Schaffer's Snippets
The News from Room 104
Language Arts
Reading
We have been working very hard to build our stamina and engage in four literacy activities that make up Daily 5. The students know how to Read to Self, Read to Someone, Work on Writing, and Listen to Reading. This week they will be introduced to Word Work. They really enjoy making the choice as to which activity to complete first. The students have quickly become very independent which will allow me to start Guided Reading this week. Please remember that when the yellow Books to Share folder comes home to listen to your child read the book in the folder and sign that you listened to your child read. This practice will ensure their reading progress.
Community Read
This time, usually after lunch is when the students are able to enjoy a chapter out of a favorite read aloud. We started off with the story, Diva and Flea. This story follows a pampered, shy dog and an adventurous cat as they explore Paris. Now, we are reading the Maybelle series, about a lovable cockroach and her best friend Henry, the flea.
Spelling
The students are working on short vowels this week and the next. The following week we will start with our Reading and Spelling program Journeys. The students will come home with a packet of homework with their spelling list in the front of the packet. The spelling activities are being introduced to the students this week. (Example of spelling homework is written across the top.) They should be completely independent with these activities. If this isn't the case please send me an email or write a note on the homework.
Math
Math in Focus
We have been working on number sense, greater than and less than in Chapter 1 of Math in Focus. To ensure the students are secure on the skills in Math in Focus, we have begun and interactive math notebook. The students create visuals, write vocabulary, and solve sample problems in their notebook and then have it as a reference for later use. It has been very helpful to have this resource and the students enjoy using it.
Math Games
Students really understand concepts and skills when they have been allowed to play with these ideas. I have many math games and activities which I have been introducing the students to. The students play these games when they have completed their workbooks. Further, we have one day set aside, Game Day, which I use to pull small groups of students to review math work if the student needs extra review or more practice. Game day is a big hit with the students!
Monster Squeeze
Monster squeeze is a game that works on number sense.
Math Games
Math Games
We rotate partners so that we can learn to work with each other.
Seesaw
Seesaw is an application on the iPads that allows us to create a digital portfolio. We have been working on putting items in our digital portfolio. Once we have a few more in our portfolios I will be sending home a sheet of paper with a QR code on it. It will have instructions to follow. You download the app, scan the code, then you will be able to view and comment on your child's work. We love Seesaw!