Homework May 16, 2011

Homework will be light this week, although students need to stay focused and maintain quality work during our school days (I know they will).

Tonight students should be researching lightly a question they had as they modified a recipe for their nutritional challenge.

We also watched the launch today!!!!  We are so fortunate to live here on the Space Coast!
Best wishes STS-134.  We will be staying updated with your endeavors!

Field trip tomorrow and don't forget to study MATH!

Homework:  Review/revise for math and science test on Friday.  Get lunches and wet-able clothing ready for tomorrow morning.
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We completed our math study guide today.  In small groups, I am revising with students who have 'red' or 'yellow' on some standards.  They are doing such a great job of traffic lighting their work, although they still seem nervous sharing if there is a concept they don't know verbally.

Being able to say "I don't know" is such a strength!  Students are learning to be the leaders in their education...to have the understanding to know what they need help with and to be confident enough to ask for help.  I notice some students color code well but then do not come to small group support when offered.  I am trying to 'find them out' before Friday's end of year math test.

I have also had some great discussions where students share that they talk at home about what they don't understand and family members (even big brothers, sisters or cousins) are taking time help out.  BIG HUGS for all your support!
 
However....if you find your student truly does not understand a concept, please let me know by using those 'red' and 'yellow' circles (or the words).

Here is to a great field trip tomorrow.  I am looking forward to getting very wet and seeing all the little creatures we find living in the inlet!

Have a good Wednesday....

Traffic lights...what is my student taking about?

Homework:  Page 3 and 4 in math study guide.  Traffic light EACH question.
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We traffic light our work...sometimes each question, depending on the standards we are covering.  What does traffic lighting mean and how does it help students learn?

Traffic lights help students use assessment for learning!

Well.... students learn to use red, yellow and green when they personally assess their work.  We use hand signals in class that also match the lights.  Red reflects "I have no clue." So I would set up time to work with that student 1 to 1 or in a small group.  If they are 'yellow'..they feel they can do some of the work.  However, they have questions or don't feel confident.  We might still work in small groups or they could team with another student who is green.

Green = "I got this and can do it  independently!"  If I see more than one green for a standard AND all the work is correct, I know this student is ready for some above level work and, possibly, ready to move to a new standard!

Homework should be traffic lighted.  If you helped your child understand, have them place a yellow and also a green.  Using both colours lets me know the student had questions, but with support, understands the concept now.

Maybe I should implement traffic lights at home when my own children do their chores!!!! :)
Have a good evening!