This week was full of new and exciting things! We got our Daily 5 systems up and running for both math and literacy. The students did an amazing job and I am so proud of all the practice they have done in just one week!
Math: In math this week, the students got into the routine of making their practice choices and meeting in small groups for guided work. The Super Stars and the Turtle Troop from across the hall are now mixed up and working in one of the classrooms with students at a level that should be just right for them. These groups are flexible and will be changing throughout the year as needed. During the students' math classes they will have a mini lesson, small group lessons individualized for their needs, and time to work on a variety of other practice activities. The categories they choose from are Show What You Know, Terrific Technology, Partner Practice, Fact Fluency, and Wizard Work. If they are working with a teacher on a particular skill or strategy, it is called Teacher Time. We will be working on Unit 2 for the next couple weeks and also pre-assessing Unit 3.
Literacy: Daily 5 in literacy is very similar to Daily 5 in math. The students have a variety of literacy activities they practice while the teacher is working on particular skills with groups of students. These categories are read to self, read to someone, listen to reading, word work, and working on writing. Students are building their stamina and working on their strategies on their own while I am either holding individual reading/writing conferences or having small group lessons.
Both math and literacy have worked out amazingly well and I can't wait to continue working with the students!
In social studies this week we learned all about maps. We read a book called Mapping Penny's World as our map introduction. They were able to explore the different features of maps (title, map key, symbols, labels, and a compass). Today, the class went out to the playground and created a map of their own. They used symbols to represent different parts of the playground. We had a great time making our own maps!
Here are some things to ask your child about:
-What were their choices during Daily 5 math and Daily 5 literacy?
-What symbols did they include on their playground map?
-Can you sing the counting by 2, 5, and 10 song?
Please check out the rest of the website to see new pictures, videos, and extra activities!
Reminders:
-Don't forget to fill out the reading logs with your children! When they turn them in, they will earn a voracious reader certificate and a book they can keep! The students will then get a new double sided log they can begin.
-We go to library on Fridays, make sure the students bring their books back each week!