It's almost November?

Yikes - where does the time go?

Yesterday I was at the CECA/CASL joint conference on Teaching and Technology for the 21st Century. A full day of Wiki, Blogs, Moogle, Smart Boards - a whole lot of technology and how to effectively use it in today's classroom. Just when I became a pro at using the calculator.........

Today, students were given an assignment due Friday, October 30. They are to create a creature and write about it. Work will be shared on Friday in class. Should your child have a problem and/or question, have them see me ASAP. It's always a fun project that I enjoy doing with the children. The creativity is wonderful!

Friday will be our annual Halloween Parade and party. I wish that I could invite everyone to the class party, but as per Mrs. Kosisko's letter, only in-room helpers, Room Reps and the class photographer will be allowed in due to fire-code limitations. However, all are invited to the parade which will take place around the school starting at 2:45pm. Want a good "seat?" Stand outside at the primary playground. Nobody ever stands there and you'll get great pictures/video! Parents can pick-up their child at the end of the parade.

I can't believe the month is over. If I don't get to see you before Friday - Happy Halloween! BTW - all Kit Kats and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups must be evenly shared with Mr. Farias.

Today's Geography question was.....

"What is the name of the Earth's four oceans?"

I don't know how this topic ever came up in conversation, however, sometime last year, my wife - always the science teacher - was saying that there were 5 oceans. I looked at her with that - oh, you silly rabbit - type of look. She was adament. I was adament that there were four. I googled it to prove her wrong......... looks like I was wrong :(

OCEANS

The planet is approximately 71% water and contains (5) five oceans, including the Arctic, Atlantic, Indian, Pacific and Southern. Their borders are indicated on the world image in varied shades of blue.

For many years only (4) four oceans were officially recognized, and then in the spring of 2000, the International Hydrographic Organization established the Southern Ocean, and determined its limits. Those limits include all water below 60 degrees south, and some of it, like the Arctic Ocean, is frozen.
from worldatlas.com

So, this afternoon, when your child comes home from school, ask him/her - how many oceans are there? In your infiniate wisdom, you can now correct your child as we will only be going over the answer tomorrow morning. We parents have to watch out for one-another!

Who knew there were 5 oceans? It would have been nice if the International Hydrographic Organization put out some public service announcements so we wouldn't look so clueless in front of our children!!

Get the word out - 5 oceans!!

Frogs in Room 2

So......

I get an email asking if I would adopt some baby frogs. Why not, I thought. In grade 3, we study plant and animal adaptations. This will be perfect! We can learn how this EcoAquarium works and through the WildCreations.com website, share stories and photos about our new class pets. We named our frogs Febe Frog and Ally Frog.

Thanks to Mrs. Antolini! Make sure you remember to say Hi during conferences! I'll be sure to update!!

Helen Keller

Each month, students are given a "Monthly Packet" to work on during their free time. It reviews work and skills that we have covered in class and students can earn a prize at the end of the month by successfully completing the work. For completing September's packet, students earned a Movie and Popcorn party.

We had been learning about Helen Keller's struggles as a young child with her loss of both her hearing and eyesight. In conjunction with our studies, I felt it was most appropriate to show Disney's remake of The Miracle Worker. It depicts Helen as a young child and the work her hired teacher, Annie Sullivan, did to get Helen to recognize words, language and the ability to communicate.

Ask your child to share their thoughts on the movie and what they learner about Helen Keller with you.

Scholastic Book Club

Orders are due this Friday, October 16. Remember that you can also order online by going to:
www.scholastic.com/bookclubs
User Name: fariasatfh
password: fhroom2

Saving the Garbage Museum

The Garbage Museum in Stratford is fundraising to keep its doors open and as a class we are trying to help by raising money using your recyclables! To date we have raised $19 and change! Our goal is $50! Keep those cans and bottles coming. Thanks to those who have already donated their recyclables. I'm sure the museum appreciates all of our efforts!

Time goes by.....

Welcome to the 2009-2010 school year! It has been a great start. Students are doing well and have adjusted well to the new grade level. Make sure to come back often for classroom updates and important information. Enjoy your long Columbus Day weekend!