Today's math quiz validated two things: our plan was on target and we (home and school) provided the support necessary to be successful...not to mention, the kids did a pretty nice job, too! My primary concern at this point is following directions. Some of the students missed problems simply because they didn't follow the directions - this is on them - so please reiterate the importance of responsibility for their own learning as you review the quiz with them. In addition, when you're looking over your child's quiz, please take notice of the bolded problems because those are the 4th grade items we have been working on, too. With that said, data analysis is right around the corner so be on the lookout for graphs, tally charts, and problem solving opportunities using data. This does not mean we can forget about place value and addition/subtraction...we still need practice with this.
In reading, each group completed or is close to completing their RRJ entry for the week. I will grade these early next week so please be on the lookout for them soon.
This afternoon we picked up our discussion of natural resources. We developed a definition and generated some examples by watching a United Streaming video and working in teams with some of the print resources in the room. We will be moving into capital and human resources early next week.
Individual Pictures on Monday at 9:30 - both classes!
Have a great weekend!
Friday, September 21, 2007
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Outstanding Day!
In math we continued to work on subtraction with regrouping. As classwork (and tonight's work), we explored three different methods to solving subtraction problems: traditional, trade first, and counting up. All three of these methods are described and demonstrated in their math section of their binders AND on the back of tonight's work. The methods are to be treated like the tools in a toolbox - whichever "tool" makes sense to you, use it! The students are to finish their subtraction sheet tonight use addition to check at least some of the problems. The task is the same for everyone, but the content varies from 2-digit to 4-digit depending on their readiness.
In reading we met in groups today and discussed the plot of their story. I had all four groups working either in their reading response journals or in the JGB packet. Tonight for homework they are to reread their story and THINK about the plot - they will complete the written response in class tomorrow. During our writing time, we composed our first graded narrative piece. We were looking for four components: inclusion of sensory details, proper capitalization, focused on one topic, and correct usage of ending punctuation. I hope to conference with each student over the next few days regarding their work.
In reading we met in groups today and discussed the plot of their story. I had all four groups working either in their reading response journals or in the JGB packet. Tonight for homework they are to reread their story and THINK about the plot - they will complete the written response in class tomorrow. During our writing time, we composed our first graded narrative piece. We were looking for four components: inclusion of sensory details, proper capitalization, focused on one topic, and correct usage of ending punctuation. I hope to conference with each student over the next few days regarding their work.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Two more days!
In math we had a formative assessment on many of the items we have spent some additional time on since last week's quiz. We were in a hurry reviewing the task but I made a point to discuss the most worked on concepts (as if they all aren't important!) prior to dismissing the class. Please take a look at their work and let me know if you have any questions! Our quiz this week will mirror last week's - my hope is that we can move onto the data analysis portion of Unit One soon...
In reading we began reading a Cynthia Rylant novel, Gooseberry Park, and made some predictions about a potential problem that could arise later based on what we've learned about the main character so far. It's a little tough to follow but I'm sure something will click soon! We also met in small groups to discuss their TFK reflections from last night and located words with the /ee/ in preparation for tomorrow's sort and list creation.
In reading we began reading a Cynthia Rylant novel, Gooseberry Park, and made some predictions about a potential problem that could arise later based on what we've learned about the main character so far. It's a little tough to follow but I'm sure something will click soon! We also met in small groups to discuss their TFK reflections from last night and located words with the /ee/ in preparation for tomorrow's sort and list creation.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Shake off the dust...
Congrats to my Redskin readers - you finally have reason to dust off those 1980s jerseys because let's face it, the last decade hasn't been particular pretty...
Outstanding assembly today about what we can do to help our environment! Please ask your child about what they learned.
In math, we continued working on our plan to enhance our understanding of the content taught thus far. Specifically, we worked on rounding to the nearest 10,000. Tonight's homework is to complete the half page on place value, placing commas (which helps us identify the number of place value periods), and rounding.
In reading we read Brave Irene and discussed how the plot is the glue that holds the story together. The story elements that make up the plot of a story are the problem, solution, and events. The difference in our comprehension moving forward is that isn't enough to identify the elements; rather, the relationships between the elements of the story is where the deeper understanding is gained. We also read and discussed a Time for Kids issue about volunteering. Tonight for homework, they are expected to reflect on the cover story using the graphic organizer.
Have good night!
Outstanding assembly today about what we can do to help our environment! Please ask your child about what they learned.
In math, we continued working on our plan to enhance our understanding of the content taught thus far. Specifically, we worked on rounding to the nearest 10,000. Tonight's homework is to complete the half page on place value, placing commas (which helps us identify the number of place value periods), and rounding.
In reading we read Brave Irene and discussed how the plot is the glue that holds the story together. The story elements that make up the plot of a story are the problem, solution, and events. The difference in our comprehension moving forward is that isn't enough to identify the elements; rather, the relationships between the elements of the story is where the deeper understanding is gained. We also read and discussed a Time for Kids issue about volunteering. Tonight for homework, they are expected to reflect on the cover story using the graphic organizer.
Have good night!
Monday, September 17, 2007
Happy Monday!
Hopefully everyone wore their Redskins gear today because I suspect you won't want to wear it tomorrow...
I apologize for not putting a posting up on Friday. I spent a solid two hours throughout the day grading our math quizzes. Speaking of which, as those in my math class will look at tonight, overall we had a tough time with our Friday quiz. In fact, we spent this morning reflecting on our three, guiding questions: what we know, "kinda" know, and don't have a clue on? We discussed our quizzes in table groups and identified consistencies based on these discussions as to which content areas we struggled with. Using this information, we created a plan for the week that should help prepare us to retake a similar quiz this Friday. The purpose of grading is not to catch anyone off their game; rather, it is to clarify what each student understands in a testing environment. With that in mind, I decided not to enter the grade in my gradebook and will provide some additional instruction throughout this week with the expectation that we will demonstrate a better understanding this Friday. Please keep in mind - this is the class where we teach all the 3rd grade content in addition to all the 4th grade challenge items. Consequently, about a third of this quiz was challenge... The pace and content will continue to be challenging, so I discussed with the class the importance of asking questions when something is unclear, paying attention to the entire lesson, and putting in their best effort during independent practice times. Adjustments will be made but the bar is appropriately high in our math class. Tonight for homework, they are to share their quizzes with you, discuss how we used the quiz in class, and complete a patterns worksheet that is directly related to a difficult item from the quiz.
Language Arts time included our first day of spelling. We will establish spelling journals tomorrow but if you came to back to school night, you already got a taste of our two week exploration cycle. We will be working with the long "e" sound - /ee/. In addition to spelling, we worked on the elements of a story using either The Empty Pot or Sea Otter Goes Hunting. As a follow-up, the "Empty Potters" wrote down examples of /ee/ words and underlined the letter patterns that make the sound.
We had our third session with Mrs. Rose today. Our author study of Cynthia Rylant will wrap up on Wednesday but I will pick it up with a novel by her, Gooseberry Park.
That's all for now - enjoy the game tonight!
I apologize for not putting a posting up on Friday. I spent a solid two hours throughout the day grading our math quizzes. Speaking of which, as those in my math class will look at tonight, overall we had a tough time with our Friday quiz. In fact, we spent this morning reflecting on our three, guiding questions: what we know, "kinda" know, and don't have a clue on? We discussed our quizzes in table groups and identified consistencies based on these discussions as to which content areas we struggled with. Using this information, we created a plan for the week that should help prepare us to retake a similar quiz this Friday. The purpose of grading is not to catch anyone off their game; rather, it is to clarify what each student understands in a testing environment. With that in mind, I decided not to enter the grade in my gradebook and will provide some additional instruction throughout this week with the expectation that we will demonstrate a better understanding this Friday. Please keep in mind - this is the class where we teach all the 3rd grade content in addition to all the 4th grade challenge items. Consequently, about a third of this quiz was challenge... The pace and content will continue to be challenging, so I discussed with the class the importance of asking questions when something is unclear, paying attention to the entire lesson, and putting in their best effort during independent practice times. Adjustments will be made but the bar is appropriately high in our math class. Tonight for homework, they are to share their quizzes with you, discuss how we used the quiz in class, and complete a patterns worksheet that is directly related to a difficult item from the quiz.
Language Arts time included our first day of spelling. We will establish spelling journals tomorrow but if you came to back to school night, you already got a taste of our two week exploration cycle. We will be working with the long "e" sound - /ee/. In addition to spelling, we worked on the elements of a story using either The Empty Pot or Sea Otter Goes Hunting. As a follow-up, the "Empty Potters" wrote down examples of /ee/ words and underlined the letter patterns that make the sound.
We had our third session with Mrs. Rose today. Our author study of Cynthia Rylant will wrap up on Wednesday but I will pick it up with a novel by her, Gooseberry Park.
That's all for now - enjoy the game tonight!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)