Decoding Words and Tricky Phrases

When encountering unknown words, several questions and phrases can be used to solve the word. I don't always want students to just be given an answer to a problem; so, I will ask them to attempt the word before appealing for help. 

This image was used in combination with the document camera and the SMART board.  Then, I took a digital snapshot and posted it here on the classroom blog.  What a wonderful digital world?  (Cue Louis Armstrong). 

New Online Tool for Classroom Projects

I am a huge fan of students using websites to create classroom projects. It can be challenging, fun, engaging, and overall an exceptional learning experience. It is beneficial for students to interact with the Internet rather than passively exploring mind-numbing websites. Of course, students need parental guidance and supervision when working online.

A new site that I just encountered was Scratch and ScratchEd. The first link provides users with the program needed to create projects with Scratch.  The ScratchEd link allows users to learn about the Scratch program.  There are many resources for becoming a Scratch programmer.  Check out the following video to gain a better perspective of this web tool.


Intro to Scratch from ScratchEd on Vimeo.

This program is similar to the behind the scenes coding that is used for many websites. It reminds me of using Adobe Flash and working with its Action Script coding. Many online games using this program and its coding. So, students with a love for video gaming could benefit from this engaging online educational tool.

I'm not saying that it will be completely easy.  In fact, programing can be fairly difficult, but students adapt and problem solve surprisingly well when interacting with digital media.   Check out the stories tab to look at ScratchEd Story tab.  Another great resource for getting acquainted with ScractchEd can be found at the ScratchEd Webinar link, which was hosted by Megan Brennan. 

I encourage students to create and interact with a variety of web tools.  By the time your children graduate high school in 2019-2020, I can only imagine what they will experience in the future job market.

Collaborative Writing Online

During writing, many students have been collaborating on writings. I hate to deter writing with others, but many students need to focus on writing their own drafts. I don't want students to become too reliant on working with others, but I am glad they were working so well together.




To continue this collaboration at home and maybe at school from time to time, I found a few word processing online collaboration tools. These tools provide students with a URL address, which allows students to write at the same time. This would allow students to communicate and add to a story in real-time. The following links will assist students with this online writing process.

• Sqworl Bookmark with all the links
• Primary Pad
• Sync.in
• QikPad
• Etherpad Lite

These are just some of the online writing collaboration tools, but it will allow student to continue to practice writing and typing at home.

WARNING: Always supervise your child's online adventures. Make sure you approve of what they are doing online.

Typewithme from Jason Bedell on Vimeo.

Valentine's Day

We do not have a Valentine's Day party in fourth grade.  However, we can pass out Valentine Day cards at the end of the day.  There are 26 students in the class.  As for names, just fill in your child's name and leave the "to" section blank. 

Thank you for your support and help.