Fantastic Friday

This morning, the children completed the Friday portion of the vocabulary sheet for our word of the week, compare.  Then they chose which academic skill they worked on before the announcements.  After watching the video announcements, we switched for math.

We began math with an extensive area and perimeter word problem.  In fact, it was so involved that I switched it to be our math with a partner activity.  We also reviewed last night's homework.  Then, we began our rotations.

During the small group instruction, we practiced solving a multi-step perimeter and area word problem.  During math with a partner, the students worked together to solve a multi-step area and perimeter word problem involving logical thinking, too.   Finally, during the technology portion, the children completed a session of Xtra Math and then they practiced calculating area and perimeter with sites linked to a Live Binder.

Between the second and third rotation, the students enjoyed lunch and outdoor recess.

After math, we began our literacy block.  We started with our writing lesson.  First, students reviewed the essay, "Helping other Countries" with their writing partner and discussed the author's opinion and reasons for it.  Next, we read a new persuasive essay, "It is Our Money and We Need It," and discussed the author's opinion, their intended audience, and their reasons.  After brainstorming additional opinions to write about, the students wrote for 20 minutes silently about an opinion of their choice.  Finally, the children shared their writing with their partners.

After writing, we ate snack while we reviewed today's independent work tasks.  First, the students watched a short video about identifying the main idea in non-fiction text.  Then they read up to page 10 of the book, Cliff Dwellers, marking places that were confusing and/or surprising, as well as, circling unknown words.  After that, they had ONE LAST CHANCE to complete their narrative writing piece that was due on MONDAY.  Next, they completed their slide for the group's Native American web quest.

As they worked, I helped individual students with their writing and met with guided reading groups.

Green:  We reread pages 3-5 and used the heading to write a main idea sentence.  After that, we located key details that matched the main idea.

Pink:  We reread pages 3-5 and used the heading to write a main idea sentence.  After that, we located key details that matched the main idea.

Blue:  We reread pages 3-5 and used the heading to write a main idea sentence.  After that, we located key details that matched the main idea.

We ended the day with a class meeting.  First, we shared one thing we didn't know about one another.  This helps us build a community and get to know each other better.  After that, we exchanged thank yous and compliments.  Next, we discussed challenges such as how to share the class bean bags and what to do when you have trouble getting along with a friend.  Finally, we watched a short video about Growth Mindset.  This is the idea that smart isn't something you are but something you GET by exercising your brain.  ANYONE can GET SMARTER!

Have a great weekend!