Our PicLits - reflections and studies of our vocabulary words #1

Here are just some of our PicLits.  They are word studies of our vocabulary.  The instructions were to find a pics that captured the essence of the word's definition.  I was truly impressed by the quality of work and thoughtfulness of the picture choices.  I will post the rest tomorrow.  Well done!

We did it! We did it! PicLits....

The idea came from Philly Teacher - a blog that is filled with innovative and easy to implement ideas for teachers.




The assignment fell under our word study...we looked at our vocabulary word and considered how
they might be used to create 'effect' in our speaking and writing.  Students had to find the definition, select a Pic that they felt conveyed the word's 'essence'.  Then they choose other words that reflected the 'effect' the word might have when used in their writing - or the effect going on in the writing when the word was being used.  This problem will be a regular occurrence in our class.  It fit very well, time and independence wise, into our literacy centers

6th - He really soared I thought!




 Here is what two of them did...completely on their own. I am SOOO excited to use this more!
This was found on PhillyTeacher... excellent resource.

2nd grade - my son.  He did this quickly...not bad!

See the full PicLit at PicLits.com

More PicLits as of October 8.

http://classroomofstars.blogspot.com/2010/10/our-piclits-reflections-and-studies-of.html

Mathmasteryschools.com helps with my math progression

Progression – Mathmasteryschools.com also helps me id any gaps and engages my students with their learning in an interesting, visual and kinetic way!  Is there an on-line program you use?

Would you like a cup?  I love Tazo Rest...zzzz

We are heading down the path of progression where student lulls, growth and declines in progression are watched regularly.  In a multi-age 5/6 class, that is a lot of differentiation, assessment across year benchmarks and really keeping afoot on my planning.  I need to ensure I cover all the standards for both years in the same amount of time a teacher would cover one set of benchmarks for a single year class.

http://www.mathmasteryschools.com/ helps.  Maybe there are different on-line programs out there, but I have been using this e-teaching tool for almost 10 years…and I love it more each time.  The key to math mastery is two fold.

First, the assessments are clear and else to understand for my use.  Students take pretests, practice problems; mid-course tests…all that can be monitored quickly, on-line to help me ‘see’ where students are in different math areas. Plus, they seem to enjoy sending me updates from home, at crazy hours to show off their quality work.  So far my latest sent report from a student was 10.30pm... and yes, that is 5/6 grade.

However, the true wonderfulness of MathMasterySchools is that the program does not appear in grade levels – just lessons within a course.  So even though the learning concepts range from 1 through 8^th grade (I believe), students just know they are taking lesson 1 in addition or lesson 10, and so forth.  I feel this allows students to safely and privately work through any gaps in learning and look at math as more of sequential steps, rather than grade level boxes.  It is differentiation at its best…hitting the developmental next steps without making a child feel they are ‘failing’ when they are learning.  (Maybe just not at the same pace.)

I just received my Florida lead money.  Thank you whoever developed this reimbursement program for monies spent towards my classroom.  My lead money and the cost of mathmasteryschools.com just about synced up.  I would recommend asking parents to donate a few dollars rather than using lead monies.  However, in my class, I may not of of gotten much to finance it.  So better to get it paid and started.

How do I set it up?  First, all the usernames and passwords I try to sync up between all the various on-line programs to make it easy for the student and parent.  I have a chart recording lessons completed (not scores on practice problems).  Once they have watched the video tutorial and completed the practice problems, I put up a sticker for the effort.  I have some students who need a more focused, visual learning environment.  So while I am working in small groups, I have them on Mathmastery to work on specific courses and stretch their learning.

I am so tired.  It is a Friday night…after a long week.  I did get my spelling and vocabulary lists home with the students and we had a really great day. I am sitting here with my cup of tea ready to fall asleep. Hope my spelling and grammar isn't too bad.

Enjoy!

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Year 3/4 and 4 Food Chains - Homework and Websites

Hi... here are some websites that will help with your science homework this week.  If you have any questions, go to our http://www.classroomofstars.com/ website and use the contact page to send them in.

Have fun!

Learn more about food chains:
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/Homework/fooodchains.htm


The BBC Habitat - www.bbc.co.uk/schools/scienceclips/ages/8_9/habitats.shtml
You can print out the quiz from the bbc habitat site and turn this in as well!




Cheers,
Mrs. T

Year 1 WORLD MATHS DAY!!!! Don't miss!

Year 1,
Make sure you remind your families to check your book bags tonight.  Tomorrow is World Maths Day and our class is registered to take on challenges with other children across the globe. 

Your official username and password has been sent home in your book bags tonight and you can access the site early to give it a go!  Teachers and families are also encouraged to try their maths 'on' that day, so I'll be signing on as soon as I get home as well.

I hope you enjoy the challenge and the fun of taking part in this world wide event!

http://www.worldmathsday.com/

Cheers,
Mrs. T

Grand Opening for our Year 3/4 and 4 Bicester Zoo starts tomorrow!

Your model habitats are assembled and we have considered what resources we need to build a zoo here in Bicester.  This week we will learn about categorizing our creatures and provide school tours for our zoo!

Things to consider: 
Can you think of ways that certain animals are similar or different? 
Going back to MRGRENS:  How are similar creatures MRGRENS alike or different?

Remember, you also have your school trip to the Rainforest on Friday.  When you are there, consider how the builders designed the eco-home to contain and support the plants and animals far away from their natural habitat.

Cheers,
Mrs. T

Science Challenge....all years!

Explore the nooks around your home.  What type of creatures (including insects) and plants (even molds) can you find?

Why do you think these 'living organisms' have decided to live with you?

Take a walk around the outside of your home.  What creatures and plants do you find there?  Are they different or similar to the ones you have in-side?

Why do you think these 'living organisms' have decide to live outside?

Do you think you could live outside your home?  Why or why not?

Remember: You can e-mail through our contact web-page.  Challenge participants are recorded and are entered for fun awards or prizes!

Cheers,
Mrs. T

Half Term Fun - Science and Astronaut Club

Over the next 5 days, I'll be posting some challenges and questions for Year 3, 3/4 and 4 science groups, Year 1 Wacky Science and our Astronaut Club. Our learning platform might take a little more time for me to get organized, so I'll also keep our blog up until we have the LP up and running.

Remember, you can e-mail me through the web page. I'll post your comments and questions on our blog.

Hope you had a fun weekend...check back Monday.

Cheers,
Mrs. T

Our learning platform is UP! You will get info in class this week...see you there :)

OurCheers,
Mrs. T