Marvelous Monday

This morning the students commented about their weekend, in GC, and then completed the Monday section of the vocabulary sheet for our new word of the week, observe.  After the announcements, we switched for math.

We began math with a warm up involving word problems practicing the multiplication of a whole number by a fraction.  Then we began our rotations.

During the small group instruction, we practiced solving word problems involving the multiplication of a whole number and a fraction.  During math with a partner, the students chose between playing the board game, "Multiplying Madness," or, another game, "Rolling to Multiply Fractions," to continue practicing multiplying whole numbers by fractions.  Finally, during the technology rotation, the students completed a session of Xtra Math and then used a web site to practice multiplying whole numbers and fractions.

In between the second and third rotations, the students enjoyed lunch and outdoor recess.

Math homework is posted in GC.

After math, we began our literacy block with a writing lesson.  First, we reviewed what we had learned, about writing personal narratives, last week.  Then, we read, and discussed, a new personal narrative called, "Hot Rolls."  After that, the students thought about sensory details they might include if they were writing about eating breakfast at their own house.  Finally, they did a 5 minute Quick-Write, using sensory details to describe a breakfast they've experienced.  After a few volunteers shared their writing, the students went to PE with Mr. Smith.

When they returned to class, they ate snack while I did a whole group reading lesson.  Together, we reread the article, "New Ways with Words," identified the main idea, and three key details.  Then I demonstrated how to write a 2 paragraph summary using the main idea and 2 key details.  The students were instructed to use the following format:
Paragraph 1: main idea, name 1 key details, quote from text, explain how text and key detail are related in your own words
Paragraph 2: name a different key details, quote from text, explain how quote and key detail are related in your own words, recap with main idea

After that, we read a new article, "Can We Drink Salt Water," and I though out loud, about the main idea and key details, so they could get inside of a good reader's mind.  Next, I discussed the main idea and key details.

Then, I reviewed today's independent work tasks.  First, the students wrote for 25 minutes, silently, beginning a new personal narrative draft, using sensory details.  Next, the students reread the article, "Can We Drink Salt Water," identified the main idea and 3 key details on a chart, and then used the chart to write a two paragraph essay.

As they worked, I met with individual students to continue my bi-monthly, informal reading assessments.

We ended the day with a brief discussion of Christopher Columbus, focusing on his origin, destination and goals.