EMS iRead Book Challenge Kick Off

Language. Arts classes were filled with excited readers today as the iRead Book Challenge was introduced to all students in grades 6th-8th.    Each class had a presentation where they were encouraged to form teams of readers and conquer a book list of 25 titles by spring break!  Students were excited to form teams and check out the list of books!    Competitions will take place after spring break when teams will be 'put too the test' to answer questions that relate to the lists of books!   Our hope is that a community of middle school readers will form and we will all be talking about iRead in the middle school hallways!  Ask your child about iRead!   The books are amazing!

1st and 2nd grade Reader's Theater at Yahara

Do you know who Sarah Winnemucca is?   Well a group of 1st and 2nd graders from Yahara do!   Today they presented a Reader's Theater celebrating the life of Sarah Winnemucca who was an Indian Princess who fought for liberty in the late 1880s.  Each reader had a part that connected to the story and the students learned that there is an elementary school in Nevada that is build in honor of Sarah Winnemucca.  She made a difference in the lives of many people!   The readers did an excellent job and showed their interest in the story of this heroine.   Great Job!

The World of Geometry with Kindergarten!

The difference between a square and a rectangle was mastered today as a small group of kindergarteners worked on understanding geometry rules and showing their knowledge by creating a design in a free app.  Called Geoboard.  Great designers!

Hour of Code

"TAG Time" math students learned about a new language this week-the language of coding!   Enthusiastic students opened up their Chromebooks and "coded" as many as 70 lines  during our TAG Time math classes.  Students also proudly wore stickers that stated:  Hour of Code...I "coded" today....Do YOU?      Students used the website www.code.org/learn to accomplish their Hour of Code.   This Hour of Code is known world wide and is an initiative that started to increase the need for future computer programmers.  It has been said that by the time our students are out in the work force, 68% of jobs will require some type of computer programming knowledge.  Now is the time to start educating our children for their future.  Log on to www.code.org/learn and experience "coding" with a child.  It is an exciting experience!

"TAG Time" Equals Busy Time!

Many students spanning from kindergarten all the way to 6th grade are spending valuable minutes enhancing their learning with a variety of activities from creating restaurant menus to publishing a school newpaper.   A group of second graders have each chosen a "place" in our world to research and create a book while a group of 3/4 students are finding every fact availble about Mt. Everest and creating an iMovie or a trailer!   Students are also learning high level vocabulary words and testing their knowledge with analogy quizes using Wordmasters.   If you would walk into our TAG Time Classroom while 5th graders are there you would see them all intently reading their chosen chapter book with the plan to create a promotional video to show on "theater day".   Lots of student driven activities are happening in our TAG Time classroom every day.   Stop in and join the fun!  

Beyond Words.....

A group of 6th grade students will be involved in a Reader's Workshop type atmosphere every other day during 8th hour.  High level literature, advanced vocabulary, and literature discussions will be explored.  Students were engaged in taking a Reading Survey on their iPads and reflecting about themselves as readers.  This time will be well spent reflecting on and judging different forms of text.  Looking forward to a great year with this group of creative students!

Back to School 2015-16

Well the hot summer days may not be done but we are back to school and the hallways and classrooms are filled with excited voices, bright eyes, and curious minds.  Before long students will start engaging in advanced learning opportunities and I will start to post all the exciting projects and events!  So, stay tuned and check out this TAG Blog again soon!