Homework:
- Read 20 minutes
Reminders:
- Conferences are Monday, November 3.
Classroom Supplies:
- Sticky Notes
Thank you,
Ms. Smith
Friday, October 31, 2014
Happy Hallowread!
Have a fun and safe weekend! I look forward to sitting down with everyone on Monday!
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Hero or Criminal?
In Math Workshop today, students worked in their collaborative learning groups in effort to tackle a high level real world problems regarding perimeter. This task requires multiple steps, use of tools, as well as precision. Students will work together to be precise in their measurements and calculations.
Today was the last day for students to publish their personal narratives in Writers' Workshop. Personal narratives will come home by tomorrow, at the latest.
In Read Aloud, students use context and their mental movies to identify unknown words and determine their synonyms and antonyms.
In Word Study, students played "Letter Spin". Tomorrow we will have a Word Study Challenge, where students will be asked to write sentences which include words from Word Study lessons. We use challenges to make sure students are being held accountable for lessons and to ensure transfer. At dinner or in the car tonight, have your child try to spell the following words (remind them of to use what they know from Word Study lessons): field, receiver, inferring, emergencies, strategies, birthdays.
In Readers' Workshop, students took on more responsibility regarding explaining the effectiveness of their evidence. As an aside, research indicates that writing about reading works to ensure comprehension and foster critical thinking. As such, we spend time in Readers' Workshop learning how to effectively communicate our thinking through writing, in our notebooks. See a few snapshots from students' readers' notebooks below.
Students visited Reading Beaver Block today. Ask them what they worked on in their classroom!
This past week in Social Studies, students examined the story of Christopher Columbus. We studied an informational video from the European point of view and then closely read Encounter, a picture book representing the Native American point of view. Students took on either point of view and created portraits of Columbus, with a headline indicating their viewpoint (see a collection of our projects below). In Social Studies, students learn to read, analyze, and question stories with a critical eye to ensure they are learning the full story. Ask your child, is Columbus a hero or criminal? Have them explain their thinking using evidence from the text or video.
Today was the last day for students to publish their personal narratives in Writers' Workshop. Personal narratives will come home by tomorrow, at the latest.
In Read Aloud, students use context and their mental movies to identify unknown words and determine their synonyms and antonyms.
In Word Study, students played "Letter Spin". Tomorrow we will have a Word Study Challenge, where students will be asked to write sentences which include words from Word Study lessons. We use challenges to make sure students are being held accountable for lessons and to ensure transfer. At dinner or in the car tonight, have your child try to spell the following words (remind them of to use what they know from Word Study lessons): field, receiver, inferring, emergencies, strategies, birthdays.
In Readers' Workshop, students took on more responsibility regarding explaining the effectiveness of their evidence. As an aside, research indicates that writing about reading works to ensure comprehension and foster critical thinking. As such, we spend time in Readers' Workshop learning how to effectively communicate our thinking through writing, in our notebooks. See a few snapshots from students' readers' notebooks below.
Students visited Reading Beaver Block today. Ask them what they worked on in their classroom!
This past week in Social Studies, students examined the story of Christopher Columbus. We studied an informational video from the European point of view and then closely read Encounter, a picture book representing the Native American point of view. Students took on either point of view and created portraits of Columbus, with a headline indicating their viewpoint (see a collection of our projects below). In Social Studies, students learn to read, analyze, and question stories with a critical eye to ensure they are learning the full story. Ask your child, is Columbus a hero or criminal? Have them explain their thinking using evidence from the text or video.
Homework:
- Math homework tonight, remind your child to be precise!
- Read 20 minutes
Reminders:
- Students earned lunch in the classroom tomorrow, and are allowed to wear pajamas to school.
- Math Test Sign & Returns due tomorrow.
- Conferences are Monday, November 3.
Classroom Supplies:
- Sticky Notes
Thank you,
Ms. Smith
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Math Test Sign & Returns
In Math Workshop today, students were asked, "What do all good mathematicians do?" We did a "chalk talk" where students first wrote their thinking in their notebooks, then we collectively gathered similar ideas on the whiteboard. One strategy all students said was "being precise and double checking our work". In effort to focus and improve on this strategy, today we began working in groups to solve high level, real world problems. Students chose their group role in order to work collaboratively and productively in their teams. Ask your child what their role is: Group leader, encourager, materials manager, timekeeper, or recorder. Ask their responsibilities are for their role. All students will eventually take on all roles as we progress through the school year. Tomorrow we will begin "attacking" real world problems with precision in mind.
Students are coming home today with their Unit 2 Math Test results. Please review the test with your child and return to school by Friday, October 31. If you have questions or concerns about the test, please note that we will have time to discuss this during conferences on Monday.
In Writers' Workshop, students continued to revise, publish, and peer edit their writing. Hopefully all personal narratives will be sent home by Friday!
In Read Aloud, we payed special attention to what characters say (and the tone in which they say it in) to infer ideas about their character traits. As a class we're trying to be more precise with the way we describe characters. Today some of the character traits that popped up were: assertive, sympathetic, and irritable. Students are allowed to sit in comfy seats as long as their engaging in dialogue and the text. See a few snapshots from Read Aloud below.
In Word Study, students continued to play the "Letter Spin" game where they apply word study lessons to define and spell words.
In Readers' Workshop, students learned to explain their evidence in order to prove their thinking about characters and relationships.
Students visited Reading Beaver Block today.
In Social Studies, students participated in a "gallery walk". Students' projects are posted around the room. In pairs, we rotate to each project and jot down what we notice about point of view, technique, and start to think about their implications on stories told throughout history.
Please note, I have added the Conference Schedule tab. Please refer to this tab for conference times. Thank you!
Students are coming home today with their Unit 2 Math Test results. Please review the test with your child and return to school by Friday, October 31. If you have questions or concerns about the test, please note that we will have time to discuss this during conferences on Monday.
In Writers' Workshop, students continued to revise, publish, and peer edit their writing. Hopefully all personal narratives will be sent home by Friday!
In Read Aloud, we payed special attention to what characters say (and the tone in which they say it in) to infer ideas about their character traits. As a class we're trying to be more precise with the way we describe characters. Today some of the character traits that popped up were: assertive, sympathetic, and irritable. Students are allowed to sit in comfy seats as long as their engaging in dialogue and the text. See a few snapshots from Read Aloud below.
In Word Study, students continued to play the "Letter Spin" game where they apply word study lessons to define and spell words.
In Readers' Workshop, students learned to explain their evidence in order to prove their thinking about characters and relationships.
Students visited Reading Beaver Block today.
In Social Studies, students participated in a "gallery walk". Students' projects are posted around the room. In pairs, we rotate to each project and jot down what we notice about point of view, technique, and start to think about their implications on stories told throughout history.
Homework:
- Read 20 minutes
Reminders:
- Math Test Sign & Returns due Friday.
- Conferences are Monday, November 3.
Classroom Supplies:
- Sticky Notes
Thank you,
Ms. Smith
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Conference Schedule
Hi All,
Below is our Conference Schedule; conferences are noted using students' last names. Please note, I did my very best to accommodate preferences and schedules, however, the evening availability is limited. A copy of our schedule will be coming home in your child's Beaver Folder as well today. If you are unable to make conferences at your designated time, please email me at Hadley.Smith@hcps.org.
Thank you so much for your continued support, and I look forward to our meeting!
8:00 Gray
8:30 Williamson
9:00 Locklear
9:30 Lee
10:30 Head
11:00 Tuite
11:30 Hart
12:10 Fowlkes
2:00 Broussard
2:20 Durborow
2:40 Bailey
3:00 Vias
3:20 Spriggs
5:30 Zumbano
5:50 Faber
6:10 Cain
6:30 Sewell
6:50 Bright
7:10 Green
Homework:
- Math homework due tomorrow
- Read 20 minutes
Reminders:
- Conference Request Forms due.
- Conferences are Monday, November 3.
Classroom Supplies:
- Sticky Notes
Thank you,
Ms. Smith
Monday, October 27, 2014
Kidblog Notices Coming Home Today
In Math Workshop, students took their Unit 3 Pre-assessment. Pre-assessments are intended to assess what students already know and may not know yet about upcoming mathematical concepts, strategies, etc. Pre-assessments guide my instruction to meet all students' needs as well as document growth.
In Writers' Workshop we will be in the lab all week publishing our personal narratives. We are aiming to have all personal narratives completed and graded by Friday.
In Read Aloud, students used our productive talk moves to bounce off and build on each others' ideas regarding characters, relationships, and plot.
In Readers' Workshop, we identified and used effective evidence to prove character claims in writing.
Students went to Math Beaver Block today.
In Social Studies, students finished up their Christopher Columbus visible thinking projects. Ask your child what their headline is and what point of view the are using. Students will participate in a gallery walk on Wednesday to view and notice and note qualities of each others' projects and thinking.
Coming home today in students' Beaver Folders are Kidblog notices. I have attached the letter below, as well. Please review this notice and feel free to email me with any questions!
Thank you,
In Writers' Workshop we will be in the lab all week publishing our personal narratives. We are aiming to have all personal narratives completed and graded by Friday.
In Read Aloud, students used our productive talk moves to bounce off and build on each others' ideas regarding characters, relationships, and plot.
In Readers' Workshop, we identified and used effective evidence to prove character claims in writing.
Students went to Math Beaver Block today.
In Social Studies, students finished up their Christopher Columbus visible thinking projects. Ask your child what their headline is and what point of view the are using. Students will participate in a gallery walk on Wednesday to view and notice and note qualities of each others' projects and thinking.
Coming home today in students' Beaver Folders are Kidblog notices. I have attached the letter below, as well. Please review this notice and feel free to email me with any questions!
Homework:
- Read 20 minutes
Reminders:
- Conference Request Forms due.
- Conferences are Monday, November 3.
- Muffins-for-Moms:
- Monday, October 27: Last names A-K
- Tuesday, October 28: Last names L-Z
- "Art to Remember" due tomorrow.
Classroom Supplies:
- Sticky Notes
Thank you,
Ms. Smith
--------------------------------------------------------------
October 27, 2014
Dear Parents & Guardians,
This week, students will be creating and starting their own
blogs. I am using “Kidblog” which is a private website that does not allow
anyone aside from students in our class to view/ comment on student blogs. I am
the "Administrator" of all blogs, and can edit, view, etc. all
student blogs. As a class, we will discuss appropriate and inappropriate
ways to use these blogs to write and communicate with each other. I
expect students to be respectful and responsible in their use of their blogs.
Students will only be blogging in the classroom, on Fridays. I have
used this website before, and it has been very successful in its purpose.
The purpose of these blogs is to provide students with an
authentic audience for their writing as well as a space to publish their
thinking. In addition, when blogging, I will teach students basic keyboarding
and computer skills. Furthermore, the majority of the writing published on
student blogs will be regarding the books students are currently reading.
Again, blogs are a space for students to document their thinking and
collaborate with their peers using productive talk moves. Specifically, blogs
allow students to comment on and build ideas off of each others' thinking.
Please contact me via email if you have any questions or
concerns about blogging.
Thank you,
Hadley Smith
Friday, October 24, 2014
Parent-Teacher Conference Sign Up
Coming home today in students' Beaver Folders are "Conference Request Forms". Please try to get these back to me this coming Monday, so I can start communicating times with families. I will do my best to accommodate schedules and time preferences.
Students took their Unit 2 Math Assessment today. I will try to get these graded and sent home by next week. Again, thank you for your patience with receiving feedback and grades! See our "Fluency Stars" below!
In Writers' Workshop, students used their checklist/ rubric to revise and edit their writing as well as the writing of their literacy partner's. I will also confer with students about any revisions we can make so as to ensure strong, meaningful writing! Hopefully these will start coming home next week, as well.
In Read Aloud, students used close reading strategies to infer ideas about characters and make meaningful predictions. Students also used our "productive talk moves" to build on and bounce of other students' thoughts.
In Word Study, students played "Letter Spin". In "Letter Spin" students are applying their knowledge of suffixes, plurals, and vocabulary to spell and define words.
In Readers' Workshop, students used the most effective evidence to prove character claims through writing.
Students went to reading Beaver Block.
In Social Studies, students are starting to publish their projects. We participate in a gallery walk next week, where students will notice and note specific characteristics and qualities of each others' thinking and projects.
Homework:
- Read 20 minutes
Reminders:
- Conference Request Forms due Monday, October 27.
- Conferences are Monday, November 3.
- Muffins-for-Moms:
- Monday, October 27: Last names A-K
- Tuesday, October 28: Last names L-Z
Classroom Supplies:
- Sticky Notes
Thank you,
Ms. Smith
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Race for Education Tomorrow: Wear Purple!
In Math Workshop, we completed the rest of our Unit 2 Review. Again, students have starred problems for homework tonight. After, we play Math Jeopardy, where students had to collaborate and work in teams to respond to and show their thinking regarding multi-step problems. See our contestants below.
In Writers' Workshop, students used the checklist/ rubric we created together yesterday based on our lessons to revise and edit their typed personal narrative. Some students also engaged in peer feedback, depending on where they are in the writing process.
In Read Aloud, students payed close attention to character actions to infer ideas about characters and relationships.
In Word Study, we played a purposeful Word Study game, "Letter Spin!". In this game, students must apply their lessons to spell, define, and convert to plural or add a suffix to words in their word bags (we created these today). Words in students word bags are: prefer, strategy, infer, laboratory, emergency, return, cancel, birthday, travel, engage, accept, give, excel, respect, egotistical, assertive, sympathetic, irritable, field, receipt, ceiling, receiver, retriever, and friends.
In Readers' Workshop, students used charts in their notebooks to help them identify the most effective evidence for proving a character claim.
Students went to reading Beaver Block.
In Social Studies, students continued their work on their Christopher Columbus headline projects depicting different points of view in history.
In Writers' Workshop, students used the checklist/ rubric we created together yesterday based on our lessons to revise and edit their typed personal narrative. Some students also engaged in peer feedback, depending on where they are in the writing process.
In Read Aloud, students payed close attention to character actions to infer ideas about characters and relationships.
In Word Study, we played a purposeful Word Study game, "Letter Spin!". In this game, students must apply their lessons to spell, define, and convert to plural or add a suffix to words in their word bags (we created these today). Words in students word bags are: prefer, strategy, infer, laboratory, emergency, return, cancel, birthday, travel, engage, accept, give, excel, respect, egotistical, assertive, sympathetic, irritable, field, receipt, ceiling, receiver, retriever, and friends.
In Readers' Workshop, students used charts in their notebooks to help them identify the most effective evidence for proving a character claim.
Students went to reading Beaver Block.
In Social Studies, students continued their work on their Christopher Columbus headline projects depicting different points of view in history.
Spirit Day Schedule:
- Friday: Race for Education, wear Riverside purple!
Homework:
- Math review, only starred problems
- Read 20 minutes
Reminders:
- Unit 2 Math Test tomorrow
- Race for Education tomorrow
Classroom Supplies:
- Sticky Notes
Thank you,
Ms. Smith
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Wacky Hair Day! Tomorrow NEON!
See our wacky hair below!
In Math Workshop today, we worked on our Unit 2 Math Review. We did odds in class, evens are for homework. Only problems with stars next to them are homework--we only did half of the review today. We will complete the rest tomorrow. Remember, our test is this Friday! :)
In Writers' Workshop, we compiled all of our target learning goals from our personal narrative anchor chart to create a checklist (or rubric). Students will go through this check list first by themselves, then their partner will review their writing, and finally, I will review their writing and provide feedback. Your child's published personal narrative and this checklist and feedback will come home as students complete this process.
In Read Aloud, students payed close attention to Contrasts & Contradictions as well as character thinking and dialogue to infer ideas about characters and relationships.
In Word Study, students learned a new "generalization", one we adults are familiar with: i before e, except after c.
In Readers' Workshop, students payed close attention to what characters do to grow ideas about them. They then used their notebook to further extend their thinking about characters.
Students went to reading Beaver Block today. Ask them what reading strategies they worked on!
In Social Studies, students worked in groups to create "headlines" to quickly explain different points of view regarding Christopher Columbus.
Spirit Day Schedule:
In Math Workshop today, we worked on our Unit 2 Math Review. We did odds in class, evens are for homework. Only problems with stars next to them are homework--we only did half of the review today. We will complete the rest tomorrow. Remember, our test is this Friday! :)
In Writers' Workshop, we compiled all of our target learning goals from our personal narrative anchor chart to create a checklist (or rubric). Students will go through this check list first by themselves, then their partner will review their writing, and finally, I will review their writing and provide feedback. Your child's published personal narrative and this checklist and feedback will come home as students complete this process.
In Read Aloud, students payed close attention to Contrasts & Contradictions as well as character thinking and dialogue to infer ideas about characters and relationships.
In Word Study, students learned a new "generalization", one we adults are familiar with: i before e, except after c.
In Readers' Workshop, students payed close attention to what characters do to grow ideas about them. They then used their notebook to further extend their thinking about characters.
Students went to reading Beaver Block today. Ask them what reading strategies they worked on!
In Social Studies, students worked in groups to create "headlines" to quickly explain different points of view regarding Christopher Columbus.
Spirit Day Schedule:
- Monday: Sports
- Tuesday: Tacky Tuesday
- Wednesday: Wacky Hair and Hat Day
- Thursday: Bright Futures for Our EAGER Beavers, wear NEON!
- Friday: Race for Education, wear Riverside purple!
Homework:
- Math review, only starred problems
- Read 20 minutes
Reminders:
- Unit 2 Math Test: Friday, October 24.
- Race for Education this Friday.
Classroom Supplies:
- Sticky Notes
Thank you,
Ms. Smith
Monday, October 20, 2014
Spirit Week!
Below is our Spirit Day schedule:
- Monday: Sports
- Tuesday: Tacky Tuesday
- Wednesday: Wacky Hair and Hat Day
- Thursday: Bright Futures for Our EAGER Beavers, wear NEON!
- Friday: Race for Education, wear Riverside purple!
Homework:
- Math homework due tomorrow
- Read 20 minutes
Reminders:
- Please note: I will be out of the building tomorrow for New Hire business. Please direct any changes in dismissal, etc. to the office. Thank you!
- Unit 2 Math Test: Friday, October 24.
Classroom Supplies:
- Sticky Notes
Thank you,
Ms. Smith
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Math Test Pushed to Friday
In Math Workshop, students used a number line and spatial reasoning to explain rounding. Please note that our Math Test has been moved to Friday as students need a bit more support with rounding in multi-step problems.
In Writers' Workshop, students began typing their personal narratives on the computer (see below). In the lab, students will not only work to publish their narratives, but also learn keyboarding and Microsoft Word skills.
In Read Aloud, students used strategies to grow ideas about character to help us think about and compare relationships.
In Word Study, students played a word sort and match game. Students had to apply their knowledge of our new vocab words to identify synonyms and antonyms. Over the weekend, talk about these words: egotistical, irritable, assertive, sympathetic. In the car, have them use our vocabulary words to describe people in TV shows, movies, books, real life, etc.
In Readers' Workshop, students took on all of the responsibility in identifying "Contrasts & Contradictions" and then considering character change and growing inferences.
Students switched for Beaver Block where they focused on reading and comprehension.
In Social Studies, we used "headlines" to help us capture the true points of view of the Native Americans and Europeans regarding Christopher Columbus' voyage.
In Writers' Workshop, students began typing their personal narratives on the computer (see below). In the lab, students will not only work to publish their narratives, but also learn keyboarding and Microsoft Word skills.
In Read Aloud, students used strategies to grow ideas about character to help us think about and compare relationships.
In Word Study, students played a word sort and match game. Students had to apply their knowledge of our new vocab words to identify synonyms and antonyms. Over the weekend, talk about these words: egotistical, irritable, assertive, sympathetic. In the car, have them use our vocabulary words to describe people in TV shows, movies, books, real life, etc.
In Readers' Workshop, students took on all of the responsibility in identifying "Contrasts & Contradictions" and then considering character change and growing inferences.
Students switched for Beaver Block where they focused on reading and comprehension.
In Social Studies, we used "headlines" to help us capture the true points of view of the Native Americans and Europeans regarding Christopher Columbus' voyage.
Homework:
- Math homework due Monday (only the tens side!)
- Read 20 minutes
Reminders:
- Unit 2 Math Test: Friday, October 24.
- No school this tomorrow.
- Math Test Sign & Return due
Classroom Supplies:
- Sticky Notes
Thank you,
Ms. Smith
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
SMI
In Math Workshop today, students used rounding to the nearest tens or hundreds places to help them make quick, reasonable estimates. Students then visited stations where they applied what they have been learning this unit to purposeful math games and tasks. Tomorrow we will apply our spatial reasoning and understanding about rounding to real world problems.
The Scholastic Math Inventory (SMI) took the time slot of Writers' Workshop today. The SMI is an assessment students will continue to take as they advance through elementary school as a gauge of student growth and progress, and as a tool to influence and guide effective instruction. Next week I will be sure to send home their score's along with last year's so you can see your child's progress.
In Word Study, students learned two new words: sympathetic and assertive. Ask your child what these words mean at home, have them give you examples from book, TV, movies, or real life.
In Read Aloud we used Contrasts & Contradictions to help us make meaningful predictions about character change.
In Readers' Workshop, students learned to consider character change when they come to a "CC" in order to help us grow ideas about characters and theme (see below). As always, books clubs met and discussed plot, characters, etc. and engaged in meaningful dialogue and comprehension strategies to foster critical thinking.
Today was our first time actually switching for Beaver Block. Ask your child what they did today, and who's class they were in.
In Social Studies, students compared different points of view about Christopher Columbus to make their own claims about this individual. In addition, we reflected on what we learned and now think about him. Ask you child to use, "I used to think... Now I know..." for Christopher Columbus. Have them explain their reasoning.
 |
| Chelsea and her group are rolling 3-digit numbers and rounding to the nearest tens and hundreds. |
 |
| Kiersten and her group are "rolling a story" and using change diagrams to solve multi-step problems. |
 |
| Christian, Ryan, DJ and Brea are rounding to the nearest hundreds on "Math Man". |
 |
| Jazella and her group are dissecting patterns to help them identify missing numbers. |
In Word Study, students learned two new words: sympathetic and assertive. Ask your child what these words mean at home, have them give you examples from book, TV, movies, or real life.
In Read Aloud we used Contrasts & Contradictions to help us make meaningful predictions about character change.
In Readers' Workshop, students learned to consider character change when they come to a "CC" in order to help us grow ideas about characters and theme (see below). As always, books clubs met and discussed plot, characters, etc. and engaged in meaningful dialogue and comprehension strategies to foster critical thinking.
Today was our first time actually switching for Beaver Block. Ask your child what they did today, and who's class they were in.
In Social Studies, students compared different points of view about Christopher Columbus to make their own claims about this individual. In addition, we reflected on what we learned and now think about him. Ask you child to use, "I used to think... Now I know..." for Christopher Columbus. Have them explain their reasoning.
Homework:
- Read 20 minutes
Reminders:
- Bank Day tomorrow. Please sign your child's planner.
- Unit 2 Math Test: Thursday, October 23.
- No school this Friday.
- Math Test Sign & Return due
Classroom Supplies:
- Sticky Notes
Thank you,
Ms. Smith
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Math Test Next Week
In Math Workshop, students applied their understanding of the equal sign to help them explain the communicative property of addition. That is, the order in which you add numbers together does not matter, you'll get the same sum. We will have a Math Test next week on Thursday, October 23. We will spend time reviewing in class, and I will send home a review home next week.
In Writers' Workshop, students learned to use their anchor chart as a check list to help them identify how they can revise their writing and make it even better. Students chose their best written published piece to begin typing in the lab tomorrow and Thursday. Typed up personal narratives will be sent home with feedback as students finish them. Please note, it may be a while before they come home due to keyboarding.
In Read Aloud, students were on the look out for Contrasts & Contradictions within Goblins in the Castle. When we notice a character is acting out of character, we need to stop and ask ourselves, "Why is the character doing that?" The answers help us ready our mind to think about and identify possible themes.
In Word Study this week we are working to expand our vocabulary through text. Ask your child our two Word Study words this week (A: egotistical and irritable). Ask them what each word means.
In Readers' Workshop, students began writing about their reading through the close reading strategy "Contrasts & Contradictions". A note about writing about reading: There is a great deal of research indicating how writing about reading improves comprehension and fosters critical thinking skills within individuals. While we do a lot of writing about reading in class, feel free to encourage your child to do so at home. Suggest they show you how we use color, symbol, or image to think about characters (they know this language/ strategy).
In Social Studies, we closely read Encounter, by Jane Yolen. We analyzed the Native American point of view regarding Christopher Columbus' journey to America. Ask your child what they can infer about how Native American thought about Christopher Columbus using the picture above. Encourage them to use precise character traits, ask them why they think that, what is their evidence in the illustration? We will begin comparing different points of view and examining their implications on history later this week.
In Writers' Workshop, students learned to use their anchor chart as a check list to help them identify how they can revise their writing and make it even better. Students chose their best written published piece to begin typing in the lab tomorrow and Thursday. Typed up personal narratives will be sent home with feedback as students finish them. Please note, it may be a while before they come home due to keyboarding.
In Read Aloud, students were on the look out for Contrasts & Contradictions within Goblins in the Castle. When we notice a character is acting out of character, we need to stop and ask ourselves, "Why is the character doing that?" The answers help us ready our mind to think about and identify possible themes.
In Word Study this week we are working to expand our vocabulary through text. Ask your child our two Word Study words this week (A: egotistical and irritable). Ask them what each word means.
In Readers' Workshop, students began writing about their reading through the close reading strategy "Contrasts & Contradictions". A note about writing about reading: There is a great deal of research indicating how writing about reading improves comprehension and fosters critical thinking skills within individuals. While we do a lot of writing about reading in class, feel free to encourage your child to do so at home. Suggest they show you how we use color, symbol, or image to think about characters (they know this language/ strategy).
In Social Studies, we closely read Encounter, by Jane Yolen. We analyzed the Native American point of view regarding Christopher Columbus' journey to America. Ask your child what they can infer about how Native American thought about Christopher Columbus using the picture above. Encourage them to use precise character traits, ask them why they think that, what is their evidence in the illustration? We will begin comparing different points of view and examining their implications on history later this week.
Homework:
- Read 20 minutes
Reminders:
- Unit 2 Math Test: Thursday, October 23.
- No school this Friday.
- Math Test Sign & Return due
Classroom Supplies:
- Sticky Notes
Thank you,
Ms. Smith
Monday, October 13, 2014
Projects!
On Friday, most students presented their projects based on their thinking and learning about key democratic ideas. Below are snapshots from these presentations as well as a few videos. Tonight, ask your child about their project. Ask them what they learned about being a responsible citizen or patriot, and why they made certain decisions in their projects.
Homework:
- Read 20 minutes
Reminders:
- No school this Friday
- Math Test Sign & Return due
Classroom Supplies:
- Sticky Notes
Thank you,
Ms. Smith
Friday, October 10, 2014
The Writing Process
In Math Workshop, we played Math Jeopardy! Students worked in teams to answer a variety of multi-step math problems. In addition, we discussed good sportsmanship and applied this to our game. Great job today, students!
In Writers' Workshop, students spent most of the time writing as many students are in the publishing phase of the writing process. One phase of the writing process encourages students to reread and edit their writing; this involves checking to make sure words are spelled correctly. In order to be more productive and efficient, I showed the kids how to use the dictionary website to check spelling, rather than spending 20 minutes searching a dictionary. Next week we will be getting in the lab and typing our best published pieces up; these will come home with feedback once completed. I'll keep you posted on progress.
In Word Study, we read Goblins in the Castle and used precise words to describe characters in order to expand our vocabulary.
In Readers' Workshop, students learned to stop, notice, and note when a character acts or does something that contrasts what they've been doing all along. When we notice a "CC" we stop and ask ourselves, "Why is the character doing that?" These answers ready our minds to infer ideas about characters, relationships, and theme. Over the weekend, when you child is reading, ask them if they've identified any "CC's". Have them answer the question, "Why is the character doing that?"
In Social Studies, we finalized our projects and presented. I recorded these on my iPad. I will post projects to the blog by Monday!
Homework:
In Writers' Workshop, students spent most of the time writing as many students are in the publishing phase of the writing process. One phase of the writing process encourages students to reread and edit their writing; this involves checking to make sure words are spelled correctly. In order to be more productive and efficient, I showed the kids how to use the dictionary website to check spelling, rather than spending 20 minutes searching a dictionary. Next week we will be getting in the lab and typing our best published pieces up; these will come home with feedback once completed. I'll keep you posted on progress.
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| Ask your child what we use this clip chart for in Writers' Workshop! |
In Readers' Workshop, students learned to stop, notice, and note when a character acts or does something that contrasts what they've been doing all along. When we notice a "CC" we stop and ask ourselves, "Why is the character doing that?" These answers ready our minds to infer ideas about characters, relationships, and theme. Over the weekend, when you child is reading, ask them if they've identified any "CC's". Have them answer the question, "Why is the character doing that?"
In Social Studies, we finalized our projects and presented. I recorded these on my iPad. I will post projects to the blog by Monday!
Homework:
- Read 20 minutes
Reminders:
- Math Test Sign & Return due
Classroom Supplies:
- Sticky Notes
Have a wonderful weekend!
Ms. Smith
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Contrasts & Contradictions
In Math Workshop, students applied their understanding of change diagrams to help them organize and solve multi-step number stories, or real world problems. As always, students visited stations that reinforced and extended on our math concepts (see snapshots below). This week, I have introduced the "technology station". While we only have two technological devices right now at the station, students have been doing an AWESOME job sharing and working together at this station! Very proud of the kids today!
In Writers' Workshop, I gave students the majority of the time to write, as most students are in the publishing phase of the writing process. As students finish their personal narratives, we share them with class during "share". Next week, I intend to get us in the computer lab and type these up!
In Read Aloud, we applied the strategies we use to grow ideas about characters to think about new characters in our story, Fauna and Herky.
In Word Study, students participated in a Word Study Challenge! Students had to use everything they've learned about words, sounds, and letter relationships to spell words they may not know how to spell yet!
In Readers' Workshop, students learned to stop, notice, and note when a characters does something that is opposite (contrasts) what they've been doing all along. When we notice these "CC's" (as we call them), we pause and think, "Is the character starting to change?" These answers help us make inferences about characters and theme.
In Social Studies, students began presenting their projects on their learning about key democratic ideas. Be sure to check back tomorrow; I'll be posting their projects!
Today we also practiced switching for "Beaver Block". Beaver Block will happen every day and focuses on reading and math. Students are in mixed-ability, flexible groups, and will visit different teachers and classrooms to work on key concepts and strategies. Beaver Block is a fantastic opportunity to differentiate instruction and learning, and really meet the needs of all students to ensure high levels of learning for all! It is our intention to start switching this coming Wednesday.
Homework:
In Writers' Workshop, I gave students the majority of the time to write, as most students are in the publishing phase of the writing process. As students finish their personal narratives, we share them with class during "share". Next week, I intend to get us in the computer lab and type these up!
In Read Aloud, we applied the strategies we use to grow ideas about characters to think about new characters in our story, Fauna and Herky.
In Word Study, students participated in a Word Study Challenge! Students had to use everything they've learned about words, sounds, and letter relationships to spell words they may not know how to spell yet!
In Readers' Workshop, students learned to stop, notice, and note when a characters does something that is opposite (contrasts) what they've been doing all along. When we notice these "CC's" (as we call them), we pause and think, "Is the character starting to change?" These answers help us make inferences about characters and theme.
In Social Studies, students began presenting their projects on their learning about key democratic ideas. Be sure to check back tomorrow; I'll be posting their projects!
Today we also practiced switching for "Beaver Block". Beaver Block will happen every day and focuses on reading and math. Students are in mixed-ability, flexible groups, and will visit different teachers and classrooms to work on key concepts and strategies. Beaver Block is a fantastic opportunity to differentiate instruction and learning, and really meet the needs of all students to ensure high levels of learning for all! It is our intention to start switching this coming Wednesday.
Homework:
- Math homework: Create a number story with three "changes". If students forget how to do this, have them check their math notebook to help them!
- Read 20 minutes
Reminders:
- Orioles Spirit Day tomorrow!
- Math Test Sign & Return due Friday, October 10 tomorrow.
- Sticky Notes
Thank you,
Ms. Smith
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