Saturday, September 27, 2008

Enjoying the weekend?

Hi guys,
Since I will be at a training on Monday, I won't be able to hear how your weekend was. Write me about what you've done this weekend. So far, I've gone to a favorite bbq restaurant with friends, went on a really long walk with a very good friend, got a pedicure!!! with that friend, and have been hanging around the house. My type of weekend, so far! Tomorrow I will go on a good, long bike ride, too!

I will miss you on Monday, but I'll be so excited to see you on Tuesday! :)
Hope you're having a great weekend!
Love,
Mrs. Martin

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Volcanoes!!

My M-Team weather experts,
What do you know about volcanoes? What do you want to learn? We will be reading an expository text on volcanoes this Friday, so think about what you already know and what you'd like to learn!
Write them here... I will transfer your comments from the blog to the poster on our disaster wall.

-The M Queen!

Tornado Challenge!

Dear kids that I love,
Do you know or can you find the answer to the following questions? These are the ones you asked before our story, "Eye of the Storm!" See how much you've learned or what questions you still have!

Q #1: How do funnel clouds form?
Q #2: What technology does Warren Faidley use?
Q #3: Has Warren Faidley ever been caught in a tornado?
Q #4: What was the deadliest tornado ever recorded?
Q #5: What do you do when a tornado hits?

Show me how much you know by answering these questions. Even if someone has already posted, I'd like to hear your thoughts, too!

-Mrs. Martin

Monday, September 22, 2008

Henry or Henry's Friend?

M-Team,
Today we read a book called, "Henry Hikes to Fitchburg" that related to our discussion this month on goal setting and self-awareness. Henry and Henry's friend each wanted to get to Fitchburg but went about getting there in completely different ways. Henry chose to walk there and stopped along the way to enjoy the journey, while Henry's friend worked hard for a few days in order to buy a train ticket to zip his way there!
Who are you? Are you a "journey enjoyer" who likes to accomplish a goal in due time like Henry, or do you like to work hard and accomplish a goal quickly? Please respond telling us why or giving us an example!

Thanks!
Mrs. Martin

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Earthquake Questions

M-team-a-lonians,
You like that name, don't you?? :) Well, as I said I would, I'm going to list the questions we asked at the beginning of our story on earthquakes. Would you look up information on at least one of the questions and post the answer you find? If you see someone already answered the question adequately, please don't post a duplicate, ok? Let's try to get all of them answered by this weekend!

Question #1: Why do plates move?
Question #2: Is a doorway the safest place to be?
Question #3: What has been the strongest earthquake ever recorded?
Question #4: Are there earthquakes on other planets?
Question #5: How often do earthquakes occur?

Good luck!
-Mrs. Martin

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Nature's Fury

As we work today in the computer lab, use these websites to help you compare the data you find on your newspaper weather map with the data you can find on the web. Have fun completing your computer lab challenge!

Dan's Wild Weather Page
http://www.wildweather.com/index.html

National Weather Service
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/

Weather
http://www.learner.org/exhibits/weather/

Weather Watch
http://www.teacher.scholastic.com/activities/watch/

Yahooligans Weather Links
http://kids.yahoo.com/search/web?p=weather

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

"the dot"

M-teamers,
After reading, "the dot," we talked about the various ways we get motivated. Some of us are like Vashti, and just need a little encouragement. Others of us feel more motivated when someone doubts us or our ability to do something and we want to prove that person wrong! When are you most motivated? Think about why you do the things you do and when you do your best.

Can't wait to read your thoughts!
-Mrs. Martin

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Self-Awareness

Hey kids,
How was your weekend? Don't ask me yet if I've got all your writing papers graded! :) I've still got a few hours to the day!

I wanted to give you a heads up about our Monday reading. I will be reading one of my favorites called, "the dot." It is written just like that. We will be continuing our discussion on self-awareness and goal setting. I will be handing you a sheet of paper with "Alphaboxes" on it. You will be asked to think of a word that would describe you in a positive way that begins with each letter of the alphabet. So, start thinking... for example, A= attentive, B= ?, C= courageous, D= disciplined, etc. Get the idea? Start thinking about who you are and use the letters of the alphabet to guide you! :)

See you tomorrow!
Mrs. Martin

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Patriot Day

Hi M-Teamers,
Today is September 11th. When you were three years old, the World Trade Center (twin towers) in New York went down due to terrorists. Today, our flags are flown at half mast to respect those who died in such a tragic way. It is also to honor those who risked their lives (and gave their lives) to rescue people from the towers.

When we say the pledge of allegiance to the flag, I've encouraged you to show respect and honor for those who have fought for our country and endured challenging times. I've talked about how there are many reasons to show respect for our flag. What reasons would you give? What does the flag mean to you?

I'm excited to see what you say and later discuss during our social studies time!
-Mrs. Martin

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

September Goals

Hi kids,
What is your goal for the month? How are you working on it? I want to be able to personally ask you about your progress, periodically throughout the month, so let me know!

My goal was to stay organized and on top of my game! I'm working on it by making sure I do all the things I need to do for school before I go home or before I enjoy the rest of my evening. So far, it's working! :)

Good luck to you all, too!
Mrs. Martin

Friday, September 5, 2008

Inch and Miles' Journey to Success

Attributes: Action, Self-Control, Fitness, Enthusiasm, Alertness, Poise, Cooperation, Team Spirit, Loyalty, Confidence, Hard Work, Skill, Friendship, Determination.

I am strongest in team spirit, and feel I need to work on self-control. Which attribute do you feel you are the strongest? Which attribute do you want to work on this year? Let's talk about it in our blog so we are ready to do something about it on Monday!:)

Happy thinking...
Mrs. Martin

Treasure Hunt!!

How did you like our p.e. game for the week? What did you do for your team? What rules could we go over or establish to make it better? It was fun playing with you! :)

Have a great weekend and get lots of rest!
Love,
Mrs. Martin

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Natural Disasters!

Hi Team,
Today, we talked about weather and some natural disasters. We listed a few like: typhoons, tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, thunderstorms, wildfires, drought, etc. We realized that although we don't experience a lot of variety in our weather, here in Walnut, compared to other parts of the state/country/and world, we still experience quite a few things. We have had drought, lightning, thunder, mudslides, hailstorms, small tornadoes, earthquakes, rain, fog, and intense heat!

Question: Which natural disaster or form of weather would you least like to encounter and why? Give an explanation for your reason!

Can't wait to read what you think!
Mrs. Martin