The second story in our Celebrating Traditions Unit is called
"Anthony Reynoso, Born to Rope."
This is a story of a family's tradition of Mexican rodeo roping and riding. Anthony and his family work hard and practice their skills for their exhibitions. Because of their hours of practice, they are now expert performers!
* * * * * * * * * *
Please share about a skill you have worked hard to learn.
What steps did you take to master this skill?
Was it difficult at first?
Did anyone help you to achieve this goal?
"Anthony Reynoso, Born to Rope."
This is a story of a family's tradition of Mexican rodeo roping and riding. Anthony and his family work hard and practice their skills for their exhibitions. Because of their hours of practice, they are now expert performers!
* * * * * * * * * *
Please share about a skill you have worked hard to learn.
What steps did you take to master this skill?
Was it difficult at first?
Did anyone help you to achieve this goal?
Dear Class,
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in fourth grade, our music teacher was looking for volunteers to join the school orchestra. She specifically needed a bass player. I had been studying the piano for two years and loved music, so I immediately raised my hand. The next thing I knew, Mrs. Cohen packed the bass in her car and drove me home! My mother was surprised when we arrived, but she was excited for me. The bass was a challenging instrument to learn. I had to learn to bow and pluck with my right hand and to find the notes on the strings with my left. With determination, I practiced daily for about 15 to 20 minutes. That was all my fingers could endure! By the time the orchestra concert date arrived, I was able to perform. My mother was a great supporter in helping me to achieve this goal. She encouraged me in my practice, played the piano along with me, and drove my bass and me everywhere we needed to go. Thank goodness we had a station wagon!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Ranney
Dear Mrs. Ranney and class,
ReplyDeleteWhen I was growing up, I used to ski every winter. Six years ago, I decided to learn how to snowboard. Because it was completely new to me, I signed up for a class with an expert. The teacher instructed me to always wear a helmet, to put my weight on my front foot when I wanted to go, and to bring my arms around and point in the direction I wanted to turn. Pointing in a direction helped turn my body in that direction. It took a lot of concentration to get my body in the correct position, and I fell and fell and fell and fell!
After hours of falling, I really felt like quitting. I told myself that everything is hard at the beginning, but if I would keep trying, I would succeed. After several days of focused practice, I was able go down a hill and make several turns without falling. Learning to snowboard was exciting for me. I am still a novice, but I am getting better.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Y♥llis
Dear Mrs. Ranney,
ReplyDeleteWhen I started swinging, my mom and my dad helped me. At first it was very hard, and now it's easy and fun. First, I learned to swing my legs. Second, I learned to swing my body back and forth, to go higher. I learned how to go high, and low. I used to swing every day, now I only swing once in awhile and it's a lot of fun.
Warmly,
Philip
Dear Mrs. Ranney,
ReplyDeleteThe hardest thing I ever learned was learning how to pitch. I play softball and ever since I started playing I wanted to pitch. At first it looked easy but then I tried and it was really hard. First, I had to learn the motion. It was so difficult I wanted to give up! There were so many different steps I couldn't remember! Finally I learned the motion. Next, I learned how to make the ball go faster. It changed my motion a lot so it felt like I was doing it wrong! After a while I got used to it. After I finish learning to make the ball go even faster, I will learn a change up and many other pitches! I guess I was wrong when I said it was easy! My mom and dad are always there for me.
I have some questions for you:
Was learning how to play the bass the hardest thing you have ever learned?
Did you enjoy learning the bass?
Best wishes,
Jamie
Dear Mrs.Ranney,
ReplyDeleteI once had a problem with multiplication. And then my Mom and Dad signed me up for Kumon and I got better and better by repetition. At first It was difficult but now I am very good at it. Thanks to Kumon and my parents I was able to accomplish my personal goal.
With Enthusiasm,
Your Student
Emily
Dear Mrs. Ranney,
ReplyDeleteI have worked hard at playing goalie on my soccer team.
At first it was very difficult because I did not know how to catch the ball. My dad helped me accomplish the goal by practicing with me. He would kick the ball to me and I had to save it.
Now I am a good goalie.
Warmly,
Aidan
Dear Mrs. Ranney,
ReplyDeleteThere is something that took me about two years to finally get good at. It was how to hit when a kid pitched in baseball. I have just got it down. I have been doing kid pitch for about two years. My baseball all star team and traveling team the " Wolves" have all been helping each other. Some of my team mates have already been hitting kid pitch. My dad has helped me the most by pitching baseballs to me. I also practice with my brother and my friends. Our team isn't very good at wining
yet, but we are very good at scoring runs. Our team has been together since I have started kid pitch.
Our team has been getting new players. I have had a great time telling you how I became an expert at kid pitch.
Warmest Regards,
Justin :)
@Philip,I still remember learning to swing when I was a little girl, and I still enjoy it now and then today!
ReplyDelete@Jamie, good for you for being determined and sticking with it until you were successful. Learning the bass was very challenging, I enjoyed it so much that it didn't seem as hard as it might have. I'm not sure what the most difficult thing I've ever had to learn is. I'll have to give that some more thought!
@Emily, I'm proud of you for sticking with it and learning multiplication. It will really come in handy this year!
@Aidan, goalie is a very important position in soccer. Congratulations on your success.
I noticed something that all of you have in common. That is that you all have very supportive parents!
That is wonderful!
Warm regards,
Mrs. Ranney
Dear Class, We want to thank you for letting us participate in the Uganda walk this morning. Aidan's grammy and grampy both worked hard in life. If you are blessed you study, and continue to learn and then like Aidan's
ReplyDeletegrampy your schooling enables you to have a career. Aidan's grampy is a Pediatric dentist, and now Aidan's grampy is retired and he gives his time to others. He goes to schools in Los Angeles where the childrens' parents work hard and where they have little extra money. He helps dental students learn how to be great dentists with the children they treat.
Grammy is lucky as she went to school to be a teacher and now she is retired and she gives her time as a docent at the Adamson house.
Perhaps as a school trip you can come to the house in Malibu for a tour. When you are good at something you need to try to be the best you can be, and then you can share your acccomplishments with others.
Love, Aidan's Grammy and Grampy
@Grammy and Grampy Zanger,
ReplyDeleteIt was our pleasure to have you with us on our walk today! Thank you so much for supporting us, our walk, and our blog.
Thank you, as well, for sharing about your expertise with us and for your inspirational message!
I look forward to your participation in our blog throughout the year.
Warm regards,
Mrs. Ranney
Dear Mrs. Ranney,
ReplyDeleteI am a drummer and learning to play the drums was a hard skill to learn. In fact, it still is, because I am still learning. I started learning how to drum less than a year ago, and I mastered the skill of playing on a small set of drums. I now have a new set of drums a full set. I am working hard to learn how to play them.
I love to perform! In Rock and Roll High summer camp, I was the band's drummer and performed in front of many parents and guests. Unlike Anthony Reynoso, I do not get nervous before a performance. I am similar to Anthony Reynoso, though. Much like he enjoys his roping exhibition, I enjoy the drumming show and feel very proud when I perform.
Do you like performing? Do you get nervous when you get ready to perform in front of an audience?
Yours,
Ella
Dear Mrs.Ranney,
ReplyDeleteI posted a comment about how it was so difficult for me to learn how to play soccer. My comment didn't show up though. So I thought of posting a new comment. (I am going to post the new comment now). It was difficult to learn how to play soccer because first I had to learn how to kick the ball. Then I had to learn how to pass the ball. After that I had to learn how to dribble the ball. Then I had to learn how to run and dribble the ball at the same time. Now I am a very good soccer player. Also, all of the years I have played soccer, my dad has been the coach. This Saturday I played a soccer game and my team won 4-0. I scored a goal from the side of the goal. That's why I love to play soccer, because I get to play soccer with my dad coaching me.
Best Wishes,
Carly
Dear Mrs.Ranney,
ReplyDeleteWhen I signed up for tennis lessons I thought that tennis was really hard.Then when I started taking lessons I got a lot better.After all the lessons I have become a good tennis player.
Warmly,
Jordyn
Dear Mrs Ranney and class,
ReplyDeleteAwesome post!
You asked some questions and here are my answers...
I have achieved in netball (netball is a sport like basketball but you can't bounce the ball and you don't have a back bourd).
I tried and tried to acheive this skill and I finally got it right.
What skill have you learnt?
From, Charlotte
(2KM)
Dear Mrs. Ranney,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Ryan. I am Justin's brother. I have a skill to share you. When I was little I saw kids skiping bars. I wished I could do that one day. I decided to start practicing. First, I did 5 normal laps around the monkey bars. I tryed to skip a bar but I missed and fell on the ground! When I went home I asked my sister how to skip the bars. She said "Your arms have to be longer". Every morning I streched out before school. I tried the next day. I fell and fell and fell! I felt like this was not a good idea, though my friends encouraged me to keep practicing. About a month later I skipped a bar! I fell though. Still, I could not belive I skipped a bar! I kept on practicing. Finally, I could skip bars around the whole monkey bars. I have some questions. Can you skip bars? How long did it take to master this skill? :) :)
From,
Ryan ♥ ♠
Dear Mrs. Ranney,
ReplyDeleteIt took me a while to learn how to swim. First, I took swimming lessons for about 2 years. Next my family built a pool in our backyard. This summer, we swam in the pool a lot and it was like I was having swimming lessons at home. Then my mom decided I didn't need to take swimming lessons anymore. Instead, I would swim laps but, if I wanted a popsicle or any other kind of junk food, I would have to do more laps. Boo! Now I can swim really well.
Sincerely,
Leah
Dear Mrs. Ranney,
ReplyDeleteWhen I was about 3 years old I learned how to roller skate. My mom and I went to A.C. Stelle so that I could practice. At first it was very tricky to do because I kept falling down. I use to sing a little Christmas song called "Put One Foot in Front of the Other" to help me keep my balance. I would repeat these words "Put one foot in front of the other and soon you'll be walkin 'cross the floor." As I would sing the song I became more triumphant. I had a little bit of help from my mom. She would help pick me up when I fell down. Roller skating is hard work but very fun. I can't wait to do it again.
Sincerely,
Rachel
Dear Mrs. Ranney
ReplyDeleteWhen I first started playing Poker I was not so good and my dad always won. Over the years I got better and better. I always win whenever I play with my dad now. Turns out, I just needed some practice. Most of the time we play before I go to bed. Once I was playing with my dad and I only had one and my dad had seven. I was really losing but all of a sudden I won seven in a row! Because of that, I ended up winning the game! My dad said I did a good job. I had really improved!
Sincerely,
Grace
Dear Mrs.Ranney,
ReplyDeleteWhen I was 7, I went skiing for the first time in Vail, Colorado.
I was really bad. Then I practiced and practiced. Then I got better and better. So now I am an expert.
I love skiing so much now that I am an expert.
Sincerely,
Sydney
Dear Mrs. Ranney,
ReplyDeleteWhen I was learning how to play basketball, I had to practice really hard. First, I had to learn how to make a good shot. Next, I had to learn how to dribble. Finally, I tried
both steps. I was triumphant.
Warmly,
Shawn
Dear Mrs.Ranney
ReplyDeleteI remember reading the tradition section and I think it was interesting. Something I worked hard to do is basketball. I used to need to practice and now I'm way better. People who helped me do this are Andrew Snyder and my friend Grayson. One more thing I got better at is the 5 minute test. This year Mrs.Krauss wants us to finish in 4 minutes and I can do my 11's and 12's in one minute.
Sincerely,
Liam [;
Dear Mrs.Ranney,
ReplyDeleteI think it is really awesome that I get to learn one thing that the people in my class are experts at! I also get to learn what my teacher is an expert at. Also I even get to learn another thing another teacher is an expert at. I think it is awesome that we get to blog about somthing that we are experts at!
Your Student,
Carly
Dear Mrs.Ranney,
ReplyDeleteI am an expert at basketball,handball, and soccer. My big brother Orr showed me how he plays.Then I tried everything he showed me, and I did them all correct. I practiced every day, and I got better every time I played. What are you an expert at? Do you have one or more activities that you are an expert at? I have a lot. I play basketball,handball,and soccer. I play basketball outside.I play handball inside.I play soccer in my backyard.I always get tired,and I take a break from doing all those things.
Your student,
Gal
Dear Mrs Ranney,
ReplyDeleteWhen I was 5 years old, I started playing soccer. I learned how to kick and dribble the ball. It was tough, but I made some new friends on my team. The team has stayed together for three years. Now, I play on a much bigger field with eight players in the game. We used to have 2 rovers and now we have 3. It is much harder to play on such a bigger field. In one of my practices, I scratched my leg so hard I would have cried, but I kept on going. It was three vs one rover and one goalie and I was the one rover. My leg was still hurting, but I kept on playing. I kicked out so many balls and the goalie stopped a lot of goals. Over the years, I have become a much better player. My mom and other moms really cheer us on. My dad is the coach of my soccer team, so he's cheering too. Now, I have to practice two times a week plus a game on Saturday. I have a lot of soccer in my life. Soccer is my favorite sport.
Your Student,
Mikayla
Dear Mrs. Ranney,
ReplyDeleteIt was difficult at first to learn to play football. I had a hard time catching the ball. At first, it was hard to catch the ball with a wet hand. Then my mom bought me football gloves to wear to help with my catching. They did not work so well. I wanted to give up but my dad and I kept on practicing. The work paid off! Now I can catch well and even catch with one hand.
Warmly,
Mikey
Dear Class,
ReplyDeleteI am so impressed with all your expertise! You are all very talented and have wonderful parents who have helped you achieve so many goal!
Keep up the great work!
Warmly,
Mrs. Ranney
Dear Mrs.Ranney,
ReplyDeleteI am learning to be a gymnast.
I go to Nikki's gym. Every Wednesday
I go to from 6:00-7:00. My teacher's
name is Crissy. My favorite part is rings.I like to twirl with my feet hanging up. I love gymnastics!
I also take piano lessons.I am learning "Baby" by Justen Bieber,
"Eye of the Tiger",& Five for Fighting's "Super man." My teacher's name is Aaron. I love piano!
Regards,
Ariel
Dear Mrs. Ranney,
ReplyDeleteI am an expert at handball, math, and language arts. My favorite of the three is handball. I am very good at slicies and hitting cross countries. I play handball at school every day at recess and lunch. I also get to play at home at the garage. Sometimes when I have playdates my friends play handball with me at home.
Warmly,
Jack
Dear Mrs. Ranney,
ReplyDeleteI have improved in soccer.
My dad and I play soccer so much, he teaches me how to be an expert. Someday I hope I will beat him at his own game.
Sincerely,
Kevin
Dear Mrs.Ranney,
ReplyDeleteWhen I played basketball, I was in first grade,I could only shoot the ball from 3 feet. In the beginning it was hard but after a lot of practice I was really good. I'm going to sign up for the league of Calabasas for the winter, and I know it's going to be fun.
My mom & dad come every Saturday to see me play and cheer.
Warmly,
Edo
Dear, Mrs Ranney,
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in first grade, I was bad at soccer. Now I am better because I was in soccer camp, and my brother drove me there..Now I am a lot better. I can shoot goals like other big kids.
Sincerely,
Tristan
Dear Mrs.Ranney,
ReplyDeleteI think that it is awesome that we get to learn at what people are experts. We even got to learn at what Aidan's grandparents are experts. I think it is a great privilege to be very good at something.
Your Student,
Carly
Dear Mrs.Ranney,
ReplyDeleteI will try to get both of my sisters on to this blog because I know one of the things that each of them are experts at. I do not want to name them though because I want them to write it in their own words. I really liked how you used the word endure in one of your comments. I think that is a two pointer.
Best,
Carly
Dear Mrs. Ranney,
ReplyDeleteI am Ben, Carly's cousin. One thing that I am an expert at is playing basketball. In order for me to become an expert, I have practiced basketball to a great extent. As well, I have learned many of my skills through other basketball experts that are older and more experienced than I am in. From these lessons from many experts, I have gained much talent and skill from this. My expertise in playing basketball has helped me to spread my knowledge to other young, aspiring basketball players. When I was 12 years old, I had learned many aspects and skills about basketball through my experienced coach. My coach knew basketball so well since he previously had coached basketball in high school but now was teaching our team because his son played as well. Basketball is very exciting because I enjoy playing and meeting new people which participating in both basketball practices and games. Overall, I am an expert at basketball through many of my past experiences regarding basketball and its aspects.
Sincerely,
Ben
Dear Ben,
ReplyDeleteThank you for coming on my class blog. I think that you are the first cousin to go on the blog!
Do you know that I have more than one class blog? I have one more question.
Could you please ask if Nate or Max would like to go on to my class blog? I really liked your comment. I think that your comment was realllly long! I have seen you play basketball with your friends and Nate. You are very good at basketball.
Is it true that you also play club soccer? I think that I remember you telling me when I went to your house in the summer. I have a question for you.
Have you ever played a sport other then Basketball?
Your Cousin,
Carly
@Ben
ReplyDeleteThank you for commenting on our blog. You gave a magnificent description of how you became an expert at basketball.
I have a question:
What age did you start playing basketball?
Warmly,
Jamie :)
@Jamie
ReplyDeleteI will have to ask my cousin what age he started playing basketball. I will try to ask him on the cruise I am going on over winter break. I know one more thing that my cousin is an expert at. He is an expert at roller skating. One time, when I did not know how to skate I had to hold onto Ben, and he would pull me along. I have a couple of questions for you.
What are you doing over winter break?
If you are going somewhere for winter break, is it going to snow?
Have you ever been in the snow before?
@Class
I think that all of the things that people are experts at are very impressive.
All the best,
Carly
@Carly
ReplyDeleteOver Winter Break I went to Palm Springs and had a sleepover with my friend and cousin.
I did not go to the snow over Winter Break but I have been before in Palm Springs.
Happy New Year!
Regards,
Jamie:)
Dear Mrs. Ranney,
ReplyDeleteI learned how to ride my bike. Riding took a lot of time to learn.
My brother learned to ride a bike at the same time.
We became experts together.
Happy New Year!
Aidan
@Jamie
ReplyDeleteI asked my cousin Ben when he started playing basketball, and he said he started playing basketball when he was six. Right now Ben is almost sixteen. Ben's birthday is on January twenty-ninth, so he is almost sixteen.
I have some questions:
Do you have any cousins that are experts at something?
If you do have a cousin that is an expert at something, could you please tell me a little bit about it?
Happy New Year!
All The Best,
Carly
Dear Mrs. Ranney,
ReplyDeleteHello, this is Jamie and Carly. We LOVED to learn about everything that people are experts at. We really liked to learn about what you were an expert at. Both of us think that what you are an expert at is astounding.
Another thing that we liked about this post is that we got to hear what everybody did in their free time.
Happy New Year!
Warmly,
Jamie and Carly:)
Dear Mrs. Ranney and Class,
ReplyDeleteHi! My name is Maddy and I am Carly’s sister. My special skill is dancing! I take my dance lessons at RID (Reflections In Dance).
The dance classes I take are:
Jazz, Tap, ballet, and turns and jumps!
My teachers, Miss. Kristen, Mrs. Margaret, and Miss. Mem help me learn how to dance very well.
That is why I am pretty good at dancing.
From,
Maddy
P.S. I’m in Mrs. Strong’s class.