Thrilling Thursday

This morning the students worked on solving our weekly puzzles and then explored some of the Genius Hour web sites.  After the announcements, we discussed the Genius Hour project, and then began our science lesson.

After reviewing the difference between a mixture and a solution, we observed and explained how a new material can form when we combine two or more items.  We saw that combining steel wool and water will create rust, and adding Alka Seltzer to water will form bubbles.  Both of these are new materials.

Next we had a bus evacuation drill and switched for math.  Since we didn't have math all week, and the bus evacuation set us behind, we skipped the Go Noodle break and warm up.  Therefore, we began our rotations right away.

During the small group rotation, we reviewed the partial products/area model for solving 2-digit multiplication problems.  Then we moved on to using the base ten grid paper to model finding the product.  During math with a partner, the students played Advanced Multiplication Number Battle, which provided more practice with 2-digit multiplication.  Finally, during the technology rotation, the students watched a Learn Zillion lesson, and took notes in their math journal, about using the standard algorithm to solve 2-digit multiplication problems.  Then they used the site Drag n' Drop math to get more practice.

We didn't get as far as I wanted in math today.  Therefore, HOMEWORK is a choice of two web sites posted on GC - Holman's Homework.

After math, the students enjoyed lunch and outdoor recess.  When they returned to class, we began our literacy block.

First, we reviewed how a summary is like a sifter and the characteristics of a good one.  After that I read chapter 3, of Shiloh, to the class, modeling how to stop and think at the end of every couple of pages.

While I met with small groups, the children summarized chapter 3.  Then they completed a WTW practice activity, preparing for their quiz tomorrow.  After that, they made a card for another teacher for Staff Appreciation Week.  Finally, they continued to explore the Genius Hour links and writing questions they are wondering about on a sticky note.

Pink/Blue:  We reread chapter 3 together and used the Somebody-Wanted-But-So-Then strategy to help us summarize it.  After that, the students drafter a summary for chapter 3, independently, and identified an inference they could make.

Orange:  Independently the students reread chapter 3 and wrote a summary.  In group we shared their summaries and made improvements along the way.

Green:  Independently the students reread chapter 3 and wrote a summary.  In group we shared their summaries and made improvements along the way.  We also identified inferences we could make and the key details from the text that supported them.

HW is posted on GC - Holman's Homework.  Tomorrow is Spring Picture Day.  We will be taking our class picture, too.  Finally, we will have a game day afternoon to celebrate our class Dojo's.  Students may bring in a board or card game but absolutely NO ELECTRONICS!