1/18/2019

• 1st / 2nd - Math Block
• We had our weekly FRIZ today and the students did MUCH WORSE then they normally do.  Parents - I noticed they are all of a sudden having issues with division.  I will be doing mini-lessons in division as we continue our fractions unit so you will be seeing homework in DIVISION and FRACTIONS in the upcoming weeks.  PLEASE be practicing multiplication facts with your child.  If they know their facts, division and fractions will be much easier to work with.
• After the Friz, we did lesson 6.8 which is the LAST unit in this chapter.  It was using the number line (or creating common denominators - your choice) to compare and order 3 fractions.  1/2 was our benchmark fraction to work with.  Is this number great or less than a half?  Where would it fall on the number line?  If two numbers were great than 1/2, which one was closer to a whole?  These understandings help in solving fraction comparisons. 
• To review after that, we did a fun activity where we went over the practice test for Chapter 6 using this cool system called plickers.   I posed a question with four possible answers, students worked out the problems and then they hold a card and I use my phone to SCAN the room and I can see immediately who got the answer right or wrong.  I can ask individuals "what were you thinking when you picked..."   I can see their misunderstandings quicker.
• 3rd - Literacy
• We read another chapter in The Tiger Rising (Chapter 17) and then discussed changes we are seeing in characters and connections we can make between them and other characters we have encountered.  We went over some writing the kids have been doing and then did another set of plicker questions to check comprehension of chapters 15-17 in The Tiger Rising.
• 4th/5th - Skill Review ELA
• Mrs. Montalvo, the Reading Coach worked with our students today by reading a text with the students.  They practiced close reading, marking the text with stop and jot, pause and think, clarify my understanding notes in the margins.  They worked through the text and then attacked the multiple choice questions and several of the short response questions (they must answer in the RACE format!).   Since time ran out, students were asked to take home the packet and finish the rest of the short response questions and the one EXTENDED response writing for homework.
• 6th - Lunch
• I snuck into the lunchroom and passed out mini-cupcakes to the kiddos during lunch.  Ya know what, sometimes you just need a cupcake.  I feel like most of the kids are starting to mature and become productive fourth graders.  I wanted them to know I recognize it isn't always easy and I am proud of them. Keep it up! Those who are still struggling, it is time to step up and get on the ball!!!
• 7th - PE with Mr. Hoffman

Homework:

• Math:
• GoMath Chapter 6 End of Chapter Test
• Division using Partial Quotients Practice Sheet
• ELA:
• I gave out HW Packet #16 since we have Monday off for MLK JR Day
• Finish the DOUBLE TROUBLE packet of 8 short responses and 1 extended response
• Science:
• Nonfiction article and questions on back
• Reading:
• READ READ READ and log your reading.  The more you read, the better you will be in ALL SUBJECT AREAS!  Reading is the cornerstone to a successful career in school and the future.  READ READ READ!!!!!