Fluency Stars!

In Math Workshop, we constructed prisms, pyramids, and cylinders.  We applied our understanding of geometry to compare the figures and name their respective properties.  We also had our x5 Fluency Quiz.  See our stars below!

Homework: 

• Read: 20 minutes

Reminders:

• Clip Hall of Fame Celebration: Thursday, February 5 at 9:30 AM.
• Jump Rope for Heart donations due: February 17.

Classroom Supplies:

Thank you,

Ms. Smith 

Can You Read This?

In Writers' Workshop, I told students to read the paragraphs below.  We discussed the difficulties we encountered when reading.  Although we could read the passage (with not that much difficulty), we concluded that spelling (editing) is still an important component in the writing process, as mispelled words make our writing look unprofessional, and we want to be taken seriously as authors.  Take a look at the passage below; it's based on a Cambridge University study.  Pretty neat!

        I cnduo't bvleiee taht I culod aulaclty uesdtannrd waht I was rdnaieg. Unisg the icndeblire pweor of the hmuan mnid, aocdcrnig to rseecrah at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mttaer in waht oderr the lterets in a wrod are, the olny irpoamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rhgit pclae. 
       The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whoutit a pboerlm. Tihs is bucseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey ltteer by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Aaznmig, huh? Yaeh and I awlyas tghhuot slelinpg was ipmorantt! See if yuor fdreins can raed tihs too.

After coming to our conclusions about spelling and its importance when editing, students learned to use a "Try It" page in their notebooks.  Students circle words that don't look quite right, then go to their Try It page.  They try to spell the word at least three times, then decide on the spelling that looks the most correct or familiar.  Take a look below to see how students are applying this critical editing lesson.

Homework: 

• Math homework due tomorrow
• Flash cards (x0-5): 20 minutes 

• Read: 20 minutes

Reminders:

• x5 Fluency Quiz Tomorrow
• Bank Day tomorrow.
• Clip Hall of Fame Celebration: Thursday, February 5 at 9:30 AM.

Classroom Supplies: I want to sincerely thank all families who've donated supplies to our classroom.  Your generosity is very much appreciated!

Thank you,

Ms. Smith 

SRI

In Math Workshop, students explored, identified, and created lines of symmetry in polygons.  Students reasoned and used models to construct and defend viable arguments.  Additionally, students used geo-boards to create, identify, and explain properties of polygons.

In Writers' Workshop, we read Jacqueline Woodson's, Each Kindness.  We noticed how this mentor text used long, flowing sentences to engage the reader.  After we condensed some of her sentences into only 5 words.  We noticed that the longer sentences she wrote were more interesting to read.  Following this lesson, students revised some sentences in their SeaWorld essays, creating longer, stronger sentences.

In the afternoon, students took the Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI).  Students previously took this assessment in September.  The purpose of this assessment is to document growth.  Ask your child if they beat their score from September!

In Social Studies, we discovered different resources that contribute to the production process: natural, physical, and capital.

Homework: 

• Math homework due tomorrow
• Flash cards (x0-5): 20 minutes 

• Read: 20 minutes

Reminders:

• x5 Fluency Quiz Friday, January 30
• Clip Hall of Fame Celebration: Thursday, February 5 at 9:30 AM.

Classroom Supplies: I want to sincerely thank all families who've donated supplies to our classroom.  Your generosity is very much appreciated!

Thank you,

Ms. Smith 

x5 Fluency Quiz Friday

In Math Workshop, students worked in collaborative learning groups to answer a mathematical question which asks students to compare areas of similar figures. Students used mathematical models, tools, and repeated reasoning to begin their process (see below).  Students need to study 0-5 multiplication facts.  Quiz on x5 on Friday.

In Readers' Workshop, students learned another strategy to identify and synthesize main ideas from informational paragraphs: I can ask myself, "What is the author trying to teach me?".  Tonight, when your child is reading, encourage them to read informational text (below are a few awesome links).  Have them identify and synthesize (put in their own words) the main idea of each paragraph.

Time for Kids

National Geographic

Discovery Education

In Writers' Workshop, students learned how to effectively conclude each paragraph with a "touchdown sentence", i.e., a strong opinion sentences that emphasizes their point of view.

Homework: 

• Flash cards (x0-5): 20 minutes 

• Read: 20 minutes

Reminders:

• x5 Fluency Quiz Friday, January 30

Classroom Supplies: I want to sincerely thank all families who've donated supplies to our classroom.  Your generosity is very much appreciated!

Thank you,

Ms. Smith 

Out of Room Tomorrow

In Word Study, students played "Boggle".  We applied our knowledge of the word roots rupt and anti/ ant to form multi syllabic words. Ask your child what these word roots mean (A: to break and to work against something).  Have them generate some words using these word roots and explain what they most likely mean.

In Readers' Workshop, students learned to synthesize main ideas in paragraphs by putting "pop out sentences" in their own words.  When students can rephrase information in their own words, this helps us hold on to new information and synthesize what we read.  Encourage your child to read informational texts at home.  Have them identify the pop out sentence of a paragraph and put it in their own words.  Below are a few links to great information text websites:

• Discovery Education
• National Geographic
• Time for Kids

In Math Workshop, students noticed and noted properties of congruent polygons.  We used this understanding to help identify congruent figures and explain how they "turn": clockwise, or counterclockwise.  Students have homework coming home tonight, due tomorrow.

Students also took their x4 Fluency Quiz.  See our Fluency Stars below!

Homework: 

• Math homework 
• Flash cards (x4): 20 minutes (if not memorized yet)

• Read: 20 minutes

Reminders:

• Bank Day is tomorrow.  Please make sure you've signed your child's planner.
• I will be out of the building tomorrow.  Please direct any changes in dismissal, etc. to the office.  Thank you!

Classroom Supplies: Our class is completely out of dry erase markers.  We use these every single day. The kids and I would greatly appreciate and donations.  Thank you in advance for your generosity and support!

• Dry erase markers

Thank you,

Ms. Smith 

x4 Quiz Tomorrow!

In Math Workshop, students discovered angle and side properties of polygons.  They applied what they knew about angles, sides, and polygons to identify polygons in our new purposeful math game, "Polygon Capture".  Students need to practice their x4 flash cards tonight.  In addition they have a double sided worksheet to complete for homework.

In Writers' Workshop, students revised their flash drafts to ensure each paragraph is balanced with fact and analysis.  We practice writing "specific explaining sentences" that referred back to our thesis.  Our goal is to begin publishing these next week.

In Word Study, students learned a new word root: 'anti' or 'ant'.  Ask your child what this word root means (A: against).  Students use discover and use word roots to help them identify meanings of unknown words as they come across them, and we use these to help us spell multi syllabic words correctly.

In Readers' Workshop, students learned that each paragraph in informational text usually has a main idea. Sometimes we can identify these main ideas using "pop out sentences".  Sentences that explain what the paragraph is mostly about.  This is the first step in helping us "read with a pen" in order to take notes and hold on to new information.

In Social Studies, students began exploring economic concepts such as capital, human and natural resources.

Students visited Reading Beaver Block today.

Homework: 

• Math homework (front and back)
• Flash cards (x4): 20 minutes (if not memorized yet)

• Read: 20 minutes

Reminders:

• x4 Fluency Quiz: tomorrow
• I will be out of the building this Friday.  Please direct any changes in dismissal, etc. to the office.  Thank you!

Classroom Supplies: Our class is completely out of dry erase markers.  We use these every single day. The kids and I would greatly appreciate and donations.  Thank you in advance for your generosity and support!

• Dry erase markers

Thank you,

Ms. Smith 

x4 Fluency Quiz Thursday

Homework: 

• Flash cards (x4): 20 minutes (if not memorized yet)

• Read: 20 minutes

Reminders:

• No school Monday.
• x4 Fluency Quiz: Thursday, January 22.

Classroom Supplies: Our class is completely out of dry erase markers.  We use these every single day. The kids and I would greatly appreciate and donations.  Thank you in advance for your generosity and support!

• Dry erase markers

Have a fantastic weekend!

Ms. Smith 

x4 Fluency Quiz Thursday

With such a quick day, we managed to buckle down and get a lot done!

We played Math Jeopardy where students had to work as a team to solve high level, multi-step tasks using multiplication, addition, perimeter, area, geometry, and much more!

Additionally, during Word Study, students learned a new word: resilient.  Ask them what this word means.  Tell them to give you an example from books, TV, movie, real life, etc.  On Monday, encourage your child to celebrate and honor Martin Luther King, Jr. by reading this TFK article on his life.  Have them talk to you about if and how Martin Luther King, Jr. was resilient.  Encourage your child to go on Kidblog, make a claim about MLK Jr., and support it with evidence.  I will comment on any posts that are published!

In Science, most students printed their informational picture books.  If they have not, they will have time in the future to work on this.

Students also blogged and used this "space" to write about their reading, collaborate with others, and use basic computer skills.

Homework: 

• Flash cards (x4): 15 minutes (if not memorized yet)

• Read: 20 minutes

Reminders:

• No school Monday.
• x4 Fluency Quiz: Thursday, January 22.

Classroom Supplies: Our class is completely out of dry erase markers.  We use these every single day. The kids and I would greatly appreciate and donations.  Thank you in advance for your generosity and support!

• Dry erase markers

Have a fantastic weekend!

Ms. Smith 

Double-Sided Math Homework

In Math Workshop, students explored, noticed and named characteristics of line pairs.  Then students searched for polygons around the room and identified their line pairs with our new precise math words: parallel, intersecting, and perpendicular.  Students have homework tonight, due tomorrow; it is double sided.  Please make sure they complete both sides.

In Writers' Workshop, students learned that opinion and informational authors balance facts with analysis in order to explain the significance of their facts in relation to their opinion.

In Readers' Workshop, students explored informational texts and their subsequent text features.  They then identified how text features help readers understand texts.

In Science, students continued work on their informational picture books on land forms.  These should be complete by tomorrow.

Students visited Reading Beaver Block today.

Homework: 

• Math homework: both sides

• Read: 20 minutes

Reminders:

• Early dismissal tomorrow.
• No school Monday.
• Tomorrow is Bank Day.  Please make sure you've signed your child's planner.

Classroom Supplies: Our class is completely out of dry erase markers.  We use these every single day. The kids and I would greatly appreciate and donations.  Thank you in advance for your generosity and support!

• Dry erase markers

Thank you,

Ms. Smith 

First in Math

Today in Math Workshop, students identified differences in rays, line segments, and lines based on their characteristics. Students need to play First in Math for 20 minutes tonight.  In the car or at home, have your students show you with their arms: a line, line segment, and ray (see below).

Students used their arms to identify a line segment. A line with two endpoints (fists).

Students identified a ray. A line with an endpoint (fist) and an arrow (pointer finger). 

In Math Workshop, students play purposeful math games and complete meaningful math tasks to reinforce and extend current math concepts and strategies.  Here, students play Multiplication Face Off where they practiced their 0-6 multiplication facts.

 

Math Candy Land: Multi-digit subtraction with regrouping.

Connect Four: Strategic multiplication.

In Writers' Workshop, students learned that when writers are really passionate about the subject they're writing, we sometimes write "flash drafts". Flash drafts encourage students to get all their thinking down on paper then revisit later for revision and editing.

In Readers' Workshop, students read summaries and the first few pages of books to help them preview and choose new book club books.  Ask your child what book they want to read the most!

This week in Science we will be finishing our informational picture books in the lab, printing them out, binding them (with staples), coloring (as we can't print in color), and finally presenting and reading each others' work.

Students visited Reading Beaver Block today.

Homework: 

• First in Math: 20 minutes
• Read: 20 minutes

Reminders:

• Unit 4 Math Test sign & returns due.

Classroom Supplies: Our class is completely out of dry erase markers.  We use these every single day. The kids and I would greatly appreciate and donations.  Thank you in advance for your generosity and support!

• Dry erase markers

Thank you,

Ms. Smith 

New Multiplication Games!

As a class, we are working on our multiplication basic facts. While students are to practice their flash cards 20 minutes a night, a great (and more fun) alternative to flash cards are math games.  Below are links to free online math games that reinforce multiplication fluency.  Please encourage your child to practice every day! In the future,you can also find these in our "Educational Links" tab.

• Matching Multiplication
• Balloon Pop Multiplication
• Monkey Drive Multiplication
• Bubble & Sea Animal Multiplication
• Math Man Multiplication

Homework: 

• Multiplication Facts: 20 minutes
• Read: 20 minutes

Reminders:

• Unit 4 Math Test sign & returns due.

Classroom Supplies:  As always, donations are very much appreciated!

• Dry erase markers
• Sticky Notes

Again, I would like to thank you for your continued support and everything you do to support your child's education.  Have a wonderful weekend!

Thank you,

Ms. Smith 

Polygons

In Math Workshop, students looked for patterns to help them discover and identify characteristics of polygons.  Students then visited stations that reinforced and extended on geometry concepts and multiplication facts. At our Teacher Station, students applied their understanding of polygons to form polygons and non-polygons with their bodies (see below).

As we had a delayed start again today, a few of our subjects were cut short; however, students had time in the morning to work on their SeaWorld essays and/ or finish their writing for their informational picture books on land forms.

In Word Study, students finished and presented their EAGER Beaver Word Study projects.

In Science, students continued to use PowerPoint to create their informational picture books on land forms.

In Read Aloud, we made bounced off of and built on each others' ideas to make meaningful predictions and inferences.

Homework: 

• Math homework due tomorrow
• Read: 20 minutes

Reminders:

• December Clip Hall of Fame tomorrow morning!
• Bank is tomorrow. Please make sure you've signed your child's planner.
• Unit 4 Math Test sign & returns due.

Classroom Supplies:  As always, donations are very much appreciated!

• Dry erase markers
• Sticky Notes

Thank you,

Ms. Smith 

x4 Facts

In Math Workshop, students made their x4 flashcards.  Students need study their facts for 20 minutes each night. Please remind your child to continue to practice 0-3 facts as well.

In Readers' Workshop, we started our Informational Unit of Study.  Students learned to use their schema and prior knowledge to ready their mind to read and think about informational subjects.

In Word Study, students collaborated with their peers to create Frayer Models of our EAGER Beaver vocabulary terms, in order to reinforce expectations and extend on their knowledge of these terms and their implications on behavior in and outside of school. Check out some of our hard workers below-- look how engaged!

In Science, we were in the lab using PowerPoint to create our informational picture books on land forms.

Homework: 

• Read: 20 minutes
• x4 flashcards: 20 minutes

Reminders:

• Unit 4 Math Test sign & returns due.

Classroom Supplies:  As always, donations are very much appreciated!

• Dry erase markers
• Sticky Notes

Thank you,

Ms. Smith 

Welcome Back!

In Math Workshop, students took a pre-assessment for Unit 5: Geometry.  

In Writers' Workshop, students continued writing their SeaWorld essays with a focus on writing long and strong sentences.

In Word Study, we spent time reviewing our school's EAGER Beaver traits and their implications on our behavior, attitude, and learning both in and outside of school.

We started our new read aloud today.  Ask your child the title! (A: Among the Hidden).  I chose this text very purposefully in that Margaret Peterson Haddix is a fantastic author;  students will be drawn to her style of writing and eager to read the rest of "The Shadow Children" series, as well as her other books. 

In Readers' Workshop, we started our Informational Unit of Study.  On Mondays we will work on our informational reading project: students will explore characteristics of informational texts to help the read and comprehend My Horse of the North, by Bruce McMillan.  Additionally, students will use what they learn about life in Iceland to create their own informational brochures, using informational text features. 

In Science, students planned out the layout of their informational picture books on land forms.  Wednesday through Friday, we will be in the lab, using PowerPoint to create our books.

Students visited Math Beaver Block today.

Homework: 

• Read: 20 minutes
• First in Math: 20 minutes

Reminders:

• Unit 4 Math Test sign & returns due.

Classroom Supplies:  As always, donations are very much appreciated!

• Dry erase markers
• Sticky Notes

Thank you,

Ms. Smith