Thrilling Thursday

Well...after our day off for icy conditions, it was back to routine today!!

This morning the students completed the Wednesday and Thursday sections of the vocabulary sheet for our word of the week, prefer.  Then, they worked on solving our weekly puzzles.  After the announcements, we switched for math.

We began math with a decimal based warm up.  Then we reviewed Tuesday nightś homework.  Next, we began our rotations.

During the small group instruction we practiced using place value to order and compare fractions.  During math with a partner, the students played a board game called Pop ´Em, which provided practice with comparing decimals to the hundredths.  Finally, during the technology rotation, the students completed a session of Xtra Math.  Then, they finished watching a Learn Zillion lesson which they began during the warm up.  Those who finished early chose from several web sites, linked in GC, to practice comparing decimals.

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

Math homework is posted in GC.  We will have a formative tomorrow covering comparing and ordering decimals.

After math, we began our literacy block with a writing lesson.  After reviewing the story Owl Moon, we read the book, Roxaboxen, and discussed the sensory details that the author used to describe the setting.  After that, we shared ideas for imaginary settings of stories.  Next, the students began a new fictional draft using an imaginary setting.

After going to music, with Mrs. Graf, the students finished their writing while eating snack.

Next, we began the reading portion of our literacy block.  We began by understanding that an allusion is a reference to a person, piece of text, or event.  Then, we read the Greek myth, King Midas and the Golden Touch.  Next, we read and discussed several allusions to Greek mythology, beginning with a newspaper heading from 2012 stating, helps has the Midas Touch!

Finally, the students worked independently, on the following tasks, while I met with guided reading groups.  They began by completing the Tuesday and Wednesday sections of the reading skills sheet.  Next, they completed the paragraph identifying a change in the Earth, from the myth, ¨Zeus and the Great Flood,¨ and explained the impact on a character.  After that, they completed a worksheet, focusing on identifying subjects and predicates in complete sentences.  Finally, the finished the graphic organizers defining, listing characteristics of, and the location of the 4 major systems of Earth.

Guided Reading Groups:

Green - We reviewed the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday sections of the reading skills sheet for this week.  Then, we quickly reviewed the myth, ¨Zeus and the Great Flood,¨ and identified the theme.  WE also discussed evidence from the story to support it.

Pink - We reviewed the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday sections of the reading skills sheet for this week.  Then, we quickly reviewed the myth, ¨Zeus and the Great Flood,¨ and identified the theme.  WE also discussed evidence from the story to support it.

Blue - We reviewed the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday sections of the reading skills sheet for this week.  Then, we quickly reviewed the myth, ¨Zeus and the Great Flood,¨ and identified the theme.  WE also discussed evidence from the story to support it.