This morning the students worked in small groups to create a checklist to use when responding to a new BCR for Schoolyard Toys. After sharing their checklists and discussing how to answer the BCR, students got to work on it, wile I pulled a reading group.
Crabs: We read and discussed chapter 2. For homework the students need to reread chapter 2 and explaining why the chapter was called Great Idea, in their RRJ.
After reading we had our homeroom class picture taken. Then we went to math.
In math we tackled the idea of mixed numbers. A mixed number is a whole number and a fraction, such as 1 1/2. While some students worked independently on a follow up worksheet, I pulled a small group to reteach the concept. There is a mixed number worksheet for homework.
After math we went to the computer lab where the students used Type to Learn 3 to practice their keyboarding skills. Then we went to lunch and outdoor recess.
After recess the students worked with partners and rehearsed what they planned to write in their persuasive pieces using their planning sheets. Some students got to practice in front of the class, as I provided feedback, too.
The students began their rough drafts and completed their BCRs while I met with reading groups.
Lions: We shared the captions the students wrote for homework last night. Then we read and discussed chapter 6. For homework the students need to reread chapter 6 (work on fluency, please!) and get a parent signature in their binder.
Bears: Unfortunately, we were short on time. Therefore, we met to get homework. Tonight they need to read chapter 15 and identify one thing that surprised them in this chapter.
We ended the day with a lesson from Mrs. Howard. She shared some test taking strategies with the entire third grade.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Terrific Tuesday
It may be cold outside but the sun is shining!!! Yippee!!
The students began reading by working in small groups to list and identify text features. After sharing their charts, we created a checklist to identify what was needed to answer a BCR that focused on...wait for it...text features! The students were asked to name and explain a text feature that could be added to the "hoops" section of Schoolyard Toys that would improve it.
While the students worked on the BCR, I pulled a reading group.
Lions: We read and discussed chapter 5, including words they listed as unknown yesterday, in class. For homework they need to reread page 32 and write a caption for the picture on page 33. BTW...we read page 32 TWICE in group today...and discussed it in detail.
In math we identified and named fractions of a whole and a set. The students rotated between three groups. One group worked with me creating fractions strips. Another group completed an independent worksheet. Finally, the third group went to anchor activities which included using fraction apps on the iPads. There is a fraction worksheet for homework.
After PE, lunch and outdoor recess the students identified arguments from the pros/cons chart to add to their persuasive writing planning sheet. While I met with reading groups, the children completed their planning sheets and finished their BCRs from this morning.
Reading Groups:
Bears: We shared the titles they wrote for chapter 13, for homework, last night. Then we read and discussed chapter 14. There is no reading homework for this group tonight.
Crabs: We had a disappointing group today...3 out of 6 students didn't do their homework. Then, with the help of GREAT students, I discovered an error on the novel schedule. So, we briefly identified the characters in the picture on page 7 and we shared our thoughts as to what was happening on that page. There is no homework for this group.
We ended the day by finishing reading about the ear.
The students began reading by working in small groups to list and identify text features. After sharing their charts, we created a checklist to identify what was needed to answer a BCR that focused on...wait for it...text features! The students were asked to name and explain a text feature that could be added to the "hoops" section of Schoolyard Toys that would improve it.
While the students worked on the BCR, I pulled a reading group.
Lions: We read and discussed chapter 5, including words they listed as unknown yesterday, in class. For homework they need to reread page 32 and write a caption for the picture on page 33. BTW...we read page 32 TWICE in group today...and discussed it in detail.
In math we identified and named fractions of a whole and a set. The students rotated between three groups. One group worked with me creating fractions strips. Another group completed an independent worksheet. Finally, the third group went to anchor activities which included using fraction apps on the iPads. There is a fraction worksheet for homework.
After PE, lunch and outdoor recess the students identified arguments from the pros/cons chart to add to their persuasive writing planning sheet. While I met with reading groups, the children completed their planning sheets and finished their BCRs from this morning.
Reading Groups:
Bears: We shared the titles they wrote for chapter 13, for homework, last night. Then we read and discussed chapter 14. There is no reading homework for this group tonight.
Crabs: We had a disappointing group today...3 out of 6 students didn't do their homework. Then, with the help of GREAT students, I discovered an error on the novel schedule. So, we briefly identified the characters in the picture on page 7 and we shared our thoughts as to what was happening on that page. There is no homework for this group.
We ended the day by finishing reading about the ear.
Monday, March 5, 2012
March Monday
The countdown to the MSA begins...next week we begin taking the MSA on MONDAY!!!!
In reading today we read a piece of non-fiction text called Schoolyard Toys. Then we identified what the BCR was asking and created a checklist to help up write a good response.
While I met with reading groups the students worked writing an answer to the BCR and individual reading group activities.
Reading Groups:
Crabs: We began a new book. The students were given their first novel schedule. SO we spent time going over how to read one. These novel schedules are expected to be kept in the reading section of their binder. We will be using it daily. Then we previewed the book and reviewed the words deciduous and contagious. Finally, we read and discussed chapter 1. For homework the children need to reread chapter 1 and get a parent signature int heir binder.
In math we began our study of fractions by watching a video put out by the Discover channel through United Streaming. There is a worksheet for homework.
Following music, lunch and outdoor recess, we looked at some opinion statements written by classmates and decided if they were written correctly. If they were not, we discussed how to change them to make them better. Then the students rewrote their opinion statements about zoos.
While I met with reading groups, the children continued their independent work from this morning.
Reading Groups:
Lions: Well, this group was a bit disappointing...three out of seven students didn't have their book and didn't do the independent assignment this morning to prepare them for group. Therefore, after some thought, I dismissed the group and had those who didn't do their work this morning, do it at that point.
Bears: We reviewed their lists of unknown words from chapter 13 and discussed the surprise at the end of the chapter...Kyle reveals he didn't catch the ball! For homework they need to write a title for this chapter.
We ended the day with an emergency class meeting. There was some very inappropriate behavior in the media center on Friday. We discussed the importance of making good choices and telling an adult when you know something is happening that shouldn't be.
Students should be working on their sound projects. They are due at the end of this month!!
In reading today we read a piece of non-fiction text called Schoolyard Toys. Then we identified what the BCR was asking and created a checklist to help up write a good response.
While I met with reading groups the students worked writing an answer to the BCR and individual reading group activities.
Reading Groups:
Crabs: We began a new book. The students were given their first novel schedule. SO we spent time going over how to read one. These novel schedules are expected to be kept in the reading section of their binder. We will be using it daily. Then we previewed the book and reviewed the words deciduous and contagious. Finally, we read and discussed chapter 1. For homework the children need to reread chapter 1 and get a parent signature int heir binder.
In math we began our study of fractions by watching a video put out by the Discover channel through United Streaming. There is a worksheet for homework.
Following music, lunch and outdoor recess, we looked at some opinion statements written by classmates and decided if they were written correctly. If they were not, we discussed how to change them to make them better. Then the students rewrote their opinion statements about zoos.
While I met with reading groups, the children continued their independent work from this morning.
Reading Groups:
Lions: Well, this group was a bit disappointing...three out of seven students didn't have their book and didn't do the independent assignment this morning to prepare them for group. Therefore, after some thought, I dismissed the group and had those who didn't do their work this morning, do it at that point.
Bears: We reviewed their lists of unknown words from chapter 13 and discussed the surprise at the end of the chapter...Kyle reveals he didn't catch the ball! For homework they need to write a title for this chapter.
We ended the day with an emergency class meeting. There was some very inappropriate behavior in the media center on Friday. We discussed the importance of making good choices and telling an adult when you know something is happening that shouldn't be.
Students should be working on their sound projects. They are due at the end of this month!!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Thursday
This morning we completed our reading and discussion of Should There Be Zoos? and also finished out capture sheets. After that we got into a fabulous discussion about Black History and segregation.
While I meet with reading groups this morning and this afternoon the students will write an opinion statement regarding zoos (whether or not we should have them). They will also do a homophone practice exercise from the language arts book. Finally, they will complete a comprehension worksheet about Sidney Poitier, the first American American to win an Academy Award.
Reading Groups:
Crabs: We shared the homework from last night, titles for chapter nine. Then we identified the problem and solution for the entire book. I collected book and we will begin a new one on Monday.
In math we began studying probability by identifying the terms certain, most likely, less likely, and impossible. Then the students rotated between three groups. One group completed a two sided probability practice worksheet and then went to anchor activities. The next groups worked with Mrs. Benson adding money. The final group worked with me telling time using an analog clock. There is a probability worksheet for homework. There will not be a quiz tomorrow.
Following art, lunch and outdoor recess I shared some student responses from yesterday with the class. We identified the strengths in these pieces, such as; strong topic and concluding sentences, naming and explaining support from the text and good transition words.
Then the children continued their independent work from this morning and I met with reading groups.
Reading Groups:
Bears: We shared the questions the students wrote for homework last night.
Lions: We shared last night's homework...discussing how Stumpy and Murray met and what they have in common.
THERE IS NO READING GROUP HOMEWORK FOR ANY GROUP TONIGHT!
We ended the day by identifying the three part of the ear (outer, middle and inner). We also learned that the eardrum needs to vibrate in order for us to hear.
I will be out tomorrow...so no blog update!
Remember, there is an early dismissal!!
While I meet with reading groups this morning and this afternoon the students will write an opinion statement regarding zoos (whether or not we should have them). They will also do a homophone practice exercise from the language arts book. Finally, they will complete a comprehension worksheet about Sidney Poitier, the first American American to win an Academy Award.
Reading Groups:
Crabs: We shared the homework from last night, titles for chapter nine. Then we identified the problem and solution for the entire book. I collected book and we will begin a new one on Monday.
In math we began studying probability by identifying the terms certain, most likely, less likely, and impossible. Then the students rotated between three groups. One group completed a two sided probability practice worksheet and then went to anchor activities. The next groups worked with Mrs. Benson adding money. The final group worked with me telling time using an analog clock. There is a probability worksheet for homework. There will not be a quiz tomorrow.
Following art, lunch and outdoor recess I shared some student responses from yesterday with the class. We identified the strengths in these pieces, such as; strong topic and concluding sentences, naming and explaining support from the text and good transition words.
Then the children continued their independent work from this morning and I met with reading groups.
Reading Groups:
Bears: We shared the questions the students wrote for homework last night.
Lions: We shared last night's homework...discussing how Stumpy and Murray met and what they have in common.
THERE IS NO READING GROUP HOMEWORK FOR ANY GROUP TONIGHT!
We ended the day by identifying the three part of the ear (outer, middle and inner). We also learned that the eardrum needs to vibrate in order for us to hear.
I will be out tomorrow...so no blog update!
Remember, there is an early dismissal!!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Rainy Wednesday
This morning we reviewed the idea that when you respond to a BCR you need to answer the question asked...not write a summary or retell the story. Then we identified what our latest BCR is asking and found support int he story to use in our answer.
While I met with reading groups the students answered the new BCR and then continued reading Should There be Zoos? and identifying pros and cons to add to their capture sheets.
Reading Groups
Lions: We reviewed their homework from last night. Unfortunately, not all students answered both questions and some forgot their materials. Students who forgot their materials were asked to leave the group...this is becoming a recurring problem. After discussing the homework questions we began reading and discussing chapter 4. For homework ALL students must read chapter 4 and write notes about the think about it questions.
In math the students took the unit 4 assessment. We will begin unit 5 tomorrow. This is a BIG one...it covers fractions, money, equations and probability. WHEW!
Following math we went to the computer lab to work on our keyboarding skills using Type to Learn 3. Then the students enjoyed lunch and indoor recess.
After recess we continued reading Should There Be Zoos and adding to our capture sheets. Today we also had time for some great discussion and to define new concepts such as symbiotic relation ship.
While I met with reading groups the students continued their independent work from this morning.
Reading Groups
Crabs: We discussed last night's homework, what Amber realized about best friends. For homework tonight the children need to read chapter 9 and write and explain a title for that chapter.
Bears: We shared last night's homework and made the connection to the beginning of the book. For homework the students need to read chapter 12 and write 2 questions. They can either be questions they are wondering about or questions they want their classmates to answer.
We ended the day with a class meeting about making good choices.
While I met with reading groups the students answered the new BCR and then continued reading Should There be Zoos? and identifying pros and cons to add to their capture sheets.
Reading Groups
Lions: We reviewed their homework from last night. Unfortunately, not all students answered both questions and some forgot their materials. Students who forgot their materials were asked to leave the group...this is becoming a recurring problem. After discussing the homework questions we began reading and discussing chapter 4. For homework ALL students must read chapter 4 and write notes about the think about it questions.
In math the students took the unit 4 assessment. We will begin unit 5 tomorrow. This is a BIG one...it covers fractions, money, equations and probability. WHEW!
Following math we went to the computer lab to work on our keyboarding skills using Type to Learn 3. Then the students enjoyed lunch and indoor recess.
After recess we continued reading Should There Be Zoos and adding to our capture sheets. Today we also had time for some great discussion and to define new concepts such as symbiotic relation ship.
While I met with reading groups the students continued their independent work from this morning.
Reading Groups
Crabs: We discussed last night's homework, what Amber realized about best friends. For homework tonight the children need to read chapter 9 and write and explain a title for that chapter.
Bears: We shared last night's homework and made the connection to the beginning of the book. For homework the students need to read chapter 12 and write 2 questions. They can either be questions they are wondering about or questions they want their classmates to answer.
We ended the day with a class meeting about making good choices.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Terrific Tuesday
This morning in reading we created a checklist to use as we revised and edited the BCR we answered yesterday in class. Then I continued reading Should There Be Zoos and we added to our capture sheet.
While I met with reading groups the students used the checklist and a blue marking pencil to revise and edit their own BCR. Then they recopied their improved response to be handed in and scored.
Reading Groups
Crabs: We reviewed last nights homework and identified the chewed chewing gum ball as the reason Amber was never going to talk to Justin again. Then we began reading and discussing chapter 8. For homework the children need to read pages 67-71 and explain what Amber realizes about best friends.
In math the students worked on a review packet for the unit 4 assessment. After all students completed the packet, I reviewed each question as the students corrected their work and asked clarifying questions. They are expected to study this packet for homework tonight. The unit 4 assessment will be tomorrow.
Following PE, lunch and outdoor recess, we continued reading Should There Be Zoos and adding information to our capture chart. After that, they children continued working on their BCR from this morning while I met with reading groups.
Bears: We had a great discussion about why Kyle told Nick that the Reds think he cheated. Tonight's homework is to read chapter 11 and write a 3 sentence summary telling me the most important events in the chapter.
Lions: We discussed and shared last night's homework. Tonight they need to read chapter 3 and take notes (on their novel schedule--no sentences needed) to help them discuss the answer to the think about it questions tomorrow in class.
The students ended the day , working in their small groups in which they built their harp, to answer some questions about changing the pitch using the harp.
While I met with reading groups the students used the checklist and a blue marking pencil to revise and edit their own BCR. Then they recopied their improved response to be handed in and scored.
Reading Groups
Crabs: We reviewed last nights homework and identified the chewed chewing gum ball as the reason Amber was never going to talk to Justin again. Then we began reading and discussing chapter 8. For homework the children need to read pages 67-71 and explain what Amber realizes about best friends.
In math the students worked on a review packet for the unit 4 assessment. After all students completed the packet, I reviewed each question as the students corrected their work and asked clarifying questions. They are expected to study this packet for homework tonight. The unit 4 assessment will be tomorrow.
Following PE, lunch and outdoor recess, we continued reading Should There Be Zoos and adding information to our capture chart. After that, they children continued working on their BCR from this morning while I met with reading groups.
Bears: We had a great discussion about why Kyle told Nick that the Reds think he cheated. Tonight's homework is to read chapter 11 and write a 3 sentence summary telling me the most important events in the chapter.
Lions: We discussed and shared last night's homework. Tonight they need to read chapter 3 and take notes (on their novel schedule--no sentences needed) to help them discuss the answer to the think about it questions tomorrow in class.
The students ended the day , working in their small groups in which they built their harp, to answer some questions about changing the pitch using the harp.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Bright and Sunny Monday
This morning we read a new story called "The Pudding Like a Night on the Sea" and we discussed inference as it related to the text. We also discussed the importance of reading and understanding what a BCR question is asking.
Then, while I met with reading groups, the students underlined important information, in the text, that they would use to answer the BCR. They also answered the BCR. After that, the children completed a homophones practice activity.
Reading Groups:
Bears: We read and discussed chapter 10. After group, the students used the thesaurus to identify three synonyms for the word crucial on page 60. Tonight they need to reread chapter 10 and tell what Kyle reveals to Nate (on page 61) and why they think he did that.
After our math warm up we took a few minutes to identify right angles in a picture. Then the students rotated through math groups. One group worked with Mrs Benson identifying faces, edges and vertices on sold figures. Another group worked with me practicing illustrating vocabulary specific to this unit on white boards. The final group went to anchor activities to independently practices math skills.
There is a worksheet (identifying right angles in a picture) for homework. We will review for the unit 4 assessment in class tomorrow. The students will take the assessment on Wednesday.
Following music, the children enjoyed lunch and outdoor recess.
When they returned to class, we began reading persuasive text called Should There be Zoos. The children are filling out a capture sheet, charting arguments that are "for" and "against" zoos, as we read this text. They will eventually use this information to write a persuasive paper either for or against zoos.
The students continued the independent work assignments from this morning, while I met with reading groups.
Reading Groups:
Lions: We began reading and discussing chapter 2. For homework they need to read chapter 2 and explain, in their RRJ, what Kona likes about his friends.
Crabs: We began reading and discussing chapter 7. For homework the children need to read pages 57-61 and explain why Amber says she is never speaking to Justin again.
We are ending the day with a visit to our school's science fair!
Then, while I met with reading groups, the students underlined important information, in the text, that they would use to answer the BCR. They also answered the BCR. After that, the children completed a homophones practice activity.
Reading Groups:
Bears: We read and discussed chapter 10. After group, the students used the thesaurus to identify three synonyms for the word crucial on page 60. Tonight they need to reread chapter 10 and tell what Kyle reveals to Nate (on page 61) and why they think he did that.
After our math warm up we took a few minutes to identify right angles in a picture. Then the students rotated through math groups. One group worked with Mrs Benson identifying faces, edges and vertices on sold figures. Another group worked with me practicing illustrating vocabulary specific to this unit on white boards. The final group went to anchor activities to independently practices math skills.
There is a worksheet (identifying right angles in a picture) for homework. We will review for the unit 4 assessment in class tomorrow. The students will take the assessment on Wednesday.
Following music, the children enjoyed lunch and outdoor recess.
When they returned to class, we began reading persuasive text called Should There be Zoos. The children are filling out a capture sheet, charting arguments that are "for" and "against" zoos, as we read this text. They will eventually use this information to write a persuasive paper either for or against zoos.
The students continued the independent work assignments from this morning, while I met with reading groups.
Reading Groups:
Lions: We began reading and discussing chapter 2. For homework they need to read chapter 2 and explain, in their RRJ, what Kona likes about his friends.
Crabs: We began reading and discussing chapter 7. For homework the children need to read pages 57-61 and explain why Amber says she is never speaking to Justin again.
We are ending the day with a visit to our school's science fair!
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