I love it when we have a really good day....
The kind of day where almost everyone is working hard and we get a lot accomplished....
Today was one of those days... (won't mention the 2-3 boys who had to have some time out...)
The day started with us starting the last couple of chapters of our class novel "The Birchbark House".
We almost finished it but had to go to Science for second period.
When we returned, we quickly settled in so we could finish our class novel. We did a lot of reviewing as we read and by the time it was FINALLY over, the kids agreed that they liked the book and were EAGER to take the AR test that went with the book. Our "class goal" for points by March was to get 532 class points... We had 475 points.... the book we finished was worth 7 points... 7 x 26 would be 182 points... That would have us reaching our reading goal 6 weeks early! That would have us passing another 5th grade class and have us in second place for the entire school... could we do it??
When we finished the book the kids had 3 things to accomplish...
The kind of day where almost everyone is working hard and we get a lot accomplished....
Today was one of those days... (won't mention the 2-3 boys who had to have some time out...)
We almost finished it but had to go to Science for second period.
When we returned, we quickly settled in so we could finish our class novel. We did a lot of reviewing as we read and by the time it was FINALLY over, the kids agreed that they liked the book and were EAGER to take the AR test that went with the book. Our "class goal" for points by March was to get 532 class points... We had 475 points.... the book we finished was worth 7 points... 7 x 26 would be 182 points... That would have us reaching our reading goal 6 weeks early! That would have us passing another 5th grade class and have us in second place for the entire school... could we do it??
When we finished the book the kids had 3 things to accomplish...
- Take the AR test for "The Birchbark House"
- Do the paper quiz and writing prompt for "The Birchbark House"
- Write a 3 paragraph book review of "The Birchbark House" and if they wanted to, get it ready to publish right here on this blog!
So one group at a time went to the computers to take their AR quiz.... The other groups worked on their paper quiz and book review. We rotated around the room and worked on all the tasks.
CONGRATULATIONS McSmarties... We now have 681 class AR points.. We surpassed our goal!
We had a long talk about things we can do to make sure we are ready for the demands of the state test is to UP our independent reading practice. The more text you are able to read at one time and understand it... the better the chances of doing well on the test... So we are going to read ONE independent book each week.. Friday to Friday... So please make sure that your child is reading their book nightly. It will help them in ways you can't even begin to imagine! Remember, the ability to read and comprehend is the #1 indicator of student success in school.
We then went over our last section of chapter 4. GoMath 4.12 was using multiplication and division to solve multistep word problems. Some of the students struggled with this section, not because they didn't understand the math, but because they rush through and didn't "READ" and fully understand what was being asked. Over the next few weeks we will move more in-depth into writing our understandings about our math work. Be looking for it!
5th period we went to the library to work on Waggle. Some of the kids who don't have access at home asked if they could read the class blog and look at the pictures and videos - and I said sure! Other students worked on Waggle. A few went on AR and did articles. While they were working (some talking, not working... earned them time out and/or loss of computer time) I worked in the back with students on the steps to dividing. It isn't the steps holding them back, it is that they don't know their facts and they are struggling. PRACTICE FOLKS!!!
During lunch about 8 kids decided to come upstairs and start typing their blog book review. 1 kid didn't have a choice - he had lunch detention. The "working lunch" turned more into a "gabfest" with a little typing.
After lunch we bundled up and went to the 3rd floor rooftop playground for "Fun Friday!" A group of kids had to sit out 15 minutes... Do the Crime, Serve the Time! We were outside for just over 30 minutes before returning to the classroom to pack up and pass out Scholastic Book Club order forms (due January 31st). Btw, if you would rather order books online, I can give you the website and CLASS CODE so you can order books using a credit card too. Just an option if you need it. I know sometimes the books get costly and having another option is always nice.
Homework:
Reading: Independent Reading Book (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday Reading Sessions)
Writing: The Birchbark House Book Report
Math: GoMath pp. 187-190 - Chapter Review (TEST ON TUESDAY!!!)
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