Terrific Tuesday

This morning, after the announcements, we began our literacy block.  While I conduct the informal reading assessments for April and meet with guided reading groups, the students worked independently on the following assignments.  First, all reading groups chose 2 unknown words from their text, copied the sentence it was in, selected three synonyms for the word, using an online resource, and then circled the word that fit best in the sentence from the book.  After that, all groups completed a header sort using their new word work words.  Next the students continued working on listing what they know and what they wonder for the two driving questions they identified for their Genius Hour project.  Once they completed that, they determined which question they are most passionate about AND has the most available resources.  They posted that question to a Padlet board for my approval.  Finally, the students completed the habitat chart for science.

Green:  We began group by sharing the key details they marked yesterday supporting the theme of friendship.  Then the students continued reading the book, marking new details supporting this theme.  For HOMEWORK the children need to reread from the sticky note to the end of the book.

Pink:  In group we began reading the book from the beginning, stopping along the way to point out the author's introduction to the main character, setting, and eventually, the problem.  We also looked for, and marked, key details that support the themes of heroism and responsibility.  For HOMEWORK the students need to read the second half of the book, from the sticky note to the end, and list unknown words.

Blue:  During our group we retold the story stopping along the way to discuss how the author introduced the main character, setting, background information, and problem.  We also discussed how the main character reacted to the problem and what we could learn from it.  Finally, we identified themes of the story and identified key details that supported it.  For HOMEWORK the children need to reread the book and think about the theme.

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

When they returned to class we began our math block with a Train Your Brain.  Then we began our math rotations.

During the small group instruction we reviewed the characteristics and definitions of quadrilaterals, rectangles, rhombuses, and squares.  Then we set up a Venn Diagram to sort shapes in order to reinforce the requirements for each of the figures.

During math with a partner the students used an online math dictionary to define and draw an example of various quadrilaterals, again reinforcing the characteristics of each.

Finally, during the technology rotation, the children continued the Ten Marks assignment from yesterday.  Again, they were strongly encouraged to use the videos and hints to solve each problem.

HOMEWORK is posted on Google Classroom.

After math we took a MUCH needed Go Noodle brain break.  Then we focused on science and how natural resources are used to make food, fuel, and fiber.  Together, as a group, we read articles about vanilla, chocolate, and rice.  Then we watched video clips about fossil fuels and ethanol.