Rikard's Weblog

The C

Aspiring News Reporters

As we continue to learn about current events by watching CNN and reading Time for Kids, my students are also reporting the news!  Read on to see some interesting facts about the recent tsunami!

Killer Wave  by Ignacio

When I heard about the tsunami I felt sad because over 150,000 people died. Schools were destroyed and buildings were destroyed and houses too. People were holding on to something so the river would pull them. It took place in Indian Ocean. It was caused by in earthquake under the sea. The tsunami destroyed India. A man said that he was watching his elephant than all the elephant ran away. That’s when the tsunami happened. People are helping giving food and water. People were thirsty. If they drink the water they would get sick. Japan Australia and the USA are helping. I heard in the news that a class in New Yorkare helping, they know how it feels. I wish I could go to Indiaand help.

The Elephants Help Tsunami Victims  by: Estefania

Tsunamis are caused by a long ocean wave or earthquake.  Over 150, 000 people were killed.  It hit in the Indian Ocean.  Cars were washed away.  Buildings were damaged. Houses fell down.  So they needed someone to clean it up.  The elephants are helping by cleaning it up.  The elephants knew that someone was going to happen.  They are from South Asia. It was awful!

Killer Wave:  A Tsunami Story  by:  Tramanda

What happens when a tsunami hits? Help is on the way! And what animal is the most helpful? Elephants! A tsunami is a giant wave caused by an earthquake or a volcano. In this case, an earthquake. It killed more than 150,000 people. “We can send some food and money from the donation box to the tsunami victims,” says Principal Joyce Hooper. “When I saw it on T.V., I felt so sad for the people whose loved ones died,” she says. George W. Bush promised millions, so they should be alright. I sure do feel sorry for those people. PLEASE HELP.

Killer Wave  by Kristeen

Would you like to be the first to know about the monster wave ….well you are. A tsunami is a huge wave. It can be caused by an earthquake or volcano (ours was caused by an earthquake). It can also go as high as 30 meters .The last tsunami that hit was almost 40 years ago in Hawaii. The tsunami killed about 155,000 people in India, Sri Linka and more. Most people are left homeless. Former eighth grader Kathleen G. Shirley quotes “I think all people should donate money, food water, and clothes”. I think she is absolutely right. All people should help out .So if you want to help donate at www.CNNstudentnews.com. Before we go it looks like elephants are helping to clear out the mess that the tsunami made, too.

What are some other events going on in our world today?

Live Strong!

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!  As our parents proved to be so giving during this special season with their time and energy, thier children did the same!  We recently watched a moving story on CNN about Lance Armstrong and how he not only won his fight with cancer, but also won the Tour de France five times! The kids in my class immediately decided that they wanted to make a difference in our world as well.  Many of them brought in $1 to purchase a special bracelet to support the cause, with all proceeds going to the Lance Armstrong Foundation and cancer research.  I was amazed my their continuous generosity!  Are you familiar with Lance Armstrong and the Tour de France?  Are you aware of other organizations that are specifically designed to help others?

Happy New Year!

Welcome back to J.H. House!  I hope that everyone had a restful vacation and were able to share time with family and friends.  We had an exciting week before leaving for Christmas break!  Between the 34th annual magic show with David Ginn and our Christmas party, we were quite busy!  Perhaps our favorite events during our holiday season were the numerous visits from our parents, grandparents, and community friends who volunteered their time to read their favorite holiday stories to the class!  We shared apple cider, received special ornaments, and were even able to try our hand at drumming on special drums from other countries, all in connection with our storytime!  It is such a special time of year, and we were able to celebrate in a very exciting way!  Do you have a favorite Christmas story or memory like these?

Our Patriotism

After an exciting few weeks of campaigning, voting, and election results, we have had an enormous swell of pride throughout the classroom!  In a Social Studies project on United States symbols, my students created colorful posters with interesting information on our country's symbols.

The Liberty Bell was cracked for the third time when it was rung for the death of Chief Justice John Marshall!  It is in Philidelphia, Pennsylvania and is an interesting symbol of America!  ~Tramanda

Many people believe that Uncle Sam was named after a real person named Samual Wilson.  You can see Uncle Sam on posters, pointing and saying "I Want You for U.S. Army!".  ~Taylor

The U.S. flag was sewn by Betsy Ross.  Now it has 13 stripes for the 13 colonies and 50 stars for the 50 states.  ~Sonia

Did you know that the turkey almost became a national symbol?  But they chose the eagle instead because it was a powerful bird and it could only be found in North America.  I'm glad they chose the eagle because the eagle is my favorite animal!  ~Ignacio

As for me, I love looking at the Statue of Liberty.  It was actually a gift from France.  Everytime I see it, I feel so much pride in our country!  Do you have a favorite American symbol?

Choosing A Candidate

On Monday, November 1st, each third grader exercised thier right to vote!  With voter registration card and picture i.d. in hand, they proudly stood in line at our mock poll.  After having their name checked off, they went to a computer where they selected a candidate for president.  This was a priceless moment for each student as they experieced what it is like for thier parents, and other adults who would be voting the following day.  With George W. Bush winning the popular vote at J.H. House, several students had comments on the election process.

Election day was so much fun!  I was so patriotic! The place we went to was called the polls.  We couldn't talk or tell other people who to vote for.  IT was cool. ~Angel

When I went to vote, I was a little scared of doing something wrong.  But I didn't make any mistakes.  It made me feel patriotic.  I know voting is very important! ~Estefania

Voting was a great thing because other countries don't get to vote.  We had to show our i.d. cards and our registration card.  We even voted on the computers.  ~Ignacio

Getting Started

As I learn about the process of blogging, I am excited about the possibilities and opportunities this experience will provide for my students! This is a wonderful activity that will challenge students in many academic areas! After viewing Weblogs from other schools and other teachers, my mind is racing with ideas of engaging interactive projects! Let's get started!