This morning in math we began the unit 5 assessment. We will complete it on Monday.
Our reading and writing block focused on two types of rhyming poetry; couplets and tercets (or triplets). Couplets are poems that are composed of two lines of poetry that rhyme and have the same number of syllables. Tercets are similar but have groups of three lines of text. After searching for and sharing examples of couplets and tercets the students completed a guided worksheet to write once couplet.
While I met with reading groups, the students wrote couplets and finished writing the two acrostic poems that were assigned yesterday. If they finished early, they were able to choose between reading, copying and/or illustrating poetry or writing their own acrostic or couplet poem.
Reading Groups:
Hyenas: We read and discussed chpater nine. I collected the books...we are DONE!
Snow Tigers: We read and discussed chapter 3.
Hornets: Due to a schedule change, we didn't meet. :-(
Follwoing lunch and recess the students will go to music. When they return we will finish the follow up activity from their guidance lesson yesterday. They will be creating (and sharing) anti-bullying super heroes.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Take Your Child to Work Day
The day began with some crazy weather...but the children came to school focused and ready to go!! Woo Hoo!
We spent the entire math block practicing problems, similar to those in the reviewer packet that the class identified as challenging. For homework tonight the students are expected to use the review packet to prepare for the assessment TOMORROW!
Our reading block began with the children sharing the acrostic poems they wrote yesterday. Then we discussed the idea of a theme in poetry. I modeled writing a poem, using a topic off of my topic list, centered around a theme.
While I met with reading groups the students completed their acrostic poems packet. Then they chose one of their acrostic name poems and created a final copy to turn in and have scored...scoring will be based upon evidence of a theme and the presentation in general. After turning this activity in, the students will select a topic off of their topic list and write a theme based acrostic poem. Next, they will create a word find using their spelling words. Finally, if there is time, they will read, write and illustrate poems.
Reading Groups:
Snow Tigers: We reread and discussed chapter 2. Then the students shared the titles they chose for homework last night. No homework tonight!
Hornets: We discussed what Chester was doing to Bunnicula. NO homework tonight.
Hyenas: We began reading chapter 9. No homework tonight.
Following lunch and indoor recess the students will go to the media center. When they return Mrs. Howard and Mr. Romer will do a lesson about bullying.
We spent the entire math block practicing problems, similar to those in the reviewer packet that the class identified as challenging. For homework tonight the students are expected to use the review packet to prepare for the assessment TOMORROW!
Our reading block began with the children sharing the acrostic poems they wrote yesterday. Then we discussed the idea of a theme in poetry. I modeled writing a poem, using a topic off of my topic list, centered around a theme.
While I met with reading groups the students completed their acrostic poems packet. Then they chose one of their acrostic name poems and created a final copy to turn in and have scored...scoring will be based upon evidence of a theme and the presentation in general. After turning this activity in, the students will select a topic off of their topic list and write a theme based acrostic poem. Next, they will create a word find using their spelling words. Finally, if there is time, they will read, write and illustrate poems.
Reading Groups:
Snow Tigers: We reread and discussed chapter 2. Then the students shared the titles they chose for homework last night. No homework tonight!
Hornets: We discussed what Chester was doing to Bunnicula. NO homework tonight.
Hyenas: We began reading chapter 9. No homework tonight.
Following lunch and indoor recess the students will go to the media center. When they return Mrs. Howard and Mr. Romer will do a lesson about bullying.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Hump Day
Tomorrow is Take Your Child to Work Day which is an excused absence. I had planned to give the Unit 5 math assessment tomorrow but will most likely reschedule it until tomorrow. However, we did review the entire review packet in math class today. All students should bring home a completed and correct packet. I expect them to study the packet, tonight and tomorrow, for the assessment on Friday.
We began our reading block with students sharing favorite poems they discovered in class yesterday. Then we read some acrostic poems and previewed a packet that we will use to help us write acrostic poems.
While I met with reading groups the students completed the acrostic poem packet. After that they wrote their spelling words three times each. Finally, they continued reading poems and copying their favorites into their RRJ.
Reading Groups:
Snow Tigers: We reread and discussed chapter 1. For homework they need to read chapter 2 and write a title for that chapter.
Hornets: We discussed chapter 6 and began reading chapter 7. For homework they need to read chapter 7 and answer the question "What was Chester doing to Bunnicula?"
Hyenas: We shard the interesting facts they learned in chapter 7. For homework tonight they need to read chapter 8 and get a parent signature in their planner.
Following lunch and outdoor recess the students went to PE. WHen they return we will discuss how to care for the seeds we planted yesterday afternoon.
We began our reading block with students sharing favorite poems they discovered in class yesterday. Then we read some acrostic poems and previewed a packet that we will use to help us write acrostic poems.
While I met with reading groups the students completed the acrostic poem packet. After that they wrote their spelling words three times each. Finally, they continued reading poems and copying their favorites into their RRJ.
Reading Groups:
Snow Tigers: We reread and discussed chapter 1. For homework they need to read chapter 2 and write a title for that chapter.
Hornets: We discussed chapter 6 and began reading chapter 7. For homework they need to read chapter 7 and answer the question "What was Chester doing to Bunnicula?"
Hyenas: We shard the interesting facts they learned in chapter 7. For homework tonight they need to read chapter 8 and get a parent signature in their planner.
Following lunch and outdoor recess the students went to PE. WHen they return we will discuss how to care for the seeds we planted yesterday afternoon.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Welcome Back!
I hope everyone enjoyed the Spring Break!! I know I did but I can't say it was relaxing...it was fun, though!
We hit the ground running this morning! In math we began reviewing for the Unit 5 assessment. Most students worked independently on a review packet. Some met with Miss Stevie or myself to practice counting money. Mrs. Arul worked with a few students to identify the value of a fraction of a set. All students (except 3...LD, NB and JB) need to complete the review packet for homework tonight.
For the next couple of weeks, our reading and writing block will focus on the study of poetry. So today we shared our thoughts to answer the questions, "What is poetry?" Our definition highlighted the fact that poetry is meant to be read aloud and shared thoughts and ideas using rich language. Then I read some poems out loud to the class.
While I met with reading groups the students sorted the new spelling words they got today (words that end in -y and -ion). They also created a list of topics for writing poetry. Finally, they read poems and copied their favorite into their RRJ to be shared with the group tomorrow.
Reading Groups:
Hornets: We began reading and discussing the vocabulary in chapter 6. For homework they need to read the rest of the chapter, pages 66-77, and answer the question, " Why did Chester throw water at Bunnicula?"
Hyenas: We began reading and discussing chapter 7. Overall, this group is facing some fluency challenges. It is important that these students read each and every night. Tonight they need to reread chapter 7 and get a parent signature in their planner. Additionally, they need to list 1 interesting fact from this chapter.
Snow Tigers: We got a new book today! For homework they need to read chapter 1 of The Year of the Panda and list any unknown words. Following lunch and outdoor recess we will have a class meeting. At our class meeting we will share fun events from our Spring Break and discuss ways we can concentrate on school duuring these last few, exciting weeks.
Hopefully, we will end the day by planting our seeds in science.
We hit the ground running this morning! In math we began reviewing for the Unit 5 assessment. Most students worked independently on a review packet. Some met with Miss Stevie or myself to practice counting money. Mrs. Arul worked with a few students to identify the value of a fraction of a set. All students (except 3...LD, NB and JB) need to complete the review packet for homework tonight.
For the next couple of weeks, our reading and writing block will focus on the study of poetry. So today we shared our thoughts to answer the questions, "What is poetry?" Our definition highlighted the fact that poetry is meant to be read aloud and shared thoughts and ideas using rich language. Then I read some poems out loud to the class.
While I met with reading groups the students sorted the new spelling words they got today (words that end in -y and -ion). They also created a list of topics for writing poetry. Finally, they read poems and copied their favorite into their RRJ to be shared with the group tomorrow.
Reading Groups:
Hornets: We began reading and discussing the vocabulary in chapter 6. For homework they need to read the rest of the chapter, pages 66-77, and answer the question, " Why did Chester throw water at Bunnicula?"
Hyenas: We began reading and discussing chapter 7. Overall, this group is facing some fluency challenges. It is important that these students read each and every night. Tonight they need to reread chapter 7 and get a parent signature in their planner. Additionally, they need to list 1 interesting fact from this chapter.
Snow Tigers: We got a new book today! For homework they need to read chapter 1 of The Year of the Panda and list any unknown words. Following lunch and outdoor recess we will have a class meeting. At our class meeting we will share fun events from our Spring Break and discuss ways we can concentrate on school duuring these last few, exciting weeks.
Hopefully, we will end the day by planting our seeds in science.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Thursday...almost there!
Spring Break is right around the corner and you can definitely feel it in the air!
In math, this morning, we tackled long division. We reviewed the steps (divide, multiply, subtract, bring down) and practiced solving a few problems. This will not be on the quiz tomorrow!! There is a money sheet for homework and, yes, we will have a quiz tomorrow, too!
In reading we used the fantasy, The Great Kapok Tree, to understand inference and identify the author's message. Thanks to our outstanding reading specialist, Mrs. Hepner, I was able to show the students different sets of pictures, in which the person photographed had similar actions but we could infer different things. For example, I had two pictures of a person running...one was in workout gear, the other in a suit carrying a briefcase. We could infer that the first person was working out, while the second person was late to work. This was a fantastic way to teach the idea of inference!!
After reading and discussing The Great Kapok Tree we headed to the gym to visit the 4th grade's awesome wax museum! Each year the 4th grade students research a famous American and present their information through a wax museum. It's always such a treat and this year did not disappoint!
When we returned to the classroom, I met with two of the reading groups and Mrs. J. conferenced with students on their writing. The students worked on a follow up worksheet for The Great Kapok Tree. They needed to identify the author's message and use example from the story to support their idea. Then they need to work on the final copy of their fantasy story.
Reading Groups:
Hornets: We shared their questions from Tuesday night's homework. There is o homework tonight.
Hyenas: We reviewed the beginning, middle and end of chapter 6. There is no homework tonight.
Following lunch and outdoor recess the students will go to the computer lab with Mrs. Rose. When they return, Mrs. Howard and Mr. Romer will visit to do a guidance lesson!
I will be out tomorrow for part 2 of my root canal! I am sure the students will have a productive day with the substitute teacher! Enjoy the Spring Break!!
In math, this morning, we tackled long division. We reviewed the steps (divide, multiply, subtract, bring down) and practiced solving a few problems. This will not be on the quiz tomorrow!! There is a money sheet for homework and, yes, we will have a quiz tomorrow, too!
In reading we used the fantasy, The Great Kapok Tree, to understand inference and identify the author's message. Thanks to our outstanding reading specialist, Mrs. Hepner, I was able to show the students different sets of pictures, in which the person photographed had similar actions but we could infer different things. For example, I had two pictures of a person running...one was in workout gear, the other in a suit carrying a briefcase. We could infer that the first person was working out, while the second person was late to work. This was a fantastic way to teach the idea of inference!!
After reading and discussing The Great Kapok Tree we headed to the gym to visit the 4th grade's awesome wax museum! Each year the 4th grade students research a famous American and present their information through a wax museum. It's always such a treat and this year did not disappoint!
When we returned to the classroom, I met with two of the reading groups and Mrs. J. conferenced with students on their writing. The students worked on a follow up worksheet for The Great Kapok Tree. They needed to identify the author's message and use example from the story to support their idea. Then they need to work on the final copy of their fantasy story.
Reading Groups:
Hornets: We shared their questions from Tuesday night's homework. There is o homework tonight.
Hyenas: We reviewed the beginning, middle and end of chapter 6. There is no homework tonight.
Following lunch and outdoor recess the students will go to the computer lab with Mrs. Rose. When they return, Mrs. Howard and Mr. Romer will visit to do a guidance lesson!
I will be out tomorrow for part 2 of my root canal! I am sure the students will have a productive day with the substitute teacher! Enjoy the Spring Break!!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Hump Day
This morning in math we used "guess and check" to fill in unknowns (empty boxes) in order to make number sentences true. While the students worked independently, small groups worked on placing fractions and mixed numbers on number lines, counting coins and drawing pictures to represent mixed numbers. There is a worksheet for homework.
We began our reading group by sharing our rough drafts in small groups of students. The purpose was to read our story out loud and to discuss our writing with peers. After that, we met in a whole group and students had the chance to volunteer to read their rough draft in front of the class and receive feedback from me.
After that we read the story, The Paper Bag Princess, and discussed the author's message.
While I met with reading groups, Mrs. J. conferenced with individual students on their fantasy stories and the students worked on an inference worksheet and made a word search using their spelling words.
Reading Groups:
Hyenas: We shared their questions from last night's homework. Tonight they need to read chapter 6 and identify (using words or pictures) the beginning, middle and end of the chapter.
Snow Tigers: We began sharing questions from last night's homework and ran into some challenges. Some students wrote questions that were not answered in this chpater. Others wrote solid questions but the other students couldn't answer them. This led to frustration on my end. After some discussion, the students, one by one, admitted that they were struggling to comprehend this book.
Therefore, I have collected this book and we will start with a new book following SPring Break.
Obviously, no homework tonight but all students should read for at least 20 minutes each night!
Hornets: If you read above, you will understand why I ran out of time and did not meet with this group! No new, formal homework for this group...however, all students should read for at least 20 minutes each night!
Following lunch nad outdoor recess the students will go to PE. When they return to class we will have a class meeting and share our conflict and compromise charts...Yes, we were supposed to do both of these yesterday but things don't always go as planned! ;-)
We began our reading group by sharing our rough drafts in small groups of students. The purpose was to read our story out loud and to discuss our writing with peers. After that, we met in a whole group and students had the chance to volunteer to read their rough draft in front of the class and receive feedback from me.
After that we read the story, The Paper Bag Princess, and discussed the author's message.
While I met with reading groups, Mrs. J. conferenced with individual students on their fantasy stories and the students worked on an inference worksheet and made a word search using their spelling words.
Reading Groups:
Hyenas: We shared their questions from last night's homework. Tonight they need to read chapter 6 and identify (using words or pictures) the beginning, middle and end of the chapter.
Snow Tigers: We began sharing questions from last night's homework and ran into some challenges. Some students wrote questions that were not answered in this chpater. Others wrote solid questions but the other students couldn't answer them. This led to frustration on my end. After some discussion, the students, one by one, admitted that they were struggling to comprehend this book.
Therefore, I have collected this book and we will start with a new book following SPring Break.
Obviously, no homework tonight but all students should read for at least 20 minutes each night!
Hornets: If you read above, you will understand why I ran out of time and did not meet with this group! No new, formal homework for this group...however, all students should read for at least 20 minutes each night!
Following lunch nad outdoor recess the students will go to PE. When they return to class we will have a class meeting and share our conflict and compromise charts...Yes, we were supposed to do both of these yesterday but things don't always go as planned! ;-)
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Soggy Tuesday
This morning in math we matched the appropriate number sentence with a given word problem. To prepare for this, we worked in small groups writing number sentences on white boards using word problems written on the board. While students worked independently, two small groups met. One used subtraction to identify change due. The other practiced identifying fractions of a set. There is a worksheet for homework tonight.
We began our reading block with a 10 minute work session to complete the planning chart for our next writing piece. Then we shared our charts with the class...this provides an opportunity to talk about our ideas before putting pencil to paper! Then we reviewed breaking words into syllables.
While I met with reading groups the students wrote the rough drafts of their writing pieces, completed a worksheet for chapter 4 of their reading group books and wrote their spelling words, breaking them into syllables.
Reading Groups:
Snow Tigers: We read and discussed chapter 5. For homework they need to read chapter 6 and write one question to bring to reading group tomorrow.
Hornets: We discussed the implication of the white zucchini. Then we began reading chapter 5. For homework the students need to read chapter 5 and write one question to share in group tomorrow.
Hyenas: We read and discussed chapter 5. For homework they need to reread chpater 5 and write a question to ask the group tomorrow.
Following lunch and recess we will visit the book fair and have a class meeting. We will end the day by sahring the conflict and compromise charts the students creatd in small groups yesterday. Then we will compile the charts into 1 class compromise to present to the upper grades and recess assistants.
We began our reading block with a 10 minute work session to complete the planning chart for our next writing piece. Then we shared our charts with the class...this provides an opportunity to talk about our ideas before putting pencil to paper! Then we reviewed breaking words into syllables.
While I met with reading groups the students wrote the rough drafts of their writing pieces, completed a worksheet for chapter 4 of their reading group books and wrote their spelling words, breaking them into syllables.
Reading Groups:
Snow Tigers: We read and discussed chapter 5. For homework they need to read chapter 6 and write one question to bring to reading group tomorrow.
Hornets: We discussed the implication of the white zucchini. Then we began reading chapter 5. For homework the students need to read chapter 5 and write one question to share in group tomorrow.
Hyenas: We read and discussed chapter 5. For homework they need to reread chpater 5 and write a question to ask the group tomorrow.
Following lunch and recess we will visit the book fair and have a class meeting. We will end the day by sahring the conflict and compromise charts the students creatd in small groups yesterday. Then we will compile the charts into 1 class compromise to present to the upper grades and recess assistants.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Monday's March towards Spring Break
There is a certain excitement in the air as we head into our final week of school before Spring Break, but the learning continues!
In math we used subtraction to solve word problems asking to determine the amount of change due when buying an item. Several small groups were called. One group labeled fractions and mixed numbers on a number line. Another group drew models of fractions and mixed numbers. The third group identified fractions of a set. There is a "making change" worksheet for homework.
We began reading by identifying why the setting was important in the fantasy The Wump World. Then we discussed our new spelling words. Finally, we began planning our next writing piece. We will be writing fantasy stories. We have been identifying that characteristic that fantasy stories involve enough realism to help the reader forget that the "fantastic" aspect (the magic, unnatural part) couldn't happen. The students will be using a true personal experience and changing one aspect (either a character, the setting or an event) to make it unreal and thereby creating the basis for a fantasy.
While I met with reading groups the students worked on sorting their new spelling words and writing them in their planners. Then, using information from the story The Wump World, they visualized what the planet Pollutus must have looked like before the Pollutians invaded Wump World and drew a picture and wrote about it. Finally, the students completed a graphic organizer to help plan their fantasy story.
Hornets: We began reading chapter 4 and defined some of the vocabulary in the chapter. For homework they need to read the entire chapter and identify what Harold and Chester discover at the end of the chapter.
Hyenas:We began reading chapter 4 and identified the event at the beginning we also discussed the concept of echolocation. Tonight they need to read chapter 4 and identify two ways bats and cats are alike.
Snow Tigers: We began reading chapter 4. For homework they need to read chpater 4 and describe Murray.
Following lunch and outdoor recess the students will go to art. We will end the day discussing conflicts and compromise and drawing up a compromise for the soccer field conflict at recess.
In math we used subtraction to solve word problems asking to determine the amount of change due when buying an item. Several small groups were called. One group labeled fractions and mixed numbers on a number line. Another group drew models of fractions and mixed numbers. The third group identified fractions of a set. There is a "making change" worksheet for homework.
We began reading by identifying why the setting was important in the fantasy The Wump World. Then we discussed our new spelling words. Finally, we began planning our next writing piece. We will be writing fantasy stories. We have been identifying that characteristic that fantasy stories involve enough realism to help the reader forget that the "fantastic" aspect (the magic, unnatural part) couldn't happen. The students will be using a true personal experience and changing one aspect (either a character, the setting or an event) to make it unreal and thereby creating the basis for a fantasy.
While I met with reading groups the students worked on sorting their new spelling words and writing them in their planners. Then, using information from the story The Wump World, they visualized what the planet Pollutus must have looked like before the Pollutians invaded Wump World and drew a picture and wrote about it. Finally, the students completed a graphic organizer to help plan their fantasy story.
Hornets: We began reading chapter 4 and defined some of the vocabulary in the chapter. For homework they need to read the entire chapter and identify what Harold and Chester discover at the end of the chapter.
Hyenas:We began reading chapter 4 and identified the event at the beginning we also discussed the concept of echolocation. Tonight they need to read chapter 4 and identify two ways bats and cats are alike.
Snow Tigers: We began reading chapter 4. For homework they need to read chpater 4 and describe Murray.
Following lunch and outdoor recess the students will go to art. We will end the day discussing conflicts and compromise and drawing up a compromise for the soccer field conflict at recess.
Friday, April 8, 2011
PLEASE help! Oh...and TGIF!
In math we took a quiz for unit 5. They will be scored and returned to all students before the end of the day.
I need YOUR help! My math students are being help back by their lack of rote memory of the basic math facts. You might notice that to the right of this blog are links to math sites. I have added a new link, thanks to Mr. Vogel, for multiplication games. I encourage you to visit these sites, with your child, to aid in the memorization of the basic facts. It would be helpful if you began with multiplication...we will be doing some long division next week and knowing these facts will help...A LOT!!!!
We began the reading block with a spell check...yes, I finally remembered to give one!!! After that, we reread The Mysterious Tadpole and identified how the author used elements of realism to help the reader forget that it is a fantasy story.
While I met with reading groups, Mrs. J. continued conferencing with students on their writing and the children worked independently on completing their writing pieces and finishing all other work from this week (reading group worksheets, WOW, worksheet, etc.).
Reading groups:
Hyenas: We practiced identifying the main events from the beginning, middle and end of each chapter that we have read thus far. This was VERY challenging for the entire group. We will be focusing on this skill next week. Then the students shared the questions they wrote for homework last night. This was fun for all!!
Snow Tigers: We shared the questions that the students wrote for homework. Interestingly enough, some students struggled with writing questions that were answered in the chapter. We will revisit this skill next week!
Following lunch and indoor recess the students went to music. When they return we will begin to discuss conflict and compromise as part of our social studies curriculum.
I need YOUR help! My math students are being help back by their lack of rote memory of the basic math facts. You might notice that to the right of this blog are links to math sites. I have added a new link, thanks to Mr. Vogel, for multiplication games. I encourage you to visit these sites, with your child, to aid in the memorization of the basic facts. It would be helpful if you began with multiplication...we will be doing some long division next week and knowing these facts will help...A LOT!!!!
We began the reading block with a spell check...yes, I finally remembered to give one!!! After that, we reread The Mysterious Tadpole and identified how the author used elements of realism to help the reader forget that it is a fantasy story.
While I met with reading groups, Mrs. J. continued conferencing with students on their writing and the children worked independently on completing their writing pieces and finishing all other work from this week (reading group worksheets, WOW, worksheet, etc.).
Reading groups:
Hyenas: We practiced identifying the main events from the beginning, middle and end of each chapter that we have read thus far. This was VERY challenging for the entire group. We will be focusing on this skill next week. Then the students shared the questions they wrote for homework last night. This was fun for all!!
Snow Tigers: We shared the questions that the students wrote for homework. Interestingly enough, some students struggled with writing questions that were answered in the chapter. We will revisit this skill next week!
Following lunch and indoor recess the students went to music. When they return we will begin to discuss conflict and compromise as part of our social studies curriculum.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Thursday
We are back to our regular schedule today with math in the morning and specials in the afternoon! WOO HOO! The kids really took the adjustments in stride...me? I'm a creature of habit...change is difficult!!
In math we continued multiplying 2 and 3 digit numbers by a 1 digit number. While the students worked independently, Mrs. Arul and I worked with small groups on identifying and counting large groups of coins. For homework, most students have a portion of a multiplication worksheet to complete...look for my peach marker on the page. WE will have a quiz tomorrow!
While I noted that our writing lesson was LLOONNGG yesterday, I must admit it paid off! Mrs. J and I noticed a lot of improvement in the student's writing AND their understanding of the expectations for the writing process. SO, today we began by getting into groups of three students and taking turns reading our writing out loud. Then we some students shared their writing in front of the whole group so that I could used actual students work to model the revision of sentences for fluency and grammar.
After that we read the fantasy story, The Mysterious Tadpole, and I modeled writing a summary. This is a skill we have worked on earlier in the year but when students were asked to write one for chapter one of their respective reading group books, it proved to be quite challenging. Therefore, we are revisiting summary writing and the students will have another chance to practice this skill using their reading group books.
While I met with reading groups, Mrs. J. conferenced with students on their writing and the class worked on reading group follow up BCRs and writing the final draft of their realistic history story.
Hornets: We reviewed chapter 2 and began reading chapter 3. For homework they need to read chapter 3 and write one question about the chapter.
Snow Tigers: We reviewed the main ideas from chapter 2 and began reading chapter 3. For homework the students need to read chapter 3 and write one question about the chapter.
Hyenas: We reviewed chapter 2 and read most of chapter 3. For homework they need to read the entire chapter 3 and write a question for the group to answer tomorrow.
Following lunch and outdoor recess the students went to the media center. We will end the day with a class meeting.
In math we continued multiplying 2 and 3 digit numbers by a 1 digit number. While the students worked independently, Mrs. Arul and I worked with small groups on identifying and counting large groups of coins. For homework, most students have a portion of a multiplication worksheet to complete...look for my peach marker on the page. WE will have a quiz tomorrow!
While I noted that our writing lesson was LLOONNGG yesterday, I must admit it paid off! Mrs. J and I noticed a lot of improvement in the student's writing AND their understanding of the expectations for the writing process. SO, today we began by getting into groups of three students and taking turns reading our writing out loud. Then we some students shared their writing in front of the whole group so that I could used actual students work to model the revision of sentences for fluency and grammar.
After that we read the fantasy story, The Mysterious Tadpole, and I modeled writing a summary. This is a skill we have worked on earlier in the year but when students were asked to write one for chapter one of their respective reading group books, it proved to be quite challenging. Therefore, we are revisiting summary writing and the students will have another chance to practice this skill using their reading group books.
While I met with reading groups, Mrs. J. conferenced with students on their writing and the class worked on reading group follow up BCRs and writing the final draft of their realistic history story.
Hornets: We reviewed chapter 2 and began reading chapter 3. For homework they need to read chapter 3 and write one question about the chapter.
Snow Tigers: We reviewed the main ideas from chapter 2 and began reading chapter 3. For homework the students need to read chapter 3 and write one question about the chapter.
Hyenas: We reviewed chapter 2 and read most of chapter 3. For homework they need to read the entire chapter 3 and write a question for the group to answer tomorrow.
Following lunch and outdoor recess the students went to the media center. We will end the day with a class meeting.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Writing...the Surprise Focus of the Day!
Today is our last day for the flip-flopped specials. So we began our day by going to art. When the students returned we went straight to our reading classes.
I had a lot planned for my reading class but didn't get far into my "TO DO" list. Instead, we spent a lot of time rehearsing for writing our rough drafts. The students started off working in groups of three, reading their story maps and practicing telling their realistic fiction stories. Many groups ran into difficulties. So, we gathered back as a class and began rehearsing our stories by telling them out loud. AS students did this, I was able to dialogue with the author as to how to add details, how to describe events and what is realistic. This might not sound like much but we were able to discuss and correct many issues, hopefully, before they made it to paper. Therefore, we did not get to our whole group reading lesson today!
While I met with reading groups...briefly...the students worked on their rough drafts (I can't wait to see the results, BTW) and created a word search using their current spelling words. If they finished early they completed any unfinished work and read.
Each reading group met with me for a brief period of time and we read aloud from last night's homework. There is no reading homework tonight.
Following lunch and indoor recess the students went to math. My math class practiced multiplying 2 and 3 digit numbers by a one digit number. Two small groups worked with money. One group practiced identifying the value of coins and counting amounts below $1.00. The other groups practice counting mounds of coins where the value was well over a dollar!
I had a lot planned for my reading class but didn't get far into my "TO DO" list. Instead, we spent a lot of time rehearsing for writing our rough drafts. The students started off working in groups of three, reading their story maps and practicing telling their realistic fiction stories. Many groups ran into difficulties. So, we gathered back as a class and began rehearsing our stories by telling them out loud. AS students did this, I was able to dialogue with the author as to how to add details, how to describe events and what is realistic. This might not sound like much but we were able to discuss and correct many issues, hopefully, before they made it to paper. Therefore, we did not get to our whole group reading lesson today!
While I met with reading groups...briefly...the students worked on their rough drafts (I can't wait to see the results, BTW) and created a word search using their current spelling words. If they finished early they completed any unfinished work and read.
Each reading group met with me for a brief period of time and we read aloud from last night's homework. There is no reading homework tonight.
Following lunch and indoor recess the students went to math. My math class practiced multiplying 2 and 3 digit numbers by a one digit number. Two small groups worked with money. One group practiced identifying the value of coins and counting amounts below $1.00. The other groups practice counting mounds of coins where the value was well over a dollar!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Tueday...A stormy Day
This blog entry is going to be brief and possibly vague...due to lucky genetics...NOT...I need another root canal and will be leaving early today. UGH!
This morning, the students are working on their first experiment from our new science unit. They are observing a lima bean both dry and soaked. The soaked bean will allow the students to see the inside of a seed and identify the parts of a seed.
After that, they will go to their normal reading and writing block. My class will listen to the story The Mysterious Tadpole, another fantasy book. We will discuss what the author does to help the readers get lost in the story and forget it is a fantasy. Then we will share our writing topics from yesterday's chart.
While reading groups are meeting, the students will choose a topic to write their realistic fiction piece. They will also complete a graphic organizer, planning sheet, to help get their ideas in order. Additionally, each reading group will have follow up questions for the first chapter in their book.
All reading groups will begin reading chapter 2 and discussing it with the substitute. For homework, all groups need to read/reread chpater 2 and get a parent's signature in their planner.
Following lunch and recess the students will have math. In my math class they will continue adding money and estimating money. Small groups will focus on counting and writing coins and placing fractions and mixed numbers on a number line.
This morning, the students are working on their first experiment from our new science unit. They are observing a lima bean both dry and soaked. The soaked bean will allow the students to see the inside of a seed and identify the parts of a seed.
After that, they will go to their normal reading and writing block. My class will listen to the story The Mysterious Tadpole, another fantasy book. We will discuss what the author does to help the readers get lost in the story and forget it is a fantasy. Then we will share our writing topics from yesterday's chart.
While reading groups are meeting, the students will choose a topic to write their realistic fiction piece. They will also complete a graphic organizer, planning sheet, to help get their ideas in order. Additionally, each reading group will have follow up questions for the first chapter in their book.
All reading groups will begin reading chapter 2 and discussing it with the substitute. For homework, all groups need to read/reread chpater 2 and get a parent's signature in their planner.
Following lunch and recess the students will have math. In my math class they will continue adding money and estimating money. Small groups will focus on counting and writing coins and placing fractions and mixed numbers on a number line.
Monday, April 4, 2011
The Return of Spring...and Reading Groups!
Today, tomorrow and Wednesday, our schedule will be slightly different. We will have math in the afternoon in order to have our specials in the morning. We are trading specials with second grade who is taking the TN2.
This morning we went to PE. After PE we unpacked our new science kit and discussed our next science unit, Plant Growth and Development.
Then we went to reading. IN reading we read the story called The Wump World by Bill Peet. Today the students just enjoyed this fantasy book. Tomorrow we will use it for direct instruction. After that, we practiced a new WOW word...taunt. We also previewed and discussed our new spelling words. Finally, I modeled creating a topic list for writing realistic fiction. The students made a t-chart listing experiences they had on one side and what "could" have happened on the other.
Reading Groups:
Hornets: We discussed and previewed Bunnicula, a fantasy chapter book. Then we began reading chapter 1. For homework they need to read the entire chapter and answer the question, "How did Chester feel about Bunnicula? Why?" on a post it not.
Snow Tigers: We discussed and began reading chapter 1 of Gooseberry Park, a book about the friendship between a lab and a squirrel. For homework the students need to read chapter 1 and list 5 examples of Stumpy's treasure on a sticky note.
Hyenas: We briefly discussed the Magic School Bus chapter book about Bats. Tonight the students need to read chapter 1 and list unknown words on their sticky note.
Following lunch and oudoor recess we had math. IN math we practiced estimating money using whiteboards. The students counted and wrote money as part of their independent work. Mrs.Benson worked with a small group on this skill. I met with a small group to work on placing fractions and mixed numbers on a number line. There is a worksheet for homework.
This morning we went to PE. After PE we unpacked our new science kit and discussed our next science unit, Plant Growth and Development.
Then we went to reading. IN reading we read the story called The Wump World by Bill Peet. Today the students just enjoyed this fantasy book. Tomorrow we will use it for direct instruction. After that, we practiced a new WOW word...taunt. We also previewed and discussed our new spelling words. Finally, I modeled creating a topic list for writing realistic fiction. The students made a t-chart listing experiences they had on one side and what "could" have happened on the other.
Reading Groups:
Hornets: We discussed and previewed Bunnicula, a fantasy chapter book. Then we began reading chapter 1. For homework they need to read the entire chapter and answer the question, "How did Chester feel about Bunnicula? Why?" on a post it not.
Snow Tigers: We discussed and began reading chapter 1 of Gooseberry Park, a book about the friendship between a lab and a squirrel. For homework the students need to read chapter 1 and list 5 examples of Stumpy's treasure on a sticky note.
Hyenas: We briefly discussed the Magic School Bus chapter book about Bats. Tonight the students need to read chapter 1 and list unknown words on their sticky note.
Following lunch and oudoor recess we had math. IN math we practiced estimating money using whiteboards. The students counted and wrote money as part of their independent work. Mrs.Benson worked with a small group on this skill. I met with a small group to work on placing fractions and mixed numbers on a number line. There is a worksheet for homework.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Welcome Quarter 4 and TGIF!!!!!!!!!!!
This morning in math we solved word problems involving money. Mrs. Arul worked with a small group placing fractions and mixed numbers on a number line. My small group practiced counting money, particularly quarters.
My reading block began with me talking to the students about their biography research projects. I explained that after MUCH thought, I had not put any feedback on their final copies (the books). The reason? I had provided plenty of feedback on their rough drafts and had one-on-one conferences with most students. They learned a lot through the process of this activity. I didn't have the heart to mark up their final products. Your children much so much effort into these. I am hoping they will keep them forever!!! So...they all get 3's! Please look for your child's book this evening! I promise you will be so proud!
After sharing we discussed the characteristics of the fantasy literary genre. We also read the story Big Bad Bruce as an example of a fantasy book. Following that, the students had a chance to independently browse through fantasy books. We ended with the students sharing which book they read and the elements that made it a fantasty.
Following lunch and outdoor recess we will go to music. After that the students will list what they know and questions they have about plant growth and development--our next science unit.
My reading block began with me talking to the students about their biography research projects. I explained that after MUCH thought, I had not put any feedback on their final copies (the books). The reason? I had provided plenty of feedback on their rough drafts and had one-on-one conferences with most students. They learned a lot through the process of this activity. I didn't have the heart to mark up their final products. Your children much so much effort into these. I am hoping they will keep them forever!!! So...they all get 3's! Please look for your child's book this evening! I promise you will be so proud!
After sharing we discussed the characteristics of the fantasy literary genre. We also read the story Big Bad Bruce as an example of a fantasy book. Following that, the students had a chance to independently browse through fantasy books. We ended with the students sharing which book they read and the elements that made it a fantasty.
Following lunch and outdoor recess we will go to music. After that the students will list what they know and questions they have about plant growth and development--our next science unit.
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