It's always a bit rough waking up the morning after Back to School Night...but knowing I was going to be greeted by a great class helped...somewhat! I was still a bit tired today!!
In math we worked on arranging four digit numbers in order from least to greatest using place value. We also identified numbers as odd or even. We will have a quiz tomorrow and there is an odd/even worksheet for homework.
During reading we read Thundercake by Patricia Pollacco. We identified characteristics of realistic fiction and practiced making connections to the text.
We also went to music.
After lunch and recess the students wrote about the connections they made to Thundercake, in their RRJ. They also practiced writing the cursive letters u, w and e. Some students did not finish their cursive. They will need to finish it as part of their homework.
While they worked independently I finished my reading assessments...yes, finished!! WOO HOO!!!!!
Finally, we ended the day with the children drawing a map of their own desk and the three closest desks to them.
Please make sure your child reads for at least 15 minutes!!!!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Back to School Night!
Back to School Night is tonight at 7:00 pm. I am looking forward to seeing all of you there!
Your child will be bringing home our first Scholastic flyers today. There are three different flyers; Math and Science, October Lucky books and Click computer. You can find some great deals in these flyers. Additionally, there is often information pertaining to the instruction level of the books. This will help you find a book suited to your child's abilities.
PLEASE do not feel you have to order. If you do choose to order there are now two ways to do so. You can order online or send a completed order form, along with a check payable to Scholastic Books, to school. There is a letter explaining the easy online ordering process coming home today, too.
In math we continued using place value to arrange digits into the greatest and least possible numbers. I also had the chance to meet with a small group. We worked on writing 4 and 5 digit numbers in expanded form. There is a practice worksheet for homework.
After math we viewed a Power Point presentation about the MAP-R. This is a computerized reading assessment that students in 3, 4 and 5 grades take three times a year. The MAP-R is a 42 question test that adjusts to the needs of the individual test taker. As questions are answered correctly they get more challenging. If questions are missed repeatedly, then the test gets less intense.
Then the children went to PE. After PE, I returned the student's scored baseline writing pieces and we put them in their binders. Many students then went to view the President's taped speech while the others remained with me, in the classroom, and completed unfinished work or read silently.
Following lunch and recess, the entire class went to take MAP-R. When they return we will collect fingerprints from on of their hands and identify the patterns in each print.
Please be sure your child reads for 15 minutes each night!
Your child will be bringing home our first Scholastic flyers today. There are three different flyers; Math and Science, October Lucky books and Click computer. You can find some great deals in these flyers. Additionally, there is often information pertaining to the instruction level of the books. This will help you find a book suited to your child's abilities.
PLEASE do not feel you have to order. If you do choose to order there are now two ways to do so. You can order online or send a completed order form, along with a check payable to Scholastic Books, to school. There is a letter explaining the easy online ordering process coming home today, too.
In math we continued using place value to arrange digits into the greatest and least possible numbers. I also had the chance to meet with a small group. We worked on writing 4 and 5 digit numbers in expanded form. There is a practice worksheet for homework.
After math we viewed a Power Point presentation about the MAP-R. This is a computerized reading assessment that students in 3, 4 and 5 grades take three times a year. The MAP-R is a 42 question test that adjusts to the needs of the individual test taker. As questions are answered correctly they get more challenging. If questions are missed repeatedly, then the test gets less intense.
Then the children went to PE. After PE, I returned the student's scored baseline writing pieces and we put them in their binders. Many students then went to view the President's taped speech while the others remained with me, in the classroom, and completed unfinished work or read silently.
Following lunch and recess, the entire class went to take MAP-R. When they return we will collect fingerprints from on of their hands and identify the patterns in each print.
Please be sure your child reads for 15 minutes each night!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
A Tuesday that Feel Like a Monday
We had a great day, again, today but it was BUSY!!!!!
In math we practiced making the greatest and least (this part was new) possible number given four digits. I also introduced 4 anchor activities that students can choose from that will help them practice their math skills when they are finished with their classwork. There is a worksheet for homework.
During our reading block, I attempted to complete my reading assessments. I got a lot done but there is still more to do! While I tested students the rest of the class worked independently on writing the letters i and t in cursive and making an "I Am Special" book. The children worked quite well. I was proud of them!!! There is a cursive practice paper for homework, too.
Just prior to releasing the students to work independently, I introduced the "Issue Bin". This is a poster hanging on the wall where students can write important notes to me on post-it notes and leave them for me to read when I am busy working with other students independently or one-on-one. This gives students the chance to ask questions or tell me something that they think is "pressing" without taking me away from other children with whom I am engaged.
Following lunch and recess I had a meeting to attend but the students finished their "I Am Special" book.
When I returned we read about the history of fingerprinting and then looked at the three common fingerprint patters; arch, whorl and loop. FInally, we practiced making fingerprints.
Don't forget, every students is expected to read for 15 minutes each and every night...even if we forget to write it in the planner!!!!
In math we practiced making the greatest and least (this part was new) possible number given four digits. I also introduced 4 anchor activities that students can choose from that will help them practice their math skills when they are finished with their classwork. There is a worksheet for homework.
During our reading block, I attempted to complete my reading assessments. I got a lot done but there is still more to do! While I tested students the rest of the class worked independently on writing the letters i and t in cursive and making an "I Am Special" book. The children worked quite well. I was proud of them!!! There is a cursive practice paper for homework, too.
Just prior to releasing the students to work independently, I introduced the "Issue Bin". This is a poster hanging on the wall where students can write important notes to me on post-it notes and leave them for me to read when I am busy working with other students independently or one-on-one. This gives students the chance to ask questions or tell me something that they think is "pressing" without taking me away from other children with whom I am engaged.
Following lunch and recess I had a meeting to attend but the students finished their "I Am Special" book.
When I returned we read about the history of fingerprinting and then looked at the three common fingerprint patters; arch, whorl and loop. FInally, we practiced making fingerprints.
Don't forget, every students is expected to read for 15 minutes each and every night...even if we forget to write it in the planner!!!!
Friday, September 4, 2009
TGIF
It's been a great week but I have to admit that I am ready for a long weekend!!
In math we practiced creating the greatest number possible using a given set of digits. We also continued learning how to play the 100's chart game. Additionally, the students completed "exit cards" where I said three different 3-digit numbers and they had to write each number in standard form as well as in expanded form.
From time to time I will give the children exit cards which are really just an index card on which the students complete 2-3 items. Then I sort the cards over a trash can. REALLY! I throw away the cards of the students who completed all of the problems correctly. Then I sort the rest of the cards according to the reason for their errors. I then use the results to work with small groups to help them master new skills.
I hope this explanation makes sense...it is Friday afternoon!!
After math I introduced a tool for learning new vocabulary called a concept map. This is a graphic organizer that takes a word (or concept) and using context clues (from text) and a definition from a dictionary or glossary has the students come up with similar ideas and examples to help further their understanding of the word.
We also went to the media center this morning.
Following lunch and recess the students will create invitations to Back to School Night and read their books from the media center. During this time, I will continue with my reading assessments. Then the students will create a map of their desk.
Finally, we will end the day with "Fun Friday". At the end of the day on Fridays, students in grades 3-5 will have the opportunity to participate in an extra recess or other fun activity IF they have completed ALL of their homework for the ENTIRE week. Students who missed one or more homework assignments during the week will gather in a classroom to work on missed assignments.
In math we practiced creating the greatest number possible using a given set of digits. We also continued learning how to play the 100's chart game. Additionally, the students completed "exit cards" where I said three different 3-digit numbers and they had to write each number in standard form as well as in expanded form.
From time to time I will give the children exit cards which are really just an index card on which the students complete 2-3 items. Then I sort the cards over a trash can. REALLY! I throw away the cards of the students who completed all of the problems correctly. Then I sort the rest of the cards according to the reason for their errors. I then use the results to work with small groups to help them master new skills.
I hope this explanation makes sense...it is Friday afternoon!!
After math I introduced a tool for learning new vocabulary called a concept map. This is a graphic organizer that takes a word (or concept) and using context clues (from text) and a definition from a dictionary or glossary has the students come up with similar ideas and examples to help further their understanding of the word.
We also went to the media center this morning.
Following lunch and recess the students will create invitations to Back to School Night and read their books from the media center. During this time, I will continue with my reading assessments. Then the students will create a map of their desk.
Finally, we will end the day with "Fun Friday". At the end of the day on Fridays, students in grades 3-5 will have the opportunity to participate in an extra recess or other fun activity IF they have completed ALL of their homework for the ENTIRE week. Students who missed one or more homework assignments during the week will gather in a classroom to work on missed assignments.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Math Homework Begins!!
The student's in my math class will be bringing home a place value worksheet for homework today! Woo Hoo!!!! We spent the majority of math practicing writing two and three numbers in standard, word and expanded form. I also began to introduce a game which they will be able to "play" when they have completed their work. This game incorporates place value and mental addition and subtraction.
In reading we again practiced making connections to text, this time using the book Ira Sleeps Over. Once again we were working on identifying the emotions that we felt and he actions that were brought about by our feelings.
After going to music we set up our writer's notebook, our word study jouranl and our reading response log. Then we began listing approrpiate entries for our writer's notebook, such as; lists, graphic organizers and rough drafts.
Following lunch and recess I will continue reading testing. The students will write about a connection they can make to either The Art Lesson or Ira Sleeps Over, in their reading response log. Then they will begin a list of writing topics for personal narratives in their writer's notebook. If they have additional time they will independently read their National Geographic.
At 2:30 Mrs. Howard will stop by for a brief visit. Fianlly, we will begin our social studies unit by creating a symbol for a hobby and making a map of our desk.
Homework: Math worksheet and read for at least 15 minutes
In reading we again practiced making connections to text, this time using the book Ira Sleeps Over. Once again we were working on identifying the emotions that we felt and he actions that were brought about by our feelings.
After going to music we set up our writer's notebook, our word study jouranl and our reading response log. Then we began listing approrpiate entries for our writer's notebook, such as; lists, graphic organizers and rough drafts.
Following lunch and recess I will continue reading testing. The students will write about a connection they can make to either The Art Lesson or Ira Sleeps Over, in their reading response log. Then they will begin a list of writing topics for personal narratives in their writer's notebook. If they have additional time they will independently read their National Geographic.
At 2:30 Mrs. Howard will stop by for a brief visit. Fianlly, we will begin our social studies unit by creating a symbol for a hobby and making a map of our desk.
Homework: Math worksheet and read for at least 15 minutes
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Another GREAT Day!
I continue to LOVE working with your children!!!
In math we used base ten blocks to find different ways to make the number 43. For example, we could use 4 tens sticks and 3 ones cubes or 3 tens and 13 ones, etc. From this we moved on to writing numbers in standard form (97), word form (ninety-seven) and expanded notation (97=90+7). Unfortunately we did not get far enough for the homework that I had planned. So, again, no math homework. Please do not worry...this will not become a pattern. It's part of getting to know the abilities of your class!!
In reading we read the story The Art Lesson by Tomie DePaola. We practiced making connections to the text. In third grade, we are thinking about the connections in terms of how did we feel and what did we do because of those feelings. This helps us understand and anticipate how a character reacts and problems that may arise.
Following PE, we received and looked through our first issue of Nartional Geographic. These monthly magazines are hole punched and need to remain in the reading section of your child's binder.
THis afternoon the students will create All ABout Me posters and continue reading their National Geographic magazines while I continue with reading testing. Then we will list what we know and what we would like to learn about fingerprints. If time permits, we will practice making some fingerprints, too!
Homework: Read for at least 15 minutes.
In math we used base ten blocks to find different ways to make the number 43. For example, we could use 4 tens sticks and 3 ones cubes or 3 tens and 13 ones, etc. From this we moved on to writing numbers in standard form (97), word form (ninety-seven) and expanded notation (97=90+7). Unfortunately we did not get far enough for the homework that I had planned. So, again, no math homework. Please do not worry...this will not become a pattern. It's part of getting to know the abilities of your class!!
In reading we read the story The Art Lesson by Tomie DePaola. We practiced making connections to the text. In third grade, we are thinking about the connections in terms of how did we feel and what did we do because of those feelings. This helps us understand and anticipate how a character reacts and problems that may arise.
Following PE, we received and looked through our first issue of Nartional Geographic. These monthly magazines are hole punched and need to remain in the reading section of your child's binder.
THis afternoon the students will create All ABout Me posters and continue reading their National Geographic magazines while I continue with reading testing. Then we will list what we know and what we would like to learn about fingerprints. If time permits, we will practice making some fingerprints, too!
Homework: Read for at least 15 minutes.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Day Two...WOW!
You'll find out about the WOW in a few minutes...until then you'll have to be in suspense!
In math we took a preassessment for the place value section of unit 1. After that, I reviewed the correct answers with the class. Then we began discussing and taking notes, in our math journal, about digits and how they can change values depending upon their position in a number. We did not have time to get to homework today but look for some tomorrow! :-)
During reading we reviewed the way to choose a just right book. There is a paper in the reading section of their binder with guidelines. I also modeled organizing my thoughts for a writing piece...I used the same topic and thoughts from my web that I created yesterday and showed the class how I could have made a flow chart to prepare for the writing piece. Then I used the web and flow chart to write a rough draft.
Then...drum roll please...this is the exciting part!!! We began sharing out Guess Bags. It was SOOOO much fun to learn about the children by guessing what their "things" symbolized.
After lunch and recess the children worked on their own personal narrative while I began reading testing. I will be testing each child individually to gain information about their decoding and comprehension abilities. This will help me plan for reading instruction.
Unfortunately, we did not get to our planned science lesson today, as we spent the end of the day finishing out Guess Bags...but it was worth the time!!
Homework:
Read for 15 minutes AND gather pictures and decorations for an All About Me poster that the students will DO in SCHOOL tomorrow. They are not to do the poster at home!
In math we took a preassessment for the place value section of unit 1. After that, I reviewed the correct answers with the class. Then we began discussing and taking notes, in our math journal, about digits and how they can change values depending upon their position in a number. We did not have time to get to homework today but look for some tomorrow! :-)
During reading we reviewed the way to choose a just right book. There is a paper in the reading section of their binder with guidelines. I also modeled organizing my thoughts for a writing piece...I used the same topic and thoughts from my web that I created yesterday and showed the class how I could have made a flow chart to prepare for the writing piece. Then I used the web and flow chart to write a rough draft.
Then...drum roll please...this is the exciting part!!! We began sharing out Guess Bags. It was SOOOO much fun to learn about the children by guessing what their "things" symbolized.
After lunch and recess the children worked on their own personal narrative while I began reading testing. I will be testing each child individually to gain information about their decoding and comprehension abilities. This will help me plan for reading instruction.
Unfortunately, we did not get to our planned science lesson today, as we spent the end of the day finishing out Guess Bags...but it was worth the time!!
Homework:
Read for 15 minutes AND gather pictures and decorations for an All About Me poster that the students will DO in SCHOOL tomorrow. They are not to do the poster at home!
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