Moving to East Asia

We have completed our general study of maps, globes, and skills. We are now going to start studying the continent of Asia, beginning with East Asia. This area only has six countries that we will be studying, but it is packed full of fascinating history and information. I am certain the students will enjoy studying it.

Today we started working on a map of East Asia, which is due on Monday, October 6.

Check out this link to find different kinds of games about Asia:

http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/Asian_Geography.htm

We're Back!!!

What a great time we had at Bradford Woods!!! It's such a great place to learn, and that's exactly what the kids did while we were there. There was not only environmental learning taking place, but also a lot of team building and cooperation in order to accomplish tasks. There was also a lot of fun -- the canoe activity was a lot of fun for the teachers to watch!

In class today, we are winding up our study of natural resources by doing a mining activity. The kids each had a mine and had to be careful when mining in order to not incur any fines. We will finish up the activity tomorrow by calculating how much money the students made.

Here is a fun coal mining webquest to try:
http://www.roe25.com/webquest/Harlan/

It's Good to be Back!!

Well, we are winding down the first week of school. I'm exhausted, and even though the kids say they aren't they seem a little more subdued than normal, so I'm assuming they too are feeling the effects of a new schedule.

We began passing out books today. I talked to the students about the condition of the books and how they need to last through the year, without further abuse or damage. I have suggested they get book covers to try to hold them together the best they can. This year is social studies adoption, so next year the books will be brand new. I can hardly wait!!! Nonetheless, we will be using the books almost every day this year...they are a huge reference source for us.

Thanks to everyone for the colored pencils and dry erase markers. We use a tremendous amount of colored pencils during the year and the students don't realize what an important tool they are until we are out. We run out of blue first, so I have ordered extra blue colored pencils that will take us through May. Again, thanks for helping support the class.

Have a nice evening and I am looking forward to finishing off this week. (I was actually in bed asleep at 7:30 last night if that tells you anything!)

It's Almost Here!!!

Yes, we're getting down to the wire and summer break is coming to a close!!! I'm going to be working this weekend with my husband trying to finish up in my room. Since I'm short, he helps me hang all of the things that are too high for me. I'm anxious to get this new year started and underway. It's always an exciting time for teachers and there's nothing quite like watching the kids come back with new hairstyles, new clothes, and brand new school supplies.

I hope everyone has a relaxing weekend and spends time getting rested up for next week. See you soon...

Summer is winding down!!!

Good day to you all!!! Yes, the summer is winding down and school will be starting again before we know it!!! I am looking forward to a new year and the new students. Parents, you will be amazed at the growth your kids will show by the end of this year.

It has been a long time since I last wrote in this blog. I stopped when Harmony went online, but after much consideration, have decided to again continue with this as a way to communicate. I found it to be an effective tool. With that in mind, be sure to check each evening for an update. Before I leave school, I will post the topic we discussed during the day and will also try to include a web link to a site that coincides with our topic.

If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me at armourj@m-gsd.org. I look forward to a fantastic school year!!!