In an effort to better communicate with the various families in our classroom, I added a tool that translates our blog into the language of your choice. All you need to do is simply click the flag that represents your language and a new window will pop-up containing the translated document. I am not familiar with many of these languages so if something didn't translate well, please make me aware...

Math: Today we explored multiples and factors using our homemade multiplication tables. Tonight they should complete coloring the multiples of 3 on their tables and work on the division story problem page. It may seem like a lot but it really shouldn't take too long...

Language Arts: We compared a modern day fantasy (Chester the Worldy Pig) to a folktale that we read yesterday (Coyote Steals the Blanket). The comparison helped us remember some of the characteristics in folktales.

Seven Foolish Fishermen - We reread the story in group and independently responded to the prompt, "Why did the author choose the title, the Seven Foolish Fishermen? Use evidence from the text to explain your thinking."

Ashes for Gold - We reread the story in group and independently responded to the prompt, "Folktales usually have some trickery - who does the tricking in this story? Use evidence from the text to explain your thinking." We also began reading a collection of West African folktales...

Ooka and the Honest Thief - We reread the story while evaluating times when Ooka was fair or unfair. These "directed notes" were used to explain their opinion of Ooka in the packet.

The Little Humpbacked Horse - They listened to the story on tape and began taking directed notes. They are to continue taking directed notes tonight for 5-10 pages...

Social Studies: We decided which cities to research and tomorrow will begin gathering information related to a number of aspects that describe the selected city. This will be completed in the media center.

Hopefully everyone had a restful break because it's back to work for us all!

Math: We practiced using another strategy called "break apart" that helps us use partial products to solve a multiplication problem. Wordy huh? Please look in your child's binder (math section) at the notes page I created for them...it should be clearer when you actually see what the strategy looks like. Better yet - ask them to solve 9x3 for you using the break apart!

Homework: Complete the problem solving and challenge pages in their packet.

Language Arts: We reviewed folktales today and will continue exploring them the next couple of weeks. In addition, I began new groups today for reading (4 now). We now have two groups in JGB so some of you will begin to see the RRJ less and the JGB anthology a lot more.

We did begin a new project in cooperation with our media specialist today that will consume a fair amount of our class time over the next few weeks. More to come tomorrow...

Homework: Everyone should read/reread their group's book.