We took our 1st topic math test today. We ran out of time to begin our next Math topic so we will now be behind. There is no need to return tonight's "homework" (the topic 2 preview game sheet) so students will not be turning in homework tomorrow.
I acknowledged one student's homework today in class who actually correctly answered the open response question. The students were supposed to write a problem for the picture of the 3 dogs and the 2 bones. A best answer response would have been: "How many more dogs than bones are there?" or "How many dogs will not get a bone?" An incorrect response would have been to suggest adding the number of dogs to the number of bones. This will be an important idea for later topic concepts. If there are 3 apples and 2 oranges, one doesn't ask: "How many are there altogether?", but rather: "How many fruit are there altogether?" So to extend the idea to algebraic terms, 3A + 2O does not equal 5AO.
We reviewed the Golden Rule in class today. It may be a good idea to review the principle at home for continuity. I was very surprised to learn how many children were unfamiliar with this concept.
It is not necessary for students to bring their reading log to school each day. I will review them all on the last school day of the month.
Conversation starter: We heard the story Aunt Minnie and the Twister. All students should be able to relate what happened to Aunt Millie's house. A high producing student should be able to define the term setting and tell what the setting of the story was (springtime on a farm in Kansas), who the main characters were (Aunt Minnie and the children), the middle of the story (a tornado), and the end (the house was turned around to face the johnny house so Aunt Minnie had a new front built for the back of the house). They should also be able to distinguish the genre (realistic fiction) from that of a folktale.
Students really should be wearing a shoe substantial enough to require socks. That is to say, socks should be worn every day to school. Shoes for school in 1st grade are not fashion statements but rather functional items to protect feet comfortably.
I really appreciate the effort and time you spend to update your blog. It actually helps. Gives me insights on what's going on in your class. With your updates I'm able to follow up, review & discuss w/ my daughter. Your inputs are also acknowledged. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your input. In years past, I would not receive too many comments so it seemed I sat here and typed to myself. But I can tell who the parents are that are reading these notes and participating in their child's education. Simple discussion and review makes such a big difference in classroom participation. I definitely will keep it up even if it is valuable to only one parent each year.
ReplyDeleteMaybe another note to parents (place in every child's folder) about your blog would encourage them to check out your site. :)
ReplyDeleteI think the absence of comments doesn't necessarily mean no one's reading it.
If privacy won't be an issue, I think creating a Facebook Page to post your notes for Classroom 11 would be a good idea. I believe more parents would be able to participate through it.
I'm sure you're right. Just these 7 posts have had close to 300 views. Thank you for your suggestions.
ReplyDelete