Friday, November 28, 2014
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Wednesday Before Turkey Day!
It finally happened....
Wednesday, November 26th...
It started snowing....
It has been snowing for a couple hours now, but nothing is really sticking....
1st Period - The students had Science today. Ms. Gallon gave me a good report so that is a good thing. Only a few students had to be mentioned.
2nd Period - Reading Check In - I ran reports for students today. We discussed their ZPD (reading zone) and how many books they have passed so far. All students picked out ONE book in their ZONE and have to read it by Monday and take a test by Monday. They have to record their score on my data chart. They MUST read more, they MUST pass more tests!
I am starting a new incentive program on Monday, as well as new reading groups. All reading groups met, finished their books, and took their AR tests. The book clubs were not as successful as my big group. I talked to the groups and told them if they didn't do better on the next rotation, they would be brought back to the big group and lose the privilege of being in a book club. I am also opening up a new book club on Monday where that group gets to LISTEN to their book. That station will rotate each cycle to a different group!
3rd Period - We did ReadyGen Lesson 2A.3. We only had a few pages left so the students talked me into reading the rest of the Epic Poem so they could take the AR test on it. We looked at the importance of culture in the poem today. We also focused on the definition of a Legend... A story passed down from generation to generation that explains something in nature. This will be very important as the students gear up to write their own legend in December.
4th Period - We spent some time going over their Mid-Point Check up before going over the homework. Again, students MUST memorize their multiplication tables... there just isn't any way around it. Please, take time to practice with your child. It is SO important!!! We then took time to look carefully for any misunderstandings in the homework. Some of the students admitted to not memorizing their multiplication facts or divisibility rules. I can't teach them to memorize. They have to practice and do it until it is there! We then did lesson 5.5 which was deciding if a number is prime or composite. They seemed to really get this and we flew through the lesson.
5th Period - We went across the hall to the library and the students worked on WAGGLE. Today was an ELA practice day. Parents - I have loaded plenty of work for them so if they are bored over the holiday - have them LOG IN and GET SMART! WAGGLE WAGGLE!
6th Period - LUNCH - Today Mr. Hernandez was playing salsa music when we entered. We danced our way to our tables and enjoyed the music.
7th Period - Goodness.... It is Thanksgiving.... We decided to watch "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" to see how the cartoon handled setting, character development, and plot. We then talked about being thankful. This will come in handy for HOMEWORK!
Homework:
Reading - Read the Independent Book you checked out - Test Monday!
Writing - Plan and WRITE a short essay on three things you are thankful for.
Math - Practice Page 105 Prime and Composite Numbers
Math - Multiplication Practice
Just For Fun - I SPY, Graphing, and Color Activities...
Have a safe and happy holiday. See you back, bright and early on Monday!
Wednesday, November 26th...
It started snowing....
It has been snowing for a couple hours now, but nothing is really sticking....
1st Period - The students had Science today. Ms. Gallon gave me a good report so that is a good thing. Only a few students had to be mentioned.
2nd Period - Reading Check In - I ran reports for students today. We discussed their ZPD (reading zone) and how many books they have passed so far. All students picked out ONE book in their ZONE and have to read it by Monday and take a test by Monday. They have to record their score on my data chart. They MUST read more, they MUST pass more tests!
I am starting a new incentive program on Monday, as well as new reading groups. All reading groups met, finished their books, and took their AR tests. The book clubs were not as successful as my big group. I talked to the groups and told them if they didn't do better on the next rotation, they would be brought back to the big group and lose the privilege of being in a book club. I am also opening up a new book club on Monday where that group gets to LISTEN to their book. That station will rotate each cycle to a different group!
3rd Period - We did ReadyGen Lesson 2A.3. We only had a few pages left so the students talked me into reading the rest of the Epic Poem so they could take the AR test on it. We looked at the importance of culture in the poem today. We also focused on the definition of a Legend... A story passed down from generation to generation that explains something in nature. This will be very important as the students gear up to write their own legend in December.
4th Period - We spent some time going over their Mid-Point Check up before going over the homework. Again, students MUST memorize their multiplication tables... there just isn't any way around it. Please, take time to practice with your child. It is SO important!!! We then took time to look carefully for any misunderstandings in the homework. Some of the students admitted to not memorizing their multiplication facts or divisibility rules. I can't teach them to memorize. They have to practice and do it until it is there! We then did lesson 5.5 which was deciding if a number is prime or composite. They seemed to really get this and we flew through the lesson.
5th Period - We went across the hall to the library and the students worked on WAGGLE. Today was an ELA practice day. Parents - I have loaded plenty of work for them so if they are bored over the holiday - have them LOG IN and GET SMART! WAGGLE WAGGLE!
6th Period - LUNCH - Today Mr. Hernandez was playing salsa music when we entered. We danced our way to our tables and enjoyed the music.
Homework:
Reading - Read the Independent Book you checked out - Test Monday!
Writing - Plan and WRITE a short essay on three things you are thankful for.
Math - Practice Page 105 Prime and Composite Numbers
Math - Multiplication Practice
Just For Fun - I SPY, Graphing, and Color Activities...
Have a safe and happy holiday. See you back, bright and early on Monday!
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Who is using the blog???
Hey Students and Parents...
Let me know what you think about the Blog....
At the bottom - where it says "NO COMMENT".. click and leave a comment... would love to know what you think!
Let me know what you think about the Blog....
At the bottom - where it says "NO COMMENT".. click and leave a comment... would love to know what you think!
Tuesday in Room 401....
Today wasn't the best day we have had this week. The students are starting to feel the upcoming holidays and getting them to STOP TALKING and PAY ATTENTION is getting to be a bit much. Parents - Please talk to your students about the importance of EVERY minute of school.
Just a few reminders - all reading groups should finish their book by tomorrow and take their AR test before leaving for vacation tomorrow. Students will SIGN out a book to read over break and MUST take a test upon returning on Monday! NO EXCEPTIONS! Students who do not check out a book and test on the book they check out will have lunch detention with me until the book is read and tested!
1st Period - DANCE DANCE DANCE! The students really seem to enjoy Mr. Nunez's class. I looked in on them today before class was over and they were learning some cool dance moves and having a great time. It made me smile to watch them having fun and being active.
2nd Period - Today we did the last part of the Unit 1 Assessment. It was a simple essay comparing two articles we have been reading for over 4 weeks. They had to write an introduction, ONE body paragraph that contained 5 facts (had to use both articles), and if they used a scientific word, they had to define it in the paragraph. Then they had to write a concluding paragraph or statement to finalize the paper. It was super simple and I thought it would take 20-30 minutes. It took some kids 50 minutes. This would be DISASTROUS on the state test. They need to be able to do a simple essay in 20-30 minutes. Heck, we read the two articles together so they had time before starting to underline the facts they wanted to share. Absolutely no excuse! Please stress with your children the importance of not just completing tasks, but in a TIMELY manner!
3rd Period - Reading Groups! Group 1 is doing a great job and really enjoying their book club. Group 2 is not being so successful. I have had to remove one member from the club and might have to remove another student. Group 3 (the big group) is ALMOST finished with Dear Mr. Henshaw. We read all the way to part where Leigh won honorable mention for his story and got to go have lunch with a famous author. Tomorrow - we finish and take our quiz on AR!
4th Period - ReadyGen lesson 2A.2. We read a couple more pages of HIAWATHA and then talked about the repetition the author used and the rhythmic patterns. We talked about the illustrations telling much of the story. We also had a talk about ordering adjectives. The order goes: size, shape, age, and then color. Did you know they had order to them. They sure do! We did a few practice sentences and then went on to talk about the parts of a narrative. We defined what a LEGEND was as well. A legend is a story that has been handed down by a people over many years. They often have some basis in fact. Legends often explain events in nature.
5th Period - Today we worked on WAGGLE MATH. The students really do seem to enjoy doing Waggle Math more than Waggle READING. As always, they need to spend time each night doing basic math facts review. Addition Facts, Subtraction Facts, Multiplication Facts, Division Facts! Practice is needed because they are struggling with computations, not concepts!
6th Period - LUNCH
7th Period - I picked them up early so we could get MATH done today. We went over their homework, Practice 5.3. It was about finding common multiples. Some kids are really doing well, others, who don't know their math facts, are STRUGGLING. Today's lesson 5.4 was on Factors VS. Multiples. The way I described this is if you have a number (20)... your factors are two facts that can make that number (1 x 20) (2 x 10) (4x5) or (1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 20). Multiples are just that.. if I give you a number, what are the multiples... 4... 4, 8, 11, 16, 20.... Some kids are really getting it, others are struggling because they don't know their facts...
Homework:
Writing - Think about a nature adventure you want to write a poem about. Pick the plot points you want to cover. Write a paragraph explaining the ORDER of your story using these points. Use descriptive writing and linking words.
Math - Pg 205 in Math - Mid-Point Check (Collect and GRADE!)
Practice Book 5.4 (Factors and Multiples)
Remember - Must have Book Club Books Read by tomorrow! Scholastic orders are due tomorrow!
Just a few reminders - all reading groups should finish their book by tomorrow and take their AR test before leaving for vacation tomorrow. Students will SIGN out a book to read over break and MUST take a test upon returning on Monday! NO EXCEPTIONS! Students who do not check out a book and test on the book they check out will have lunch detention with me until the book is read and tested!
1st Period - DANCE DANCE DANCE! The students really seem to enjoy Mr. Nunez's class. I looked in on them today before class was over and they were learning some cool dance moves and having a great time. It made me smile to watch them having fun and being active.
2nd Period - Today we did the last part of the Unit 1 Assessment. It was a simple essay comparing two articles we have been reading for over 4 weeks. They had to write an introduction, ONE body paragraph that contained 5 facts (had to use both articles), and if they used a scientific word, they had to define it in the paragraph. Then they had to write a concluding paragraph or statement to finalize the paper. It was super simple and I thought it would take 20-30 minutes. It took some kids 50 minutes. This would be DISASTROUS on the state test. They need to be able to do a simple essay in 20-30 minutes. Heck, we read the two articles together so they had time before starting to underline the facts they wanted to share. Absolutely no excuse! Please stress with your children the importance of not just completing tasks, but in a TIMELY manner!
3rd Period - Reading Groups! Group 1 is doing a great job and really enjoying their book club. Group 2 is not being so successful. I have had to remove one member from the club and might have to remove another student. Group 3 (the big group) is ALMOST finished with Dear Mr. Henshaw. We read all the way to part where Leigh won honorable mention for his story and got to go have lunch with a famous author. Tomorrow - we finish and take our quiz on AR!
4th Period - ReadyGen lesson 2A.2. We read a couple more pages of HIAWATHA and then talked about the repetition the author used and the rhythmic patterns. We talked about the illustrations telling much of the story. We also had a talk about ordering adjectives. The order goes: size, shape, age, and then color. Did you know they had order to them. They sure do! We did a few practice sentences and then went on to talk about the parts of a narrative. We defined what a LEGEND was as well. A legend is a story that has been handed down by a people over many years. They often have some basis in fact. Legends often explain events in nature.
5th Period - Today we worked on WAGGLE MATH. The students really do seem to enjoy doing Waggle Math more than Waggle READING. As always, they need to spend time each night doing basic math facts review. Addition Facts, Subtraction Facts, Multiplication Facts, Division Facts! Practice is needed because they are struggling with computations, not concepts!
6th Period - LUNCH
7th Period - I picked them up early so we could get MATH done today. We went over their homework, Practice 5.3. It was about finding common multiples. Some kids are really doing well, others, who don't know their math facts, are STRUGGLING. Today's lesson 5.4 was on Factors VS. Multiples. The way I described this is if you have a number (20)... your factors are two facts that can make that number (1 x 20) (2 x 10) (4x5) or (1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 20). Multiples are just that.. if I give you a number, what are the multiples... 4... 4, 8, 11, 16, 20.... Some kids are really getting it, others are struggling because they don't know their facts...
Homework:
Writing - Think about a nature adventure you want to write a poem about. Pick the plot points you want to cover. Write a paragraph explaining the ORDER of your story using these points. Use descriptive writing and linking words.
Math - Pg 205 in Math - Mid-Point Check (Collect and GRADE!)
Practice Book 5.4 (Factors and Multiples)
Monday, November 24, 2014
Today has really flown by....
First period we collected books from Unit 1 and passed out books for Unit 2 (Hiawatha). Two students still need to bring in their Unit 1 Book (Skeletons Inside and Out) (Tyron and Eddie).
We collected progress reports that went out on Friday. I will be calling a lot of parents tonight to inform them that I didn't get theirs back, and a lot of parents because their children didn't do their spelling list 5 times for the words they missed.
We went into reading groups for the rest of the period.
2nd Period the students had DANCE!
3rd Period we worked on our new book HIAWATHA and talked about Setting, Mood, and Characters. We also talked about the different parts of a story! Students have to write an introduction to a story tonight that introduces a situation, character, and setting for their story. I told them to think about the beginning, middle, and end for the story they will be writing in class.
4th period we reviewed 5.2 (finding factors) and then started 5.3, finding common factors between sets of numbers.
5th period - We did Waggle Math in the Library.
6th period - Lunch
7th period - We finished 5.3 and assigned homework. Then we played Around the World to practice our multiplication facts.
Homework
1) Writing -
Introduction to story
must have character, setting, situation to solve, descriptive words!!! on separate piece of paper
2) Math PRACTICE 5.3 (T - Chart to find the factors, find Common Factors in the sets)
3) Spelling Test List #7 - Wednesday
4) Must have book clubs finished by WEDNESDAY!
5) Scholastic Due Wednesday!
6) Lots of people need Progress Report signed and Spelling 5X Each that they missed
Friday, November 21, 2014
Freaky Friday!
Our days are running by so fast... I can't believe it is the end of November already!
1st period we did our weekly "assessment" block. We went over the short response from last week. We did our weekly Friday Reading Comprehension check up (article and 6 questions). Student During who had taken their weekly AR test were allowed to check out new books. People who had not finished their previous books were told to finish it and test on Monday. We had our Spelling Test for List 6. The kids didn't do so well, which lets me know that they are NOT studying for their spelling test. PARENTS!!! I need some help here! Please make sure that your child is reading nightly, studying 4-5 spelling words each night, and practicing their multiplication tables!!!
2nd Period - Science Ms. Gallon was absent so the music teacher was the sub. They sang Thanksgiving songs, chanted, and played the drums like the Native Americans. Don't you just love this time of year!
3rd period we did reading groups.
4th period we did math review. We reviewed finding factors and then went into Lesson 5.2 - multiplication rules for factoring and ordered sets. The students are starting to struggle because they simple DO NOT PAY ATTENTION to instruction and they STILL have not learned their multiplication facts. Parents - if you were to set a goal and each week you quizzed them at night and practiced for 15 minutes... say this week the 2's.. then the 5's... then the 10's... then the 3's and 4's... so on. they would have them learned in no time. I can't say it any simpler.. THEY MUST MEMORIZE THEM! It is great that they can understand a concept, but if they can't do the computation, it is not going to end with success.
Divisibility Rules
- 2 (If the number is even, you can divide by 2)
- 3 (you add the digits together - if the resulting number is divisible by 3, you can divide by 3)
- 5 (if the number ends in zero or 5, you can divide by 5)
- 6 ( if both the rules for 2 and 3 work, you can divide by 6)
- 9 ( you add the digits together - if the resulting number is divisible by 9, you can divide by 9)
24 - even number, can divide by 2 (2 x 12)
24 - (2+4=6, 6 can be divided by 3 (2x3), 20 24 can be divided by 3 (3 x 8 )
24 - does not end in 0 or 5 - cannot be divided by 5
24 - can be divided by 2 and 3 so can be divided by 6
24 - (2+4 = 6) 6 cannot be divided by 9, so 24 cannot be divided by 9
5th Period - Waggle Time in the Computer Lab. Today we worked on MATH skills. The students can work on Waggle at home as well. They have the address and log on information!
6th Period - Lunch
7th Period - Science Lesson 2 - Plant Adaptations
Homework:
1) Math Practice 5.2
2) Get Progress Reports Signed
3) Write missed spelling words 5X Each
4) Study Spelling List 7
5) Scholastic Book Club Orders due Wednesday
6) READ READ READ! Must take 1 AR Test a week!
Our days are running by so fast... I can't believe it is the end of November already!
1st period we did our weekly "assessment" block. We went over the short response from last week. We did our weekly Friday Reading Comprehension check up (article and 6 questions). Student During who had taken their weekly AR test were allowed to check out new books. People who had not finished their previous books were told to finish it and test on Monday. We had our Spelling Test for List 6. The kids didn't do so well, which lets me know that they are NOT studying for their spelling test. PARENTS!!! I need some help here! Please make sure that your child is reading nightly, studying 4-5 spelling words each night, and practicing their multiplication tables!!!
2nd Period - Science Ms. Gallon was absent so the music teacher was the sub. They sang Thanksgiving songs, chanted, and played the drums like the Native Americans. Don't you just love this time of year!
3rd period we did reading groups.
4th period we did math review. We reviewed finding factors and then went into Lesson 5.2 - multiplication rules for factoring and ordered sets. The students are starting to struggle because they simple DO NOT PAY ATTENTION to instruction and they STILL have not learned their multiplication facts. Parents - if you were to set a goal and each week you quizzed them at night and practiced for 15 minutes... say this week the 2's.. then the 5's... then the 10's... then the 3's and 4's... so on. they would have them learned in no time. I can't say it any simpler.. THEY MUST MEMORIZE THEM! It is great that they can understand a concept, but if they can't do the computation, it is not going to end with success.
Divisibility Rules
- 2 (If the number is even, you can divide by 2)
- 3 (you add the digits together - if the resulting number is divisible by 3, you can divide by 3)
- 5 (if the number ends in zero or 5, you can divide by 5)
- 6 ( if both the rules for 2 and 3 work, you can divide by 6)
- 9 ( you add the digits together - if the resulting number is divisible by 9, you can divide by 9)
24 - even number, can divide by 2 (2 x 12)
24 - (2+4=6, 6 can be divided by 3 (2x3), 20 24 can be divided by 3 (3 x 8 )
24 - does not end in 0 or 5 - cannot be divided by 5
24 - can be divided by 2 and 3 so can be divided by 6
24 - (2+4 = 6) 6 cannot be divided by 9, so 24 cannot be divided by 9
5th Period - Waggle Time in the Computer Lab. Today we worked on MATH skills. The students can work on Waggle at home as well. They have the address and log on information!
6th Period - Lunch
7th Period - Science Lesson 2 - Plant Adaptations
Homework:
1) Math Practice 5.2
2) Get Progress Reports Signed
3) Write missed spelling words 5X Each
4) Study Spelling List 7
5) Scholastic Book Club Orders due Wednesday
6) READ READ READ! Must take 1 AR Test a week!
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Thursday literally FLEW by today!
First period we worked on spelling, putting our spelling words in ABC Order We have a test tomorrow so we better study. Group 1/2 worked their Glog which is due tomorrow. Group 3 read "Dear Mr. Henshaw" pps 73 - 87. Today was really good because we found out that it wasn't Leigh's fault that his parents got divorced. His dad sent him $20 dollars because he felt bad about losing Bandit.
2nd period we switched and Mr. McDougall met with the small groups and group 3 worked on their Glogs.
3rd period we went over the Chapter 3 Math test. Then we skipped to chapter 5 and did the SHOW WHAT YOU KNOW section.
4th period we did Lesson 5.1 on Factors, Prime Numbers, Composite Numbers, arrays, and Factor T Charts to get ordered pairs. It was pretty fun, and the kids seemed to really understand the concepts.
5th period we had GYM. Today we continued to work on the Fitness Test for the State.
6th period was lunch.. Today was our "Thanksgiving" lunch because we had Turkey, potatoes, and apple pie. 10 students got to go upstairs and work on their GLOG during lunch.
7th Period we worked on Science and learned about Animal Adaptations.
Homework Tonight:
Math - pg 65 Ditto on Multiplying by 2 digits
Reading/Writing - FINISH GLOG
Science - 4 questions from today's reading.
First period we worked on spelling, putting our spelling words in ABC Order We have a test tomorrow so we better study. Group 1/2 worked their Glog which is due tomorrow. Group 3 read "Dear Mr. Henshaw" pps 73 - 87. Today was really good because we found out that it wasn't Leigh's fault that his parents got divorced. His dad sent him $20 dollars because he felt bad about losing Bandit.
2nd period we switched and Mr. McDougall met with the small groups and group 3 worked on their Glogs.
3rd period we went over the Chapter 3 Math test. Then we skipped to chapter 5 and did the SHOW WHAT YOU KNOW section.
4th period we did Lesson 5.1 on Factors, Prime Numbers, Composite Numbers, arrays, and Factor T Charts to get ordered pairs. It was pretty fun, and the kids seemed to really understand the concepts.
5th period we had GYM. Today we continued to work on the Fitness Test for the State.
6th period was lunch.. Today was our "Thanksgiving" lunch because we had Turkey, potatoes, and apple pie. 10 students got to go upstairs and work on their GLOG during lunch.
7th Period we worked on Science and learned about Animal Adaptations.
Homework Tonight:
Math - pg 65 Ditto on Multiplying by 2 digits
Reading/Writing - FINISH GLOG
Science - 4 questions from today's reading.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Wacky Wednesday Indeed
Today was a very productive day in Room 401!
1st period they kids had science. When I picked them up I saw that they were working talking about EARTHWORMS! I like to call them nature's decomposers!
2nd period we did a quick review of the Chapter 3 End of the Chapter Review as the final students put their Chapter 3 test into the online test. We then looked at the Chapter 3 performance task. Questions 1, 2 and 4 were pretty easy. Question #3 wasn't really hard, but we broke it down and it literally had like 7 steps to solve the problem. That is what Common Core is all about!!!
3rd period we broke into groups - Group 1 and 2 did their Book Clubs and Group 3 went to work on their Infographics. They must be done by Friday for presenting.
4th period we switched and Group 1 and 2 worked on www.edu.glogster.com to do their Infographic. Group 3 and I ready from pages 61 - 75 of Dear Mr. Henshaw. The story is getting really good with trying to figure out WHO is stealing his lunch, What is going on with his Dad (his parents are divorced), and finally - What will happen to his dog Bandit that is lost in the snow thanks to his truck driving dad. The kids didn't want to stop reading, but we had to!
5th period we went across the hall to work on WAGGLE. The students worked on Reading today. All the comments I am hearing is that it is more fun than iReady, but also harder. I just hope that the kids are really getting the most out of it since I am giving up 4 periods a week to this online program. We do 2 days on Reading, and 2 days on Math.
BTW - the students can work on their GLOG at home, as well as WAGGLE. All they need is a computer and internet connection!
6th period was LUNCH. I picked 10 students to bring their lunches back to the room, eat real quick, and then work on their Infographics on Glogster. The kids are working really hard on their Performance Based Assessment writing assignment, so I hope they are good!
7th period we had a little "heads down" time because the kids were QUITE talkative in the hallway coming back to class after lunch. We talked about expectations of hard work, behavior, and being the best you can be. I told them I want to plan a trip to the Natural History Museum to go along with our next Reading/Writing unit. The unit on is about Native Americans and the museum has an entire hall dedicated to Native Americans. WE MUST GO! I am thinking Mid December!
We ended the day with a rousing game of Around the World to practice our Multiplication Facts and behavior. After the game we talked about homework. We are finishing our ReadyGen and GoMath units - so they got a rare treat tonight to work on their GLOG/Infographic if they have a computer, to study their spelling words for the test on Friday, and to read their independent reading book because they MUST take an AR Test by Friday on a book they are reading. We put on Taylor Swift's "SHAKE IT OFF" and packed up and cleaned up.
Please make sure your child is....
1st period they kids had science. When I picked them up I saw that they were working talking about EARTHWORMS! I like to call them nature's decomposers!
2nd period we did a quick review of the Chapter 3 End of the Chapter Review as the final students put their Chapter 3 test into the online test. We then looked at the Chapter 3 performance task. Questions 1, 2 and 4 were pretty easy. Question #3 wasn't really hard, but we broke it down and it literally had like 7 steps to solve the problem. That is what Common Core is all about!!!
3rd period we broke into groups - Group 1 and 2 did their Book Clubs and Group 3 went to work on their Infographics. They must be done by Friday for presenting.
4th period we switched and Group 1 and 2 worked on www.edu.glogster.com to do their Infographic. Group 3 and I ready from pages 61 - 75 of Dear Mr. Henshaw. The story is getting really good with trying to figure out WHO is stealing his lunch, What is going on with his Dad (his parents are divorced), and finally - What will happen to his dog Bandit that is lost in the snow thanks to his truck driving dad. The kids didn't want to stop reading, but we had to!
5th period we went across the hall to work on WAGGLE. The students worked on Reading today. All the comments I am hearing is that it is more fun than iReady, but also harder. I just hope that the kids are really getting the most out of it since I am giving up 4 periods a week to this online program. We do 2 days on Reading, and 2 days on Math.
BTW - the students can work on their GLOG at home, as well as WAGGLE. All they need is a computer and internet connection!
6th period was LUNCH. I picked 10 students to bring their lunches back to the room, eat real quick, and then work on their Infographics on Glogster. The kids are working really hard on their Performance Based Assessment writing assignment, so I hope they are good!
7th period we had a little "heads down" time because the kids were QUITE talkative in the hallway coming back to class after lunch. We talked about expectations of hard work, behavior, and being the best you can be. I told them I want to plan a trip to the Natural History Museum to go along with our next Reading/Writing unit. The unit on is about Native Americans and the museum has an entire hall dedicated to Native Americans. WE MUST GO! I am thinking Mid December!
We ended the day with a rousing game of Around the World to practice our Multiplication Facts and behavior. After the game we talked about homework. We are finishing our ReadyGen and GoMath units - so they got a rare treat tonight to work on their GLOG/Infographic if they have a computer, to study their spelling words for the test on Friday, and to read their independent reading book because they MUST take an AR Test by Friday on a book they are reading. We put on Taylor Swift's "SHAKE IT OFF" and packed up and cleaned up.
Please make sure your child is....
- Reading their Independent Reading Chapter Book NIGHTLY!!!
- Studying Spelling Words NIGHTLY!!!
- Practicing Math Facts NIGHTLY!!!! (Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division)
We will be starting Chapter 5 in math tomorrow!
We will be starting Unit 2 in reading/writing on Friday!
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Today they changed our schedule just a little bit.
First period we had reading. Groups 1 and 2 started using GLOGSTER to work on their Infographic Projects. Group 3 and I read DEAR MR. HENSHAW pages 45-60. The book is starting to get good. The focus question the group had to respond to was: "What would you if someone was taking stuff from your lunch bag like the main character? I can't wait to hear some of their responses.
Today in dance we learned a dance game with PitBull's song FIREBALL.
Third period we switched and the other half worked on Glogster and everyone else did their reading group. Yes, you can work on your GLOG at home. www.edu.glogster.com is the address!
Fourth period we reviewed the MATH from 3.6 and 3.7 and then started the Math Chapter 3 Test.
Fifth period we went to the library and did WAGGLE math.
Sixth period we had lunch.
Seventh period we worked on finishing the test, typing the test into thinkcentral, and even worked on our glog if we finished everything.
Tonight's homework is:
Math Book - End of Chapter Check
Work on GLOG if you have a computer at home
Read 30-45 Minutes (MUST TAKE AR TEST BY FRIDAY!)
Spelling test on Friday!
Monday, November 17, 2014
Sitting at home watching Dancing With the Stars and grading papers.
The thing that made me happy was that for the most part, you answered the Constructed Response question from the Friday assessment with great supporting details from the text. Only one person scored a ZERO (didn't attempt at all), and only a handful of people got 1's. The majority of you answered the question, gave exact relevant details, and did your job! Thank you!
Now, the not so good news is that almost everyone did REALLY bad on the List 5 Spelling test. This was our first test and I can tell that you didn't study. You just didn't care! I am very upset with this. I will be giving you back your test and you will have to write each word you missed 5 times correctly. For some of you, that is just two or three words, but for most of you, that is 10 or more words that you will have to practice over and over.
Please, don't make that mistake this Friday for spelling test on List #6. If you study 3-4 words a night each night, you will have them all memorized by Friday... That is why I give you the list on Friday so you have the weekend and all week to practice.
The thing that made me happy was that for the most part, you answered the Constructed Response question from the Friday assessment with great supporting details from the text. Only one person scored a ZERO (didn't attempt at all), and only a handful of people got 1's. The majority of you answered the question, gave exact relevant details, and did your job! Thank you!
Now, the not so good news is that almost everyone did REALLY bad on the List 5 Spelling test. This was our first test and I can tell that you didn't study. You just didn't care! I am very upset with this. I will be giving you back your test and you will have to write each word you missed 5 times correctly. For some of you, that is just two or three words, but for most of you, that is 10 or more words that you will have to practice over and over.
Please, don't make that mistake this Friday for spelling test on List #6. If you study 3-4 words a night each night, you will have them all memorized by Friday... That is why I give you the list on Friday so you have the weekend and all week to practice.
Today has been a yucky, rainy, no good day! The children were more talkative than normal, and I am guessing this is because of the rain. Who knows! On a scale from 0 - 10, 10 being the best, 0 being the worst, today was a 3 or a 4 when it comes to focus, behavior, and talking.
First period we worked in our reading groups. Due to the expected "Shelter In" drill, and the fact that we had quite a few people absent, no group got to go into the hallway today to read. My Group, the Dear Mr. Henshaw group read from pages 31-44. Their journal question was: Using the R.A.C.E format, describe a present you received as a gift that was special to you. In today's reading Leigh got a present from his dad for Christmas. Book Club #1 - Read chapters 5-10 today in their book "The Orphans of Ellis Island." Book Club # 2 - Read chapter 4 and 5 in their book "Ralph S. Mouse".
The class had DANCE today in the auditorium. The instructor told me that they were well behaved and listed well for the most part.
During Writing block, we went over the expectations for the PBA which is due on Thursday. Friday we are presenting to the class. We went over the TASK and the Rubric so students would know exactly what was expected. The rest of the time we went over how to create a template and infographic using GLOGSTER. The kids really enjoyed setting up the page and seem excited about finishing their reports. The plan tomorrow is that while 1/2 the class is doing reading, the other half will work on their GLOG reports. When the period is over, they will switch! They will have to have their work done by Wednesday for me to check, and then Thursday will be for corrections.
Fourth period was reviewing all the ways to multiply (expanded form with addition, expanded form with subtraction, area model, partial products, regrouping, and even some hinting at stacked). We did problems using all the models and then checked the homework practice 3.5. We moved in to lesson 3.6 which is just doing a problem using any method they want. 3.7 is solving word problems with double digit multiplication. The goal for tomorrow is review, take the end of the unit check up, and then take the TEST! Wednesday is review and then take the Performance Assessment. Plan on starting Chapter 4 on Thursday. Parents - your kids still do not know their multiplication facts, and that is a problem!
Fifth period we went across to the computer lab and the students started their WAGGLE work. It took a long time to get signed on because we needed Google Chrome, but everyone eventually got signed on and was up and running.
We ended the day talking about 3.6 and 3.7 in math and writing down our homework:
Reading/Writing - Have your Introduction, Topic 1, Topic 2, Topic 3, and Conclusion paragraphs written and ready to go for tomorrow. Tomorrow when you get to Glogster, you are JUST TYPING in. NOT WRITING, just typing!
Math - Practice 3.6 (just the front) and 3.7 (Just the front). You can do the back, TEST PREP if you want, but it isn't required.
Reading Practice - Read for 30-45 minutes and write a summary and log entry.
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