Jack says, "If that is a poem about the red wheelbarrow and the white chickens then any words can be a poem. You've just got to make short lines." Do you agree?

Post Guidelines:
1.) Answer the question
2.) Give detailed support.
3.) Extend your answer by discussing other poems you've read, give an example that clarifies your opinion, make a text-to-self, text-to-text, or text-to world connection.

Teacher's Note: We finally had a chance to discuss this assignment and student ideas on Friday. You should be ready to post. Remember to PROOFREAD for errors. Posts from now till the end of the school year will be given both a content & mechanics (language and spelling) grade.

Student Responses Due: Monday, March 6.

Calendar Math: March

2006-03-02T09:31:00.000-05:00

Here's an Irish happy face to wish you some St. Patrick's Day cheer!

Our calendar certainly looks like it has a complicated pattern this month! Here is a place for you to write all your predictions and observations regarding the March Calendar Math components! As always, make sure you identify the Calendar Math component you are writing about.

Participation Expectations: All homeroom students should post at least once during the month.

Reading Class: Esperanza Rising Vocabulary

2006-02-17T19:27:00.000-05:00

Today we discovered that there are some challenging words in our literature circle book, Esperanza Rising along with some interesting characters -- imagine a grandmother who walks outdoors barefoot in a vineyard quoting poetry to birds!

Here you can post challenging, new, or unusual words you find in the text (along with page number and dictionary definition) to help us all understand the story better. Make sure you read what others have posted to avoid duplicate entries.

This discussion is part of your literature circle participation grade, so make sure you use proper grammar and spelling. My suggestion is to jot down your ideas before you go to the computer to avoid any careless mistakes.

Requirement: Post as directed by your assignment sheet from January 6 - January 26.

3Rs Assembly

2006-02-17T14:57:00.000-05:00

Our Character Assembly is tomorrow afternoon. Mrs. Sigler asked us to get ready by thinking specifically about the 3Rs in the cafeteria setting. Why are the 3Rs important in the cafeteria? What would the cafeteria look like if no one followed any of the 3Rs ever? How can each of us contribute to the 3Rs in the cafeteria?

Posted: March 1, 2006

Creative Writing Space

2006-02-17T13:24:00.000-05:00

Class, here is a place for you to publish any poems, short stories, etc... that you want!! Some of you have written some lovely pieces and this is a place for you to share them with the world! Have fun and enjoy!

P.S.: Make sure you proofread carefully! Proper grammar and spelling is a must!

Esperanza Rising: Las Uvas (pgs. 234 - 253)

2006-01-24T21:43:00.000-05:00

Required Prediction: Does Esperanza eventually marry Miguel? Why do you think this?

Respond to at least one of the following questions in detail:

Question #1: Josefina tells Esperanza that the peaches will be sorted one piece at a time? How can you apply this to life's problems?

Question #2: How does Esperanza react to hearing English spoken at the bus station? How does this determination differ from her thought about learning English when she first arrived in California?

Question #3: What sign does Abulita see that makes her think things are better for her family? Is this superstition something that you would believe? Why?

Question #4: Why does Esperanza ask Miguel to take her to the plateau? How does this time differ from the two other times she listened for the heartbeat?

Due Date: Thursday, January 26

Esperanza Rising: Los Duraznos (pgs. 214 - 233)

2006-01-19T21:38:00.000-05:00

Required Prediction: Who took the money orders from Esperanza's valise?

Respond in detail to at least one of the following questions:

Question #1: Why does Esperanza feel that Isabel will not be chosen queen?

Question #2: How does Esperanza react to learning that Mexicans get to swim in the Oklahoma camp swimming pool only on Friday afternoons before the pool is cleaned on Saturday morning?

Question #3: Why does Esperanza give the doll to Isabel? What does this reveal about how Esperanza has changed?

Don't forget, we're almost done the book! Go above and beyond to earn extra credit!

Due Date: Tuesday, January 24

Esperanza Rising: Los Esparragos (pgs. 199 - 213)

2006-01-12T21:34:00.000-05:00

Required Prediction: Will Marta find her mother?

Choose at least one question to respond in detail to:

Question #1: What type of surprises do the strikers slip under the asparagus? Do they have the desired effect on the workers?

Quesiton #2: Why doesn't Esperanza tell the others about Marta hiding? What does this say about Esperanza's character?

Question #3: What is the voluntary deportment? Would you get on the bus if your mother were on it?

New Marking Period!! Get off to the best start by earning some extra credit! Go above and beyond!!

Due Date: Friday, January 20

Esperanza Rising: Los Aguacates (pgs. 179 - 198)

2006-01-12T21:28:00.000-05:00

Required Prediction: Esperanza thinks of her mother and grandmother and knows what she must do about the strike. What is it she feels she must do?

Choose one question to respond in detail to:

Question #1: Why is Esperanza barred from seeing her mother? How does she feel about this?

Question #2: Why do the Mexicans shop at Mr. Yakota's store?

Question #3: Why does Marta warn Esperanza and Miguel about the strike?

Don't Forget: You can always earn extra credit by making text connection (text-self, text-world, text-text) or making other observations / predictions about the story and characters!

Due Date: Thursday, January 19

Esperanza Rising: Las Papas (pg. 158 - 178)

2006-01-12T21:19:00.000-05:00

Required Prediction: Will Esperanza get what she wants for Christmas?

Choose at least one question to respond in detail to:

Question #1: Why does Esperanza feel as she does about the mountains and valleys in the blanket?

Question #2: Why does Esperanza go to work? What would you do in her situation?

Earn Extra Credit! Go above and beyond, make other observations / prediction, connect to the text, etc...

Due Date: Tuesday, January 17

Esperanza Rising: Las Ciruelas (pgs. 139 - 157)

2006-01-05T23:25:00.000-05:00

Required Prediction: Will Mama survive the disease? Defend your answer.

Choose at least one question to respond in detail to:

Question #1: What goes wrong on Esperanza's first day in charge of the babies? Why does she react as she does to these domestic disasters?

Question #2: What conditions forewarn the workers of the dust storm? Why does Esperanza not understand what is coming?

Question #3: What is the goal of those workers who want to strike and those who do not wish to strike? Which side would you be on? Why?

Question #4: What is Valley Fever? (Be specific, what causes it, etc...)

As always, extra credit is given for students who go above and beyond the expectations by making text connections, insights, etc... to the story.

Due Date: Friday, January 13.
Posted 1/5/06

Esperanza Rising: Las Almendras (pages 121 - 138)

2006-01-05T23:01:00.000-05:00

Required Prediction: Will the workers strike?

Choose at least one question to respond in detail to:

Question #1:How does Esperanza show Hortensia that she is accepting the change in the bathing routine?

"Question" #2: Describe the Jamaica in detail.

BONUS POINTS awarded for making detailed text-to-text, text-to-self, or text-to-world connections, or making insightful observations about the characters / situations in the story.

Remember, this discussion is for "Las Almendras" only.
Due Date: Monday, January 9.

Posted 1/5/06

Esperanza Rising: Las Cebollas (pg.100-120)

2006-01-05T14:00:00.000-05:00

Required Prediction: Will Esperanza learn to do the chores that Isabel thinks are so easy?

Choose 1 question to respond in detail to:
Question #1: What does the cabin look like and who will be staying in it? How does this contrast from Esperanza's home in Mexico? Is her reaction what you would expect?

Question #2: What does Miguel think is the only thing that Esperanza has learned in Mexico? Do you agree with this?

BONUS POINTS AWARDED FOR: making detailed text-to-text, text-to-self, or text-to-world connections. Remember, this discussion is for Las Cebollas ONLY!

Due Date: Friday, Jan. 6
Posted: 1/5/06

Citizenship Award: Leah Hoeferkamp!!

2006-01-03T20:55:00.000-05:00

Congratulations Leah!! You earned the Citizenship Award for the second marking period!

Class, here is where you can post all the reasons why you think Leah deserves this prestigious award! Enjoy!

Calendar Math: January!

2006-01-01T21:21:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

We have a very interesting calendar this month! Post your observations, predictions, confirmed predictions, or any other comments you have about any of the calendar components for January. Make sure you identify the part of calendar math you are talking about in your post. Be sure to think of strategies that might help you prove your prediction. Use math vocabulary and have fun!

Class Participation Requirement: All homeroom students must post at least once this month.

Calendar Math: February !

2006-01-01T20:57:00.000-05:00

Well, it looks like Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow... that means six more weeks of winter for us. Course, it doesn't really seem like winter has really hit us yet... I guess we'll see in the upcoming weeks if Punxsuawney Phil's prediction is correct!

In any case, here is where you can post your Calendar Math predictions and observations for the month of February. Be sure to be specific in your post by identifying which component you are talking about.

Hmmm.... it looks like my animated gif isn't working in our blog. Click on the above picture to see it in action. :) Enjoy.

Class Requirement: All homeroom students should post at least once this month.

Posted: Jan 29, 2006

Creative Writing: Bigfoot!

2006-01-01T09:29:00.000-05:00

Complete the story starter below using your imagination. Be sure to use descriptive adjectives and vivid words in your writing.

I used to dislike going to camp, but not because I was afraid of Bigfoot. (It was because I was afraid of snakes.)

Now I love camping, we'd stay in cabins. It wasn't really "roughing it," but it was still very different from living in a house or an apartment. Sometimes, we'd hear things outside the cabin at night. Usually, it was the wind blowing through the trees. But one night, we thought we heard an animal.

My friends and I wanted to see what kind of animal might be making the noise, so we crept outside. At first, we didn't see anything but soon we saw a snake nearby! There were five of us and only one snake, but I was still nervous.

The snake slithered under some leaves.

"Did you see that?" Ian said. "That snake was huge!"
Elliot said, "But it couldn't have made that noise we heard."Before we moved a muscle, something even more huge than the snake came out of the woods, looked at us, and...

posted 2/15/06

Yay! Winter Break!

2005-12-20T20:25:00.000-05:00

Whew! Can you believe it's nearly time to ring in 2006?? Here's a chance to post just for fun over break. Blog about any special family you visit, places you go, the holidays, gift giving, New Year resolutions, funny stories that happen to you, anything!! You guys are pros at blogging by now. Check in on the blog every couple days over break (if you are able) and I'll keep you posted about my holiday as well! Happy Blogging!

Posted: Dec. 20, 2005

Esperanza Rising - Los Melones (pg. 81-99)

2005-12-16T06:44:00.000-05:00

Here is a place where you can post your questions about the novel, your predictions, whether or not your prediction is correct, your observations about the characters, the challenges the characters face, or "AH HAH!" moments you have as you read the chapter Los Melones (chapter 5).

Make sure you include the page number you are talking about in your post. Enjoy!!

Go above and beyond! This is a place to keep connected when we can't discuss in class over break. Feel free to ask a question if your confused about a certain part of the book, or want to share your feelings about the story up to this point. BONUS POINTS AWARDED FOR: making detailed text-to-text, text-to-self, or text-to-world connections.

Remember, this discussion is for Las Melones ONLY! Predictions for this discussion are due by January 5.

Esperanza Rising - Las Guayabas (pg. 58-80)

2005-12-15T21:13:00.000-05:00

Calendar Math: December!

2005-12-01T21:11:00.000-05:00

New month, new calendar! Post your observations, predictions, confirmed predictions, disproved predictions or any other comments you have about any of the calandar components for December! Make sure you identify the part of Calendar you are making a prediction for.

Class participation requirement: All homeroom students are required to make at least one prediction this month.

Posted Nov. 30, 2005

Happy Thanksgiving!

2005-11-22T06:18:00.000-05:00

Earn some extra credit by keeping in touch with the class over the break! Blog about any special family you visit, places you go, that Thanksgiving dinner you ate, or what you are thankful for. To earn maximum bonus points use descriptive, unique adjectives, proper grammar and correct spelling! Happy blogging!

posted: Nov. 22, 2005

First Quarter Citizenship Award Goes to... Troy!

2005-11-16T16:21:00.000-05:00

Congratulations Troy!!

Troy earned the Citizenship Award for the first marking period. Now, Mrs. Perry has her ideas about why he deserved this award, but what are your thoughts? How does Troy show Personal Character (the Great 8 Traits, the 3Rs and the Hand & Heart) and Performance Character (HARD WORK, Work Ethic, Perseverance, Endurance, BIG EFFORT, Positive Attitude, and Confidence)?

Nov. 16,2005

Reading Class: Jamestown Starving Time

2005-11-12T06:35:00.000-05:00

Due Date: Friday, November 18th

You are learning to think like a historical detective. Pick one article about Jamestown's Starving Time to analyze. Then answer at least 3 questions from the list below using information from the articles and adding details to explain your thougths. I will give you a worksheet on Monday that includes the list of questions below and give you class time to work on it. That way, you will have your ideas ready to post when you get to the computer!

Questions for Analyzing Sources

The following questions may help you judge the quality of a source:

1. Is the document a primary or secondary source? How do you know?

2. Who created the source and why? Was it created in a spur-of-the-moment act, a routine transaction, or a thoughtful, deliberate process?

3. Did the recorder have firsthand knowledge of the event? Or, did the recorder write what others saw and heard? Or, did the writer interpret other sources to create their document?

4. Was the recorder a neutral party? Or did the creator have opinions or personal interests that might have influenced what was recorded?

5. Did the recorder produce the source for his own personal use, for more than one person, or for a much larger audience?

6. Is the source something that was meant to be private (like a personal diary) or made for the public?

7. Did the recorder want to persuade or inform others? (Check the words used in the document, this often helps you distinguish between persuasive or informational text) Did the recorder have reasons to be honest or dishonest?

8. Was the information recorded during the event, immediately after the event, or after some lapse of time? How long a lapse of time?

Remember, graded posts must be written during the school day. Any additional posts count towards extra credit!

End of the First Marking Period!

2005-10-26T18:10:00.000-04:00

Congratulations! You've completed the first marking period! Now is the perfect time to revisit your goals and decide on new ones! Maybe you're going to focus on turning in all homework for the new marking period, or perhaps you're going to set a goal of reading 10 minutes each night. You might decide to dust off your multiplication facts, or try to keep your desk more organized. Whatever your new goals are, here's the place to post them!

Calendar Math for November

2005-10-20T20:35:00.000-04:00

Here is where you can post all your comments about the different components of Calendar Math for November. You can make predictions about the daily depositor, the patterns / observations you notice about the daily calendar, observations regarding the counting tape or, once a prediction is proven, post that too! Have fun blogging!

Posted: November 1

Reading Class: Alliteration!

2005-10-19T15:04:00.000-04:00

Reading Class,

We've been working on identifying and writing our own examples of alliteration. Type your most creative example of alliteration to share with the rest of the class! You may make them silly, but they must make sense! Be sure to check your grammar and spelling, since this counts as a class participation grade!

Due Date: Wednesday, October 26

Welcome!

2005-09-10T00:51:00.000-04:00

Welcome to our class blog! Here we will be able to discuss what we're learning about in class! Please start by write one interesting thing you've learned so far this school year (it can be any subject).