Friday, August 13, 2010

Welcome to LEAP

Hello students and parents! I am very excited to be a part of the LEAP department. For many years, I have integrated gifted learning strategies into my regular classroom, and now I have the chance to completely immerse myself in gifted ed.

This year, I will be working with 1, 3, 4, and 5th grades. Currently, I am planning out our theme and Kaleidescope units, with the guidance of my LEAP colleagues.

My hobbies include cycling, cooking, reading, and anything that connects to technology. I enjoy spending as much time as possible with my wife, Nora, and son, Adam.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

"Any fool can know. The point is to understand."

- Albert Einstein

Powder Valley Field Trip Photos








Tuesday, May 11, 2010

This Week

We have a last-minute, short field trip planned to Powder Valley Conservation Area on Wednesday. This is a brief summative field trip that allows students a chance to use the skills learned in our MO Dept. of Conservation "Nature Unleashed" program. There is no cost since the bus fees are funded by the MO Dept. of Conservation.

We are working on 5th grade division skills.

Students continue to work on their last graded writing piece.

In S.S., we're learning about the three levels of government (local, state, federal) and the three branches of government (executive, judicial, legislative).

In Spelling, we're working on Chapter 25.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Poetry Day Time

Hi all,

Our Poetry Day will take place from 2:15 - 2:45. Our event may be a bit longer, but will definitely end before 3:00 so you can escape before buses arrive.

We will have treats and beverages to celebrate, and students have created special poems for Mother's Day. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

This Week

Sorry for the late post here, students and parents!

This week we are continuing the same spelling list as last week. Students may test on Spelling City whenever they are ready.

Chapter 27 Math Test Friday.

Big project in Science -- in class, we are creating dioramas to show a food chain within a specific Missouri ecosystem: cave, wetland, glade, or stream. Students are very fired up!

Last-minute field trip, for free! Next Wednesday, we'll hop over to Powder Valley to follow up our Nature Unleashed program, and have a nature scavenger hunt, watch birds, and study Missouri ecosystems.

Writing - students are creating a work of fiction (in class) and will make an action figure to match their story.

Poetry Day - Please be sure to come to Poetry Day this Friday, from 2:15 - 2:45-ish. Students will read two of their original poems, and we'll enjoy refreshments, as well.

Chess - if you have noticed your student has an unusually high interest in chess, then I'm to blame. Our class has really enjoyed learning the basics of chess. What a fantastic, life-long game to begin learning! I'm very proud of my students' mature behavior during chess matches.

Reading - students are working in book groups reading a high-interest book. Ask about the characters, plot, or premise. My students love to brag about their latest read!

Grade Checkups went home Wednesday. Please review grades, initial, and send back.

Friday, April 30, 2010