Wonderful Wednesday

This morning, before the announcements, the students completed a graphic organizer indicating what they know about land use in Maryland.  After the announcements, we were treated to a Native American storyteller, Ms. Dovie Thomason, who shared stories from her culture.

When we returned to class, we switched for math and had a Go Noodle movement break.  Then we did a quick "eye spy" warm up and reviewed last night's homework.  Next we began our rotations.

During the small group instruction we practiced measuring and applying the area formula for rectangles.  During math with a partner, the children began calculating the area and perimeter (using formulas) for rooms in the dream house they created yesterday.  Finally, during the technology rotation, the students practiced applying their knowledge about area and perimeter by designing rooms online with set parameters.

There are 3 area problems, on a worksheet, to solve for HOMEWORK.

After math, the students enjoyed lunch and indoor recess.

When recess was over, we began our literacy block.  First we reviewed the concept of theme in literature.  Then, we defined and identified examples of prepositions and prepositional phrases.

While I met with guided reading groups, the students worked independently.  First, they finished the character sketch describing Mr. Falker.  Then they worked on our class historical fiction book.  After that, they  watched a Lear Zillion lesson about determining the theme in poetry and red the poem, Mother to Son".  Finally, they used a Google slide presentation, and a Learn Zillion lesson, to identify examples of prepositions in a poem.

Pink:  We reviewed the reason Gregory was so happy at the end of chapter 1.  Then we previewed chapter 2 and identified some tricky words.  Finally, we practiced each child's flashcards.  For HOMEWORK the students need to read chapter 2 and identify the most important event from the beginning, middle, and end of that chapter.

After meeting with the pink group, the students had art class with Mrs. Vanech.  When they returned to class, we continued with our literacy block.

Blue:  I gave a brief book introduction for our new book, Jake Drake, Know-It-All.  Then we reviewed some of the tricky vocabulary in the first chapter.  FOr HOMEWORK the students need to read chapter 1 and, with sticky notes, mark one thing that confused them (?), one thing that surprised them (!), and one thing they liked (:-) ).

Orange:  We began by sharing the questions that the students wrote for homework last night, and answering them, too.  After that, we discussed how analyzing a character's traits, feelings, and motivations help us understand the text. For HOMEWORK the children need to read chapters 2 and 3, indetify a character trait for Nick, and make 2 places in the text that support it.

Green:  The students shared the titles they chose for chapter 1 and explained their thinking.  After that we discussed each of the 3 children who ended up at the foster home.  FOr HOMEWORK the children need to read chapter 2-5 and marks places that confused them (?), surprised them (!), and things they liked (:-) ).

Terrific Tuesday

This morning the students completed the science lesson we started yesterday.  After reviewing several natural events, the students identified one impact each could have on the environment.

After that, we began a social studies lesson by reviewing the concept of scarcity and reading to learn about the 6 different types of land use; commercial, residential, institutional, industrial, open/public space, and mixed use.

Then we switched for math and took a Go Noodle brain break.  After that we reviewed last night's homework and began our rotations.

During the small group lesson we developed an understanding of the area formula for rectangles, A=b x h.  Then, during math with a partner, the students began creating a dream house by drawing, and labeling, rooms and hallways on grid paper.  They will eventually calculate the perimeter and area for each.  Finally, during the technology rotation, the students watched 2 Khan Academy lessons, reviewing area, and then practiced calculating the area of rectangles using two Khan Academy activities.

After math, the students enjoyed lunch and indoor recess.  Then they went to PE with Mr. Smith.

When they returned to class we began our literacy block.

First I read the story, Thank You, Mr. Falker.  As I read, the children took notes on Mr. Falker's appearance, strengths and weaknesses, and character traits.  Then I modeled writing a brief character sketch, using a Facebook type format, about myself, addressing my appearance, strengths and weaknesses, and character traits.

Then, while I met with guided reading groups, the students completed a character sketch for Mr. Falker.  After that, they finished working on their historical fiction illustrations for our class book.  Finally, if they had time, they began reading poetry and identifying elements, such as, verses, stanzas, rhythm, and meter.

Pink:  I collected their Safari magazines.  Then, I gave a brief book introduction for their new book, The Chalkbox Kid.  Next we identified some unknown words in the first chapter.  HW:  Read chapter 1 and find out why this is Gregory's best birthday ever.

Blue:  We met and I collected their Safari magazines.  I introduced a new book but the group voted to try another one.  To be honest, I didn't blame them.  HW: Read for 15 minutes, free choice.

Orange:  I collected their Safari magazines.  Then I gave a brief book introduction for their next book, Frindle.  HW: Read chapter 1 and write one question to ask the group tomorrow.

Green:  I collected their Safari magazines.  Then we discussed the concepts of a pinball machine and a foster home.  After that I gave a brief book introduction for their new book, Pinballs.  HW:  Read chapter 1 and write a 1 or 2 word title, for the chapter, on a sticky note.  Make sure you can explain your title tomorrow, in group.

Marvelous Monday - Book Fair

This morning, prior to the announcements, the students joined our new Holman's Homework Google Classroom page.  Check it out here (but you will need your child's login):
https://classroom.google.com/c/MzUzMTE2ODM5OFpa

After the announcements we began our science lesson.

Today we identified and discussed how natural events impact the living and non-living things in our ecosystem.

Then we visited the Book Fair for browsing only.  Students will be able to make purchases, during school hours, Tuesday through Friday.  The Book Fair will also be open Tuesday evening and on Saturday.

Next we switched for math and took a Go Noodle brain break.

We began math with an agree/disagree warm up and then moved on to our rotations.

During the small group rotation, we reviewed the concept of perimeter as a linear measurement of the boundary of a shape.  Then we developed an understanding of the formula for the perimeter of a rectangle, P= (2 x L) + (2 x w).

During math with a partner, the students played Products Bingo, to reinforce using mental math to calculate 2-digit by 1-digit multiplication problems.

During the technology rotation, the children watched a Khan Acdemy, review lesson, about perimeter.  Then they practiced calculating the perimeter of shaped using 2 other links in Google Classroom.

My math class has a worksheet, posted in Holman's Homework, to complete this evening.

After math, the students enjoyed lunch and outdoor recess.

When the students returned to class we began our literacy block. First, we discussed how written text differ from audio and performance versions of a play.  Then we reviewed how stage directions enhance a play.  Next, I showed the class a written assignment with two questions that were reflective of our class discussions.  I took time to break down each question and outline what was necessary for students to answer it completely.

While I met with individuals, to continue my November informal reading assessments, the students completed the written activity mentioned above.  Then they did a word sort for their new WTW words.

For HOMEWORK, all groups need to watch a Learn Zillion lesson linked in Holman's Homework and be able to name 2 ways to identify a poem.  Additionally, the children need to finish their word sort or complete a WTW practice activity.

Wonderful Wednesday - Grandparent's Day

This morning, after the announcements, we began our social studies lesson.

First, we reviewed the concept of specialization.  Then the students worked collaboratively, with a partner, to construct a crab with just a piece of white paper--nothing else.  Then the children shared their "Crabs" and their feelings about them.  After that, the students were given more supplies (red paper, paper plates, tape, staplers, hole punchers, scissors, etc.) to make another crab.  Next, we shared these crabs and the  students' feelings, which were much more positive.  The students also shared what helped them with their second crab.  Then we identified these items as pieces of technology.  Finally, we defines technology as tools, skills, methods, and other things that are used to make a task easier.

After social studies we switched for math and took a Go Noodle brain break.

Then we did a quick Agree or Disagree warm up and began our math rotations.

During the small group instruction, we represented and solved 2- and 3-digit by 1-digit multiplication word problems.

During math with a partner, the students worked on their basic fact fluency by solving multiplication facts and coloring in a grid to create a Thanksgiving turkey.

Finally, during the technology rotation, the children continued working on their basic fact fluency using  one of the 4 sites linked to an assignment in Google Classroom.

After math, the students enjoyed lunch.

When we returned to class we worked on various aspects of our class book.  Some students worked on their illustrations.  Other students wrote informational paragraphs about the two tribes.

Then it was time to go home!  :-)

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Terrific Tuesday

This morning, after the announcements, we began discussing examples of economic specialization in different regions of Maryland.  We identified reasons for the locations of the production of various goods and services.  Finally, we took a look at a map of economic activities in Maryland and discussed possible reasons for the location of different goods and services.

After that, we switched for math and took a Go Noodle brain break.  Then we began our math rotations.

During the small group instruction the students completed a data collection tool using place value to find the partial products of 3- and 4-digit by 1-digit multiplication problems.

During math with a  partner, the students used place value to determine the products of 3-digit by 1-digit multiplication problems to follow a path to get through a maze.

Finally, during the technology rotation, the students chose between two multiplication games in order to increase their basic multiplication fact fluency.

After math, the students enjoyed lunch and outdoor recess.  Then they went to PE with MR. Smith.

When we returned to our classroom we began our literacy block.

Today the children continued working to finalize their historical fiction story and illustration for our class book.  Then they listened to an oral presentation of, "The Gifts of Wali Dad," which we read last week.  After that, they watched a performance of the play.  Next week we will be comparing the written, oral, and visual forms of the play.

First, though, the orange and green groups read a narrative story silently, marking confusing words and phrases.  Then they read the story, as a group, and discussed the sections they had marked.

After both groups were done, I began meeting with those children, individually, to work on my November informal reading assessments.

Don't forget, tomorrow is an early release day AND, more importantly, it is Grandparent's Day.

Marvelous Monday

This morning, after the announcements, Ms. Snyder visited us and read us a book called, "What if Everybody Did That?" and discussed respect and responsibility with the children.  Then the students created a page, for a class book, identifying something they shouldn't do.

After that, we switched for math and took a Go Noodle brain break.

Then we did an, Eliminate One!, math warm up before beginning our rotations.

During the small group instruction, we practiced using partial products and area models to solve 3- and 4-digit by 1-digit multiplication problems.

During math with a partner, the children engaged in math discourse, as they practiced their basic multiplication facts while playing the card game, "Shout!"

Finally, during the technology rotation, the students watched two Khan academy lessons about multiplying 3-digit numbers by 1-digit numbers with and without regrouping.  Then they used the site, Drag and Drop Math, to practice what they learned.

After math, the students enjoyed lunch and indoor recess.  Then we began our literacy block.

Today we read the play, "The Raven", and discussed the main character Trish, as a whole group.

Then, we ended the day with a motivational guest speaker, Kinja Dixon, who talked to us about the puzzle pieces to happiness; success, health, emotional control, the hunger to gain new knowledge, and loving what you do for a living.  It was a fabulous experience!!

Fabulous Friday

This morning, before going to music with Ms. Thomson, the students identified one thing they are thankful for on a paper leaf to be added to our school's Gratitude Tree.

After music, we watched the morning announcements and went over the answers to the puzzles from yesterday's morning work.  Then we took a Go Noodle brain break and had math, in our homeroom.

Students in my math class watched a Learn Zillion lesson about using an area model to solve 3- and 4-digit by 1-digit multiplication problems.  Then they completed a follow up worksheet to practice what they had learned.  Compacted math children completed an assignment, left by their teacher, in Google Classroom.

As the students worked, I met with individuals to complete my November informal reading assessments.  Mrs. Mitch was available to help students with their math.

After math, the children enjoyed lunch and outdoor recess.

When the children returned to class we began our literacy block.

I spent some time reviewing my expectations for today's reading formative.  For each question, I described, and listed on the Promethean board, what was required to receive a P.

Then, while I met with WTW groups to give the formative, the students worked on their reading formative, which I will grade over the weekend.  Then they continued cleaning up and illustrating their historical fiction stories for our class book.

We ended the day with our weekly class meeting.  First, we shared what we were doing this weekend.  Then we exchanged thank yous and compliments.  Finally, we continued our study of the growth mindset by watching a Class Dojo lesson about neurons.  We discovered that when we challenge ourselves, our neurons fire to our brains which helps our brain grow smarter!!