The late morning started with a trip to the rastro. Katie and I learned that the rastro is a huge flea market set up in the streets. Imagine the Cullman flea market stretched out through the streets of Birmingham. We bought scarves and other souvenirs. At times we were packed together like sardines. The individual space that we enjoy in the States is not in evidence here in Spain.
For lunch, we stopped at a little shop and bought packaged sandwiches and water. Katie bought a Spanish Mountain Dew! We stopped and ate on the sidewalk.
Then we headed for the Prado Museum. Along with about a million other people. Hundreds of people were marching together with priests (or bishops) and maybe even a monk, carrying signs and at least one processional cross. Their signs said they were marching to fight for the strength of the Christian family. We wondered where all those people came from.
Sunday is free day at the Prado, but when we arrived at about 2:45, people were lined up all around the museum waiting to get in. It didn't look like the line moved at all while we watched. The marchers came by the Prado and marched on while we sat and rested. Craftspeople had their wares out for display and sale around the museum.
We left the Prado and decided to go to the huge Retiro Park in the city. It is acres and acres huge. It contains a man-made lake on which people like to paddle around in little blue boats. One show-off was standing up in his boat, rocking it, and Ginny hoped very strongly that he would fall into the water. That would have been funny. We walked around the lake and heard music. Yes, it was Ginny's favorite Andean music band. We stood and listened to their flutes, pan pipes, and drums until they took a break. She had already bought one of their CDs so we didn't feel as if we had to toss money into one of their instrument cases. As we were leaving the park, we noticed many, many buses parked around the edge of the park. I noticed that some were from Malaga and other southern cities. It dawned on us...that's where the marchers came from. They had bussed in on this day from all over Spain and carried out a huge march. Amazing. We're still not sure where all the people at the Prado came from though.
We came back to the apartment and rested for a while because we were going to be out late at a flamenco show tonight. It was a 10:00 show and, once again, when we arrived we became part of a can of sardines. But the show was fantastic! There were three dancers, a drummer, a guitarist, and a singer. It was a kind of singing like we'd never heard before. The dancers stomped and twirled and clapped. They danced solo and together. The show was not what I had imagined, but it was very good. We all three had a great time.
Now we are back and planning tomorrow. It will be New Year's Eve, so we plan to go (with everyone else in Spain) to the Puerta del Sol and ring in the new year. We've bought our sparkly hats, and today we bought boas also. Ginny has bought canned grapes for us. I'll tell you about that later. We don't plan on staying long after midnight, but I'm not really looking forward to all the crowds. It will be another totally new experience for all of us.
Other observations about Spain:
*strange hair styles (one is kind of like a mullet, but worse)
*weird clothing in weird combinations (some that shouldn't be worn in public)
*Other instruments we heard were accordions and mouth pianos (and a violinist got on the metro car with us).
*There are a lot of beggars here: one man with no arms who walked around rattling his cup of coins with his teeth, one man with no legs who sat at the side, and one woman who sat in the middle of the street at the rastro turning the crank of some kind of large music box. Those are in addition to the musicians in the metro and on the streets.
*many couples: old folks, young folks, and folks of the same gender. They are often very affectionate in public.
*others who are trying to "earn" money are street performers who dress up and paint their faces. They stand completely still until someone puts money in their collection boxes. Then they do robotic movements for a few seconds. They are very fascinating. One is dressed as Don Quixote and "rides" his horse, another woman is all in black (face and hands painted black, too), and one woman is covered in mud who does a good imitation of a clay statue.
*Have you taken down your Christmas tree and decorations yet? Well, in Spain it is still Christmas time. And it will be until January 6 when the Three Kings come to bring gifts to all the children. So the musicians are still playing Christmas carols and people are still saying "Feliz Navidad." There are lots of Christmas lights in the streets, but there are no Christmas trees. Ginny's small one is the only one I've seen in Spain.
More tomorrow...
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Two Days in Segovia
I finally woke Ginny and Katie up at about 10:45 yesterday. We decided to take a bus to Segovia and find a hostel when we got there. We'd looked on the Web, but couldn't find anything satisfactory nor under 60 Euros. So we went to the bus station by Metro then bought bus tickets for about 6 Euros each. As we waited for the bus, we ate some ham and cheese boccadillos
for lunch. We boarded the bus and rode for about 1 1/2 hours northwest to Segovia.
I've honestly never seen a town that was as lovely as that one is. Actually, we had to stroll through the new part before we reached the old section which was where all the beauty was. When you think of old Spanish houses, what do you picture? Tiled roofs, stucco walls, iron work balconies, flowers...right? Well, that's what we saw times about 200. We were awed at our first sight of the ancient Roman aqueduct that runs right through town. It is huge! And the city wall is attached to the aqueduct. We didn't notice the wall at first, but when we did a little more exploring we were able to see it. Houses were built next to it and it ran all the way around the old part of the city.
We decided to find a hostel first of all so we could get rid of the one small bag that we brought. Yes, three women can travel very lightly. We walked a little and found El Hidalgo Hostel and Restaurant. As we went in the door, we decided we wouldn't pay more than 60 Euros for the room. They offered us one that would sleep three for 55 Euros so we took it. Turns out, the Hidalgo is a restored 13th century palace and was fantastic! In the dining room is a wood-covered arch behind which is supposed to be the remains of Juan Bravo who was somebody special because there is a statue of him outside the San Martin Romanesque Church that is in front of El Hidalgo. Our room looked out (after opening old wooden shutters) onto a garden (Katie likes to think is was the palace courtyard). The passageways were narrow and furnished with old benches. The room was cold, but the lady who took us there turned on a heater. We're not convinced the heater worked all that well, because we were cold all night long. The tiny bathroom had a tiny tub. Katie liked that most of all! But we didn't complain about the cold, although it was hard to get Katie and Ginny to get out of the warm beds this morning.
Last night, we walked around old Segovia and found the places we wanted to visit today: the cathedral and the castle. We also found a small restaurant where we split a potato tortilla, a serrano ham sandwich with tomato and asparagus, and a ham and cheese boccadillo. Afterward, we had churros and chocolate again!
This morning, after I finally got the girls going, we found a restaurant that served breakfast. There, Katie and I had eggs, potatoes, and sausage and bread. Ginny had a bonita sandwich and discovered that it was made with canned fish. Not too yummy. We all had fresh-squeezed orange juice. (I'm giving all this detail for myself mostly. I just don't want to forget anything.)
Then we went to tour the Cathedral of Segovia. It was built in the 1500s. I've never seen such a collection of religious paintings, statues, tapestries, and mantles. That's right, each small chapel in the cathedral had a huge, carved mantle holding images of whoever the chapel was for.
Then we walked down several narrow streets and arrived at the castle which Walt Disney used as a model for Cinderella's castle at Disney World (at least that's the story we keep hearing). It is called Alcazar of Segovia. We saw everything that would be in a castle, armored knights, cannons, even a sundial clock high on the courtyard wall. Then we went up in the tower (152 steps up a narrow spiral staircase!) and came out on top. You should see our pictures. Just ask me, I'll be glad to share them! I said the streets are narrow, but that doesn't seem to bother the drivers around there. The speed limit is 20 kph but we didn't see anyone driving slower than 40 at least. Walkers have to be very careful because when sidewalks run out, you have to run across the street and keep walkin'! All the cars are tiny. You couldn't get a SUV through that town. And people park wherever they can...there is no such thing as a no-parking zone. They park in the street, too.
Before we left Segovia, we stopped at another restaurant and had lunch. Ginny and I had traditional Spanish paella (rice and meat) and Katie had patatas ali-oli (potatoes in a white sauce). It was all so good!
We caught the bus back to Madrid, went to the ATM to get more Euros, and came back to Gin's apartment to bake brownies and watch a movie. Tomorrow, we plan to go to the rostro (flea market) and the Prado Museum. I'll let you know about that later.
Katie and my observations about Spain:
*cooking is different (Celcius and the oven is hard to work)
*people come out at night and walk the streets late
*all those people walking the streets are crowded together but no one seems to mind.
*dogs are everywhere...on leashes and not on leashes. We saw a doggie poo park in Segovia. There was a special trash can for the doggie poo. But the dogs are all very well behaved.
*People here are not rude, but they don't go out of their way to be nice either. It's more of a "watch out for yourself" attitude.
*the cars are funny-looking but you don't even need a car because you can travel anywhere in the city on the metro. Speaking of the metro, there are musicians there (in the halls and on the metro) who play for any change you will give them. We've heard a pan pipe, an electric keyboard, a violin, and a horn. The metro sanitation workers are on strike right now, so the halls in the stations are covered in trash. Sometimes it smells, too. And there is graffiti everywhere.
That said, hasta manana!
for lunch. We boarded the bus and rode for about 1 1/2 hours northwest to Segovia.
I've honestly never seen a town that was as lovely as that one is. Actually, we had to stroll through the new part before we reached the old section which was where all the beauty was. When you think of old Spanish houses, what do you picture? Tiled roofs, stucco walls, iron work balconies, flowers...right? Well, that's what we saw times about 200. We were awed at our first sight of the ancient Roman aqueduct that runs right through town. It is huge! And the city wall is attached to the aqueduct. We didn't notice the wall at first, but when we did a little more exploring we were able to see it. Houses were built next to it and it ran all the way around the old part of the city.
We decided to find a hostel first of all so we could get rid of the one small bag that we brought. Yes, three women can travel very lightly. We walked a little and found El Hidalgo Hostel and Restaurant. As we went in the door, we decided we wouldn't pay more than 60 Euros for the room. They offered us one that would sleep three for 55 Euros so we took it. Turns out, the Hidalgo is a restored 13th century palace and was fantastic! In the dining room is a wood-covered arch behind which is supposed to be the remains of Juan Bravo who was somebody special because there is a statue of him outside the San Martin Romanesque Church that is in front of El Hidalgo. Our room looked out (after opening old wooden shutters) onto a garden (Katie likes to think is was the palace courtyard). The passageways were narrow and furnished with old benches. The room was cold, but the lady who took us there turned on a heater. We're not convinced the heater worked all that well, because we were cold all night long. The tiny bathroom had a tiny tub. Katie liked that most of all! But we didn't complain about the cold, although it was hard to get Katie and Ginny to get out of the warm beds this morning.
Last night, we walked around old Segovia and found the places we wanted to visit today: the cathedral and the castle. We also found a small restaurant where we split a potato tortilla, a serrano ham sandwich with tomato and asparagus, and a ham and cheese boccadillo. Afterward, we had churros and chocolate again!
This morning, after I finally got the girls going, we found a restaurant that served breakfast. There, Katie and I had eggs, potatoes, and sausage and bread. Ginny had a bonita sandwich and discovered that it was made with canned fish. Not too yummy. We all had fresh-squeezed orange juice. (I'm giving all this detail for myself mostly. I just don't want to forget anything.)
Then we went to tour the Cathedral of Segovia. It was built in the 1500s. I've never seen such a collection of religious paintings, statues, tapestries, and mantles. That's right, each small chapel in the cathedral had a huge, carved mantle holding images of whoever the chapel was for.
Then we walked down several narrow streets and arrived at the castle which Walt Disney used as a model for Cinderella's castle at Disney World (at least that's the story we keep hearing). It is called Alcazar of Segovia. We saw everything that would be in a castle, armored knights, cannons, even a sundial clock high on the courtyard wall. Then we went up in the tower (152 steps up a narrow spiral staircase!) and came out on top. You should see our pictures. Just ask me, I'll be glad to share them! I said the streets are narrow, but that doesn't seem to bother the drivers around there. The speed limit is 20 kph but we didn't see anyone driving slower than 40 at least. Walkers have to be very careful because when sidewalks run out, you have to run across the street and keep walkin'! All the cars are tiny. You couldn't get a SUV through that town. And people park wherever they can...there is no such thing as a no-parking zone. They park in the street, too.
Before we left Segovia, we stopped at another restaurant and had lunch. Ginny and I had traditional Spanish paella (rice and meat) and Katie had patatas ali-oli (potatoes in a white sauce). It was all so good!
We caught the bus back to Madrid, went to the ATM to get more Euros, and came back to Gin's apartment to bake brownies and watch a movie. Tomorrow, we plan to go to the rostro (flea market) and the Prado Museum. I'll let you know about that later.
Katie and my observations about Spain:
*cooking is different (Celcius and the oven is hard to work)
*people come out at night and walk the streets late
*all those people walking the streets are crowded together but no one seems to mind.
*dogs are everywhere...on leashes and not on leashes. We saw a doggie poo park in Segovia. There was a special trash can for the doggie poo. But the dogs are all very well behaved.
*People here are not rude, but they don't go out of their way to be nice either. It's more of a "watch out for yourself" attitude.
*the cars are funny-looking but you don't even need a car because you can travel anywhere in the city on the metro. Speaking of the metro, there are musicians there (in the halls and on the metro) who play for any change you will give them. We've heard a pan pipe, an electric keyboard, a violin, and a horn. The metro sanitation workers are on strike right now, so the halls in the stations are covered in trash. Sometimes it smells, too. And there is graffiti everywhere.
That said, hasta manana!
Friday, December 28, 2007
To Segovia...and Beyond!
We're planning to take a trip out to Segovia today to see the famous Roman aqueduct, a castle, and another cathedral . We don't know whether we will stay the night or not--depends on the cost. Will let you know more later.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
I'm in Madrid!
I will attempt to give an account of everything we are doing in Madrid through this blog. Here goes:
Wednesday, December 26, 2007--We arrived in Madrid at about 10:00 AM after a fitful night flight. Ginny met us at the station with a big sign reading "My Southern Belles Sonya & Katie." Then we walked through the airport to the Metro which is a huge system of underground trains (subway). It was tough hauling all our luggage that far but we were too cheap to hire a taxi. We took the Metro to Pueblo Nuevo (New Village) where Ginny has an apartment. After a brief rest, we left the apartment to go by Metro to Callao (a section of Madrid). Then we walked to the Puerta del Sol (Gate of the Sun) where we took lots of pictures of buildings and things. We kept walking to Plaza Mayor (Major Plaza) where lots of people were buying colorful wigs, masks, hats, and boas. Ginny said they would wear these for New Years. So we each bought a sparkly hat and wore them the rest of the day. We then walked to the Catedral de la Almudena. The cathedral was beautiful inside and out with stained-glass windows. Everything here is so much older than anything we have in the United States, so all the buildings are magnificent! We took pictures in the cathedral and wondered if we could even listen to a preacher in a place like that because we would just be looking around all the time.
We walked to the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) but didn't go in because we aren't citizens of a European nation and we would have had to pay. We walked all around the palace to the Jardines de Sabatini (royal gardens) which were beautiful even at this time of year. Then we walked to the Plaza de Espana where we saw our first statues of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza (from the book written by Cervantes). We also got a close-up look at an olive tree (we think).Then we went back to Pueblo Nuevo where we bought three bocadillos (sandwiches): jamon serrano (cured ham and white cheese), Spanish tortilla, and salchicha (sausage, but it looked and tasted like a hot dog). Each sandwich cost about 3 Euros each. Then we stopped by a chino (Chinese-owned shop) where we bought a 2-liter Coke for 1.75 Euros. We brought our food home, watched Ginny's new "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" DVD on the computer, played an electronic Mad Libs game (it was hilarious), and then fell into bed at about 10:30. We all slept very good that night.
Thursday, December 27, 2007--We woke up very late--around 11:00, took showers, and got ready to go. We decided to go to Alcala de Henares, a town about a 45-minute train ride from Madrid (real train on top of the ground). When we got there, we walked to a fantastic chicken restaurant called Pollo de Alcala. It was a renovated ancient warehouse. For 7 Euros we each had consume (soup), bread, a salad, a quarter of a chicken, french fries, Coke, and a dessert. For dessert, Katie got a chocolate pudding, Ginny got flan, and I got a lemon pudding. We tried them all and enjoyed them all. Then we walked to the birthplace of Cervantes and toured the house. Lots of old stuff in there. Each room had a huge pot on the floor. We can only assume that they were fire pits.
When we left there, we went to the cathedral where Cervantes was baptized. Then we went to the University of Alcala. I have great pictures.
A highlight was when we went to a convent of cloistered nuns and bought candy-coated almonds from them. They weren't allowed to see us, but they could talk to us through a small rotating door. We each ordered almonds. I bought mine in a small wooden chest. Then we went to the train station, saw a fight between a drunken man and a woman (who tried to convince Katie that her Mom was, indeed, dead and you shouldn't talk about the dead...it's sacred) and saw her hit him with her purse. It was quite loud. Then we caught the train and, on the way back to Madrid, met Angeles, a woman who was quietly (at first) crocheting a bolsa (purse). I innocently inquired about the bolsa by saying, "Bolsa?" She had apparently been listening to us talk, so she said, "You speak English?" which made us think she spoke English, too. We were wrong. She then began to speak her limited English phrases, then launched into an unintelligible filibuster in Espanol. We all politely smiled and nodded, although Ginny did have some decent conversation with her. We got off at Atocha and walked up the Paseo del Prado and saw the Christmas lights. I've never seen a more beautiful display. We also saw the outside of the Prado Museum (we plan to go inside on Sunday), the Plaza de Canovas with the Neptune fountain, the Plaza de Cibeles, then walked back to the Puerta del Sol. Then we went to a local chocolateria called San Gines where we had churros and chocolate. Delicioso! We finally trudged back home where we called our families. Now we are going to bed. Good night!
Wednesday, December 26, 2007--We arrived in Madrid at about 10:00 AM after a fitful night flight. Ginny met us at the station with a big sign reading "My Southern Belles Sonya & Katie." Then we walked through the airport to the Metro which is a huge system of underground trains (subway). It was tough hauling all our luggage that far but we were too cheap to hire a taxi. We took the Metro to Pueblo Nuevo (New Village) where Ginny has an apartment. After a brief rest, we left the apartment to go by Metro to Callao (a section of Madrid). Then we walked to the Puerta del Sol (Gate of the Sun) where we took lots of pictures of buildings and things. We kept walking to Plaza Mayor (Major Plaza) where lots of people were buying colorful wigs, masks, hats, and boas. Ginny said they would wear these for New Years. So we each bought a sparkly hat and wore them the rest of the day. We then walked to the Catedral de la Almudena. The cathedral was beautiful inside and out with stained-glass windows. Everything here is so much older than anything we have in the United States, so all the buildings are magnificent! We took pictures in the cathedral and wondered if we could even listen to a preacher in a place like that because we would just be looking around all the time.
We walked to the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) but didn't go in because we aren't citizens of a European nation and we would have had to pay. We walked all around the palace to the Jardines de Sabatini (royal gardens) which were beautiful even at this time of year. Then we walked to the Plaza de Espana where we saw our first statues of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza (from the book written by Cervantes). We also got a close-up look at an olive tree (we think).Then we went back to Pueblo Nuevo where we bought three bocadillos (sandwiches): jamon serrano (cured ham and white cheese), Spanish tortilla, and salchicha (sausage, but it looked and tasted like a hot dog). Each sandwich cost about 3 Euros each. Then we stopped by a chino (Chinese-owned shop) where we bought a 2-liter Coke for 1.75 Euros. We brought our food home, watched Ginny's new "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" DVD on the computer, played an electronic Mad Libs game (it was hilarious), and then fell into bed at about 10:30. We all slept very good that night.
Thursday, December 27, 2007--We woke up very late--around 11:00, took showers, and got ready to go. We decided to go to Alcala de Henares, a town about a 45-minute train ride from Madrid (real train on top of the ground). When we got there, we walked to a fantastic chicken restaurant called Pollo de Alcala. It was a renovated ancient warehouse. For 7 Euros we each had consume (soup), bread, a salad, a quarter of a chicken, french fries, Coke, and a dessert. For dessert, Katie got a chocolate pudding, Ginny got flan, and I got a lemon pudding. We tried them all and enjoyed them all. Then we walked to the birthplace of Cervantes and toured the house. Lots of old stuff in there. Each room had a huge pot on the floor. We can only assume that they were fire pits.
When we left there, we went to the cathedral where Cervantes was baptized. Then we went to the University of Alcala. I have great pictures.
A highlight was when we went to a convent of cloistered nuns and bought candy-coated almonds from them. They weren't allowed to see us, but they could talk to us through a small rotating door. We each ordered almonds. I bought mine in a small wooden chest. Then we went to the train station, saw a fight between a drunken man and a woman (who tried to convince Katie that her Mom was, indeed, dead and you shouldn't talk about the dead...it's sacred) and saw her hit him with her purse. It was quite loud. Then we caught the train and, on the way back to Madrid, met Angeles, a woman who was quietly (at first) crocheting a bolsa (purse). I innocently inquired about the bolsa by saying, "Bolsa?" She had apparently been listening to us talk, so she said, "You speak English?" which made us think she spoke English, too. We were wrong. She then began to speak her limited English phrases, then launched into an unintelligible filibuster in Espanol. We all politely smiled and nodded, although Ginny did have some decent conversation with her. We got off at Atocha and walked up the Paseo del Prado and saw the Christmas lights. I've never seen a more beautiful display. We also saw the outside of the Prado Museum (we plan to go inside on Sunday), the Plaza de Canovas with the Neptune fountain, the Plaza de Cibeles, then walked back to the Puerta del Sol. Then we went to a local chocolateria called San Gines where we had churros and chocolate. Delicioso! We finally trudged back home where we called our families. Now we are going to bed. Good night!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Merry Christmas!
We had a fun time today and I am very grateful for all the gifts and Christmas wishes I received today. Thank you all so much.
I'll be traveling to Spain over the holidays. I am very excited. Then we'll be back at it again on January 8.
Have a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!
Love, Mrs. H
I'll be traveling to Spain over the holidays. I am very excited. Then we'll be back at it again on January 8.
Have a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!
Love, Mrs. H
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Sleighbells Ring!
Homework:
Study spelling and vocabulary words.
Math--polygons test tomorrow. Remember the names for polygons with different numbers of sides, the different names for triangles based on their sides and angles, whether polygons are regular or not regular, and whether they are similar or congruent or neither.
History quiz--have your notes available, because you can use them on this quiz.
Reading--we'll finish our The Family Under the Bridge fancy folder book reports tomorrow. Make sure you have covered all five steps and done your best work.
Each student received a Christmas party invitation today for our class party. Read that invitation for all the answer to your questions. Merry Christmas!
Love, Mrs. H
Study spelling and vocabulary words.
Math--polygons test tomorrow. Remember the names for polygons with different numbers of sides, the different names for triangles based on their sides and angles, whether polygons are regular or not regular, and whether they are similar or congruent or neither.
History quiz--have your notes available, because you can use them on this quiz.
Reading--we'll finish our The Family Under the Bridge fancy folder book reports tomorrow. Make sure you have covered all five steps and done your best work.
Each student received a Christmas party invitation today for our class party. Read that invitation for all the answer to your questions. Merry Christmas!
Love, Mrs. H
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Jingle Bells!
Homework:
Math--triangles worksheet
Language--cheeseburger paragraph
Reading--complete summary of book
History--word search and fill-in-the-blank sheet
Remember our Christmas plans (see back of last two Weekly Previews).
See you tomorrow!
Love, Mrs. H
Math--triangles worksheet
Language--cheeseburger paragraph
Reading--complete summary of book
History--word search and fill-in-the-blank sheet
Remember our Christmas plans (see back of last two Weekly Previews).
See you tomorrow!
Love, Mrs. H
Monday, December 3, 2007
Stuff for You!
Homework:
Math--p. 365 (5-22)
Science--study for test
History--"Christmas Past" Interview due Thursday
Santa Shop is now open. If you would like to purchase inexpensive gifts for your family, bring money.
Santa pictures will be made on Wednesday. Look for order form/envelope to come home tomorrow.
Please keep the Hayden families in your prayers.
Math--p. 365 (5-22)
Science--study for test
History--"Christmas Past" Interview due Thursday
Santa Shop is now open. If you would like to purchase inexpensive gifts for your family, bring money.
Santa pictures will be made on Wednesday. Look for order form/envelope to come home tomorrow.
Please keep the Hayden families in your prayers.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Homework on a No Homework Day
Because of our schedule, I felt it would be better to have a math and history test on Thursday this week. We've studied in class, but you might want to go over it again at home. The math is multiplying 2- and 3-digit numbers by 2-digit numbers, like: 23 x 18 or 549 x 62. For history, we have a study sheet, plus two workbook pages as study pages.
We'll still have spelling and vocab test on Friday.
See earlier blog for other information about next week.
See you later.
Love, Mrs. H
We'll still have spelling and vocab test on Friday.
See earlier blog for other information about next week.
See you later.
Love, Mrs. H
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!
Homework:
Math--complete "Megaburger" worksheet
History--WB p. 20
Spelling and Vocab--study words
Reading--Giant Post Card book report due Friday.
See yesterday's blog for other information.
Love, Mrs. H
Math--complete "Megaburger" worksheet
History--WB p. 20
Spelling and Vocab--study words
Reading--Giant Post Card book report due Friday.
See yesterday's blog for other information.
Love, Mrs. H
Monday, November 26, 2007
Back After a Good Break!
Parents, a homework workshop will be held in LFES library on November 29 at 6:30-8:00. Come see what you can learn!
Next week, Monday-Friday, Dec. 3-7, will be the PTSO Santa shop. If your student wants to purchase inexpensive gifts for family members, he or she should bring money during that week.
Wednesday, Dec. 5, will be Santa pictures. Prepay $17 to get one of these packages: 2 5-by-7s and 8 wallets; 36 gift tags; or 15 Christmas Cards with envelopes.
Homework:
Math--p. 254 (12-30 even) Complete the problems on the grid sheet of paper.
Spelling and Vocabulary--study words
Reading--Giant Post Card book report due on Friday, Nov. 30.
See you tomorrow!
Love, Mrs. H
Next week, Monday-Friday, Dec. 3-7, will be the PTSO Santa shop. If your student wants to purchase inexpensive gifts for family members, he or she should bring money during that week.
Wednesday, Dec. 5, will be Santa pictures. Prepay $17 to get one of these packages: 2 5-by-7s and 8 wallets; 36 gift tags; or 15 Christmas Cards with envelopes.
Homework:
Math--p. 254 (12-30 even) Complete the problems on the grid sheet of paper.
Spelling and Vocabulary--study words
Reading--Giant Post Card book report due on Friday, Nov. 30.
See you tomorrow!
Love, Mrs. H
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Thursday
Surprise! No math homework. We made turkeys instead.
But...
Study spelling and vocabulary words.
Tomorrow, your student will bring home a coupon book with an order form. Just follow the instructions on the red sheet, then when we get back from holidays, another note will go home from the PTSO telling when the orders are due.
Mid-Term Progress Reports go home tomorrow. Please return them, signed, on Nov. 26. Thanks!
Have a wonderful blessed Thanksgiving season! I'll see you on the 26th!
Love, Mrs. H
But...
Study spelling and vocabulary words.
Tomorrow, your student will bring home a coupon book with an order form. Just follow the instructions on the red sheet, then when we get back from holidays, another note will go home from the PTSO telling when the orders are due.
Mid-Term Progress Reports go home tomorrow. Please return them, signed, on Nov. 26. Thanks!
Have a wonderful blessed Thanksgiving season! I'll see you on the 26th!
Love, Mrs. H
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Yes, it really is Tuesday, not Monday!
The cookie dough is in. If you ordered three or more buckets of cookie dough, please plan how you will get it from the school to home tomorrow.
If you want to order Scholastic Book Club books, the December orders are due tomorrow.
Homework:
Math--p. 230 (Sets C and D)
Spelling--study words
Vocabulary--study words
Science--finish study sheet
See ya tomorrow!
Love, Mrs. H
If you want to order Scholastic Book Club books, the December orders are due tomorrow.
Homework:
Math--p. 230 (Sets C and D)
Spelling--study words
Vocabulary--study words
Science--finish study sheet
See ya tomorrow!
Love, Mrs. H
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Honor Our Veterans
Tomorrow is our Veterans' Day special assembly. Our class will perform a sign-languge song called "America" at the assembly. You're welcome to come. And invite any veteran or service person to attend with you. We'll honor them. We're not sure if the assembly will be in the elementary gym or the cafetorium, but you can find out when you get here. Please be at the school by 1:15.
Homework:
Math--p. 224 (14-36 even)
Vocabulary--study words
Spelling--study words
Language--finish writing Cluster Map story.
We'll have a history test tomorrow, but it won't be anything too major. Don't worry.
See you tomorrow!
Love, Mrs. H
Homework:
Math--p. 224 (14-36 even)
Vocabulary--study words
Spelling--study words
Language--finish writing Cluster Map story.
We'll have a history test tomorrow, but it won't be anything too major. Don't worry.
See you tomorrow!
Love, Mrs. H
Monday, November 5, 2007
Great Beginnings!
Today was a good day. We learned a lot.
Homework:
Language: Poetry Project is due tomorrow. It is worth 300 points! Even if you don't get all of your poems, bring what you've done. After tomorrow, I won't accept any late projects.
Math--p. 215 (6-24 even)
Spelling--study words
Vocab--study words
Science--worksheet if you didn't finish in class. Mrs. Latta is teaching science to 4C students as I teach history to her students. I think the students will enjoy the change each day.
Have a great afternoon!
Love, Mrs. H
Homework:
Language: Poetry Project is due tomorrow. It is worth 300 points! Even if you don't get all of your poems, bring what you've done. After tomorrow, I won't accept any late projects.
Math--p. 215 (6-24 even)
Spelling--study words
Vocab--study words
Science--worksheet if you didn't finish in class. Mrs. Latta is teaching science to 4C students as I teach history to her students. I think the students will enjoy the change each day.
Have a great afternoon!
Love, Mrs. H
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Thursday Tasks
To study for the science test tomorrow, do workbook p. 33. Use p. D76-D80 in the book to find your answers. Use your notecard for notes about asteroids, comets, and meteors.
Study spelling and vocabulary words.
I've extended the due date for the Poetry Projects until November 6. If you need more poems, see Tuesday's blog for five websites full of poems.
Tomorrow is 4th-grade Auxiliary Day. We'll have music, counseling, and computer class.
See you then.
Love, Mrs. H
Study spelling and vocabulary words.
I've extended the due date for the Poetry Projects until November 6. If you need more poems, see Tuesday's blog for five websites full of poems.
Tomorrow is 4th-grade Auxiliary Day. We'll have music, counseling, and computer class.
See you then.
Love, Mrs. H
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Candy Corn Day!
Today we did candy corn math. Ask your student about it. Tomorrow and the rest of the week we will learn about ordered pairs and coordinate graphing. No math homework this week.
Study spelling and vocabulary words. They should be with the Weekly Preview in your homework folder. Test on Friday, of course.
I've decided to extend to due date for the Poetry Project until Tuesday, November 6. Hope that helps.
Here are some websites from which you can find many poems. Have fun!
http://www.poetry4kids.com/poems
http://falcon.jmu.edu/~ramseyil/poechild.htm
http://www.storyit.com/Classics/JustPoems/classicpoems.htm
http://www.gigglepoetry.com/
http://www.ongoing-tales.com/SERIALS/oldtime/POETRY/
Love, Mrs. H
Study spelling and vocabulary words. They should be with the Weekly Preview in your homework folder. Test on Friday, of course.
I've decided to extend to due date for the Poetry Project until Tuesday, November 6. Hope that helps.
Here are some websites from which you can find many poems. Have fun!
http://www.poetry4kids.com/poems
http://falcon.jmu.edu/~ramseyil/poechild.htm
http://www.storyit.com/Classics/JustPoems/classicpoems.htm
http://www.gigglepoetry.com/
http://www.ongoing-tales.com/SERIALS/oldtime/POETRY/
Love, Mrs. H
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Warm, then Cold!
Watch the weather to know how to dress. It's getting questionable out there!
Homework:
Math--workbook p. 34-35
Reading--contract (read nonfiction book for 20 min.)
Spelling--Modified-write words 5 times each; Customary-p. 81; Accelerated-matching and syllables pages
Vocabulary--study words
Remember to be working on your Poetry Project. It's due Nov. 2.
Report cards go home tomorrow along with DIBELS score sheets. Please sign each and return. I will return the report card to you after I've made sure you've seen it.
Homework:
Math--workbook p. 34-35
Reading--contract (read nonfiction book for 20 min.)
Spelling--Modified-write words 5 times each; Customary-p. 81; Accelerated-matching and syllables pages
Vocabulary--study words
Remember to be working on your Poetry Project. It's due Nov. 2.
Report cards go home tomorrow along with DIBELS score sheets. Please sign each and return. I will return the report card to you after I've made sure you've seen it.
Monday, October 22, 2007
I'm Back!
I'm sorry that I didn't post homework last week. I simply forgot. I'll try not to be that irresponsible again!
Math--Stem and leaf plot worksheet--finding 20 different ages and plotting them.
Reading--contract for a nonfiction book (contract is on back of Weekly Preview). Please initial the correct line when your child reads 20 minutes to you.
Spelling--study words
Vocabulary--study words
Cookie dough orders are due Friday. I'm getting some to bake for Thanksgiving!
Have a great evening!
Love, Mrs. H
Math--Stem and leaf plot worksheet--finding 20 different ages and plotting them.
Reading--contract for a nonfiction book (contract is on back of Weekly Preview). Please initial the correct line when your child reads 20 minutes to you.
Spelling--study words
Vocabulary--study words
Cookie dough orders are due Friday. I'm getting some to bake for Thanksgiving!
Have a great evening!
Love, Mrs. H
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Tuesday
I must apologize for not getting your papers back to you before now. Check your mailbox tomorrow. They will be there. I promise!
Tomorrow is the Educational Critter Show. Cost is $3.
Homework: Math--worksheet with 3 word problems.
Reading: fluency passage--read for 1 minute and record number of words read.
Language: capitalization worksheet; study vocabulary on graphic organizer.
I don't think this is too much homework. Many students took advantage of the few minutes I gave them to do homework. I try not to overload you, but you can't be lazy in class!
Love, Mrs. H
Tomorrow is the Educational Critter Show. Cost is $3.
Homework: Math--worksheet with 3 word problems.
Reading: fluency passage--read for 1 minute and record number of words read.
Language: capitalization worksheet; study vocabulary on graphic organizer.
I don't think this is too much homework. Many students took advantage of the few minutes I gave them to do homework. I try not to overload you, but you can't be lazy in class!
Love, Mrs. H
Monday, October 8, 2007
Great Start for the Week!
Wednesday is the Educational Critter Show. The cost is $3. Students who don't go to the show will gather in one room for some activity.
Homework due tomorrow:
Math--worksheet: choose 4 of the 8 problems to do. Use each of the 6 steps of the plan to solve the problems.
Science--study guide for test tomorrow
Reading--"The Smuggler"
Love, Mrs. H
Homework due tomorrow:
Math--worksheet: choose 4 of the 8 problems to do. Use each of the 6 steps of the plan to solve the problems.
Science--study guide for test tomorrow
Reading--"The Smuggler"
Love, Mrs. H
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Thursday
T-shirt order deadline has been extended to tomorrow. If you don't have an order form, please see the blog from two days ago.
Homework:
Math--worksheet (many of the students sped through the worksheet at the very end of the day so they wouldn't have homework)
Spelling--study words
Vocabulary--study words
Language--test on sentences: kinds of sentences (interrogative, declarative, imperative, and exclamatory), run-on sentences, and sentence fragments.
Hasta Manana!
Love, Mrs. H
Picture orders are due also.
Homework:
Math--worksheet (many of the students sped through the worksheet at the very end of the day so they wouldn't have homework)
Spelling--study words
Vocabulary--study words
Language--test on sentences: kinds of sentences (interrogative, declarative, imperative, and exclamatory), run-on sentences, and sentence fragments.
Hasta Manana!
Love, Mrs. H
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Tuesday
Homework
Math--p. 185 (8-20)
Reading--timed story
Spelling--study words
Language--"A Sentence Convention"
Reminder: T-Shirt money is due tomorrow. If you don't have an order form, see yesterday's blog. And picture orders are due soon. Circle your choice and send the correct about of money.
Thanks to all of you who have let me know that you check the blog regularly. It makes taking the extra time worth it to me.
Love, Mrs. H
Math--p. 185 (8-20)
Reading--timed story
Spelling--study words
Language--"A Sentence Convention"
Reminder: T-Shirt money is due tomorrow. If you don't have an order form, see yesterday's blog. And picture orders are due soon. Circle your choice and send the correct about of money.
Thanks to all of you who have let me know that you check the blog regularly. It makes taking the extra time worth it to me.
Love, Mrs. H
Monday, October 1, 2007
Marvelous Monday!
Your Weekly Preview says that students have math homework tonight. We didn't get as far as I'd planned, so no math homework tonight. :)
However, reading homework is to complete "The Golden Touch"--due tomorrow.
Also continue studying the multiplication tables.
Study spelling and vocabulary words.
Your student brought school photos home today. If you want to purchase photos, indicate on the envelope which package you want and send a check made out to Southern Photo Services, Inc.
*Also, if you want to (and I am hoping you do) buy a $10 class T-shirt for your student, please fill out the form sent home last week. Make checks payable to Locust Fork Elementary or send cash. If you've lost the form, cut and paste the following into a word document and print out the form. Thank you!
That's all folks! Love, Mrs. H
T-SHIRT ORDER FORM
Student's Name ___________________________
Homeroom: Humber
Grade: 4
Sizes:
Youth S________ M________ L________
Adult S________ M________ L_________
XL_________ XXL_________
Total # of shirts ordered: ________
However, reading homework is to complete "The Golden Touch"--due tomorrow.
Also continue studying the multiplication tables.
Study spelling and vocabulary words.
Your student brought school photos home today. If you want to purchase photos, indicate on the envelope which package you want and send a check made out to Southern Photo Services, Inc.
*Also, if you want to (and I am hoping you do) buy a $10 class T-shirt for your student, please fill out the form sent home last week. Make checks payable to Locust Fork Elementary or send cash. If you've lost the form, cut and paste the following into a word document and print out the form. Thank you!
That's all folks! Love, Mrs. H
T-SHIRT ORDER FORM
Student's Name ___________________________
Homeroom: Humber
Grade: 4
Sizes:
Youth S________ M________ L________
Adult S________ M________ L_________
XL_________ XXL_________
Total # of shirts ordered: ________
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Tuesday
We didn't do very well on the math test yesterday, so after more instruction today, we took another test in a different form. I'll grade them tonight and see what happens. Your best grade will be in the grade book. No math homework.
Reading--Timed Fluency Passages--either "Cafeteria Feud" or "Jamie's New Neighbor." Do first timed reading tonight. We'll do another one tomorrow. Then do another one for homework on Thursday. Let's see improvement!
Reading--You Choose--if you didn't finish, complete for Homework.
History--Read p. 51-53 and answer the questions on p. 53.
See you tomorrow.
Love, Mrs. H
Reading--Timed Fluency Passages--either "Cafeteria Feud" or "Jamie's New Neighbor." Do first timed reading tonight. We'll do another one tomorrow. Then do another one for homework on Thursday. Let's see improvement!
Reading--You Choose--if you didn't finish, complete for Homework.
History--Read p. 51-53 and answer the questions on p. 53.
See you tomorrow.
Love, Mrs. H
Monday, September 24, 2007
Half-day Monday!
Sorry. I forgot to blog until just now.
Reading homework: "Tazio" sheet
Study spelling and vocabulary words. We have the same vocabulary words this week but will have the test tomorrow.
See you in the morning!
Love, Mrs. H
Reading homework: "Tazio" sheet
Study spelling and vocabulary words. We have the same vocabulary words this week but will have the test tomorrow.
See you in the morning!
Love, Mrs. H
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Terrific Tuesday
We had our beautiful headshots made today. Everyone had great smiles!
Today was the end of the fall fundraiser, but if you still have orders to turn in, please do so tomorrow.
Also, if you still want to place book orders, you can do that because the orders I've received can't be sent off yet.
Homework:
Math--p. 72 (10-24 even)
Study spelling and vocabulary words
Reading--"Kids in the Gold Fields" was due today, but you can bring it in tomorrow and only lose 10 points.
Hasta Manana!
Mrs. H
Today was the end of the fall fundraiser, but if you still have orders to turn in, please do so tomorrow.
Also, if you still want to place book orders, you can do that because the orders I've received can't be sent off yet.
Homework:
Math--p. 72 (10-24 even)
Study spelling and vocabulary words
Reading--"Kids in the Gold Fields" was due today, but you can bring it in tomorrow and only lose 10 points.
Hasta Manana!
Mrs. H
Monday, September 10, 2007
It's a Brand New Week!
I hope you took your Weekly Preview home. I was very adamant about you taking all that stuff home. Parents, if you haven't seen the work for today, let me know.
Homework:
Math--worksheet
History--workbook p. 8 (top). Use book p. 40-45.
Spelling--study words
Vocabulary--study words
Reading--"A Star Spangled Story" (due Friday)
Homework:
Math--worksheet
History--workbook p. 8 (top). Use book p. 40-45.
Spelling--study words
Vocabulary--study words
Reading--"A Star Spangled Story" (due Friday)
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Thursday
Tomorrow is spelling and vocabulary test day. We will also have a multiplicaton drill (0-5's) since we didn't have time for it today. We'll play Classroom Jeopardy! after our math lesson.
Mid-term progress reports go home next Wednesday.
Love, Mrs. H
Mid-term progress reports go home next Wednesday.
Love, Mrs. H
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Terrific Tuesday
The Charlotte's Web Book Boxes look great! Almost everyone followed the instructions exactly. I'm going to try to show them off in the library.
Math Homework--P. 51 (6-13)
History--workbook p. 7
Reading sheet for this week--"Thomas Jefferson and the Big Cheese"-due Friday
Study spelling and vocabulary words.
If you've looked at this blog, please click on "comments" and tell me your name. If this isn't beneficial, I'll stop doing it.
Have a great evening.
Love, Mrs. H
Math Homework--P. 51 (6-13)
History--workbook p. 7
Reading sheet for this week--"Thomas Jefferson and the Big Cheese"-due Friday
Study spelling and vocabulary words.
If you've looked at this blog, please click on "comments" and tell me your name. If this isn't beneficial, I'll stop doing it.
Have a great evening.
Love, Mrs. H
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Late on Tuesday night
Sorry this is so late.
Homework is math p. 34 (all sets odd)
Complete pyramid graphic organizer for book listened to in class.
Study spelling words
Study vocabulary words.
Friday' reading comprehension sheet is about Yankee Doodle.
Love,
Mrs. H
Homework is math p. 34 (all sets odd)
Complete pyramid graphic organizer for book listened to in class.
Study spelling words
Study vocabulary words.
Friday' reading comprehension sheet is about Yankee Doodle.
Love,
Mrs. H
Monday, August 27, 2007
It's Monday Again!
Homework:
Math--p. 32 (11-33 odd)
Reading--"Yankee Doodle" is due Friday
Reading--Book Box Project is due Tuesday, Sept. 4
Science--please send a clean, clear 2-liter cola bottle by Wednesday.
Please read the Weekly Preview to see what is happening all week.
Tomorrow, we make spiders to hang on our web!
Math--p. 32 (11-33 odd)
Reading--"Yankee Doodle" is due Friday
Reading--Book Box Project is due Tuesday, Sept. 4
Science--please send a clean, clear 2-liter cola bottle by Wednesday.
Please read the Weekly Preview to see what is happening all week.
Tomorrow, we make spiders to hang on our web!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Tuesday
No homework tonight except to study spelling and vocabulary words and do reading sheet (due Friday).
See you tomorrow!
Love, Mrs. H
See you tomorrow!
Love, Mrs. H
Monday, August 20, 2007
Monday, Monday!
Tonight's Homework: Math--page 15.
Reading: "And You Think Your Mom Is Strict!" due Friday.
Spelling: study words
Vocabulary: study words
Love, Mrs H
Reading: "And You Think Your Mom Is Strict!" due Friday.
Spelling: study words
Vocabulary: study words
Love, Mrs H
Sunday, August 19, 2007
I'm Back!
Hi! I forgot my username for this blog, so I couldn't get in last week. With a little help from my daughter, I finally remembered everything, so I plan to blog this week. Sorry for the delay!
Mrs. H
Mrs. H
Sunday, August 12, 2007
A New Beginning
Welcome to my blog! This is where you'll find homework assignments and other information. You can respond by clicking on "comments" below each post and adding your own comment. See you soon!
-Mrs. H
-Mrs. H
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