3rd Week- Still Going Strong!

It's been such a busy week, that when I started typing this post I was extremely disappointed to discover that I had not taken many pictures at all this week!  I promise I will try to do better next week.  :)

In math this week, we have been trying to practice our math rotations.  Each day, after our calendar time and whole group mini lesson (except for Friday), each group will have a different task.  The tasks are:  Meet with Mrs. Dickinson for small group instruction, Math Tubs, Math games on the computer and Math journal activity.  The students have done a wonderful job adjusting to this new routine.  I'm thrilled to be able to provide more individualized instruction as well as see the students apply the knowledge they are gaining independently or in small groups.  In the near future, I would love to have some parent volunteers help out with some math games at our math rotation.

On Fridays, the excitement in paramount in our room.  First, we do an assessment of the subject we have been covering throughout the week.  Then, it is school store day!!  At the end of the day, depending on what color the students' clip is on, the student receives their day's (school) money.  If a student is on green, they receive 1 penny.  Blue- 2 pennies.  Purple- 3 pennies.  Pink- a nickel!  Students save their money in their money baggies all week (and sometimes longer) to make their purchases on Fridays.

I love doing school store, because although money is a math subject we cover in the springtime, students are already learning how to count change.  They are also learning how to make choices, identify needs and wants and budget their money.  On top of all that, they are learning that being a good citizen pays off (literally!).  Here is a picture of our school store.  Donations of small items are always greatly appreciated!

In reading this week, we learned a lot about how to hold and read a book, where the front cover, back cover and title page are, what the job of the author and illustrator are and many other important text features.  We also read many books by the wonderful author and illustrator, Eric Carle.

In unit study we have been discussing the various jobs that grown ups have, why they have these jobs and the tools that different workers use.  On the day we discussed builders, we made a chart listing many of the tools we thought builders use.  Each student drew a picture of the tool and added it to our chart.

Looking forward:

In math next week, we will be learning about various patterns.  We will have lots of practice extending and repeating patterns.  

In reading, we will be reading books by the author Tomie de Paola.  

In unit study, we will continue our study of jobs, with some possible special guests visiting!  

***I hope to see you all at Open House on Tuesday, September 24th at 7:00pm!  As always, thanks for sharing your precious ones with me!