Wonderful Wednesday - Author Visit

This morning the students continued working on the story they began a couple of weeks ago.  Then, after the morning announcements, they continued researching a European Explorer and creating a online trading card representing him.

We ended social studies a bit early so that we could visit with the author, Ann Bevans, a resident of Clarksburg.  She spoke to us about creating worlds and characters before writing her books.  Then she read one of her books, Bean Takes a Walk, to us, and answered some of the children's questions.  It was a great presentation.

When we returned to class we switched for math.

Since math was shortened, due to the assembly, we reviewed last night's homework and then began our rotations.

During the small group instruction, we used an Amtrack Timetable to answer word problems involving intervals of time.  During math with a partner, the children engaged in math discourse as they began working on 20 elapsed time task cards.  Finally, during the technology rotation, the children used the site, Elapsed Time Mathman, to practice calculating elapsed time.

For HOMEWORK the students need to complete the worksheet we began in small group.  The Amtrak Timetable, as well as the worksheet itself, is linked to GC - Holman's Homework.

After math, the children enjoyed lunch and outdoor recess.

When they returned to class we began our literacy block.  First, the students worked collaboratively to list the criteria for writing a friendly thank you letter.  Then we shared their thoughts as we reviewed the format and expectations for writing one.

While I continued by monthly, informal, reading assessments with individual students, the rest of the class worked independently.  First, they wrote thank you notes to Ms. Bevans, our guest author.  Then they worked on their inquiry project, some had to finish their written piece while others focused on their presentation.  Those who finished early, worked on the text feature Google Slides assignment.

We will have a math formative tomorrow, covering elapsed time word problems.  We will also have a WTW quiz.