The Monday After...

The students came in a bit tired this morning...I think there was a lot of Super Bowl watching last night!! Luckily, we quickly woke up and got down to the business of learning!!

In math we identified congruent (same size, same shape) figures. While the students worked independently, Mrs. Mutiga and I met with small groups. One group worked on the geometry vocabulary. The other practiced constructing circles using a compass. There is a worksheet for homework.

We began reading by sharing our persuasive ads for green eggs and ham. Then we read and created examples of alliteration. Alliteration is a form of figurative language where the author begins most words with the same consonant sound. After that I discussed a new spelling plan with the class...read on to find out more. Finally, we began a planning packet for our next persuasive writing piece.

SPELLING
Mrs. Hepner, our reading specialist, and I sat down last week to discuss spelling. We decided to revamp our spelling program to focus on the identified functional third grade words. These are words that ALL third graders should be able to write with speed and accuracy.

The reading class will receive a list of 8-12 words each Monday. This week they will all be new words. In the future there will be a mix of old and new words. The students will be given daily practice activities to do in class. If they do not complete the work in class, it will become homework. Additionally, it will be MANDATORY for students to practice these words NIGHTLY. They may practice the words any way they choose...there will not be any formal, assigned homework, but they will be tested on the words each Friday. The intent is that the students will be able to read and write all of the identified third grade words fluently by the end of the year.

While the students worked on sorting their new spelling words, writing and illustrating examples of alliteration and planning their next persuasive writing piece, I met with reading groups.

Reading Groups:
Hyenas: Finished discussing the Rossi chapter. Tonight for HW they need to read "A Game" and write what Sarah Ida is going to do next on the sticky note.

Snow Tigers: We began reading chapter 3. Tonight they need to read the entire chapter 3 and identify the main event on a sticky note.

Hornets: We read and discussed chapter 3 in group. Tonight they need to read chapter 4 and identify what Sarah brought with her to remind her of the sea.

Following lunch and outdoor recess the students went to art. When they return we will continue reading The Little House and identify transportation effect on community growth.