Our Stories

For Teachers

I found an excellent interactive math site this morning while visiting Apples4theteacher.

Check it out.

“It will be a feast for the eyes as well as the heart!”

The fourth grade classes were treated Friday to a special presentation of A Walk in the Desert, a production of the New Mexico State University Theater and Dance Departments.

"The production was the idea of Ruth Cantrell, NMSU theatre arts department head and professor. “A Walk in the Desert” tells the story of a young girl who learns to value the beauty and tradition of the American southwest. Various southwest creatures use distinct forms of music and dance to make their messages clear to the main character and to the audience."

We had the honor of attending the premiere, and I, for one, was truly impressed.

What about you, fourth graders (and teachers, too!)? Tell us how you liked the show in the "Comments" section below.

Kudos!

Yesterday morning Alexis Bustillo, a fifth grader in Mr. de la Pena's class, spotted a $5 bill in the hallway. She could have simply picked it up and kept it. But, instead, she pointed it out to me. I took it to the office. Angelica said that if no one claims the money it will go to Alexis.

Thank you, Alexis, for being an outstanding citizen!

Update - Because no one claimed the five dollars, Alex received the money at the end of school Friday. I say that's money well spent!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

More kudos... I've been observing the fourth graders play basketball the past week. The kids play a fast and furious game, and yet, never have I seen an argument, or a fight, nor have I ever heard a curse word. Yesterday I asked who their teachers were. They replied that some of them were from Mrs. Newberry's class and some were from Mrs. Duffy's class.

Congratulations go out to all you young basketball stars for showing us how to play the game with vigor and respect.

Where do you want to go? (For teachers and students)

Yesterday Mrs. Lopez's class expressed an interest in mummies. (See previous post.) After a bit of searching I came up with some really good sites. And that's the way this thing works.

Students and teachers... where do you want to go? Tell me what you want, or what you need, by clicking on "Comments." Type in your first and last name, and then leave me a message. Usually I get back to you within a day or two.

Here's an example - Let's pretend that a teacher, Mrs. Finkleday, wants a wide selection of interactive math games for her class. Now, click on "Comments" and follow along.

Who's your mummy?

Mrs. James's class took Mrs. Lopez's students on a tour of our blog yesterday. It appears that the class is interested in learning about mummies. Click on the links below to get you started:

Mummies of Ancient Egypt

Mummies Unmasked

Mummification

I've added a special mummy site I think you'll like under "digging for gold."

A bit of trivia - Is this the best mummy movie ever made?

little people in cat suits

This is a picture of Mrs. Feil's cats, Muneca and Timmy.

And this is a picture of one of my three cats, Caveman.

Caveman likes, I say LIKES, to be vacummed when I clean the house. I suck up his tale and I suck up his tummy and I suck up his flanks. I even suck up the top of his head. This leads to me wonder - what unusual or wacky things does your little person do?

Leave us your cat tail in "Comments" (below).

Great story! Rain drives the cats crazy... by Jon Carroll.

Update - Join Gina Spadafori, author of "Why Do Dogs Drink Out of the Toilet" & "Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?" in a conversation on The Well. You don't have to be a Well member to view this conference, and you can even ask her questions via e-mail.

Shel who?

Shel Silverstein, of course! Kids, get your teachers to  visit NPR's 2005 feature where you can hear Shel perform some of his favorites. Then visit his official web site for some hijinks of the juvenile kind. Wheeee!

(If Shel were alive, he'd heartily approve.)

Hisss and Myths

Conlee Elementary students and staff met "Banana" the albino python during Thursday's assembly, Animals Sensing Their World.

For more pictures, visit our photo album.

Students, if you have more questions about animals, click on "Comments" and post your queries. Maybe we can dig up some answers for you.

For Teachers

Yesterday I sat down with part of the class and talked about how all people are different, and that we should respect those differences. This morning I reinforced that idea with this excellent commentary by a 14-year-old boy who likes being different. This makes an excellent mini-lesson for upper grade students. You can play it for them here.

Thank you fourth graders!

Now that we're getting the hang of this thing, let's make the most of it.

First, did you know there's a contest going on at our Shark WebQuest? Your teacher can help explain what a caption is. Once we get at least 10 entries our class will vote for a winner, who will receive a very fishy prize.

Second, Chris Rosales's request for a site about arthropods, or bugs, got me to thinking. Tell us your favorite bug in the "Comments" section below. Also, tell us why it's your favorite.

My favorite bug? It would have to be the praying mantis. Why? I love its alien-looking eyes. Did you know that a praying mantis can capture and kill small birds?

Click here for the story behind the picture.

Why doesn't someone make a movie about a giant praying mantis? Oh, they did?