It's hard to believe we are already "over the hump" toward the end of our first grading period. It has flown by so quickly. Procedures are in place, routines are established, and a LOT of learning is taking place each day. I'm really enjoying my class...all FIVE of them! :)
In Writing, we have now taken our first narratives through the revision process. We had mini lessons on strategies and techniques, and the students gathered some important tools to keep in their writing folders. The folders follow them throughout their day, and they ARE allowed to bring them home to show you. In the brads of the Writing folder, each student has a word wall, a list of character traits, ways to say 'went,', other ways to say 'said,', and vivid verbs to use in place of dull, overused words. We've been practicing using these resources in other classrooms.
We've also been practicing expanding the predicates in our sentences by asking ourselves how, when, where, and why in relation to the action verb. Students even began to discover that those parts could be moved around in sentences so that the subject isn't always first in the sentence. The students' writing is absolutely going to take off with these new tools that they have.
Next week we will begin to learn all about editing strategies. This is when I will begin instructing students on using individual log ins on our mobile laptops we share in fourth grade. Students will learn (if they haven't already) how to log on using their student numbers and access the Google Drive. This will become mandatory in middle school, so it's better to learn now. It gives each student access to the AISD cloud at school and from home. They will begin to save files under their own cloud log in where it is safer than the shared drive they are used to using. Over time, students will learn to collaborate with each other on papers and projects through the Google Drive.
After our editing lessons, students will be given an option to rewrite their final drafts or type them. After this first "go round" of editing, I will allow students to do the revising and editing on the Google Drive.
**Something important to be aware of with regard to technology. Sometimes we have computers crash. Sometimes we have to share laptops. Getting to use the laptop is a privilege. Students who do not follow directions for its use or abuse the privilege will LOSE the privilege and only create papers and projects on paper. Please discuss this with your children at home.
I have a super sweet group of kids this year. They all are friendly and welcoming to each other. I love the community we are building. I am having a difficult time with a handful of kiddos who really struggle with following some basic expectations, such as remaining quiet in the halls, raising their hands to speak, and listening with attention during instruction without trying to distract others with noises and conversation. It is disruptive to the education process, which I hold very dearly. My writing class is only 45 minutes long when there are no interruptions. I must utilize every minute of instruction. When multiple warnings are given and behaviors continue (in any class), you will be notified via email, note in the agenda, or phone call. Please know that by the time you are hearing from me, multiple redirects have been offered.
Having said that, there are many incentives in place for positive behavior and good choices. Aside from extra privileges of getting to work around the room or in the hallway on occasion, more trust is earned, prizes are earned, and lunch in the room is earned. We all try to catch students doing a great job whenever we can and reward them for it in a variety of ways. I have a prize box if you ever find any "thingies" around you want to donate to it.
That's all for now. Enjoy your weekend.
P.S. I removed the link with the conference sign up forms since they don't seem to download correctly. Instead, I sent them as attachments in an email last week. I hope you saw them. I will send an email at the beginning of next week with information about fall conference dates/times.