The Kennedy Korral Blog ~ Third Grade

How Much is a Million? Video Read Aloud

2012-02-08T19:51:00.003-06:00

Caps for Sale Video Read Aloud

2012-02-05T19:10:00.002-06:00

Syllables: African Animal Names

2012-02-05T18:19:00.001-06:00

Bird Beak and Feet Adaptations : Promethean Planet

2012-02-04T23:00:00.000-06:00

Bird Beak and Feet Adaptations : Promethean Planet

Let's Write A Friendly Letter : Promethean Planet

2012-01-29T23:14:00.000-06:00

Let's Write A Friendly Letter : Promethean Planet

Math Facts Cafe

2012-01-29T22:42:00.005-06:00

Math Facts Cafe

Activboard Activities

2012-01-29T21:59:00.003-06:00

Mrs. Shannon's First Grade Class Activboard Activities

Addressing an Envelope

2012-01-29T21:31:00.001-06:00

Friendly Letter Video

2012-01-29T21:16:00.001-06:00

Multiplication - 3 as a Factor Videos

2012-01-29T15:47:00.007-06:00

Trashy Town

2012-01-25T22:41:00.002-06:00

Trashy Town

Ordinary People, Do Extraordinary Things

2012-01-21T07:24:00.002-06:00

Martin Luther King, Jr. Quotes

2012-01-16T12:36:00.007-06:00

"An individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law."

"A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus."

"A nation or civilization that continues to produce soft-minded men purchases its own spiritual death on the installment plan.

"A right delayed is a right denied. "

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."

"All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence."

Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed."

Read more MLK Quotes

2012-01-14T18:01:00.002-06:00

Free Martin Luther King, Jr. Video from Brain Pop

2012-01-07T14:08:00.003-06:00

Free Martin Luther King, Jr. Video from Brain Pop

Writing Freebie at Sub Hub

2012-01-05T19:45:00.002-06:00

Sub Hub: A New Year on the Horizon... And a Writing Freebie...

Chinese New Year Freebie

2012-01-05T18:47:00.002-06:00

Chinese New Year Freebie

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T17:04:00.002-06:00

New Year Writing Prompt

2011-12-27T18:01:00.001-06:00

Source: ladybugsteacherfiles.blogspot.com via Missy on Pinterest

Coffee Filter Snowflakes

2011-12-27T17:41:00.001-06:00

Source: madebybritta.com via Missy on Pinterest

Number Sense: Rethinking Arithmetic Instruction for Students with Mathematical Disabilities | LD Topics | LD OnLine

2011-12-27T17:13:00.003-06:00

Number Sense: Rethinking Arithmetic Instruction for Students with Mathematical Disabilities | LD Topics | LD OnLine

Strategies for Teaching Youth with ADD and ADHD | LD Topics | LD OnLine

2011-12-27T17:09:00.003-06:00

Strategies for Teaching Youth with ADD and ADHD | LD Topics | LD OnLine

Top 10 Resources on Dyslexia | LD Topics | LD OnLine

2011-12-27T16:57:00.003-06:00

Top 10 Resources on Dyslexia | LD Topics | LD OnLine

New Year's Unit

2011-12-26T23:01:00.002-06:00

New Year Unit from Really Roper.

New Year Unit

A Social Network Christmas

2011-12-24T07:40:00.006-06:00

212th Anniversary of George Washington's Death

2011-12-11T16:10:00.005-06:00

On Wednesday, December 14, 1799, George Washington died at his Mt. Vernon home. He was 67 years old.

George Washington video

George Washington - Brain Pop, Jr.

Ice Cream Cone Christmas Tree & Bird Feeders

2011-12-11T14:14:00.025-06:00

Tuesday's "Today in History" segment will be all about the ice cream cone. On December 13, 1903, Italo Marcioni patented the ice cream cone in New Jersey. We will be reading, creating, and eating to remember this important event in history!

Read Night Tree by Eve Bunting

By moonlight in the quiet forest, a young boy and his family decorate their favorite tree with popcorn, apples, tangerines, and sunflower-seed balls as a gift for the animals of the woods. “Sure to become a Christmas favorite, this beautifully illustrated story of a family’s unusual tradition brings to life the true spirit of Christmas.”--American Bookseller

The tree in the meadow stands all alone,/ With fir-needle leaves and tiny cones,/ One family comes when the night is still,/ To decorate the tree for the animals fill./ Tangerines, apples, millet, seeds with honey,/ Strings of popcorn and berries cost little money./ The tree is lovely in Dad's lantern-light,/ "Oh, please, dear animals, come tonight./ But if they don't, we've completed our mission./ This tree is our gift to them, our yearly tradition.

Photo from: kiboomu.com

Have students decorate their own Christmas tree.

Items Needed:
Ice Cream Cone
White Cake Frosting (mix with green food coloring)
Candy to decorate
Plastic knives for spreading icing
Christmas Paper Plate

Mrs. Kaatz's 3rd grade class at LLA, making ice cream cone Christmas trees with frosting and M&Ms.

Students can also create ice cream cone bird feeders.

Items Needed:

Ice cream cone
Shortening or peanut butter
Bird seed
Cheerioes
Pipe cleaner

Attach pipe cleaner to the top of cone.
Spread shortening or peanut butter on cone.
Roll cone in bird seed-Cheerioes mixture.
Place in a ziplock bag.

Photo: toddlebits.com

Finally, watch this video to see how ice cream cones are made.

The Top 10 Things I am Most Thankful for...

2011-11-20T17:57:00.018-06:00

Join in on the fun! What the Teacher Wants is hosting a linky party.

The Top 10 Things I am Most Thankful for...

10. I am thankful for my students. I love having them in my life!

9. I am thankful for my school. It provides me a place to minister to students academically, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. It also provides a safe environment where I can teach and earn an income.

8. I am thankful for books. I love to read a wide range of genres. I mostly like hardback books just because I like the way they feel. I own a Nook Color and love it, but nothing compares to the feel and smell of a new book.

7. I am thankful for food! Food is such an important part of the Louisiana culture. I have traveled the world, and when it comes to food there really is no place like home. I love making turkey and sausage gumbo with leftover Thanksgiving turkey. This is one of my family holiday traditions. (I also love traditions!) Some of my favorite indulgences include dark chocolate and Community Coffee.

6. I am thankful to live in America. I am thankful for the freedom to vote, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, etc.

5. I am thankful for friends, family, and my church family.

4. I am thankful for my dog. I love coming home from a long day of work and having his friendly face greet me so warmly.

3. I am thankful for my children. My husband and I have six, ages 11-21. They are a wonderful part of my life!

2. The person I am most thankful for is my husband. We enjoy being with each other even after almost 23 years of marriage.

1. The number one thing I am thankful for is my relationship with Jesus Christ.

"For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him, will not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16

The Gingerbread Man

2011-11-18T17:39:00.024-06:00

Soap Queen TV: Gingerbread Soap Project from Soap Queen on Vimeo.

The Gingerbread Man from Tobit Emmens on Vimeo.

Favorite Versions of
The Gingerbread Man:

Best in Class Grant

2011-11-16T20:02:00.005-06:00

TEACHERS: Do you have a creative classroom project you need funding for? Apply for the LOFT Best In Class Grant through December 9, 2011 and receive up to $500 for your project! Apply now!

Turkeys in Disguise

2011-11-16T19:16:00.010-06:00

Gobble, Gobble...I'm in trouble!

At this time of year, turkeys are running scared of being the next Thanksgiving meal! Students helped their turkey friends by disguising them so that they won't be the next Thanksgiving dinner! Each student then wrote a story about their turkey explaining how the turkey ended up in the disguise that he is wearing.

This is the first writing assignment, this year, were all of my students were fully engaged in the activity. I highly recommend this activity and will do it again next year.

Operation Christmas Child

2011-11-16T18:56:00.006-06:00

Today, we collected shoe boxes for Samaritan's Purse and Operation Christmas Child. Samaritan's Purse is a non-profit organization founded by Franklin Graham, son of the evangelist Billy Graham. These boxes are collected at Christmastime and shipped all over the world. Last year, we collected over 1,000 boxes. As soon as I have the numbers for this year, I'll update. Samaritan's Purse also provides water filtration systems to villages to help stop the worldwide problem of fresh drinking water.

How to Pack a Shoe Box

Super Idea from Lara Pierce

2011-11-14T17:59:00.003-06:00

Lara Pierce on Pinterest

A Turkey for Thanksgiving by Eve Bunting

2011-11-13T22:26:00.029-06:00

Mr. and Mrs. Moose invite all their animal friends for Thanksgiving dinner and the only one missing is Turkey. When they set out to find him, Turkey is quaking with fear because he doesn't realize that his hosts want him at their table, not on it.

Ten Books for Thanksgiving

A Turkey for Thanksgiving by Eve Bunting Activities
A Turkey for Thanksgiving Lesson Plan
Favorite Thanksgiving Food Graph
I am Thankful for...Writing Paper
Thanksgiving Themed Math Sheets
Thanksgiving Anagrams
Thanksgiving Crossword Puzzles
Thanksgiving Mazes
Thanksgiving Sudoku Puzzles
Thanksgiving Tracer Pages
Thanksgiving Word Mining
Thanksgiving Word Ladders
Thanksgiving Word Search
Thanksgiving Writing Paper
Thanksgiving Turkey Poster
Thankful Acrostic Poem
Thanks Acrostic Poem
Squanto
Thanksgiving Printable Book
30 Days of Thanks and Giving
Writing Thanksgiving Words
How to Cook a Turkey
Turkey Crafts

Create a Thanksgiving Cinquain
Here's the Template

One word (title)
Two words (describe title)
Three action words
Four feeling words
One word (refer back to title)

Turkey
Dinner Guest
Hiding, Quaking, Missing
Afraid, Confused, Frightened, Alone
Friend

Edible Volcano Project

2011-11-13T18:38:00.006-06:00

Edible Model of the Cross-section of a Volcano

You must create a completely edible model of the cross-section of a volcano.

Label the following parts using toothpicks with small paper labels:
* crater
* vent
* side vent
* lava
* lava flow
* pipe
* magma
* magma chamber.

Label the type of volcano you have created.

Think of a creative name for your volcano, too!

It can be flat OR 3-dimensional, but no bigger than a cookie sheet!

You can add extra parts to your volcano as long as you label them and they make sense.
* You can add a lava bomb, but do not put it on a shield volcano.
* If you do a composite volcano, you may want to show the layers.

You should complete this project to the best of your ability (parent's should only assist in the baking portion of this project). Bring in an eating utensil to receive credit. If you bring it in one day late, it will only be worth half credit. Please understand that your parents should only supervise and not do the project for you.

Commas

2011-11-13T17:19:00.016-06:00

Comma Worksheet - Read each sentence and circle the commas.

Comma Worksheet - Read each sentence. Add commas to separate the things in the list.

Comma Usage Handout

Comma Worksheet

Comma worksheet

List of Comma Worksheets

From Writer Unboxed - This comic was inspired by the recent Oxford Comma Controversy discussion. For those not familiar with the debate, the question is whether or not a comma belongs before the last item in a list. According to the University of Oxford style guide: “As a general rule, do not use the serial/Oxford comma: so write ‘a, b and c’ not ‘a, b, and c’.”

Poll: Do you use the serial comma, or not?

I use it, and I teach my students to use it, too.

Khan Academy - The Best Kept Secret!

2011-11-13T16:30:00.004-06:00

Khan Academy List of Lessons

Temple Grandin on Thinking in Pictures ~ TED

2011-11-13T14:43:00.001-06:00

"Temple Grandin, the subject of the new movie starring Claire Danes, was diagnosed with autism as a child. In this talk at TED, she talks about how her mind works — sharing her ability to “think in pictures,” which helps her solve problems that neurotypical brains might miss. She makes the case that the world needs people on the autism spectrum: visual thinkers, pattern thinkers, verbal thinkers, and all kinds of smart geeky kids." ~ Nell Minow

Read more: Temple Grandin

Freckle Juice Book Report by That Resource Site

2011-11-11T17:38:00.001-06:00

Freckle Juice Book Report
by That Resource Site

Veteran's Day Poem

2011-11-11T06:07:00.002-06:00

Veteran's Day Freebie by Twisty Noodle

2011-11-11T05:59:00.001-06:00

Download

Veteran's Day Scavenger Hunt Freebie by Education World

2011-11-11T05:56:00.003-06:00

Download Scavenger Hunt

Veteran's Day Word Ladder Freebie by Classroom Jr.

2011-11-11T05:46:00.006-06:00

Download Here by ClassroomJr.com
Download Coloring Sheets by ClassroomJr.com

Download Word Scramble
Download Word Scramble Answer Key

Veteran's Day - Everyday Edits Freebie

2011-11-11T05:36:00.002-06:00

Download Here
Everyday Edits Listed by the Month

Feeling Guy Graphic Organizer

2011-11-11T05:22:00.004-06:00

by Education World
Be the Boss: Managing Your Feelings Lesson Plans
Responsible Actions Sheet

Veteran's Day Freebie

2011-11-10T17:03:00.004-06:00

Veteran's Day Freebie by Ashleigh's Education Journey

1 HOUR LEFT

2011-11-08T18:47:00.000-06:00

Please vote for the 25 Top Teacher Mom Blogs!

A vote for me - The Kennedy Korral - would be appreciated.

I would also ask that you vote for Funky First Grade Fun!

24 Hours Left to Vote

2011-11-07T21:20:00.008-06:00

Please vote for the 25 Top Teacher Mom Blogs!

A vote for me - The Kennedy Korral - would be appreciated.

I would also ask that you vote for Funky First Grade Fun!

3 Days Left to VOTE for MY BLOG

2011-11-05T21:40:00.004-05:00

Please vote for my blog. Only 3 more chances to vote. Click to Vote then click vote on lower right hand corner. Currently in third place and only 3 days left to vote. No registration. No email. Just 2 clicks of your mouse!

Same Book, Same Time

2011-11-05T16:06:00.023-05:00

At exactly 8:15 in the morning on Thursday, November 3rd, the halls at the elementary building of Parkview Baptist School echoed with the sounds of teachers reading the same book at the same time. Students eagerly listened to the wonderful message of the Dr. Seuss’ classic, Horton Hatches the Egg. This week we celebrated Children's Book Week with many wonderful, fun-filled activities such as making Horton elephant ears. My class loved wearing them around campus!

I meant what I said

And I said what I meant…

An elephant’s faithful

One hundred per cent!”

Full Text

Before reading have the students complete the following sentence starter either orally or as a writing assignment. Idea from Children's Theater Company.

1. Keeping a promise is important because...
2. To be lazy means...

After reading extend the lesson by having students compare/contrast any two characters in the story. Idea from Nancy Polette.

Compare/Contrast Poem
If I had the faithfulness of Horton
I would sit on an egg for a year
And I'd always keep my promises
no matter how difficult the task,
But I wouldn't fly away and take a vacation when there's work to be done
For Mazie the lazy bird does that

Character Study: Faithfulness - Idea from Homeschool Share.

What is Horton's famous line?

What does it mean to be faithful?

A faithful person is one who is firm in keeping promises or in fulfilling duties. If a faithful person says she is going to clean her room, she does it. If a faithful person makes a commitment to feed and water the neighbor's cat while the neighbor is on vacation, he gets the job done. A faithful person keeps a promise even when it is not convenient. If a faithful person says she will play with her friend on Tuesday, then she keeps her promise, even if it means not getting to go with her brother to the circus.

Discussion Questions from Easy Fun School

What does "I give you my word" mean?

Did Mayzie keep her word about not being gone long?

What does it mean to be faithful?

What if Horton was LESS than 100% faithful?

Is it possible to be partly faithful?

Horton was faithful in the face of death. He made a courageous statement of faith when he said "Shoot if you must, but I won't run away." Do you think it would be difficult to be faithful when facing possible death? Research famous martyrs in history who have been faithful in the face of certain death. (Examples: Nathan Hale in the American Revolution; Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the Bible)

What do you think of the miracle of love and faithfulness that changed the baby bird inside Mayzie's egg into an 'elephant bird'? Do you think this is this scientifically possible?

Watch a robin egg's hatch and a baby robin emerge in the video below!

Horton needed to 'prop up' the tree. Why? Talk about what Horton was thinking when he decided the tree wouldn't hold his weight.

Learn why an egg must be kept warm in order for it to hatch.

Look up the incubation time for different birds' eggs. (i.e., chicken, dove, duck, pigeon, parrot, wild turkey, and ostrich)

Horton Hatches The Egg : Dr Seuss Horton Hatches The Egg
- Watch more Videos at Vodpod.

Horton Hatches the Egg Coloring Sheet

This picture slideshow customized with Smilebox

Postcard Exchange Installment #2

2011-11-03T23:11:00.004-05:00

Welcome to all of my Postcard Exchange Friends! Please scroll down and find your state. Read the questions and post your answers under the comments link. We are having so much fun learning about all of your states.

States listed so far: Illinois, Montana, New Jersey, California, Kansas, Pennsylvania (both), Hawaii, Georgia, Texas, New York, Arkansas, and Maine.

Postcard #1 - ILLINOIS - Ms. Draffkorn's Class

We learned that Ms. Draffkorn's class enjoys celebrating "Milk Days" with a parade, a carnival, and a milk-chugging contest. We wish their school a Happy 95th Birthday!

Question #1: When is Milk Days celebrated?

Question #2: Does the cow in the picture have a name?

Hello from Ms. Draffkorn's class!

Thank you for your questions. Here are our answers. :)

1. Milk Days is celebrated in the beginning of June. It lasts for three days. Our favorite parts are the parade and the fair.

2. The cow in the picture does have a name. Her name is Harmilda. Harmilda stands for Harvard Milk Days. Har = Harvard, Mil = Milk, Da = Days.

Thank you for your alligator postcard! We all loved it. :)

Postcard #2 - MONTANA - Mrs. Dews' Class

We learned that Montana's Yogo sapphire is included in the Crown Jewels, Montana has more different species of mammals than any other state, and Montana is called "Big Sky Country."

Question #1: What grade level is your class?

Question #2: Is your school in a big city, urban area, or rural area?

Postcard #3 - NEW JERSEY - Ms. Minosse's Class

We learned that Ms. Minosse teaches a small kindergarten class in Southern New Jersey. We learned that her class enjoys art and creating their own books especially about "Angry Birds."

Question #1: Do you use a website to create your books?

Question #2: What do you do for fun outside of school?

Postcard #4 - CALIFORNIA - Mrs. Peterson's Class

We learned that California is the 31st state that entered the union. California has four regions: the valleys, mountain, desert, and coast. We learned that the city was named Walnut due to the large amount of walnut trees located there.

Question #1: Are there still a lot of walnut trees in your city?

Question #2: What is the main industry of your area?

Postcard #5 - KANSAS - Mrs. Mathes' Class

We learned that the state bird for Kansas is the meadowlark and the state flower is the sunflower. we also learned that the capital of Kansas is Topeka.

Question #1: Does your class like sunflower seeds?

Question #2: What is the Discovery Center?

Postcard #6 - PENNSYLVANIA #1 - Mrs. Scott's Class

We learned that Mrs. Scott's class in located in the Allegheny National Forest and that black bear are very common in her area. We also learned that there is a factory in her town that make Wooly Willy but we do not know what that is, so we are going to ask her. They have special days for celebrating the Wooly Willy called Wooly Willy Days.

Question #1: What is a Wooly Willy?

Question #2: What do you do at Wooly Willy Days?

Postcard #7 - PENNSYLVANIA #2 - Mrs. Reichard's Class

We learned that her school is in Myerstown which is about 2 hours outside of Philadelphia and that she teaches a fifth grade class. We learned that Pennsylvania is famous for many people and things, such as being the home of Betsy Ross, the Liberty Bell, and the Declaration of Independence. We also learned that PA is the home of eight sports teams. Our favorite thing that makes Pennsylvania famous is Hershey's Chocolate!!! We especially liked that they created their own postcards out of index cards.

Question #1: Has your class been on a field trip to see the Liberty Bell?

Question #2: Has your class seen a copy of the Declaration of Independence?

Postcard #8 - HAWAII - Ms. Okita's Class

We learned that Ms. Okita's 2nd grade class is from Kulihi on the island of Oahu and that it is seven miles from Waikiki Beach. We learned that her school, Fern Elementary, is named after the first mayor of Honolulu. We would love to go on a filed trip and visit your school!!

Question #1: Are there many students in your class that have visited the Continental United States?

Question #2: Do any of your students take surfing lessons?

Postcard #9 - GEORGIA - Mrs. Lazenby's Class

We learned that Mrs. Lazenby's class has a lot in common with our class. We both are studying rocks, government, and geometry this year. We both say y'all meaning "you all" (please put the apostrophe where the "ou" has been taken out) and we like sweet tea. The most important commonality is that we are both third grade classes. We learned that her school is located in Augusta, GA home of the Masters Golf Tournament and Fort Gordon Army Base.

We think we are different in the following ways: we love to tailgates and cheer for our LSU Tigers (#!), we love to eat crawfish, and we love to go crabbing!

Question #1: What is your favorite college sports team?

Question #2: What do you love most about where you live?

Postcard #10 - TEXAS - Miss Snowden's Class

We learned that Miss Snowden's class lives in the second largest state in both size and population. We also learned that they pronounce the word pecan just like we do puh-CON. We laugh at the pronunciation "pea-can" because it just doesn't sound right to us. We learned that Arkansas and Texas have the same state bird - the Mocking Bird.

Question #1: Do you see longhorn cattle were you live?

Question #2: Has your class taken a field trip to Mexico?

Postcard #11 - NEW YORK - Miss Bohrer's Class

We learned that Miss Bohrer's class is located on the south shore of Long Island. They love living by the water where they enjoy fishing, clamming, and boogie boarding. They are about a 50 minutes train ride from New York City.

Question #1: Has your class been to M and M world in NYC?

Question #2: Has your class been to the large Toys R Us Store in NYC?

Postcard #12 - ARKANSAS - Mrs. de Rio's Class

We learned that Mrs. de Rio's class is a first grade class located near the Wal-mart home office. They have a hamster by the name of Sprinkles. We learned that Texas and Arkansas have the same state bird - the Mocking Bird.

Question #1: What animals are you learning about?

Question #2: What do the white tailed deer like to eat?

Postcard #13 - MAINE - Ms. Kent's Class

We learned that Ms. Kent's school, Leeds Central School, is located in a rural part of Maine and the closest city is 20 minutes away. We learned that their school is smaller than our school with 203 students in prek-6. They are busy studying about pumpkins, fall, patterns, estimating, and reading.

Question #1: What will your blog be called?

Question #2: Have you counted the number of seeds in a pumpkin? (We did and had fun! Look at our pictures on the blog.)

The Great Turkey Race

2011-11-03T19:57:00.006-05:00

The Great Turkey Race Game
The Great Turkey Race Writing Activities
The Great Turkey Race Read Aloud Video

The Great Turkey Race
The Great Turkey Race from livelovelaughkindergarten.

New Teacher Interview

2011-11-02T23:08:00.003-05:00

After being interviewed by the school administration, the prospective teacher said:

Let me see if I've got this right. You want me to go into that room with all those kids, correct their disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse, monitor their dress habits, censor their T-shirt messages, and instill in them a love for learning.

You want me to check their backpacks for weapons, wage war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, and raise their sense of self esteem and personal pride.

You want me to teach them patriotism and good citizenship, sportsmanship and fair play, and how to register to vote, balance a checkbook, and apply for a job.

You want me to check their heads for lice, recognize signs of antisocial behavior, and make sure that they all pass the final exams.

You also want me to provide them with an equal education regardless of their handicaps, and communicate regularly with their parents in English, Spanish or any other language, by letter, telephone, newsletter, and report card.

You want me to do all this with a piece of chalk, a blackboard, a bulletin board, a few books, a big smile, and a starting salary that qualifies me for food stamps.

You want me to do all this, and then you tell me.......

I CAN'T PRAY?

Circle of Mom's Top 25 Blogs - PLEASE VOTE for ME

2011-11-01T22:00:00.003-05:00

‎I could sure use your vote in the Circle of Mom's Top 25 Blogs. PLEASE VOTE! It is really easy...just 2 clicks...I promise! All you need to do is click the link below then click Vote in lower right hand corner. No registration, no email, JUST CLICK the link:VOTING LINK.

Postcard Exchange Installment #1

2011-10-30T20:49:00.004-05:00

Dear Post Card Exchange Classrooms:

Please answer the questions we have posted for you. We would love for you to ask us some questions, too!

Sincerely,
Mrs. Kennedy's Third Grade Class

Postcard #1 - ILLINOIS - Ms. Draffkorn's Class

We learned that Ms. Draffkorn's class enjoys celebrating "Milk Days" with a parade, a carnival, and a milk-chugging contest. We wish their school a Happy 95th Birthday!

Question #1: When is Milk Days celebrated?

Question #2: Does the cow in the picture have a name?

Postcard #5 - KANSAS - Mrs. Mathes

We learned that the state bird for Kansas is the meadowlark and the state flower is the sunflower. we also learned that the capital of Kansas is Topeka.

Question #1: Does your class like sunflower seeds?

Question #2: What is the Discovery Center?

November Creative Writing

2011-10-30T16:04:00.009-05:00

Thanksgiving Activities

Document: November Creative Writing Packet

Author: Ashleigh's Education Journey

Visit: Ashleigh's Teachers Pay Teachers Store

Colossal Candy Corn Recipe - Kellogg's® Rice Krispies®

2011-10-30T15:50:00.006-05:00

Today is National Candy Corn Day!
What child wouldn't like this delicious treat?
Click on the link to the right of the picture to get this and other great kid friendly recipes.

Colossal Candy Corn Recipe - Kellogg's® Rice Krispies®

Candy Corn Bark Recipe - National Candy Corn Day is Today

2011-10-30T15:31:00.012-05:00

In honor of National Candy Corn Day, October 30th, make this special treat with your little goblins!

16 Halloween-colored chocolate sandwich cookies, chopped
1 1/2 cups broken small pretzels
1/3 cup raisins
1 1/2 pounds white chocolate, broken into squares
2 cups candy corn
orange and brown sprinkles

1. Spread the cookies, pretzels and raisins evenly onto a lightly greased small baking sheet.
2. Melt chocolate in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water, or in the microwave, stirring frequently until melted.
3. Remove from the heat while there are still a few chunks, and stir until smooth. (White chocolate burns easily.)
4. Drizzle chocolate with a spoon over the goodies in the pan, spreading the top flat to coat evenly.
5. Top with candy corn and sprinkles.
6. Let cool until firm.
7. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container.

Nutritional Information

Amount Per Serving Calories: 326 | Total Fat: 12.9g | Cholesterol: 7mg

Recipe from the Allrecipes.com website.

Halloween Homework and the Day After: Trick-or-Treating Candy Graph and Writing Assignment

2011-10-30T13:24:00.020-05:00

Here is a great assignment to send home as homework for Halloween. After students go trick-or-treating have them graph the results of the candy they received that is pictured on the graph. Then as a class complete a classroom graph to show the combined results. This is a wonderful way to incorporate math skills while having fun!

Idea can be found on the Lasso the Moon website.

Track Your Loot FREE Printable

You can also have students write about what they enjoyed most about Halloween using these great FREE resources from What the Teacher Wants

My Favorite Part About Halloween

Other Halloween Printables by Printables4kids

Great Comment Left on My Blog

2011-10-29T15:27:00.009-05:00

I appreciate all those that visit my blog. I hope to inspire, challenge, and motivate educators to engage their students with fun learning experiences. If you are not already following my blog, I invite you to do so. Happy blogging!

This comment was written on my blog today and summarizes better than I can the purpose I write my blog.

Hello , Thanks for the heads up and the nice deal. Thanks for all the helpful advice. It’s great that someone out there really wants to help other people succeed. ~ Pankaj Jain, India

Freckle Juice Links

2011-10-27T23:11:00.014-05:00

I am about to start a book study on Freckle Juice by Judy Blume and thought I would share with you what I have found. I hope this makes planning your unit much easier. Please check back frequently because I will be adding to this list as I find good resources.

Judy Blume's Home Base
Freckle Juice Book Report
Write a Class Recipe Book
Freckle Juice Response Activities
Freckle Juice Mini Unit
Freckle Juice Thinking Cap Questions
Freckle Juice Interactive Games
What are Freckles?
Freckle Juice Comprehension Questions
Freckle Juice Comprehension Questions
Freckle Juice Discussion Questions and Craft Ideas
Freckle Juice Unit Book
Freckle Juice Pre-Reading Activities
A Freckle Juice Webquest for Third Grade
Freckle Juice Activities
Freckle Juice Trivia Game
Freckle Juice During Reading Activities
Freckle Juice Story Maps
Freckle Juice Thematic Unit
Freckle Juice Unit Document
Freckle Juice End-of-Book Activities
Freckle Juice Online Quiz
Freckle Face
Creative Cooking

"Bee" Healthy

2011-10-27T09:26:00.004-05:00

Eli the Eagle encouraged our Parkview Baptist Elementary students to "Be Healthy, Exercise and Eat Right." This week's activities included "Bee" Healthy Day, "Sock" It to Cavities Day, Sun Safety Day, and All Mixed Up Day. On "Bee" Healthy Day students were encouraged to dress like bees or to wear black and yellow. Some of our students were creative and made their own bee costumes using duct tape! We learned about the importance of eating healthy and exercise. Students learned about the new My Plate incentive to promote healthy and balanced eating. On "Sock" It to Cavities Day students wore crazy socks and were encouraged by our guest dentist to have good oral hygiene. On Sun Safety Day students wore glasses and hats to remind them to protect themselves against the possibility of obtaining skin cancer from the sun. We had a doctor speak to us about sun safety. On All Mixed Up Day students wore mix and match clothes to remind them of how their bodies feel all mixed up when they don't eat properly.

My Plate Coloring Sheet

Author's Purpose

2011-10-27T08:19:00.008-05:00

In our Author's Purpose Unit students were given a teacher-selected text and each student was to identify the author’s purpose as one of the following:
1) providing information (to inform),
2) entertaining (to entertain),
3) persuading them to act or think a certain way (to persuade),
4) teaching a lesson such as a fable or to encourage spiritual growth (moral development).

Students had to identify four text examples or elements supporting that purpose.

To conclude this unit, students created pumpkins listing the author's purpose in the center surrounded by four facts from the text that supported that purpose. They also listed the title and author on a leaf attached to the stem. This was a fun, seasonal way to end our unit on Author's Purpose.

Free photo slideshow created with Smilebox

Funny Teacher Comics

2011-10-26T17:48:00.003-05:00

The Candy Corn Man

2011-10-25T18:30:00.013-05:00

THE CANDY CORN MAN

After reading one of the above pictured non-fiction books, my students created "The Candy Corn Man" listing a fact from each chapter they read. Students had a great time working on this project.

Great Link from Ladybug's Teacher Files

2011-10-24T20:34:00.003-05:00

Video Tutorial: Embed downloads DIRECTLY on your blog!

Reading a Map

2011-10-23T22:01:00.005-05:00

WebRangers - Reading a Map

Reading a Map Interactie Website
Reading a Map Power Point
Reading a Map - Brain Pop, Jr.

Oreo Bat Cookies

2011-10-19T21:39:00.003-05:00

Ingredients
1 Oreo cookie
2 Chocolate chips

This ecard customized with Smilebox

How the Ear Hears Sounds

2011-10-19T20:57:00.001-05:00

Are You Listening?

2011-10-19T20:43:00.001-05:00

What is up with Noises? (The Science and Mathematics of Sound, Frequency, and Pitch)

2011-10-19T20:25:00.000-05:00

Fun Science: Sound

2011-10-19T20:17:00.000-05:00

Bats in our Midst

2011-10-19T20:03:00.001-05:00

Circle of Moms - Top 25 Teacher Mom Blogs

2011-10-18T23:12:00.007-05:00

I am a mother of six children ages 11 - 21. I have almost 20 years teaching experience. If you visit my blog, please click below and vote. You can vote once every 24 hours. All you have to do is vote...no forms...no registration...just a click to vote. Thank you so much! Enjoy my blog.

Please vote for me. Just click and vote.

Sounds and Hearing

2011-10-17T21:31:00.010-05:00

These pages contain worksheets, online activities and other educational resources to support teaching and learning about sound and hearing.

Sounds and Hearing
Physics of Sound
Parts of the Human Ear
Sound Wave Handout
Sound and Music Worksheet
Animation of a Sound Being Created
Differences in Waves
Match the Sound Wave
Math the Sound Wave Answer Key
Bite-size Sound
Brain Pop Sound
What is a Wave?
Wave Worksheet

Our Favorite Candy Corn - Graphing Activity

2011-10-17T20:49:00.008-05:00

Today in class we had a candy cone tasting then we created this horizontal pictograph. Students loved it!!

After tasting the classic Candy Corn, Indian Corn, Mellowcreme Pumpkins, Caramel Corn, and Caramel Apple Candy Corn students voted for their favorite. The classic Candy Corn was declared the winner with seven votes. Caramel Apple Candy Corn came in second place with six votes.

Bill Nye the Science Guy - "Baby I Love Your Wave"

2011-10-17T19:17:00.002-05:00

Sonic Boom

2011-10-17T19:10:00.000-05:00

Bill Nye the Science Guy - "Sound Is A Vibe"

2011-10-17T19:03:00.001-05:00

The Science of Sound

2011-10-17T18:51:00.001-05:00

Sound Echoes and Dolphins

2011-10-17T18:44:00.001-05:00

The Water Cycle Song

2011-10-17T18:36:00.000-05:00

Jump Start Echolocation Song

2011-10-17T18:31:00.002-05:00

Night Time (The Echolocation Song)

2011-10-17T18:28:00.002-05:00

To, Too, and Two - The Confusables

2011-10-17T09:17:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving Cookies

2011-10-16T21:12:00.003-05:00

INGREDIENTS
1 roll (16.5 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated sugar cookies
or
1 package (16 oz) Pillsbury® Ready To Bake!™ refrigerated sugar cookies (24 cookies)
1 container (16 oz) chocolate creamy frosting
Candy corn
Orange decorating icing
Black decorating gel
Miniature candy-coated chocolate baking bits

DIRECTIONS
1. Bake cookies as directed on roll or package. Cool completely, about 10 minutes.

2. Spoon chocolate frosting into 1-quart Ziploc® Brand storage bag; seal bag. Cut off tiny bottom corner of bag. On each cookie, pipe frosting on outer edge of half of cookie. Arrange candy corn over frosting for feathers.

3. Pipe orange icing onto each cookie to resemble turkey face and feet. Use orange icing to attach baking bits to turkey face for eyes. Pipe black gel on baking bits for centers of eyes.

VFW Teacher-of-the-Year Nominations

2011-10-16T17:43:00.004-05:00

In the process of nominating two really great teachers, I came across some outstanding teacher awards to share with you. Check my blog posts and nominate those teachers that have impacted your child or yourself.

Each year three exceptional teachers are recognized by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) for their outstanding commitment to teach Americanism and patriotism to their students. The VFW annually recognizes the nation’s top classroom elementary, junior high and high school teachers who teach citizenship education topics—at least half of the school day in a classroom environment—and promote America’s history, traditions and institutions effectively.

The VFW’s National Citizenship Education Teacher Awards (Teacher of the Year) include the following items:

• A $1,000 award to the top K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 grade teachers for professional development expenses.
• $1,000 award for each winning teacher’s school.
• Plaques for both the winning teacher and school.
• An all-expenses-paid trip to attend a VFW conference and receive their award.

Nomination Information

The Sondheim Teaching Award

2011-10-16T17:23:00.002-05:00

The Sondheim Teaching Award

In the process of nominating two really great teachers, I came across some outstanding teacher awards to share with you. Check my blog posts and nominate those teachers that have impacted your child or yourself.

In many people's lives there is at least one teacher who inspired them, and helped them become who they are today. In our early years, when we are still being formed, they often see in us more than we see in ourselves, more than our families see and, as a result, help us to evolve into who we ultimately become. These inspirational people are not often recognized for the life changing role they have played. These are the teachers who define us, teachers who widen our horizons and encourage us to explore. These teachers are touchstones to paths of achieving more than we might have otherwise accomplished, in directions we might not have gone. To celebrate the significant role of teachers in society, The Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Awards will spotlight some of the country’s most inspirational teachers and recognize them for their contributions.

Tribute to Teachers

2011-10-16T16:39:00.004-05:00

Tribute to Teachers

In the process of nominating two really great teachers, I came across some outstanding teacher awards to share with you. Check my blog posts and nominate those teachers that have impacted your child or yourself.

Through October 16, 2011, complete a nomination form telling us why your favorite teacher should be recognized. This year, we’re recognizing our best educators all year long with two tribute periods and 100 winners! Nominations submitted by October 16, 2011 will be considered for the December tribute awards.

Because Great Teachers don't quit when the bell rings...

Nominate Your Favorite Teacher to Win $500 in Classroom Cash

100 finalists (50 each in May and December) will win $500 cash for use in their classrooms
1 grand prize winner from each award period will enjoy a $2,000 shopping spree

It's time to give teachers the extra credit they deserve.

Nominate an Inspiring Teacher

2011-10-16T16:10:00.005-05:00

In the process of nominating two really great teachers, I came across some outstanding teacher awards to share with you. Check my blog posts and nominate those teachers that have impacted your child or yourself.

Nominate a Teacher

By nominating a teacher for the 7 Wonders of the USA Teacher Tour, you're giving them a chance to experience something wonderful. 7 teachers will win a trip to teach from one of America's 7 Wonders and 25 tablet computers for their school. Plus, you can enter for a chance to win a tablet computer just for nominating a teacher. You may nominate one teacher every day. Need a little inspiration? See sample nominations before you get started by checking out our Sample Essay Gallery. These samples are only for reference and not actual nominations. And remember, the deadline to nominate is October 24, 2011 at 11:59:59 p.m. CDT!

The Candy Corn Contest (The Kids of the Polk Street School) by Patricia Reilly Giff

2011-10-13T22:55:00.039-05:00

It's almost Thanksgiving, and Richard Best can't stop thinking about Ms. Rooney's Candy Corn contest. Whoever can guess the exact number of yellow-and-orange candies in the jar on Ms. Roney's desk gets to keep them all. The only problem is Richard has to read a page in a library book for each guess.

Smelly Matthew, who sits in front of him, knows they'll never win. "We're the worst readers in the class, " he says. But Richard won't give up. He can already taste those Candy Corns. And before he knows it, he has. Three fat juicy ones.

What will Ms. Rooney do when she finds out?

The Candy Corn Contest Lesson Plans
The Candy Corn Contest Lesson Plans
The Candy Corn Contest Lesson Plans
The Candy Corn Contest Vocabulary List
The Candy Corn Contest Spelling Words
Candy Corn Test
Small Candy Corn Template
The Candy Corn Contest Activities
Estimation Station Idea
Example of a Student Glog on The Candy Corn Contest
The Candy Corn Contest Literature Unit - TPT - There is a cost for this unit.
The Candy Corn Contest Literature Study Preview
The Candy Corn Contest Word Wall
The Candy Corn Differentiated Literature Unit - TPT - There is a cost for this unit.
Candy Corn Printables
Candy Corn Template and Music Game
Candy Corn Printables and Activities
The Candy Corn Contract
Candy Corn Man Craft
Grab the Candy Corn Game

Go Animate Lesson Idea
GoAnimate.com: The Candy Corn Contest by jenalee.koch

Like it? Create your own at GoAnimate.com. It's free and fun!

Outside Display of Candy Corn Contest

Candy Corn Contest Display

Character Study Candy Corn

Candy Corn Arrays

Cause and Effect Candy Corn
Pictures from Jessica Falkenhagen

Candy Corn Dominoes - Cause and Effect

Candy Corn in Space

Candy Corn Math

2011-10-13T22:46:00.014-05:00

Here is a FREE Candy Corn Math Download:

Candy Corn Math

Candy Corn Addition Interactive Game

Candy Corn Fact Family Worksheet

Candy Corn Fact Family Cards

Candy Corn Estimation

Candy Corm Math Worksheet

Candy Corn Coordinate Graph

Candy Corn Graph

Grab the Candy Corn Game

Candy Corn Counting

Candy Corn Estimation

Candy Corn History Videos

2011-10-13T22:34:00.004-05:00

The History Channel - Candy Corn

History of Candy Corn Worksheet

Quick Facts About Candy Corn

Candy corn is made from sugar, corn syrup, honey, fondant, and marshmallow.

Candy corn is fat free.

Candy corn was first made in the 1880s.

Candy corn is a type of candy called "mellow cream."

The candy corn recipe has remained largely unchanged since the 1800s.

October 30th is National Candy Corn Day.

About 20 million pounds of candy corn are sold each year.

Candy Corn Bingo Card Templates

2011-10-13T21:54:00.011-05:00

Follow the link below to get free printable bingo cards to make and play by Sherri Osborn, About.com

For each player, print out one Halloween bingo game card and page of Halloween bingo game pictures. The player should choose 25 of the pictures and then cut them out. Glue the 25 pictures, in any order they like, onto the 25 squares on the game card. If desired, you can make the center square on the bingo game card a free space. Have everyone leave it blank or write FREE on it and everyone gets to cover it right away.

You should print out one extra page of Halloween bingo pictures to be the call sheet. Cut them out and place them in a bucket.

To play the game, one person should be the caller. The caller pulls one picture at a time out of the bucket and explains it and shows it to everyone.

Any players who have that picture on their card should cover it with a piece of candy corn.

The caller should continue pulling pictures out of the bucket and showing them to everyone until someone gets BINGO (5 in a row).

Printable Bingo Cards for Various Occasions

Mystery Reader

2011-10-13T20:57:00.012-05:00

Our first Mystery Reader of the year came to visit our classroom this past week and presented information as well as pictures from Germany. It was great timing as we will soon be entering our study of Germany in our Christmas Around the World Unit.

Our Mystery Reader brought us Kinder Eggs from Germany. Kinder eggs, also known as Kinder Surprise Eggs, are chocolate egg shaped candies that contain a toy inside. The toys are chosen from a pool of thousands, and each of them is unique.

Thank you for the wonderful German candy!

Scarecrow Activities

2011-10-09T22:21:00.012-05:00

Scarecrow Writing Activity
Scarecrow Coloring Sheet
Scarecrow Coloring Sheet
Scarecrow Coloring Sheet
Scarecrow Book for Emergent Reader
Scarecrow Shape Match
Paper Bag Scarecrow
Scarecrow Minibooklet
Scarecrow Printable Minibook
Make a Scarecrow
Measurement Man Scarecrow
Measurement Man Picture
Scarecrow Lesson Plan
The Virtual Vine - Scarecrows

Katherine Maries Photography

Katherine Maries Photography

Halloween Treats - Candy Corn Popcorn Balls

2011-10-09T20:57:00.005-05:00

CANDY CORN POPCORN BALLS

A sprinkling of candy corn makes these popcorn balls an extra-special treat. While boiling the syrup is a job for adults only, shaping the balls is a fun activity for little hands.

Instructions

Put 12 cups popped popcorn in a mixing bowl large enough to allow for stirring.
Mix in 1 1/2 cups candy corn.
Fill a medium-size bowl with ice water and set out a cookie sheet or a piece of waxed paper.
Mix 3/4 cup brown sugar, 3/4 cup corn syrup, 6 tablespoons butter, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a 4-quart pot.
Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
Stop stirring and let the syrup boil until an inserted candy thermometer reaches 275º (a parent's job).
Carefully pour the syrup over the popcorn and stir well with a wooden spoon to evenly coat the kernels and candy.
Cool slightly.
Quickly dip your hands into the ice water and shape the popcorn into 3-inch balls.
Place on waxed paper to cool completely.
Tightly wrap the balls individually in plastic.

Makes 18 to 24.

Recipe from Disney's Family Fun

Free Halloween Downloads

2011-10-09T19:10:00.041-05:00

Above Freebie from Pitner's Potpourri Blog

Making Big Words Free Halloween Download

Above Freebie from Differentiation Station Blog

Pumpkin ABCs Free Halloween Download

OTHER FREE DOWNLOADS

Free Pumpkin Prefix Download
Free Halloween Downloads from Teachers Pay Teachers
Halloween Certificate Template
Halloween Math Worksheet
Halloween Candy Math Worksheet
My Favorite Pumpkin
Halloween Word Match
Twelve Free Halloween Worksheets
Halloween Count and Color
Halloween More or Less
Halloween Memory Game
Cat Template
Bat Handwriting Paper
Halloween Pumpkin Shape Book
Candy Corn Craft Template Color
Candy Corn Craft Template B/W
Candy Corn Handwriting Worksheet
The Virtual Vine Halloween Ideas
Jack-o-lantern Coordinate Graphing Activity
Monster Coordinate Graphing Activity
Grab the Candy Corn Game
Catch the Spider Game
Candy Corn Fact Families

Bat Activities

2011-10-09T17:50:00.007-05:00

Stellaluna Online Story
Stellaluna Activities
Stellaluna Activities
Bats About Stellaluna - Lesson Plans
Stellaluna Lesson Plan
Stellaluna's Friends
In Search of Stellaluna's Family
Stellaluna Lap Book

Vampire Bats
The Battle for the Bat
Bat Activities
List of Bat Books and Printables
Bat Power Points
Bat Information
Bat Facts
Bat Crafts
All About Bats
Bats - Defenders of Wildlife
Bat Coloring Sheets
The Story of Echo the Bat
Online Bat Story
Bats in the Classroom
Bat Themed Math Activity
List of Bat Links
Soar with Bats
Kid's Soup Bat Activities
Bat Activities
Bats at Enchanted Learning
Echolocation and How It Works
Echolocation Animal Challenge
Bats! Why Should I Care?
Kidz Cave: All About Bats
Bats 4 Kids
Printable Bat Shape
Bat Comic Book
Bat Fortune Teller - Folding Paper Activity
Bat Downloads

Pumpkin Activity Links

2011-10-09T17:38:00.007-05:00

Picture from Three Jewels in my Crown

Pumpkin Activities
More Pumpkin Activities
How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin Lesson Plan
Pumpkin Place Values
Pumpkins and More University of Illinois Extention
The Pumpkin Nook
Pumpkin Science
Pumpkin Exploration
Pumpkin Lesson Plan Ideas
Pumpkin Seed Counting Online Project
101 Things to do with a Pumpkin
Pumpkin Unit
Profit from Pumpkins
Pumpkin Science Experiment
All About Pumpkins
Pumpkin Math
Pumpkin Patch Activity
Math & Science Pumpkin Activities
Pumpkin Seed Math - VERY CUTE
Pumpkins on Parade
Pumpkin Theme Activities, Books, and Printables
Pumpkin Life Cycle Power Point
Pumpkin Unit with Photos and Links to Activities
Pumpkin Patch Teaching Materials
Pascal's Pumpkins
Pumpkin Symmetry