Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Wonderful Wednesday

This morning the students completed the Wednesday section of the vocabulary sheet for our word of the week represent.  After that, they practiced identifying different pars of speech as they completed a silly paragraph similar to Mad Libs.  Following the morning announcements, we switched for math.

We began with a Soduko type warm up and then reviewed the homework from last night.  Next, we went over the formative that the students took yesterday and began our rotations.

During the small group instruction we practiced estimating the product of multi-digit whole numbers, using the standard algorithm to solve it, and then justifying the reasonableness of our answer.  During math with a partner, the students played Shut the Box, which provided practice with multiplication, addition, and general logic.  Finally, during the technology portion, the students completed a session of Xtra Math and then used an online site to practice finding the product of 2 multi-digit whole numbers.

In between the second and third rotations, the students enjoyed lunch and outdoor recess.

Math homework is posted in GC.

After math we started pour literacy block by reading chapters 3 and 4 of WTMMTM.  Then, we began our writing lesson. 

During writing we created a Google doc for the students to write their second/final version of their fiction piece.  Then the children worked on typing up their second version, using the Google doc.

Next, the students ate snack while we read and used stop*think*paraphrase to summarize chapters 5 and 6.

Finally, the students worked independently while I met with guided reading groups.  First, they completed the Wednesday portion of the reading skills page which focused on making inferences.  Next, they completed the inference chart, for WTMMTM chapters 1-5.  After that,



Green:  We reviewed the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday section of the reading skills sheet.  Then, we reviewed the inference chart for chapters 1-5 of WTMMTM.  Finally, we realized that the inferences were character traits for Minli that we identified based on her thoughts, actions, and words, in the story.

Pink:  We reviewed the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday section of the reading skills sheet.  Then, we reviewed the inference chart for chapters 1-5 of WTMMTM.  Finally, we realized that the inferences were character traits for Minli that we identified based on her thoughts, actions, and words, in the story.

Blue:  We reviewed the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday section of the reading skills sheet.  Then, we reviewed the inference chart for chapters 1-5 of WTMMTM. 

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Terrific Tuesday

This morning the students completed the Tuesday section of the vocabulary sheet for our word of the week, represent.  Next, they used Typing Club to practice their keyboarding skills.  After the announcements, we switched for math.

We began math with a numeric puzzle and then reviewed the homework from last night.  Next, I went over the small group lesson from Friday and clarified misconceptions about identifying and continuing geometric shape patterns.  Then, the students took the week 4 formative.

After enjoying lunch and outdoor recess, the students returned to math.  Some had to finish the formative.  The others completed a session of Xtra math and then practiced multiplying multi-digit whole numbers, using online sties.

The week 4 formatives have been graded and returned to students.  We did not have time to go over them, so we will do that at the beginning of math tomorrow.

There is math HOMEWORK posted in GC.

After math, we began our literacy block with a writing lesson.  First, students reread their own fiction draft.  Then, they placed sticky notes at different places in their draft where they could make changes to better describe the setting, as I read prompts to guide them.

Next, we had a guest reader come to help us honor Read Across America Week.  Mr. Edmundson, Mr. McGeeś boss, read a story about making a difference t our class.

When he left, the children worked on revising their writing using the sticky notes from earlier.

After writing, we began our reading portion by previewing parts of the front cover, and sharing what we see, think, and wonder, for the novel we will be studying, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon.
Then, we watched a trailer and the author speak about the book.

Next, we read chapters 1 and 2 in WTMMTM, using a strategy called, Stop*Think*Paraphrase, to help summarize our reading.

Finally, the students had about 20 minutes to work independently.  First, they completed the Tuesday section of the reading skills page, which focused on identifying text structure.  After that, they completed 2 inference activities as a warm up, before filling out part of a table to make an inference about Minli buying the goldfish.  Next, if students had time, they used the text and graphic organizer from last week, to write an opinion paragraph about giving up birthday presents.

The students ended their day in art, with Mrs. Daniell.

Monday, February 26, 2018

Monday - I am BACK!!!!

Let me start by saying it is SO good to be back at work!!!!

So...this morning the students commented about their weekend on our morning message and then completed the Monday section of the vocabulary sheet for our new word of the week, represent.  After the announcements, we switched for math.

Math began with a Magic Square warm up. Then we began our rotations.

During the small group, teacher led instruction, we focused on comparing the area model of multiplication to the standard algorithm.  Then we estimated and solved multi-digit multiplication problems, using the standard algorithm.  During math with a partner, the students played a game called, Shut the Box, which provided practice with both multiplication and addition basic facts.  Finally, during the technology portion, the students completed a session of Xtra math and then played Drag n Drop math to practice using the standard algorithm to find the product of multi-digit whole numbers.

In between the second and third rotations, the students enjoyed lunch and outdoor recess.

Math homework is posted in GC.

After math, we reviewed last week´s word of the week, vocabulary sheet, last week´s puzzles, and then the children had a few minutes to ask me questions about last week.

Next, we began our literacy block with a writing lesson.  First we discussed how we can help our partner feel comfortalbe during peer conferences.  Then, we listed questions that we might ask our partner to receive helpful feedback.

After that, the students went to PE with MR. Smith.

When they returned from PE, they ate snack and we reviewed some of the requirements for their writing piece.  Then, they spent time conferring with their writing partner, asking some of the questions we listed as a class.

Next, the students worked independently on the following tasks.  First, the completed the Monday portion of the new reading skills paper they received for this week.  After that, they worked on a formative about character traits.  They read two passages, identified a character trait for each, and explained what made them choose it.  Next, the students worked to make revisions to their fiction piece based on the feedback they received from their partner.

WE ended the day with a first grade guest reader!  :-)

Friday, February 16, 2018

Fabulous Friday!!

This morning the students completed the Friday section of the vocabulary sheet for our word of the week, perhaps.  After that, they chose which academic skill to practice, and how, because it is Free Choice Friday.  After watching the morning announcements we switched for math.

We broke routine and reviewed the homework from last night as our warm up.  After that, the students took the week 3 formative covering the multiplication of two 2-digit numbers.  These have been graded and returned to students.  Look for them in the math section of your child´s binder this evening.

Next, the students took an MCPS required, online progress check.  This is just a dipstick to see how much of the material taught has been retained.  It is not entered into the grade book but is used to drive planning and instruction.

After enjoying lunch and outdoor recess, we played a game of Kahoot focusing on 4th grade math measurement topics.

After math, we  reviewed this weeks vocabulary sheet for our word of the week, perhaps, and shared the answers to the weekly puzzles.  Then, we began our literacy block with a writing lesson.

Today we revisited sections of the book, Morning on the Lake, and highlighted words and phrases that helped us visualize the setting.  Then, the students wrote, silently, for 20 minutes, beginning a new draft and focusing on developing the setting.  After, several volunteers shared part of their writing while we ate snack.

Next, we began our independent work block.  Today the students had time to finish up assignments from this past week.  First, they completed the Friday section of the reading skills sheet.  Next, they used the texts and Venn diagram to write a paragraph comparing (or contrasting) the themes of Arachne and Pandora´s Box.  After that, they finished the verb worksheet.  Finally, they had time to complete the science exit card.

As they worked, I provided some one-on-one support to those who needed it.  I also met with all 3 reading groups to go over the Friday portion of the reading skills paper.  This provided practice with story elements.

We ended the day with a FABULOUS assembly.  We were treated to a play about three black heroes; .  It was great!

Thursday, February 15, 2018

Thrilling Thursday

This morning the students completed the Thursday section of the vocabulary sheet for our word of the week, perhaps.  Then, they worked on solving our weekly puzzles. After the announcements we switched for math.

Math began with a division warm up.  Next, we reviewed the homework from last night.  After that, we began our rotations.

During the small group instruction we reviewed multi-digit multiplication and then  used place value to divide a four-digit number by a 1-digit number.  During math with a partner, the students played an Around the Block Bump board game that practiced dividing numbers and interpreting remainders.  Finally, during the technology portion, the children completed a session of Xtra Math and then chose a game from the Multiplication Live Binder to help practice multiplying multi-digit numbers.

In between the second and third rotations, the students enjoyed lunch and outdoor recess.

Math homework is posted in GC and we will have a formative tomorrow covering the multiplication of two 2-digit whole numbers.

After math we began our literacy block with a writing lesson.  First, we briefly revisited the use of sensory details in the story, The Day of Ahmed´s Secret.  Then,  we read the first two sections of the book, Morning on the Lake, discussing the author´s use of sensory details to develop the setting.  After that, the students began drafting a new fictional writing piece, focusing on the development of the setting using sensory details.

The students took a break from their writing to go to music class with Mrs. Graf.

After music, the students returned to class and ate snack while they continued working on their new fictional writing piece draft.  Then, volunteers shared how they used their imagination during writing today and examples of sensory details in their pieces.

Next, the students worked independently on the following tasks while I met with guided reading groups.  First, they completed the Wednesday and Thursday sections of the reading skills sheet.  Next, they reread 2 myths, Arachne and Pandoraś Box, and completed a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting them.  After that, the students had time to complete the verb activity and the science exit card, both from earlier in the week.

Guided Reading Groups:

Green - We reviewed the reading skills sections which provided practice with inference and key details.  Then, we used the Venn diagram to discuss the two myths and begin thinking about the theme of each.

Pink - We reviewed the reading skills sections which provided practice with inference and key details.  Then, we used the Venn diagram to discuss the two myths and begin thinking about the theme of each.

Blue - We reviewed the reading skills sections which provided practice with inference and key details.  Then, we used the Venn diagram to discuss the two myths and begin thinking about the theme of each.

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Wonderful Wednesday - Valentine´s Day

This morning the children completed the Wednesday section of the vocabulary sheet for our word of the week, perhaps.  Then, they played an online word game since it is Word Wednesday.  After the announcements, we switched for math.

Math began with a missing digit multiplication warm up.  Then, we reviewed the homework from last night.  Next, we began our rotations.

During the small group lesson we continued using the standard algorithm to multiply two multi-digit numbers.  During math with a partner, the students played a squared board game that required the multiplication of two 2-digit numbers.  Finally, during the technology rotation, the students completed a session of Xtra Math and then chose a game from the Multiplication Live Binder.

In betwen the second and thirds rotations, the students enjoyed lunch and outdoor recess.

Math homework is posted in GC.

After math, we began our literacy block with writing.  First, the students completed a quick Exit Card, or pop quiz, naming the two parts of a sentence, explaining what each part does, and then identifying the 3 kinds of verbs.  After that, we reviewed the story, The Day of Ahmed´s Secret, and reread passages focusing on the sensory details the author included and what they helped us to imagine.

Next, the students chose a place to use for a Quick Write describing the setting.  After sharing a couple of the Quick Writes, The children wrote silently, either continuing the Quick Write or beginning a new draft, for 15 minutes.  Finally, students chose their favorite sentence to share with the class.

After our writing lesson, we began a Mystery Science lesson about erosion and landslides.

Then, we ended our day with a fabulous Valentine´s Day party which included; bag decorating, Uno playing, valentines distribution, and yummy food eating!!


Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Terrific Tuesday

This morning the students completed the Tuesday section of the vocabulary sheet for our word of the week, perhaps.  Then, they practiced their keyboarding skills using Typing Club.  After the announcements, we switched for math.

We began math with a calendar related word problem.  Then we went over last nightś homework.  After that, we began our rotations.

During the small group lesson we practiced multiplying two 2-digit numbers using the standard algorithm.  During math with a partner, the students played a game using dice to create two 2-digit numbers.  Then they multiplied the numbers and the winner was the one with the highest product.  Finally, during the technology portion, the students completed a session of Xtra Math and then chose a game, from the Multiplication Live Binder, to practice multiplying multi-digit numbers.

In between the second and third rotations the students enjoyed lunch and outdoor recess.

Math homework is posted in GC.

After math, I distributed book club order forms.  Orders are due by Next Friday, February 23.

Then, we began our literacy block with a writing lesson.  After reviewing our notes about fiction writing chart, we read a book called, The Day of Ahmedś Secret, paying close attention to how the author developed the setting in it.  Next, the students began a new draft using sensory details to help develop the setting.  Finally, students shared what they wrote about, as well as the sensory details they included, as we ate snack.

Next, we began the independent work and guided reading groups portion of the literacy block.  Students began by completing the Tuesday section of the reading skills page which reviewed character traits.  After that, they reviewed the myth, ¨King Midas and the Golden Touch,¨ and read the myth,  ¨The Chocolate Touch.¨  Then, they identified a theme for each, along with evidence from the story to support it.  Next, the children completed a verb activity, identifying action and helping verbs.  Finally, they had time to finish the science exit card, from yesterday, explain the interaction between 2 of Earth´s major systems.

Guided Reading Groups:
Green - We reviewed the Tuesday section of the reading skills sheet.  Then, we identified the theme of both ¨King Midas and the Golden Touch,¨ and ¨The Chocolate Touch¨.  After agreeing on a theme (too much of a good thing can be bad), we identified evidence from the myths to support it.  Finally, we revisited the themes of ¨Persephone,¨ and ¨The Blue Corn Maiden,¨ and compared the themes.

Pink - We reviewed the Tuesday section of the reading skills sheet.  Then, we identified the theme of both ¨King Midas and the Golden Touch,¨ and ¨The Chocolate Touch¨.  After agreeing on a theme (too much of a good thing can be bad), we identified evidence from the myths to support it.  Finally, we revisited the themes of ¨Persephone,¨ and ¨The Blue Corn Maiden,¨ and compared the themes.

Blue - We reviewed the Tuesday section of the reading skills sheet.  Then, we identified the theme of both ¨King Midas and the Golden Touch,¨ and ¨The Chocolate Touch¨.  After agreeing on a theme (too much of a good thing can be bad), we identified evidence from the myths to support it.  Finally, we revisited the themes of ¨Persephone,¨ and ¨The Blue Corn Maiden,¨ and compared the themes.

The children ended their day in art with Mrs. Daniell.

Monday, February 12, 2018

Marvelous Monday

This morning the students commented about their weekend on the morning message.  Then, they completed the Monday section of the vocabulary sheet for our new word of the week, perhaps.  Those who had extra time worked on the Sahara Sands verb activity from Friday.  After the announcements, we switched for math.

Math began with a multiplication, missing digits warm up.  Next, we began our rotations.

During the small group lesson, we practiced using the area model and the standard algorithm to multiply two 2-digit numbers.  During math with a partner, the students chose between a board game, providing practicing with comparing decimals to the hundredths, and a dice game, providing practice with multiplying two 2-digit numbers using the area model.  Finally, during the technology portion, the students completed a session of Xtra Math and then practiced multiplying two 2-digit numbers using the site, Amoeba Math.

In between the second and third rotations, the students enjoyed lunch and recess.

Math homework is posted in GC.

After math, we began our literacy block with a writing lesson.  After reviewing how settings are developed in fiction writing, the students began a new fiction draft and wrote silently for 20 minutes.  Next, we created a list of questions that we might want to ask our writing partners when conferring.

Then, the students went to PE with Mr. Smith and enjoyed Jump Rope for Heart.

When they returned to class, we ate snack and they conferred, with their writing partner, about their draft.

After writing, we began the independent work and guided reading portion of our literacy block.  First, though, we reviewed the three types of verbs and went over the practice sheet that the students completed on Friday.  Then, the children began their independent work and I met with guided reading groups.

First, the students completed the Monday section of their new reading skills worksheet.  Then, they reread the tale, The Blue Corn Maiden, and identified a theme with 3 pieces of evidence from the text.  After that, the students completed a verb practice sheet, using the screen cast as needed.  Finally, the students completed a science exit card, identifying and explaining how two of the four major systems of the Earth interact.

Guided Reading Groups:
Green - We reviewed the main idea exercise from the Monday section of the reading skills paper.  Then, we shared possible theme for the myth, The Blue Corn Maiden, and identified supporting evidence from the story.

Pink -  We reviewed the main idea exercise from the Monday section of the reading skills paper.  Then, we shared possible theme for the myth, The Blue Corn Maiden, and identified supporting evidence from the story.

Blue - We reviewed the main idea exercise from the Monday section of the reading skills paper.  Then, we shared possible theme for the myth, The Blue Corn Maiden, and identified supporting evidence from the story.

Friday, February 9, 2018

Fab Friday

This morning the students completed the Friday portion of the vocabulary sheet for our word of the week, prefer.  Then, they got to choose which academic skill to practice since it is Free Choice Friday.  After watching the announcements, we switched for math.

Math began with a warm up which provided practice with ordering decimals.  Next, we reviewed last night´s homework. 

Then, the students took the week 2 formative which focused on assessing ordering and comparing decimals.  These have been scored and returned to the children.  Look for them in the math section of the binder this evening.  Everyone did quite well.  :-)

After the quiz, the children completed a session of Xtra Math and then we played a game of Kahoot to review decimals.

After enjoying lunch and outdoor recess, we reviewed multiplying two 2-digit numbers using the area model strategy and the standard algorithm.

When the students returned to homeroom, we reviewed this week´s vocabulary sheet, our weekly puzzles, and did a quick binder clean-out.

Next, we began our writing lesson.  We examined different passages from the story, Roxaboxen, identifying words or phrases that used sensory details to describe the setting.  After that, the students began a new fictional draft, focusing on using sensory details to develop the setting.  After the silent writing block, some students shared the imaginary setting.

After that, the students worked independently while I met with reading groups.  First, all students completed the Thursday and Friday portions of the reading skills page.  Then, they read the myth, Persephone, and identified a theme and evidence from the text to support it.  Next, most students watched a screencast about verbs and completed a follow-up practice worksheet.  Some students still had to complete the sentences task first, though.  Finally, students had one last day to finish the organizers for the four major systems of the Earth.

Guided Reading Groups:

Green - We reviewed the Thursday and Friday sections of the reading skills sheet which focused on context clues and sequencing events.  Then, we revisited the myth, Persephone, and discussed possible themes and evidence from the text to support it.

Pink -  We reviewed the Thursday and Friday sections of the reading skills sheet which focused on context clues and sequencing events.  Then, we revisited the myth, Persephone, and discussed possible themes and evidence from the text to support it.

Blue -  We reviewed the Thursday and Friday sections of the reading skills sheet which focused on context clues and sequencing events.  Then, we revisited the myth, Persephone, and discussed possible themes and evidence from the text to support it.

After our literacy block, we examined photographs and identified how two of Earth´s major systems were interacting in them.

Then, we ended the day with a class meeting.  First we shared what we liked to do when we are bored.  After that, we exchanged thank yous and compliments.  Finally, we discussed and brainstormed ways to fix the challenges of broken bean bags and pushing and shoving in the Chromebook cart line.

Thursday, February 8, 2018

Thrilling Thursday

Well...after our day off for icy conditions, it was back to routine today!!

This morning the students completed the Wednesday and Thursday sections of the vocabulary sheet for our word of the week, prefer.  Then, they worked on solving our weekly puzzles.  After the announcements, we switched for math.

We began math with a decimal based warm up.  Then we reviewed Tuesday nightś homework.  Next, we began our rotations.

During the small group instruction we practiced using place value to order and compare fractions.  During math with a partner, the students played a board game called Pop ´Em, which provided practice with comparing decimals to the hundredths.  Finally, during the technology rotation, the students completed a session of Xtra Math.  Then, they finished watching a Learn Zillion lesson which they began during the warm up.  Those who finished early chose from several web sites, linked in GC, to practice comparing decimals.

In between the second and third rotations, the students enjoyed lunch and recess.

Math homework is posted in GC.  We will have a formative tomorrow covering comparing and ordering decimals.

After math, we began our literacy block with a writing lesson.  After reviewing the story Owl Moon, we read the book, Roxaboxen, and discussed the sensory details that the author used to describe the setting.  After that, we shared ideas for imaginary settings of stories.  Next, the students began a new fictional draft using an imaginary setting.

After going to music, with Mrs. Graf, the students finished their writing while eating snack.

Next, we began the reading portion of our literacy block.  We began by understanding that an allusion is a reference to a person, piece of text, or event.  Then, we read the Greek myth, King Midas and the Golden Touch.  Next, we read and discussed several allusions to Greek mythology, beginning with a newspaper heading from 2012 stating, helps has the Midas Touch!

Finally, the students worked independently, on the following tasks, while I met with guided reading groups.  They began by completing the Tuesday and Wednesday sections of the reading skills sheet.  Next, they completed the paragraph identifying a change in the Earth, from the myth, ¨Zeus and the Great Flood,¨ and explained the impact on a character.  After that, they completed a worksheet, focusing on identifying subjects and predicates in complete sentences.  Finally, the finished the graphic organizers defining, listing characteristics of, and the location of the 4 major systems of Earth.

Guided Reading Groups:

Green - We reviewed the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday sections of the reading skills sheet for this week.  Then, we quickly reviewed the myth, ¨Zeus and the Great Flood,¨ and identified the theme.  WE also discussed evidence from the story to support it.

Pink - We reviewed the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday sections of the reading skills sheet for this week.  Then, we quickly reviewed the myth, ¨Zeus and the Great Flood,¨ and identified the theme.  WE also discussed evidence from the story to support it.

Blue - We reviewed the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday sections of the reading skills sheet for this week.  Then, we quickly reviewed the myth, ¨Zeus and the Great Flood,¨ and identified the theme.  WE also discussed evidence from the story to support it.

Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Terrific Tuesday

This morning the students completed the Tuesday section of the vocabulary sheet for our word of the week, prefer.  After that, they practiced their keyboarding skills using Typing Club.  After the announcements, we switched for math.

Math began with a logic and place value based word problem for warm up.  Then we went over last nightś homework.  After that, we began our rotations.

During the small group lesson we used place value to order decimals from least to greatest.  During math with a partner, the students played a board game, ¨Lines of Three¨, which provided practice in adding tenths and hundredths.  Finally, during the technology portion, the students completed a session of Xtra Math.  Then, they used Boom Cards, linked in GC, to practice placing decimals on a number line.

In between the second and third rotation the students enjoyed lunch and outdoor recess.

Math homework is posted in GC.

After math, my homeroom took the winter session of the MAP-R assessment.  This is the computerized, self-adjusting reading assessment that measure students growth and helps teachers plan and instruct.

After the assessment, we ate snack and began our writing lesson.  Today we revisited Owl Moon and noticed the sensory details that the author, Jane Yolen, included in her writing.  Next, we chose our ¨happy place¨ and did a 4-minute quick write describing it using sensory details.  After a few people shared their writing, we used the setting we described in our quick write to begin a new fictional piece of writing.

The students ended their day in art with Mrs. Daniell.

Monday, February 5, 2018

Marvelous Monday - 2 Hour Delay

This morning the students commented about their weekend on our morning message.  Then, the completed the Monday portion of the vocabulary sheet for our new word of the week, prefer.  Next, they continued working on the graphic organizers for the four major systems of Earth.  After the announcements we switched for math.

Due to the delayed start, we had a shortened math block with lunch in between.  We began with an error analysis warm up involving representing a decimal as a fraction.  After that, we watched and discussed a Khan Academy lesson about placing decimals on a number line.  Then, we practiced naming decimals placed on a number line.

Next, the students went to lunch.

When they returned to math, they completed a session of Xtra Math and played an online game practicing the naming of decimals on a number line.

Math homework is posted in GC.

After switching back to homerooms, my class went to PE with Mr. Smith.

When they returned to class, we began our literacy block with a writing lesson.  First we reviewed our notes about fiction writing chart that we began last week.  After that, we read the story Owl Moon, by Jane Yolen, and focused on how the setting was developed.  Next, we discussed the book and shared ideas of outdoor places we could use as a setting in a story.  Then, the students wrote for 20 minutes, silently, beginning a new fiction piece with an outdoor setting.  Finally, several students shared parts of the writing with the class.

Next, we began our reading and independent work block.  First, we reviewed the practice worksheet, from Friday, focusing on simple and complete predicates.  Then, I explained how to write about changes to the Earth, in myths, and the impact on a character.  After that, the children began working on the following tasks.

First, they completed the Monday section of their new reading skills worksheet.  Then, they reread the myth, ¨Zeus and the Great Flood,"and wrote about a change in the Earth and its impact on a character.  After that, the children completed a worksheet identifying subject and predicates.


Friday, February 2, 2018

Fabulous Friday

This morning the students completed the Friday section of the vocabulary sheet for our word of the week, conclude.  Then, since it is Free Choice Friday, they got to choose which academic skill they practiced for the rest of morning work.  After we watched the morning announcements, we switched for math.

Math began with a word problem involving logic and money.  Then, we reviewed last nightś math homework.  After that, the students took the week 1 formative covering fractions with denominators of 10 or 100 and decimal notation.  These have been graded and returned to students.

After the formative, the students enjoyed lunch and indoor recess.

Then, we reviewed the formative and played a game of Kahoot focusing on fractions and decimals.

After math, we began our literacy block with a writing lesson.  After retelling the story of Miss Rumphius, as a class, we focused on how the author, Barbara Cooney, used dialogue to reveal the character´s personality.  Then, I gave several examples of how to show a characterś personality through what they say and do, as opposed to saying what it is.  Next, the students wrote silently for 20 minutes.  They began a new fiction draft and practiced using dialogue to reveal the character´s personality.  Finally, while we ate snack, we discussed how to be a good writing partner during peer conferencing time.  Then, the students shard their drafts with their partners.

In between our writing lesson and independent work block, we had a discussion about how to watch screencasts effectively and the importance of following directions.  I think the message was received!  :-)

During the independent work block the students completed the reading skills practice sheet for this week.  Then, they read the myth, ¨Zeus and the Great Flood¨.  As they read, they circled unknown words and marked places where a character, or the Earth, changed.  Next, the students completed a practice activity to support the complete sentences screencast from yesterday.  Students were instructed to revisit the video lesson if need be.

Guided Reading Groups:
Blue - We reviewed the Friday and bonus sections of the reading skills sheet.  We reread and retold the myth, ¨Zeus and the Great Flood,¨ defining unknown words along the way. 

Pink -  We reviewed the Friday and bonus sections of the reading skills sheet.  We discussed the myth, ¨Zeus and the Great Flood,¨ defining unknown words along the way. 

After I met with our second reading group, Mrs. Luckett, one of our fabulous counselors, stopped by to do a lesson about cyber-bullying.  After watching a video and having a discussion, the students made digital posters about the negative effects of cyber-bullying.

Our day ended by going over the vocabulary sheet for our word of the week, conclude, and the weekly puzzles.

Thursday, February 1, 2018

Thrilling Thursday

This morning the students completed the Thursday section of the vocabulary sheet for our word of the week, conclude.  Then, they attempted to solve the weekly puzzles and posted their guesses in the comment section.  Those who finished early read about the superstitions associated with Groundhogs Day, which is tomorrow.  After the announcements, we switched for math.

Math began with a warm up involving the addition of decimals or fractions and then identifying the sum as the opposite...so if they added fractions the sum was written as a decimal, and vice versa.  Next, we reviewed last nightś homework.  After that, we began our rotations.

During the small group instruction we added and subtracted decimals to solve word problems involving distances and liquid volume.  During math with a partner, the students played a board game of Squares, which provided practice with adding fractions but identifying the sum as a decimal.  Finally, during the technology portion, the students completed a session of Xtra Math and then practiced adding and subtracting decimals, involving word problems, using an online game.

In between the second and third rotation the students enjoyed lunch and outdoor recess.

Math homework is posted in GC and we will have a formative tomorrow.

After math, we began our literacy  block with a writing lesson.  Today, we finished reading the book, Miss Rumphius.  Then, we did a 3 minute Quick-Write, listing interesting or unusual people we know outside of school.  After sharing our lists, the students chose a person to write a fictional story about during our 20 minute writing time block.  Then, we shared the ideas we wrote about today.

Next the students went to music.

When they returned to class, we ate snack and reviewed todayś independent work activities.  First, the children completed the Thursday section of the reading skills worksheet.  Then, they read the myth about Athena, circling unknown words and marking changes in a character with a C and changes to the Earth with an E.  After that, they completed a vocabulary review quiz.  Next, they watched a screencast about writing complete sentences and completed a follow-up practice sheet.  Those who finished early, continued identifying the definition, characteristics, locating, and importance for each of Earthś four major systems.

Guided Reading Groups:

Blue - First we identified the authorś purpose for different types of writing, on the reading skills practice sheet.  After that we reviewed and defined the unknown words they marked in the passage about Athena.  Then, we reread parts of the text and located examples of change in characters and the environment.

Pink - First we identified the authorś purpose for different types of writing, on the reading skills practice sheet.  After that we reviewed and defined the unknown words they marked in the passage about Athena.  Then, we reread parts of the text and located examples of change in characters and the environment.

Green - First we identified the authorś purpose for different types of writing, on the reading skills practice sheet.  After that we reviewed and defined the unknown words they marked in the passage about Athena.  Then, we reread parts of the text and located examples of change in characters and the environment.

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