After Independent Literacy Time and Morning Meeting, we had Reader's Workshop. Today the mini-lesson was about how to trade books in the kids' "Just Right" bookbag (the books that they read during their Independent Reading time during workshop). It took a bit of time to get everyone on board, but next week it should go quite smoothly. The kids also had independent reading time, and at the end of workshop closing we discussed the proper way to take care of books and our bookbags.
After reading, we had Writer's Workshop. Today I taught the kids about what they can do if they are 'stuck' and don't have an idea to write about. I showed them how I look back at the old pieces that I have already written to see if I can add pictures or words, or if one of those pieces gives me an idea for a new piece. Then, of course, the kids went off to write and practice that skill. After their work time, we talked about how (or if) they used the new strategy.
When we finished writing, it was time to head on down to the lunchroom for lunch and out to recess. When we got back up to our room, I told the kids about the "Star of the Week" in Room 240 - each week (I'll send home a schedule) one of the kids will be featured as Star of the Week, with all of the rights and privileges that entails (ask your child all about it). Look for more information about it in folders on Friday. We then read a couple of my favorite books (one of the perks of being Star of the Week - I took the liberty of making myself Star for this week). We read two books from the Mr. Putter and Tabby series (Pick the Pears and Walk the Dog). By the time we finished with that, it was time to head down the hallway to the Media Center for class with Mrs. Hennen.
When we got back from the library, we went to the computer lab for the first time. We spent some time learning computer lab etiquette and how to access the computers. Then we worked on math games that I listed for the kids on a website (another blog, actually - it's good and free). If your child would like do them at home, or if you'd like to see what we're up to, the address is http://comp240.blogspot.com/. They are pretty fun games, and reflect what we have been working on in math.
After the computer lab, we went back to our room for Science Lab. Today we read a book about Monarch caterpillars and then spent some time observing the caterpillars that we have in our room. They are really growing. The question that we were debating today was about which end of the caterpillar is the head (it's not as obvious as you think - take a look - it is this end or this end?).
After all of that, it was time to clean up, pack up, and head home.
