In math we continued practicing the renaming of units and identifying area and perimeter of figures. Many students have not yet memorized that 12 inches = 1 foot and three feet = 1 yard. This is a MUST!!!! We will have a quiz tomorrow and there is a worksheet for homework.
We began reading by discussing author's use of organization in their writing and identifying key words that point to their organizational process. These words include; to begin with, first, next, at last, before, during, in (year), finally, for example, etc. We made the connection between these key words and the transition words that we use in our writing. Then we read an article in National Geographic about light houses. We looked for these key organizational words in the article.
After that we read some more from the book Why do Zippers Have Teeth and shared some of the I Wonder questions that the children listed in their writer's notebook.
Following music, lunch and indoor recess the children will work in reading groups and independently. Their independent work will include working on their current informational piece, adding questions to their I Wonder list, practicing a capital Z in cursive and any other unfinished work.
Bears: We will continue reading the electricity book and begin answering written comprehension questions.
Tigers: We will finish reading A Tour of the Planets. They will reread it independently and answer three comprehension questions in their reading response journal.
Lions: We will do a first reading of Ooka and the Honest Thief. Tonight they need to reread it for homework.
WE will end the day by listing geographic characteristics in our social studies journals. For homework tonight, the students will need to observe the geography directly outside of their house (this can be done through a window) and tally the characteristics that they see.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
PTA Movie Night = No Homework
There is no homework tonight due to the PTA sponsored Movie Night.
In math we reviewed renaming measurements and area and perimeter. I worked with a small group using function tables to rename measurement units.
We began reading with the students working in small groups to reread Life on the African Savannah and chart examples of cause and effect. I was impressed with how well they worked together AND the results of their efforts!
After that we discussed how inventions are usually the result of people asking questions and wondering about things. Then we began reading a book called I Wonder Why Zippers Have Teeth. This afternoon the students will have a chance to look through some books about various inventions and then begin an I Wonder list in their writer's notebook. These lists will eventually be used for the children to pick a topic (of interest to them) to research and write about in an informational piece.
Following PE, lunch and recess the students will work independently on their current writing pieces. They will also complete a cause and effect worksheet and begin their I Wonder lists. I will work with reading groups.
Bears: We began by changing sounds in words to create a word chain. Then we continued reading the book. We also spent time orally practicing answers to questions about text features.
Tigers: We shared the facts they wrote for homework last night. We continued reading the book and orally practiced answering questions that were both literal and inferential.
Lions: We previewed our next story Ooka and the Honest Thief. We discussed the sense we got from our preview, as well as the irony of the title.
We are ending the day by reviewing the geographic characteristics data we collected yesterday afternoon.
In math we reviewed renaming measurements and area and perimeter. I worked with a small group using function tables to rename measurement units.
We began reading with the students working in small groups to reread Life on the African Savannah and chart examples of cause and effect. I was impressed with how well they worked together AND the results of their efforts!
After that we discussed how inventions are usually the result of people asking questions and wondering about things. Then we began reading a book called I Wonder Why Zippers Have Teeth. This afternoon the students will have a chance to look through some books about various inventions and then begin an I Wonder list in their writer's notebook. These lists will eventually be used for the children to pick a topic (of interest to them) to research and write about in an informational piece.
Following PE, lunch and recess the students will work independently on their current writing pieces. They will also complete a cause and effect worksheet and begin their I Wonder lists. I will work with reading groups.
Bears: We began by changing sounds in words to create a word chain. Then we continued reading the book. We also spent time orally practicing answers to questions about text features.
Tigers: We shared the facts they wrote for homework last night. We continued reading the book and orally practiced answering questions that were both literal and inferential.
Lions: We previewed our next story Ooka and the Honest Thief. We discussed the sense we got from our preview, as well as the irony of the title.
We are ending the day by reviewing the geographic characteristics data we collected yesterday afternoon.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Terrific Tuesday
In math we reviewed renaming units and identifying perimeter and area. I gave the class a quick "exit card" with two conversion problems to assess their current abilities. Then I pulled a small group to work on this skill based on the results of the exit card. For homework, students need to finish their classwork and they also have a conversion (renaming) worksheet.
We began reading by doing a shared reading about pollution. This piece of writing was on the overhead projector and we identified examples of cause and effect within the piece. Additionally, we noticed target words that let us know that we were reading examples of cause and effect. These words included, since, because, if...then, etc.
After that I modeled writing a paragraph as I finished my informational piece on running. Then we went to the computer lab where the students continued typing their personal narratives.
Following lunch and recess I met with small groups for reading and Mrs. Hepner continued working on writing.
Bears: We read up to page 11 and then practiced making words using a strategy called word chains. For homework the students need to reread pages 4-11.
Tigers: We read up to page 8 and practiced identify sentences within the text that answered questions I was asking orally. Tonight they need to read pages 8-11 and list 3 facts about 3 planets in their RRJ.
Lions: We shared their wish lists from last night. Then we continued our discussion from yesterday. Tonight they need to re answer the focus question at the bottom of page 28 using thoughts from our discussion and evidence from the text to support their answer. This will be scored.
We are ending the day by collecting data about our geography on the tally chart we prepared yesterday.
We began reading by doing a shared reading about pollution. This piece of writing was on the overhead projector and we identified examples of cause and effect within the piece. Additionally, we noticed target words that let us know that we were reading examples of cause and effect. These words included, since, because, if...then, etc.
After that I modeled writing a paragraph as I finished my informational piece on running. Then we went to the computer lab where the students continued typing their personal narratives.
Following lunch and recess I met with small groups for reading and Mrs. Hepner continued working on writing.
Bears: We read up to page 11 and then practiced making words using a strategy called word chains. For homework the students need to reread pages 4-11.
Tigers: We read up to page 8 and practiced identify sentences within the text that answered questions I was asking orally. Tonight they need to read pages 8-11 and list 3 facts about 3 planets in their RRJ.
Lions: We shared their wish lists from last night. Then we continued our discussion from yesterday. Tonight they need to re answer the focus question at the bottom of page 28 using thoughts from our discussion and evidence from the text to support their answer. This will be scored.
We are ending the day by collecting data about our geography on the tally chart we prepared yesterday.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Monday
Thankfully we are back to routine...it gets challenging when our days are interrupted!!
In math we continued renaming units in inches, feet and yards. We also began identifying the area and perimeter of shapes. Area is when we count the squares inside the figure and label it with squared units ( cm sq., in sq, etc.). The perimeter is when we calculate around the outside of the figure. For homework the students need to complete a worksheet that we started in class.
We began reading by previewing the book Life on the African Savannah. Then we wrote questions that we had about the book. After that, we read the book and located answers to our questions. Because this information answered questions we had, it became "important information".
For our writing mini-lesson we discussed using words in our writing that pertained to our chosen topic. Prior to peer conferencing students were to highlight at least 5 words that were specific to their topic, in their writing piece.
After that I introduced two pieces of independent work that the students will complete during the week. These worksheets are NOT homework but they will be kept in the front of their binder until they are completed. One was a cursive handwriting paper (capital u, v and Y). The other was a noun paper...identifying common and proper nouns.
Following art, lunch and recess the students worked on peer conferencing and the other pieces of independent work while I met with reading groups.
Bears: We reviewed some vocabulary from the book and wrote questions to guide us to important information within the book. Tonight they need to identify words from the book with s, ly, and ing endings.
Tigers: Began new book...practiced writing and reading vocabulary from book and wrote questions to help identify important information from our reading. We were able to read the first page in the book and actually answer one of our questions. Tonight they need to read pages 1-6 and write 5 common and 5 proper nouns on the chart in their RRJ.
Lions: Began discussing why the fisherman did has his wife told him even though he didn't want to. Great discussion...we will finish tomorrow! Tonight they need to complete the Wish List chart in their RRJ with at least 5 wishes for each category (to have, to do, to be).
We ended the day by reviewing geographic characteristics; human and physical. Then we identified characteristics we wanted to count as we observed out a window in the school. We set up our chart and will hopefully have time to do the observation and the tallying tomorrow.
In math we continued renaming units in inches, feet and yards. We also began identifying the area and perimeter of shapes. Area is when we count the squares inside the figure and label it with squared units ( cm sq., in sq, etc.). The perimeter is when we calculate around the outside of the figure. For homework the students need to complete a worksheet that we started in class.
We began reading by previewing the book Life on the African Savannah. Then we wrote questions that we had about the book. After that, we read the book and located answers to our questions. Because this information answered questions we had, it became "important information".
For our writing mini-lesson we discussed using words in our writing that pertained to our chosen topic. Prior to peer conferencing students were to highlight at least 5 words that were specific to their topic, in their writing piece.
After that I introduced two pieces of independent work that the students will complete during the week. These worksheets are NOT homework but they will be kept in the front of their binder until they are completed. One was a cursive handwriting paper (capital u, v and Y). The other was a noun paper...identifying common and proper nouns.
Following art, lunch and recess the students worked on peer conferencing and the other pieces of independent work while I met with reading groups.
Bears: We reviewed some vocabulary from the book and wrote questions to guide us to important information within the book. Tonight they need to identify words from the book with s, ly, and ing endings.
Tigers: Began new book...practiced writing and reading vocabulary from book and wrote questions to help identify important information from our reading. We were able to read the first page in the book and actually answer one of our questions. Tonight they need to read pages 1-6 and write 5 common and 5 proper nouns on the chart in their RRJ.
Lions: Began discussing why the fisherman did has his wife told him even though he didn't want to. Great discussion...we will finish tomorrow! Tonight they need to complete the Wish List chart in their RRJ with at least 5 wishes for each category (to have, to do, to be).
We ended the day by reviewing geographic characteristics; human and physical. Then we identified characteristics we wanted to count as we observed out a window in the school. We set up our chart and will hopefully have time to do the observation and the tallying tomorrow.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Finish Up Friday!
...and boy did we finish up!!!!
With the cancellation of our walking field trip, we were left with added time to go over shaky skills and complete unfinished work...that was the theme of the day!
In math we spent a lot of time practice and discussing the renaming of units (converting inches, feet and yards).
I began reading by modeling the writing of an informational paragraph suing the format that was introduced earlier this week. Then I spent the rest of the day working with children one-on-one and in small groups as they completed their graphic organizers and rough drafts. The students finished the above and any unfinished worksheets from the week. In between we did go to the media center, lunch and recess.
We did end the day with our fun Friday celebration!
Looking back, this is a short blog entry but it was a very productive day!!!
Book orders are due Monday!
With the cancellation of our walking field trip, we were left with added time to go over shaky skills and complete unfinished work...that was the theme of the day!
In math we spent a lot of time practice and discussing the renaming of units (converting inches, feet and yards).
I began reading by modeling the writing of an informational paragraph suing the format that was introduced earlier this week. Then I spent the rest of the day working with children one-on-one and in small groups as they completed their graphic organizers and rough drafts. The students finished the above and any unfinished worksheets from the week. In between we did go to the media center, lunch and recess.
We did end the day with our fun Friday celebration!
Looking back, this is a short blog entry but it was a very productive day!!!
Book orders are due Monday!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Field Trip Update
The walking field trip that was scheduled for tomorrow has been CANCELLED due to the weather.
Thursday
Another half day today...
In math we took our first quiz of the second unit. I was a bit disappointed with the results. Be sure to check your child's math section. We will continue working on renaming measurement units. There is a worksheet for homework tonight.
In reading the students had time to work on their graphic organizer and rough draft for their writing piece. They also worked on the two follow up worksheets from earlier in the week. I met with the BEARS reading group...we began a new book by going over important vocabulary in the book. Then we used the text features to answer some questions. After that, we read the introduction. Tonight they need to preview the book and list any unknown words.
Following music the students will go to lunch and pack up to go home.
Book orders are due Monday...you can order online.
Look for an announcement about our field trip...the weather does not appear to be cooperating...we might have to cancel!
In math we took our first quiz of the second unit. I was a bit disappointed with the results. Be sure to check your child's math section. We will continue working on renaming measurement units. There is a worksheet for homework tonight.
In reading the students had time to work on their graphic organizer and rough draft for their writing piece. They also worked on the two follow up worksheets from earlier in the week. I met with the BEARS reading group...we began a new book by going over important vocabulary in the book. Then we used the text features to answer some questions. After that, we read the introduction. Tonight they need to preview the book and list any unknown words.
Following music the students will go to lunch and pack up to go home.
Book orders are due Monday...you can order online.
Look for an announcement about our field trip...the weather does not appear to be cooperating...we might have to cancel!
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