Well actually it's been an average day but Average Tuesday doesn't have any rhythm to it, does it?
In math we learned how to use multiplication and division to identify equivalent fraction. Just a reminder...whatever you do to the denominator (the number on the bottom, you do to the numerator (the number on top) and vice versa. I also worked with a small group to solidify their subtraction with regrouping skills. There is a worksheet (identifying fractions on a number line) for homework. We will have a formative tomorrow and a quiz on Friday.
We began our reading block by identifying verbs and adjectives in the morning message. Then, we reviewed a practice BCR that the children did a couple of weeks ago...at least I am being honest...I modeled reading the text and using piece of text to elaborate and support our answers. Then I handed back the BCR's for the children to revise them. Finally, I collected the BCR's and gave feedback on them during lunch. Look for these in their home folders tonight. MANY did well...some children appeared not to be listening during my instruction and it showed in their response. That was a bit frustrating for me.
Then the children worked on reading group assignments.
JGB: Finally finished their directed notes for the Humpbacked Horse. I will meet with them tomorrow.
SP&T: Read chapter 7 and answered a BCR in their reading log.
W&M: Met with me. We finally finished the Biography of Patricia MacLachlan and discussed the paragraph which referenced the novel, Journey, which we will be reading. Then I read chapter 1 of Journey aloud and we discussed whether Journey was angry with his grandfather, his mother or both of them.
Following lunch and recess we did a practice MSA activity for math. The children worked,independently, on a packet. Then we put their pencils away and they corrected their own work with a marking pen. We discussed the correct answers and I answered any questions they had.
Please make sure your child is working on their sound project. An instrument, diagram and paragraph is due THURSDAY, 3/20.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
Miserable Monday
No...it's not the kids or the job...it is a lack of sleep. How can losing ONE hour mess up your sleep pattern so much!?!?! Is everyone dragging today? Quick, silly, story...as the pledge started this morning, I actually couldn't find the flag until I noticed the direction the ENTIRE class was facing. Luckily, the children saw the humor in this! With all of my complaining, we have had a productive day, so far!
During math, we used plotted paper strips on numbers lines, again. This time the children worked somewhat independently, trying to fold and then cut their paper strips into different fractions (thirds, sixths, eights, etc.) While they were doing this, I pulled groups of children to spot check their subtraction with regrouping abilities. I worked with each child at some point and I am thrilled to say they definitely have a sound understanding! We concluded math by using their papers (number lines with plotted fractions) to identify equivalent fractions...1=2/2, 3/3, 4/4 and 1/2=2/4, 3/6, 4/8, etc.) There is a worksheet for homework.
On to reading...following our reading of the morning message, the children worked on individual reading group assignments.
SP&T: Reread chapter 6 and answered a BCR in their reading notebook. If they finished early, they began reading chapter 7.
JGB: (OK...this story is killing me!) They continued working as a group, listening to the Humpbacked Horse on tape and marking places according to their directed notes...I don't think they are done yet.
W&M: Met with me to continue reading and discussing the Patricia MacLachlan biography. We had some great discussion and comments about her.
Following art, lunch and recess, we will read some F is for Freedom and then we will finish the persuasive writing piece about having PE everyday. Then we will go to the media center for a book exchange.
PLEASE make sure your child is working on his/her science project. I suggested, today, that they create the diagram as they build the instrument.
Also, we are in need of tissues. If you could send a box in, that would be great! Thanks!
During math, we used plotted paper strips on numbers lines, again. This time the children worked somewhat independently, trying to fold and then cut their paper strips into different fractions (thirds, sixths, eights, etc.) While they were doing this, I pulled groups of children to spot check their subtraction with regrouping abilities. I worked with each child at some point and I am thrilled to say they definitely have a sound understanding! We concluded math by using their papers (number lines with plotted fractions) to identify equivalent fractions...1=2/2, 3/3, 4/4 and 1/2=2/4, 3/6, 4/8, etc.) There is a worksheet for homework.
On to reading...following our reading of the morning message, the children worked on individual reading group assignments.
SP&T: Reread chapter 6 and answered a BCR in their reading notebook. If they finished early, they began reading chapter 7.
JGB: (OK...this story is killing me!) They continued working as a group, listening to the Humpbacked Horse on tape and marking places according to their directed notes...I don't think they are done yet.
W&M: Met with me to continue reading and discussing the Patricia MacLachlan biography. We had some great discussion and comments about her.
Following art, lunch and recess, we will read some F is for Freedom and then we will finish the persuasive writing piece about having PE everyday. Then we will go to the media center for a book exchange.
PLEASE make sure your child is working on his/her science project. I suggested, today, that they create the diagram as they build the instrument.
Also, we are in need of tissues. If you could send a box in, that would be great! Thanks!
Friday, March 7, 2008
TGIF
I bet many of you have experienced a LONG week this week...there have been many children who have been under-the-weather and I think we are all ready for a weekend to recoup!
Luckily, math was enjoyable...at least I hope so! We began with a fraction based warm up. Then we watched the "fractions on a number line" segment of the United Streaming video clip from earlier this week. After that, we created our own number lines and used paper strips to mark whole numbers and fractions on the number lines.
In reading, we took our spelling tests and read and discussed Time for Kids. Then the children went to music, lunch and recess.
This afternoon, we will finish the persuasive writing pieces that we began earlier this week. Then we will complete a follow up activity for the Time for Kids. Finally, we will conclude the day by reading F is for Freedom.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
MSA Math Practice
A few updates first...
The sound project is due Thursday, March 20. This is a three part project...an instrument that creates a sound, a diagram of the instrument and a paragraph that explains how the instrument works. As a parent, I want to reiterate that this is your child's project. Yes, you may help BUT this should not add stress to the grown ups lives...I expect to see third grade looking projects. My goal is to help the children get a feel for how to plan for projects and stay on top of long range assignments.
Next, the magazine fundraiser...there are two books. A big book and a little book. The little book is due tomorrow. If your child (or you) fills out at least 7 addresses or friends or family who do not reside in Montgomery County, neatly, your child will win a Bling Ring and a piece of candy. They will also get a chance to win a Roboraptor and a stuffed animal. The big book is for friends and family who live near you...do NOT collect any money...just simply fill out the forms to renew or buy a new subscription.
Moving on to today...
We did not switch for math, as we had MSA math practice in our homerooms. The children worked on the MSA practice as if it were a true testing situation. Then we went over the correct answers (and how to get them) as a class. Your child will bring home the practice packet tonight. Please review it with your child. If your child has specific difficulties with a problem, it would be great if you could create a few problems similar to that problem to help them learn from their mistakes...or check out the links on my blog or Mr. Vogel's blog to get some ideas off the web...another idea...go to google.com and type in the topic and it will help you find web sites that might provide practice...OR...e-mail me and I can help you find a web site!!
Following math, we moved on to reading. Students did a practice buddy check and worked on reading group assignments.
SP&T: Read chapter 6 independently. Then met with me and reread and discussed chapter 6.
W&M: Shared interesting pieces of information from the reading of the biography of Patricia MacLachlan. Then we read a few more paragraphs together and highlighted important information. They returned to their seats and worked with a partner to finish reading and highlighting the section we began today.
JGB: Started rereading Humpbacked Horse with me, marking places where Ivan demonstrates a special quality and does something that will help him succeed. Then they went back and continued listening to the story on tape and marking the passages as we did in group.
Following lunch and recess we will visit the computer lab and students will get a chance to work on their Power Point presentations that they began last week. Then, we will return to the classroom to work on our persuasive writing pieces.
The sound project is due Thursday, March 20. This is a three part project...an instrument that creates a sound, a diagram of the instrument and a paragraph that explains how the instrument works. As a parent, I want to reiterate that this is your child's project. Yes, you may help BUT this should not add stress to the grown ups lives...I expect to see third grade looking projects. My goal is to help the children get a feel for how to plan for projects and stay on top of long range assignments.
Next, the magazine fundraiser...there are two books. A big book and a little book. The little book is due tomorrow. If your child (or you) fills out at least 7 addresses or friends or family who do not reside in Montgomery County, neatly, your child will win a Bling Ring and a piece of candy. They will also get a chance to win a Roboraptor and a stuffed animal. The big book is for friends and family who live near you...do NOT collect any money...just simply fill out the forms to renew or buy a new subscription.
Moving on to today...
We did not switch for math, as we had MSA math practice in our homerooms. The children worked on the MSA practice as if it were a true testing situation. Then we went over the correct answers (and how to get them) as a class. Your child will bring home the practice packet tonight. Please review it with your child. If your child has specific difficulties with a problem, it would be great if you could create a few problems similar to that problem to help them learn from their mistakes...or check out the links on my blog or Mr. Vogel's blog to get some ideas off the web...another idea...go to google.com and type in the topic and it will help you find web sites that might provide practice...OR...e-mail me and I can help you find a web site!!
Following math, we moved on to reading. Students did a practice buddy check and worked on reading group assignments.
SP&T: Read chapter 6 independently. Then met with me and reread and discussed chapter 6.
W&M: Shared interesting pieces of information from the reading of the biography of Patricia MacLachlan. Then we read a few more paragraphs together and highlighted important information. They returned to their seats and worked with a partner to finish reading and highlighting the section we began today.
JGB: Started rereading Humpbacked Horse with me, marking places where Ivan demonstrates a special quality and does something that will help him succeed. Then they went back and continued listening to the story on tape and marking the passages as we did in group.
Following lunch and recess we will visit the computer lab and students will get a chance to work on their Power Point presentations that they began last week. Then, we will return to the classroom to work on our persuasive writing pieces.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Fundraising Wednesday
This afternoon the children will be going to an assembly about a new fundraiser that our school will be participating in...look for the information in your child's home folder. This fundraiser involves selling magazine subscriptions to friends and family. There are over 800 titles...many for children! Reading magazines is a great way for children to practice their reading skills and waiting for the monthly arrival of their own magazine will help build excitement into reading!
We got a lot done in math today! We began by talking the unit 5 preassessment. Then we went over the preassessment and watched a video clip about fractions. This next unit involves fractions, probability and money. It's a doozy!! Tonight there is a fraction worksheet (hopefully, a review) for homework.
We began reading by identifying parts of speech using words from the morning message. The students each got a white board and drew a t-chart; one side was labeled "word" and the other side was labeled part of speech. As I circled words in the message, the children added the word to their white board and identified the part of speech.
Then we discussed another form of figurative language, personification. Personification is when writers give human traits to inanimate objects. We discussed this concept, identified examples in text and shared other examples from our own background knowledge.
Following PE, lunch and recess we will use our persuasive graphic organizers to write a piece on either why we should or should not have PE, in school, everyday. Finally, we will end the day by going to the fundraiser assembly.
We got a lot done in math today! We began by talking the unit 5 preassessment. Then we went over the preassessment and watched a video clip about fractions. This next unit involves fractions, probability and money. It's a doozy!! Tonight there is a fraction worksheet (hopefully, a review) for homework.
We began reading by identifying parts of speech using words from the morning message. The students each got a white board and drew a t-chart; one side was labeled "word" and the other side was labeled part of speech. As I circled words in the message, the children added the word to their white board and identified the part of speech.
Then we discussed another form of figurative language, personification. Personification is when writers give human traits to inanimate objects. We discussed this concept, identified examples in text and shared other examples from our own background knowledge.
Following PE, lunch and recess we will use our persuasive graphic organizers to write a piece on either why we should or should not have PE, in school, everyday. Finally, we will end the day by going to the fundraiser assembly.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Read Across America
Today is Read Across America day in honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday. Our wonderful guidance counselor, Mrs. Howard, and super media specialist, Mrs. Rose, planned for a guest reader to read a Dr. Seuss book to each class from 9:30-10:00 this morning. Our guest was Mrs. Winpigler, from the Damascus Community Bank. We had already met her on our walking field trip, earlier this year. Sop, it was great to see a her again and enjoy Oh, the Things You Can Think by Dr. Seuss.
Following that, we switched for math and took the unit 4 assessment. Students in my math class will bring home a xeroxed copy of the front page of the test with their grade on it.
During reading the children wrote thank you notes to Mrs. Winpigler and worked on small group assignments.
SP&T: Read chapter 5 on their own. Then met with me to reread chapter 5 and discuss it.
W&M: In preparation for our reading of the novel Journey by Patricia MacLachlan, we began reading a biography about the author. We discussed our building our background knowledge can help further our comprehension of the novel. Additionally, we discussed and highlighted important pieces of information within paragraphs of the biography.
JGB: Listened to a tape recording of The Little Humpbacked Horse. It was LLOONNNGGGG.
Following lunch and recess the students had some time to finish their thank you notes and finish their persuasive writing graphic organizers from yesterday. Then we will use the graphic organizers to write a first draft of a persuasive piece. Finally, we will end the day by continuing our reading of F is for Freedom.
Following that, we switched for math and took the unit 4 assessment. Students in my math class will bring home a xeroxed copy of the front page of the test with their grade on it.
During reading the children wrote thank you notes to Mrs. Winpigler and worked on small group assignments.
SP&T: Read chapter 5 on their own. Then met with me to reread chapter 5 and discuss it.
W&M: In preparation for our reading of the novel Journey by Patricia MacLachlan, we began reading a biography about the author. We discussed our building our background knowledge can help further our comprehension of the novel. Additionally, we discussed and highlighted important pieces of information within paragraphs of the biography.
JGB: Listened to a tape recording of The Little Humpbacked Horse. It was LLOONNNGGGG.
Following lunch and recess the students had some time to finish their thank you notes and finish their persuasive writing graphic organizers from yesterday. Then we will use the graphic organizers to write a first draft of a persuasive piece. Finally, we will end the day by continuing our reading of F is for Freedom.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Marvelous Monday Morning
The title to today's post is a type of Figurative Language called alliteration...the repetition of a beginning consonant sound in words that are next to each other. During our reading block, we identified alliteration in the text June 29, 1999 by David Weisner. Then we created examples of alliteration on our own.
Prior to that, we had math. The students worked in dependently on a review packet for unit 4. Then we went over the correct answers. Students were expected to correct their own review packet using a marking pen. Tonight they should review the packet, with an adult, in preparation for tomorrow's unit 4 assessment. Remember, the children also have a vocabulary packet in their binder. It would be wise to review this document, as well!
Following art, lunch and outdoor recess, we will continue reading F is for Freedom. Then we will use the hamburger graphic organizer from William & Mary to plan a persuasive writing piece. At the end of the day, we will visit the media center for a book exchange, switch classroom jobs and vote on the March Star Student.
Prior to that, we had math. The students worked in dependently on a review packet for unit 4. Then we went over the correct answers. Students were expected to correct their own review packet using a marking pen. Tonight they should review the packet, with an adult, in preparation for tomorrow's unit 4 assessment. Remember, the children also have a vocabulary packet in their binder. It would be wise to review this document, as well!
Following art, lunch and outdoor recess, we will continue reading F is for Freedom. Then we will use the hamburger graphic organizer from William & Mary to plan a persuasive writing piece. At the end of the day, we will visit the media center for a book exchange, switch classroom jobs and vote on the March Star Student.
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