Fluency Stars!

Edline

Hi All,

Edline is up and running.  I have inputted grades and they should be posted.  Please note, I will only be posting on district "post days".  The following dates are post days for the second quarter: November 21, December 12, January 16, January 23.

Grading:

• Math homework will be "chunk-ed" per week. Students will receive a grade out of 100 which includes all homework from that week.  If your child has a check on their homework, that indicates they received full credit. Partial credit will be marked on homework as "partial credit".  In other words, if your child is completing their homework consistently, they should be receiving full credit.
• All other grade descriptions are indicated on Edline.  Many grades are notebook checks (i.e. if your child is completing class work) or participation, as marked.

In Writers' Workshop, students posted their thinking about Ivan, the main character from our read aloud, The One and Only Ivan.  We collaborated with a second grade class in Michigan (a class from the building I was in last year).

Students participated in a Word Study Challenge today.  Students applied their knowledge of the long a letter patterns and relationships to spell words.  These will be graded and sent home when students come back from Thanksgiving Break.  I will also post these to Edline tonight.

Students took their Unit 3 Math Test today.  Again, those grades will come home when students return from break.

Students visited Reading Beaver Block.

A note to family members who visited:  Thank you so much for visiting our class.  We so enjoyed you coming in and getting a feel for how are days run!  Thank you so much for your interest and continued support!

Have a joyful and safe Thanksgiving!  Please encourage your child to read their 20 minutes a day and practice math facts (subtraction, addition, multiplication 1's and 2's).  If your child needs a little motivation to read, have them blog about what they read following their 20 minutes!

Homework: 

• Read 20 minutes a day over break! 

Reminders:

• No school for students next week.

Classroom Supplies:  We are very short on sticky notes and dry erase markers! Any donations are really, really appreciated! I will purchase some as well.

• Dry erase markers
• Sticky Notes

Thank you,

Ms. Smith

Math Test Tomorrow

Math games to practice conversions:

• Feet and inches
• Yards and feet

In Math Workshop, we spent time reviewing area, perimeter, conversions, and line plots.  Students then visited stations where they found the median, mode, maximum, minimum, and range.  The kids have their review coming home today, due tomorrow.  Tomorrow's  test will be from 1:25-2:25.  Please keep this in mind if you plan on visiting our room.

In Writers' Workshop, we went to the lab to find facts and information that support our respective opinions regarding Seaworld.  Students are learning to jot down facts and their sources in their notebooks to use later as they're planning and writing their opinion essays.

In Word Study, students applied their knowledge of the long a letter patterns and relationships to play and spell words in Letter Spin.  Tomorrow students have a Word Study Challenge.

In Readers' Workshop, students used themes they've identified to make claims about themes in texts they've read.  When your child is reading tonight, have them tell you what they think the theme in their book might mean.  Encourage them to use evidence from the text to support their thinking. 

In Science, students made a new hypothesis for chemical change experiement.  When then tested our hypotheses in our experiment,

Students visited Reading Beaver Block.

Homework:

• Math review due tomorrow
• Read 20 minutes 

Reminders:

• Unit 3 Math Test: tomorrow
• We have an assembly tomorrow beginning at 10:15. We will be packed very tight.  If you are here during that time, you'll to stand against the back wall... Thank you for understanding our limited space.
• Bank tomorrow
• American Education Week is this week.
• Please note, if you are planning on visiting our room on Friday, students will be taking their Unit 3 Math Test from 1:25-2:25.
• No school for students next week.

Classroom Supplies:  We are very short on sticky notes and dry erase markers! Any donations are really, really appreciated! I will purchase some as well.

• Dry erase markers
• Sticky Notes

Thank you,

Ms. Smith

Math Test Friday

In Math Workshop, students practiced converting measurements and proving their thinking with mathematical tools.  Additionally, students used a data chart to construct a line plot.  The kids then visited stations where they found the median, mode, maximum, minimum, and range (using our lyrics to help them).  Students have homework today, due tomorrow.

In Writers' Workshop, we went to the lab to research and find "juicy details" that support our opinion regarding Seaworld.

In Word Study, students played "Letter Spin", applying their knowledge of the long a letter patterns to spell words.

In Readers' Workshop, students took on all the responsibility regarding identifying AA's, determining what they symbolize, and then creating a meaningful theme or life lesson.  Students closely read The Giving Tree with their literacy partners to do so.

In Science, we completed our first experiment about matter.  At home, as your child if liquid, gas, and solid hold their shapes, respectively.

Students visited Reading Beaver Block today.

Homework:

• Math homework due tomorrow
• Read 20 minutes 

Reminders:

• Unit 3 Math Test: Friday, November 21.
• First in Math account information in students' planners.
• American Education Week is next week.
• Please note, if you are planning on visiting our room on Friday, students will be taking their Unit 3 Math Test from 10:05-11:10.

Classroom Supplies:  We are very short on sticky notes and dry erase markers! Any donations are really, really appreciated! I will purchase some as well.

• Dry erase markers
• Sticky Notes

Thank you,

Ms. Smith

MMMR Rap

Today students learned (suffered through) lyrics that I wrote to help them remember maximum, minimum, median, and range.  The lyrics go to the tune on "Jump Around".  Click here for the instrumental version.  Encourage your child to use these lyrics when they're working on their homework tonight.

MMMR Rap

Max around, max around
It’s the largest number in town

Max-i-mum [clap]
Max-i-mum [clap]

Minimum, minimum
It’s the smallest number of ‘em

Min-i-mum [clap]

Min-i-mum [clap]

Med-i-an, med-i-an

It’s the middle number when innn order

Med-i-an [clap]

Med-i-an [clap]

Find the mode, find the mode

It’s the one that oc-curs most

Find the mode [clap]

Find the mode [clap]

Solve for range, solve for range
It’s the max minus min in change

Solve for range [clap]

Solve for range [clap]

Homework:

• Math homework due tomorrow (double sided).
• Read 20 minutes 

Reminders:

• Unit 3 Math Test: Friday, November 21.
• First in Math account information in students' planners.
• American Education Week is next week.
• Wednesday: Third grade families
• Please note, if you are planning on visiting our room on Friday, students will be taking their Unit 3 Math Test from 10:05-11:10.

Classroom Supplies:  

• Pens
• Dry erase markers
• Sticky Notes

Thank you,

Ms. Smith

Math Test Friday

In Math Workshop, students used spatial reasoning to make sense of fractions on a number line, and, in extension, on rulers.  Students measured objects throughout the room in inches and centimeters. Students discovered that the same object can have different measures based on the size of the unit (again using their spatial awareness and understanding here).  In addition, we did "Graffiti Math" for the first time today.  On whiteboards, students tried to show many ways to solve the same problem, thereby creating "graffiti" on their whiteboards.  Lastly, students have their Unit 3 Math Test this Friday. As always, I'll send home a study guide on Wednesday or Thursday.

In Writers' Workshop, students brainstormed ideas they're passionate about and want to see changed in the world to help them start thinking about topics for their opinion essay.

Students have a Word Study list coming home today.  We'll have a challenge on Friday.  Please note, the kids do not have spelling homework, however, I sent home lists just in case students wanted to review at home.  I've attached the letter home at the bottom of this post.

In Readers' Workshop, students again were on the look out for Again and Agains.  Once we identified an AA, we used symbolism to help us create possible themes.

In Science, students studied different characteristics of matter. We used balloons full of air, water, and frozen water to help us determine their respective characteristics.

Students visited Math Beaver Block today.

Homework:

• Math homework due tomorrow.
• Read 20 minutes 

Reminders:

• Unit 3 Math Test: Friday, November 21.
• Picture Retakes tomorrow
• First in Math account information in students' planners.
• American Education Week is next week.
• Monday: Grandparents day
• Wednesday: Third grade families

Classroom Supplies:  

• Pens
• Dry erase markers
• Sticky Notes

Thank you,

Ms. Smith

__________________________________________

Spelling Words, Week 11/17—11/21

Parents & Guardians,

This week, we will be applying our knowledge of the long a sound and letter relationship(s) to spell words we know and may not know how to spell yet.  On Friday, students will have a Word Study Challenge on the words listed below.  We will also spend time in class practicing spelling through “Letter Spin”.   While I am not assigning any spelling homework, if you would like your child to review our words, please feel free to encourage them to practice.

Thank you,

Ms.  Smith

a_e

Mice

Bride

Stripe

Flake

Stove

Froze

ai

Chain

Trail

Stain

Mail

Waist

Sail

ay

Birthday

Daydream

Thursday

Essay

Play

Relay 

Pizza Slices

In Math Workshop, we practiced solving for area and perimeter, given a certain set of numbers.  Additionally, we practiced our math fact fluency (addition, subtraction and multiplication).  Students had their first opportunity to earn a slice of pizza (actually paper) today, if they successfully completed the one's facts in under two minutes.  When all students gain all their slices (0-12 multiplication facts), we will have a little pizza party celebration.

In Readers' Workshop, we read This is the Rope, by Jacqueline Woodson.  We noticed that the rope came up again and again, and identified what ideas it symbolizes.  We then used symbolism to help us grow ideas about possible themes.

In Writers' Workshop, students learned how to insert pictures in their blog posts.  They added book pictures or cover pages to their claims posts.

We also were a "classroom divided" today. Maryland plays Michigan State this weekend, so some of us wore our teams' colors to celebrate!

Homework:

• Read 20 minutes 

Reminders:

• Movie Night tonight: How to Train Your Dragon 2
• American Education Week is next week.
• Monday: Grandparents day
• Wednesday: Third grade families

Classroom Supplies:  

• Pens
• Dry erase markers
• Sticky Notes

Thank you,

Ms. Smith

What is Matter?

In Math Workshop, students worked with partners to discover and use patterns to help them solve complex problems.  Specifically, students used 1 sticky note to find the area of their desk.  Students discovered that they can use length times width rather than tracing and tracing and tracing a sticky note to solve for area.  Students have homework coming home today, due tomorrow.

In Writers' Workshop, we continued reading like writers, noticing how strong authors write in the opinion genre.  Ask your child if they think there should be zoos.  Have them explain their thinking with what they've learned from our text, Should There Be Zoos?

In Word Study, students notice letter-sound relationships to help them discover a third strategy to create the long a sound: ay.

In Readers' Workshop, we payed special attention to "Again and Agains" to help us identify symbolism and infer ideas about themes.  When your child is reading tonight, encourage them to "be on the look out" for AA's.  If they find an AA, have them ask and answer, "Why does this keep coming up again and again?"  These answers help us think about characters, symbolism and theme.

In Science, students explored characteristics of the 3 states of matter.  I will post pictures of our experiment tomorrow!

Students visited Math Beaver Block today.

Homework:

• Math homework due tomorrow
• Read 20 minutes 

Reminders:

• Early Dismissal tomorrow
• Bank Day tomorrow: Please make sure you've signed your child's planner.

Classroom Supplies:  

• Sticky Notes

Thank you,

Ms. Smith

More Educational Games Added

I added a spelling game and math game to our "Educational Links" tab, per students' requests :)

In Math Workshop, we learned a strategy called "CUBES" (Circle key numbers, Underline the question, Box math actions, Evaluate or plan your steps, Solve and check) to help us plan and attack word problems. Students also visited stations where they practiced current math practices like measurement, perimeter, and multiplication (see our stations below).

In Writers' Workshop, we read like writers, noticing how strong authors write opinion essays.  Today we read an argument against zoos focusing on zoochosis.  We noticed that opinion writing often includes extreme facts and personal questions that evoke emotion in the reader.

In Read Aloud, we payed special attention to mood to infer ideas about Mack, and in extension, the human race.

In Word Study, students applied letter sound knowledge and letter relationship patterns to discover another way to create the long a using the ai digraph.

In Readers' Workshop, we closely read Hatchet, by Gary Paulsen.  We noticed when phrases came up again and again and then asked ourselves, "Why does this keep coming up again and again?"  The answers to this question help us grow ideas about possible themes.

In Science, we used the scientific process and purposeful questions to guide out thinking about the changing Earth and create meaningful hypotheses.

Students visited Reading Beaver Block today.

Homework:

• Math homework due tomorrow
• Read 20 minutes 

Reminders:

• Early Dismissal: Friday, November 14

Classroom Supplies:  

• Sticky Notes

Thank you,

Ms. Smith

Should There Be Zoos?

In Math Workshop today, students explored and strategically calculated perimeters and areas based on space requirements and conversions.  The kids have math homework tonight, due tomorrow.

In Writers' Workshop, we studied our new mentor text, Should There Be Zoos?  This book is a collection of essays for and against zoos, written by fourth grade students.  This week, we will study these essays and jot down elements and strategies that make strong opinion writing.

In Read Aloud, we started The One and Only Ivan, by Katherine Applegate.

In Word Study, students examined long a patterns including a_e.  Students will use letter-sound awareness as well as letter relationships to spell words with long a's in them.

In Read Aloud, we learned a new close reading strategy to help us think about theme.  Students learned to stop, notice, and note when a phrase or object comes up again and again in order to help them grow ideas about theme and author's message.  More on this strategy to come this week!

In Science, we explored the scientific process and identified how this process will help us find and explain scientific discoveries and natural phenomenons.

Students went to Math Beaver Block today.

Julius, here is the link to "The World's Greatest" :)


Homework:

• Math homework due tomorrow
• Read 20 minutes 

Reminders:

• Early Dismissal: Friday, November 14

Classroom Supplies:  

• Sticky Notes

Thank you,

Ms. Smith

Out of Room

I am at New Teacher professional development today at Magnolia.  Please direct any changes in dismissal, etc. to the office.  Thank you!

Homework:

• Practice 2's times tables
• Read 20 minutes 

Reminders:

• Early Dismissal: Friday, November 14

Classroom Supplies:  A big thank you to families who have donated to our classroom! The kids and I really appreciate your generosity and support!

• Sticky Notes

Thank you,

Ms. Smith

Kidblog

In Math Workshop, students noticed patterns when multiplying by 1.  They used repeated reasoning to then identify a rule for multiplying by 1.  Instead of visiting stations today, we worked on subtracting and adding multi-digit numbers with regrouping.  Our focus continues to be concentrating on precision and accuracy.

In Writers' Workshop, students learned how to use metaphors exaggerate character traits and help them write long and strong for their audience. We listened to "The World's Greatest", identified metaphors, jotted them down, and discussed their implications pertaining to character.  See the kids' metaphors below.  They loved this!

In Read Aloud, we finished Goblins in the Castle.  Next week will be starting The One and Only Ivan, by Katherine Applegate.  This book is one of my personal favorites, and is critically acclaimed throughout the country, winning the Newberry Award in 2013.

In Word Study, students applied their knowledge of "Tier II" vocabulary words to create a character claim on their blog, with an inserted image.  Students are still not allowed to blog at home, as we are still not super familiar with posting, commenting, etc.  However, if you would like to see your child's blog, see the steps below.  I have also created a new tab entitled "Kidblog".  Here you'll find the steps to access Kidblog, as well.

To access Kidblog:

1. Go to Kidblog
2. Select your name
3. Type your password (student lunch code)
4. Once logged in, find the "button" that says "My Blog" (this is usually in the top left corner).

In Readers' Workshop, students used everything they know about effectively responding to character claims to write and prove a claim using effective evidence and explanations.

Students visited Reading Beaver Block today.

We have officially finished our first Social Studies Unit of Study: Citizenship and Communities. Now we are on to our first Science Unit of Study: Changing Earth!  Stay tuned for our latest scientific discoveries!

Homework:

• Read 20 minutes 

Reminders:

• Early Dismissal: Friday, November 14

Classroom Supplies:  A big thank you to families who have donated to our classroom! The kids and I really appreciate your generosity and support!

• Sticky Notes

As the week comes to a close, I want to express my sincere appreciation to everyone I had the pleasure of sitting down with for conferences.  If you were unable to make your scheduled time, please feel free to email me your availability at Hadley.Smith@hcps.org. My schedule is pretty flexible. Thank you again for your continued support! 

Have a wonderful weekend,

Ms. Smith

Math Homework

Students visited the planetarium today. Ask them why we have seasons in Maryland (A: Earth orbit and tilt).

In Math Workshop, students visited stations and further explored repeated addition and its relationship with multiplication.  Additionally, we worked on subtracting when regrouping is involved.  Students have homework coming home tonight, due tomorrow.

In Word Study, students learned a new vocabulary word: dependable.  Ask them for real life examples of people who are dependable.  Have them explain their reasoning to you.

In Read Aloud, we were on the look out for elements of writers' craft, like similes and "show, don't tell".  We also used productive talk moves to bounce off and build on each others' ideas.

In Readers' Workshop, students worked independently to use synonyms to help them explain their character claim and specific evidence.

Students visited Reading Beaver Block today.

Homework:

• Math homework due tomorrow
• Read 20 minutes 

Reminders:

• Bank Day tomorrow. Please make sure you've signed your child's planner!

Classroom Supplies:  A big thank you to families who have donated to our classroom! The kids and I really appreciate your generosity and support!

• Sticky Notes

Thank you,

Ms. Smith

Out of Room for Dismissal

If you were not able to make your scheduled conference and would like to sit down and discuss your child's progress, please email me with days and times that work best with your schedule.  I am available most days before or after school.  Thank you!

In Math Workshop, students used repeated addition to explain the process of multiplication.  In addition, we worked on subtracting with regrouping at my station.  Students have homework coming home tonight, due tomorrow. Remind your child to be precise!

In Writers' Workshop, we studied our mentor text Owl Moon, by Jane Yolen.  We "stole" ideas of using similes to help us write longer and stronger.  See a few samples below.

In Read Aloud, we were on the look out for similes.  Ask your child to use a simile to describe their hair or their shoes tonight.  Use "as ______ as" or "like...".

In Readers' Workshop, students used synonyms to help them explain how their evidence proves their character claims.

In Word Study, students learned a new precise word: admirable.  Ask your child what it means, have them give you an example from real life.

Students went to Reading Beaver Block today.

The kids had their third lesson with Ms. Cook (our guidance counselor) about relationships.  Ask your child what "filling buckets" means.

Homework:

• Math homework due tomorrow
• Read 20 minutes 

Reminders:

• I will be out of the room for dismissal.  Please direct any changes in dismissal to the office.  Thank you!
• Second round of Clip Hall of Fame Celebration tomorrow.

Classroom Supplies:  A big thank you to families who have donated to our classroom! The kids and I really appreciate your generosity and support!

• Sticky Notes

Thank you,

Ms. Smith