I am not sure if anyone is reading this blog over break, but if you are, let me know!!! I wanted to check in and tell all my kids that I do miss them!!
Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed my time off...in fact, due to the snow days, this has been the least stressful holiday season of my adult life...but I am a bit sad that we didn't get to enjoy any holiday fun prior to the break!
If your children are bored, tell them to e-mail me at dana_c_holman@mcpsmd.org to tell me about their holiday and how they are spending their time away from school! I PROMISE to answer ALL e-mails with a day!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
TGIF!
Even with snow in the forecast and being in the midst of the holiday season, we are having a great day!
In math we took our fist quiz for unit 3 and the children ROCKED!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so proud of their effort!!
In reading we finished reading Freedom Summer and identifying pronouns (and the words/ideas they took the place of)within the text. After that, the students began their independent work while I conferenced with individuals about their writing. I really enjoyed working on writing, one-on-one for a change!
After media center (which was held in the mini lab due to the book fair), lunch and indoor recess the students will continue to work independently while I meet with reading groups.
Bears: We will practice high frequency words and identify words in the text with the prefixes un- and re-.
Tigers: We will identify pronouns in their text and determine which words (or ideas) the pronouns are representing. We will also review their suffix lists from homework last night.
Lions: WE will continue reviewing the questions they wrote and reread the story marking places with a T where Shahkro was being tricky.
We will end the day with a student sharing two of his special books and then celebrating fun Friday.
In math we took our fist quiz for unit 3 and the children ROCKED!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so proud of their effort!!
In reading we finished reading Freedom Summer and identifying pronouns (and the words/ideas they took the place of)within the text. After that, the students began their independent work while I conferenced with individuals about their writing. I really enjoyed working on writing, one-on-one for a change!
After media center (which was held in the mini lab due to the book fair), lunch and indoor recess the students will continue to work independently while I meet with reading groups.
Bears: We will practice high frequency words and identify words in the text with the prefixes un- and re-.
Tigers: We will identify pronouns in their text and determine which words (or ideas) the pronouns are representing. We will also review their suffix lists from homework last night.
Lions: WE will continue reviewing the questions they wrote and reread the story marking places with a T where Shahkro was being tricky.
We will end the day with a student sharing two of his special books and then celebrating fun Friday.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Great Start to the Day!
We did not have math today. Instead we enjoyed our school's band and choral concert.
Prior to going to the concert, we finished out science experiment that we began yesterday afternoon. We produced sound from three nails using a pencil. Then we discussed how the sounds differed and why.
After the concert we went to reading. In my reading class we began reading a book called Freedom Summer. Our purpose for reading this book was to identify pronouns, the words they are taking the place of and how using pronouns incorrectly (or too frequently) can lead to confusion.
This book is a fantastic book that led to a great discussion about the civil rights movement. Therefore, we did not finish the book or the lesson. We will continue tomorrow!
Following music, lunch and indoor recess the students worked on independent work which included a pronoun worksheet while I met with reading groups.
Bears: Some students worked on their writing rough draft while others practiced reading the honeybee book. Tonight some need to reread the book while others will complete the pronoun worksheet.
Tigers: We spent time investigating suffixes and identifying words with suffixes in our Alex Lee book. Tonight they need to reread the Alex Lee book and identify words with -s, -d, and -ing suffixes on a chart in their RRJ.
Lions: We began reviewing their homework...asking questions when given a passage of text... unfortunately, we ran out of time. So they do not have homework tonight...and they are just crushed about it! LOL
We ended the day with a friendship lesson given by Mrs. Howard.
Prior to going to the concert, we finished out science experiment that we began yesterday afternoon. We produced sound from three nails using a pencil. Then we discussed how the sounds differed and why.
After the concert we went to reading. In my reading class we began reading a book called Freedom Summer. Our purpose for reading this book was to identify pronouns, the words they are taking the place of and how using pronouns incorrectly (or too frequently) can lead to confusion.
This book is a fantastic book that led to a great discussion about the civil rights movement. Therefore, we did not finish the book or the lesson. We will continue tomorrow!
Following music, lunch and indoor recess the students worked on independent work which included a pronoun worksheet while I met with reading groups.
Bears: Some students worked on their writing rough draft while others practiced reading the honeybee book. Tonight some need to reread the book while others will complete the pronoun worksheet.
Tigers: We spent time investigating suffixes and identifying words with suffixes in our Alex Lee book. Tonight they need to reread the Alex Lee book and identify words with -s, -d, and -ing suffixes on a chart in their RRJ.
Lions: We began reviewing their homework...asking questions when given a passage of text... unfortunately, we ran out of time. So they do not have homework tonight...and they are just crushed about it! LOL
We ended the day with a friendship lesson given by Mrs. Howard.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Hump Day
This morning, in math, we used division to solve word problems. For homework the students need to complete the multiplication basic facts worksheet and practice their flashcards. Due to the holiday concert, we will not have math tomorrow. So, the homework will be due Friday. We will have a quiz on Friday, too!
We began reading by reviewing the way to determine what is important information (as opposed to interesting) when reading text...the purpose or questions drive what is considered important. Then we identified the theme (author's message) in the book, The Girl Who Wore Too Much. We used the theme to help us identify the important information in the book. As we read, we stopped and wrote down important information. When we were done reading, we reviewed the important information that we had noted on our chart and realized that we had in fact written a summary of the story.
After that I modeled creating a jellyfish graphic organizer using the same article that the students used in their small groups earlier this week. My focus was on including information that their readers would not know, as opposed to including known information.
Following PE, lunch and indoor recess the students will work independently on their writing pieces and a sequencing activity while I meet with small groups.
Bears: Practiced writing high frequency words. Identified topic related vocabulary words within the text. Began reading and discussing Honeybees book. Tonight the students need to read the entire book.
Tigers: We reviewed the unknown words from their homework. Then we began reading the book and answering oral comprehension questions. For homework they need to read the entire book.
Lions: We continued listing questions we had about the story. Then each student chose a keeper question. For homework they need to complete pages 12 and 13 in their packet. They will read selections of text and write a question that goes with the text.
We ended the day by writing predictions as to the sounds that various sized nails will produce. Tomorrow we will test our predictions!
We began reading by reviewing the way to determine what is important information (as opposed to interesting) when reading text...the purpose or questions drive what is considered important. Then we identified the theme (author's message) in the book, The Girl Who Wore Too Much. We used the theme to help us identify the important information in the book. As we read, we stopped and wrote down important information. When we were done reading, we reviewed the important information that we had noted on our chart and realized that we had in fact written a summary of the story.
After that I modeled creating a jellyfish graphic organizer using the same article that the students used in their small groups earlier this week. My focus was on including information that their readers would not know, as opposed to including known information.
Following PE, lunch and indoor recess the students will work independently on their writing pieces and a sequencing activity while I meet with small groups.
Bears: Practiced writing high frequency words. Identified topic related vocabulary words within the text. Began reading and discussing Honeybees book. Tonight the students need to read the entire book.
Tigers: We reviewed the unknown words from their homework. Then we began reading the book and answering oral comprehension questions. For homework they need to read the entire book.
Lions: We continued listing questions we had about the story. Then each student chose a keeper question. For homework they need to complete pages 12 and 13 in their packet. They will read selections of text and write a question that goes with the text.
We ended the day by writing predictions as to the sounds that various sized nails will produce. Tomorrow we will test our predictions!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Tuesday
We began tackling word problems in math. I am trying to help the students to recognize key words (such as altogether, in all, etc.) and to think about what the unknown is....is the total is unknown then use multiplication....if a part is unknown, use division. While the students worked independently on a practice worksheet, I pulled a group to work on equations. There is a worksheet for homework and students should be memorizing their basic facts by practicing their flashcards nightly.
During our whole group reading lesson the students continued working in their small groups to create a jellyfish graphic organizer based on the deep sea fishing article. Then we shared the graphic organizers with the entire class. Tomorrow we will investigate which information was new, and therefore should be part of the jellyfish, and which was redundant. Then the children went to the computer lab and visited the book fair.
Following lunch and recess the students worked on their rough drafts, the holiday comprehension activity and the sequencing activity while I met with reading groups.
Bears: Practiced writing high frequency words. Also identified passages in text that answered comprehension questions. Answered two questions together in class. They need to answer the other two for homework tonight.
Tigers: Practiced high frequency words. Discussed the idea of America as a melting pot in preparation for our new book, Alex Lee a Chinese American. Tonight they need to preview the book and list unknown words.
Lions: Began listing questions they have about the new story. Tonight they need to define and use the following words in a sentence, in their RRJ; persuade, desperate, reputation.
We ended the day by investigating how sound travels using tuning forks and fishing line.
During our whole group reading lesson the students continued working in their small groups to create a jellyfish graphic organizer based on the deep sea fishing article. Then we shared the graphic organizers with the entire class. Tomorrow we will investigate which information was new, and therefore should be part of the jellyfish, and which was redundant. Then the children went to the computer lab and visited the book fair.
Following lunch and recess the students worked on their rough drafts, the holiday comprehension activity and the sequencing activity while I met with reading groups.
Bears: Practiced writing high frequency words. Also identified passages in text that answered comprehension questions. Answered two questions together in class. They need to answer the other two for homework tonight.
Tigers: Practiced high frequency words. Discussed the idea of America as a melting pot in preparation for our new book, Alex Lee a Chinese American. Tonight they need to preview the book and list unknown words.
Lions: Began listing questions they have about the new story. Tonight they need to define and use the following words in a sentence, in their RRJ; persuade, desperate, reputation.
We ended the day by investigating how sound travels using tuning forks and fishing line.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Book Fair
The book fair is at DES this week. Come by tonight and Ms. Jones will read to your children while you shop for holiday gifts!
In math we practiced using various strategies to solve division problems. I worked with small groups practicing using simpler facts to solve more challenging problems. For example, if you know that 5x7 = 35, add one more group of 7 to discover that 6x7 = 42. There is a worksheet for homework AND all students should be spending 3-5 minutes practicing their basic fact flashcards each night.
We continued our study of folktales in reading. Today we read Cinderella and practiced sequencing. I paused several times during my reading and reviewed (out loud) what had happened so far. Then at the end, I retold the entire story. Sequencing is an important skill that is used to retell and summarize.
After that the students got into small groups to work on writing. In their groups, they read an article and began creating a jellyfish graphic organizer. Tomorrow they will complete this graphic organizer, in their groups. We will then share the organizers and I will help the children see what should have been added. The purpose of this activity is to help students improve their writing. I am predicting the students will include details that everyone already knows. I will point that out and show them NEW information that should have been included in order to teach their readers new information...the purpose of informative writing.
Following art, lunch and recess we will meet in reading groups and work independently. Students will continue working on their rough drafts from last week.
Additionally, many have to redo the reading comprehension worksheet...answers were not written in complete sentences and some did not use the text to answer the questions. The final assignment that students worked on was a sequence activity.
Bears: Practiced writing high frequency words. Continued reading book and locating information. Tonight they need to reread the entire book.
Tigers: Practiced writing high frequency words. Practiced identifying the answers to questions 1-3, orally. Tonight they need to answer the same questions, in writing, in their RRJ.
Lions: Discussed playing tricks on other people as prereading activity for their new story. Then I read The Man Whose Trade was Tricks out loud. Tonight they need to reread the story and list questions they have in their RRJ.
We ended the day with a science experiment. Students used pitch forks to create sound. We learned that sound is created through vibrations and that the number of vibrations per second is called the frequency. The frequency determines the pitch of a sound.
In math we practiced using various strategies to solve division problems. I worked with small groups practicing using simpler facts to solve more challenging problems. For example, if you know that 5x7 = 35, add one more group of 7 to discover that 6x7 = 42. There is a worksheet for homework AND all students should be spending 3-5 minutes practicing their basic fact flashcards each night.
We continued our study of folktales in reading. Today we read Cinderella and practiced sequencing. I paused several times during my reading and reviewed (out loud) what had happened so far. Then at the end, I retold the entire story. Sequencing is an important skill that is used to retell and summarize.
After that the students got into small groups to work on writing. In their groups, they read an article and began creating a jellyfish graphic organizer. Tomorrow they will complete this graphic organizer, in their groups. We will then share the organizers and I will help the children see what should have been added. The purpose of this activity is to help students improve their writing. I am predicting the students will include details that everyone already knows. I will point that out and show them NEW information that should have been included in order to teach their readers new information...the purpose of informative writing.
Following art, lunch and recess we will meet in reading groups and work independently. Students will continue working on their rough drafts from last week.
Additionally, many have to redo the reading comprehension worksheet...answers were not written in complete sentences and some did not use the text to answer the questions. The final assignment that students worked on was a sequence activity.
Bears: Practiced writing high frequency words. Continued reading book and locating information. Tonight they need to reread the entire book.
Tigers: Practiced writing high frequency words. Practiced identifying the answers to questions 1-3, orally. Tonight they need to answer the same questions, in writing, in their RRJ.
Lions: Discussed playing tricks on other people as prereading activity for their new story. Then I read The Man Whose Trade was Tricks out loud. Tonight they need to reread the story and list questions they have in their RRJ.
We ended the day with a science experiment. Students used pitch forks to create sound. We learned that sound is created through vibrations and that the number of vibrations per second is called the frequency. The frequency determines the pitch of a sound.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Thursday
Yesterday I finally finished scoring the unit 2 assessments...the results were not so good! :-( No worries, though...Mrs. Starkey and myself will be working with the students to reteach and practice the various skills that caused challenges! Once we are sure that the children are better prepared, we will begin reassessing them.
So, today, in math, we reviewed determined the area of a figure. Our focus was on figures that were not perfect squares. The students had to estimate which partial squares they could put together to make one. You will find our practice paper in your child's home folder. There is also a basic facts sheet for homework.
I will not be here tomorrow (taking the 3 year old for shots...LUCKY me, huh?) so we will not have a quiz. Instead the children will be making flash cards for some of the difficult multiplication basic facts. PLEASE have your child practice these flashcards DAILY for just 3-5 minutes. As they begin to memorize the products (answers), you can remove the easy cards from the pile in order to reduce the size of the pile and the amount of time needed to practice the facts.
During reading we read two folktales, The Three Billy Goats Gruff and Hansel and Gretel, and practiced making inferences.
Following music, lunch and indoor recess the students will work independently on their current writing piece (finishing their graphic organizer and their rough draft) and on a reading comprehension piece. They will read about holidays and answer some questions. I will meet with reading groups.
Bear: Practiced writing high frequency words on white boards. Reviewed syllables and practiced identifying the number of syllables in words. Continued reading book. Tonight they need to complete their word study homework and reread up to page 10.
Tiger: Practiced high frequency words on white boards and continued reading Forests. We also answered questions orally, in group. Tonight they need to finish their word study work and reread Forests.
Lion: We shared their revised homework from last night and what a JOY that was!!!! The students ALL showed much growth on their assignments. I told them that THIS is what learning is all about...they attempted an assignment and did OK...then we discussed what could be done to improve their work and then they went home and used their new knowledge to improve their work! WOO HOO!!!! So proud! They, too, need to complete their word study assignments.
We will end the day with a lesson about friendship with Mrs. Howard.
So, today, in math, we reviewed determined the area of a figure. Our focus was on figures that were not perfect squares. The students had to estimate which partial squares they could put together to make one. You will find our practice paper in your child's home folder. There is also a basic facts sheet for homework.
I will not be here tomorrow (taking the 3 year old for shots...LUCKY me, huh?) so we will not have a quiz. Instead the children will be making flash cards for some of the difficult multiplication basic facts. PLEASE have your child practice these flashcards DAILY for just 3-5 minutes. As they begin to memorize the products (answers), you can remove the easy cards from the pile in order to reduce the size of the pile and the amount of time needed to practice the facts.
During reading we read two folktales, The Three Billy Goats Gruff and Hansel and Gretel, and practiced making inferences.
Following music, lunch and indoor recess the students will work independently on their current writing piece (finishing their graphic organizer and their rough draft) and on a reading comprehension piece. They will read about holidays and answer some questions. I will meet with reading groups.
Bear: Practiced writing high frequency words on white boards. Reviewed syllables and practiced identifying the number of syllables in words. Continued reading book. Tonight they need to complete their word study homework and reread up to page 10.
Tiger: Practiced high frequency words on white boards and continued reading Forests. We also answered questions orally, in group. Tonight they need to finish their word study work and reread Forests.
Lion: We shared their revised homework from last night and what a JOY that was!!!! The students ALL showed much growth on their assignments. I told them that THIS is what learning is all about...they attempted an assignment and did OK...then we discussed what could be done to improve their work and then they went home and used their new knowledge to improve their work! WOO HOO!!!! So proud! They, too, need to complete their word study assignments.
We will end the day with a lesson about friendship with Mrs. Howard.
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