Marvelous Monday...Welcome to MP 2!

This morning, the students commented about their weekend on our morning message which was posted in GC - Homeroom.  Then, they completed the Monday section of the vocabulary sheet for our new word of the week, essential.  After the announcements, we switched for math.

Math began with a logic problem involving numbers and operations. Then, we began our rotations.  During the small group instruction we focused on identifying factor pairs for prime and composite numbers.  During math with  partner, the students engaged in math discourse as they determined which operations to use to make a set of numbers equal to an established answer.  Finally, during the technology portion the students completed a session of Xtra Math, watched 2 Learn Zillion lessons about prime and composite numbers, and then used the Factorization web site to determine factor pairs using rectangular arrays.

We switched lunch with second grade, just for today, so our math block was not interrupted by lunch and recess.

Math homework is posted in GC.

After math, we began our literacy block. We started with our writing lesson.  Since we are beginning a new unit, expository writing, the students chose new writing partners.  After that, we reviewed what we know about non-fiction writing and shared what we know about Australia.  Then, we read some pages from a non-fiction book about Australia and discussed what we learned.  After that, we took a look at the books table of contents and discussed the difference between that and an index.  Finally, using padlet.com, the students began to share what country they would like to learn about and why.

After writing, the students enjoyed lunch and outdoor recess.  Then, they went to PE with Mr. Smith.

When they returned from PE, the students ate snack while we reviewed the Padlet identifying the countries they want to study.  Then, the children wrote for 15 minutes, silently, either listing countries they want to research, questions they are wondering about a country, or anything else they chose.

After writing, the students completed an online, MCPS mandatory test, identifying and explaining the main idea, and key details from the non-fiction article they read in group last week.  They were able to use the article, their graphic organizer, and the RACER strategy chart.

We ended the day by reviewing the structural elements of a drama, or play, and watching a Learn Zillion lesson about it.