Ahhh... the last day of school before Spring Break....you can feel the excitement in the air!
The children began their day in music.
When they returned to the classroom, they were given time to complete their realistic fiction picture book, as well as, the Healthful Foods and Financial Decision Making activities. Additionally, the students were told to clean out and organize their desks so that when we return from our break we are ready to begin the fourth marking period.
Before beginning math, the students who have not shared their realistic fiction picture books with the class, were given a chance to do so.
In math we worked towards the goal of memorizing the basic multiplication facts using the paper games introduced earlier in the week, math fact cafe, Ken Ken and the Edmodo app.
Following lunch and outdoor recess we defined body image and self esteem and had a great discussion about how they are linked and importance of accepting yourself for who you are.
we ended the day my visiting kindergarten and getting reading buddies. We read our realistic fiction picture book to our buddy and they read their "Rr" book to us. Then we began creating Keynote presentations so that we can introduce each other to our classmates.
Have a wonderful Spring Break!
See you April 3!
Friday, March 22, 2013
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Thriving Thursday
This morning the class was treated to a special guest reader from the Senior Center. Mr. Gorman read a Dr. Seuss favorite, Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?, to the class in honor of Read Across America Day which was earlier this month.
After that, the students went to art.
When they returned from art, we reviewed the format of a friendly letter and created a class word bank to help us create thank you notes for Mr. Gorman. Then the class continued publishing their realistic fiction picture books, wrote thank you notes for the guest reader, read and identified what they learned in "Healthful Foods" and wrote about a financial decision they made.
I met with the YELLOW JACKETS reading group. Our purpose for meeting was to discuss how we proceed after Spring Break. It was decided that we would stick with the novel, Journey., but we would start at the beginning and meet consistently. I was pleased with this decision!
In math, the students were given a task to assess their problem solving skills and their ability to compare fractions. This task was scored and I took notes indicating how the children were able to communicate their problem solving strategies and the number of items completed correctly.
Following lunch and indoor recess the students continued their independent work. Then, many students had the chance to share their published stories with the class.
We ended the day by viewing the rest of the Power Point about analyzing a nutrition label. Then we used our knowledge to view actual labels and decide which is the healthiest choice and identify which label belonged to which food.
We have had a lot of fun learning about nutrition. I hope your child has shared some of their new found knowledge with you!
There is NO homework tonight and we will NOT have a math quiz tomorrow!
After that, the students went to art.
When they returned from art, we reviewed the format of a friendly letter and created a class word bank to help us create thank you notes for Mr. Gorman. Then the class continued publishing their realistic fiction picture books, wrote thank you notes for the guest reader, read and identified what they learned in "Healthful Foods" and wrote about a financial decision they made.
I met with the YELLOW JACKETS reading group. Our purpose for meeting was to discuss how we proceed after Spring Break. It was decided that we would stick with the novel, Journey., but we would start at the beginning and meet consistently. I was pleased with this decision!
In math, the students were given a task to assess their problem solving skills and their ability to compare fractions. This task was scored and I took notes indicating how the children were able to communicate their problem solving strategies and the number of items completed correctly.
Following lunch and indoor recess the students continued their independent work. Then, many students had the chance to share their published stories with the class.
We ended the day by viewing the rest of the Power Point about analyzing a nutrition label. Then we used our knowledge to view actual labels and decide which is the healthiest choice and identify which label belonged to which food.
We have had a lot of fun learning about nutrition. I hope your child has shared some of their new found knowledge with you!
There is NO homework tonight and we will NOT have a math quiz tomorrow!
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Wonderful Wednesday
The children began their day in the media center with Mrs. Rose.
When they returned to class, we went over a few odds and ends. First, I shared the link that I emailed to all parents this morning. I told the children they did not have to download the software (not a class requirement) and they were not allowed to do so without their parent's permission. Then I showed the students how to use the software with homework assignments posted on Edmodo.
After that, I reminded students that the realistic fiction picture book is due no later than Friday. My grades are due over Spring Break. So, whatever is completed by Friday afternoon will be scored.
Finally, I shared the news that we will be getting kindergarten book buddies on Friday. We will be meeting with our kindergarten buddies on Friday to read a story and work on comprehension skills. I've never done this before but I am sure it will be a fun and rewarding experience for all involved!
Next, I reminded the students of my personal goal (well, one of them) for the next marking period...I would like to incorporate science and social studies instruction into our independent work. With that in mind, we defined economics and defined the idea of income, expense and financial decision making.
During independent work time today the students will work on completing their realistic fiction picture book. Then they will read the Healthful Foods article and write 3 things they learned and 1 question they still have. After that, they will complete an activity called Money Goal where they have to make and explain a financial decision.
In math we continued working towards the memorization of the basic multiplication facts. First, though, we learned how to quickly multiply tens, hundreds and thousands, by counting zeroes and adding them to our answer...let me give you an example. To multiply 3 x 400, you would calculate 3x4 and add 2 zeroes to the end.
While Mrs. Head and I met with small groups, the students chose between 4 different ways to practice the multiplication facts. One choice was Ken Ken. Another was the multiplication app through Edmodo. The last two choices were the games we played, in class, on Monday and Tuesday. These were games that are printed on worksheets.
One group I met with practiced identifying equivalent fractions. The second group drew representations of improper fractions.
Mrs. Head worked with students to correctly partition grids and identify fractions. She also met with a group to identify fractions on a number line.
There is a multiplication worksheet fro homework.
Following lunch and recess the students continued working on their realistic fiction picture book, reading and responding to the Healthful Foods article, and writing about a financial decision.
There is an EDMODO homework assignment. The students need to read an article and write 1-2 sentences explaining the issue.
Towards the end of the afternoon reading/writing block, some students shared their realistic fiction books with the class. These will be sent home on Friday, after we share them with our kindergarten buddies.
We ended the day with science. We began watching a Power Point presentation about nutrition labels. The class had great questions and comments to add, so we didn't finish. We will revisit the Power Point tomorrow afternoon.
Students are encouraged to check out this nutrition web site.
When they returned to class, we went over a few odds and ends. First, I shared the link that I emailed to all parents this morning. I told the children they did not have to download the software (not a class requirement) and they were not allowed to do so without their parent's permission. Then I showed the students how to use the software with homework assignments posted on Edmodo.
After that, I reminded students that the realistic fiction picture book is due no later than Friday. My grades are due over Spring Break. So, whatever is completed by Friday afternoon will be scored.
Finally, I shared the news that we will be getting kindergarten book buddies on Friday. We will be meeting with our kindergarten buddies on Friday to read a story and work on comprehension skills. I've never done this before but I am sure it will be a fun and rewarding experience for all involved!
Next, I reminded the students of my personal goal (well, one of them) for the next marking period...I would like to incorporate science and social studies instruction into our independent work. With that in mind, we defined economics and defined the idea of income, expense and financial decision making.
During independent work time today the students will work on completing their realistic fiction picture book. Then they will read the Healthful Foods article and write 3 things they learned and 1 question they still have. After that, they will complete an activity called Money Goal where they have to make and explain a financial decision.
In math we continued working towards the memorization of the basic multiplication facts. First, though, we learned how to quickly multiply tens, hundreds and thousands, by counting zeroes and adding them to our answer...let me give you an example. To multiply 3 x 400, you would calculate 3x4 and add 2 zeroes to the end.
While Mrs. Head and I met with small groups, the students chose between 4 different ways to practice the multiplication facts. One choice was Ken Ken. Another was the multiplication app through Edmodo. The last two choices were the games we played, in class, on Monday and Tuesday. These were games that are printed on worksheets.
One group I met with practiced identifying equivalent fractions. The second group drew representations of improper fractions.
Mrs. Head worked with students to correctly partition grids and identify fractions. She also met with a group to identify fractions on a number line.
There is a multiplication worksheet fro homework.
Following lunch and recess the students continued working on their realistic fiction picture book, reading and responding to the Healthful Foods article, and writing about a financial decision.
There is an EDMODO homework assignment. The students need to read an article and write 1-2 sentences explaining the issue.
Towards the end of the afternoon reading/writing block, some students shared their realistic fiction books with the class. These will be sent home on Friday, after we share them with our kindergarten buddies.
We ended the day with science. We began watching a Power Point presentation about nutrition labels. The class had great questions and comments to add, so we didn't finish. We will revisit the Power Point tomorrow afternoon.
Students are encouraged to check out this nutrition web site.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Terrific Tuesday
The children began their day with PE. When they returned to class, I explained the purpose of an author's note and a dedication in a published book. Then I told the students they had the option of adding one, or both, to their realistic fiction picture books. I encouraged them to look through books in our classroom to see examples of these two items before adding them to their work.
The students then continued publishing and illustrating their books. Those who felt their books were complete, added a front and back cover. Finally, they turned them in for me to bind and grade.
In math we reviewed comparing fractions and identifying equivalent fractions during our warm up. Then I introduced another game for the children to play in groups of 2 or 4 which will help with the memorization of the multiplication basic facts. For homework, students are expected to visit mathfactcafe.com and spend 15 minutes practicing the basic multiplication facts. Students were offered a worksheet as another option, for homework.
Following lunch and outdoor recess, the students met Mrs. Howard in the computer lab to complete a web displaying examples of how they demonstrate self esteem.
Upon returning to the classroom, Mrs. Benson introduced the web site math fact cafe to the students and provided time for them to investigate the site. I was at an in-house meeting.
There is no Edmodo homework tonight but will most likely be an assignment tomorrow night.
The students then continued publishing and illustrating their books. Those who felt their books were complete, added a front and back cover. Finally, they turned them in for me to bind and grade.
In math we reviewed comparing fractions and identifying equivalent fractions during our warm up. Then I introduced another game for the children to play in groups of 2 or 4 which will help with the memorization of the multiplication basic facts. For homework, students are expected to visit mathfactcafe.com and spend 15 minutes practicing the basic multiplication facts. Students were offered a worksheet as another option, for homework.
Following lunch and outdoor recess, the students met Mrs. Howard in the computer lab to complete a web displaying examples of how they demonstrate self esteem.
Upon returning to the classroom, Mrs. Benson introduced the web site math fact cafe to the students and provided time for them to investigate the site. I was at an in-house meeting.
There is no Edmodo homework tonight but will most likely be an assignment tomorrow night.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Monday...Marching towards Spring Break!!
With MSA testing behind us and Spring Break ahead, we are getting back to our routine...somewhat!
This week, during our reading and writing blocks, we will be concentrating on publishing and sharing our realistic fiction picture books. Therefore, reading groups will not resume until we return from Spring Break.
Our reading homework will be via Edmodo. The students WILL still write the assignment in their planner...so, no homework written in planner=no reading homework! :-)
I am planning to post articles about issues that have more than one side. This will build their background knowledge and prepare them for their 4th quarter reading, writing and research project.
We began the morning with a class meeting. Our group share had the students stating their thoughts about the MSA. Overall, students agreed that some parts were easy and others more challenging. After that, we shared compliments. Finally, we discussed challenges that were on the children's minds.
Next we reviewed the characteristic of the literary non-fiction genre and read the book Emma's Poem. This book was the true story of Emma Lazarus, the poet who scribed the famous poem bearing the lines, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free..."
After discussing the book, the students continued working on their realistic fiction picture book (publishing and illustrating) and they also read an article called, "Healthful Foods, " and wrote three things they learned and 1 question they still had.
I met with individual students to help them with editing and publishing their stories.
In math we reviewed comparing fractions and naming equivalents during their warm up. Then we switched our focus to the memorization of the basic multiplication facts. We will be focusing on this most of the week. Today the students got into small groups of either 2 or 4 and played a game called 4 in a Row that required recall of the multiplication basic facts. Students were told to note challenging facts on a sticky note (as the played). Before going to lunch we shared some of the tricky facts. Each fact shared (except one) included 7 as a factor. So, based on this information, the children will have a worksheet for homework that practices the 7's multiplication facts. I would also suggest that students visit math fact cafe for more help!
Following lunch and outdoor recess I explained tonight's EDMODO HOMEWORK. Students are to read the article I posted on Edmodo and write 1-2 sentences explaining the issue (problem) stated in the article.
Then the children continued their independent work assignments from this morning. I, again, helped individual students.
We ended the day by reviewing a Power Point called Healthy Eating, that can be found at MyPlate.gov. We identified food groups and nutrients that are essential for a healthy diet. We also discussed the different factors that contribute to identifying and maintaining a healthy weight for individuals.
This week is our school's canned food drive. If you can help, please send items in with your child this week!
This week, during our reading and writing blocks, we will be concentrating on publishing and sharing our realistic fiction picture books. Therefore, reading groups will not resume until we return from Spring Break.
Our reading homework will be via Edmodo. The students WILL still write the assignment in their planner...so, no homework written in planner=no reading homework! :-)
I am planning to post articles about issues that have more than one side. This will build their background knowledge and prepare them for their 4th quarter reading, writing and research project.
We began the morning with a class meeting. Our group share had the students stating their thoughts about the MSA. Overall, students agreed that some parts were easy and others more challenging. After that, we shared compliments. Finally, we discussed challenges that were on the children's minds.
Next we reviewed the characteristic of the literary non-fiction genre and read the book Emma's Poem. This book was the true story of Emma Lazarus, the poet who scribed the famous poem bearing the lines, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free..."
After discussing the book, the students continued working on their realistic fiction picture book (publishing and illustrating) and they also read an article called, "Healthful Foods, " and wrote three things they learned and 1 question they still had.
I met with individual students to help them with editing and publishing their stories.
In math we reviewed comparing fractions and naming equivalents during their warm up. Then we switched our focus to the memorization of the basic multiplication facts. We will be focusing on this most of the week. Today the students got into small groups of either 2 or 4 and played a game called 4 in a Row that required recall of the multiplication basic facts. Students were told to note challenging facts on a sticky note (as the played). Before going to lunch we shared some of the tricky facts. Each fact shared (except one) included 7 as a factor. So, based on this information, the children will have a worksheet for homework that practices the 7's multiplication facts. I would also suggest that students visit math fact cafe for more help!
Following lunch and outdoor recess I explained tonight's EDMODO HOMEWORK. Students are to read the article I posted on Edmodo and write 1-2 sentences explaining the issue (problem) stated in the article.
Then the children continued their independent work assignments from this morning. I, again, helped individual students.
We ended the day by reviewing a Power Point called Healthy Eating, that can be found at MyPlate.gov. We identified food groups and nutrients that are essential for a healthy diet. We also discussed the different factors that contribute to identifying and maintaining a healthy weight for individuals.
This week is our school's canned food drive. If you can help, please send items in with your child this week!
Friday, March 15, 2013
TGIF - Bingo Night!!
This morning I was out of the building but Mrs. DeLisi, a former MCPS teacher, was here in my place.
The class began by revisiting the characteristics of literary non-fiction and then read The Snow Walker, a true story that took place during the blizzard of 1888. This was the same setting as the historical fiction novel, Anna, Grandpa and the Big Storm, which we read earlier in the marking period.
After that, the class continued working on their realistic fiction picture books.
During math, the students took a quiz on fractions. These have been scored and returned to the students. Look for them in your child's math section in his/her binder.
I returned just prior to the students going to lunch and outdoor recess.
After recess, we reviewed how heat travels and the idea that heat will flow between objects in order to equalize the temperature. We watched a short animated clip, reviewed the chart we created while conducting our experiments earlier in the week, and read informational text.
Then the students went back to their seats to answer two questions: How does heat travel? What happens to objects that are different temperatures? They also had to draw a picture or diagram to support their responses. These will be scored this weekend and returned to the students on Monday.
We ended the day by visiting the media center.
Don't forget tonight is Bingo Night. It begins at 6 and runs until 8. I will be there with my two boys! Hope to see many of you there!!
The class began by revisiting the characteristics of literary non-fiction and then read The Snow Walker, a true story that took place during the blizzard of 1888. This was the same setting as the historical fiction novel, Anna, Grandpa and the Big Storm, which we read earlier in the marking period.
After that, the class continued working on their realistic fiction picture books.
During math, the students took a quiz on fractions. These have been scored and returned to the students. Look for them in your child's math section in his/her binder.
I returned just prior to the students going to lunch and outdoor recess.
After recess, we reviewed how heat travels and the idea that heat will flow between objects in order to equalize the temperature. We watched a short animated clip, reviewed the chart we created while conducting our experiments earlier in the week, and read informational text.
Then the students went back to their seats to answer two questions: How does heat travel? What happens to objects that are different temperatures? They also had to draw a picture or diagram to support their responses. These will be scored this weekend and returned to the students on Monday.
We ended the day by visiting the media center.
Don't forget tonight is Bingo Night. It begins at 6 and runs until 8. I will be there with my two boys! Hope to see many of you there!!
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Thursday - Class Picture Day
We began the morning with me explaining an idea I had regarding celebrating our mistakes. I have thought about labeling a portion of our wall or bulletin board space with, Mistakes I Found" or something like that. Then students would be able to fill out an award for a mistake they corrected and hanging it in that area. Some students loved the idea. Others thought it was okay. None of them, though, disliked the idea. So, we may do just that! :-)
Next, we viewed a Power Point about illustrating books and discussed how the illustrations added details to the story.
After that, I reviewed how to begin illustrating the books. First, the children need to space out their text. They need to decide which sentences should be on each page and where they want the sentences (top, middle, bottom). After doing that, they will either print out the story and illustrate it by hand or they can choose to create their pictures using the laptop or iPad.
Before the students returned to their seats, I revisited how to create pictures, using Pixie for the laptop and Penultimate for the iPad, and then import the illustrations into their text.
Finally, the students went back to work on their stories. Some finished editing and revising their text, while others began illustrating their books.
In math we reviewed comparing fractions and identifying equivalents. Then we identified how to name wholes as a fraction (ex. 3/1 or 6/2). Finally, we made the connection between fractions and division. For example, 6/2=3, you need to have 6 parts in groups of 2 ( 6 divided by 2), which will give you three wholes.
There will be a quiz tomorrow. Students should use Quiz 5 to prepare for it.
After enjoying lunch and recess the students went to art.
When they returned they met in their small groups and discussed what they learned from yesterday's science experiment. Then we gathered into a whole group and shared each group's data. After that, we attempted to draw some conclusions from the data but it was a struggle. So I explained how I could look at the information and figure out a few things.
The water in the two cups appeared to move towards the room temperature. However, the two groups that did not take the temperature of the water this morning, did not see the temperatures get as close to the room temperature as the others. So, we know that it takes longer for the temperatures in the cups to equalize to room temperature. Unfortunately, many students struggled with this idea. So, we will revisit it tomorrow afternoon.
Reminders: Math quiz tomorrow
Memorize basic multiplication facts (www.mathfactcafe.com)
Media Center tomorrow!
Next, we viewed a Power Point about illustrating books and discussed how the illustrations added details to the story.
After that, I reviewed how to begin illustrating the books. First, the children need to space out their text. They need to decide which sentences should be on each page and where they want the sentences (top, middle, bottom). After doing that, they will either print out the story and illustrate it by hand or they can choose to create their pictures using the laptop or iPad.
Before the students returned to their seats, I revisited how to create pictures, using Pixie for the laptop and Penultimate for the iPad, and then import the illustrations into their text.
Finally, the students went back to work on their stories. Some finished editing and revising their text, while others began illustrating their books.
In math we reviewed comparing fractions and identifying equivalents. Then we identified how to name wholes as a fraction (ex. 3/1 or 6/2). Finally, we made the connection between fractions and division. For example, 6/2=3, you need to have 6 parts in groups of 2 ( 6 divided by 2), which will give you three wholes.
There will be a quiz tomorrow. Students should use Quiz 5 to prepare for it.
After enjoying lunch and recess the students went to art.
When they returned they met in their small groups and discussed what they learned from yesterday's science experiment. Then we gathered into a whole group and shared each group's data. After that, we attempted to draw some conclusions from the data but it was a struggle. So I explained how I could look at the information and figure out a few things.
The water in the two cups appeared to move towards the room temperature. However, the two groups that did not take the temperature of the water this morning, did not see the temperatures get as close to the room temperature as the others. So, we know that it takes longer for the temperatures in the cups to equalize to room temperature. Unfortunately, many students struggled with this idea. So, we will revisit it tomorrow afternoon.
Reminders: Math quiz tomorrow
Memorize basic multiplication facts (www.mathfactcafe.com)
Media Center tomorrow!
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