9/13/17

During our first official social studies lesson today, the fifth graders undertook an activity concerning a compass rose. Students were tasked with guiding a partner to a predetermined location on a map of the United States using directions from a compass. I thought that this was an enjoyable start to our year long exploration of social studies related topics.

The fifth graders also had one final lesson that tied into the nine core reading competencies that will frame our reading discussions this year. I appreciated how attuned to the lesson the students were.

The fifth graders were given permission slips for fifth grade patrols. If students are interested, a parent or guardian needs to sign the slip and return it to school. Slips should be returned by Monday September 18th. Patrols will start on Monday September 25. Please contact me with any questions or concerns.

9/12/17

The members of M102 continue to impress me in the early going of our math classes. The students did a great job cracking some number puzzles today. I was pleased to hear students using out ever building math vocabulary to disassemble these problems. I look forward to digging into these upcoming lessons with students.

The fifth graders were given permission slips for fifth grade patrols. If students are interested, a parent or guardian needs to sign the slip and return it to school. Slips should be returned by Monday September 18th. Patrols will start on Monday September 25. Please contact me with any questions or concerns.

9/11/17

As we began our first full week together, the members of M102 continued to expand their math vocabulary. The students had one more lesson pertaining to arrays. Fifth graders reviewed concepts from last week that tied in to factors, multiples and prime and square numbers.

Our ELA time was spent looking at different genres of stories that we will encounter this year. This segued into time using sticky notes to better focus on reading time.

Today, the fifth graders were given permission slips for fifth grade patrols. If students are interested, a parent or guardian needs to sign the slip and return it to school. Slips should be returned by Monday September 18th. Patrols will start on Monday September 25. Please contact me with any questions or concerns.

9/8/17

Room M102 wrapped up a successful first week together today. The students took a beginning of the year math assessment during math class. This exam is to give me insight into where the fifth graders stand in relation to problems dealing with the four operations. I look forward to reviewing the results over the weekend.

Later in the school day, the students worked together to craft questions pertaining to some of their favorite books. This lesson began with a discussion of how teachers come up with questions to ask students that tie into novels that are being read. The students were engaged and I appreciated the spirited discussions that sprang up.

I enjoyed getting to better know the students that are in my room this first week. I couldn't have been happier with the way that week turned out. I hope everyone has a great weekend and I look forward to seeing students back at school on Monday morning.

9/7/17

The students continued to work on number sense using manipulatives during our math lesson today. I have been strongly encouraged with the level of discourse that I have heard between students these first few math lessons. The students did a great job of working through a series of increasingly difficult problems today.

Later in the school day, the members of M102 worked to come up with some academic and social goals for the upcoming school year. I appreciated those who were willing to share some of their hopes with their peers.

9/6/17

The members of M102 continued their positive momentum during their second day of school. We officially kicked off day one of our math unit that deals with number sense. The students were engaged and active participants during the whole lesson. I enjoyed getting to hear the students discuss their line of thinking with one another. A nice first step into our fifth grade math work.

Later in the school day, the students did some writing/drawing inside their reading notebook. The fifth graders were tasked with sharing some information about their favorite book. This lesson dealt with creating a positive environment in which to read and write about what they are reading.

9/5/17

It was a great first day of school for the members of M102. I enjoyed getting to meet the 19 students who will make up my class this year. The students spent time getting acquainted with one another, and that began with our first morning meeting together. Later in the school day, the fifth graders undertook an activity in which they had to share some of their likes and interests with their peers.

I can't wait to begin to get into some of the content areas with the the students over the next few days.