Brrrr...it is a cold one today! :-)
In math we spent some time solving equations with unknown variables in a variety of positions. WE also wrote word problems when given a multiplication expression. The children need to finish the back side of their classwork for homework tonight.
During reading we spent time reviewing what is expected when answering a BCR (brief constructed response...short answer question for us old fogies!) Then I modeled answering the tag BCR that the children did last week. Tomorrow I plan for the class to redo this assignment as most of the responses were lacking sufficient detail and support.
Following art, lunch and indoor recess we split into our two groups for FASTT math and writing. Most of the class are working on the first drafts. Some are conferencing and a few are editing with my help. After sharing some of our writing with each other, we will watch a united streaming video about sound.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
TGIF
This morning in math we took our third quiz for unit 3. This quiz included 3 challenge (grade 4)learning topics! The children did quite well!! Look for the quiz in your child's binder.
In reading we took a spelling assessment. Remember that correct capitalization and punctuation counts. We also identified nouns and adjectives.
Following music, lunch and recess we split into writing and FASTT math groups. In writing the children took their topics and graphic organizers and began writing their first drafts. At the end of writing we shared topic sentences that were constructed today. They were excellent!!! I could tell the children had learned from the mini lessons this week.
We ended the day with a science review lesson. Students were encouraged to choose materials we have used in our experiments thus far to practice producing sound and changing the pitch of the sound. Then the students answered a BCR explaining the relationship between sound, vibrations, frequency and pitch. This will be scored and returned next week!
Have a great weekend...remember we only have school on Monday and Tuesday.
In reading we took a spelling assessment. Remember that correct capitalization and punctuation counts. We also identified nouns and adjectives.
Following music, lunch and recess we split into writing and FASTT math groups. In writing the children took their topics and graphic organizers and began writing their first drafts. At the end of writing we shared topic sentences that were constructed today. They were excellent!!! I could tell the children had learned from the mini lessons this week.
We ended the day with a science review lesson. Students were encouraged to choose materials we have used in our experiments thus far to practice producing sound and changing the pitch of the sound. Then the students answered a BCR explaining the relationship between sound, vibrations, frequency and pitch. This will be scored and returned next week!
Have a great weekend...remember we only have school on Monday and Tuesday.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Thursday
Just a quick run down as I am leaving early for a doctor's appointment.
In math we solved comparison multiplication problems. Look in your child's folder for examples. There is a worksheet for homework AND a quiz tomorrow.
In reading we will read two sets of directions for the game of Tag. We will compare and contrast the directions and decide which set is better. The students will write in their RRJ as to which set of directions is better and why they think so. They will need to use information (details, examples...) from BOTH sets to support their answer (and get a 3).
Following lunch and outdoor recess the children will be choosing a new topic for writing to inform and creating a graphic organizer. They will also go to FASTT math. The day will end with a friendship lesson led by Mrs. Howard.
Remember...there is a spelling test tomorrow and spelling homework is due!
Tomorrow is the last day for the SGA's hat, glove and sock drive AND the PTA's reading incentive program.
In math we solved comparison multiplication problems. Look in your child's folder for examples. There is a worksheet for homework AND a quiz tomorrow.
In reading we will read two sets of directions for the game of Tag. We will compare and contrast the directions and decide which set is better. The students will write in their RRJ as to which set of directions is better and why they think so. They will need to use information (details, examples...) from BOTH sets to support their answer (and get a 3).
Following lunch and outdoor recess the children will be choosing a new topic for writing to inform and creating a graphic organizer. They will also go to FASTT math. The day will end with a friendship lesson led by Mrs. Howard.
Remember...there is a spelling test tomorrow and spelling homework is due!
Tomorrow is the last day for the SGA's hat, glove and sock drive AND the PTA's reading incentive program.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Hump Day
In math we practiced solving word problems using division. We also took some time to compare the same problem worded as a multiplication problem and as a division problem. There is a worksheet for homework and students are expected to be practicing their flashcards.
In reading we identified text features in a flyer and explained how they helped provide information. The students had time to complete assignments from earlier in the week while I met with individuals to discuss their BCR's (short answer responses in their RRJs).
Following PE, lunch and indoor recess we will split into two groups for writing and FASTT math. During writing, Mrs. Hepner will help the children choose new topics that lend themselves well to writing to inform for a third grader.
We will end the day by learning about pitch and frequency as they relate to sound.
In reading we identified text features in a flyer and explained how they helped provide information. The students had time to complete assignments from earlier in the week while I met with individuals to discuss their BCR's (short answer responses in their RRJs).
Following PE, lunch and indoor recess we will split into two groups for writing and FASTT math. During writing, Mrs. Hepner will help the children choose new topics that lend themselves well to writing to inform for a third grader.
We will end the day by learning about pitch and frequency as they relate to sound.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Terrific Tuesday
This morning in math we practiced solving multiplication word problems. I also worked with small groups to solve equations with variables. For homework the students need to complete a multiplication word problem worksheet and practice their basic fact flashcards.
During reading students were given a flyer about Scooter Safety. They needed to read the flyer. Then is their RRJ they need to explain what the main idea of the flyer was and how the flyer can help protect people. This will be scored for both reading comprehension and social studies.
I also met with reading groups to read and discuss last night's reading assignments. The discussion with the dragon group related to point of view. Summary was the focus of my discussion with the frogs. I am hoping to get to JGB either this afternoon or tomorrow morning.
Following lunch and indoor recess (we had the gym...VERY exciting for the kids) we will write to inform and go to FASTT math. Mrs. Hepner, the reading specialist, will be doing a mini lesson about writing good topic sentences.
We will end the day with a science lesson. The children will investigate pitch as they create sound using nails. Look for a possible science homework assignment written in their planner...we have to get far enough in the lesson in order for me to be able to assign it! :-)
During reading students were given a flyer about Scooter Safety. They needed to read the flyer. Then is their RRJ they need to explain what the main idea of the flyer was and how the flyer can help protect people. This will be scored for both reading comprehension and social studies.
I also met with reading groups to read and discuss last night's reading assignments. The discussion with the dragon group related to point of view. Summary was the focus of my discussion with the frogs. I am hoping to get to JGB either this afternoon or tomorrow morning.
Following lunch and indoor recess (we had the gym...VERY exciting for the kids) we will write to inform and go to FASTT math. Mrs. Hepner, the reading specialist, will be doing a mini lesson about writing good topic sentences.
We will end the day with a science lesson. The children will investigate pitch as they create sound using nails. Look for a possible science homework assignment written in their planner...we have to get far enough in the lesson in order for me to be able to assign it! :-)
Monday, December 15, 2008
Monday Morning
Due to a change in our schedule we had science this morning, instead of math. WE spent the period reviewing both lessons 2 and 3 and writing about how sound is produced in our science journals.
In reading we spent time identifying text features on a flyer (type of non fiction writing) and writing about how these text features help us comprehend the flyer. Then the children finished their concept map from Friday and began working on reading group assignments.
I met with the JGB reading group and we located and discussed events in the story where Shakro tricked the king.
Following art, lunch and recess we will review adding details to their ideas on a graphic organizer when writing a rough draft. Then the students will write to inform on a chosen topic and go to FASTT math. We will end the day with a book exchange in the media center.
Reading groups will have homework...check planners for that! Spelling is due FRIDAY...so students need to be working on that. My math class needs to work on memorizing their basic facts using the flashcards we made. BUT there is no written (worksheet) homework for math.
In reading we spent time identifying text features on a flyer (type of non fiction writing) and writing about how these text features help us comprehend the flyer. Then the children finished their concept map from Friday and began working on reading group assignments.
I met with the JGB reading group and we located and discussed events in the story where Shakro tricked the king.
Following art, lunch and recess we will review adding details to their ideas on a graphic organizer when writing a rough draft. Then the students will write to inform on a chosen topic and go to FASTT math. We will end the day with a book exchange in the media center.
Reading groups will have homework...check planners for that! Spelling is due FRIDAY...so students need to be working on that. My math class needs to work on memorizing their basic facts using the flashcards we made. BUT there is no written (worksheet) homework for math.
Friday, December 12, 2008
TGIF
Wow...two five day work weeks in a row...can you believe it?!?! LOL! I think we are all ready for the weekend.
In math we took the second quiz for unit 3. The students did fantastically well! YEY! After they were finished, we spent time (using white boards) learning to solve some of the 4th grade challenge problems. This included a brief introduction to the order of operations (solve what is in the parenthesis first), learning about variables (the letters are the same as boxes...a missing or unknown number) and rewriting division sentences as multiplication problems.
Reading time was spent reviewing the concept definition map that we have used in the past to strengthen our vocabulary. Then the children chose a word from their reading books and used it to complete a concept map independently.
Following music, lunch and outdoor (YEY!) recess we will have FASTT math/writing. During writing the children will be given a completed graphic organizer and work in pairs to write a well developed paragraph based on the graphic organizer.
We will end the day watching a video about sound.
In math we took the second quiz for unit 3. The students did fantastically well! YEY! After they were finished, we spent time (using white boards) learning to solve some of the 4th grade challenge problems. This included a brief introduction to the order of operations (solve what is in the parenthesis first), learning about variables (the letters are the same as boxes...a missing or unknown number) and rewriting division sentences as multiplication problems.
Reading time was spent reviewing the concept definition map that we have used in the past to strengthen our vocabulary. Then the children chose a word from their reading books and used it to complete a concept map independently.
Following music, lunch and outdoor (YEY!) recess we will have FASTT math/writing. During writing the children will be given a completed graphic organizer and work in pairs to write a well developed paragraph based on the graphic organizer.
We will end the day watching a video about sound.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)