Terrific Tuesday

After reading quietly or practicing keyboarding skills we began our math rotations.

During the small group instruction we measured the area of rectangles, in square centimeters, writing repeated addition sentences to help us with the calculations.  Some students also wrote multiplication sentences as they began to make the connection between repeated addition and multiplication.

During math with a partner, the students played the Area Dice game.  They rolled two dice and then drew a rectangle, on graph paper, using the numbers rolled as the length and width.  Then they counted the squares inside to determine the area.  The winner was the student with the most squares (greatest total area) at the end.

Finally, during the tech portion, students visited the Virtual Manipulatives web site.  From the manipulative drop down they selected geo boards and bands.  Then they created rectangles and, in their math journals, wrote repeated addition sentences to determine the area of the rectangle they constructed.

For HOMEWORK there is a link to an area Internet game on Google Classroom.

In the middle of math the students participated in a bus evacuation drill.  Therefore, once our math block was over it was time for lunch and recess.

Panthers:  We reviewed the concept of cause and effect.  Then we shared the examples the children identified after reading page 15 for homework last night.  Finally, we revisited how to identify the main idea in text.  For HOMEWORK the students need to watch the Brain pop Jr - Main Idea.

Tigers:  The students watched the Brain Pop Jr. Main Idea lesson and took notes, in their RRJ, using a 3-2-1 model (3 new ideas, 2 ideas they want to remember, and 1 question they still have).  In group we discussed their 3-2-1s.  Then I had them write some important tips for identifying the main idea in text.  For HOMEWORK the students need to reread pages 8-11, working on fluency.

Leopards:  The students rewatched the Brain Pop Jr. Main Idea lesson.  Then they reread pages 5-8 and wrote a main idea statement in their RRJ.  When they got to group we shared and discussed these statements.  Then we wrote one together.  For HOMEWORK the children need to read pages 9-11 and write a main idea statement in their RRJ.

Lions:  The students rewatched the Brain Pop Jr main idea lesson. Then they reread pages 9-12 and wrote a main idea statement in their RRJ.  In group we shared and discussed the cause and effect examples they identified for homework last night.  Some students had a bit of difficulty, so we continued to identify more examples, together, as a group.  Next we reviewed how to identify the main idea in text abd then shared the statements they wrote for pages 9-12.  For HOMEWORK the students need to read pages 13-16 and identify an example of cause and effect on a sticky note.

After our literacy block we had an impromptu class meeting of sorts.  Today was challenging with students not completing their work and making unwise choices.  So, I did a couple of things to hopefully, make tomorrow a better day.  First, I introduced the Issue Bin.  This is a poster that will now hang on the wall next to my small group table.  If students need help, for any reason, the will write a note on a post it, with their name on it, and put it on the issue bin.  I will be able to check the bin during my small groups and either help the student immediately or as soon as my current group is finished.  Second, I discussed the reflection sheets.  From now on, when students make poor choices they will complete a reflection sheet and bring it home to share with you.  You will need to sign the sheet and your child will return it to school.  I am hoping that I will not need to use these forms.

Before packing up I shared a monthly Bingo homework chart with the class.  This is OPTIONAL.  Students who want to do extra can choose activities from this chart.  At the end of each month, children who return the sheet will receive a Dojo point.

Tomorrow is National Walk to School Day.  You should be getting a Connect Ed message about it this evening.