COBB Communicator

Did You Know?

2011-06-07T18:12:00.000-07:00

Did you know that there have been 13,811 visits to this blog over its lifetime? I had no idea that so many people would visit my virtual classroom! This all started as a "cheaper" way to facilitate a classroom website. Plus, it was super easy for me to post, update, and upload pictures. Over the years, I've fallen in love with it. I hope that students and their families have enjoyed the somewhat regular postings.

On Friday, June 3, my classroom days came to an end. I officially logged ten years into the roll books of teaching. It is very bittersweet, and I know my body will feel a tug toward school supplies in August, bulletin board ideas over the summer, and lesson ideas that pop in ALL of the time, but Room 209 will have another leader at the helm come Fall 2011.

Over the last eleven years, I've taught fifth grade for 3 years, took off a year with my first son, one year in sixth grade, and finally six years in 4th grade. I've been in five different classrooms, two different schools. I've been downstairs, in a temporary building, and upstairs. I began my career with my one window looking proudly into the back of the school dumpster, and spent the last four years with a beautiful wall of windows overlooking towering pines and fuschia crepe myrtle blossoms. I guess my view upgraded!

In ten years, so many students came through my door. I am humbled that I got to spend time with each one of them. I got to be a speck of an influence in their lives. Each year around graduation, I think about that group that would be graduating from high school. This year it was my sixth graders. I sure hope they're basking in their accomplishments, but also pulling up their bootstraps and getting ready to conquer the next phase of life.

Thank you to each child, each family, each friend who has visited my classroom blog. Thank you for being a part of my extended classroom. Maybe this blog will have a new life in the future, but for now you can visit my personal blog for Cobb updates.... www.cobbfamilycommunicator.blogspot.com.

Website for Monday

2011-05-16T07:32:00.000-07:00

http://www.livinghistoryfarm.org/farminginthe30s/water_02.html

Week of May 2--6, 2011

2011-05-01T06:27:00.001-07:00

http://treasures.macmillanmh.com/national/students/grade6/book1/unit2/how-t%C3%ADa-lola-came-to-stay

http://www.quia.com/jg/966453.html

http://www.quia.com/jg/66234.html

http://www.quia.com/jw/139099.html

http://www.quia.com/jg/963446.html

http://www.juliaalvarez.com/
Author's website

Website for April 20th

2011-04-20T05:38:00.000-07:00

http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/resources/online/2004/grade4/read.htm

Week 27 Websites

2011-03-30T05:39:00.000-07:00

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/tavissmiley/archive/200801/20080121_farris.html Interview with Christine King Farris http://www.quia.com/ba/41785.html Inferencing Battleship http://www.tv411.org/lessons/cfm/reading.cfm?num=11&act=2&que=1 Inferencing Interactive http://www.sadlier-oxford.com/phonics/5_6/fishtanks1/fishtanks1.htm Prefixes, Roots, Suffixes http://www.studyzone.org/testprep/ela4/h/prefixp.cfm Prefixes

Superstar Golfers

2011-03-28T07:42:00.001-07:00

Congratulations, Superstar Golfers!!!

Week 26 Websites

2011-03-24T04:24:00.000-07:00

http://www.quia.com/jg/1457168.html
Vocab games

http://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/en/make-your-own/story-maker
Make your own SCIENCE FICTION story!

Week 25 Websites

2011-03-06T19:12:00.000-08:00

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/penguins-of-the-antarctic/interactive-map-antarctic-penguin-habitats/185/
Interactive Penguin Habitats

http://www.discoveringantarctica.org.uk/resources.php?media=video&page_name=teachers&#video
Video Clips of Antarctica

http://www.discoveringantarctica.org.uk/multimedia/flash/8_treasure_trove.html
Resources in Antarctica, Interactive

http://www.studyzone.org/testprep/ela4/o/suppoertingdetailsp2.cfm
Main Idea/Details, Kangaroos

http://www.studyzone.org/testprep/ela4/h/mainideap24.cfm
Main Idea/Details, Benjamin Franklin

http://www.studyzone.org/testprep/ela4/h/mainideap3.cfm
Main Idea/Details, Volcanoes

Week 24: Lost City

2011-02-28T03:44:00.000-08:00

http://www.tedlewin.com/
Author website

http://www.quia.com/ba/251120.html
Vocabulary practice

http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/kids/people-places-kids/peru-machupicchu-kids.html
Video, Machu Picchu

http://www.panoramas.dk/fullscreen6/f2-machu-picchu.html
Panoramic View of Machu Picchu

For MONDAY:

2011-02-18T14:44:00.000-08:00

http://www.learner.org/interactives/story/index.html
Story Plot Interactive

Week 22

2011-02-17T18:42:00.000-08:00

http://www.quia.com/rr/399949.html

Vocabulary Activities

http://www.quia.com/jg/1520285.html

Vocabulary Games

http://www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/elementary/samoset/Resources/ps2syn.htm

Synonym Practice

http://www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/elementary/samoset/Resources/ps2syna.htm

Synonym Practice

http://gamequarium.org/readquarium/antonyms.html

Antonym Practice

http://www.kiddyhouse.com/animals/amphibians/salamanders.html

Salamanders

Dental Health Poster Contest Winners

2011-02-07T17:12:00.001-08:00

The 2011 National Children's Dental Health Month has begun at Sinclair with an outstanding dental health poster contest! I am so excited to boast that we had OVER DOUBLE the amount of entries in this year's poster contest compared to last year! 79 posters!!! I am so proud of the Sinclair students for designing so many prize-worthy posters. Thank you teachers for motivating your students to participate, and thank you judges for your time and attention.

Please see our collection of winning posters below! They will surely make you SMILE!

Week 21 Websites

2011-02-05T13:42:00.000-08:00

A few weeks have passed with benchmark testing, etc., but we're back in gear! Welcome to the Week 21 websites!

http://www.quia.com/jg/1456893.html

Vocabulary Activities

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/champollion_jean.shtml

Jean-Francois Champollion

http://www.touregypt.net/kids/

Tour Egypt for Kids

http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/Homework/egypt/writing.htm

Hieroglyphics

http://kids.discovery.com/games/just-for-fun/hierogenerator

Hiero-generator

Dental Health Poster Contest

2011-01-23T09:30:00.000-08:00

February is National Children's Dental Health Month! It's time to spread the word about designing a poster!

This year's theme is "A Healthy Smile? It's Easy to Find! Remember to Brush and Floss Everyday!"

I will be coming around to classes in grades 1-5 to announce the details. All posters are due to Mrs. Cobb by 3:15 on Wednesday, February 2nd.

This is a great opportunity for children to learn about and promote brushing, flossing, and healthy mouths! The prizes will make you SMILE, too!

Week 19 Websites

2011-01-23T09:22:00.000-08:00

http://www.navajocodetalkers.org/

Official Website of the Navajo Code Talkers

http://www.quia.com/pages/sequencingfun.html

Multiple Sequencing Practices

http://www.americanwest.com/pages/navajo2.htm

Navajo

Our Exciting Day!

2011-01-18T17:46:00.000-08:00

Thank you Mrs. Allcorn for organizing such an "EXCITING" writing experience for us today!

Week 17 Websites

2011-01-08T11:44:00.000-08:00

http://www.quia.com/pages/sequencingfun.html

Sequencing

http://www.studyzone.org/testprep/ela4/o/comparecontrastl.cfm

Compare and Contrast

http://micheletorrey.com/books/

Author website

http://www.johansennewman.com/

Illustrator's website

http://www.epa.gov/kids/garbage.htm

Garbage and Recycling

http://www.mchenry.k12.il.us/countryside.html

Landfill

Week 16 Websites

2010-12-30T13:21:00.000-08:00

http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/animals/mammals-animals/dolphins-and-porpoises/dolphin-pink-river.html

Pink River Dolphin VIDEO CLIP

(use with the TRUE / FALSE activity)

http://www.isptr-pard.org/dolphin.html

Pink and gray river dolphin information

http://www.quia.com/jg/1456906.html

lesson vocabulary practices

http://www.readingrockets.org/books/interviews/montgomery

Multiple video interviews with naturalist/author, Sy Montgomery

**Make sure you scroll across to the interview about the pink river dolphins.**

http://www.fcatexplorer.com/parent/4gr/en/tipslister/question_tip_space.asp?src=tip114a.swf&skill=Comparisons%20and%20Contrasts

Interactive Compare/Contrast tutorial

Keep pressing "Try Again" for more practice.

http://www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/elementary/samoset/rcccon1.htm

Interactive Compare/Contrast Practice

http://animalstown.com/animals/a/amazon-river-dolphin/amazon-river-dolphin.html

All about Amazon Pink River Dolphins

Week 15 Websites

2010-12-05T12:38:00.000-08:00

http://www.quia.com/jg/1456843.html
Lesson vocabulary practices

http://quizlet.com/43605/how-night-came-from-the-sea-flash-cards/
Vocabulary

http://www.maryjoangerson.com/children-lit.html
author website

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/ancient_greeks/

Ancient Greek Mythology

http://www.peacecorps.gov/kids/
Our author, Mary-Joan Gerson, was inspired by native tales and myths while serving in the US Peace Corps. Visit this interactive website to see what the Peace Corps is all about!

Week 14 Websites

2010-11-28T19:26:00.000-08:00

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/killer-whale/

http://www.kidskonnect.com/subject-index/13-animals/55-whales.html

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/education/kids_times_whale_blue.pdf

http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/publications/whales-kids-interactive/index.html

Week 13 Websites

2010-11-14T12:12:00.000-08:00

http://www.weatherwizkids.com/

Check out the CLOUD page

http://eo.ucar.edu/webweather/games.html

Cloud Games

http://www.cloudman.com/atlas.htm

Cloud Atlas

http://www.quia.com/cb/78014.html

Multiple Meaning Jeopardy

http://www.quia.com/quiz/285436.html?AP_rand=1954595198

Multiple Meaning words in context

Buddy Class and Bird of Prey--Weird Combination!

2010-11-05T19:25:00.001-07:00

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's...yes, it's a bird! A hawk, nearly the size of some fourth graders that I know, has perched a nest atop one of our playground trees. The kids and I were like paparazzi, snapping photos of our wildlife friend.

Thank you, Mrs. Martinez's class for sharing a few minutes at the end of the day to partake in some "buddy class" reading. It brings me great satisfaction to see my older children working alongside the younger superstars to create a community feeling at our school. The 4th graders were giddy with excitement about visiting our new friends, and now they can't wait to go back!

Week 11 Websites:

2010-10-31T10:21:00.000-07:00

http://www.quia.com/cz/160635.html?AP_rand=390005017
Vocabulary Cloze Activity

http://www.judithstgeorge.com/
Author's Website

http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/white-house-101/
All about the White House

http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/first-ladies
First Ladies

http://www.smithsonian.kids.us/president/gallery/main.cfm

http://clinton4.nara.gov/WH/kids/html/children.html

Science Night TOOTH BOOTH

2010-10-28T18:43:00.001-07:00

Classwork

2010-10-26T14:36:00.001-07:00

Week 10: Horse Heroes, Fact/Opinion

2010-10-23T11:05:00.000-07:00

http://cuip.uchicago.edu/www4teach/97/jlyman/default/quiz/factopquiz.html

http://www.oswego.org/ocsd-web/match/dragflip.asp?filename=jwildemakeopinion

http://www.oswego.org/ocsd-web/match/dragflip.asp?filename=jwildemakefact

http://www.studyzone.org/testprep/ela4/a/factopinionl.cfm

http://www.quia.com/pop/12709.html

http://www.quia.com/pop/4106.html

http://www.quia.com/quiz/1456849.html

http://www.quia.com/jq/24723.html

Week 9: Inferencing

2010-10-17T20:16:00.000-07:00

http://www.tv411.org/lessons/cfm/reading.cfm?num=11&act=2&que=1

http://www.studyzone.org/testprep/ela4/h/inferencesp.cfm

http://www.studyzone.org/testprep/ela4/e/drawconclusionsp.cfm

http://www.studyzone.org/testprep/ela4/h/inferchar.cfm

http://www.studyzone.org/testprep/ela4/h/inferprac.cfm

http://www.quia.com/ba/41785.html

Week 8: Coyote School News, Skill: Drawing Conclusions

2010-10-07T21:30:00.000-07:00

http://www.shsu.edu/~txcae/Powerpoints/prepostest/drawconclusionspretest.html

http://www.shsu.edu/~txcae/Powerpoints/prepostest/drawconclusionspostest.html

http://www.quia.com/cz/160618.html?AP_rand=105016764
Practice with Lesson Vocabulary Words

http://www.members.authorsguild.net/joansandin/
Author's Website, Joan Sandin

Week 7: What Jo Did, and Context Clues

2010-10-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

http://www.shsu.edu/~txcae/Powerpoints/prepostest/causeeffect2.html

http://www.shsu.edu/~txcae/Powerpoints/prepostest/causeffectpretest.html

http://www.shsu.edu/~txcae/Powerpoints/prepostest/causeeffect2post.html

http://www.shsu.edu/~txcae/Powerpoints/prepostest/causeffectpostest.html

Special HEB / BoxTop Offer

2010-09-22T18:19:00.000-07:00

When you shop at HEB stores between September 1 - October 5, 2010:

Receive 70 BONUS BoxTops, worth $7 value to a participating school, and $5 off your next shopping order when you buy any 10 participating BoxTops for Education products! (10 items must be purchased on the same receipt.)

Valid only from September 1 - October 5, 2010!

Please visit the website for more details, and don't forget to get your 70-BoxTops certificate at the check out!

http://www.heb.com/hebonline/page/offers-contests/offer/box-tops-for-education

Mr. Mashburn's Homeroom Websites for Wednesday

2010-09-21T17:43:00.000-07:00

http://www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm

http://wikitravel.org/en/United_States_National_Parks

http://www.nationalparks.org/explore/?fa=complete-list

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/national-parks/
(Scroll all the way to the bottom)

http://www.nps.gov/learn/parkfun.htm

Week 5: Main Idea/Details

2010-09-18T11:37:00.001-07:00

http://www.quia.com/pop/120023.html?AP_rand=800516348
Main Idea and Details Practice, Interactive

http://www.quia.com/ba/111120.html
Main Idea and Details "Battleship" Interactive Practice Game

http://www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/elementary/samoset/rcmi1.htm
Tutorial for Main Idea/Details

http://www.quia.com/quiz/259834.html?AP_rand=849175868
More Practice

http://www.studyzone.org/testprep/ela4/h/mainideap3.cfm
And, more practice!

http://www.studyzone.org/testprep/ela4/h/mainideap24.cfm
More and more!

http://www.studyzone.org/testprep/ela4/h/mainideap2.cfm
You guessed it: MORE practice!

Week 4: Landscape of the Southwest, websites

2010-09-12T18:35:00.000-07:00

http://peachtree-online.com/adults/catalog/hornedsite/book.htm

http://www.us-parks.com/saguaro-national-park/saguaros.html

More advanced, detailed information about Saguaros and Saguaro National Park, Arizona

http://www.jackiemimshopkins.com/

Author's website: learn more about her bio, books, and other interesting tidbits

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/species/thlizard/

Expository information about the Horned Lizard

Week 3 Websites

2010-09-03T19:20:00.000-07:00

http://www.quia.com/cb/6344.html
Online Multiple Meaning Words Jeopardy Game

http://www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/elementary/samoset/Resources/ps4mm2.htm
Interactive Multiple Meaning Game

http://www.tv411.org/lessons/cfm/vocabulary.cfm?num=11&act=2&que=1
Higher Level Practice with Multiple Meaning Words

http://www.quia.com/quiz/285436.html?AP_rand=160766818
One more practice! :)

http://www.liwfrontiergirl.com/
Website about Laura Ingalls Wilder

Wrapping Up Week #2

2010-09-02T15:42:00.000-07:00

What new places and experiences did we learn about this week? Our story this week was called Lewis and Clark, and Me. We journeyed with Meriweather Lewis and William Clark expedition through the eyes of their beloved and loyal companion...Seaman. Seaman was the giant Newfoundland dog that traveled with Lewis and Clark as they explored the northwest territory.

Next week we're onto the prairie and frontier lands of the midwest. We'll study a Laura Ingalls Wilder story called On the Banks of Plum Creek.

Your kiddos are PROS at work stations! Most Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, the students will rotate to various work stations and complete an array of activities. They will work on vocabulary, reading skills, related websites, story extension activities, testing skills, and social studies objectives. This week each child had a Work Station Passport which is a fourth-grade-friendly syllabus to help them manage my expectations and their assignments while making their way through the six stations. They did wonderfully!

Your children are eager learners! I'm excited about their learning potential! They are fun kiddos, too! Thank you for sharing your children with me everyday! Check this classroom blog periodically to stay posted on what we're doing!

Parents, I do value your feedback! Never hesitate to drop me an e-mail or note if you have questions, comments, or concerns.

Lewis and Clark, and Me Websites

2010-08-28T15:43:00.000-07:00

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/west/

http://www.montanakids.com/history_and_prehistory/lewis_clark.htm

http://www.lewisandclarkexhibit.org/

Because of Winn Dixie, Websites

2010-08-22T08:43:00.000-07:00

Work Station Websites for
BECAUSE OF WINN DIXIE:

**Please only visit these websites.**

www.katedicamillo.com
website about the author and her books

www.scholastic.com/winndixie/
interactive site with a variety of story activities

www.kidsreads.com/authors/au-dicamillo-kate.asp
interview with Kate DiCamillo

Welcome to 4th Grade

2010-08-12T12:44:00.001-07:00

COBB Communicator: All About Mrs. Cobb

2010-08-08T11:49:00.000-07:00

2010-2011 will be my 10th year as a teacher! (Happy 10th-year-of-teaching to Meeee!)
August 2005 -- Present: Houston ISD, Sinclair Elementary, teacher
August 2000 -- May 2005: Lubbock ISD, Bean Elementary, teacher
August 1996 -- May 2000: Texas Tech University, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development

I attended Houston's Scarborough High School, Clifton Middle School, and yes, Sinclair Elementary!

I have been married eleven years to Nicholas Cobb. We have two wonderful boys, Nathan (7) and Michael (4), and a golden retriever named Charlie. My husband starts his fourth and FINAL year of dental school in August 2010, at the University of Texas Dental Branch here in Houston. YAY, Nick! It looks like he will be establishing his dental practice here in Houston, so keep him in mind if you need a dentist in 2011! He comes highly recommended--but I'm pretty biased! :)

In my leisure time, (HA!, I have to chuckle about that!) I enjoy cooking, sewing, gardening, traveling, and playing with my boys. Professionally, I continue to modify my teaching to be more effective and enjoyable for my students. I love seeing children transform into accomplished readers. I want them to comprehend and analyze text, but also learn to make reading a life-long pleasure.

Welcome to Fourth Grade!

2010-08-08T11:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Incoming 4th Grade Families,

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with your children this coming year! I will return to school tomorrow to prepare the room and lessons so everything will be ready on August 23! I will be learning about our new Reading textbook adoption next week, and look forward to exploring the new stories with the kiddos. In addition to the new textbooks, we will study all of the elements of reading through the use of articles, stories, plays, websites, novels, poetry, and other versions of printed text.

I feel it is critical for your child to comprehend and analyze reading material in an academic sense, but I feel it is just as important for him or her to "kick back" and enjoy a good story as a chosen activity. Please provide your child quiet time and a comfortable place to read each day. I know my own house can get pretty noisy and hectic, but winding down each evening with a quiet, relaxing story time can be a great way to finish off a day. 15-20 minutes can FLY by when you're thumbing through a few chapters!

Please know that schools love to send home lots of forms and flyers at the beginning of school! Please fill out each applicable form and promptly return it. We also ask that your child has his or her supplies as soon as possible! (I bought the rest of my sons' supplies today, in fact! YAY! We're done!) Label your supplies with a Sharpie. If you're out shopping for supplies and find a great deal on something, PLEASE KEEP ME IN MIND! Each year I have several students who come with little or no supplies. Having an extra stash would make another child so much more prepared! (Notebook paper packs, pencils, blue or black pens, checking pens, scissors, glue, colored pencils, 1" white binders, personal pencil sharpeners, etc.)

Please view the dress code for acceptable school attire.

If you are interested at all in being a chaperon this year for field trips, please REGISTER or UPDATE your VIPS status. This must be done each year, and lasts the entire school year. So, kindly take care of that as soon as possible. The background check and approval process takes a few weeks, so don't delay! :)

I look forward to meeting you and your child in the coming days. Please never hesitate to ask a question or voice a concern.

Welcome to 4th Grade!

Kindest regards,

April Cobb

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-04T18:54:00.001-07:00

Aren't we fortunate to live in such an amazing country? The more history I learn about the United States, the more I want to learn more. Love your country, learn about its past, participate in its present and future, and appreciate the men, women, and circumstances that made it become what it is today.

This is fun, but you must be QUICK!

2010-07-04T10:18:00.000-07:00

http://quiz.history.com/

This is the ultimate US History online quiz, brought to us by the History Channel.

I'm sort of addicted to it right now. I don't know all of the answers, but I'm learning a few things! There's an obnoxious timer for each question, so you must be quick in marking your answers.

Try it!

Summer Blogging

2010-07-01T12:34:00.000-07:00

Hello school friends!

Welcome to the blog! Perhaps some of you visiting might be my nearly-4th graders! That's exciting! Please check back over the next weeks leading up to the school year. I may have some special requests, the school supply list, and other information that you won't want to miss.

Parents, it's never too late to stock up on some summer-themed prizes. I keep a prize drawer in the classroom to reward exceptional academics and behavior. Who doesn't like a prize? Please think of me if you come across any summertime clearance sections! Pencils, toys, toiletries, etc. Kiddos consider MANY things to be prize worthy!

Please send me your names (via e-mail--see the Sinclair staff page for the link) and what you're READING this summer. My boys and I have already made several trips to both the Houston and Harris County public libraries. Books are addictive and I hope you're getting lost in books this summer just like we are!

Memorial Day: It's SOOO Much More than a Mattress Sale

2010-05-30T06:39:00.000-07:00

Perhaps sometimes we lose sight of the intended meanings behind holidays. This morning on some news channel that happened to be on, the panel of hosts talked about the purpose of Memorial Day. I know that this is the day set aside to commemorate the men and women who have died while in military service, but the point of their conversation was how the message and purpose of Memorial Day has been watered down. There are a bunch of splashy TV commercials screaming to viewers about mattress sales, car specials, and furniture clearances. **It's Memorial Day--the computer generated sheep bounce across the screen pushing their latest fluffy, new-and-somehow-improved mattress!** It's so true. Our culture has turned a patriotic, somber, meaningful holiday worthy of so much more respect into a buying frenzie.

After the TV hosts pingponged this topic around, blasting advertizers for downplaying the meaning of Memorial Day, and hype-ing it up to be a revenue booster, the commercial set for the very same show came on. Sure enough, out of the five commercials in that ONE set, three of them were advertising Memorial Day sales...for cars, furniture...and mattresses.

I encourage you to look past the pillow-tops and feel a deep appreciation for the sacrifices that these men and women have made--and their families have made--to give us the freedoms that we have today.

Before we go...

2010-05-27T15:23:00.000-07:00

Here are a few photos from our end-of-the-year activities. Here are the two high-scoring geography game winners! Hopefully your child enjoyed the mindless (but incredibly fun!) "MINI PENNE" game. :) Field Day, watermelon and tug-of-war brought us great times together. The kiddos are lounging in San Antonio before our river cruise at the bottom.

This school year ended today in a whirlwind. Thank you for sharing your children with me this year. We've worked diligently, we've learned about each other, and we've successfully completed a great year.

San Antonio Trip Survey

2010-05-23T19:55:00.000-07:00

Please take a few minutes and complete the survey below about the 4th Grade San Antonio trip. We certainly appreciate your time and your opinions!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VQB9DKW

2009-2010 End of the Year Events

2010-05-10T05:19:00.000-07:00

**San Antonio Trip SNACKS/DRINKS: Please bring on or before May 19.
4th grade GIRLS: Snack pack boxes (chips, cookies, mixed snacks)
4th grade BOYS: Drinks (juice boxes, sodas, water bottles)

**Breakfast in the Classroom
Starts Tuesday, May 11th

**Field Day: Wednesday, May 12, 2010

**San Antonio Trip Information Meeting
Thursday, May 13th at 3:30PM, Room 209 (Mrs. Cobb)
Chaperons are encouraged to attend.

**All 4th grade TEXTBOOKS are due on Wednesday, May 19, 2010.

**May 21, 2010: San Antonio Trip

**4th Grade Awards Ceremony
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 8:45AM in the Cafeteria

**All CLASSROOM LIBRARY BOOKS are due to Mrs. Cobb
on or before May 25, 2010.

**Thursday, May 27, 2010
Last Day for Students
Class Parties
EARLY DISMISSAL (12:30)
Report Card Day

Mother's Day Painting

2010-05-08T13:10:00.000-07:00

We painted Vinca, Zinnia, and Impatien flowers yesterday for Mother's Day. Using our same crayon and watercolor technique, the kiddos produced some really pretty art!

Science News for Kids

2010-05-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

www.sciencenewsforkids.org

Arizona

2010-04-24T20:01:00.001-07:00

I've been talking about my conference trip to Arizona, so I thought I would post some photos.

I never knew the desert could be so beautiful! We had a fantastic time. The photos were jumbled in the uploading process. Some photos are from the Sedona Red Rocks. Thank you to my cousin Nina for driving us all the way there and back! She was such a great tour guide! You'll also see some hotel photos. Our hotel was built right into a space between two mountains. Incredible! I couldn't resist taking a few (or nearly 100) photos of the cactus species at the Desert Botanical Gardens. I only posted a couple of them, though. There is also a photo of the authentic Native American dancer performing at one of the evening conference events. Also, did you spot the hill COVERED in Saguaro (pronounced "swaro") cacti? That is what you read about in your story the other day! Just think of how many individual little habitats are in EACH one of those cacti! Isn't nature amazing?

Enjoy!

Try This!!!

2010-04-20T17:08:00.000-07:00

http://jimspages.com/States.htm

USA Puzzle, One State at a Time
On my first try, I got 98% correct in 431 seconds. Can you beat me? Write down your score and I will post it if yours is better than mine! :)

Alexander earned 94% in 178 seconds!!! Congratulations!

Behind on Blogging

2010-04-10T18:26:00.000-07:00

WOW! Spring is already in full gear and I've not updated the blog in quite a while. Many things have been going on in 4th grade! See our outstanding crayon/watercolor cactus art! Aren't they beautiful? My watercolor supply is WIPED out after about 70 kiddos using the paints, so if anyone sees Crayola Watercolors for a good price, please remember me!!!

The Sinclair walking/running track is complete and the weather here in Houston has been clear, sunny, and moderate--perfect for hittin' the trail! What a nice addition to our school grounds. I have high hopes of creating garden beds along the trail to attract butterflies and to beautify this meandering pathway.

Ask your kiddos about East Carolina Finches. (Do they even exist, or were they part of an April Fool's hoax?) Don't they make the cutest little fried eggs?

Thank you Mrs. Ruano for being a surprise birthday Mystery Reader. She and I were sneaky and planned this for Ryan's birthday several months ago. What great Titanic mystery stories she told! She and Ryan call Texas home, however, they are from Liverpool, England. Liverpool has strong connections to the Titanic, and hearing the spooky stories was eerily-invigorating!

So, as you can see, amid all of the TAKS drills and practices, and more practices, things are hoppin' around here. Don't you love being in 4th grade?

Please, if you have not returned your signed forms and money for the San Antonio trip, please do that SOON SOON SOON. I know I listed April 30 as the due date for everything, but what I didn't realize is that many vendors would want their full payments prior to departure. Your assistance and prompt attention is greatly appreciated. Many kiddos have already secured their spot on the trip and I send many, many thank yous to those families!

Thank you again for allowing me to be part of your child's days. We've seen many families touring Sinclair as a prospective school for their children. One mother was actually a friend of mine in high school! What a blast from the past! We are excited about things going on at Sinclair, but more is yet to come! Be watching for a new fencing change across the front REALLY soon!

Virtual Field Trip: The Panama Canal

2010-04-09T03:51:00.000-07:00

http://www.pancanal.com/eng/general/howitworks/
http://www.canalmuseum.com/photos/index.htm

http://www.sil.si.edu/Exhibitions/Make-the-Dirt-Fly/

http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/class/wr/article/0,17585,53573,00.html

http://www.pancanal.com/eng/persona/k/index.html

Then, go to GOOGLE and type in PANAMA CANAL, then ENTER.
Click on MAPS, and make sure you're looking at the SATELLITE MAP.
ZOOM in and out to see the HUGE tanker ships going in and out of the locks.
Remember, there are locks on the Atlantic side AND the Pacific side of the canal.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-9040875966564826702#

Spring Break 2010

2010-03-22T18:20:00.000-07:00

Comprehension Game

2010-03-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

Quia - Reading Comprehension (Reading for Facts)

Sequencing Games

2010-03-20T13:23:00.000-07:00

Quia - Class Page - sequencingfun

Quia - Author's Purpose Battleship

2010-03-20T13:21:00.000-07:00

Quia - Author's Purpose Battleship

Online Main Idea Quiz

2010-03-20T13:14:00.000-07:00

Quia - Reading: Finding the Main Idea

Pretty in Pink

2010-02-26T16:33:00.000-08:00

My neighbor's itty-bitty double blossom peach tree is tryyyyying to forge ahead with the Spring season despite the weather's ups and downs. Aren't the blossoms pretty?
We used to have a peach tree in Lubbock that gave pretty white and pink blossoms that covered the tree's canopy. Unfortunately the only peaches we ever got were bitter and full of "visitors." Consequently, I will enjoy the explosion of PINK next door. . .and buy my peaches at HEB!

Mystery Reader BONUS

2010-02-22T18:53:00.000-08:00

Dental Health is NOT just a month, but we've certainly focused on our teeth this month! On Friday, Hope Garza, Nisa Hashmani, and Angela Stephenson came to read to us and teach us all about oral health. They are all registered dental hygienists and were so generous to make time for us! The children had so many super questions!

Dental Health Month Events

2010-02-06T13:14:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Robert, Mia, Priya, Mariey, and Kiara, our Sinclair Dental Health Poster contest WINNERS! These posters will continue on to the city-wide poster contest sponsored by the Greater Houston Dental Society and Alliance. These are top winners if you ask me!

Mystery Reader with a Dental Twist!

This month we have TWO Mystery Reader dates. . . yes, we'll have an encore on Feb. 19th! Yesterday, we hosted two amazingly kind, informative, and entertaining dentist guests! Dr. Albert Fasti and Dr. Laji James are local dentists who are active in the Greater Houston Dental Society. They generously spent their time with us, shared some great stories and life lessons, and answered many dental questions from my curious kiddos. They spoke passionately about their profession and may have inspired future dental professionals! Thank you Dr. Fasti and Dr. James!

National Children's Dental Health Month

2010-02-01T04:01:00.000-08:00

Work Station Websites:

http://webtech.kennesaw.edu/jcheek3.dentalhealth.htm

http://www.colgate.com/app/Kids-World/US/Games-And-Activities.cvsp

http://www.healthyteeth.org/

http://www.mouthpower.org/

Dental Health Poster Contest--DUE JANUARY 29!

2010-01-14T18:19:00.000-08:00

The Greater Houston Dental Society, the Greater Houston Dental Alliance, and HoustonISD have partnered together to celebrate National Children's Dental Health Month in February with a dental health poster contest!

Sinclair students in first through fifth grades are invited to participate and create an original piece of dental artwork! If you're artsy-fartsy and crave an artistic release during the upcoming days of testing, see Mrs. Cobb as soon as possible for contest rules and directions. THINK BIG! Use large, bold, colorful, dental health designs! Research online images of dental tools and other related dental objects to get your inspiration. Plan your poster design on a blank page, then GO FOR IT! I cannot wait to see what you come up with! Use crayon, marker, water color, collage techniques--whatever artistic medium calls to you! Here are just a few images to pique your inner artist!

Online Tornado Assignment for Friday

2010-01-11T09:12:00.000-08:00

Use the first website to complete the written activity.

http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/edu/safety/tornadoguide.html

http://www.chaseday.com/

http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/wwatch/tornadoes/index.htm

http://www.gitwisters.com/

January Mystery Reader

2010-01-10T06:24:00.000-08:00

How generous Ms. Sheila Phillips was to brave the COOOOLD weather to come and perform for us on Friday! She has been a HARD secret to keep ALL the way to January! Ms. Phillips is a professional storyteller and graced us with four story performances Friday morning. What a treat! She set the mood with her guitar playing. She had us laughing, humming along, interacting, hanging on to her every suspenseful word and not wanting to miss ANY part of the stories. She was captivating.

Ask your children about the four stories: the bullfrog story, the Sea Maiden, the lion and mouse folktale, and the bite-your-fingernails-in-fear tale of Blue Beard. I could've listened to Ms. Phillips all day!

She performs for a wide variety of audiences, so please keep her in mind if you are planning an event or know someone who is! Her website, for more information about her, is http://www.sheilaphillips.com/.

Thank you to Mr. Mashburn, Mrs. Allcorn, and Mr. Munoz for combining classes so that all fourth graders could participate in this mystery reader visit.

Happy New Year 2010!

2010-01-02T14:58:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I hope 2010 proves to be your best year yet! Remember, school resumes for students on Tuesday, January 5th, 2010.

A Request of my 4th Grade Parents

2009-12-29T13:02:00.000-08:00

Your children may have told you about the poor, pathetic set of novels that we used in December. The novel, A Paradise Called Texas BEAUTIFULLY marries my reading curriculum with our Texas history topics on immigration and colonial Texas. Unfortunately, even though these were fairly new books, the pages were coming out in chunks. Novel sets are EXPENSIVE and we try to be little book security guards when handling each book. However, there just seemed to be a big problem with this set of books. They were falling apart faster than the Pedernales River rises in a rainstorm (Hey kids--look up where the Pedernales River is on a map!).
Over holiday breaks, I get to catch up on some of the things I've wanted to catch up on for some time, and this was one of those "to-do" things to do. I just wanted to find out if this was a fluke or if it was affecting others out there. I e-mailed Kris Gholson at Eakin Press, the publishing company out of Waco, to investigate. After a little bit of e-mail conversation, Mr. Gholson offered to send us an entire set of new A Paradise Called Texas novels.
What a HERO! If you have a spare moment, it would mean the world to me if you dropped Mr. Gholson a thank you e-mail. He was so concerned about customer service and righting the wrongs with this book, and I can't thank him enough on my end.

Kris Gholson
Eakin Press Publishers, Waco, Texas
kris@eakinpress.com

December 2009 Class Events

2009-12-20T19:38:00.000-08:00

WHEEW! What a month! While you're on winter holiday break, maybe you'll check in with the blog to see the new photos! We sure did have a busy month. Thank you to all of the parents and grandparents who were able to help with the field trip and class party! What fun, crazy chaos! Thank you also for ALLLLL of the wonderful Christmas gifts! You guys and ladies are the BEST! I felt like Santa myself, transporting all of the nice, nice things home to be opened! You and your families are so generous and thoughtful!

Here are some photos of the latest events. School resumes for students on Tuesday, January 5, 2010. Please be working on your sandwich book project. It is due Jan. 19. Stanford testing begins Jan. 20. 'Tis the season for testing! However, for now rest up, be nice to your parents and siblings, be thankful for your health and happiness--and your favorite teachers!--and enjoy some hot cocoa (with your newest favorite book!). Okay, maybe chocolate ice cream...but it will be getting colder again, so don't put up those cocoa mugs just yet!

Merry Christmas! (Ohh, the photos are not uploading and arranging the way I wanted them to. This will be more like a blog photo scavenger hunt! Your children will be able to narrate! Thanks for your patience!)

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-13T12:29:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays from The Cobb Family to YOURS!
Boys and Girls: Click on the Santa picture with my boys in it. Look closely...do you see the little sparkle in his eye? 768 years old...WOW! I better remember the sprinkle sugar cookies!

Our Mystery Readers are SnOw Special!!

2009-12-04T11:41:00.000-08:00

What a day to be in fourth grade at Sinclair! We raise our children in this sweltering Houston heat and humidity. They strip down to tank tops and shorts over the summers and only put on flipflops if they have to! Today, though, we got an arctic blast, a swirling blizzard, a snowy wonderland! The children's attention melted faster than the stock market falls in an economic depression, and the excitement skyrocketed!

The flurries teased us at first. It would rain, then we'd catch a glimpse of what might be snow, but that would cease too. I promised the children it would intensify, secretly hoping that the forecasters wouldn't fail me. The children would've been heart broken!

To top off a wonderfully wintry day, we welcomed our December mystery reader guests. They braved the cold, rainy, snowy weather to spend time with us, and I know the classes enjoyed each one of them!

Ms. Rebecca Almoumen, Kiara's mom, read Friends of a Feather by Bill Cosby. Kiara was surprised when she came into the room! She is a personal banker. Her bank is collecting books for Texas Children's Hospital and the DeBakey VA Hospital so if you have new or gently used books that you no longer use, please send them to class before Dec. 11, and hopefully we can help a little with that project!

Ms. Angie Greak, President of the Timbergrove Manor Civic Club and Certified Public Accountant, visited the second block class and read Mary had a Little HAM. This was a hilarious spoof off the famous nursery rhyme. It was catchy, and the children enjoyed spotting the bits of literary humor tucked into the story! I had a little chat with the children about how important neighborhood associations are in advocating for and preserving the integrity of communities.

Ms. Barbara Dickens, a 7th dan martial arts black belt and master of the White Horse Academy of Martial Arts, visited the third block class. She read a martial arts based story, but explained how the concepts in martial arts are so applicable to everyday life. One of her messages to the children was to, yes, grow up and have a successful life and career, but be passionate about community service at the same time! There are so many worthy and notable causes! The children were curious and had many questions. Please visit her website if you are interested in learning more about her martial arts academy. www.whama.com

I wish the mystery readers could see each month what I get to see. They don't get to see the giddy anticipation of their arrival. They don't get to hear the students' sweet commentary after they leave the classroom. I am so thankful that these wonderful ladies made time for us.

There are many events still on the calendar before we close 2009. We will begin our book projects on Monday. The holiday drama productions are this coming week. We're scheduled to visit the natural science museum on Dec. 15. My homeroom will close the semester with the Ninth Annual Cultural Food Day potluck celebration. This is always so much fun that the students BEG to do an encore for the end-of-the-year party. I cannot believe we are about to check off half of the school year. Thank you for sharing your children with me each day. Here are a few PRECIOUS photos of them playing in the snow. I wish I could've gotten all of them, but my hands started to freeze!

Sandwich Book Project

2009-11-29T14:23:00.000-08:00

Note: Book project will begin December 7.

Genre: FANTASY Book. Your book must be completely FICTION. You must NOT have read the book prior to (before) December 7, 2009. Choose a book from the Sinclair Library, the classroom library, or the local public library. Your completed sandwich project is due Tuesday, JANUARY 19, 2010. Here is the link to the project pages if you misplace the originals.

Remember: If you would like to add a layer to your sandwich and highlight another aspect of your book, please exercise your creativity and go for it!

Do not staple or bind your sandwich pages with ANYTHING except the gold brad that I will give you. Thank you!

I can't wait to see what you come up with!

http://www.mrsrenz.net/pdf/bookprojects/sandwichbookproject.pdf

Pioneer Life Website--FOR MONDAY

2009-11-22T11:52:00.001-08:00

This is a pretty thorough site to help us modern city folks understand what life would've been like as an American pioneer. There is little mention of Texas pioneers specifically, however, many of the same concepts are relatable to our Texas History class.

Please use this website to complete the tic-tac-toe activity. You might have to copy/paste it into the address box.

http://library.thinkquest.org/6400

Blog Backlog

2009-11-21T14:06:00.000-08:00

I've been neglecting my blog. Not intentionally, but we've had so many events happening on the school front and I've not kept up!

FIELD TRIP: Jesse Jones Nature Center and Park

We visited replicas of a pioneer homestead and Akokisa Indian village. The mosquitos nearly ate us alive, but at least there were no bow-and-arrow ambushes! The dug out, underground "refrigerator" was a hit, as was the chopped log seesaw. I can't giggle too much about my city-children students because I am a city gal myself. HOWEVER, it brought me a smile to hear their comments. "Are these REAL woods?" "Did a real woodpecker make those holes in the tree?" "How'd they carry the bathtub to the water pump (in the 1800s)?" Aah, the modern conveniences! The plan was to have a nice, peaceful picnic to culminate our adventure on the nature trails. Someone invited honey bees. Lots of them!

We were just downing the last of our pb&j sandwiches when one bee turned ugly. Poor Angela. I felt so bad for her. We took our city kids back to their natural habitat soon thereafter. Much safer!

SCIENCE NIGHT: The Tooth Booth

I am becoming a tooth nerd. My salary is being sucked into a tuition vortex and my dinner conversations revolve around root canals, decay, and extractions--it's inevitable that I become somewhat interested in this stuff! Children are fascinated by teeth--healthy teeth and potential tooth troubles--and they are eager to learn proper techniques to maintain a healthy mouth. At my science night station, children could peruse kid-friendly tooth literature and diagrams. The messy, no, fun part was the flossing station. To mimic the gunk between teeth, we smeared peanut butter ALL over gloved hands. With hands together, adjacent fingers became "interproximal spaces." A partner flossed crochet yarn in between the fingers revealing a nice chunky build up of peanut butter each time the yarn flossed a "tooth." YUCK! Big kids, little kids, and even grown-ups wanted to try. My student helpers, Alayzia and Brittany, did an excellent job stuffing goodie bags, staging the booth, demonstrating the techniques, walking the visitors through the decay progression diagrams, and running the booth with ease. Thanks a million, ladies!

MYSTERY READERS for NOVEMBER

Class #1: Mr. Jay Buchanan (Jack's father) read The Relatives Came. This tale and its drawings perfectly show what it is like when so many family members converge for a gathering. It was VERY appropriate for the upcoming Thanksgiving and Winter holidays. Mr. Buchanan told the children about his career in grocery distributing. Jack was completely surprised because just the day before, he said off the cuff that he knew HIS parents couldn't ever be mystery readers.

Class #2: Mrs. Yirong Waters (Sean's mother) wowed the children with a beginning Chinese lesson. They picked up the voice inflections and tones better than I did for sure! She read a couple of chapters in The Incredible Mr. Fox. Her soft, but lively voice added such dimension to the story. I hope she will come again to read some more!

Class #3: Mr. Kevin Ullrich, a Sinclair alumnus, is a vice president at Jake's Finer Foods. Jake's has been a Heights-area business for a LONG time. Mr. Ullrich read a story from the centuries-old Tales from the Arabian Nights. We both commented on how wonderful it was that such OLLLLD tales can still stun and captivate an audience of rambunctious children! We took his photo in front of the tiled Texas flag near the school cafeteria. It was Mr. Ullrich's class that made the little tiles for that flag!

So, we've been busy. Somewhere in between all of these events, we squeezed in three grueling--but necessary--days of practice testing, a FABULOUS Fall festival and Fish Fry, and...oh, I know I am forgetting something. Stay tuned because I know more events are coming up. Hopefully I won't have such a bogged down, back logged blog. Say THAT five times fast! Happy Thanksgiving, everybody!

Correction: Field Trip Money

2009-10-25T18:29:00.001-07:00

Please note: The field trip cost is $7.00, NOT $8.00 as I originally posted.
Money and signed permission forms are due back no later than this Friday, October 30.

Teamwork!

2009-10-22T17:54:00.000-07:00

Video Link for Friday--Age of Discovery

2009-10-22T17:51:00.000-07:00

http://mrfergusonsclass.com/7th/texasdownloads.html

CLICK ON THE LINK.
Then click on "Video: Age of Discovery"

It's Official...Field Trip News!

2009-10-21T09:32:00.000-07:00

We will be visiting the Jesse Jones Nature Center and Park on November 19th. The trip will cost $8.00 per person. We will have a picnic lunch at the park's pavillion. Money and permission slips (not going home quite yet) will need to be turned in no later than October 30. If you are interested in being a chaperone, please see the blog entry about being an approved HISD VIPS. No one may chaperone without complete approval from the district. The process takes a couple of weeks so I don't want the time to pass by anyone. This must also be updated (another process) EACH YEAR, so please check with me or Ms. Billingsley ASAP. Thanks!

Your Children are Precious!

2009-10-21T09:13:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I don't realize how picky I really am. I teach the children my classroom procedures, my little idiosyncrasies, my little specific ways that things should be done. None of the expectations is unreasonable or harsh, but I have to chuckle from time to time when they remind me of just how particular I might come across.

Today one of my girls came to me in a medium-sized panic. "Whatever is the matter?" I questioned. "The tissue box..." <>> "Someone opened the winter tissue box!" she continued.

Apparently, when I was collecting tissue boxes on the first or second day of school, I made the remark that the tissue boxes with lotion might be better to save for the winter time when we might have cold, dry noses. This poor dear took that to heart and was quite mortified that someone would prematurely set out the wrong tissue box. These children are precious. Sometimes I wonder what they go home and tell their families about my little quirky ways. HA! But to know they pay such close attention to my words and really try to follow procedures, well it's precious!

Chaperones

2009-10-19T15:42:00.001-07:00

We are trying to plan some upcoming field trips. Parents/guardians, if you would like to join us as a chaperone, you must gain approval from the HISD VIPS (Volunteers in Public Schools) system. The process takes a couple of weeks and MUST BE RENEWED EACH YEAR. It would be awful if someone could not take part in the fun because of this little glitch. Please see Ms. Billingsley in the office for more information.

Also, be looking soon for an e-mail concerning the end-of-the-year field trip. We would like a small committee of parents to begin organizing this so we can secure dates and times for our stops.

Upcoming FUN!

2009-10-19T15:32:00.000-07:00

Our PTA ROCKS! I am so excited about the upcoming events. It is so energizing to have to many families rallying around our school, planning some super-fun times!

October 30--Fall Festival; 4th graders, bring your 6-or-12 packs of sodas ASAP! Please see the bright yellow flyer for advanced ticket sales.

November 14--Fish Fry, Auction; Oh, this sounds so fun! I'm even thinking of putting a homemade cake or something in the auction. This fish fry benefits the SPARK PARK at Sinclair. Our ratty, old chainlink fence perimeter is set to be replaced by a swanky rought-iron fence. Oooh! Plus, the design boasts a FINE new walking track that meanders through our towering pines. I love our school yard, and it makes me very happy to see such an effort being made to revamp and fanci-fy (is that a word?) our surroundings. The plates are $15 each, perhaps a bit steep, but WELL worth it. You might even be the highest bidder for my CAKE!

FREE DENTAL SEALANTS

2009-10-19T15:25:00.001-07:00

Please see just below this entry the information about the upcoming free dental sealant day at San Jose Clinic. My husband is a third-year dental student and he often volunteers at this dental clinic. They are providing free sealants for children on Halloween, during the day--isn't that convenient...just in time to protect against the CANDY! HA! Please call the number below to reserve an appointment for your child. This is such an easy, non-invasive way to protect their teeth.
His dental school also provides low-cost dental care for people of ALL ages. The appointments are longer since the students are perfecting their techniques, however, all work is closely monitored by professors!
Children, when you're feasting on Halloween candy, please remember your teeth. Don't forget to brush and floss afterwards!

FREE / GRATIS DENTAL TREATMENT

2009-10-19T13:25:00.001-07:00

Ask about “Dental Sealant Day” for children
ages 5 – 18 years old at San Jose Clinic.
Saturday, October 31, 2009

Pregunte por el Dia de Sellante Dental para ninos
De 5 – 18 anos a Clinica de San Jose.
Sabado, 31 de Octubre 2009.

Call / Llame at 713-228-5528

The Earliest Texans

2009-10-07T11:54:00.001-07:00

http://www.dorpexpress.com/Arney/Indians_of_Tex.html
Alphabetical listing of Texas Native Tribes

http://www.nps.gov/akso/beringia/WHATISBERINGIA2.htm
What is Beringia?

http://www.lsjunction.com/places/indians.htm Texas Native Tribes, and basic map

http://www.texancultures.utsa.edu/publications/texansoneandall/nativeamerican.htm
Native Tribes by UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures

Incomplete...

October Mystery Readers

2009-10-02T10:35:00.000-07:00

We just finished up with our October Mystery Reader guests, and I am exceptionally pleased with the experiences!
Mr. Ronald Harrison from the Houston Fire Department read to my first reading class block. He emphasized the importance of fire safety and of having an fire escape plan at both home and at school. The children posed some poignant questions, and we were fortunate to have had answers from an expert!
Ms. Nell Baham, a local celebrity and this year's Leader of the Year, began reading the original Hank the Cowdog chapter book for class number two. She says that she'll even come back and continue the murder-on-the-ranch mystery! We can't wait!!!
Ms. Anna Pi from the Heights Kumon Learning Center visited my homeroom and read from Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes. Ms. Pi is both an educator of children AND a Certified Public Accountant. She came to the United States from Taiwan when she was thirteen!
The support of the Mystery Reader program has been so exciting for me! It was a pleasure to share the day and the students of Sinclair with these three wonderful people! Thank you!

Website for Class on Wednesday

2009-09-20T13:32:00.001-07:00

Regions of Texas Website

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/kids/about_texas/

Blog Bonus

2009-09-13T18:11:00.001-07:00

My entry about bagels was all about a "belligerent" woman. If you would like 10 bonus points added to your lowest grade in the gradebook, here's your mission! Look up the word "belligerent" or figure out its meaning from the blog entry. Write your full heading at the top of a piece of paper. Your title will be "Belligerent Bonus." Underneath, explain what the word "belligerent" means. Turn this in no later than Wednesday, September 16!

Belligerent Bagel Buyer

2009-09-13T08:32:00.000-07:00

We mosied our way into the Memorial City Panera this morning to enjoy some souffles and muffins before our weekly family field trip to the grocery store. It was early, and I enjoyed seeing the mall parkinglot so empty. While the boys were avoiding water puddles from last night's rain on the way in, this woman aggressively stormed past us into the Panera. We move more slowly with the young'ens and we're in no rush: no problem...go right ahead.

I had to hold my tongue. Apparently she had made a phone order last night for 13 of the same flavor bagels. Annnd, apparently the order was nowhere to be found. She was enraged way beyond the appropriate bagel shop spectrum of feelings. She acted rushed, put out, and was VERY vocal about it. No shyness here. She wanted the ENTIRE shop to know she was upset (even though it was just us, the two darling girls working there, and an elderly couple enjoying their coffees). Boy, she was going to make a point.

Although she was in such a hurry to get this order of bagels, she also wanted to have her own breakfast right there in the shop. Soooo, you might ask, why the urgency for the bagels to be ready upon her arrival? They could've made a new batch of bagels, probably, in the time she was blabbering her enraged monologue. Then to expound the matter, they had 12 of the choice flavor, not 13. Oh, the devastation! I could see the vein thrombosis in her forehead. Blah blah blah, something about why should she even make a phone order when it won't be ready when scheduled, blah blah blah. No wonder, she ranted, some other local Paneras were closing...blah blah blah. Everything rushed, everything with a furious, sarcastic tone, a medieval noble bashing a mere pleeb. I just wanted my souffle. And my three-year-old was losing his patience...he wanted the pumpkin muffin that he could see AND reach, but for some reason he couldn't yet have.
The woman's problems were obviously not directly related to BAGELS. Or the poor sweet girls that were trying to hold onto any composure that was about to BLOW any minute. Projection issues? I wanted to put on my teacher hat SO BAD, but I didn't know how postal this woman could get, so I held that tongue. I wanted to look her matter-of-factly in the face and ask her if this was a SMALL problem or a LARGE problem--just like I ask my own children at home and at school. It just wasn't making any sense.

I am sorry for the Panera workers. I've always found it easier to catch flies with honey. What did the woman expect to accomplish? I would imagine that she is a miserable person who has lost all sense of common decency, patience, and kindness. On our way out, I thanked the girls for our breakfast and gave my appreciation for their service. If anything good can come from this horrible, horrible woman, I hope it is that I share the story with my students and perhaps they will think before verbally attacking someone over a bagel. Life is just too precious.

Ramadan Just Taught Me a Lesson

2009-09-12T05:25:00.001-07:00

I just read a little blog excerpt from Chron.com about a mother's journey through Ramadan with a toddler. I mostly read it because I know very little about this Muslim span of time for "self-restraint, meditation, and healing the soul" according to the blogger. Here's the address; I am not sure how long it will be available, though.
http://blogs.chron.com/babymakesthree/2009/09/valuable_lessons_of_patience_w_1.html
As it sit here, early on a Saturday morning and eating my homemade zucchini bread for breakfast, a far thing from my mind is fasting. However, my understanding is growing and becoming more appreciative of some of the concepts, thanks to this woman's insight. I am constantly guiding the children in my classroom. I encourage them to follow the procedures of the classroom, I redirect them if they teeter on the path of noncompliance, I moderate squabbles between friends who've gone adrift for one reason or another, I coax them to move aside when tying shoes and not to start a domino fall of everyone behind, and to lend a hand if someone's books shatter onto the floor, among a gazillion other disputes throughout the day.
Sometimes I leave these teaching moments with a hint of disgust: I'm worn out, reflecting, "didn't I go over the same thing yesterday?"--or last week, or two seconds ago?
The blogger (I'm paraphrasing) wanted to turn these irky moments into something positive, or to see the positive side of them anyway. I'm inserting her analogy into the classroom setting, but I could monologue about using it for my own children's' life lessons, squeal-moments, negotiations, and meltdowns as well.
These moments of frustration or anger or complete confusion when children are needing to solve problems should not be viewed by parents (or teachers) as a cumbersome task, or a bother. These are the moments that shape these whippersnappers into fine young human beings--DEPENDING ON THE ADULT GUIDANCE. It's not a burden to guide them down the path of right, but a privilege, and I appreciated the blog that so eloquently reminded me of that.

Virtual Hoopin' and Hollerin' for Mystery Reader!

2009-09-05T06:28:00.000-07:00

Oh, if you could've just heard my cheers for ALL THREE CLASSES yesterday, you would've had to plug your ears! We had the pleasure of hosting three guest mystery readers and the experience surpassed my expectations (that were giddy with excitement already)!

Ms. Villalovos, a Waltrip High School principal and Sinclair parent, completely stunned her daughter when she arrived to be the very first reader of the school year. She read Queen of the Scene by Queen Latifah, and The English Roses by Madonna. The singers/actresses/authors all had positive messages weaved into their children's stories.

Ms. Pientok, a Memorial Hermann physical therapist, read The Busy Body Book and several related Shel Silverstein poems. She highlighted each body system and its functions. She also explained her role in patient care as a physical therapist.

Mr. Jackobs, a personal trainer and owner of Body 3 Fitness Center, visited my homeroom class as our guest mystery reader. He emphasized good health, physical activity, and balanced nutrition for the students. He read My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother by Patricia Polacco, an author whom we have been studying.

Sharing my classes with these fine, local professionals was such a trip! I know they came for the children, but I was honored to be in their presence as well. In our classrooms, unless we venture out for a field trip once in a blue moon, we don't get the real impact of mingling with other people. Outsiders! I know the children enjoyed the visits because they chattered excitedly and their eyes brightened the rest of the day when they'd say, "Mrs. Cobb, do you remember when the mystery reader did/said. . .?" Even if my students took just a wee little bit from each guest, they came away with a chunk of exposure. Thank you to all three guests for taking, no, making time for our children.

Patricia Polacco Websites

2009-09-02T07:17:00.000-07:00

http://www.readingrockets.org/books/interviews/polacco

http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/specials/story/0,6079,104889,00.html

http://www.ldonline.org/firstperson/Patricia_Polacco

http://www.patriciapolacco.com/author/bio/bio.html

http://www.patriciapolacco.com/author/work.html

http://www.patriciapolacco.com/author/my_home/my_home.html

Week 1 Thoughts

2009-08-29T18:37:00.000-07:00

What a neat bunch of kids we have this year! Sinclair is growing by leaps and bounds. This is so exciting! There are so many new faces. AND, we have so many dear, dear families returning to Sinclair. With this being only my fifth year teaching at Sinclair, I am honored to already be teaching many younger siblings and cousins of former students. To experience the similarities and the unique aspects of children within the same families is so rewarding!
This year, the classes from my third year of teaching will graduate from Lubbock high schools. It is amazing to me that the same children who sat in my classes some years ago are now nearly ADULTS! It wasn't long ago that their parents brought them to my (then) 5th grade classroom for the first week of school. There is no doubt that your children's education is of paramount importance to you. Next year, my first Sinclair fourth graders will be in high school. I'm not trying to add insult to injury, but your own child's acadmic years will fly by. I know they're passing at lightning speed already with my own boys! In each consecutive grade, make it of utmost importance for your child to be present, on time, and actively engaged in the lessons in class. Ask questions, participate in class, stay organized, be prepared each day, and push, push, push to excel! Be their unwaivering support, their strongest advocate and their firmest coach.
I am excited about the year ahead.

LIFT OFF!

2009-08-22T18:55:00.001-07:00

I had the pleasure of meeting several of our new 4th graders and their families on Friday. The children will be soaking up tons of information in the next couple of days about supplies, procedures, rules, expectations, upcoming events, and just how we 4th grade teachers run our ship. You will receive stacks of paperwork, some to read, fill out, and return, and some for your reading pleasure! Please thumb through the papers with your child to ensure everything is taken care of. I feel your pain; I did the same with my own sons last week. :)

We teachers think our letters home to parents are of utmost importance, so please look for three of them, one from each of us.

Please make sure your child has his or her supplies at the earliest possible time. For my homeroom students, I don't need construction paper or Germ-X. I have enough for an army, so please save a few bucks.

My classroom is ready and waiting for all of the eager beavers to arrive on Monday. It's sort of like a jetplane awaiting its passengers or a hot air balloon awaiting its propane to LIFT OFF! You might even see a few hot air balloons floating around the room~just look up!

About Mrs. Cobb, Updated

2009-08-07T18:08:00.000-07:00

There might be a few new blog visitors with the new school year quickly approaching. I look forward to seeing families from past years and getting to know this year's families! Here's a bit of an all-about-me-in-a-nutshell.

Mrs. April Cobb
August 2005 -- Present: Houston ISD, Sinclair Elementary, teacher
August 2000 -- May 2005: Lubbock ISD, Bean Elementary, teacher
August 1996 -- May 2000: Texas Tech University, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development
Attended Houston ISD Scarborough High School, Clifton Middle School, and yes, Sinclair Elementary!
I have been married ten years to Nicholas Cobb. We have two wonderful boys (Nathan and Michael), and two loyal, elderly golden retrievers. Nathan will start first grade this year, and Michael will be in preschool. My husband starts his third year of dental school in August 2009, at the University of Texas Dental Branch here in Houston. YAY, Nick! In May of 2011, he will officially be a dentist!
In my leisure time, (HA!, I have to chuckle about that!) I enjoy cooking, sewing, gardening, traveling, and playing with my boys. Professionally, I constantly work to modify my teaching to be more effective and enjoyable for my students. I love seeing children transform into readers and writers. I want them to comprehend and analyze text, but also learn to make reading and writing a life-long pleasure.

Alaska Pictures

2009-08-07T12:21:00.001-07:00

If your child will be in one of my classes this year, I can pretty much guarantee that he or she will hear LOTS of my stories. New to the anthology of Mrs. Cobb stories will be those from our summer trip to Alaska. Here are a few pictures to preface the tales.

September and October mystery reader days are SOLD to the highest bidders!

2009-08-07T12:14:00.000-07:00

I send out a very special thank you tooooo...oh, I almost slipped and spoiled the secret...our mystery readers who have already generously committed their time to reading with us in September and October! I am thrilled to say that those days are completely reserved. HOWEVER, if you are interested in being a reader, please don't be shy about booking another day in advance.

Ooooh...I'm getting Mystery Reader responses and I am SOOOO excited!

2009-07-18T14:24:00.000-07:00

I've invited nearly the entire city of Houston to be mystery readers in the classroom this year! Seriously, they're going to start talking about this pesty teacher on the chron.com blogs. HOWEVER, I'm starting to get a few responses from interested prospective readers! I can't wait to get more. I'd love to tell you who they are, BUT I CAN'T. Each one is a secret, and it's already killing me to not tell. And, don't trick me into revealing them either. I'm not a good secret-keeper, but I'm trying, trying, trying not to tell.
P.S. Target had the school supplies seasonal department up and running this morning...it's beginning to look a lot like schooool time.

New Blog Features

2009-07-11T19:48:00.000-07:00

I'm branching out juuuust a little bit with my CobbCommunicator blog! Woo hoo! For your reading pleasure, you may now view the Classroom Wish List and the Shelfari Bookshelf features to the left of the blog entries.
I have BIG plans when it comes to spicing up the environment of my classroom; perhaps my plans are MUCH bigger than my wallet! Hence, the wish list was born. Any and all help is greatly appreciated! The list may change as our classroom NEEDS and WANTS change throughout the year.
The Shelfari bookshelf is an experimental piece of flare for the blog. I'm not really sure how to use it interactively. Honestly, I just saw it on someone else's blog today and it looked like a super way to display many of our classroom novels/storybooks on the blog. In addition to the classroom study books, some of the books listed are just ones that I like. Maybe you'd like to add one to the list: just let me know and I will update the shelf!
Enjoy the new little additions to the blog!

Calling all Mystery Readers!

2009-07-06T06:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Sinclair Families and Community Businesses,
Sinclair Elementary is surrounded by a community of homes and businesses. Within those homes and businesses is a valuable resource for the children of Sinclair: YOU! I teach fourth grade reading at Sinclair, and I would like YOU to be a guest Mystery Reader in our classroom. We will have Mystery Reader days on one Friday per month. Please see the dates below. Although there are only nine dates for Mystery Reader, I have three class rotations. That means I am requesting three mystery readers per day listed. That way, each rotation can have its own reader.
Please choose your own fourth-grade-appropriate storybook, or I will gladly make suggestions. If your child has a grandparent or special family friend who might enjoy being our Mystery Reader, please do not hesitate to pass this invitation along to them. Please contact me at acobb@houstonisd.org if you have any questions about being a Mystery Reader, or especially if you would like to sign up as a reader! I do look forward to hearing from you…and remember, shhhh: you will remain a MYSTERY until you arrive that day to read to the class! Choose your day before someone else does!
Kindest regards,
Mrs. April Cobb

September 4, 2009
October 2, 2009
November 6, 2009
December 4, 2009
January 8, 2010
February 5, 2010
March 5, 2010
April 9, 2010
May 7, 2010

Bullying

2009-06-12T11:05:00.000-07:00

How do you know whether or not your child is a bully?

Flat out, point blank ask them! Do other children bully you? Have you ever said or done anything hurtful to one of your classmates? These are simple questions that will open up the communication between you and your child. If your child is a victim of bullying, validate their concerns and be their strongest advocate. If your child is the bully, most likely the conversation will begin very quietly--the honestly cat will grab ahold of his or her tongue. Discuss the root of the bullying, help your child make sense of underlying emotions, make known your disapproval, and actively oversee the resolution (apologies, updated conversations, etc.). Name calling, physical harm, emotional torment--these can kill the spirits of other children.

Please view the following video.

http://ellen.warnerbros.com/videos/?autoplay=true&mediaKey=919f8a0f-cda7-45fc-ade6-a56e56af0455

4th Grade Huntsville Trip

2009-06-01T14:14:00.000-07:00

In the last days of the 2008-2009 school year, the fourth grade classes--with 15 eager and SUPER helpful parent chaperones, and 3 dedicated teachers--visited Huntsville. We toured the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, dined at McKenzie's Barbeque, and ooohed and awwed at the giant Sam Houston statue. I wish we took more field trips. The prep-work involved is pretty consuming, but the outcomes are usually quite memorable. I would like to think the kiddos LOVE to listen to me yap yap yap, day after day, but I bet that's not the case. It is always nice to have a change of scenery, learn something in an interactive way, and get to do things outside of the four classroom walls. If any parent chaperones or students read this entry and would like to send a comment or review of the trip, I will certainly add it to this entry.

Here are a few photos.