Field Test Monday

• We started the day with breakfast and reading from our class novel "THE BFG".
• 2nd - 3rd - part of 4th - ELA Field Test
• Today we took part in a field test.  What this means is that students throughout New York State were given sample texts, multiple choice questions, short responses, and extended response questions.  These will be collected, looked at, graded, and analyzed by the creators of the test and the state.  From that analysis, they will pick which texts and questions MIGHT show up on next year's 3rd grade ELA State Tests.  Students either got a "WRITING" field test or a "READING" field test.  They had 80 minutes to work on them and we used regular test conditions to make sure it was a valid field test of the test and test items.  
• Like I told the students... just do your best... these test does not count against them or for them.. I will never see the results.. neither will they... it is to help make a fair test for next year's third grade.  Last year when I taught 4th grade, my 4th graders were lucky enough to do a field test too.  This year 3rd grade was picked.. GO FIGURE!
• part of 4th - Literacy Block
• We finished 4th period by finishing the chapter in The BFG called "SNOZZCUMBERS".  After reading, students worked on a art project to draw what the snozzcumber looked like based on the description in the text.
• 5th - Lunch/Recess
• 6th - Dance with Mr. Nunez
• Due to testing, I was asked to stay with the class during dance because Ms. Galan was unable to stay with Mr. Nunez.  Guess what, 100% of the class participated and was on task today.  Usually when I pick them up from dance there are 5-8 students sitting out because of behavior or "not wanting to participate".  Interesting, today we didn't seem to have these issues.  
• 7th - Wrap Up / Spelling
• We finished our art project from The BFG and then did our spelling pre-test for the week.  I told the students that if the class as a whole got a 90% or higher on the Spelling Test on Friday I would make this the LAST spelling list of the year.  If not, we have another spelling list next week.

Homework

• Literacy
• Spelling 2x Each - Cursive
• Study Spelling
• Independent Reading 45-60 minutes - AR test by Friday.

Overcast Friday

• 1st - Science with Ms. Galan
• 2nd - Class Novel / Homework Collection
• We were supposed to have a visiting teacher do a demo-lesson today in our class, so we decided to not start Math right away.  Instead, we picked up homework and gave the students a their independent reading time when we got in.  While waiting for the visiting teacher, we decided to read the next chapter in our new class novel "The BFG".  We read the chapter about "THE GIANTS".  I love that our students are able to use context clues to figure out the made-up words that are in the text.  It is times like this that I sit back and realize how much these little 2nd graders who came in at the beginning of the year have matured and grown into full fledged 3rd graders.  
• After reading our chapter, students were allowed to study for the spelling test.  After a brief study session, we took our "compound words #2" spelling test.
• 3rd / 4th - Math Block
• When we realized that the visiting teacher wasn't coming (they went to the room next door instead without telling us), we decided to get busy with GoMath 12.5.  After doing our I Can statements and vocabulary review, we got to work with NUMBER TALKS! After number talks we did our problem of the day.
• We watched the On Demand math video lesson first.  Then we did the interactive unlocking the problem. 
• Finally, we did the Unlocking the Problem (I DO), the Share and Show (We Do) before students started working independently on the On Your Own (You Do).  This explicit teaching method works very well and students get a chance to see it and try it before doing it.  
• 5th - Lunch
• 6th / 7th - Literacy Block
• We ended the day with wathing "Monkey Kingdom".  This Disney documentary movie focuses on a family of monkeys off the coast of India on the island of Sri Lanka.  To get students to practice the skill we have been working on "grouping notes by topic" - students used a graphic organizer to gather facts about the following topics:
• Where they live
• What they eat
• Family Life
• Other interesting facts
• We will be using these facts in the upcoming week to write a "news report" about monkeys.  If they didn't take good notes and group them correctly, they will have a hard time writing their news report.
• We thought this would be a fun way to practice our skills learned in literacy and still enjoy our "Fun Friday" even with a gloomy, wet, overcast Friday.

Homework

• Math
• GoMath 12.5 - homework/practice pp 727-728
• Literacy 
• Reading Comp Wk26D4 
• Writing Prompt - Full Page 
• Add facts/ideas to Monkey Kingdom note page

Thursday in 304

• 1st - 3rd - Literacy Block
• After breakfast we collected homework.  We started reading a new text today in the text collection called "On the Same Day in March".  The text shows the weather on the exact same day at different cities all over the world.  With our first read we did a lot of asking questions and making connections and relating the work back to our I Can statements of the day about grouping information and using illustrations to support text.
• After reading the text, we did an activity how words are use in a text and how students would use them in real life.  After going over the activity, we moved into doing more work on our language skill of the week "concrete vs abstract" nouns.
• We ended the period by quietly reading while others finished their work.
• 3rd - 4th - Math Block
• We started going over the homework from last night.  We had 12.4 and the mid-chapter review to go over so it took a little more time than normal.  We got a phone call from the office that we had a guest teacher who wanted to do a demo-lesson with our students.  She was visiting from Atlanta, Georgia and came up and did a demo lesson working on idioms.  Our students new it better as non-literal figures of speech, but they had a great time with the lesson.
• The lesson ended about 10 minutes before lunch so we decided to read The BFG until lunch.
• 5th - Lunch/Recess
• 6th - Physical Education with Mr. Hoffman
• 7th - Catch Up - BFG
• Since 7 students were out for "Aladdin" in the auditorium - we decided to have a makeup afternoon to catch up and get situated so they didn't fall behind.  The rest of us read from our class novel - THE BFG!

Homework

• Literacy
• Reading Com WK26D3 / Spelling Practice
• Abstract vs Concrete Nouns Worksheet
• Read 45-60 minutes to AR test
• Study for Spelling Test

Is it ONLY Wednesday?

• 1st / 2nd - Math Block
• After breakfast, we started math class by looking at last nights homework.  We went over 3-4 questions that the students wanted clarification on.  Then we moved into Number Talks.
• After Number Talks, we did the daily number review and then watched the On Demand video tutorial on the mini-lesson for the day. Afterward, we moved to the interactive lesson to unlock the problems.
• Finally, we projected the student book and did the unlock your problems (I DO), and then the Share and Show (We Do),and finally students worked on the On Your Own (You Do).  After independent practice was over, we checked the problems and they were allowed to start their homework because we had 10 minutes extra.
• 3rd/4th - Literacy Block
• After reviewing our spelling words, we did ReadyGen Lesson 3B.7.  The focus was using key ideas and details to summarize and give the main idea in reading.  In writing, it was using concrete and abstract nouns as as well as illustrations to understand the text.
• We answered questions about the text to check for understanding and make sure we could pinpoint the main idea.  Then we looked at Pg 4 at three different word phrases and the students had to decide if they were literal or non-literal and why the author chose to use that form of writing.
• Our writing focused on pages 22-25.  Students had to re-read this section on precipitation and then fill out a graphic web and group the information they collected together.  One section would be on SNOW, one would be on HAIL, and one might be on clouds.  It all depended on the information they collected.
• 5th - Lunch/Recess
• 6th - Physical Education in the Gym with Mr. Hoffman
• 7th - NEW CLASS NOVEL "The BFG"
• We were only going to pass the novel out and start tomorrow, but the students wanted to hear a little, and it turned into three chapters!  I love this book, and the new Disney movie The BFG comes out July 1st.

Homework:

• Math
• GoMath 12.4 - Practice/Homework (pp719-720)
• GoMath Chapter 12 Mid-Chapter Checkup (pp 721-722)
• Literacy
• Reading Comp Wk26D2 / Spelling Practice
• Adj and Adv Review 

Mighty Milers

Mighty Milers ON THE RUN!

My Mighty Milers!

Happy!

Upset!

Surprised!

Angry!

Confused!

Thinking!

Our Prizes!

We would have done just one picture - but people kept walking in late to school so we would have to take another.... School starts at 8:15 everyone!!!!

Last Day of May

• 1st/2nd - Literacy Block
• We started the day with breakfast, and then moved to collecting homework.  I was shocked, that with 3 days off, how many students had excuses for no homework.  NOT GOOD!  We have 4 weeks of school left, and many students are going to see very low scores on report  cards from lack of completing work!
• Then we went over the shortened spelling list for this week.  We are only doing 10 words since we had a day off.  Still working on compound words so it should be a good week for spelling.
• Then we moved into ReadyGen Lesson 3b.6.  The focus was using key ideas and details to focus on main idea and using illustrations to understand difficult text.  We reread "WEATHER" together.  We answered some questions and then did some turn and talk activities with the concepts.  Finally, we did a KWL chart using pg. 30 as our guide.  What did we KNOW about smog, what did we WANT to learn about smog, and finally, what did we LEARN about smog.  Students did 7 minutes of independent work, and then were allowed to partner work for 8 minutes to finish.  We went over the possible answer for each section before moving into our mini-lesson on writing.  The writing will be done in Social Studies though.
• 3rd/4th - Math Block
• We started by going over homework from the weekend.  Again, more than half didn't do their homework.  It was on the blog!  I am tired of excuses.  
• I then reviewed the vocabulary from the last few sections and introduced the vocabulary for the new section.  We reviewed the "I Can" statement and knew that today's focus was classifying shapes by sides and angles.  
• We did the number talks and the daily number review before moving into the mini-lesson with professor Burger and the interactive unlocking the problems with Rebecca Rabbit.  We went over each section step by step to make sure they understood the criteria for polygons.  (Must be a closed shape, must NOT have any curved surfaces, must be made of connect line segments).  Then we talked about the different polygons (Triangle, Quadrilateral, Pentagon, Hectagon, Octagon, and Decagon.)
• We did the unlock the problems and the share and show (I do, and we do).  Finally, students did the on your own sections (you do) and we checked them for understanding.  We finished with enough time to start their homework or to quietly read for the last 5 minutes before lunch.
• 5th - Lunch
• 6th - Science (Sub In Class - Ms. Galan is doing 4th grade Science Testing)
• 7th - Social Studies
• Using the reading skills we learned and practiced in Literacy in short non-fiction text on China.

Homework:

• Math 
• GoMath 12.3 Practice/Homework pages
• Study Vocabulary for Chapter 12
• Literacy 
• Study Spelling Words
• Reading Comp Wk26/Day 1 and Spelling 2x Each
• Review: Adjective and Adverbs
• Read 45-60 minutes for AR test

Happy Memorial Day!

This is not just a day off from work or school.

This is a day to remember all the brave men and women who 

have served in the armed forces so that we can 

say we live in the home of the free and the brave!

We Thank You!

We Salute You!
We Honor You!

Happy Memorial Day!

Easy Friday

• 1st - Science (Sub in Classroom)
• 2nd/3rd - Math Block
• We started the class by checking last night's homework.  Then Mrs. Avalos did number talks and the daily number review.  Finally we put on the On Demand Math Video for GoMath 12.2 (angles).  We did the interactive unlock the problems before moving into group work.
• Students worked in small groups to do the Show and Share and On Your Own problems. After working problems on the board, we wrapped up early because the administrative team asked if a person interviewing for a position could do a demo lesson with our class.
• 3rd/4th - Demo Lesson
• Ms. Agosto did a demo lesson with the students on character traits.
• 4th - Literacy Block
• Students had a few minutes to buddy study for their Spelling Test on compound words.  Then we took the test on compound words before heading to lunch.
• 5th - Lunch (no recess)
• 6th/7th - Literacy Block
• We started the period going over the questions for the Stuart Little end of book test.  Students took the test.  When complete, they went on the computers to work on Waggle ELA and Math as Mrs. Avalos and myself continued to do one-on-one portfolio work with students.

Homework

• Math 
• GoMath 12.2 Practice/Homework pp 701-702
• Literacy
• Reading Comp Wk25D4
• Adverb Practice #38
• Read 45-60 minutes for AR

Thursday

• 1st / 2nd - Literacy Block
• ReadyGen Lesson 3B.5.  The focus was using the text to focus on the steps of a process, in this case weather.  We finished reading the book "Weather" and then worked on following the steps in a weather process.
• Students also took their AR test on the text.
• 3rd/4th - Math Block
• GoMath Lesson 12.1.  The focus was learning vocabulary for geometry and working with plane figures that were open and closed. 
• I did Number Talks today.... the kids acted shocked that I could do them.  Mrs. Avalos is the lead in Math, so when I did the number talk.. SHOCKED!
• 5th - Lunch/Recess
• 6th - Health Lesson - Mr. Hoffman
• 7th - Social Studies 
• Wrap up the chapter and end of chapter review.

Homework

• Math 
• GoMath 12.1 - Practice/Homework in text
• Literacy
• Reading Comp Wk25D3 / Spelling Practice
• Adverbs #37
• Reading 45-60 minutes (AR Tests needed)

Portfolio Work Wednesday

Today our focus moved to Math Portfolio Work....

• 1st - Literacy
• We started the day with breakfast and then moved into the last chapter of Stuart Little.  We read the last chapter and then did the AR test as a class.  Students were told they could do their independent AR test later in the day after they finished their Math portfolio work.
• 2nd - 4th - Math Portfolio Work / Quiet Free Choice Time
• We went over the expectations for the day.  They would be doing the independent math work at their desk.  Mrs. Avalos would be pulling students to the back to do the one-on-one math problems (8 in total) with her.  I would be pulling students to the front, one at a time, to read a 100 word text.  While they read I would use running records to test their oral fluency.  
• When students finished their math work, they were allowed to read quietly, work on spelling words, work on math vocabulary, partner read, take AR tests, or Waggle.  The only rule was they had to be actively working and were not allowed to talk so that Ms. Avalos and myself could test students one on one.
• 5th - Lunch/Recess
• 6th - P.E with Mr. Hoffman and Sub
• 7th - Portfolio / Quiet Computer Time
• I finished my oral fluency testing and Ms. Avalos continued with the one-on-one math process work.  Students worked quietly on the computers.

Homework

• Math - Study Math Vocabulary for Chapter 12
• Literacy
• Read 45-60 minutes independent book (AR test by Friday)
• Reading Comp Wk25D2 / Spelling Practice
• Language - Adverbs

Testing Tuesday

We are starting our "End of Year Portfolio Work" as of today.  This means... more testing!

• 1st - Literacy Block
• We started the day with breakfast, then we moved into reading "Stuart Little".  We answered some key ideas and detail questions and then prepped the room for some portfolio work.
• 2nd / 3rd - ELA Portfolio Individual Work
• Students read two texts.  One was a fiction and the other was non-fiction.  For each text they had to answer 4 key idea and detail questions as well as respond to 2 short response questions.  So they had a total of 8 multiple choice and 4 short response to work on in the 2 periods.  Starting tomorrow, I have will be pulling students up one by one to do the oral fluency assessment.  The will read 100 words from a third grade text and I will do a running record to see if they can read the small passage with greater than 90% accuracy.  The writing section is already done (All the PBA's we have been working on all year.)  Me and your child will look at their portfolio and pull out their two best PBA's to put in their end of the year promotion portfolio.  The only writing they will have to do is fix anything that is less than a 2.  If all their PBA's are above a 2, then they are done!
• 4th - Math 
• Since we just had portfolio work for ELA, we decided to do math games.  We passed out math sheets and then had students come up to the board and roll the smartboard interactive dice.  They had to add the dice, then multiply the sum by 4.  Then they had to mark the # on their board.  When everyone had a chance to roll the dice, they had to look at their results which made a bar graph of sorts.  They had to look at the results and create 3 problems that someone cold answer by looking at their graph.
• 5th - Lunch/Recess
• 6th - Science with Mr. Hoffman and Sub in the classroom
• 7th - Social Studies - Finished Unit 3 on China (in SS book)

Homework:

• Math - Study Chapter 12 vocabulary
• Literacy
• Read 45-60 Minutes independently (AR test by Friday)
• Reading Comp Wk25D1 / Spelling Practice on (Fill in and Circle the Correct)
• Language - Adverbs with -ly

Monday News

• 1st/2nd - Math Block
• We started the day with Breakfast and then did Number Talks.  Afterward, I read the questions to Chapter 2 PBA to the class, we discussed what good mathematicians would do, then students had time to work on the questions.  
• Afterward, students did the "SHOW WHAT YOU KNOW" for Chapter 12.  We went over the "what you should know" from 2nd grade to make sure they remembered what they were taught last year about 2 dimensional shapes.  Homework was to study the vocabulary words for Chapter 12.
• 2nd/3rd/4th - Literacy Block
• We started the period off finishing Chapter 13 of Stuart Little.  We answered some key ideas and details questions and then moved into finishing the "Writing" section of ReadyGen Lesson 3B.3.  The focus was using supporting details of informational text to find the main idea of the text.
•  We moved into today's lesson, ReadyGen 3B.4.  The focus was using illustrations and text to gain meaning of the topic.  We read pages 22 - 27 on the different stages of water in the weather cycle.  Then students worked on filling out a web graphic organizer on snowflakes.  They looked at a picture on page 24 and wrote what they SAW only.  Then they reread the page and found three facts that helped them understand snowflakes better. 
• Finally we looked at the writing section of 3B.4.  Again, it was using facts and details to support main idea.
• 5th - Lunch and Recess
• 6th - Dance with Mr. Nunez
• 7th - Water/Bathroom Break & Spelling Pre-Test and Activity
• After dance class, the class needs bathroom break and to get water.  With 31 students, these two tasks actually take a great deal of time.  When we were all settled, and after 6-7 students left to go practice for the Aladdin Musical - we did the spelling pre-test.  The words this week are compound words.  Many of the words in the list we have had already as spelling words, so they just have to combine it with a second word to make the new spelling list. 

Homework

• Math 
• Study Chapter 12 Vocabulary Cards (Test Friday)
• Literacy
• Spelling 2x Each / cursive practice
• What are Adverbs? practice
• Independent Reading 45-60 minutes

Fun Friday

• 1st - Science
• 2nd /3rd / 4th - Math
• We started the class by going over the GoMath Chapter 2 End of Chapter Review/Test.  We went over it problem by problem and discussed any misunderstandings and to make sure students knew how to attack each and every problem on the actual test (they are quite similar, just different numbers!).
• I read each question out loud for students who have questions read and re-read for them.  Other students worked ahead at their own pace.  When they finished, they read quietly, took AR tests, or used the ipads to play math games.
• 4th - Literacy Block
• With the extended time for testing, it only left us about 25 minutes for literacy so we started reading Chapter 13 of "Stuart Little".  
• 5th - Lunch/Recess
• 6th - Fun Friday / Spelling Test
• With Fun Friday, we stay outside until 1PM instead of our usual 12:45.  They get an extra 15 minutes if they are good.  We stayed for Fun Friday, then came in and did bathroom break, water break, calm down time.  Students had 10 minutes to work with partners to study for their spelling test.  We then took the spelling test.
• 7th - Literacy Block
• We ended they day doing the SLUETH reading from ReadyGen Lesson 3B.3.  It added more information to our study of weather by telling us about meteorologist and also spotting aspects of the writing that made it an opinion piece as well as an informative piece of writing.

Homework

• Math
• Study for Performance Task on Monday
• Literacy
• Reading Comp Week 24 Day 4-5
• Independent Reading 45-60 Minutes

Thursday Review

• 1st / 2nd - Literacy
• After breakfast, we moved right into literacy block.  We collected homework from the past two days.  Then we moved to the reading area while a few students "retook" their STAR READING Test.  Today we read pages 16-21 of Weather and went a little more deep into CLOUDS.  ReadyGen Lesson 3B.3 was about using the text to answer questions and also using context clues to be able to understand figurative language (literal and non-literal meanings). 
• We did an activity with literal and nonliteral and then transitioned into reading Stuart Little Chapter 13.  We were about 1/2 through the chapter when we decided it was time to move into MATH.
• 3rd / 4th - Math Block
• We passed out the computers and ipads, moved students around, passed out some headphones, got out paper and pencil... and then the students logged onto STAR MATH and took their LAST Star Math Test of the year.  I am SO happy to say that almost all of our 31 students showed growth on the test.  We will have a few of them retest in the morning to see if they can do better.  
• After everyone had finished their STAR MATH and had time to work on WAGGLE for a bit, we went over last night's GoMath 2.7 homework.   Tonight they have to do the Chapter 2 review so we can go over it tomorrow and then take the test.  After that, just Chapter 12 left! Then we will go back and hit multiplication and division again... more practice needed!!!
• 5th - Lunch/Recess
• 6th - Physical Education 
• 7th - Social Studies
• Unit 3 - History and Government of China

Homework:

• Math 
• GoMath Chapter 2 End of Chapter Review
• Literacy
• Spelling Practice / Reading Comp Wk24 Day 3
• Adverb Review

Talkative Tuesday

Parents:

Please talk to your children and remind them that school is a place of learning, not a place to talk to your friends and goof off.  The amount of talking and lack of work today was very alarming.

• 1st / 2nd - Literacy Block
• After breakfast, we moved into literacy.  (ReadyGen Lesson 3B.2).The focus today was using the skills of cause in effect in terms of the pages in the Weather book read today.  We also focused on the different types of informational writing and what they looked like.  We read pages 10-15 in the Weather book, did a Cause and Effect activity. We were unable to do the writing activity that used the weather forecast to create a T-Chart comparing and contrasting today's weather with the forecast for tomorrow due to all the talking.  
• 3rd / 4th - Math Block
• GoMath 2.6 was the focus today.  We solved problems using data on a bar graph.  The students spent more time talking than following the steps we had put forth for working with bar graphs.  I spent 35 minutes going over, step by step, the classwork because students were not focusing and following the steps.  The word problems can be quite tricky if you don't concentrate and following the steps.  
• 5th - Lunch
• 6th - Science with Ms. Galan
• 7th - Social Studies
• Unit 3 - Land and Economy (Read and Answer Questions)

Homework

• Math 
• Go Math 2.6 practice/homework pp. 123-124
• Bar Graph Practice Sheet
• Literacy
• Spelling Practice / Reading Comprehension Practice
• Read 45-60 minutes (STAR TEST TOMORROW)

Gorgeous Monday

So even though the weather started off a bit nippy, the sky is a beautiful color blue, the clouds are white and fluffy, and the temperature is pleasant and cool.  So much to be thankful for, it is impossible to be upset on a gorgeous day like today!!!

• 1st / 2nd - Math Block
• Ms. Avalos is the lead for math instruction.  Today, the focus was using bar graphs to answer questions.  Students had to be able to look at a data table and create a bar graph. They practiced doing both vertical and horizontal bar graphs.  As usual, we started with breakfast, then number talks, followed by daily number review, the mini-lesson, modeling, working on problems together, than into independent practice.  We finished by going over the daily work to check for understanding.
• 3rd/4th - Literacy Block
• I took the lead for Literacy instruction.  We started with the spelling pre-test, then moved into vocabulary for today's lesson - ReadyGen 3B.1.  As we start our new non-fiction unit on weather, we focused on using key ideas and details.  Today, we used this focus to fill out a KWL chart with reading.  In writing, we focused on using adverbs and descriptive words to help explain difficult topics in non-fiction writing.  

• 5th - Lunch
• 6th - Dance with Mr. Nunez
• 7th - Social Studies - Unit 2 - Section 2

Homework

• Math 
• GoMath 2.5 Practice/Homework pp.117-118
• Literacy
• Spelling 2X / cursive practice
• independent reading - 45-60 minutes 
• (STAR TEST Wednesday!!)

• 1st - Science with Ms. Galan
• 2nd - Catch Up Time
• We had to do MOSL makeups, some kids worked on finishing their PBA, and the others worked on Waggle in the front of the room quietly.
• 3rd/4th - Math Block
• GoMath Lesson 2.4 was the focus today.   It was using Bar Graphs to answer word problems.  The students seemed to understand that it didn't matter if they were vertical bar graphs or horizontal bar graphs, they needed the same parts and were easy to read. 
• After doing number talks and the daily math review, we watched the on demand video segment that explained today's lesson.  Then we unlocked the problems using the interactive lesson.  Students worked with partners to solve the problems and work with the graphs.
• 5th - Lunch / Recess
• 6th - Extended Recess / Math Wrap Up
• We have extended recess for 15 extra minutes on Friday for "Fun Friday" when the students work hard all week and earn it.  Today we were lucky enough to do just that.  When we came back in, we reviewed the classwork and then played a dice game with the entire class on the smartboard where they had to add the sum of the dice and then multiply it by 3.  They had a good time and practiced adding and multiplying at the same time.
• 7th - Literacy Block
• We have been taking it easy on literacy this week since they have had the MOSL which was two days of writing, and have been working on drafting, revising, editing, and publishing their PBA's.  Today we ended our day with our spelling test and then reading Stuart Little, our class novel.

Homework

• Math - GoMath Lesson 2.4 Practice/Homework page
• Literacy
• Reading Comprehension Week 23 Day 4
• Reading Practice - (45-60) minutes each day this weekend 
• STAR READING TEST IS WEDNESDAY!!!
• MUST SHOW IMPROVEMENT!!!

Thursday - Last MOSL Day

• First period we reviewed writing opinion essays based on our practice work with "which is better, cats or dogs?"
• 2nd - 3rd- MOSL
• Today was the ESSAY section of the MOSL.  Students worked independently to complete an opinion essay using the sections they did yesterday as details.
• 4th - Math Block
• We did the mid-chapter check up for Chapter 2.  After working on it, we went over it question by question.  Then we checked the last two night's homework on picture graphs.  After making sure they "got it"... we did a quiz where they had to make a picture graph and answer a few questions using their graph.
• 5th - Lunch/Recess
• 6th - P.E with Ms. Galan and Mrs. Avalos
• 7th - Catch Up / Free Choice
• Some students worked outside with Mr.  Johnny and Ms. Garcia to complete their PBA.  Some students earned free time to WAGGLE or play Cool Math Games.  Some students who didn't earn free choice time, they had to read a book.

Homework

• Math - Picture Graph Handout
• Literacy
• Spelling Practice / Reading Comprehension 
• Spelling Test Tomorrow
• Read 45-60 Minutes - STAR TEST next week!

Wednesday

• Internet was up and down all day... could not post!

• 1st - Homework Check - MOSL Review
• 2nd - 4th - MOSL 
• Today we had the first section of the MOSL.  MOSL stands for Measure of Student Learning and it is a two day reading/writing in house formative assessment.  We took the first MOSL in September.  This second MOSL is to measure their growth in readind and written response.  They had to read two articles.  With each article they had to give a reason and details to support their reasons.
• 5th - Lunch
• 6th - PE with Mr. Hoffman
• 7th - Class Novel - Stuart Little "Chapter 12

Homework:

• Math 
• Pictograph Handout
• Literacy
• MOSL Practice part 2 (Essay about Better Pet using work from before)
• Spelling Practice / Reading Comprehension (2 sided)

Tuesday May 10th

• Mrs. Avalos was not here today.  She had an appointment.  Mrs. Hernandez subbed with our class today.  Today was a very low key day.  We kinda split the class in two.  At the back of the class was Mr. Johnny, Ms. Liecea, and Ms. Garcia.  They were working one on one with students who needed help with their PBA.  At the front of the room it was business as usual with me and Mrs. Hernandez doing regular instruction.

• 1st/2nd - Literacy Block
• After breakfast, we moved into literacy.  Some students worked in the back on their PBA, others stayed up front and worked with the class.  We reviewed the last chapter of Stuart Little and then did guided group reading of chapter 11 - The Automobile.  We stopped throughout the chapter to answer questions, to talk to partners about what they would do, and to make sure we understood the text.  Finally, we finished the chapter and went over a series of "key ideas and details" questions to make sure students comprehended what we read.
• We previewed our next unit 3B by looking at what we had to do and looked at the first article in our text collection on weather instruments.  Then we started talking more in depth about what expect on the MOSL tomorrow and Wednesday.  I told the students they were lucky because the MOSL was an opinion piece, so we have just covered that. We then practiced for 30 minutes writing hooks for our introduction paragraphs.  I gave them several different "opinions" and they created hooks for each situation.  
• First Paragraph is the INTRODUCTION
• Needs a Hook
• Needs where you got your information from
• Needs your "In My Opinion..." and what you will prove
• Second Paragraph is the BODY
• Needs your first reason
• Needs details FROM THE TEXT to support that reason
• Needs your second reason
• Needs details FROM THE TEXT to support that reason
• Last Paragraph is the CONCLUSION
• Needs a "So in Conclusion..." to restate what you were talking about.
• Needs a quick reminded of the reasons (no details)
• Needs a sum it up sentence to end it
• We are splitting the writing up over two days.  Tomorrow they will read the texts and then answer a series of short response questions.  Thursday they will write their opinion essay about the texts.  Make sure that students get plenty of sleep and have a big breakfast to keep them fueled and ready to write tomorrow.  The MOSL is very important.  This shows how much they have improved in writing between September and May.  This is one of the tools we look at to see GROWTH.  
• 3rd/4th - Math Block
• The internet was down, so we did not start by watching the On Demand Video or the Interactive lesson.  Instead we used the Smartboard lesson and worked through the Unlocking the Problems and Share and Show the good old fashioned way.   We did our lesson on "using data to create picture graphs" (GoMath 2.3).  After working through all the modeled instruction and shared learning, students worked independently to complete their assignments.
• We met back and went over the classwork. Noticing that students were still having problems using the KEY as the multiplier in their picture graphs, we went ahead and did the homework/practice page in class and went over it step by step to try and practice this skill in more detail.
• 5th - Lunch/Recess
• 6th - Science with Ms. Galan
• 7th - Preparing for the MOSL
• In preparation for tomorrow's MOSL, we read two short texts and went over how to answer the short response questions.  Students had to complete for homework.  We will discuss tomorrow before the MOSL to make sure everyone feels ready.

Homework

• Math 
• Pictograph - Fish Tank
• Study Multiplication Facts
• Literacy
• Ready 45-60 minutes independently (next week is STAR TESTING)
• Spelling Practice / Reading Comp
• MOSL Practice Short Answers

Rough Monday

• 1st / 2nd - Math Block
• The day started with breakfast and the students doing an enrich activity that went with the lesson we had on Friday for GoMath 2.1.   After finishing breakfast and going over the enrich activity, we moved on to GoMath 2.2 - Using Picture Graphs.
• We did the on demand video tutorial, then the interactive "unlock the problems" before students went off to work on the show your work section.  We came back together at the end of independent work and went over each question to check for understanding and to clear up any misunderstandings.  It seems that some students are still having issues with looking at the picture key and using that to figure out picture graphs.  Some are just having trouble reading the word problems.
• 3rd / 4th - Literacy Block
• Today I promised the students that they would have one period to finish their PBA's... and then we would do ReadyGen Lesson 3B.1.   We spent all of last week "Pre-Planning" for the PBA.  It was a rough week because 12 students out of the 31 were being pulled for NYSESLAT testing, but for the other 19, it should have been business as usual.  
• Last week we completed the unit, we did web mapping and outline of the two books for the PBA, we created an outline using our web maps/outlines, we went over how to write an introduction, we went over how to turn the outline into paragraphs.   The only thing the students had left to do was to use the models (on the blog) to create their intro, their three body paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph.  Five paragraphs.  We did all the pre-planning together.    Today we came in and some students had NOTHING to start from, no pre-planning that we did last week, no rough draft that I told them to write.. NOTHING.  
• We spent both period working on the PBA.  10 students have finished out of 31.   We did not get to ReadyGen 3B.1. 
• 5th - Lunch/Recess
• 6th - Dance
• 7th - Health Lesson on Viruses
• Today we finished our lessons on Viruses and HIV.   We have been talking about what a virus is, how it gets into your body, and your bodies natural defenses.  Today we talked about the HIV Virus and how you can catch it and how to protect yourself from getting it.  

Homework:

• Math 
• GoMath 2.2 Homework/Practice
• Literacy
• Spelling Practice
• Finish PBA

Happy Mother's Day!

It's Raining!

Looks like people were a little afraid of the rain today...we had 5 people absent... and then when the 11 students left to take the NYSESLAT test, man, we were down to 15 students... well, 20 if you count the visitors from other classes... but it was just ODD to have such a small class when we are used to 31 students and 5 adults...

• 1st and 2nd - Math Block
• After breakfast, we did number talks and the daily number review.  Then we passed out the first volume of the math book and headed back to Chapter 2!  Today we did lesson 2.1.  In lesson 2.1, students had to use problem solving to organize a data table and use the data table to solve problems.  After doing the On Demand Math Video and the interactive unlocking the problems, students worked to solve and create tables to solve word problems.  After completing their independent work, we checked for understanding and tried to clarify any misunderstandings that students had.
• 3rd and 4th - Literacy Block
• After reviewing the introductory paragraph we wrote yesterday, we decided to change it and make it even more simplistic.  We then used Anthony's planning page to take his "notes" and make a solid paragraph with a topic sentence that comes from the "reason" and with supporting sentences that come from "details".  We added linking words and phrases and made sure to explain our details.  After co-writing and modeling, students were tasked to go back and start working on turning their outline into paragraphs and writing their PBA.

• 5th - Lunch
• 6th - Physical Education - Mr. Hoffman
• 7th - Special Arts and Crafts Project

Homework

• Math 
• GoMath 2.1 Homework/Practice 
• Literacy
• PBA - Use lined paper to write final copy of PBA
• Reading Comprehension (2 sides)

Thursday in 304

• 1st - 2nd : Literacy Block
• After breakfast, students went right to reading Chapter 9 of Stuart Little "Narrow Escape".  After reading and answering a series of key idea and detail questions, we looked at the upcoming PBA in detail.  We went over the task, broke it down, and then looked at the rubric.  Finally, we spent the remainder of first period modeling how to write an introduction again - using a HOOK, stating the topic, and finally your opinion that you will prove.
• Second period was used to create their outline for writing the PBA.  We had spent the previous day coming up with reasons and supporting details as a class.  Today was picking which reasons you wanted to use, which details would support them, putting them down on your planning guide, and making it your own.  Students who didn't finish must finish for homework.  Tomorrow we will model how to turn an outline into a body paragraph and students will write their PBA.
• 3rd - 4th : Math Block
• After finishing chapter 11 on perimeter and area, today we went back to look at the last section of chapter 10 which was using word problems to solve questions on measurement. 
• Students will work on the Chapter 10 end of chapter test for homework before me move on to Chapter 12.
• 5th - Lunch 
• 6th - Physical Education with Mr. Hoffman
• 7th - Health Lesson #2
• Yesterday we covered "how does a virus make you sick"... the take away was that it has to enter your body.  Outside of the body, a virus can't survive and will die.  So the only way to catch a virus is to let it enter your body via your mouth, nose, eyes, or open wound in the skin.   Today's lesson was "How does the body fight disease?"   The body has several things that help you to keep from getting sick.  

Homework:

• Math - Chapter 10 End of Chapter Test (617-622) 
• Literacy
• Study for Spelling Test
• Finish PBA Planning Sheet
• Spelling practice/Comp. Practice

Rainy Tuesday

Wait..I thought it was APRIL showers bring MAY flowers... 

Why is it raining TODAY???  

Oh well, keep calm and carry on as they say!

• 1st/2nd - Literacy Block
• We started with breakfast.  Afterwards, we moved into reading Chapter 8 of our class novel - Stuart Little.   We did a group guided read of chapter 8, stopping to ask key detail and main idea questions along the way.  Afterward, students worked to answer 6 questions on the smartboard from today's reading.  
• We then moved into ReadyGen Lesson 3A.17.  Our focus was to look at the task for the PBA and then to reread "Knots on a Counting Rope" and "Storm in the Night" to look for reasons and details that would support the opinion prompt for the PBA.  We used a tool called "Inspiration" on the computer to create an outline that the students will be able to use when they start writing.  This type of reading together, discussing together, finding details together... it leads to better understanding of the task, the texts, and next steps.  
• 3rd/4th - Math Block
• Ms. Avalos passed out the Chapter 11 test.  Students worked on the Chapter 11 test and then worked on a review sheet until time was complete.
• 5th - Lunch
• 6th - Science w/ Ms. Galan
• 7th - Wrap Up - Social Studies - Unit 3 Chapter 2

Homework:

• Math
• Finish classwork
• Literacy
• Spelling Practice Sheet
• Reading Comp Week 22 Day 2
• Stuart Little - Chapter 8 Review

Post Spring Break Monday

Math Vacation Packet and 

Literacy Cereal Book Report 

Due no later than WEDNESDAY!!!

• 1st - 3rd - Math Block
• After breakfast, Ms. Avalos went over Number Talk with the students.  Then she did the Daily Number Review before moving into GoMath Lesson 11.9 - Same perimeter, different area.  
• After watching the On Demand Video explaining the concept, she then moved to the interactive lesson to unlock the problems.
• We broke into groups and did the classwork.
• Finally, we met at the front for the students to go over the problems together and explain their thinking.

• 4th - Literacy Block
• We started the literacy block doing our Spelling List #22 pre-test.  After taking the test, the students did a self check so they could see what they needed to study.   Then we reviewed Chapter 6 from Stuart Little before reading Chapter 7 - The Sailboat Race together and answering some comprehension questions.  They will work on Sequence of Events from Stuart Little tonight for homework.  
• We moved to the writing lesson of ReadyGen Lesson 3A.16 with a focus on revising their writing.  They have been working on an opinion essay about why cats make the best pets.  Today they are looking at it more closely to see where they can make changes, add details, make it flow better.  They will focus on this tonight for homework.  We will be starting our end of the unit PBA in just a few days.
• 5th - Lunch/Recess
• 6th - Dance
• 7th - Wrap Up - Social Studies - Asia Section 1

Homework

• Math
• GoMath 11.9 "Practice/Homework" 
• Literacy
• Stuart Little Sequence of Events
• Spelling 2X each
• Reading Comp Week 22 Day 1
• Writing - Finish/Revise "Cats Make the Best Pets" opinion essay

Fun Friday

Ok - So I have to just say it.  The class was AMAZING today!  They were working hard, they were working quietly...they made me SO HAPPY!  Even with playing a math dice game and having a fire drill..they were SO WELL BEHAVED!   You made your teacher very proud!!!

• 1st - Science with Ms. Galan
• 2nd/3rd - Math Block
• We checked our math homework and then we played a math game.  We played Dice Tic-Tac-Toe.  I rolled the virtual dice and students put X's and O's in boxes.  It was pretty fun!  Then we did the On Demand Math Lesson for GoMath 11.8.  Afterward, we did the interactive video to unlock the problems.
• We did the classwork in "parts".  I assigned a few problems, set the timer, then students came up and worked them out.  Our focus today was cutting rectangles up to make smaller rectangles to find the area of object.   The students did a really good job and we rocked it out.  We even went to a fire drill and back in and didn't lose any of our work mode.
• 4th - Literacy Block
• Ms. Almarante was in our class and she was in the back of the room.  She had students coming into the room to do testing, so we had to be really quiet.  I pulled the students to the front and went over Chapter 5 of Stuart Little from yesterday, and then we read Chapter 6 today.  After reading and discussing, students quietly went back to their desk to work on an opinion writing prompt about Stuart Little.   Ms. Almarante was able to test 4 of her students in the back while our students read and wrote quietly.  When they finished, they quietly got out their Spelling List to study for the Spelling Test.
• 5th - Recess / Fun Friday
• 6th - Fun Friday / Waggle
• 7th - Wrap Up - Go Over Vacation Packets

Homework:

• Math
• GoMath Lesson 11.8 Practice/Homework
• Math Vacation Packet
• Literacy
• Stuart Little Take Home Quiz (1-5)
• Literacy Vacation Packet

Wednesday Happenings...

• 1st/2nd/3rd - Extended Math Block
• After Independent Reading and Breakfast, Ms. Avalos did Number Talks and The Daily Number Problem.   Then she checked homework with the group.  Next they watched the On Demand Math video to show another way to solve area for a rectangle. They used the  array or the area model to understand another way to solve area.  After looking at the interactive lesson to unlock the problem, we broke into group to work on lesson 11.6 in GoMath.
• After group work, Ms. Avalos went over the problems by having students come to the smartboard to solve and explain problems.
• End of 3rd/4th - Literacy Block
• Due to the shortened literacy block because math ran long, we didn't get to do both reading and writing, but we will finish the writing tomorrow.  
• Today we read Chapters 3 and 4 of our class novel.  We stopped and talked about different aspects of the author's craft and language skills we have been working on.  At the end of each chapter we answered key ideas and details type questions practicing how to respond to questions correctly and using page numbers to cite our evidence. 
• We revisited Paul Bunyan using the illustrations to recount the plot and key details.  Then we talked about "who" was telling the story and discussed how even though a narrator was telling the story, they were also showing PAUL's Point of View.  Then we did an activity where they had to look at pages and discuss Paul's Point of View (and Babe's) and then use the illustrations to provide evidence. 
• 5th - Lunch/Recess
• 6th - P.E. with Mr. Hoffman
• 7th - Wrap Up and Social Studies
• Wrap up on Literacy Activity and then finish section 1 of Unit 3 in Social Studies and answer some questions.

Homework:

• Math 
• GoMath 11.6 Practice/Homework pp 659-660
• Finding Area Worksheet
• Literacy
• Spelling Practice / Reading Comprehension
• Stuart Little 3/4 Sheet

Talkative Tuesday

Not really excited about the talking that 

was taking place today instead of focused learning.  

Not a good thing!!!

• 1st / 2nd - Literacy Block
• After breakfast, we took a few minutes to collect homework and then go over the reading passage and questions from last night.  Then we looked at the Stuart Little questions from last night as well.  Finally, we read the 2nd chapter of Stuart Little "Home Problems".  After reading chapter 2, we looked at five questions to make sure they understood the key ideas and details of the section.

• For ReadyGen we did lesson 3A.14.  We finished reading our text "Paul Bunyan" be recounting what we had read so far and then reading the last pages (38-40).  Afterward, we talked about the meaning of Central Message.  Central Message is the BIG IDEA of the story.  What was the BIG IDEA and if you want to think deeply... what was the INTENT of the big idea... what was the PURPOSE behind the big idea.  After modeling the big idea of the text, students had to find details to support that big idea from the reading today.
• In writing, we added on to lessons by creating an outline for our upcoming practice essay on the topic "Cats Make Better Pets Than Dogs"..... We took our REASONS and then listed support for each reason.  Later, we will take this outline and craft well written paragraphs.
• 3rd/4th - Math Block
• After going over last night's homework, we went over number talks and the daily number problem to strengthen our math thinking skills.  Then we watched the On Demand Math video that helps explain today's lesson.  With the help of the Interactive Lesson, we discovered how to unlock the problems for today.  Students then worked on the daily lesson to show understanding of finding area of various shapes.
• 5th - Lunch / Recess
• 6th - Science
• 7th - Wrap Up - Social Studies
• Social Studies - Unit 3 - Section 1

Homework

• Math
• GoMath Lesson 11.5 practice/homework pages
• Literacy
• Stuart Little Chapter 2 Questions
• Spelling Practice / Reading Practice Sheet
• Reading 45-60 minutes / reading log

Wow!

We had quite a big scholastic order this time... The students ordered $95 dollars.. and I always match what they order for the class library, so our order was $200 bucks worth of reading fun!  Wow!  That is a lot of books!  I can't wait to see how big the box is when it arrives.

The students showed up today and it was like testing had never happened.  They came in ready to work, full of energy, and we got down to business!

• 1st / 2nd - Math Block
• After breakfast in the classroom was over, we moved into Number Talks and our Daily Number Review.  Then we moved into GoMath Lesson 11.4 on Area.  We used the On Demand Math video to introduce the topic, and then the interactive lesson to unlock the problems of the day.
• We then broke into independent work.  Finally, students came to the board to show understanding and to explain their thought process.

• 3rd / 4th - Literacy Block
• We started by reading Chapter 1 "Down the Drain" from our new class novel "Stuart Little".  Then we answered various questions about the chapter to check for understanding.  Then we moved into reviewing the first sections of "Paul Bunyan" by recounting what we already know about the story.
• Then we moved to writing block to finish the lesson from last week for ReadyGen Lesson 3A.13.  It was about taking notes and adding these notes to support your opinion.  Some students lost their work from 3A.12 so they had to start over with that too.  The writing is building on each lesson, so if they don't do a lesson, or lose a lesson, they have to start all over.  By this point in third grade, organization should not be an issue.  All of the writing for lesson 12 and 13 should be done by tomorrow, when we add on the NEXT part of the writing.  
• 5th - Lunch (No Recess - Too Much Talking)
• 6th - Dance with Mr. Nunez
• 7th - Spelling Pre-Test / Social Studies Unit 3 Intro

Homework

• Math 
• Gomath Practice/Homework 11.4  pp.647-648
• Literacy
• Spelling Practice (2x)
• Reading Comprehension Sheet wk21 day 1
• Stuart Little - Chapter 1
• Writing - Lesson 3A.12 and today's 3A.13 must be COMPLETE!

Friday - TESTING DONE!

• 1st - 4th - MATH DAY 3
• 5th - Lunch
• 6th - Science with Ms. Galan
• 7th - Social Studies
• Finish looking up Unit 3 vocabulary words. Preview the first section!
• Map Activity if time permits...

Homework:

• Math - Review Paper (2 sides)
• Literacy - Paul Bunyan Reading Comp (to be graded!)
• Reading - Read 45-60 minutes and Reading Log

Day 1 - Done!

WOO HOO!!!!  

We had 100% attendance again!  

If we make 100% attendance for both tests... 

PIZZA PARTY!!!

• 1st - 4th - Day 1 - State Math Test!
• 5th - Lunch / Recess
• 6th - Science - Ms. Galan
• 7th - Math Camp
• Extra practice on areas that students found difficult on today's test!

Homework:

• Math Practice Sheet

Tuesday's Review

Math State Testing Starts TOMORROW!!!

Wednesday - 4/13
Thursday - 4/14
Friday - 4/15

• 1st/2nd - Literacy Block
• After having breakfast, students were encouraged to recount the first two sections of Paul Bunyan to review what we have covered so far.  Then we reviewed how the illustrations help you add meaning to the text.  Finally, we read the next section and worked to make sure we could look at key details to understand the central message of the section.
• After reading, stopping for discussions on message and the use of exaggeration and idioms, we broke into groups and did an activity where they had to give the literal and nonliteral meanings for various figures of speech.
• 3rd/4th - Math Block
• After doing Number Talks and our Daily Number Review, we moved into lesson 11.3.  The focus today was finding the length of missing sides of plane figures when you have the perimeter.  (Whole - added up sides = missing side).
• After doing the mini-lesson, we broke into three groups and worked on the daily assignment.  After the assignment was done, we had students come to the smartboard to work the problems and explain their thinking.  Finally, we went back to our seats and worked on our review problems for tomorrow's state test!
• 5th - Lunch
• 6th - Science with Ms. Galan
• 7th - Wrap Up
• We finished by completing our review problems, going over our homework from yesterday's review, and letting students ask any questions they had about tomorrow's state test.  Tomorrow is important.  Tomorrow is the multiple choice day.  This is where the majority of their score comes from.  They need to read all parts of the question, do each step they ask, and check their work.  They can do it if they slow down and concentrate!

Homework;

• Math - GoMath Lesson 11.3 Practice/Homework
• Reading - Independently Read 30-45 minutes
• Permission Slip - If invited to Spring Break Program - Due tomorrow!

State Math Test - Week Begins

State Math Test Days

Wednesday - March 13thThursday - March 14thFriday - March 15th

• 1st/2nd - Literacy Block
• First we had our breakfast.  Next, we finished lesson 3A.12 in ReadyGen.  It was on writing opinion pieces.  We practiced doing possessive nouns for Language Arts.  Then we talked about how you had to have reasons for your opinion and how you had to have details to support your reason.  We read a cute article on how Cats are better Pets!  Students listed the reasons the author said cats were better pets.  Then on the front, they picked three reasons and then had to write two sentences to support that reason.  Most people finished in class, the rest need to finish for homework.  We finished by doing a Mad Lib to practice our parts of speech.
• 3rd/4th - Math Block
• We started by doing number talks and the daily number review.  Then we checked the homework on doing perimeter from 11.1 and the handout.  Finally we moved into lesson 11.2 on using rulers to measure perimeter. After modeling, students worked in pairs to do their task today.  Then we had students come to the board to answer the questions.  After that was done, we gave out a "review" of all the topics we have covered this year so far.  Students worked on just pages 1-2 of the review.  Tomorrow we will do the other two pages to make sure they are ready for the test on Wednesday.  The homework tonight is on the two areas they had trouble with in the review. (MORE PRACTICE!)

• 5th - Lunch
• 6th - Science with Ms. Galan
• 7th - Social Studies - Unit 3
• We started Unit 3 on Asia today by having students become familiar with upcoming vocabulary words.

Homework:

• Math
• GoMath Practice/Homework 11.2 
• Math Review/Practice (2 sides)
• Literacy
• ReadyGen 3A.12 - Opinion Paul Bunyan
• Permission Slips
• Bring in Spring Academy Permission Slip if Invited!

Back on Track Friday!

After three days of State ELA Testing, today we were back on track.  For the most part, I was pretty pleased with how quickly the students tossed off the TEST anxiety and got down to business!

• 1st - Science with Ms. Galan
• 2nd/3rd - Math Block
• We started Chapter 12 today.  The chapter is working with area and perimeter.  We did number talks and the daily number review first.  Then we moved into the "on demand" video lesson that gives a preview to what we will be working on that day.  After doing the warm up with the Interactive Lesson, we moved into lesson 12.1, where students worked with two different ways to solve perimeter.
• 4th - Literacy Block
• We started ReadyGen Lesson 3A.12 today.  The focus was recounting key details to understand the central idea as well as to use the illustrations to help understand the text.  We reviewed the first section of Paul Bunyan "Growin Up" and then moved into the next section, "Starting Out".  
• 5th - Lunch/Recess
• 6th - Tall Tale Work
• Mrs. Avalos and Myself (well, all third grade teachers) had a workshop with Mrs. Irwin, our Math Consultant.  While we were at the workshop, Mr. Johnny and the other teachers who covered us went over another TALL TALE about a larger than life character "Slue Foot Sue".  After reading the Tall Tale together, students had to analyze the story looking for "superhuman" characteristics, problem, solution, and examples of exaggeration.  This paired perfectly with Paul Bunyan.
• 7th - Literacy Block
• We finished our reading activity which was comparing the illustrations to the text using a venn diagram for how they were alike and different.  I am really pleased how some of the students are developing a very critical eye when it comes to analyzing literature.  

Homework

• Math
• GoMath 12.1 - Practice/Homework pages
• Finding Perimeter Handout (8 problems - be careful!)
• Literacy
• Finish ReadyGen 3A.12 opinion paragraph in notebook
• Reading Comprehension Wk 20 - Day 3

ELA Day 2 - Complete!

Today was a little more work for the students, but they persevered and did it!  I am really proud of their hard work and not giving up.  I had to keep pushing a few of them, but we made it.  Who knew I was such a good cheerleader!

• 1st - 4th - Day 2 of ELA State Test
• Day two involved 3 reading passages.  With the first passage they had to answer a handful of multiple choice questions.  With the second passage they had to answer a few short response questions.  I know they used the RACE format to make the answers easy and complete!  The last passage they had to read and then do an extended response.  That means they need an introduction, discuss the questions asked in the prompt, and then a conclusion.  I know after all the practice we have done in class, they will do just fine!
• 5th - Lunch
• 6th - Gym
• 7th - Wrap Up / Test Prep / Relax

Homework:

• Math - Test Prep Questions
• Literacy
• Gone Fishing Practice!

Day 1 - Complete!

So Day 1 has come and the testing is done!  The students seemed to take Day 1 in stride.  I asked my group if they feel better about Day 2 and Day 3 and they said "YES!"  I think once they saw that the state test is just testing them on the same things we have been doing in class, they felt better!

• 1st - 4th -  ELA State Test - Multiple Choice
• 5th - Lunch/Recess
• 6th - Science
• 7th - Wrap Up / Class Novel

Homework:

• Math - Test Prep
• Literacy - JUMP!  

Rainy Monday

IT IS FINALLY HERE!  The New York State ELA Test is this week!

Tuesday, April 5th (Multiple Choice)

Wednesday, April 6th (Multiple Choice, Written Response)

Thursday, April 7th (Written Response)

Please make sure that your children are at school each day during these testing days!

• Helpful Hints:
•   Make sure your child has a good night’s sleep (8-10 hours).
• Make sure your child has a good breakfast with protein, complex carbs, and orange juice.
• Get to school early so you don’t feel rushed or have anxiety about being late.
•  Practice the breathing exercises you learned when you feel nervous.
• If you wear glasses, remember to bring them for the test!
• Remind them to do their best and let them know that they can do it!
• 
  
• 1st / 2nd - Math Block
• We started the day reviewing rounding in our test prep.  We checked our homework and then did number talks and our daily number review.  
• We did GoMath Lesson 10.7 today on estimating measurements using mass (grams and kilograms).  We watched the On Demand video which explained the concept, and then did the interactive lesson to work through the Unlock the Problems.  We worked on the I do and We do sections before letting the students work on the You Do section.  We checked for understanding and made sure they were getting the concept.  Since they did, we went ahead and did the math homework IN CLASS so they wouldn't have a lot of homework tonight before the state test.
• 3rd/4th - Literacy Block

• We went over the writing lesson for ReadyGen 3A.10.  It was on making concluding statements for short responses.  The concluding statement should mirror the topic or opinion statement but say it in a different way.
• We started lesson 3A.11 today.  With it we started a new text "Paul Bunyan".  After reading the first section, we worked on point of view (Paul's vs. Own) so they could see that they didn't have to have the same Point of View as the character.  In writing we worked on concluding sections.  It involves taking the opinion statement, rewording it, and adding a few details. You want your last paragraph to leave the reader with the "THIS IS WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW" after reading this writing.
• 5th - Lunch
• 6th - Dance with Mr. Nunez
• 7th - Wrap Up - Class Novel "The Chocolate Touch"

Homework:

• Math - Test Prep Problems
• Literacy
• No Spelling This Week!
• Reading
• Must have Independent Reading Book for Test Days!
• Writing
• Finish Lesson 3A.8 from last week
• Add a concluding section

 

Back Up!

New York City Public Schools had a site wide internet outage yesterday.  That is why there was not a blog post!  We had a pretty great day, but could not tell you about it!!  Today, we are back up!

Welcome Back Ms. Avalos!

• 1st - Science with Ms. Galan
• 2nd/3rd - Math Block
• We took the first period to go back and revisit yesterday's lesson with measuring to the closest 1/4 and 1/2 inch.  We revisited doing a line plot  as well.  We modeled how to do them again, and then the students broke into groups to work on the skills. 
• The focus of today's lesson was estimating with volume using liters.  After watching the On Demand video with Mr. Burger, we did the interactive lessons to do the demo of comparing using liters.
• 4th - Literacy Block
• We did the spelling test and then did the writing/language lesson from ReadyGen 3A.9 that we didn't finish from yesterday.
• 5th - Lunch
• 6th /7th - Literacy Block
• After completing our writing assignment of adding linking words and phrases to our writing we have been working on, we moved into our next ReadyGen Lesson 3A.10.  

• The focus today was comparing the two texts we have read, "Knots in a Counting Rope" and "Storm in the Night" looking at the grandfathers and grandsons in both stories.  The students had to really think about the central message of each story, how the characters "taught" their lesson, and how the characters influenced the story.
• Our focus in writing was to use a concluding statement to summarize and wrap up a paragraph, or in this case, an opinion writing piece.
• We ended the day reading our class novel "The Chocolate Touch" and doing a Mad Lib to practice our language skills.

Homework

• Math 
• GoMath 10.7 pp 603-604
• Measuring Practice Handout
• Literacy
• Comparative Superlative Practice
• Reading Comprehension 
• Independent Reading / Reading Log