Crayons

We have been learning the poem "Crayons" to practice reading color words. We have also been working on our fluency. To hear the students reading, click this link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/9lnesyw8sb0yw95/Crayons.m4a. I have found that when the students know I am recording them and that they will have an audience besides their friends and teachers, they tend to worker harder on reading goals.

A Hunting We Will Go

We have been learning to read and sing "A Hunting We Will Go" as a way to practice fluency and identifying rhyming words. To hear a recording of the students singing, check out this link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/g5fnn94gyhr4dcp/A%20Hunting%20We%20Will%20Go.m4a

Phonics Genius iPad and iPhone App

One of my favorite phonics apps is Phonics Genius. The app has flash cards of short vowels, long vowels, blends, and digraphs. You have the option to have the words read aloud. This is great for introducing the specific sounds. The sound can then be taken off to have the students practice reading the words independently. The app also allows you to add your own phonics words. I plan on using the app for Daily 5, to introduce the weekly phonics focus, and in guided reading.

Our Newest Reward: Simon

I'm always looking for new ways to motivate the students to stay on task and to have positive behavior. Recently I discovered an online version of the old game Simon that works with our Promethean Board. The students love playing this for a few minutes each day as a reward for completing work on time, etc. I love it because it helps them build their focus - both visual and auditory.

What is Your Dream Vacation?

Using the software Kidspiration on our Promethean Board, we had a quick review of how to create a bar-type graph. We reviewed that first you need to ask a question. Then, you need to have some choices and record those choices on a table. Once you have choices, you can take a survey and mark your results with tally marks. The results can then be put into a bar-type graph. Kidspiration had premade templates with a question and table so the students used those to practice. They then created their own table on paper with at least four choices of dream vacations. They then surveyed ten classmates and created a corresponding bar-type graph on grid paper.

Mother's Day Gifts

In the computer lab the students brainstormed various words to describe their mother which we recorded on a Circle Map. Then using Tagxedo, the typed in at least ten of the words. They then chose a heart shaped template and a color scheme they thought their mom would like. After saving the files, I printed them for the students in color and used Mod Podge to adhere them to tiles. It was a very simple and easy project for the students to express how they feel about their mothers in a lasting keepsake.

Inventors Research

In the computer lab the students used PebbleGo to research various inventors of their choice. I love PebbleGo because not only can the students read the information themselves but they can have it read to them as well. There are also various pictures, videos, and timelines to help them comprehend the material. As the students learned about their chosen inventor, they recorded facts on a Circle Map. They then used those facts to help them write a research paper about their inventor.

Technology Savy: Flower Diagrams

The students created diagrams on flowers on the computer using Pixie 2 software. They used the various painting and clipart features to create their pictures. They then used text boxes and our class Brace Map to label and write about the function of each part. All of their diagrams can be seen on their KidBlog. The students export their work independently as I model it on the Promethean Board and then upload their work into their own blog.

Sunflowers: Writing to Inform

Using PebbleGo, we learned about a specific type of flower: the sunflower. The students then used what they learned to answer various questions on a Tree Map. Using the Tree Map, they wrote a shared writing to tell what they learned about the flower. Shared writing, or interactive writing, is when the students take turns writing and give each other verbal help as they write. After writing, we had a mini art lesson on how to draw a simple sunflower.

Probability Spinners Foldable

Using an online spinner on the Promethean Board, we practiced identifying what was certain, possible, and not possible. To assess the students understanding of probability, the students worked in small groups to create probability spinner foldables. On each flap of the four-flap foldable, they created a spinner by tracing a small bucket. On the first flap, they could only use one color. Under the flap they had to write one sentence about what color it was certain they would spin and one sentence about what is was impossible to spin. On the remaining three flaps, they created spinners with two, three, or four colors. They then wrote sentences under each flap about what was possible and what was not possible.

Empowering Writers

Our student teacher, Ms. Willemin, recently taught a grammar and writing lesson using Empowering Writers. After listening to part of a story, the students diagramed sentences to identify the noun and verb of each sentence as well as what goes at the beginning and ending of each good sentence.

Time Telling Game

To review telling time, the students love playing Read the Clock! on the Promethean Board. The game can be purchased from Lakeshore Learning. Because some of the questions go beyond the hour and half hour, the students work in groups to help determine the answer.

How to Be President

On President's Day, the students learned about the role of the President from PebbleGo. They then recorded facts learned on a Circle Map. Then using a Flow Map, the students wrote various requirements for becoming the President on a Flow Map. They used their Circle Map and Flow Map to write a modified "how to" paper on how to be the President. After completing their final draft, they drew a picture of themselves as the future President.

Bubble Burst

To help the students differentiate between even and odd numbers, they have been playing a game called Bubble Burst. The goal of the game is burst all of the odd numbers. As they play, the students help one another identify which bubbles to burst and must explain why. It keeps them thoroughly engaged.

SpellingCity

One of the many ways we practice our weekly word wall and phonics words is through the lessons and games on SpellingCity. The students love playing all of the games and I love that it introduces the spelling of the words to the students as well as their meaning in sentences. We use this site on our Promethean Board as a part of Daily 5: Working on Words. SpellingCity is a fun, free way for your child to practice their words at home.

Spring Break!

Happy Spring Break! I have gotten a little behind on blogging lately. I will be updating the blog soon with some of the highlights of February and March. Stay tuned!

Space Research

In reading we have been learning about informational texts. As a part of those lessons, the students have been using various non-fiction sources to research space. The students were divided into groups. In their groups they chose a specific topic about space: astronauts, space shutttles, stars, the sun, or the solar system as a whole. They worked in small groups with me to research using PebbleGo. They recorded important information on a Circle Map. They then worked together to find book sources to record addtional important information.