Multiplication Math Game Visit

A few Fridays ago Mr. John invited our class over to play their multiplication math games that they created from scratch. It was wonderful and such a fun way to practice our multiplication facts. The kids were so inspired by our neighbors that they decided to create their own, so stay tuned for that.

 

Inspirational People: Inventors

This week we read about Garrett Morgan and George Washington Carver, two African American inventors. The students were amazed to learn about the hardships these men faced and the contributions they have made to society with their inventions.

Knowing it was Video Friday, I visited my old stand-by, Kid President. Low and behold... there was a video about becoming an inventor. It was so serendipitous (kids, look up the word and get back to me!)

Enjoy!

Kid President: How to Be an Inventor

Learning About Gandhi

Last Friday we had a parent come in to teach us about a person who inspires her. Ms. Sona shared a wonderful powerpoint with us about Gandhi's life and talked to us about all of the amazing things he did. Thank you again for coming in and also sharing the powerpoint. We appreciate it!

Gandhi Powerpoint Grades 2-4 from Rorey Risdon

 

Visiting Teachers from Iringa

The past two days we have been lucky enough to have two guest teachers visiting us from Iringa. Ms. Tiffany was in class yesterday helping with our math games (more to come on that later) and Ms. Megan was in class today. It is lovely to have two teachers in the classroom visiting, helping out and sharing some ideas. Today Ms. Megan even read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to us at snack. Thanks for visiting!


 

Back in the Day When I Was Young

One of my students a few months into school said to me "Ms. Rorey, back when I was young, I didn't know anything." I was going over her math pre-assessment and post-assessment. What she meant was only 6 weeks ago I didn't know anything. Kids say the darnedest things!

We had a good laugh about it together and then I remembered.... the percentage of their life that passes by in 6 weeks is greatly larger than the percentage of my life that passes in 6 weeks. I was reminded this morning by my best friend in San Francisco that I am yes.... truly old. I asked her what it meant that I had creaky and squeeky knees. I have been running a lot lately and have been noticing grinding, popping and general weirdness. She wrote back:

creaky+squeaky knees = old

Yikes! I guess that is that then. Well, my kids think they are old, especially when they go visit our reading buddies in EC. Two weeks ago, we visited Ms. Jane's class for writing week and the kids got to partner up and write in whatever method and topic they could imagine. We brainstormed and came up with water, paint, crayons, sticks, markers, chalk, and.... finger paint. You would have thought it was the best day ever for my kids.

They rushed to the finger paint and got started. Smiles, joy and general statements of awe came from their faces along with comments such as "this is wonderful," and "this is amazing." Finger paint... who knew. Well, if you ever want to go back to your youth, take a lesson from my kiddos. GET OUT THE FINGER PAINT! (or make it yourself and there is edible too) What a way to enjoy life to the fullest!