Fabulous Friday

***The school e-mail was down ALL DAY today.  I was unable to receive or send any e-mails. ***

This morning, after the announcements, we began our literacy block.  Before turning the children loose, I reviewed the expectations for writing an opinion paragraph.  Then I shared the various pages available to use in their Expert Books.  As I showed each type of page we discussed how it might be used.

While I worked with individual  students on their opinion paragraphs and met with guided reading groups, the students worked on the following tasks.  First, each group completed an independent reading task.  After that, they worked on their opinion paragraphs.  Finally, they continued planning and working on their Expert Books.

Pink:  Independently the students reread pages 10-17.  Then they turned the headings on pages 13 and 14 into questions and read to find the answers.  In group, we reviewed their unknown words from Wednesday night's homework.  Then we shared and discussed the questions and answers the students wrote.  After that we talked about the main idea.

Green:  Independently the students reread pages 9-11 and, in their RRJ, they identified the main idea and 2-3 supporting details for this section.  In group, we reviewed their lists of unknown words from Wednesday night's homework.  Then we determined the main idea of pages 9-11 by reading the heading, reading the topic sentences, identifying repeated words and phrases, and thinking bout how it all ties together.  Finally, students shared what challenges them as they identify the main idea of text.

Blue:  Independently the students reread chapter 9 and, in their RRJ, they identified the main idea and supporting details for this section.  In group, we determined the main idea and retold the chapter.  Along the way we discussed Lee's thoughts and feelings.

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

When the children returned to the classroom they had a short break to get drinks, visit the book fair (if they brought money), and work on their basic facts.  Then we took our math formative.  These have scored and returned to the students.  Look for them in home folders tonight.

After math we shared homework writing journal entries.  Then we had our weekly class meeting.  JS led our meeting.  We began by sharing what was on our minds.  Then we exchanged compliments and thank yous.  After that, I took over and we discussed some of the challenges facing our students.  # children shared times of the day when we need to do a better job following directions.  Then the rest of the class brainstormed ideas to help us do so.

DUE to 4th and 5th grade testing on TUESDAY, MAY 31, we will eat a very early lunch.  Students are encouraged to bring a healthy SNACK!!!

At the end of the day I briefly reviewed the social studies project we will work on next Tuesday.  We reviewed the expectations for the task and I showed the children what resources will be available for their use.