We're Back!

Just because we are back at school, doesn't mean the students are back....  This is a problem that my McSmarties have each time we have a break.  It takes them a few days to get back in the swing of thing... match that up with ME being in pain ( back is out of whack)... and it wasn't a good mix!

1. Collected signed progress reports and or promotion in doubt letters.  11 students out of 27 didn't bring them in.  They have until tomorrow to bring them in, with completed Math and ELA packets.  If they do not, they will have lunch detention until Spring Break!  After collecting and looking at the flow, we started our TEST PREP sessions.  We read an article about recycling and then looked at just two questions.  We went DEEP into the article and the questions.  Tonight for homework, they have just ONE questions to answer (Question 3 in their packets).
2. Dance - Mr. Nunez had trouble with 5 boys during dance class.  He kept them after class to talk to them.  I am sure you will be hearing from him soon.
3. ReadyGen 3a.1 - We started a new text today "EARTHQUAKES!" by Seymour Simon.   We had three vocabulary words they should start studying now (instruments, populated, and energy.  We looked at the format of the text and looked closely how the illustrations really helped to tell the story... to make it more clear.  We then talked more about opinion writing (opinion essays, speeches, book reviews).  For homework they have to write a paragraph about 2 pages in the text and form an opinion based on the question.  

• Readers can recognize story elements enables readers to think, talk, and deepen understanding of the text

• Write an opinion piece and support it with reasons

1.  4th Period  - Math Review
1. We used number talks to review the different concepts we covered in Chapter 6.  We looked at key ideas like:  how to compare fractions, how to make equivalents, how to simplify- all by just sitting and talking about a few fractions on the board.  The kids were able to talk and discuss with each other and the group the different ways they can manipulate fractions.  Then they went to their tables and worked on two different activities where they made equivalent fractions.  The last one was a quiz!
2. 5th period - we moved to the library and for about 30 minutes they were able to work on Waggle Math.  I pulled students to the back to look at their fractions quiz who didn't do well.  Slowly but surely they are getting it.  Again, multiplication is so important, and many just have not learned their facts.  It is holding them back!
3. 6th period - lunch
4. 7th period - passed out homework and then reviewed Chapter 4 lesson one, and then read Chapter 4- lesson 2.  Lesson two went more in depth about how each region of the colonies were different and alike.  

Homework:

• ELA/MATH Vacation Packets and Progress Reports/PID letters returned signed tomorrow!!
• ELA Test Prep Packet - JUST Question #3 {5 minutes}
• Math Test Prep 4.AO.1 - JUST Question  #2 {5 minutes}
• ELA - Writing Prompt RACE (half sheet handout - need EARTHQUAKE book) {10 minutes}
• Math - Equivalent Fractions Sheet #4 {10-15 minutes}
• Social Studies - Chapter 4 Lesson 2 Comprehension Review (need SS book) {10-15 minutes)

At the most, all of this should take no more than 50 minutes... in class, the students and I discussed this and they said even less time, they said less than 40 minutes, but I am adding a bit of wiggle room just in case.  This means they will have plenty of time to do their work and still read!