Terrific Tuesday

This morning the students began their day in art where they made fans!

When they returned to class they began their math rotations.  The small group instruction was led by a substitute because I was at a meeting in the building.  During the lesson the students learned how to display a set of data using a bar graph and how to determine an appropriate scale. 

(When I returned to class and asked about selecting an appropriate scale, the students appeared quite confused.  So, we will definitely revisit this part of the lesson.)

During the guided practice, the students played the dice game, from yesterday, but identified the area of the figure, if they did perimeter yesterday, and vice versa.

Finally, during the technology rotation, the children continued watching the Learn Zillion lessons about bar graphs (3 & 4).

For HOMEWORK the students have a half sheet basic facts practice.  I did not give them a graphing worksheet since I was not convinced they understood how to determine an appropriate scale.

I returned at the end of math....so the rest of the day was taught by me.  :-)

We began the reading and writing block by revisiting the 3 journal entries that we began last week.  I had reviewed some of the students' work and noticed that the children were not elaborating in their entries AND many were not showing a progression amongst the 3 entries.  SO, we revisited the model graphic organizer and journal entries from my Educreations lesson (posted on the 3rd grade web site last week) and identified words and phrases the author used to clearly explain his thoughts and feelings and to show the progression from before the event, to the event and then to how his life changed for the better.

After that, we visited the Kid Power Blog (again on the 3rd grade web site) and I modeled how to read an entry and then write to identify the topic of the blog and whether the entry was writing to inform, share an opinion or express feelings.  Additionally, I indicated the author's point of view about the topic and words or phrases that were used to get share it.

This week's independent work assignment include:

1. Revise/complete the 3 journal entries about a person/event who inspired the student to make a positive change in their lives.
2. Read a blog post and then write about the topic, whether the author was writing to inform, share an opinion or express feelings, indicate the author's point of view and identify words or phrases that support the point of view.
3. Watch a video about making recycled paper and complete a 3-2-1 in their science journal (3 new facts, 2 ideas they want to try, and 1 question they have).

While the students worked independently, I met with reading groups.

Sharks:  We revisited the sticky notes they placed in their books indicating important dates and events in Amelia Earhart's life.  We will begin a timeline, using these dates, tomorrow.

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

Dolphins:  We read Moosling in Winter and then discussed the possible theme (everyone is different) using support from the story.  For HOMEWORK the students need to reread the book and practice their word bag cards.

Cheetahs:  We revisited what the children read (and learned) about the magic Kingdom.  Then we discussed Walt's motivation and goal in regards to creating the Magic Kingdom.  For HOMEWORK the students need to read pages 79-83 and describe Walt's next project.

Pandas:  We reviewed the Masters tournament and reread the last paragraph in chapter 9, several times, to determine what Tiger's doubts were about.  For HOMEWORK the students need to read chapter 10 and explain why Tiger decided to turn pro.

We ended the day by comparing recycled and non-recycled paper.

We still need screen and starch!!