Building better Readers

Hello-

We started our third grade ELA work by focusing on Metacognition and thinking about our thinking while reading. We've also discussed and modeled REAL reading versus FAKE reading. 

One lesson we did has us making Reading Salad-combining text and our thinking to make real reading.  Modeling this lesson with the kids, showing how I was thinking while reading, and then including their thinking while I read the text really solidified their understanding of Metacognition. 

We have also been working hard on building our Reading Stamina and this past week we were able to beat our first quarter goal of 15 minutes of sustained reading! 

Way to go Heroes!

Have a SUPER day!

Mr. Font 

Third Grade Superheroes

Hello-

We had a SUPER beginning to our year together.  We started the first day by analyzing a scene from Disney's Incredibles asking ourselves, "What is the job of a hero?". We documented our Hero qualities on an anchor chart and are constantly working to be a third grade hero. 

Here's the anchor chart that we created documenting the
qualities of a hero. 

We read The Astonishing Secret of Awesome Man and created our own superheroes.  We wrote about ways that we were going to be a third grade superhero. 

We started our first Read Aloud of the year. Captain Awesome is a phenomenal story told from the perspective of a little boy named Eugene who has a Superhero alter ego named, you guessed it, Captain Awesome. One of the best parts of this book is that Captain Awesome sees everything from the perspective of superhero- even his arch enemy, his little sister Queen Stinkypants. 

It's been a SUPER start of the school year!

Harry Potter Day

This was an unbelievable day of fun and learning-THANK YOU!

Blogging Challenge!

Hello friends-  

With a VERY busy weekend we are going to keep this post short and sweet.  Your blog challenge is to access your Google Drive copy, paste, and post one piece of writing we have done over the last two years.  Create a brief introduction telling why you chose to share that piece of work.  

This challenge can be done by any blogger regardless if it is your posting or commenting week. Let's get those blogs busy!

Easy Peasy!
-Mr. Font 

29...28...27...

What do those numbers symbolize?

My age? (I wish)

Years teaching? (not yet)

They actually symbolize the final days of the school year.  As I write this post (Tuesday night) we have 27 days remaining in this school year which means we have spent the last 333 days together learning, laughing, and loving being around each other. As I have mentioned before I was really nervous, yet incredibly excited about having a looping class. However, I can honestly say that you have alleviated all of those fears and and surpassed any expectation that I had of our time together.  Although I know that you are ready to go, it will be hard to let you go on that final day in June. 

It's a weird thing, teaching. You are partnered up with a group of people who you will spend six hours a day, five days a week, for 180 days (and for us-double that). Then, some warm day in June as the sun blazes and the desks empty, it's done! That's it! We say goodbye knowing that we will never be part of the same group again. WEIRD, right?

The end of the year is a time to reminisce, to look back at the good times we had together. Let's look back at all we have learned and the fun we have had.  In your comments below answer the following question:

What's one experience you had in FOURTH grade that you hope to remember for a long time?

The first day of 4th Grade!

-Mr. Font 

Thank you!

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week.  A week set aside to thank those teachers who play an important role in our lives, and in some cases, the lives of our children. Just a quick twitter search will show you endless hashtags that fill my teacher heart with joy. (Seriously, check out #teacherappreciationweek and #ThankATeacher to see people expressing their love for the teachers in  their lives.) 

Not one to be left out I thought I'd join in on the #teacherlove. 

First, there was Mrs. Zell.  Mrs. Zell was my fourth grade teacher and the teacher I credit with planting the seed of reading in 4th grade me, nurturing it, and helping it grow.  If it wasn't for Mrs. Zell I might not have fallen in love with books and the adventure they take you on. Mrs. Zell allowed us to turn chapters of our books into plays and perform them in front of the class.  She encouraged us to think like the characters in the story and become them when we performed. She opened her classroom before and after school to give us time, space, and materials to create our grand productions. I knew, without a doubt, that Mrs. Zell cared for me. Not just as a student but she cared for me as a person and I felt cared for.  One vivid memory I have of Mrs. Zell was when we read a play version of The Diary of Anne Frank. Theatrical is one word that I would use to describe her teaching style-blinds would be closed, lights turned out, and twenty-four 9 year olds climb on their desks with books in their laps. As we read Mrs. Zell stopped anytime someone made the slightest noise trying to give us the simplest understanding of what it would be like to live silently in an attic afraid of being heard. The experience really connected with me and I was sucked into reading. I was sucked into reading for life and I thank Mrs. Zell for making me an avid reader and for inspiring me to strive each and every day to turn my students into life long lovers of reading. 

The next teacher that made a huge impact on me was a high school Spanish teacher. She wasn't MY high school Spanish teacher but the advisor of a club I belonged to and would later become president. Mrs. Koren was the teacher I never had but the teacher who had a great impact on the high school version of me. Her focus was on helping those around us. We volunteered at homeless shelters around Christmas to bring presents to those in need. We organized food drives and clothing donations. We visited old folks homes just so they had someone to talk to. Although Mrs. Koren never taught me Spanish, she taught me to be a better person, how to be a leader, and how important it was (and still is) that we take care of each other. 

Both these teachers effected me in different ways and, as one does with people who are important to them, I kept touch with both of these teachers far after the calendar page turned to June and I was forced to move on. I hope that I told these teachers how important they were to me while I was a student in their company (I doubt it). I hope I have showed them, after leaving their classrooms, the impact they have had on me (maybe). I hope that they are aware of the role they played in my life, the impact they have had on me as a student, and adult, and now a teacher and I hope I remember that effect indefinitely (certainly). 

So, over the next 4 days I encourage you to take a moment. Reflect over your education and take a short moment to reach out to a teacher who inspired you. A quick note or a quick hug-both will warm their teacher heart. #ThankATeacher
-Mr. Font

Spring Break Blogging Challenge #2

Greetings from the Happiest Place on Earth! 

Coming to Disney World with my family and friends is something I love doing as often as possible. As you are well aware I have been three times in the last year and a half (one time for 3 weeks) and am planning to visit the "Mouse House" again this November. 

Now your own Disney experiences may vary, but I was wondering where is a place you like to visit or something you like to do with your family?  When Disney isn't an option for me, because sometimes it isn't, I love watching movies in the backyard with the fire pit going and smores at the ready. Sometimes the newest superhero movie or a Disney favorite, it almost doesn't matter why the movie is. 

Comment below on your favorite place to GO with family and friends and why it's your favorite place. 

On YOUR blog crest a post about your favorite family/friend activity. Let me know below if you create a post so I can check it out. 

-Mr. Font

Blogging Challenge

Happy Easter Room #20 friends! 

This is the first of our Blogging Challenges. On your blog give us a recap of how you spent your Easter Sunday! 

Bonus points for including a video or picture. 

If you post on your blog please comment below so I know whose blog to check out. 

Copper says Happy Easter! 

Happy Easter! 

Mr. Font 

Spring has.....

Well, apparently not sprung.  Who would have thought that the first day is Spring would be snow covered. Although I love the snow, I had thought we might be free from the wintry mix until next year.  You know, when I had a chance to actually miss the snow.  We had just started seeing green and enjoying some recess time and now this... 

I don't know about you but I am feeling very Olaf-like and hoping for some warmer weather real soon!  

How about you, are you looking forward to a little Spring? 
-Mr. Font

Blogging Bonus: On your blog create a post describing your favorite Springtime activity and why it is your favorite activity.  Challenge yourself by including pictures or a video of you engaged in the activity or from Google images. 

When You Wish Upon A Star...

Hello friends-

This weekend I went to see the new, live-action Cinderella movie.  I have to say that I truly enjoyed this new interpretation of a classic fairy tale.  It stars two characters from Downton Abbey (Devan, Lady Rose and Daisy are both in the film) and an actress from the Harry Potter films.  The Cinderella movie also happens to be directed by he actor who played Gilderoy Lockhart. Add in that it is a Disney film and you've got my interest. 


I won't give a review of the film incase you haven't seen it yet.

However, as the final credits rolled it got me thinking about some of the classic Disney films and this new interpretation of the animated film.  As you know, I am a HUGE fan of Disney films and have been since I was a little kid.  Although Cinderella is not one of my favorite Disney films I can appreciate it as a classic, a marvel in animation for the time period, and a love story. I definitely left the theatre singing songs from the Disney Version of Cinderella and wondering-What is your favorite Disney film? 

This video is of one of my favorite songs from the original animated classic-ENJOY!





And they lived happily ever after, 

Mr. Font

Blogging Bonus:  On your blog create a post about your favorite movie of all time.  Consider using google images to find a picture to liven up your post. 

It's Seussical!

Hello Dr. Seuss fans-

This week we have been reading Dr. Seuss books in order to analyze the theme of the text.  Through our core novel, The Well of Sacrifice, we have been analyzing theme, collecting text evidence, and discovering the message the author wants us to apply to our own lives. Phew, we've been busy!

With Read Across America Day having just past is seemed like a great time to apply our Theme skills to some of the most famous books by Dr. Seuss. I've shared my favorite Dr. Seuss book Oh, The Places You'll Go.  I fell like it has such a great message that applies to everyone's lives and the message can be a little different depending on what stage of life your are in.  

It got me wondering-What is your favorite Dr. Seuss book and why? 

-Mr. Font 

Blogging Bonus: Beyond Dr. Seuss books, what is your favorite children's book?  You may create this post on your blog and make sure to submit it to me through your Google Form submissions due on Monday! 

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

Hello friends!  

Well, it seems as if our three day President's Weekend has turned into a four day weekend!  Today I'm busy doing some things I should have worked on over the weekend, but didn't. On my list of "to-dos" is continue recording audio for Sisters Grimm book #3, check your Bank of Font project ledgers, a little laundry, just to name a few. 

I didn't get a great deal done this weekend because I was too busy having some fun.  On Saturday I hosted a movie night at my house entitled "Long Lost Disney Films", we had chocolate fondue and watched the original "The Shaggy Dog", Julia's pick. On Sunday we braved the snow and went to the Frozen Sing-A-Long in Atlantic Highlands which was fun.  Any day that can start with a Disney movie and popcorn is ok in my book.  Then I had some family over to celebrate the "February Birthdays" in my family (there are three) and we ended the evening with a game night which is always a blast. I spent my Monday reading and watching TV and trying to get motivated to get some things done but the forecast for snow made me pretty certain that I would have today off as well.  It's tough to get things done when you know you have more time. 

How did you spend your four day weekend?

Zach shows off his muscles during one of our Brain Breaks.
If you are trapped inside today consider taking an indoor Brain Break
like we do in class. 

Here's hoping the streets clear and the snow stops so we are together for Wednesday!
Until then!
-Mr. Font 






Blogging Bonus: On YOUR blog you can create a post telling us how you spent your snow day.  Don't forget to include tags telling about your post.  

Valentine's Day!!!

Hello friends-

So many people have different feelings about Valentine's Day.  Some people love the day filled with friendship, love, and sweet gifts. Others feel as though the holiday doesn't do much for them.  

What are your feelings on Valentine's Day?

Do you love it? 

Hate it?

Don't feel strongly either way?

Let me know, 
Mr. Font

Blogger Bonus: Create a blog post about Valentine's Day. Does your family celebrate in any way? What Valentine traditions do you have? What will you do to celebrate this year? You can post this to your own blog.  This is a bonus, and not required. 

What's so SUPER about the Super Bowl?

As you know, I am not much of a football fan.  I couldn't tell you a Seahawk from a Patriot and only found out who was in the Super Bowl 3 days ago.  however, I am a huge fan of Super Bowl Sunday. Surprised?  Well don't be.  Super Bowl Sunday has all the things I love to celebrate.

First, there is the music.  I love hearing the National Anthem and this year it is being sung by one of my favorite singers, Idina Menzel.  You might remember her as Queen Elsa from Frozen.  I am also a HUGE fan of the halftime show. Katy Perry is unlikely to disappoint in her performance.

I love food! Chips and dip! Chicken wings and fingers! Nachos! What's not to like about those foods on a Sunday Night.

I love to laugh!  So the Super Bowl commercials are perfect for me!  Sometimes they are so funny and others are so endearing! This is my favorite Super Bowl Commercial EVER!

I also love that moment when they ask the winning QB what they are going to do next and they respond with... "I'm going to Disney World!"

Looks like I might have to watch Downton Abbey on-demand during Monday's snow day. Fingers Crossed and PJs inside out. 
-Mr. Font

It was a dark and stormy night....

Today during our Core Novel we were talking about times when our minds play tricks on us.  Like Eveningstar, these were times when we are scared and we imagine things that may not be truly there.  I know many of you were dying to share some stories so....here's your space!

Make sure to keep the lights on....
-Mr. Font 

Can you BELIEVE it?!?!

Hello Readers!

Today in our core novel work we were shocked to find that out that Smoke Shell was among the six warriors chosen to be sacrificed and buried with King Flint Sky God.  We learned that burying warriors with a King so that they can serve the king in the Upper World. 

This part of the book really shocked us.  What were you thinking when we read this section?

Share your thoughts and opinions below. 
-Mr. Font 

Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful...

Well, not yet it isn't! 

If you've watched the weather or been on any social media today I am sure you've heard that weather people across the state are calling for significant snowfall in in our area.  (At the time of this post the forecast calls for 8-14 inches at a rate of snow falling at 2 inches an hour.)

Are you looking forward to the snow or are you already wishing for Spring? IF, and that's a little if, we wind up with a snow day how are you planning on spending the day?

Bundle up and make sure your shovels are handy!
-Mr. Font


P.S. Do you wanna build a snowman? 

Buehler Recap

So..... How it go?

-Mr. Font

Books Are Meant to be SHARED!!!!

This blog post is a REQUIRED post. Make sure to answer the post question below. 

One of my favorite part of my job is that I get to share good (occasionally phenomenal) books that I have discovered with you.  I thoroughly enjoy talking about good books, interesting plot points, complex characters, literacy skills, and everything else good books have to offer.  

Another great portion of my job is hearing about good books! 

The question that I propose to you is:

What book have you read this year that you recommend for your classmates? 

Make sure to include the title, author, what makes it a good book, and (if you have it) the level.

Cant wait to see what you are sharing!
-Mr. Font 

Holiday Extravaganza Performance

You guys did such a good job!  I absolutely love this and had to share!  


Our Holiday Extravaganza Performance 2014


See you soon!
-Mr. Font 

Memories...Of the Way We Were!

New Years Eve is a time to reflect upon the year that has just ended.  As an optimist (most of the time) I try to look back at the good times.  What is one good time that occurred in 2104 that you look back on fondly?  

This post is going to require a bit more writing.  I figure at least one paragraph to tell me all about the good time you had in 2104. 

-Mr. Font