Friday, June 17, 2016

Fabulous Friday - Final Full Day

Wow...how did we get here?  It's the last full day of the school year.  Crazy!

This morning the students finished their expert books.  Then they all pitched in to help with my "punch list" items.  Some students created an All About Third Grade, Google Slides presentation to share with the current second graders, this afternoon, during Fly Up Day.  Others helped to clean, organize, and pack the room.

Then, right before outdoor recess and lunch, the entire third grade got to sign each other's yearbooks or autograph books (these were provided to students who did not purchase a yearbook).

When the students returned to class we shared more expert books and homework writing journal entries.  Then the children exchanged math board games and played them.

Next, the students went to fourth grade for Fly Up Day.  This is an opportunity for the children to hear a little bit about fourth grade and ask any questions they are wondering.  They do not meet with their actual teacher.  However, this will hopefully ease any anxieties they might have.

Finally, the entire school "clapped out" the fifth graders, who walked the hallways from k-5 to symbolize their journey through elementary school as they head to middle school this fall.

Hope to see my buddies for our final school day on Monday...remember, it is an early dismissal, though.

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Thrilling Thursday

I know these blog posts have become much shorter and less detail oriented, but with the end of the year quickly approaching, there is less to report!  :-)

This morning, after the announcements, we had our literacy block.  The children focused on completing their expert books.  Those who were done got to choose between several literacy activities including, MyON, listening to reading, free choice writing, and practicing their cursive.  We also had several students read chapters from the BFG to the class.

After outdoor recess and lunch, the students returned to class to begin our math block.  Groups completed their math board games.  Those who were already done used Prodigy or Extra Math to practice math skills.

Next, the students went to art with Mrs. Daniell.

When they returned to class we shared more of the children's expert books.

There is HOMEWORK posted in Google Classroom, but it is optional.

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Wonderful Wednesday

This morning, after the announcements, we began our literacy block.  The students finished their timelines, and planned and worked on their All About Me expert books.  We did have a fire drill during the block.  Additionally, we took a Go Noodle brain break and read more of the BFG halfway through the morning.

After outdoor recess and lunch, we began our math block.  First the students worked on completing their math board games.  Those who were done, exchanged games with another group and played each other's.  After that we played Kahoot, in our table groups, for points, to practice third grade math skills.

Then the students ended their day in music with Mrs. Graf.

Optional HOMEWORK is posted in Google Classroom.

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Terrific Tuesday

This morning, after the announcements, we began our literacy block.  I reviewed with the students how to create a timeline and then I modeled how begin planning their expert book, about themselves.

After that the students worked to complete their timeline.  Then , some students finished their Genius Hour expert books.  Those who had already completed it, began planning and writing their expert book about themselves.

Halfway through the block we took a Go Noodle brain break and read some more of the book, The BFG.  Then the children continued working on their timelines and expert books until recess and lunch.

When they returned to the classroom we watched a lesson teaching us how to create tessellations and looked at some examples on line.  Then the students tried to make their own.

After that some groups worked on their math board games.  Those who have already completed theirs continued making tessellations.  Additionally, I pulled a group to work on subtracting three digit numbers.

After our math block the students worked collaboratively to create a crest representing their team.  Next, we shared the crests and a few more expert books.

Finally, we handed out yearbooks.  There will be time, in class, to sign yearbooks on Friday.  Students are asked to bring them home and not bring them back until  Friday.

There is optional HOMEWORK posted on Google Classroom.

Monday, June 13, 2016

Monday - Marching towards Summer!

WOW!  So, here we are...we have arrived at the last full week of the school year.  Crazy!!!

This week will be a fun-filled week of learning that will stray from our regular routine.

We began the day by getting into new table groups.  The children chose their own table mates BUT they had to include both boys and girls and at least one member from each reading group.  After that, they had to create a team name.  Then they created a team flag.

Throughout the rest of the week I will award points, to table teams, for different academic, physical, and behavioral challenges.  Next Monday, the members of the winning team, who are present, will receive a small prize.

Next, many students had a chance to share their expert books.  Then we took a Go Noodle brain break.  Finally, I began reading the BFG out loud while some students worked on their expert books.

After enjoying outdoor recess and lunch, the children returned to class and either continued working on their math board games or played another group's game.

Then they went to PE with MR. Benco.

When they returned to class we began cleaning out their baskets.  This will be a slow process so that it is not too overwhelming.  Tonight students are to bring home their RRJ, math, and word work journals.  These should be taken out of their backpack and should NOT return to school.  Additionally, the children should empty out home folders.  However, the empty home folder should come to school each day this week.

Finally, we learned that a timeline is a visual way to identify important dates in history.  I showed the students an example of one and then modeled how to create one using important events from my life.  After that, the students began constructing a timeline using the dates from their All About Me homework assignment.

There is HOMEWORK posted on Google Classroom!

Friday, June 10, 2016

Fabulous Friday

This morning, after watching the announcements and celebrating Wonderful Wildcats and ESOL award winning  students, we began our literacy block.  Today, while I met with guided reading groups and individual students to work on their expert books, the children worked on the following tasks.  First, all guided reading groups completed an independent reading task with a follow up in their RRJ.  Then the continued working on their expert books.  Those who were already done got to choose from a list of activities to reinforce reading and writing skills.

Pink:  The children read pages 6-8 and, in their RRJ, explained how and when fireworks were invented.  In group, we reread pages 6-8 and discussed how and when fireworks were created.  We also read page 9 to identify how they make fireworks colorful.

Green:  The students read pages 14 and 15 and, in their RRJ, explained how donuts have changed.  In group, we discussed how donuts have changed and why, using facts from the text.  Then the students shared what they learned from reading their book.

Blue:  The children read pages 15-18, and, in their RRJ, explained the curse and the mummy and stated their opinion as to whether it is real or a hoax.  In group,

After our literacy block the students enjoyed outdoor recess and lunch.

When they returned to class there was a substitute in my place.  The students continued to work on their math board games.  After that, they shared homework writing journal entries.  Then they had a mini class meeting where they exchanged thank yous and compliments.  Finally, they had a game, art, and reading afternoon to celebrate their most recent class Dojo reward.


Thursday, June 9, 2016

Thrilling Thursday - Spring Concert

This morning, after the announcements, we attended the Wims Spring Concert.  It was excellent!!!!

When we returned to class we took a few minutes to go over a homework assignment that is posted in Google Classroom this afternoon, and MUST be completed before school on Monday.  Each student needs to complete a chart about important/memorable moments in their lives so far.  This information is needed to complete a timeline and expert book, next week, in class, about themselves.

After that, the students worked on their expert books while I met with individual students to work on the May/June informal reading assessments.  I was unable to meet with reading groups because the testing had to be finished today.


After enjoying outdoor recess and lunch the children worked  collaboratively on their math board games., while I continued my informal reading testing.

Then the students went to art with Mrs. Daniell.

After art, the students spent time sharing and reflecting on the goods they produced for kindergarten students to play with during indoor recess.

HOMEWORK is on Google Classroom tonight.

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Wonderful Wednesday

This morning, after the announcements, we began our literacy block.  We took some time to review the grading rubric, or tool, that I will use to grade the children's expert books.  Then we looked at a few expert books written by third graders in MCPS schools.

Next the children worked on independent guided reading groups tasks and their expert books.  During this time I continued the May/June informal reading assessments and met with guided reading groups.

Pink:  In preparation for their new book, the students used kid friendly search engines to identify 3 interesting facts about fireworks.  They listed these, and 3 questions they were wondering about fireworks, in their RRJ.  In group,  we shared the interesting facts they discovered and shared the questions they were still wondering.  Next I handed out their new book, Fireworks, and we read over the table of contents turning each topic into a question.  After that, we worked with some of the essential vocabulary in the book.  Finally, we read the introduction.

Green:  Independently the students read pages 9-13 and, in their RRJ, explained how automobiles played a part in making doughnuts more popular.  In group, we reread  pages 9-13, stopping at the end of each paragraph to restate what we read.  Finally, the children shared how automobiles impacted the popularity of donuts.

Blue:  Independently, the children read pages 10-14.  Then, in their RRJ, they explained what a crop circle is and stated their opinion as to whether they are real or a hoax, using facts from the text to back up their opinion.  In group, we discussed what a crop circle is and the students argued, using facts from their books and their research on the Internet, as to whether they are real or a hoax.

After our literacy block the students enjoyed outdoor recess and lunch.

When the children returned to class, we reviewed the math game board project.  Then the students worked collaboratively, in their groups, on their games.  As they worked, I met with small groups to practice representing and solving word problems.

HOMEWORK is posted on Google Classroom.

After our math block, the students ended the day with Mrs. Graf, in music.



Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Terrific Tuesday

This morning, after the announcements, we began our literacy block.  Before setting the children free to complete independent tasks, we reviewed and discussed the rubric (grading tool) that I will use to grade their expert books.  Then I added a frequently used word list and a transition word chart, to our flip chart, to help the children meet the criteria for success.

After that the students worked on an independent guided reading group task, which focused on reading a section and identifying the main idea and supporting details.  Then they continued writing their expert books.

While the children worked, I met with individual students to continue the May/June informal reading assessments, and then met with guided reading groups.

Pink:  The students read page 7 and identified the main idea and two supporting details in their RRJ.  In group we reviewed the strategies for identifying the main idea.  After that, each student shared their main idea sentence and we discussed each.  Finally, we they drew a line of learning in their RRJ, and, together, we determined the main idea of this section and two supporting details.  The students were not enjoying this book, so as a group they chose a new title which we will begin tomorrow.

Green:  The children read pages 7 and 8, and identified the main idea and two supporting details in their RRJ.  In group we reviewed strategies for identifying the main idea of text.  Then the students shared their main idea statements and we discussed each and made some slight adjustments.  Then we identified supporting details.

Blue:  The children read pages 8 and 9 and identified the main idea for each paragraph.  In group we reviewed the main idea of each paragraph and then determined the main idea for the entire Bigfoot section.  After that we had a mini debate, within the group, as to whether or not Bigfoot is real or a hoax.

After our literacy block the students enjoyed outdoor recess and lunch.

When the children returned from lunch we began our math block.  Today, instead of rotations, I introduced a math board game project.  The students will be working collaboratively in small groups to design and create a board game, with instructions and game cards, that reinforces math skills we have studied this year.

Our time today focused on the expectations for the project, selecting groups members, determining a theme, and sketching a game board.

HOMEWORK is posted on Google Classroom.

After math we returned to our social studies project involving the planning and production of a toy a kindergartner could use during indoor recess.  The children worked in their groups to complete the good and test it.  If it didn't work as planned, they made changes to it.

The afternoon was certainly more "group project" oriented but the children were engaged and motivated.  :-)

Monday, June 6, 2016

Marvelous Monday

This morning, after the announcements, we voted on another class Dojo reward.  Once again, they chose to have a game day afternoon.  So, this Friday, the students will celebrate their good choices with a game/art/reading afternoon.  As always, NO electronic devices.  :-)  Next, we changed jobs for the last time this year.  Then we began our literacy block.

Today, while I continue my end of the year, informal reading assessments, and then meet with reading groups, the students will complete a vocabulary assignment for their new guided reading books.  Then they will continue working on their expert books.

Pink:  Independently they completed vocabulary entries for 3 words from their new book.  For each word they copied the sentence in which it appears in the book.  Then they copied the meaning from the book's glossary.  Finally, the wrote a sentence using the word in a meaningful way.  In group, we read pages 4-6 and identified the main idea and supporting details for each section.  For HOMEWORK the children need to reread pages 4-6.

Green:  Independently they completed vocabulary entries for 3 words from their new book.  For each word they copied the sentence in which it appears in the book.  Then they copied the meaning from the book's glossary.  Finally, the wrote a sentence using the word in a meaningful way.  In group, we read pages 4-6 and identified the main idea and supporting details for each section.  For HOMEWORK the children need to reread pages 4-6.

Blue:  Independently they completed vocabulary entries for 3 words from their new book.  For each word they copied the sentence in which it appears in the book.  Then they copied the meaning from the book's glossary.  Finally, the wrote a sentence using the word in a meaningful way.  In group, we read pages 4-9 and determined the main idea and supporting details for the section about Bigfoot.  For HOMEWORK the students need to reread pages 4-9.

After our literacy block the students enjoyed outdoor recess and lunch.

When they returned to class we began our math block.

During the small group instruction, students represented and solved word problems involving liquid volume.

During math with a partner, the children engaged in math discourse as they represented and solved word problems involving capacity.

Finally, the children completed a Prodigy assignment involving liquid volume.  Those who finished early worked on basic fact fluency using Extra Math.

HOMEWORK is posted on Google Classroom.

In between the first two rotations the students went to PE with Mr. Benco.  When they returned we finished our math block.

Friday, June 3, 2016

Fantastic Friday

This morning, after watching the announcements, we began our literacy block.  We spent some time discussing the expectations for their expert books.  These included using facts from their research, and correct spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.  I reminded the students that they should be showcasing their best informational writing.

After that, the children worked independently while I continued my May/June informal reading assessments with individuals and then met with guided reading groups.  During this time I also helped students with their opinion paragraphs and expert books.    Students began by using kid friendly search engines to identify facts about the topic for their next guided reading book.  After that, some students finished their opinion paragraphs---these are WAY overdue.  Finally, the children continued working on their expert books.

Blue:  The students researched Big Foot, The Bermuda Triangle, or Crop Circles using a kid friendly search engine.  Then during our group, they shared the interesting facts they uncovered.  On Monday we will begin their new text called, Believe it or Not.

Green:  The students researched donuts.  In group we shared the interesting facts they learned.  On Monday we will begin a new book called, Dawn of the Doughnut.

Pink:  The students researched facts about American Football.  In group we shared the facts they learned.  On Monday we will begin our nest book, American Football.

After our literacy block the children enjoyed outdoor recess and lunch.

When they returned to class we began our math rotations.

During the small group instruction we practiced estimating and measuring liquid volume using milliliters and liters.

During math with a partner the students worked on word problems involving mass.

Finally, during the technology rotation, the students completed an assignment on Prodigy involving mass.

After our math block, students had a chance to share their homework writing journals.

Finally, we ended the day with our weekly class meeting.  NE led the meeting and did an outstanding job.  First, students shared their favorite part of the week.  There seemed to be a tie between WIMS Day and our social studies project.  After that, they exchanged thank yous and compliments.  When I took over we discussed challenges, which centered around disrespect towards the adults during recess and lunch.

Have a great weekend!!!

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Thrilling Thursday

This morning, after the announcements, we began our literacy block.  As I met with individual students to complete the May/June reading assessments, and guided reading groups, the children worked on the following tasks.  First, the completed an independent reading activity where they read a section of their book and identified the main idea in their RRJ.  After that, some of the students completed their opinion paragraphs.  Finally, the children continued working on their expert books.

Pink: Independently the students reread page 20 and identified the main idea in their RRJ.  In group  we reviewed strategies to help determine the main idea and then shared main idea statements.  I also collected their books.

Green:  Independently the students reread page 15 and identified the main idea in their RRJ.  In group we reviewed strategies for identifying the main idea of text.  Then we shared main idea statements.  Finally, I collected their books.

Blue:  Independently the students read chapter 11 and identified the main idea in their RRJ.  In group we reviewed strategies for identifying the main idea of text.  Then we shared and discussed their main idea statements.  Finally, I collected their books.

After our literacy block the students enjoyed outdoor recess and lunch.

When the students returned to class we took some time to clean up our room...it was disgusting!!!!!!  We cleaned table tops, picked up trash off the floor, and organized the baskets under our chairs.  Then we began our math block.

Today we began our study of estimating and measuring mass and volume. During the small group instruction we learned that a paperclip has the mass of a gram, and a heavy book has a mass of about 1 kilogram.  We also learned that 1,000 grams is equal to a kilogram.

During math with a partner the children played multiplication war or multiplication number battle to continue working on basic fact fluency.

Finally, during the technology rotation, the children watched a Khan Academy lesson about estimating and measuring mass and then practiced their new understandings.

HOMEWORK is posted on Google Classroom.

In between our first and second math rotations the students went to art with Mrs. Daniell. When they returned to class we finished our math block.

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Wonderful Wednesday - WIMS Day!

This morning, after the announcements, we had the chance to watch the WIMS Day orientation video starring our very own Mr. Benco, Mrs. Graff, and Mrs. Daniell.  Then the fun began!

We spent the morning rotating through some fantastic stations.  Some of the fun we had included disc golf, kickball, soccer, drawing our summer plans on reflective sunglasses, running obstacle, creating part of a school mural, playing drums, coding and there was much more, too!!

After the morning session we returned to the classroom to cool off.  During that time we watched a Magic School Bus video about natural resources, continued decorating the reflective sunglasses, and worked on the coding sites.

Finally, we ate our lunch....then it was back out for the rest of WIMS Day.  This afternoon we danced, played Skillstastic, had relay races, and a few other things.  We ended with a sweet treat, thanks to the PTA, Popsicles!!

It was a WONDERFUL WIMS WEDNESDAY!

NO HOMEWORK tonight!!!

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