We took our fingerprints today! Luckily, nobody was WANTED! To pick-up on our discussion recently, we dug deeper into the three basic types of fingerprints: arch, loop, and whorl. Ask your students which types they have on their hands...
In math we spent sometime working in groups through an enrichment activity. They were asked to develop a list of possibilities given a certain number of base ten blocks. This lesson reinforced some of the place value concepts we've been working with. Homework is to complete 1-5 in their math journal. They are expected to at least try the "super challenge"
Following math, we continued assessing for reading so we can move into specific groups ASAP.
The new counselor, Delyza Howard introduced herself and the program for the year. She has a fantastic web site found on the DES homepage if you're interested...
I'm out tomorrow - but Mrs. Webber is in for me so we shouldn't skip a beat!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
A day closer...
Across the grade levels we are assessing students to determine reading levels as we begin the new year. Today, I completed a word list activity with each student to help me determine where I should begin when I continue our reading assessment tomorrow. The progress is good but not yet complete...
In math, we continued working with place value periods into the hundred thousands. For homework, everyone is expected to complete the odd problems on page 11. This is to be completed in their math journal.
In addition to the ongoing reading assessments and place value instruction, we went to Art today and learned about a new "art award" system the specialists have created for this year.
In math, we continued working with place value periods into the hundred thousands. For homework, everyone is expected to complete the odd problems on page 11. This is to be completed in their math journal.
In addition to the ongoing reading assessments and place value instruction, we went to Art today and learned about a new "art award" system the specialists have created for this year.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Two down...
The word of the month is - "investment"
The more time we put into routines the more efficiently class will be as the year progresses.
This morning we switched math classes for the first time. We used yesterday's pre assessment to drive our instructional plans for the first unit - part of our plan was to switch students around. In my class, we discussed the concept of place value up to millions, but spent the bulk of our time developing the idea of place value periods and what they tell us. In your student's binder we placed a copy of the period chart used during class to assist them at home.
In reading we developed a couple routines to provided the students with learning opportunities while I maybe working with other students. Today's "pieces" were Boggle, Reading Around the Room, and the "What do I do when I'm done?" chart...stay tuned for other opportunities as we move through the month.
We made our weekly visit to the computer lab this afternoon. We practiced logging in, using the hand-out folder, saving our class web site in our "favorites folder," and explored some of the math resources available.
At the end of the day, we began discussing our upcoming unit on crime lab chemistry. We explored fingerprints and the investigative process that is usually consistent across many criminal investigations. Ask your children about what we talked about!
Homework:
1.4 Practice or Challenge (depending on which group they worked in)
Please remember to return any important papers/back to school folder this week!
The more time we put into routines the more efficiently class will be as the year progresses.
This morning we switched math classes for the first time. We used yesterday's pre assessment to drive our instructional plans for the first unit - part of our plan was to switch students around. In my class, we discussed the concept of place value up to millions, but spent the bulk of our time developing the idea of place value periods and what they tell us. In your student's binder we placed a copy of the period chart used during class to assist them at home.
In reading we developed a couple routines to provided the students with learning opportunities while I maybe working with other students. Today's "pieces" were Boggle, Reading Around the Room, and the "What do I do when I'm done?" chart...stay tuned for other opportunities as we move through the month.
We made our weekly visit to the computer lab this afternoon. We practiced logging in, using the hand-out folder, saving our class web site in our "favorites folder," and explored some of the math resources available.
At the end of the day, we began discussing our upcoming unit on crime lab chemistry. We explored fingerprints and the investigative process that is usually consistent across many criminal investigations. Ask your children about what we talked about!
Homework:
1.4 Practice or Challenge (depending on which group they worked in)
Please remember to return any important papers/back to school folder this week!
Monday, August 27, 2007
First Day Success!
Thanks for checking in to see how our first day went!
This year we are looking to enhance the communication between home and school through the use of a daily blog. It is my goal to post content on a daily basis but please understand that there will be days when I get too swamped to update it. Nevertheless, some of the items I'm thinking of including are the following:
This year we are looking to enhance the communication between home and school through the use of a daily blog. It is my goal to post content on a daily basis but please understand that there will be days when I get too swamped to update it. Nevertheless, some of the items I'm thinking of including are the following:
- Important news, notes, and reminders
- Homework (in addition to your child's planner)
- Snapshot of our day
With that said - here we go...
This morning we established expectations and routines to get off on the right foot. Typically, there is a significant adjustment period to a new classroom culture so we will experience some bumps along the way. With that in mind, know that I expect us to clarify things over the next month for the students (and parents). My goal is gradual and understandable improvement - I haven't found the magic wand yet to do it any other way!
We had a review on place value and addition/subtraction practice prior to taking our Unit One, pre assessment. As I explained to the students, the purpose of this is to determine what it is they know, "kinda" know, and don't have a clue on...Their performance dictates how Mrs. Holman and I can best meet their specific needs. We will begin math instruction Tuesday.
We did a lesson on book selection prior to visiting the Media Center this afternoon. There will be a notes page describing the three types of books all students encounter through the year and some questions to help them decide which one to try.
Homework for the night -
Complete the "Proud to be Me" sheet
Return the Back to School Folder
That's all for now - please check your student's backpacks because there's a plethora of information coming home tonight.
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