Today was another busy day in 6F! We started reading class with read aloud which ended on a cliffhanger. We will read a significant amount tomorrow. Next, students worked in small groups to finish up the conflict picture books. We will go over these after break. Students then worked independently with their peer pressure books. Please check the daily homework page for details about when things are due.
In writing, we uploaded our Holiday Fragrances pieces to the classroom blog and then commented on each others' pieces.
Finally 6S came for science and we did the same thing as 6F did yesterday (see yesterday's blog).
Tomorrow is an early release as well as our holiday party. Have a very happy holiday and a super break!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Monday, Sort of like a Wednesday!
We are on the countdown for vacation! Students have remained nicely focused today. I was impressed!
We started by going to the computer lab and finishing up our Holiday Fragrance paper. Students passed these in when they finished. Also, they had time to work on Word Ladders and the homophone packet we started last week.
In reading, we worked on another picture book and figuring out its conflict. Students then worked independently on their Day Four activities. Logs are due Wednesday.
In spelling, I handed back their tests and went over them. Students added words to their Words to Learn lists. I did a word preview for unit 4 and we did a short lesson on prefixes. Students then looked at previously brainstormed words and decided if they truly had a prefix in them.
In science, students presented their posters to the class (6F). We did a short activity called What's My Substance? Then, we worked on the third picture book for conflict.
We started by going to the computer lab and finishing up our Holiday Fragrance paper. Students passed these in when they finished. Also, they had time to work on Word Ladders and the homophone packet we started last week.
In reading, we worked on another picture book and figuring out its conflict. Students then worked independently on their Day Four activities. Logs are due Wednesday.
In spelling, I handed back their tests and went over them. Students added words to their Words to Learn lists. I did a word preview for unit 4 and we did a short lesson on prefixes. Students then looked at previously brainstormed words and decided if they truly had a prefix in them.
In science, students presented their posters to the class (6F). We did a short activity called What's My Substance? Then, we worked on the third picture book for conflict.
Friday, December 17, 2010
TGIF!
We are full of energy today in 6F! We finished up our small group spelling activities including spelling tricky words, Word Ladders and homophones. Any work started in these groups should be done by Wednesday before break.
In reading, we worked in small groups reading one of four picture books and deciding together what the conflict is and which type it is. Students will be doing this with other picture books until they have a representation of all of the conflicts.
In science, 6S worked on posters (due Tuesday) and webquests (due today).
6F ended the day with a Christmas Carol activity with our fourth grade buddies.
Reminder that Wednesday is an early release day. Students are dismissed at 12:10. This is also the day of our Holiday Party! Woo Hoo!
In reading, we worked in small groups reading one of four picture books and deciding together what the conflict is and which type it is. Students will be doing this with other picture books until they have a representation of all of the conflicts.
In science, 6S worked on posters (due Tuesday) and webquests (due today).
6F ended the day with a Christmas Carol activity with our fourth grade buddies.
Reminder that Wednesday is an early release day. Students are dismissed at 12:10. This is also the day of our Holiday Party! Woo Hoo!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Thursday
We worked in small groups today on some spelling activities. We will rotate groups tomorrow as well. Students are working on vocabulary building Word Ladders, Homophone activities, or some tricky word spellings. All work from these groups need to be done by Tuesday of next week.
In reading, we read aloud and discussed the last conflict: character vs. self. Students will be classifying picture books by conflict types starting tomorrow in class.
In science today 6F had another opportunity to work on their analogy posters as well as the Webquest. The posters are due Monday for 6F. The Webquests are due tomorrow for both classes.
In reading, we read aloud and discussed the last conflict: character vs. self. Students will be classifying picture books by conflict types starting tomorrow in class.
In science today 6F had another opportunity to work on their analogy posters as well as the Webquest. The posters are due Monday for 6F. The Webquests are due tomorrow for both classes.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Wednesday
In reading today, we talked about character vs. society conflicts. Students added to their notes and we discussed examples of those. Students worked independently on reading to self, reading with a partner, responding to reading or meeting with me. I collected logs and passed out the new ones which are due Wednesday.
In writing, I did a lesson about using strong verbs rather than cluttering our writing with adverbs. Students worked on spelling work and/or their Holiday Fragrances paper.
In science today, students had time to work on their posters and their webquests.
In writing, I did a lesson about using strong verbs rather than cluttering our writing with adverbs. Students worked on spelling work and/or their Holiday Fragrances paper.
In science today, students had time to work on their posters and their webquests.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Tuesday
Today in reading we talked about character vs. nature conflicts after reading out loud. Stories like Hatchet have a character vs. nature conflict. Students worked independently while I met with groups. Reading logs are due tomorrow.
In writing, we worked on our Holiday Fragrance paper. Students also worked on left-over work from Friday's spelling groups.
In science, we did the same lesson as yesterday. 6S has their posters due on December 21.
We ended the day with SSR.
In writing, we worked on our Holiday Fragrance paper. Students also worked on left-over work from Friday's spelling groups.
In science, we did the same lesson as yesterday. 6S has their posters due on December 21.
We ended the day with SSR.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Monday....where does the time go?
I apologize for not blogging on Friday. I don't know where the time went! Whoops!
We're on to Monday. The day began with a short writing assignment that I gave out today. Students will be bringing a short piece (one paragraph) to final draft over the course of the next week. The topic of the piece is on Holiday Fragrances. Students needed to pick a fragrance that is prevalent to them and think of all of the memories the smell evokes. They will write one descriptive paragraph about this scent. Students will do a brainstorming, a first draft and a final draft. All of this is due by Tuesday, but it will all be done in class. The final pieces will go into portfolios.
In reading, we read aloud today and began to talk about conflict in fictional stories. Students identified one type of conflict which is character vs. character. We discussed examples (mostly fairy tales) of stories which have this conflict. This week we will explore the three other types of conflict. In the end, students will be responsible for identifying the conflict and type of conflict in their novels for the peer pressure unit. They will also read picture books and do the same thing. Reading logs are due Wednesday.
In spelling, we had a spelling test today.
In science this afternoon (6F), we discussed how the particles (atoms) that make up matter act in each of the three phases: solid, liquid and gas. Students had a chance to "act out" how they act in order to get a better idea of what the particles are doing. Then, we discussed what an analogy is. Students need to come up with an analogy for the particles in each phase of matter. This analogy will go on a poster that is due Monday, Dec. 20. They will work on these posters in class. Students also had a chance to finish up the Matter Webquest that we started on Thursday. I would like these by the end of the week.
We're on to Monday. The day began with a short writing assignment that I gave out today. Students will be bringing a short piece (one paragraph) to final draft over the course of the next week. The topic of the piece is on Holiday Fragrances. Students needed to pick a fragrance that is prevalent to them and think of all of the memories the smell evokes. They will write one descriptive paragraph about this scent. Students will do a brainstorming, a first draft and a final draft. All of this is due by Tuesday, but it will all be done in class. The final pieces will go into portfolios.
In reading, we read aloud today and began to talk about conflict in fictional stories. Students identified one type of conflict which is character vs. character. We discussed examples (mostly fairy tales) of stories which have this conflict. This week we will explore the three other types of conflict. In the end, students will be responsible for identifying the conflict and type of conflict in their novels for the peer pressure unit. They will also read picture books and do the same thing. Reading logs are due Wednesday.
In spelling, we had a spelling test today.
In science this afternoon (6F), we discussed how the particles (atoms) that make up matter act in each of the three phases: solid, liquid and gas. Students had a chance to "act out" how they act in order to get a better idea of what the particles are doing. Then, we discussed what an analogy is. Students need to come up with an analogy for the particles in each phase of matter. This analogy will go on a poster that is due Monday, Dec. 20. They will work on these posters in class. Students also had a chance to finish up the Matter Webquest that we started on Thursday. I would like these by the end of the week.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Thursday
We had another busy day in 6F! We started with a webquest in the computer lab. This is a bunch of on-line activities about matter for science. We had technical difficulties so it was a bit challenging.
In reading, we read aloud and worked independently. In writing, I read My Rotten Red-Headed Older Brother and we wrote in our notebooks our reactions. It was a great day!
In reading, we read aloud and worked independently. In writing, I read My Rotten Red-Headed Older Brother and we wrote in our notebooks our reactions. It was a great day!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Report Cards today!
Report cards went home today. Please sign the envelopes and return them tomorrow. Let us know if you have any questions.
In reading today, we began a new week in our unit. Students met with me, work on activities, read to self, or responded to reading. I collected log 12 and passed out log 13 which is due on Wednesday of next week.
In writing, we read a really sad book called Faithful Elephants and then responded to it in our notebooks. The collection of entries continues. Notebooks will be collected on Friday.
In science for both classes, I reviewed and finished a video on the Properties of Matter. Students took notes in their notebook and we reviewed them to make sure everyone had the same notes. The questions in their textbooks are due tomorrow for 6S.
In reading today, we began a new week in our unit. Students met with me, work on activities, read to self, or responded to reading. I collected log 12 and passed out log 13 which is due on Wednesday of next week.
In writing, we read a really sad book called Faithful Elephants and then responded to it in our notebooks. The collection of entries continues. Notebooks will be collected on Friday.
In science for both classes, I reviewed and finished a video on the Properties of Matter. Students took notes in their notebook and we reviewed them to make sure everyone had the same notes. The questions in their textbooks are due tomorrow for 6S.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Back from the Sick bed!
Phew, I was battling a terrible stomach flu so I apologize for any non-communication over the last few days. It was a toughie, but I'm on the mend!
Today I got caught up with students and directions. In reading this morning, I started with Read Aloud. I then went over figurative language and the requirements for this unit. Students are to be collecting examples of figurative language as they read their books for the Peer Pressure unit. They have been given a sheet that I will post on the blog in case they lose it. I would like both sides filled out by the end of the unit which is January 7. They are allowed to work together and much of our small group time will be spent on talking about examples from their books. Students may need to reread parts of the book to scan for examples.
I also went over the Making Connections sheet, again attached to this blog. This is also due at the end of the unit and must be full of connections students make as they read the book. This is not something they can do together as we all have different prior knowledge and schema so our connections are individual.
Log 12 is due tomorrow.
In writing, we read When Sophie Gets Angry and wrote in our notebooks about a time when we were angry. Then, we switched to spelling. We talked about the definition of homophones. Students then listed, in table groups, as many pairs of homophones as they could. Then, Scattegory-style, we went through as a class and only got credit for those that nobody else said. The group in the end with the most "won". I gave out an extra credit challenge that came from an article I found in the newspaper. This is due on Friday. Students do not have to do it.
In science, I showed the Matter Rap video. We then read section 2 of the textbook about Measuring Matter. Students took notes, outline-style, in their notebooks. Finally I explained the homework: answer the questions at the end of section 1 and section 2. 6F's are due tomorrow as they got the assignment yesterday. 6S's are due Thursday.
Today I got caught up with students and directions. In reading this morning, I started with Read Aloud. I then went over figurative language and the requirements for this unit. Students are to be collecting examples of figurative language as they read their books for the Peer Pressure unit. They have been given a sheet that I will post on the blog in case they lose it. I would like both sides filled out by the end of the unit which is January 7. They are allowed to work together and much of our small group time will be spent on talking about examples from their books. Students may need to reread parts of the book to scan for examples.
I also went over the Making Connections sheet, again attached to this blog. This is also due at the end of the unit and must be full of connections students make as they read the book. This is not something they can do together as we all have different prior knowledge and schema so our connections are individual.
Log 12 is due tomorrow.
In writing, we read When Sophie Gets Angry and wrote in our notebooks about a time when we were angry. Then, we switched to spelling. We talked about the definition of homophones. Students then listed, in table groups, as many pairs of homophones as they could. Then, Scattegory-style, we went through as a class and only got credit for those that nobody else said. The group in the end with the most "won". I gave out an extra credit challenge that came from an article I found in the newspaper. This is due on Friday. Students do not have to do it.
In science, I showed the Matter Rap video. We then read section 2 of the textbook about Measuring Matter. Students took notes, outline-style, in their notebooks. Finally I explained the homework: answer the questions at the end of section 1 and section 2. 6F's are due tomorrow as they got the assignment yesterday. 6S's are due Thursday.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Science Fair Day!
Hip hip hooray for the science fair! Please come tonight from 5:30 to 6:30. Be sure to check the sign up sheet outside the gym for what to bring for our holiday party. That will be on Dec 22.
In reading today, we began a new read aloud, The Shadow Club. This is a powerful book that provokes a lot of discussion. It fits right into our unit of How Peer Pressure Affects Friendship. I then did a lesson on the comprehension strategy of Making Connections. We talked about the different types of connections (text to self, text to text and text to world). I gave an example of each kind. This was a review for all of the students. I then talked about Fat vs. Thin connections. Fat connections are those that really matter and help you to understand the story. Thin connections don't help your comprehension. Students are being encouraged to recognize when they make connections while they read and what type of connections they are. Students followed their plan and either Read to Self, Responded to Reading, Met with a Teacher, Read to a Partner, or had an individual conference.
In writing today, I read the book Chrysanthemum and students wrote about the significance of their names in their writers' notebooks. Also, they "Read the Room" and wrote an entry based on that.
In the afternoon we set up the gym for the science fair while some adults and other students came through. I am very impressed with the projects! They came out great!
See you tonight at 5:30 to 6:30 in gym!
In reading today, we began a new read aloud, The Shadow Club. This is a powerful book that provokes a lot of discussion. It fits right into our unit of How Peer Pressure Affects Friendship. I then did a lesson on the comprehension strategy of Making Connections. We talked about the different types of connections (text to self, text to text and text to world). I gave an example of each kind. This was a review for all of the students. I then talked about Fat vs. Thin connections. Fat connections are those that really matter and help you to understand the story. Thin connections don't help your comprehension. Students are being encouraged to recognize when they make connections while they read and what type of connections they are. Students followed their plan and either Read to Self, Responded to Reading, Met with a Teacher, Read to a Partner, or had an individual conference.
In writing today, I read the book Chrysanthemum and students wrote about the significance of their names in their writers' notebooks. Also, they "Read the Room" and wrote an entry based on that.
In the afternoon we set up the gym for the science fair while some adults and other students came through. I am very impressed with the projects! They came out great!
See you tonight at 5:30 to 6:30 in gym!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Wet Wednesday
Indoor recess today, oh boy!
In reading, we went over the Read to a Partner choice during work time. Students helped me create a chart about what they should be doing during this activity. We listed out behaviors on a piece of chart paper that will hang in the classroom. Students then Read to Self, Read to a Partner, Responded to Reading, Conferred with an adult, or met with me in a group. Log 12 is due Wednesday.
In writing today, we made Authority Lists and wrote about something on them. Ask your child what's on his/her Authority List!
In science, we read the first chapter of the textbook called Describing Matter. Students used a graphic organizer to outline the important parts.
The Science Fair is tomorrow! All boards should be in by then!
In reading, we went over the Read to a Partner choice during work time. Students helped me create a chart about what they should be doing during this activity. We listed out behaviors on a piece of chart paper that will hang in the classroom. Students then Read to Self, Read to a Partner, Responded to Reading, Conferred with an adult, or met with me in a group. Log 12 is due Wednesday.
In writing today, we made Authority Lists and wrote about something on them. Ask your child what's on his/her Authority List!
In science, we read the first chapter of the textbook called Describing Matter. Students used a graphic organizer to outline the important parts.
The Science Fair is tomorrow! All boards should be in by then!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)