Save Your Box Tops

Keep your eyes open tomorrow for information about Stevens' Box Tops Collection Program.  You can save Box Tops(like the ones above) and help earn money for the school.  Send your BOX TOPS in to Mr. Tauser. Thanks.

We're Studying Decimals (and Money) Tomorrow

On Tuesday, we are going to focus on decimals again.  This time we will be using money as our tool to learn more about how decimals work.  To get students thinking about THE MONEY, we will be watching the video above in class.

Monday, August 29, 2016- Decimals Using pictures

Today in class, we were focusing on how to represent decimals using base ten blocks.  This included a trip to the Smart Board for several students.  You can see the number 4.07 represented above. Tonight's homework involves practicing this skill.

The students did a great job adjusting to the switch this morning.  Thanks for the help with that.

Be Ready to Switch on Monday

Students in Ms. Rodriguez, Ms. Batson and Mr. Tauser's 4th grade homerooms will be shifting which class they go to first thing in the morning on Monday(August 29).

Ms. Batson's homeroom will begin the day in Mr. Tauser's room.

Ms.Rodriguez's homeroom will begin the day in Ms. Batson's room.

Mr. Tauser's homeroom will begin the day in Ms. Rodriguez's room.

As the day progresses, students will rotate in the same order as they did during week 1

Tauser to Rodriguez to Batson to Tauser

Astros Attendance in a place value chart

Today we dug into an old Astros Media Guide in hopes of learning a little bit about place value.

What exactly did we do?  We looked at this authentic source to find information about the club's attendance between the years of 2009 and 2012.  After students had found and recorded that information, individuals had a chance to represent those figures in a place value chart on the Smart Board.  Below, you can see examples of all three classes work.

Ms. Batson's Homeroom

Ms. Rodriguez's Homeroom

Mr. Tauser's Homeroom

Check out this Place Value Chart

We cranked up the Smart Board in class today and used it to talk about Place Value.  You can see above a picture of a place value chart that was filled in by several students who had the courage to go up to the board for the first time this year.

Writing on a Smart Board can be tricky.  As I tell students, it is like learning to write again.  I am confident that over the course of the school year all of us will be become proficient using this technological classroom tool.

Help Me Pick My First Day of School Tie

I rarely wear a tie.  However, the first day of school (which is on Monday) is a special occasion which merits a necktie.  Having said that, fashion is not my strongest suit, so I am calling on the world of social media to help me decide which tie to wear.  

Pictured above are my two options:

1. a Peanuts-themed Library tie

2. a Dr. Seuss Cat in the Hat tie

If you are interested in helping me celebrate the First Day of School in Style on Monday, please visit my Twitter feed and cast your vote.  Thanks.

Tauser/Batson/Rodriguez are one Fourth Grade Team at Stevens

Stevens will have six 4th grade teachers during the 2016-17 school year.  Half of the students will be spending their instructional day with Mr. Tauser(Math/Science-Room 131), Ms. Batson(Writing-Room 128) and Ms. Rodriguez(Reading-Room 127).

The other three fourth grade teachers are Mr. Walters, Ms. Sommers, and Ms. Allen.  Students will also be instructed by various ancillary teachers during the week.

You can meet your new teacher at Thursday's Meet the Teacher Event.

Mr. Tauser's Prime Directive

It was great to see students back at Friday's Back to School Bash.  My room is coming together for the upcoming school year.  One thing to look for on the wall when you come to class are THE PRIME DIRECTIVES.

I am a fan of STAR TREK.  In STAR TREK, the characters in the show are required to live by a prime directive. This is a guideline to help them be productive and get along with other people that they meet.  My hope is that the PRIME DIRECTIVES in Room 131 will help you be productive and get along with others that you meet.

TREAT OTHERS THE WAY THEY'D LIKE TO BE TREATED

If you are wondering about what to say to someone or whether or not to help them, think about what they'd like you to do or what would make them feel better. If you're not sure, ask the person what they'd like.

DON'T JUST BOO.  VOTE!

If something bothers you or doesn't seem right, always try to do what you can to fix it.  If a room is messy, straighten it up.  It's all right to complain if you don't like something, but you can take the next step and become part of the solution.

#YOUNEVERKNOW

Whether in math class or on the school bus or in the park on the weekend, the world is full of surprises.  Indeed, #youneverknow what might happen next.  Whether a surprise is exciting or disappointing, do your best to go with the flow and keep doing your best every second of the day.

CELEBRATE YOUR MISTAKES.  THEY HELP YOU GROW

It's great to make a 100 on a test or have perfect attendance for a year.  However, chances are you will fall short a few times as a student.  When you do,  take the chance learn from your mistakes and do better the next time.  You will be better for it.

Back to School Block Party This Friday (August 12)

Stevens Stallions you can get a head start on the new school year at Stevens' Back to School Block Party on August 12.  There will be music, games and more.  You can also pick up your registration packet and beat the rush.

See you on Friday!

WHAT TIME DOES THE EVENT START? (a math challenge to start off the week)

The event ends at 6:30 pm on Friday.  It is scheduled to be one hour long.   Based on this information, what time does the Block Party begin?

Click here if you need help with the answer.