"Coolest Inventions of 2009": Time for Kids December 11, 2009

Which invention do you think is the most important to our world? Explain why you think so.

Which invention do you think is the least important to our world? Explain why you think so.

Which explorer might you choose to study?

After searching the books in class and the internet, have you decided on an explorer you might choose to study? Remember to browse the biographies posted as a link on Ms. Gaudiano's Fourth Grade Homeroom Home Page for ideas! Not all of these are considered explorers, but many are! Please tell me who you are thinking of choosing and explain why. Also, tell me why you think he or she is considered an explorer. Good luck!

Christopher Columbus's Journal Entry

These words are from Christopher Columbus's journal. He wrote them about the first meeting of Europeans and Native Americans. Write your thoughts about his journal entry, especially the last few sentences. Think about adding ideas about respect for other cultures and open-mindedness.

So that they might be very friendly toward us...I gave to one of them red caps and glass beads which they hung on their necks, and many other things of little value...Later, they came swimming to the ship's boats where we were. They brought to us: parrots, balls of cotton thread, wooden spears, and many other things...Some paint themselves a blackish color...Some paint themselves white, some red...They are generally of good stature, fine appearances and well built...They ought to be good servants...and would easily become Christians because it seemed to me they belonged to no creed (religion).

--Friday, October 12, 1492

Time For Kids: November 13, 2009, Vol. 15, No.10

Browse the articles in this issue of Time for Kids. Did you find Laura Dekker's decision? Choose your favorite article. Describe why you chose this as your favorite article. Also, tell one new thing you learned from it. Enjoy!

Time for Kids: October 23, 2009

Should Laura Dekker be allowed to set sail? What is your opinion? Explain why.

Read the article at... http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/teachers/wr/article/0,27972,1930853,00.html

How did you spend your summer?

I spent A LOT of time with my two dogs, Hatch and Bean. Camping, running, hiking, swimming and just hanging out. We saw a lot of colorful wildflowers and even a bear! We all had a lot of fun exploring the trails of Colorado this summer.

Welcome to our Fourth Grade Class Blog!

You will have the opportunity to post your ideas to our class blog in response to certain texts that we read. It will be like having an electronic literature discussion with your classmates. Have fun!