Tuesday...

Well, here we go...Memorial Day is behind us, it feels like summer and the children are ready to be done. I keep reminding the students that we are still in school and there is still learning to be done!!

In math we are wrapping up unit 6. I met with my last two groups to work on determining the volume of a figure. Mrs. Arul met with students who needed more practice calculating elapsed time. The rest of the students worked on a practice worksheet and went to anchor activities. There is an elapsed time worksheet for homework. Tomorrow we will review for the unit assessment, which will be given, in class, on Thursday.

We began the reading block by searching for homophones and discussing the different meanings and spellings. After that, I gave some expectations as to how the play groups would begin blocking and staging their plays. Finally, the students rotated through working on props, costumes and scenery, reading their plays and blocking/staging the plays.

There is a homophone worksheet for homework.

Following lunch and indoor recess we had a class meeting. After sharing compliments we focused on the idea of perception...that people percieve things in different ways and we need to be aware of and sensitive to others.

FInally, we watched a movie about Mexico city and began reading text about the ancient Aztec civilization called Tenochtitlan...which is now Mexico City.

TGIF

Spring Fever...Summer anticipation is lying thick in the air...kind of like the humidity! I know we will all be glad when the weekend gets here!!

In math we identified common metric conversions, such as;
1,000 milliliters = 1 liter
1 kiloliter = 1, 000 liters
1, 000 milligrams = 1 gram
1 kilogram = 1, 000 grams
1,000 millimeters= 1 meter
100 centimeters = 1 meter
1 kilometer = 1,000 meters

We practiced using these conversions in our math journals. Then the students worked on a measurement worksheet independently while Mrs. Arul worked with a small group to calculate elapsed time. I met with small groups to determine the volume of figures.

We began reading by making birthday letters and cards for Mrs. Jeyasunder. She is truly a special woman and gifted teacher who has made a huge impact on our learning this year. Tomorrow is a milestone birthday...so what better way to sharpen our writing skills?

After that, the students met in thei groups to read through their plays and continue working on scenery, setting and costumes. We will begin staging/blocking the plays next week!

Following lunch and recess the children will go to music. When they return we will watch a video about the life cycle of a plant. We were supposed to watch this video on Wednesday but instead spent the time clipping seed pods and counting the number of seeds inside. This helped us realize the importance of cross pollination and recognize the power of one pollinated plant.

An Inviting Thursday

This morning in math we determined the volume of figures by both counting cubes and multiplying length x height x width. The students worked with me in a small group on this skill. When not in group with me, they worked on an elapsed time worksheet. Mrs. Arul pulled a small group to give additional help with the worksheet. Mrs. Papalia also pulled a group to work on adding given increments of time. There is an elapsed time worksheet for homework. There will NOT be a quiz tomorrow!!

We began our reading block with a writing lesson focusing on the format of an invitation. The students then created invitations for their families for our upcoming class plays. Look for these tonight! You can RSVP via e-mail or a short note...e-mails and notes that are directed to the students will be shared out loud with the class. This is always fun and exciting for the class!

After they finished the invitations, the students met in their groups and read through their play and worked on the scenery, props and costumes.

Following lunch and outdoor recess the students will visit the media center. After that, they will meet Mrs. Howard in the computer lab for another lesson that supports her career unit.

Wednesday

This morning in math we continued using coordinate graphing to create a picture. While the students worked independently, I met with a small group to practice adding an hour and 15 minute increments to given times. Mrs. Arul pulled a group to practice calculating elapsed time. There is a calendar worksheet for homework.

Our reading block began with the students rereading the May issue of National Geographic and competing a comprehension worksheet. Then the students got into their play groups and did a read-through. After that, they continued working on scenery, props and costumes. I checked in with each group and listened to the Phoebe group read.

All students need to red their part and get a parent signature in their planner for homework.

Following lunch and outdoor recess the students will go to PE. When they return we will discuss yesterday's compliment sheet activity...how they felt as they wrote their compliments, as well as, how they felt when they read their own sheet.

Then we will watch a video about the life cycle of plants.

My reading class WILL perform their plays on Friday, June 10 at 11:30 in our classroom...watch for invitations coming home later this week.

Also, Mr. Lee still needs parent volunteers for field day!

UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just finished my Tuesday blog entry and tried to post it and LOST it!!!!!!

So this will be quick and dirty!

In math we practiced identifying coordinates on a graph and used that to create a picture. I met with a small group to practice adding specific increments to a given time. Mrs. Arul worked with a group calculating elapsed time. There is a coordinate graphing worksheet for homework.

We began our reading block by reading an article in the May issue of National Geographic about Rays and identifying the main idea in each section. The students are really progressing with this difficult task.

Then the students worked in their groups to read their plays with fluency and expression and to create scenery, props and costumes.

All groups met with an adult to do a read-through. All groups are expected to read their parts and get a parent signature in their planners, for homework.

Following lunch and recess the students had a class meeting. During this class meeting, each student put their name at the top of a piece of paper. We then passed the paper around so that every students could write a compliment on every sheet of paper.

I explained to the children that I truly believe that every person is special. Some people have obvious traits that make them special while others aren't so overt. It is my hope that they will keep these papers and read over them to constantly remind themselves what is special about them.

It was heart warming to see how serious the students took this activity and the thought that they put into what they wrote on others' papers.

WE ended the day by cross pollinating our plants.

Muggy Monday

Due to the spring chorus and band concert this afternoon, we had a shortened math. In math we began coordinate graphing. Students need to remember that ordered pairs are over and then up. Other than that, this is usually a fun and fairly easy topic. We did a practice worksheet in class and there is a worksheet for homework.

After math, while Mr. Vogel's homeroom went to music, our homeroom used our bee sticks to begin cross pollinating our plants. Additionally, the students wrote a short paragraph explaining the interdependence between the bee and the plant.

We began our reading and writing block by reading a new article in the May issue of National Geographic. This article was about vanishing cultures. We took time to identify the main idea in each section.

After that, the students got into their play groups and practiced reading thier plays fluently with expression. Then they continued working on their scenery, props and costumes.

I met with each group and listened to them read, giving them pointers along the way. EVERY students MUST read his/her part for homework and get a parent's signature.

Following lunch and outdoor recess the students will go to art. Then they will enjoy the Spring Band and Chorus concert before heading home!!

I am thinking about schedulingour play for 11:30 on Friday, June 10...this is NOT definite but if you have a concern, please e-mail me ASAP!!!

TGIF!!!!

This morning, in math, the students took the second quiz for unit 6. These have been graded and should be in the math section of your child's binder.

WE began reading with the May edition of the National Geographic Magazine. We read and summarized each section of the first article, Crunch, Crunch, Crunch. After that, the students got into their play groups and read through their play working on fluency and expression. Next, they got out their task lists and started working on props, scenery and costumes.

Following lunch and recess the students will go to music. When they return, they will have a sub...I have a sick child and need to get him to the doctor before the weekend! With the sub, they will be learning about bees and making bee sticks...FINALLY!

Thursday - Excitement Surrounds the Play Production

After doing our regular math warm up we spent time reviewing last night's homework. I wanted the students to recognize their mistakes and understand how to convert a year to months and minutes to seconds. Then we determined the benchmark temperatures such as; water freezing, normal body temperature, etc. Finally, we identified ways to read a thermometer.

We began our reading block by brainstorming a list of tasks that need to be done, by each group, to produce our plays. Then we examined each task and decided how to organize and accomplish it.

After that, each group met and read through their play working on fluency and expression. Next, they worked to complete the tasks that we listed earlier. The developed lists of costumes that would be needed. They also drew rough drafts of their scenery. Finally, the groups listed props they would either gather from home or make.

It was an EXCITING and productive day!!! I have to tell you that watching the students work together, problem solve and use their reading and writing skills to work towards a goal is what it is all about...that might sound trite but it was the feeling I had!!!

Following lunch and recess the students will go to the media center. When they return we will make our bee sticks (we didn't get to it yesterday) and identify what makes bees and plants interdependent.

Wednesday

This morning in math we focused on measuring weight and mass using ounces, pounds, grams and kilograms. While the students worked on practice worksheets I worked with a small group using clocks and whiteboards to calculate elapsed time. Mrs. Arul helped students who were struggling with the classwork. For homework there is a time conversion worksheet.

WE began our reading block by reviewing last night's to, too and two worksheet. Then the students used a writing text book to learn more about the proper punctuation for writing dialogue. After that we identified the meaning of the words there, their and they're and practiced using them correctly in sentences.

While I met with individual play groups the students completed practice worksheets for quotation marks and there, their and they're. Then they practiced reading through their play on their own. After completing any unfinished work the students were free to read comics, plays or other materials.

I met with each group to assign parts and do an initial read through of the play. For homework, every student is expected to practice reading THEIR part in their play. We are aiming for fluency...so they will be expected to practice their part each and every night.

Following lunch and recess the students will go to PE. After that we will learn about the pollination process and make bee sticks to aid with the pollination of their plants.

Tuesday

In math we tackled capacity. The students learned to identify the capacity of a container and to identify the amount of liquid in the container. They also used "GallonBot" to begin memorizing the various capacity conversions.

While the students worked on independent practice activities, I met with a group to practice calculating elapsed time. Mrs. Arul worked with individual students to identify the capacity of containers.

For homework, some students need to complete their classwork. All students have a capacity worksheet.

We began the reading block with the students browsing through the 3 plays I chose for our class. They then ranked their preferences, on a sheet of paper, as to which play group they would like to join.

Then we investigated the structure of a comic. We learned to identify speech balloons, panels and gutters. We also recognized the different ways that trade books, plays and comics communicate dialogue. This led us into identifying the correct punctuation for writing dialogue in sentences using quotation marks and commas.

While I met with a group to practice the correct usage of to, too and two AND assigned students to play groups, the students completed a to, too and two worksheet, read a comic and wrote two speech bubbles using correct punctuation.

All students have a to, too and two worksheet for homework. When they complain, tell them to think of it as spelling or reading! LOL!

Following lunch and outdoor recess we had a class meeting. We exchanged compliments and I shared my thoughts about the class as a whole. It amazes me how much growth I have seen from these children this year!!! Finally, I reviewed timelines and had the students "fix" the timelines they completed on Friday.

Monday!

Sorry about the lack of post from Friday...Blogger was down on Friday and I completely forgot about it until this morning!

This morning, in math, the students copied a chart into their math journals that showed attributes we measure, the tools and the units that are most commonly used. There is an elapsed time worksheet for homework.

We began our play unit, today, in our reading block. First we identified the structure and format of a play. Then we practiced reading a play out loud. Over the next few days the students will read through several plays independently. Eventually, they will choose/be assigned a play. Then they will work in small groups towards performing their play.

Each group will learn their speaking parts and be able to present them with inflection. They will also work together to create scenery and costumes, using materials available to them in the classroom. Additionally, they will stage the play. This will take time and teacher support will be provided.

I expect this to be an exciting and enriching way to wrap up the school year. Hopefully, we will present the plays for parents during the last week of school. Stay tuned for more information to come.

This week we will also be studying homophones. Today the students learned the c meanings of to, too and two and practiced using them correctly in given sentences.

Following lunch and outdoor recess the students will go to art. Then we will meet Mrs. Howard in the computer lab to continue the career unit.

Thursday

Today I had a meeting, in the building, with various professionals, to discuss the progress of the students this year. Therefore, I missed part of math. However, Mrs. Benson, our math specialist carried on with regular instruction. The students worked on elapsed time using seconds and months and years. Basically, it was the same idea but involved using different increments of time.

When I returned, I met with a small group to work on elapsed time. Mrs. Papalia was also in the room and pulled a group, too. Tonight, the students have a worksheet for homework. We will have out first quiz for unit 6 tomorrow!

We had our spring portraits at the beginning of our reading block. Therefore, we lost some instructional time. When we returned to class the students had the chance to share poetry they have written, during class, this week. Then we reviewed the for math of cinquain poems. Independent work today included a cinquain poem that will be scored for format and presentation, and a spelling buddy check.

Reading Groups:
Snow Tigers: We discussed Lu Ying's decision and read the author's note about panda rescue in China. Then we discussed this book being an example of historical fiction. There is no reading homework tonight but the students are keeping the book another day. They might need it for a writing assignment tomorrow.

Hyenas: We discussed the reason Ramona was unfairly called a nuisance and began reading chpater 4. There is no homework for this group.

Hornets: We have not started a new book yet...we will begin studying plays nextweek.

Following lunch and outdoor recess the students will visit the medai center. They will end the day with a lesson about careers, with Mrs. Howard, in the computer lab.

Hump Day!

This morning in math we reviewed the difference between AM and PM and learned about a new anchor activity. The anchor activity is a board game that helps the students practice calculating elapsed time. While the students worked independently on elapsed time activities, Mrs. Arul worked with students measuring time on an analog clock and I worked with a group calculating elapsed time. There is a worksheet for homework and we will have a quiz on Friday.

In reading we concentrated on Haiku poetry. Haikus are a Japanese form of poetry that centers around nature and the seasons. It is composed of 3 lines with 5 syllables in the first line, 7 in the second and 5 in the third.

While I met with reading groups, the students worked with some Haiku poems. They also had some spelling activities to complete. After taking care of any unfinished work they were able to choose between reading, writing and copying and illustrating poems.

Reading Groups:

Hyenas: We discussed the need to stop, frequently, when reading to make sure they can viualize (or exaplin) what is happening in the story. If they can't, then they need to go back to a point where they can and reread. Then we began rereading chapter 3 and discussing the hard-boiled egg fad. For homework they need to read pages 60-73 and exapling why Ramona is called a nuisance.

Snow Tigers: We discussed how Lu Yi is feeling at the end of chapter 6. Then we began reading chapter 7. For homework the students need to read pages 75-82 and idetify the decision that Lu Yi must make.

Following lunch and outdoor recess the students will go to PE. When they return, they will be going to a cultural arts program.

Tuesday

This morning in math we used a calendar to measure time. While the students worked independently on practice worksheets two small groups met. Mrs. Arul worked with a group to practice telling time using an analog clock. My group practiced calculating elapsed time using subtraction AND number lines. There is a worksheet for homework...but different students were assigned different worksheets.

We began the reading block investigating cinquain poems. These are 5 lined poems that have a specific syllable count for each line.

Line 1 2 syllables (subject)
Line 2 4 syllables (describe the subject)
Line 3 6 syllables (action involving the subject)
Line 4 8 syllables (a feeling about the subject)
Line 5 2 syllables(another name for the subject)

Example:
The Boys
loud, funny, weird
laughing 'til their sides hurt
stick together like true friends do
silly

While I went to a meeting the students worked on completing comprehension worksheets for their specific reading group book. They also wrote their diamante poems and completed a WOW worksheet for attire. FInally, they practiced writing cinquain poetry.

Following lunch and outdoor recess we had a class meeting and discussed bullying. We will end the day by creating a t-chart that lists "key" events in our lives. FOR HOMEWORK: Students need to share their social studies journal with an adult. Please review the key event chart with your child and help them add (or change) key events and fix any dates.

Marvelous Monday

In math we read a chart and calculated elapsed time to complete 2 worksheets. Students who continue to struggle with calculating elapsed time got help in a small group or with one-on-one attention. There is an elapsed time worksheet for homework.

We began reading by taking the spelling test that I forgot to leave in the sub plans for Friday. OOPS! Then we worked with diamante poems. A diamante poem has 7 lines and compares two subjects.

Line 1: 1 noun subject #1
Line 2: 2 adjectives that describe subject #1
Line 3: 3 action words that describe subject #1
Line 4: 4 word phrase describing feelings about subjects #1 and #2
Line 5: 3 action words that describe subject #2
Line 6: 2 adjectives that describe subject #2
Line 7: 1 noun subject #2

Here's an example of a diamante comparing noise and music:

noise
loud, sharp
annoying, clanging, banging
can't get away from
exciting, refreshing, soothing
pleasant, fun
music

We practiced writing a diamante together as a group and then the students wrote one as part of their independent work. They also sorted new spelling words that included either the prefix un- or re-. Finally, they worked on cartoons involving our new word of the week (WOW), attire (clothing).

Reading Groups:
Hornets: we discussed whether or not Bunnicula was a vampire and what we thought would happen after the book ended. Tomorrow, in class, the students will write a diamante comparing Harold and Chester.

Snow Tigers: We discovered, through our reading, that the government was trying to purchase Lu Yi's family farm in order to plant bamboo trees and save the giant pandas.

Hyenas: Unfortunately, we ran out of time and I did not meet with this group.

Following lunch and outdoor recess the students went to art. We ended the day by reviewing geographic characteristics and their effects on people and places.

Thursday

I will be out tomorrow having oral surgery. Therefore, there will be no blog entry. Sorry.

Today in math we began calculating elapsed time. I taught some strategies using numbers lines, t-charts and handheld clocks. The students worked independently on a worksheet while Mrs. Arul and I met with small groups focusing on reading an analog clock, as well as, calculating elapsed time. The students will continue working on this skill, tomorrow in class, with the substitute. There will NOT be a quiz tomorrow. There is a time worksheet for homework.

We began the reading block with students working in groups of 4 to write a definition of a sentence and to provide an example and non-example of a sentence. After sharing these, we identified a sentence as a group of words that state something and include a subject and a verb and predicate.

This led to a discussion about the phrasing in poetry being reliant on the author deciding which words he/she places on each line. Then we used a Shel Silverstein poem to decide which lines were phrases (fragments) and which ones were sentences because they included a subject and a verb.

While I meet with reading groups, the students will independently complete a decoding worksheet. Then they will finish their WOW worksheet from yesterday and practice rhyming with a two-sided Shel Silverstein worksheet. Finally, they will finish any unfinished work and read and write poetry.

Reading Groups:
Hyenas: We continued reading chapter 2 and discussed why Ramona has to go to Howie's house and why her job is to get along with Willa Jean. There is no reading homework tonight.

Snow Tigers: We discussed the idea of a rescue center and began reading about the trip to the rescue center in chapter 6. There is no homework tonight.

Hornets: Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to meet with this group. I will meet with them on Monday to discuss the ending of Bunnicula.

Following lunch and outdoor recess the students will visit the media center. When they return to class we will discuss the reasons for staking our plants and then stake the plants which need it.

It's HUMP Day!

We are halfway through the week! WOO HOO!

In math we used a floor clock to determine the exact time to the minute with an emphasis on the movement of the hour hand as the minute hand makes its way around the clock. Then the students worked on an independent worksheet while Mrs. Arul and I pulled small groups of students to practice telling time.

We began the reading block by reviewing the definitions of the WOW words we have studied this year. Then we learned a new word...murmur (to whisper or talk quietly). Next we discussed and shared examples of alliteration in poetry. Alliteration is a t type of figurative language in which most, if not all, words begin with the same beginning sound. An example would be; Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. Then we reviewed the structure and rhyming patterns in poetry.

While I meet with reading groups the students will complete an alliteration practice worksheet. They will also identify the rhyming patterns in a Shel Silverstein poem called "Backward Bill. After that they will complete a WOW worksheet for murmur and create a word search for our spelling words. Finally, they will finish any unfinished work and read through our newest issue of National Geographic.

Reading Groups:

Snow Tigers: We discussed Lu Yi's feelings about the panda going to the zoo. Then we began reading chapter 5. For homework they students need to read pages 35-46 and tell where the daxiong mao is going.

Hornets: We discussed the disaster in the dining room and began reading chapter 9. For homework the children need to finish reading chapter 9 and respond to the question, "What do you think?" We discussed what this question means in reading group today.

Hyenas: We discussed thelucky eraser and began reading chpater 2. For homework the students need to read pages 37-42 and tell what Ramona likes about school.

Following lunch and outdoor recess the students will go to PE. When they return we will thin and transplant our plants.

Terrific Tuesday

This morning, in math, we reviewed telling time to five minute increments using analog clocks. After using hand held teaching clocks for practice, the students completed a worksheet independently. I met with a small group. There is a time worksheet for homework.

In reading we identified the parts of a poem (title, line, stanza, beginning, middle and end) and named the rhyming patterns for each stanza. We also identified verbs (part of our spelling words) and determined whether the verb was past or present tense.

While I meet with reading groups the students will sort their spelling words and write them in their planner. Then they will identify the parts of a given poem. Finally, they will write a couplet, with at least 2 stanza, using the sun as their topic.

Reading Groups:
Hornets: We read and discussed the first half of chapter 8. For homework the students need to read the entire chapter and answer the questions, 'What was the disaster in the dining room?"

Snow Tigers: We read and discussed the beginning of chapter 4. For homework they need to read the entire chapter and identify how they think Lu Yi must feel at the end of the chapter and tell why.

Hyenas: We began reading the book Ramona Quimby, Age 8. Tonight they need to read pages 16-36 and identify what Mr. Quimby gives to Ramona for good luck.

Following lunch and outdoor recess we had a class meeting where we discussed respect and tied it into the idea that everyone has strengths and weaknesses. THen we created Anti-Bullying Super Heroes and identified their powers. We ended the day by sharing these.

Monday in May

Hard to believe it is already May!!

This morning we completed the unit 5 assessment in math. Tomorrow we will begin unit 6 by reviewing telling time on an analog clock...this is always a challenging skill for students but with the decrease in analog clocks within our world, it becomes even more so. Anything you can do at home, to help, is much appreciated!!

Our reading block began with the students taking the third and final round of the MAP-R reading assessment for this school year. You might recall that this is a 42 question, self-adjusting computerized reading test.

WHen we returned to our classroom, we began our author study of Shel Silverstein by reading a one page biography about him and reaidng some of his poetry aloud.

Following lunch and outdoor recess the students went to art. WHen they return, Mrs. Howard and Mr. Romer will begin a career unti with the class.