Marvelous Monday

This morning the students commented about their weekend on the morning message.  Then, they completed the Monday section of the vocabulary sheet for our new word of the week, perhaps.  Those who had extra time worked on the Sahara Sands verb activity from Friday.  After the announcements, we switched for math.

Math began with a multiplication, missing digits warm up.  Next, we began our rotations.

During the small group lesson, we practiced using the area model and the standard algorithm to multiply two 2-digit numbers.  During math with a partner, the students chose between a board game, providing practicing with comparing decimals to the hundredths, and a dice game, providing practice with multiplying two 2-digit numbers using the area model.  Finally, during the technology portion, the students completed a session of Xtra Math and then practiced multiplying two 2-digit numbers using the site, Amoeba Math.

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

Math homework is posted in GC.

After math, we began our literacy block with a writing lesson.  After reviewing how settings are developed in fiction writing, the students began a new fiction draft and wrote silently for 20 minutes.  Next, we created a list of questions that we might want to ask our writing partners when conferring.

Then, the students went to PE with Mr. Smith and enjoyed Jump Rope for Heart.

When they returned to class, we ate snack and they conferred, with their writing partner, about their draft.

After writing, we began the independent work and guided reading portion of our literacy block.  First, though, we reviewed the three types of verbs and went over the practice sheet that the students completed on Friday.  Then, the children began their independent work and I met with guided reading groups.

First, the students completed the Monday section of their new reading skills worksheet.  Then, they reread the tale, The Blue Corn Maiden, and identified a theme with 3 pieces of evidence from the text.  After that, the students completed a verb practice sheet, using the screen cast as needed.  Finally, the students completed a science exit card, identifying and explaining how two of the four major systems of the Earth interact.

Guided Reading Groups:
Green - We reviewed the main idea exercise from the Monday section of the reading skills paper.  Then, we shared possible theme for the myth, The Blue Corn Maiden, and identified supporting evidence from the story.

Pink -  We reviewed the main idea exercise from the Monday section of the reading skills paper.  Then, we shared possible theme for the myth, The Blue Corn Maiden, and identified supporting evidence from the story.

Blue - We reviewed the main idea exercise from the Monday section of the reading skills paper.  Then, we shared possible theme for the myth, The Blue Corn Maiden, and identified supporting evidence from the story.