Wonderful Wednesday

This morning the children completed the Wednesday portion of their vocabulary sheet for our word of the week, brief.  Then, they played a computerized version of the game Hangman, using fourth grade vocabulary words.

After the announcements, we switched for math.

The entire math block was spent taking the MAP-M.  This is the computerized, self-adjusting, math assessment which students take three times each year.  The purpose of the test is to guide planning and instruction.

The children did get their regular break to enjoy lunch and outdoor recess.

There is MATH HOMEWORK posted on GC.

After math we began our literacy block.  Today we shifted our reading focus to non-fiction text.  We began with a lesson about determining what is important when we read non-fiction text.  A few important points, we determine what is important based upon our PURPOSED for reading.  So, what is important can change if our purpose changes.  I read A Log's Life, out loud, and modeled, through thinking out loud, how I would determine the topic and what the author was teaching us.

After that, the students worked independently, while I met with guided reading groups.  First, they completed an assigned lesson for their guided reading group.  Then, they finished writing their narrative draft.  After that, the students completed the non-fiction graded assignment, identifying and explaining evidence that supports a point of view.

Blue:  The students used the RACER strategy to identify the theme, using text support, of Soccer Shake Up.  In group, we reviewed the RACER strategy and the students handed in their books.

Pink:  The students read chapters 13-15, finishing the book, and identified the theme of the text.  In group, we discussed the ending and then shared themes, discussing evidence from the text.  Finally, I collected the texts.

After meeting with the pink group, the students went to the media center, to "taste test" the nominees for this year's Black Eyed-Susan award.

Green:  The students read chapters 27-32, finishing the book, and identified the theme of the text.  In group, we discussed the ending and then shared themes, discussing evidence from the text.  Finally, I collected the texts.

After reading, we turned our attention to a writing mini-lesson.  Today the students focused on revising their drafts. They deleted information that doesn't belong and clarified parts that might be confusing.  After working on revising their draft, volunteers shared changes they made and explained their reasoning for doing so.

We will be having our SGA representative elections tomorrow and finally begin studying Native Americans.

Also, individual pictures will be taken tomorrow, after math.