New Ideas

So obviously this isn't a classroom blog anymore.  That has a long answer and a short answer.  The short answer is that my school district now provides a wiki and a blog for each classroom.  So now I'm left with a site that needs a purpose!

I've decided to use this site to develop my own PLN - personal learning network.  I've created a new Twitter account (separate from my personal one) and I'm even thinking about creating a Facebook page for my new class of 4th graders (and their parents.)

I'm not sure how much overlap I want from my professional life at school to my professional life online.  After all, this isn't going to be a space for parents to communicate with me about their student.  It is going to be a place for me to record ideas and reflections...

Oh well, like many other things, I'll figure it out as I go along!  I'm good at that.  After all, isn't a teacher's middle name, "Flexible?"

Come back soon - I'm working on an "about me" post, a post with my summer goals, and a post with my beginning plans for next school year!

New Resolution

I've been moved to 4th grade this year.  I've been spending some time chasing myself but I finally feel organized.  I'm changing the purpose of this blog just a bit.  I'm making it more a reflection blog for myself as a teacher.  I'll leave the games links, but kids won't be accessing this as much as in the past.  They all have blogs and email through Gaggle and so do I.  That is far easier for keeping in touch with them.

Here are 2 questions for reflection.... I've been thinking about this a lot lately.

What is the best thing about being a teacher this year?

What has been the hardest thing about being a teacher this year?

I'll post my answers in a few days, when I finally come to a conclusion.

Until then, keep reading and working hard!

Neat new website

I have found a cool website to practice spelling words!
Spelling City.com Mrs. Bowden's lists
This link will take you directly to word lists I have entered in the system.
Spelling City.com
This link will take you to the main site.

This is a cool free site. Enjoy playing the games - and learning new words. :)

I'll try to get word lists up ASAP.

Back to the regularly scheduled program

Welcome back!

I hope you have had a good 5 day break. I know I did! I rested, ate, shopped, slept, and ate some more. Isn't that the great thing about Thanksgiving?

Remember that school is back in session tomorrow. We are counting down 3 weeks until Christmas break begins! Here are some things to remember for this week:

1. Science Fair part #2 is due on Wednesday.
2. Christmas Trees are due on Friday.
3. There will be regular homework - Spelling and Math - this week.

Have a great night's sleep and I'll see you tomorrow bright and early!

Science Fair

I've been reviewing Science Fair Assignment #1. So far they look good! I'm impressed by the ideas you've come up with. There is more information on the BCES homepage if you are looking for it. I'll try to get it printed and sent home before Thanksgiving. Assignment #2 will also come home before Thanksgiving.

Here are some interesting things to look at while you are enjoying your time off:
The Mayflower

Plimoth Plantation

Life on Plymouth Plantation

Thanksgiving Games at Kaboose.com

Have a great, SAFE Turkey day! I'll see you at school on December 1! Remember to do your Reading Log DAILY!! I'll give you a special extra page so you have room for all your reading.