There is definitely excitement in the air as we begin our march into the holiday season! I can't tell whether the children are more excited about Grandparent's Day (on Wednesday), only 2 1/2 days of school this week or the holidays in general.
In reading we read an article about Thanksgiving. Then we identified and highlighted the 5 most important facts in the piece. After that, the students, independently, will write a summary about the article (using the highlighted facts) and complete a 2-sided comprehension worksheet.
Reading Groups
Bears: We practiced a comprehension strategy called stop-think-paraphrase as we continued reading Leaving Home. We also identified the main idea in the two sections we read. For homework the students need to reread pages 18-21 and practice using the stop, think and paraphrase strategy.
In math we reviewed and practiced determining the area and perimeter of rectangles when only two of the sides have measurements. Then we identified the area of figures by drawing and counting squares. Homework is an area worksheet.
Following music, lunch and outdoor recess I modeled how to use a graphic organizer to write a rough draft. The emphasis of my lesson was to name and EXPLAIN your ideas in your writing. It is not enough to say that one of the positions in soccer is a mid-fielder...the writer must then explain what a mid-fielder is and what their job is during the game.
Then the students continued working independently while I met with reading groups.
Reading groups
Crabs: We practiced using the comprehension strategy of stop-think-paraphrase as we read 7 weeks, 9 weeks and 10 weeks old. For homework the students need to reread these three sections and get a parent signature in their planner.
Lions: We began to meet but were running VERY behind...so we set a plan for group tomorrow and did not really have reading group today! Confused?!?! Yup, us, too!!!
We ended the day with by continuing to read Junkyard Warriors by Patricia Polacco...I highly recommend checking this book out.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Thursday
I will be out of the building tomorrow, so there will not be a blog post. However, I WILL be attending math night tomorrow night. Hope to see some of you there!!
We had a wonderful reading lesson this morning...unfortunately, it took longer than expected and cut my first reading group short. This morning we reviewed the characteristics of a good summary and then discussed what we did to write one yesterday. Next, we read another section in the book In the Deep. We read it a second time and took notes on chart paper. After that, the students worked in groups of 2 or 3 to use the notes and compose a summary of what we read. Finally, we shared some of the summaries and identified what was well done and improvements that could be made. I was SOOOOO excited and impressed with the writing produced by the students.
Today's independent work includes the students taking what they learned from our discussion and writing their own summary, in their RRJs, of what we read in class. They also need to complete their writing rough draft. Additionally, some students still have a verb worksheet and their WOW worksheet to complete...oh, and their were independent reading group assignments!
Crabs: We met and read the section called 2 weeks old. After reading we identified the main idea of the section. Tonight they need to reread 1 day old, 10 days old and 2 weeks old...remember we are working on fluency. They do need to get a parent signature in their planner.
Next up was math! In math we calculated the area and perimeter of rectangles given the measurement of two of the sides. We will have a quiz tomorrow. There is an area and perimeter worksheet for homework tonight.
Following art, lunch and recess the students paired up and read their rough drafts to each other. Then some of the students shared their work out loud and we discussed what they did well and the changes that could be made.
While the students continued their independent work I met with the last two groups.
Bears: We shared their facts from last night's reading and I realized that this text might be a bit of a challenge for them...but a challenge in a good way! I just realized I might need to slow down a bit! So, after sharing our facts, we reread and discussed the section. Tonight they need to read pages 10-17 and list unknown words.
Lions: We shared our answers from last night's homework but ran out of time to share the facts they listed in their RRJs earlier today.
After reading, we started to work on our social studies lesson but the entire class, including myself, was DONE! So, we scrapped the original plan (because, honestly, sometimes you just have to!) and began reading a fantastic book by Patricia Polacco called Junkyard Wonders. Unfortunately, we did not finish it...but we will...
We had a wonderful reading lesson this morning...unfortunately, it took longer than expected and cut my first reading group short. This morning we reviewed the characteristics of a good summary and then discussed what we did to write one yesterday. Next, we read another section in the book In the Deep. We read it a second time and took notes on chart paper. After that, the students worked in groups of 2 or 3 to use the notes and compose a summary of what we read. Finally, we shared some of the summaries and identified what was well done and improvements that could be made. I was SOOOOO excited and impressed with the writing produced by the students.
Today's independent work includes the students taking what they learned from our discussion and writing their own summary, in their RRJs, of what we read in class. They also need to complete their writing rough draft. Additionally, some students still have a verb worksheet and their WOW worksheet to complete...oh, and their were independent reading group assignments!
Crabs: We met and read the section called 2 weeks old. After reading we identified the main idea of the section. Tonight they need to reread 1 day old, 10 days old and 2 weeks old...remember we are working on fluency. They do need to get a parent signature in their planner.
Next up was math! In math we calculated the area and perimeter of rectangles given the measurement of two of the sides. We will have a quiz tomorrow. There is an area and perimeter worksheet for homework tonight.
Following art, lunch and recess the students paired up and read their rough drafts to each other. Then some of the students shared their work out loud and we discussed what they did well and the changes that could be made.
While the students continued their independent work I met with the last two groups.
Bears: We shared their facts from last night's reading and I realized that this text might be a bit of a challenge for them...but a challenge in a good way! I just realized I might need to slow down a bit! So, after sharing our facts, we reread and discussed the section. Tonight they need to read pages 10-17 and list unknown words.
Lions: We shared our answers from last night's homework but ran out of time to share the facts they listed in their RRJs earlier today.
After reading, we started to work on our social studies lesson but the entire class, including myself, was DONE! So, we scrapped the original plan (because, honestly, sometimes you just have to!) and began reading a fantastic book by Patricia Polacco called Junkyard Wonders. Unfortunately, we did not finish it...but we will...
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Ugh...rain, again?!?!
It seems like it rains every Wednesday...
In reading we reviewed the characteristics for writing a good summary and then applied them, along with a new approach. We read the fist section of a book called In the Deep. Then we reread this section and took notes as we read information that we felt was important. After that, we used the information we noted to write a summary of the section in our own words.
While I met with a reading group, the students continued independent work from yesterday.
Bears: We discussed the idea of people leaving one country for another in search of a better life and connected that to America being a "melting pot". Then I introduced our new book, Going Home. I also had groups of students look up vocabulary from this section, in the thesaurus, to share the meanings with the group. Tonight for homework the students need to read pages 4-9 and list 2 facts they read about.
In math we reviewed area and perimeter. I worked with two small groups. One group worked on creating conversion tables to solve word problems. The other group practiced identifying the area and perimeter of figures. There is an area and perimeter worksheet for homework.
Next we went to the computer lab where the students completed their decision trees, that we began last week using Kidspiration, from Uncle Jed's Barbershop.
Following lunch and indoor recess each student shared their main idea for their writing piece and we discussed how to support it using juicy details. Then they continued working on their independent work.
Lions: We read and discussed the rest of their book The Changing Earth. I modeled, and they practiced, using a comprehension strategy called STP, stop-think-paraphrase. Tonight they need to reread pages 13-15 and answer question 3, from the back of the book, on either a sticky note or in their RRJ...their choice!
We will end the day with a class meeting where we will discuss respect (their has been a HUGE lack of it) and active listening (lack here, too!).
In reading we reviewed the characteristics for writing a good summary and then applied them, along with a new approach. We read the fist section of a book called In the Deep. Then we reread this section and took notes as we read information that we felt was important. After that, we used the information we noted to write a summary of the section in our own words.
While I met with a reading group, the students continued independent work from yesterday.
Bears: We discussed the idea of people leaving one country for another in search of a better life and connected that to America being a "melting pot". Then I introduced our new book, Going Home. I also had groups of students look up vocabulary from this section, in the thesaurus, to share the meanings with the group. Tonight for homework the students need to read pages 4-9 and list 2 facts they read about.
In math we reviewed area and perimeter. I worked with two small groups. One group worked on creating conversion tables to solve word problems. The other group practiced identifying the area and perimeter of figures. There is an area and perimeter worksheet for homework.
Next we went to the computer lab where the students completed their decision trees, that we began last week using Kidspiration, from Uncle Jed's Barbershop.
Following lunch and indoor recess each student shared their main idea for their writing piece and we discussed how to support it using juicy details. Then they continued working on their independent work.
Lions: We read and discussed the rest of their book The Changing Earth. I modeled, and they practiced, using a comprehension strategy called STP, stop-think-paraphrase. Tonight they need to reread pages 13-15 and answer question 3, from the back of the book, on either a sticky note or in their RRJ...their choice!
We will end the day with a class meeting where we will discuss respect (their has been a HUGE lack of it) and active listening (lack here, too!).
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Tuesday
This morning we identified the characteristics for writing a summary and made a list in our RRJs. I have instructed the students to review this list before writing a summary. After that, we learned, and practiced using, the new WOW word, eerie (weird or strange; scary).
While I met with reading groups the students worked on individual reading group assignments, they completed a WOW worksheet for eerie and they finished a two sided action verb worksheet.
Reading Groups
Crabs: We began a new book. First we talked about the concept of a diary. Then we discussed that this is a non-fiction book but at times it reads as a fictional story. In group we read the first two entries, Day 1 and Day 10, and reviewed the facts we learned. For homework the students need to reread both pages and get a parent signature in their binder.
In math we practiced calculating the area of a figure in square units. There is a practice worksheet for homework. While students worked independently, I met with several groups of students to practice converting ft and inches, as well as, yards and feet, to solve word problems.
After going to PE, the students enjoyed lunch and outdoor recess. Then Mrs. Howard did a lesson about respect and pride. While this lesson, as are all of Mrs. Howard's lessons, was a worthwhile use of our time, it did cut our reading block short.
After Mrs. Howard left, I introduced a new reading log that we will be starting soon. Students will be expected to read at least FOUR times a week for 20 UNINTERRUPTED minutes. THis can be done at hom or at school (depending on time management). They will record each session on a form, in a packet they will receive from me. Then, after reading for 20 minutes, four times in a week, the students will write a letter to me using one of the ideas listed in the packet. The letter will be done on lined paper in the packet. I will collect these packets once a week and respond to each students' letters.
We ended the day with a whole group social studies lesson. We completed a deiciosn tree together so that the students could better understand what a positive and negative point might be for the same choice. We will put this knowledge to use tomorrow in the computer lab.
While I met with reading groups the students worked on individual reading group assignments, they completed a WOW worksheet for eerie and they finished a two sided action verb worksheet.
Reading Groups
Crabs: We began a new book. First we talked about the concept of a diary. Then we discussed that this is a non-fiction book but at times it reads as a fictional story. In group we read the first two entries, Day 1 and Day 10, and reviewed the facts we learned. For homework the students need to reread both pages and get a parent signature in their binder.
In math we practiced calculating the area of a figure in square units. There is a practice worksheet for homework. While students worked independently, I met with several groups of students to practice converting ft and inches, as well as, yards and feet, to solve word problems.
After going to PE, the students enjoyed lunch and outdoor recess. Then Mrs. Howard did a lesson about respect and pride. While this lesson, as are all of Mrs. Howard's lessons, was a worthwhile use of our time, it did cut our reading block short.
After Mrs. Howard left, I introduced a new reading log that we will be starting soon. Students will be expected to read at least FOUR times a week for 20 UNINTERRUPTED minutes. THis can be done at hom or at school (depending on time management). They will record each session on a form, in a packet they will receive from me. Then, after reading for 20 minutes, four times in a week, the students will write a letter to me using one of the ideas listed in the packet. The letter will be done on lined paper in the packet. I will collect these packets once a week and respond to each students' letters.
We ended the day with a whole group social studies lesson. We completed a deiciosn tree together so that the students could better understand what a positive and negative point might be for the same choice. We will put this knowledge to use tomorrow in the computer lab.
Monday, November 14, 2011
The Monday After...
Well, parent conferences are in the books and, while I enjoyed meeting with all of you, it is great to be back into the normal routine of teaching and learning!!
This morning we reviewed the idea that our purpose for reading determines what is important information versus just interesting facts. Then we identified two questions we had about the book Life on the African Savannah and used those to guide us to the important information in the book.
After that, we learned that action verbs are the "doing" words in sentences.
While I met with reading groups the students completed a verb activity and practiced writing G, S and L in cursive.
Bears: we reviewed the main idea from the Safety at the Beach Section. Then I modeled, using the think aloud strategy, how I would determine the main idea for Boating Safety. This afternoon the students will read the next two sections in the book and identify the main idea in their RRJ. They will also add the word capsize to the vocabulary section in their RRJ. Tonight they need to reread pages 8-15 and get a parent signature in their planner.
In math we practiced identifying the length of objects, using a ruler, when the object doesn't start at the beginning of the ruler. Then we took it a step further and identified the total measurement of two objects placed on the same ruler. There is a conversion word problem worksheet for homework.
Following music, lunch and recess we launched into our writing lesson. The students came to the carpet with the webs they had created for their chosen topic. Then I spoke to them about needing to know and identify the main idea they were going to be writing about. For example, if soccer is the topic, what is the main idea they want to share? They could choose to name and explain the various fouls in soccer. We spent a lot of time with students sharing their topic and talking through their main idea. The students were then sent back to their seats to write the main idea under their web in their writing notebook. We will share these tomorrow.
Crabs: We reviewed the structure for adding a new word to the vocabulary section in our RRJ. I was a bit frustrated that only one student followed the example that we had used to start the section. However, a child said, during group, "Couldn't we just use the example to help us know what to do?" THAT made my day!!!! Thanks, TR!!!! SO, after our review the students returned to their seats to fix their "penalty" entries. Tonight they need to reread the entire book and get a parent's signature in their planner.
Lions: We read the section about how highlands are created by volcanoes and stopped at the end of each page to review what we have read. Then we identified two ways the earth changes, based on what we have read in the book. Tonight the students need to reread pages 3-10 and get a parent's signature in their planner.
Due to next weeks 2 day break and Grandparent's day, I have decided to hold off on our next spelling packet until we return from Thanksgiving. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
We will end the day with a social studies lesson. The students will be split into groups of 3 or 4 and given an envelope with a money earning "situation". Inside the envelope will be three choices of what they can do with the money. The groups will pick two of the choices and get rid of the third. This will lead to a lesson about choices, decision trees and opportunity cost.
This morning we reviewed the idea that our purpose for reading determines what is important information versus just interesting facts. Then we identified two questions we had about the book Life on the African Savannah and used those to guide us to the important information in the book.
After that, we learned that action verbs are the "doing" words in sentences.
While I met with reading groups the students completed a verb activity and practiced writing G, S and L in cursive.
Bears: we reviewed the main idea from the Safety at the Beach Section. Then I modeled, using the think aloud strategy, how I would determine the main idea for Boating Safety. This afternoon the students will read the next two sections in the book and identify the main idea in their RRJ. They will also add the word capsize to the vocabulary section in their RRJ. Tonight they need to reread pages 8-15 and get a parent signature in their planner.
In math we practiced identifying the length of objects, using a ruler, when the object doesn't start at the beginning of the ruler. Then we took it a step further and identified the total measurement of two objects placed on the same ruler. There is a conversion word problem worksheet for homework.
Following music, lunch and recess we launched into our writing lesson. The students came to the carpet with the webs they had created for their chosen topic. Then I spoke to them about needing to know and identify the main idea they were going to be writing about. For example, if soccer is the topic, what is the main idea they want to share? They could choose to name and explain the various fouls in soccer. We spent a lot of time with students sharing their topic and talking through their main idea. The students were then sent back to their seats to write the main idea under their web in their writing notebook. We will share these tomorrow.
Crabs: We reviewed the structure for adding a new word to the vocabulary section in our RRJ. I was a bit frustrated that only one student followed the example that we had used to start the section. However, a child said, during group, "Couldn't we just use the example to help us know what to do?" THAT made my day!!!! Thanks, TR!!!! SO, after our review the students returned to their seats to fix their "penalty" entries. Tonight they need to reread the entire book and get a parent's signature in their planner.
Lions: We read the section about how highlands are created by volcanoes and stopped at the end of each page to review what we have read. Then we identified two ways the earth changes, based on what we have read in the book. Tonight the students need to reread pages 3-10 and get a parent's signature in their planner.
Due to next weeks 2 day break and Grandparent's day, I have decided to hold off on our next spelling packet until we return from Thanksgiving. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
We will end the day with a social studies lesson. The students will be split into groups of 3 or 4 and given an envelope with a money earning "situation". Inside the envelope will be three choices of what they can do with the money. The groups will pick two of the choices and get rid of the third. This will lead to a lesson about choices, decision trees and opportunity cost.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Veteran's Day
This morning we honored Veterans with a flag raising ceremony which included members of the Damascus American Legion. AS always, this proved to be a special ceremony!
I have enjoyed speaking with so many of you this week. Many parents have asked how they can help their children improve their reading comprehension. Here is a link to questions you can ask your child.
This morning , after our Veteran's Day ceremony, we reviewed the spelling packet and took a spelling test. Then, I talked to the class about wanting them to enjoy reading and made some suggestions as to how to find books they might like. Then I told them that I am trying to determine a routine that holds them accountable for the independent reading they do in class. One thought is creating a dialogue journal. Once a week, or so, the students would write to me about what they are reading. I would in turn write back to them. This is a work in progress and has not been established in the classroom yet.
Next up was math...in math we took our first quiz for unit 2. These are scored and will be coming home today. Most students did VERY well!!! After the quiz, the students practiced basic facts using iPads, flashcards or tile math.
Some parents requested math sites to help their students practice basic facts...try this or this.
Following math the students will do a book exchange in the media center. Then they will eat lunch and pack up for our early dismissal.
Have a great weekend!!!
I have enjoyed speaking with so many of you this week. Many parents have asked how they can help their children improve their reading comprehension. Here is a link to questions you can ask your child.
This morning , after our Veteran's Day ceremony, we reviewed the spelling packet and took a spelling test. Then, I talked to the class about wanting them to enjoy reading and made some suggestions as to how to find books they might like. Then I told them that I am trying to determine a routine that holds them accountable for the independent reading they do in class. One thought is creating a dialogue journal. Once a week, or so, the students would write to me about what they are reading. I would in turn write back to them. This is a work in progress and has not been established in the classroom yet.
Next up was math...in math we took our first quiz for unit 2. These are scored and will be coming home today. Most students did VERY well!!! After the quiz, the students practiced basic facts using iPads, flashcards or tile math.
Some parents requested math sites to help their students practice basic facts...try this or this.
Following math the students will do a book exchange in the media center. Then they will eat lunch and pack up for our early dismissal.
Have a great weekend!!!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Thursday - early release
Keep in mind that due to parent conferences both today and tomorrow are early dismissal days. Students will be released at 1:00.
In reading, I met with individual students to do reading assessments. I wanted to make sure that students are learning and determine their current levels and needs. While I did this, the children worked on individual reading group assignments, practiced writing T and F in cursive and caught up on unfinished work.
In math, we reviewed using linear measurements to solve word problems. Specifically, constructing conversion tables and using patterns to identify different measurements for rectangles with the same perimeter. While the students worked independently on a worksheet, I met with two small groups to practice creating conversion tables for feet to inches and feet to yards. There is a worksheet for homework and we will take a quiz tomorrow.
Before eating lunch, the children went to art for 20 minutes. After lunch we packed up for the early dismissal.
In reading, I met with individual students to do reading assessments. I wanted to make sure that students are learning and determine their current levels and needs. While I did this, the children worked on individual reading group assignments, practiced writing T and F in cursive and caught up on unfinished work.
In math, we reviewed using linear measurements to solve word problems. Specifically, constructing conversion tables and using patterns to identify different measurements for rectangles with the same perimeter. While the students worked independently on a worksheet, I met with two small groups to practice creating conversion tables for feet to inches and feet to yards. There is a worksheet for homework and we will take a quiz tomorrow.
Before eating lunch, the children went to art for 20 minutes. After lunch we packed up for the early dismissal.
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