Class begins expository writing

In writer’s workshop today, we did an expository writing practice lesson. Each  person chose between 5 and 10 geometrical shapes, made one big shape using them, and then wrote directions for another person to follow so that he/she may make the same big shape. Each student had to draw his/her finished shape so that when we trade tomorrow, we can check.

In science we did an observation that simulated the percentages of where water on Earth is stored. We also discussed Monday’s lesson.

I have extended book orders for one more day, as I was sent coupons from Scholastic. If your child spends $5, he/she gets to choose another book for free (up to $5).

Class takes first spelling pretest of 2013

We started spelling for the first time this year.   We took our spelling pretest, and then corrected those missed.

We also finished our lexicon page that we began last week.  Since this was the first page, it took a little longer than it will once we have done a few.

In science we read section 2 of chapter 8.  We also added a drawing to our notebook. 

Book orders are due tomorrow!

Students begin work on lexicons

Today we started our lexicons in writing. We will build individual lexicons so that at the end of the year each student will have his/her own and it will be filled with many words, some unfamiliar.

Remind your child to type his/her friend story so he/she may turn it in on Monday. It may be handwritten.

In science we went to computer lab and each student took his/her STAR math test.

Have a great weekend!

Writers do peer conferences with stories

In writer’s workshop, we continued working on our stories and then shared with a peer.  We held peer conferences.  When your child is done with his/her story, he/she may type them to turn in.  If you do not have a printer at home, you may email stories to me and I will print here.

In science we watched a great NASA video about the water cycle.  We also reviewed lesson 1 of chapter 8.

Tomorrow is Popcorn Day.  If your child didn’t pay for the year, and wants popcorn, please send 50 cents with him/her tomorrow.

Teacher works with writing conferences during writer's workshop

In writing today we went further with the assignment we started yesterday.  I enjoyed conferencing individual writers over their stories.  When I conference, I read what a child has written, then ask questions.  That makes them think about things that they could add to their stories.  This doesn’t mean they erase and rewrite, but add, just as authors do on their stories/pieces.  Writing is a process.  Our saying is, “When you think you’re done, you’ve only just begun!”

In science we started chapter 8.  This is about water, and I don’t know why, but water is so fun!  Of course, during bus duty today, I would have preferred a little less precipitation!  Your child had 5 questions to answer on page 254 of his/her text.

Book orders went home yesterday.  To order online go to Scholastic.com.  Our online code is J34XP.  Tuesday is the due date.

New year starts with new project in writer's workshop

It was great to be back and see everyone’s smiling face today! Every single student was here, and that always makes for a great day!

In writing we did a prewrite activity. We also discussed how it is easiest to write about something that truly happened to us. Today’s activity was to think of people they remembered meeting for the very first time. They made a list. Then they wrote a sentence about each meeting. From there they will choose which one to write their story about. Tomorrow, directions, rules, and genre choices for the Oklahoma Writing Project will come home with your child.

In science we did another lab, this time using a full can, rather than an empty can of soda, as we did in December.

I hope everyone had a Happy New Year!