BIG maps...this week we focused on map elements...looking at keys/legends and determining how important they are, looking at scales and seeing how different they can be depending on the size of the map, observing colors and deciding whether or not color is an important element of mapping...we really took some BIG maps apart observing and analyzing. Take a look....
BIG stories...well, this is two fold...first we read "The Green Man" this week from our Junior Great Book series. If you are unfamiliar with the JGB series, it is a collection of literature that is chosen because of its rigor...both in vocabulary and comprehension. We used this story to discuss story elements, particularly the problem, solution, and the events in the story that led to the solution. Then after rereading, we worked with the vocabulary in the story. We discussed different ways to attack words in stories when we have no idea what they mean. Last, all kids participated in a Shared Inquiry Discussion...discussing a question generated by the kids...and diving DEEP into the story...I was very impressed with their ability to cite evidence when trying to make a point...this is a BIG focus all year and they are off to a great start!
BIG stories part 2...the kids had "Writers Share" this week...this is where they get in groups of two or three and share their writing...for pure enjoyment! We have peer conferences during Writer's Workshop where they give each other feedback, but this share was to "show off" their writing. As you will see in the pictures below...they all enjoyed this very much!
BIG numbers...well, our NUMERATION unit on place value, adding and subtracting big numbers, and number patterns comes to a close this coming week...the kids have manipulated numbers in so many different ways...and I've been working with them in small groups so that I can get a handle on who needs what...I've done reteaching with some, enriching with others, and all of the kids have worked with pencil and paper, used manipulatives, played games, demonstrated algorithms on white boards, and used multiple strategies to gain a deeper understanding of the concepts. Math is a very busy time in our classroom and I am not usually able to take pictures because I am always with a group...we are doing a fun problem solving lesson tomorrow and I will try to get pictures of the kids problem solving. Speaking of problem solving, another thing we've been doing in math is going over the EIGHT Mathematical Practices...we spent one day for each one, taking apart the language and giving examples of what each practice looks like. I tell ya...we don't waste a minute!
As far as our BIG class goes...they are getting much more accustomed to how I run a classroom and we are finally getting into a groove! I saw many #s on checklists improve since the first checklist went out, and I'm excited to see continued growth. This is a year of growth...where they learn what true independence looks and feels like...don't worry...I promise to be gentle!
CLASSROOM NEEDS: If you haven't had a chance to pick up Clorox wipes...it's never too late. Every Friday we clean the tops of our desks and we clean the tops of our chairs...trying to keep the germs out...and every time we do this, we almost use an entire container of wipes. So thank you to those who have donated, and if you haven't, anytime is a good time! (Hand sanitizer, too!)
Hope you had a great weekend...incredible weather, right?
