Thriving Thursday

Today, being Thursday, we began our day with math rotations.  Students who worked with me practiced using rounding and the compensation strategy for addition.  Another rotation had the students watching yesterday's compensation lesson on an Ipad and solving two addition problems, using the compensation strategy, in their math journal.  Finally, the third rotation gave the students practice with their basic addition facts using the web site, Addition Surprise.

There is an addition worksheet for homework and we will have a quiz tomorrow.  After discussion with my teammates, we are pleased that we have introduced so many addition strategies to the students, tomorrow, however, they will be able to solve any addition problems using ANY strategy they wish--as long as they SHOW their WORK!! 

After music, we revisited Ooka and the Honest Thief and I we discussed the difference between what we see in an illustration and the inferences we can make AND who is telling the story (is it a character in the story or a narrator) and how they feel about a character in the story.  Then I modeled writing about both of these ideas (2 separate prompts).

Prior to independent work and reading groups, we reviewed publishing using the computer.  Today, I reviewed how to open a saved document, how to save and print a document, how to correctly punctuate and space dialogue and how to highlight and change the font.

Then the students worked on independent reading group assignments and continued publishing their good deed personal narrative while I met with small groups.

Sharks:  The students got a new book called, Jordan's Catch.  I did a book talk and picture walk to give the students something to think about when they struggle with unknown words.  Then we worked on words with the -igh chunk.  Finally, we identified and practiced locating and reading tricky words in the text.  For HOMEWORK the students need to read pages 2-6.

Following lunch and outdoor recess the students continued their independent work while I met with more reading groups.

Dolphins:The students used the title and front cover illustration of their new book, Molly's Hard Bargain, to make inferences about the book.  They explained these in their RRJ.  In group we discussed the concept of a bargain and I did a picture walk/book talk to give the students something to think about when they  struggle with unknown words.  We practiced reading, writing and locating tricky words from the book.  Then we read pages 2-6.  For HOMEWORK they need to reread pages 2-6.

Cheetahs:  The students wrote about inferences they made by looking at the illustration on page 25.  We discussed these inferences in group.  Then we began reading chapter 4 and compared Gregory and Ivy.  For HOMEWORK the children need to read chapter 4.

Pandas:  Students read chapter 4 and wrote about who is telling the story and their point of view of a character in the book.  IN group we discussed the mysterious noises, the title of this chapter.  We also discussed whether the surprise, in chapter 3, was a good one.  Finally, we discussed our opinions of Ben's excitement about finding a trap door.  For HOMEWORK the students need to reread chapter 4.  Each reread deepens comprehension!!

The day ended with a social studies lesson.  We learned about people in our community who worked towards improving the common good.  First, we watched a video about Pearl Mocowitz who saved a tree from being cut down.  Then we read about Mattie Stepanak who, in his 13 short years, spoke to former presidents and members of congress to promote peace and support people with disabilities and those suffering from deadly diseases.

NOTE:  Book orders are due no later than Tuesday!

I will be out tomorrow...so no blog post!  Students will learn about inferential language.  They will continue publishing their personal narrative.  They will take a quiz in math.  In social studies they will identify leaders in our community and how they further the common good!