Monday 17 November 2014

THE GLOBAL READ ALOUD COMES TO AN END...

Today we finally finished our book study: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. In this story, Edward (a china rabbit) became lost and really sad. At the beginning of this book, we thought Edward was selfish, vain and un-loving. He didn't care about anyone or anything but himself. Throughout the chapters, Edward went through many experiences and met many different kinds of people. We also read that he went through lots of different names such as: Edward, Susanna, Malone, Clyde and Jangles. Over these adventures and many years, Edward learned how to love and care about other people. In the end, Edward ended up in a doll shop where he was finally reunited with his original owner, a young girl named Abilene. Only now, Abilene was not a young girl anymore. She was an adult who had her own daughter named Maggie. Maggie picked Edward off the shelf at Lucius Clarke's doll shop. Finally, we had a happy ending! THE END!

Odin: I felt sad because Edward went overboard, 

Sarah: I felt a little bit sad that Edward had so many sad journeys and didn't return to Abilene right away. 

Sam: I felt happy for Edward in the ending because he got fixed and found his person who loved him. The most. 

Vera: I felt sad when the boys on the ship were rude to Edward and Abilene, 

Elizabeth: I was sad because he was lost for so long.

Jack: I felt sad because Edward was at the bottom of the ocean for years.

Jacob: I feel sad and happy. I feel sad because he went overboard. I feel happy because he finally retuned to Abilene.

Atok: I felt sad because Edward didn't know if he would ever find Abilene. 

Ethan: I felt sad because Bryce had to give "Jangles" up.

Harrison: I felt so sad when Lolly put Edward in the garbage.

Mason: I felt sad that Sarah Ruth died.

Rylee: I felt sad because Edward and the dog were kicked off the train. 

Taylor: I feel sad because Edward lost his owner (Abilene).

Coryn: I felt sad because the old woman pinned Edward up on a wooden stake in the garden. 

Tristan: I felt happy because Edward got to see all the people he loved, after he cracked his head at Neal's Dinner. 

Lexie: I felt upset because Edward ended up in the garbage. 





Thursday 6 November 2014

Monster Math Minutes

On Friday, November 7th we are very happy and proud to launch MONSTER MATH MINUTES!

What is it exactly? A short (3 minutes or less) video tutorial hosted by various Room 14 students to help teach and showcase the different math strategies we are working on at school.

Why are we doing this? Lots of reasons! Having students record a short tutorial that is shared with families and other classrooms (via our Blog) is a great for building their self-confidence and makes students feel like a true "super star" in math.

Students rehearse and practice the strategy (academic understanding of the concept is worked on and mastered) and then work through the "performance" of the task/strategy - so they are able to teach someone else (their virtual global classroom of students).  Students are willing to work harder to understand and master the strategy, so that they can share it with others.

If you look at the top of our blog page, you will see the tab marked "Math Minutes" - here is where you will find all the links to our videos, organized by month and strategy. This month, we have introduced 4 strategies:  2 digit addition, 2 digit subtraction and  2 other videos on using empty number lines for addition and subtraction.

Check the "Math Minutes" page for the links and why we feel it's important to share these videos.

Please always welcome positive comments, feedback and questions from parents on our blog!

Thanks so much!
Mrs. Cantafio and the Room 14 Monsters