Terrific Tuesday

This morning the students took the first session of the end of the year PARRC assessment.  This time, unlike the winter testing, it went very smoothly!  :-)

After testing, I gave the children the choice between math and reading, since we would have to cut out one of the two.  They voted, overwhelmingly, to skip math today.  So, we did...but just for today!  :-)

Since the students' brains were tired from a lengthy testing session, we began the reading and writing block with a whole group read aloud.  I continued reading Tuning Up, Eric Kimmel's autobiography.  Today, though we identified the relationships between events in the book.

While I met with small groups the students worked on reading groups assignments and their independent work for the week.


First, students will draft the fourth, and final, paragraph for the issue inquiry project. They will begin by watching a lesson via Educreations. After drafting they will read their paragraph to a friend, or record it using the iPad, and make necessary revisions.

Another task for students will be to visit and explore Eric Kimmel's web site. They will complete a 3-2-1 summarizer n their RRJ listing 3 facts they learned, 2 ideas they discovered about writing and 1 question they want to ask Mr. Kimmel.

The final task, for the week, is to view a Discovery Education video clip about production. Then the children will write about the production of pizza focusing on identifying the natural, human and capital resources needed and how they are used.

Sharks:  We began group by conferencing on their writing.  Then we reviewed last night's homework (although only one child completed it).  After that we reviewed that the letter "c" makes the /s/ sound when it is followed by an "e" or an "i".    Finally, we read chapter 2 and discussed the description of a comet.  For HOMEWORK the students need to reread chapter 2 and identify what motivated Amelia to do something exciting.

Following lunch and outdoor recess the children continued working independently while I met with more groups.

Dolphins:  We reviewed the /aw/ and /ought/ spelling patterns.  Then we retold the first half of their book.  Next, the students whisper read pages 8-12 and identified what Petunia discovered.  For HOMEWORK the children need to reread pages 8-12, working on fluency, and practice reading their word bag cards.

Cheetahs:  The students finished reading chapter 1 in class and listed unknown words and 1 question they had in their minds.  In group we reviewed unknown words, the two facts from home work and the 1 question they had.  We also discussed Walt Disney's unhappy childhood.  For HOMEWORK the children need to read chapter 2, up to page 14, and list a disappointment that Walt faced.

Pandas:  The children researched golf, using the iPads, and completed a 3-2-1 stating 3 facts about the playing area and equipment, 2 facts about the game and 1 fact about the history.  We did not have time to share this due to art class.  For HOMEWORK the students should read chapter 1.

We missed art this morning due to testing.  So the children ended their day, today in art.

We will have our final session of the PARRC assessment tomorrow morning.