Hello, everyone...can you believe we've been in school a little over a month?! I feel so blessed to have such a great class...we are accomplishing so much!
Language Arts
In Language Arts we continued to focus on making inferences this week...we used a great story, No David! by David Shannon to begin our discussion of inferring. I then read Cinderella, the traditional tale, and asked the students to infer meaning from certain phrases in the text. Making inferences is one of the hardest "during reading" strategies and we will continue working on it all year. I chose Cinderella because we are headed into a super fun unit about short stories where your kids will be reading many different versions of Cinderella and eventually writing one of their own. This may be my very favorite LA unit of all times! I had quite a few groans when I told the class (boys were groaning) that we were going to read Cinderella...but I promised them that by the end of the unit, they won't be groaning anymore...they will LOVE Dinorella, Bigfooterella, Chickerella, etc!!
This week I introduced the Editing and Revising Pit Stops in Writer's Workshop...I am so excited that I will be having Teacher Conferences with some kids next week on pieces that are almost ready for publishing!
I began the cursive letter instruction this week...and the kids have a Zaner Bloser copy of all upper and lower case letters in their take home folders. Please leave them in the Return to School side of the Take Home folder...this is for their review whenever they need it...at home or in school. Don't forget to visit the Zaner
Bloser site, which can be found on the side bar menu of my blog. It allows
the kids to make a handwriting worksheet using their Word Study words or
any other words they choose!
Math
This week's focus was problem solving with multi-step word problems...and using DIFFERENT strategies to solve them...not just the algorithm. The kids did a fantastic job using the strategy decomposing numbers and using models to represent the equation. The one area that I see a weakness (take the word weak lightly) is when using words to explain their thinking...so this is our new focus as we move into multiplication and division...yes, you heard right...Monday we start multiplication and division...with a focus on solving multi-step problems. They need to be able to use different strategies to solve the problem and then explain in writing to show complete understanding...this unit on multiplication and division includes the formula for area...and we will eventually take this another step where they will use their skills and knowledge to design and create their own candy bar...more to come on this next week!
ALSO...new math site added to menu bar...called Math Magician...its is GREAT for timed basic facts!! CHECK IT OUT!
Social Studies
As I'm sure most of you know by now (still waiting on 5 parent signatures), the kids have been assigned a project. After going over all the directions and answering lots of questions, one child said, "This is the BEST project EVER!!" If while you and your child are discussing the project you have ANY questions, do not hesitate to email me...I'm happy to chat about it.
This week we discussed different regions and the characteristics within the regions. We talked about physical geography, natural resources, and climate. This coming week each student will choose one of our fabulous 50 states, research the characteristics within that state, and create a brochure to inform others about their state. The kids are SO excited to have the laptops in the classroom and I'm excited to get them on them! I will take pictures so you can enjoy seeing it too!
Miscellaneous News
I was asked this week about neatness in school work and I just wanted to answer that question for everyone so we're on the same page. I do not insist on neatness unless we are working specifically on handwriting or a final draft. Let me be clear, I will not accept work I cannot read, but I am ok with legible writing that isn't neat...most of the time I do not WANT them focusing on their handwriting...that takes away from the skill or idea I need them to write about. During Writer's Workshop the focus should be on the idea...but their final draft will be very neat. During Daily Language, they only have 5-10 minutes, so their focus should be on task completion and the language skills, not neatness. I FULLY support you making your child write neatly at home. And will speak to your child directly if you need "back up"...but I have SOOOO much to accomplish during the day, that it is not my main focus. Feel free to email me if you have questions about this. Thanks!
This coming week will be our SECOND full week of the school year...hard to believe we've had so many days off...so expect your little people to be more tired than usual! Have a wonderful and hopefully relaxing weekend...
September 29, 2012
September 23, 2012
Happy Sunday...sorry so late!
You may be thinking...why didn't she do this on Friday?! I had the wonderful opportunity to sit with many of you and talk to you about your child...for those of you that I didn't see...I look forward to sitting down with you on October 18th! The rest of my weekend I was either on a baseball field or a softball field...luckily for me, it was a beautiful weekend!
Our week was short, but as usual, we got a lot accomplished...read on to find out!
Language Arts
This week we continued working on During Reading Strategies...I used the novel Island of the Blue Dolphins to model using visual imagery, and then the kids read an excerpt from Shadow Ball: History of the Negro Leagues. The kids had to use their senses to gain a clearer understanding of the text. I was very impressed with their work! This week we are headed into inferring...this is the most difficult strategy so we will spend a good part of this week with it (and then carry on throughout the year.) Later this week the kids will take the county's Global Scholar test on the computer...this will help me figure out a reading level that is appropriate for each student. We will do some work in novels soon after!
I introduced the first "pit stop" of the writing process this week...many kids have been drafting and filling their Writer's Notebooks with lots of ideas...some have a "finished piece" so it was time to introduce the "Peer Conference Pit Stop". The first stop on the "highway" to publishing! This week I will introduce the other pit stops...Editing, Revising, Teacher Conference, and then the most exciting one: PUBLISHING! I LOVE reading and listening to the stories and ideas your children write...I can't wait for you to see them!
This coming week I will begin the instruction of (or review of) cursive handwriting...all lowercase and uppercase letters will be taught (reviewed) to ensure proper formation. Please visit the site Zaner Bloser, which can be found on the side bar menu of my blog. It allows the kids to make a handwriting worksheet using their Word Study words or any other words they choose!
Math
Multi-step word problems...that is our focus...for those that need to concentrate on the dissecting of the word problem, we'll work on that this week...for those that can dissect a multi-step problem independently, they will write their own multi-step problems! We are headed into multiplication soon....so if your child still needs work on subtraction or addition facts...get them working!! Each student that has not mastered the addition and subtraction basic facts should be practicing their facts at least three times a week. On Thursday I took the kids to the computer lab to show them some websites that are on the sidebar of the blog that are good for fact practice. Please help your child carve out 10 minutes at least three times a week for this practice. Thanks!
Social Studies
The kids took an assessment on Thursday...they did very well! The test was set up as a trip around the world, so the kids had to apply the information they've been learning...quite a few kids said, "That was fun!" (Music to my ears!) This week we are going to start talking about features of a region...the geography of the land, the natural and physical features found there, the resources found there, and the human-made features found there. We will do some research and create State Brochures with the information we extract! It is a fun project your kids will enjoy. I believe we will have the COW in our room for this project...NOOOO, not a mooing cow...the "Cart on Wheels" that has 25 laptop computers! I'm excited for this opportunity...more to come on that!
Miscellaneous
Thank you so much to the people that have donated tissues, hand sanitizer, etc. We are all set for now, so I'll let you know when our supplies get low.
If anyone out there has a connection to cheap printer cartridges, I'm interested, so let me know. The county does not support classroom printers after the first cartridge...too expensive. So anyone with an extra coupon or a friend that works at Staples, throw me an email!! Thanks!
Also...I am sending Remind101 texts/emails each time I post a blog update so that you are not constantly checking to see if there is an update. If for any reason you signed up for Remind101 and are not getting announcements, please let me know.
I am thoroughly enjoying your kids...thanks for sending them each day ready to learn! Have a great week!
Here are some pictures from our week...
Our week was short, but as usual, we got a lot accomplished...read on to find out!
Language Arts
This week we continued working on During Reading Strategies...I used the novel Island of the Blue Dolphins to model using visual imagery, and then the kids read an excerpt from Shadow Ball: History of the Negro Leagues. The kids had to use their senses to gain a clearer understanding of the text. I was very impressed with their work! This week we are headed into inferring...this is the most difficult strategy so we will spend a good part of this week with it (and then carry on throughout the year.) Later this week the kids will take the county's Global Scholar test on the computer...this will help me figure out a reading level that is appropriate for each student. We will do some work in novels soon after!
I introduced the first "pit stop" of the writing process this week...many kids have been drafting and filling their Writer's Notebooks with lots of ideas...some have a "finished piece" so it was time to introduce the "Peer Conference Pit Stop". The first stop on the "highway" to publishing! This week I will introduce the other pit stops...Editing, Revising, Teacher Conference, and then the most exciting one: PUBLISHING! I LOVE reading and listening to the stories and ideas your children write...I can't wait for you to see them!
This coming week I will begin the instruction of (or review of) cursive handwriting...all lowercase and uppercase letters will be taught (reviewed) to ensure proper formation. Please visit the site Zaner Bloser, which can be found on the side bar menu of my blog. It allows the kids to make a handwriting worksheet using their Word Study words or any other words they choose!
Math
Multi-step word problems...that is our focus...for those that need to concentrate on the dissecting of the word problem, we'll work on that this week...for those that can dissect a multi-step problem independently, they will write their own multi-step problems! We are headed into multiplication soon....so if your child still needs work on subtraction or addition facts...get them working!! Each student that has not mastered the addition and subtraction basic facts should be practicing their facts at least three times a week. On Thursday I took the kids to the computer lab to show them some websites that are on the sidebar of the blog that are good for fact practice. Please help your child carve out 10 minutes at least three times a week for this practice. Thanks!
Social Studies
The kids took an assessment on Thursday...they did very well! The test was set up as a trip around the world, so the kids had to apply the information they've been learning...quite a few kids said, "That was fun!" (Music to my ears!) This week we are going to start talking about features of a region...the geography of the land, the natural and physical features found there, the resources found there, and the human-made features found there. We will do some research and create State Brochures with the information we extract! It is a fun project your kids will enjoy. I believe we will have the COW in our room for this project...NOOOO, not a mooing cow...the "Cart on Wheels" that has 25 laptop computers! I'm excited for this opportunity...more to come on that!
Miscellaneous
Thank you so much to the people that have donated tissues, hand sanitizer, etc. We are all set for now, so I'll let you know when our supplies get low.
If anyone out there has a connection to cheap printer cartridges, I'm interested, so let me know. The county does not support classroom printers after the first cartridge...too expensive. So anyone with an extra coupon or a friend that works at Staples, throw me an email!! Thanks!
Also...I am sending Remind101 texts/emails each time I post a blog update so that you are not constantly checking to see if there is an update. If for any reason you signed up for Remind101 and are not getting announcements, please let me know.
I am thoroughly enjoying your kids...thanks for sending them each day ready to learn! Have a great week!
Here are some pictures from our week...
Taking our Social Studies assessment!
We worked in expert groups to research a popular US landmark and to determine how far it was from our home using tools such as rulers and the map scales. Then we presented to the class.
Here they are working together in their expert groups preparing to teach the rest of the class!
September 14, 2012
Happy Three Day Weekend, Three Day Week, and Three Day Weekend Again! WHEW!!
Hello and welcome to our crazy schedule! Your children have off this coming Monday for Rosh Hashanah and next Friday for parent-teacher conferences...creating two three day weekends and a three day week smushed in between...fun, but yucky for planning! There will be no formal word study next week...just FYI.
Speaking of Parent-Teacher conferences, there were TWO different days you could sign up for...a week from today and then later in October. In your child's take-home folder today there is a conference confirmation letter...please sign it and return it to me so that I know when we are meeting. At the bottom of that form, please place any specific questions you would like answered so that I am well prepared for our conference. Thanks!
We've had a great, busy week...here's how it went down...
Language Arts
We have been working on "before reading" strategies: setting a purpose, previewing the text, making a plan for reading...this has all been done with a fun novel titled, The Kid Who Ran for President by Dan Gutman...now we are focusing on "during reading" strategies...specifically the strategy of questioning. This strategy was also modeled using the same novel, and today they worked independently using questioning with a piece of literature from the Storyworks magazine. Your kids are working really hard, participating in great classroom discussions, and are constantly wowing me with their thought processes.
They are continuing to enjoy Writer's Workshop and we are ready to begin the "pit stops" of the workshop...many kids have some pieces they feel are "finished", so they will be participating in a peer conference station, an editing station, a revising station, a teacher conference station...all on the way to publishing their piece. These stations will be introduced over the next two weeks. I love seeing your kids on the floor with their writer's notebooks, little lines on their foreheads as they think and create...I can't wait for them to see how much their pieces will change as they go through this process!
Word Study
I am making this its own category this week...because I realize it may need some clarification...
On Monday your kids took a pretest with a focus...the /f/ sound...then, based on the results of the pretest, your child made his/her own list based on his/her own needs...this list was approximately 10 words and it was put on a sheet of paper called the "Word Study Contract".
Homework on Mondays is always "do something creative with your words IN YOUR COMPOSITION BOOD" (the 'in your composition book part will make sense soon)...this can be writing the words in bubble letters, writing the words in pyramids, writing the words in rainbow letters, etc...this week I asked them to try cursive...
On Tuesday and Wednesday your child's homework is 10 MEANINGFUL sentences...5 a day, or if they choose, all 10 on one of the two days...these sentences have to be turned in...in order to be considered 'meaningful' they must use excellent word choice, be interesting, and use the word study word properly...you will see this develop as the year progresses...
On Thursdays the kids are charged with studying...I would like them to do this anyway they'd like to study, but I did show them the website, "Spelling City" where they can type in their words and then play games and take a pretest and I showed them the Zaner Bloser site where they can print out their words in cursive and practice them that way...
On Friday the kids will take a test...they do this with a partner, since there are 18 different lists in the classroom...and now...back to the composition book...some kids will leave the word study lists at home on accident...so if this happens, the composition book is the "back up list"...once they have written all of their words for the test, they must write two sentences that show they understand the meaning of two of the words...today they got to choose the words, some weeks they'll be told which words to write about...stressing that each word's spelling is important, but no more than the meaning of the word!
The process sounds crazy, but it is actually a very organized way for each child to have a list that is just right for them...please email me if you are confused on any night and I am happy to help!
Math
I continue to run groups to ensure different levels of learning are occuring...I've been very impressed with their ability to complete the algorithm when adding and subtracting...but it is amazing to me how many kids do not have a clue why they regroup and what the numbers they place above the addends mean. Common core is about strengthening the foundation of their conceptual knowledge, so although your child may be able to add 3,856 + 1,659= in the blink of an eye, they also need to understand how to spot an error in regrouping by explaining the mistake in place value, by knowing that the 1 above the tens place is there because all tens get put into that column and you can't put more than nine in the ones. Sounds simple to you...but its not...they've learned by memorizing that you regroup, but not many can explain why...NOT UNTIL NOW!! ;-) So please bear with me if you're thinking that the work is too easy...the homework should be kind of easy...but I'm making them write, talk, calculate like crazy in here so rest assured I'm keeping your mathmetician challenged! Yesterday the kids worked on "Math Around the Room"...a way to solve problems where they get to move around the room while they do it...you could have heard a pin drop they were SO into what they were doing!
MATH FACTS: Your kids took addition and subtraction fact tests this week...these MUST be mastered...your child can tell you the percentage accurate and the percentage of automaticity (they can't say that word, but they know the percentages!!) Accuracy shows how many they got correct out of the amount they attempted, and the automaticity shows how many they got correct out of 25 in two minutes. Third graders are now supposed to have mastered all addition and subtraction facts by first quarter...a few of the kids have a lot of practicing to do. By the end of second quarter, your kids should be mastering multiplication and division!! Common core has raised the bar!! So help your child decide which way is best for them to practice...there are lots of websites on my blog...check one out...or use flash cards, or do mental math in the car...but keep practicing the facts!
Social Studies
As you probably know by now, the kids have a test next Thursday. They have a study guide in their Take Home folders...and then I also included a fun challenge for anyone who'd like to take it...learning the United States...its not really in any curriculum and I feel like its important, so I hope a few over achievers take my challenge!! (no pressure though...my own kids would have rather poked sticks in their eyes than take an OPTIONAL challenge..teehee!!)
Thank you to those of you that have sent in supplies....our biggest need is hand sanitizer...so if you see a sale, grab an extra! Thanks!
Enjoy the pictures below...they are from "Math Around the Room"! Have a great weekend!
Speaking of Parent-Teacher conferences, there were TWO different days you could sign up for...a week from today and then later in October. In your child's take-home folder today there is a conference confirmation letter...please sign it and return it to me so that I know when we are meeting. At the bottom of that form, please place any specific questions you would like answered so that I am well prepared for our conference. Thanks!
We've had a great, busy week...here's how it went down...
Language Arts
We have been working on "before reading" strategies: setting a purpose, previewing the text, making a plan for reading...this has all been done with a fun novel titled, The Kid Who Ran for President by Dan Gutman...now we are focusing on "during reading" strategies...specifically the strategy of questioning. This strategy was also modeled using the same novel, and today they worked independently using questioning with a piece of literature from the Storyworks magazine. Your kids are working really hard, participating in great classroom discussions, and are constantly wowing me with their thought processes.
They are continuing to enjoy Writer's Workshop and we are ready to begin the "pit stops" of the workshop...many kids have some pieces they feel are "finished", so they will be participating in a peer conference station, an editing station, a revising station, a teacher conference station...all on the way to publishing their piece. These stations will be introduced over the next two weeks. I love seeing your kids on the floor with their writer's notebooks, little lines on their foreheads as they think and create...I can't wait for them to see how much their pieces will change as they go through this process!
Word Study
I am making this its own category this week...because I realize it may need some clarification...
On Monday your kids took a pretest with a focus...the /f/ sound...then, based on the results of the pretest, your child made his/her own list based on his/her own needs...this list was approximately 10 words and it was put on a sheet of paper called the "Word Study Contract".
Homework on Mondays is always "do something creative with your words IN YOUR COMPOSITION BOOD" (the 'in your composition book part will make sense soon)...this can be writing the words in bubble letters, writing the words in pyramids, writing the words in rainbow letters, etc...this week I asked them to try cursive...
On Tuesday and Wednesday your child's homework is 10 MEANINGFUL sentences...5 a day, or if they choose, all 10 on one of the two days...these sentences have to be turned in...in order to be considered 'meaningful' they must use excellent word choice, be interesting, and use the word study word properly...you will see this develop as the year progresses...
On Thursdays the kids are charged with studying...I would like them to do this anyway they'd like to study, but I did show them the website, "Spelling City" where they can type in their words and then play games and take a pretest and I showed them the Zaner Bloser site where they can print out their words in cursive and practice them that way...
On Friday the kids will take a test...they do this with a partner, since there are 18 different lists in the classroom...and now...back to the composition book...some kids will leave the word study lists at home on accident...so if this happens, the composition book is the "back up list"...once they have written all of their words for the test, they must write two sentences that show they understand the meaning of two of the words...today they got to choose the words, some weeks they'll be told which words to write about...stressing that each word's spelling is important, but no more than the meaning of the word!
The process sounds crazy, but it is actually a very organized way for each child to have a list that is just right for them...please email me if you are confused on any night and I am happy to help!
Math
I continue to run groups to ensure different levels of learning are occuring...I've been very impressed with their ability to complete the algorithm when adding and subtracting...but it is amazing to me how many kids do not have a clue why they regroup and what the numbers they place above the addends mean. Common core is about strengthening the foundation of their conceptual knowledge, so although your child may be able to add 3,856 + 1,659= in the blink of an eye, they also need to understand how to spot an error in regrouping by explaining the mistake in place value, by knowing that the 1 above the tens place is there because all tens get put into that column and you can't put more than nine in the ones. Sounds simple to you...but its not...they've learned by memorizing that you regroup, but not many can explain why...NOT UNTIL NOW!! ;-) So please bear with me if you're thinking that the work is too easy...the homework should be kind of easy...but I'm making them write, talk, calculate like crazy in here so rest assured I'm keeping your mathmetician challenged! Yesterday the kids worked on "Math Around the Room"...a way to solve problems where they get to move around the room while they do it...you could have heard a pin drop they were SO into what they were doing!
MATH FACTS: Your kids took addition and subtraction fact tests this week...these MUST be mastered...your child can tell you the percentage accurate and the percentage of automaticity (they can't say that word, but they know the percentages!!) Accuracy shows how many they got correct out of the amount they attempted, and the automaticity shows how many they got correct out of 25 in two minutes. Third graders are now supposed to have mastered all addition and subtraction facts by first quarter...a few of the kids have a lot of practicing to do. By the end of second quarter, your kids should be mastering multiplication and division!! Common core has raised the bar!! So help your child decide which way is best for them to practice...there are lots of websites on my blog...check one out...or use flash cards, or do mental math in the car...but keep practicing the facts!
Social Studies
As you probably know by now, the kids have a test next Thursday. They have a study guide in their Take Home folders...and then I also included a fun challenge for anyone who'd like to take it...learning the United States...its not really in any curriculum and I feel like its important, so I hope a few over achievers take my challenge!! (no pressure though...my own kids would have rather poked sticks in their eyes than take an OPTIONAL challenge..teehee!!)
Thank you to those of you that have sent in supplies....our biggest need is hand sanitizer...so if you see a sale, grab an extra! Thanks!
Enjoy the pictures below...they are from "Math Around the Room"! Have a great weekend!
September 7, 2012
I LOVE this class!!
We have had a great week...
First, thanks to everyone that was able to make it out last night for Back to School Night. I know that all of you are busy, and for those who couldn't make it, the folder that was handed out last night will come home today.
Last night I had a parent ask, "Did you really mean I can come sit and hang out for a bit one day?" YES, I did mean it! As a parent, I would have been dismayed if my child's teacher had told me that I couldn't volunteer for the first semester. We all want to get in and see how our child is adjusting. Well...I truly don't have anything for you to do because I have such an amazing intern, but you are more than welcome to come visit and hang out. Please let me know ahead of time...and let me know if you'd like to be a guest reader for part of your visit. We love to listen to literature!! If you do come, plan to stay for about 1/2 hour. Thanks!
Behavior checklists are coming home today. Please review with your child, sign, and have your child place it back in the Take Home folder. They will receive a ticket for returning it on Monday. If you have any questions about the marks on the checklist, please email me.
This past week we accomplished a lot...here is a quick snippet from each subject area...
LANGUAGE ARTS
This week we continued to build ideas for writing, and just today began Writer's Workshop...a program that helps children find the ways to improve their writing and work towards a published piece. We have read quite a few books to inspire writing and today we used playdoh to create cars...these cars became the ideas for their writing...and then the fantastic ideas/pieces were shared...hard to believe they all had the same assignment...make a car and write about it!
We have also been reading books about maps and globes, and talking about perspective. Our earth is HUGE, but if asked to walk across Frederick County, that's a HUGE walk...so we've had a lot of discourse about perspective. We read a book by Lynne Cherry titled, The Armadillo from Amarillo. Ask your kids to tell you about that book!
We also worked with words this week...we made friends with the dictionary as we delved into the Scholastic Magazine "Storyworks"...it has two pages devoted just to words and we deciphered the "Word Nerds" quote using the dictionary...they did a SUPERB job! Here is the quote they had to decipher...see if your child can remember what it means..."I was forlorn that my teacher had to suspend learning because a plethora of my ostentatious colleagues were loquacious in class." ;-) They were also introduced to Mirriam-Webster's website and Buzzwords...another place I will have your kids visit often. And then today, they shared their "amazing words" with each other and recorded their group member's words and definitions. I am a TRUE WORD NERD, so they will be working with words ALL THE TIME!!
MATH
We have been working with large numbers, place value, rounding, estimating, and problem solving. We have broken into groups to better meet the needs of all students. Today the kids took a short assessment to see how they are doing...we will be moving into the modeling of addition and subtraction of large numbers and mastering the algorithm next week while continuing to refine our problem solving...especially being able to PERSEVERE when met with a tough challenge!
SOCIAL STUDIES
Everything geography is our focus...from our large Maryland county to our very small place on Earth. Continents, oceans, hemispheres, lines of latitude and longitude...we're covering it. Look for a study guide sometime next week as we prepare for a social studies test on all that we've covered so far.
Your kids need to rest some this weekend...I worked their brains and they will be tired. I hope you enjoy your families and get some rest, too...I plan to!! ;-)
First, thanks to everyone that was able to make it out last night for Back to School Night. I know that all of you are busy, and for those who couldn't make it, the folder that was handed out last night will come home today.
Last night I had a parent ask, "Did you really mean I can come sit and hang out for a bit one day?" YES, I did mean it! As a parent, I would have been dismayed if my child's teacher had told me that I couldn't volunteer for the first semester. We all want to get in and see how our child is adjusting. Well...I truly don't have anything for you to do because I have such an amazing intern, but you are more than welcome to come visit and hang out. Please let me know ahead of time...and let me know if you'd like to be a guest reader for part of your visit. We love to listen to literature!! If you do come, plan to stay for about 1/2 hour. Thanks!
Behavior checklists are coming home today. Please review with your child, sign, and have your child place it back in the Take Home folder. They will receive a ticket for returning it on Monday. If you have any questions about the marks on the checklist, please email me.
This past week we accomplished a lot...here is a quick snippet from each subject area...
LANGUAGE ARTS
This week we continued to build ideas for writing, and just today began Writer's Workshop...a program that helps children find the ways to improve their writing and work towards a published piece. We have read quite a few books to inspire writing and today we used playdoh to create cars...these cars became the ideas for their writing...and then the fantastic ideas/pieces were shared...hard to believe they all had the same assignment...make a car and write about it!
We have also been reading books about maps and globes, and talking about perspective. Our earth is HUGE, but if asked to walk across Frederick County, that's a HUGE walk...so we've had a lot of discourse about perspective. We read a book by Lynne Cherry titled, The Armadillo from Amarillo. Ask your kids to tell you about that book!
We also worked with words this week...we made friends with the dictionary as we delved into the Scholastic Magazine "Storyworks"...it has two pages devoted just to words and we deciphered the "Word Nerds" quote using the dictionary...they did a SUPERB job! Here is the quote they had to decipher...see if your child can remember what it means..."I was forlorn that my teacher had to suspend learning because a plethora of my ostentatious colleagues were loquacious in class." ;-) They were also introduced to Mirriam-Webster's website and Buzzwords...another place I will have your kids visit often. And then today, they shared their "amazing words" with each other and recorded their group member's words and definitions. I am a TRUE WORD NERD, so they will be working with words ALL THE TIME!!
MATH
We have been working with large numbers, place value, rounding, estimating, and problem solving. We have broken into groups to better meet the needs of all students. Today the kids took a short assessment to see how they are doing...we will be moving into the modeling of addition and subtraction of large numbers and mastering the algorithm next week while continuing to refine our problem solving...especially being able to PERSEVERE when met with a tough challenge!
SOCIAL STUDIES
Everything geography is our focus...from our large Maryland county to our very small place on Earth. Continents, oceans, hemispheres, lines of latitude and longitude...we're covering it. Look for a study guide sometime next week as we prepare for a social studies test on all that we've covered so far.
Your kids need to rest some this weekend...I worked their brains and they will be tired. I hope you enjoy your families and get some rest, too...I plan to!! ;-)
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Happy End of January
I’m learning that this blog doesn’t really fit into my life anymore...any extra time I have is spent working on enhancing instruction...and ...
