Wonderful Wednesday!!

I want to apologize in advance.  This blog post my not be as thorough as usual.  I was out at in-house meetings all morning and then part of the afternoon.

During small group math instruction, the students analyzed addition sentences to anticipate where composition might be required.  Then they solved the algorithms.  The students continued using the virtual manipulative site to solve addition problems, using partial sums, while working with a partner during math.  Finally, during the technology part of math rotations, students played Baseball Addition.

After math the students began their literacy block.

Each guided reading group had an independent assignment.  After that, the students were to work on their personal narrative.  After adding a conclusion using dialogue, the students will watch a lesson about the function and use of pronouns.  Then, using a list of common pronouns on the third grade web site, they will highlight pronouns in their personal narrative rough draft.  Again, the only task that will be graded in writing this week is the conclusion with dialogue.  Once they have completed their writing work, the students will view the story Ooka and the Honest Thief, again and create a t-chart, in their RRJ,  listing actions Ooka took that were fair and unfair.  Finally, students will need to begin selecting a topic for their inquiry project.  They need to make a decision before the end of the day tomorrow.

Guided Reading Groups:
Lions:  In group they shared and reviewed their unknown words from last night's homework. The students were shown how to access dictionary.com via the third grade web site and how to determine which meaning of the word best fits the text they are reading.  Then they discussed the illustration on page 13 and shared the additional understandings the picture added to the story.  After group, the students watched a LZ lesson explaining how illustrations contribute to the meaning of text.  Then they returned to the picture on page 13 to analyze it further.  Finally, in their RRJ, they wrote about the additional information the picture provided.

Tigers:  In group we constructed a framework for their written assignment.  Then the students began watching a LZ lesson explaining how illustrations contribute to the meaning of text.  Then the students analyzed the picture on page 21 and used the framework we created together to write about the additional information the picture provided.

Panthers:  The children watched a LZ lesson explaining how illustrations contribute to the meaning of text.  Then they chose a picture in their guided reading book to analyze.  Finally, in their RRJ, they wrote about the additional understandings they gained from the picture that the author didn't write in the text.

Leopards:  The students read chapter 3.  Then the students  watched a LZ lesson explaining how illustrations contribute to the meaning of text.  Next, the students analyzed the picture on page 29 and, in their RRJ, explained what additional information they gained from the picture that the author didn't say in the text.

Note:  As I was out of the room a majority of the day, some students didn't complete the assigned tasks.  Don't worry--they will have additional time, in class, tomorrow.

Also, there is NO formal homework this evening.  Encourage your child to read for 15 minutes and use a link on the third grade web site to improve their math skills.

After literacy, the students discussed the idea of a textured surface.  Then, working collaboratively in table groups, they predicted how various surfaces will impact the motion of a ball.  Tomorrow, we will test, record, and analyze how various surfaces impacts the motion of a ball.

Remember, we will have a popcorn party Friday afternoon!!