Fantastic Friday!

This morning, after watching the announcements, we began our literacy block. Today I explained to the students how to complete the organizer for the opinion paragraph they will write next week stating, and explaining, if they think Irene is brave or not.

Then, as I met with guided reading groups, the students completed a CLOSE rereading for an assigned section of text in their book.  After that, they completed the character analysis organizer for Brave Irene.  It is due today.  Next, they began the organizer for the opinion paragraph.  If they had additional time, they practiced their word work words and cursive writing.

Orange:  We reviewed the words they listed for homework last night.  Then the children reread chapter 4, marking sections they found important, confusing, and/or interesting.  After that, we discussed the chapter using their markings.

Pink:  The students reread chapter 4 and marked sections of text they found surprising, confusing, and/or important.  When they got to group we reviewed their lists of unknown words from homework (those who did it) and then started to discuss the chapter.  It quickly became evident that the children had not put effort into their reading.  They had merely stuck post-it notes in random places.  SO, I gave them additional time to complete the task. From what I observed in group, I began to have doubts as to whether they understood how to perform a CLOSE reading.  Therefore, I took the time to model (by reading and thinking out loud) how to read and mark the text.

Green:  Independently the students reread chapter 7 and 8 and marked places they found surprising, confusing, and/or important.  In group we reviewed their lists of unknown words from homework and discussed the two chapters, using their marked sections of text.  Part of our discussion focused on the contrasting moods in the two chapters.

Blue:  Independently the students reread chapters 4 and 5 and marked places they found surprising, confusing, and/or important.  In group we shared their vocabulary words and then used their marking to discuss the two chapters.

After out literacy block the students enjoyed outdoor recess and lunch.

When the children returned to class we began our math block.

During the small group, teacher-led, instruction we practiced identifying the fraction and mixed number for a given drawing.  Then we drew a number line and located and labeled the point.

During math with a partner, students rolled two dice to identify a fraction.  Then they drew a number line and located and labeled the point.  They also had the chance to play Fraction Bump or the fraction matching game.

Finally, during the technology rotation, the students revisited the tutorial from yesterday and then played Fraction Man.

After math we shared homework writing journal entries.

Then we had our weekly class meeting.  First we shared what we are thinking about in relation to school.  Most students said that they had the realistic fiction picture book inquiry project or fractions, on their mind.  Then we exchanged some thank yous and compliments.  Then we discussed the challenge of not understanding something and reinforced the need to ask questions!!

Finally, we ended the day with our game/art/popcorn afternoon, Dojo celebration.