Final Friday!

Welcome back to our final blog of the 2014/2015 school year!

I want to start off by saying how much I've enjoyed working with your children this year and for many it has been the past two years.  What a joy it has been for me to watch them grow both academically and physically.  It has been my pleasure to be a part of their education.  I wish each and every one of them, nothing but the best!    

• Our greatest natural resource is the minds of our children.  Walt Disney
• It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.  Albert Einstein
• You have brains in your head.  You have feet in your shoes.  You can steer yourself any direction you choose.  Dr. Seuss- Oh, The Places You'll Go!

We had our last green slip drawing of the year!  I gave out fewer here and there plus no "sweeping-class-ones" where everyone got one, so those who received one liked their odds.  The number this time is seven slips.  The reason is because we had two repeat winners, Kaden H. and Hannah L., so I drew two more!  Congratulations to the following . . . 

Bayle B.-kindergarten-responsibility

Hannah L-kindergarten-responsibility

Kennedy B.-first grade-responsibility

Caden K.-first grade-cooperation

Kaden H.-second grade-problem solving

Madeline J.-second grade-problem solving

Aerianna W.-fourth grade-responsibility

I'll end with a blog filled with pictures, good times and quotes!  As I mentioned in a previous blog, please send an email if you're interested in the folder of pics from your child's class.  Thanks and have a great summer!

Kindergarten Math:

Let's go invent tomorrow instead of worrying about what happened yesterday.
~Steve Jobs

I would rather walk with a friend in the dark, than alone in the light.
~Helen Keller

Fourth Grade LA:

There are some people in life that make you laugh a little louder, smile a little bigger and live just a little bit better.

There are no rules here - we're trying to accomplish something.  ~Thomas Edison

Fourth Grade Math:

Friends are the most important ingredient in the recipe of life.






Second Grade LA:

Friends are the family we choose for ourselves.

Real friends are always going to be there by your side, even at times when you tell them to leave.

Second Grade Math:

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.  The important thing is not to stop questioning.  ~Albert Einstein

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.  When you figure out which one it is, you will know what to do for each person.

Third Grade LA:

Friendships is the hardest thing in the world to explain.  It's not something you learn in school.  But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything.  ~Muhammad Ali

If a problem can be solved, why worry?  If a problem cannot be solved, then worrying 

will do no good! 

Marc Allen

Third Grade Math:

A friend who understands your tears is much more valuable than a lot of friends who only know your smile.





Identify your problems, but give your power and energy to solutions.

First Grade LA:

A positive attitude may not solve every problem, but it makes solving any problem a more pleasant experience.

A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.
~Elbert Hubbard

First Grade Math:

"a problem well put is half solved." ~John Dewey

A best friend isn't just someone who's just always there for you.  It's someone who understands you a bit more than you understand yourself.

"Orange you glad it's SUMMER!"

Yours in education,

~Mrs. Koedyker

Finishing Up Friday!

Welcome back!


Sorry for the delay in getting this to you.  I like to have it finished by Thursday and that just didn't happen.  It's that crazy time of year!  Next week will be our last week of High Ability classes.  Everyone, including myself, are very sad about that.  There's lots of paperwork to finish out the year, plus determining the groups for next year's third graders.  We will determine those before the end of the school year.  Letters will go out for those that qualified and those that did not.  Current kindergarten, first, and third will be in for next year.  Fourth grade will be determined by WIS according to their requirements.  We pass on all our data to help them with their decision.  It may be wise to inquire for next year, just so you know the possibilities for your child.

• Good friends are hard to find, harder to leave and impossible to forget.  (FRIENDSHIP)

Sumdog:

The phenomenon continues through all grades!!!  We now know how to add their friends to their page.  I did the kindergarten class for them.  Fourth grade I've seen so sporadically, that I've made a list that I will share with them next week.  Second through third have taken care of their own.  Adding your friends is important because they can buy each other a gift using their own coins.  They are loving it!  They go to their "house" and then "gift".  It shows them a list of their friends then options for buying things.  When they go into their "house", it will show a gift, once they click on it, it opens to reveal what was bought and from whom.  Please email me if you have any questions on this.  I have a student who said this is right up there with Mind Craft!  How great is that??!?!?  I know my son loves to play it too.  You can even chose to play "world" or play "class".  If you select play class and no one comes in during the allotted time, then you play robots, lol. 

Many work hard to set records on a particular game and make sure that I click the drop down box to show our school's top scorers.  It also shows their avatar next to the score and the kids enjoy seeing them.

I check their scores regularly and not only can I see who is playing, but more importantly . . . their accuracy, strengths and weaknesses.  It's a great tool to have!

Kindergarten Math:

On the first day we did the 100's chart.  They were given a series of 15 clues to shade in different numbers.  The end result is a picture of some kind.  This was the first time doing this, so we did it together as I projected mine onto the whiteboard.  For example, numbers between 12 and 92 with a two in the ones place.  It was a fun challenge for all.  

The second day was in the lab playing Sumdog.  I showed them how to buy things with their coins and also how to gift a classmate.  If you would have walked by the computer lab, you would have thought there was a party going on.  The were so excited to play on their own alongside their classmates. 

Fourth Grade LA:

 We finished up our novel study on The Brixton Brother's with a game of Jeopardy!  Many studied up on the book in preparation for those tough questions they were promised.  Unfortunately those questions were asked when they were not up there.  They did know their stuff!  We had fun categories like "Baddies" and "The Crime Itself".  I even had them dispute a few facts.  They went to their books to double check.  Great!  

Fourth Grade Math:

Like I said, due to ISTEP testing, I haven't had my fourth grade classes very often.  We took time writing down their friends' code.  Then I gave them a day in the lab to compete.  They haven't done this yet.  With being all together in one place, they can agree to go into the same game and go against a classmate which makes it much more enjoyable!

Second Grade LA:

This group went ahead and pushed through their testing last week.  They wanted to get all their work out of the way, so that they could relax and have some fun this week.  I was unable to get this group into the lab because it was taken for testing.  We went ahead and used the Smartboard which makes Sumdog a lot of fun!  

Second Grade Math:

We spent both days playing Sumdog.  We used the Smartboard to play as a team then one day in the lab.  Here they are splashing paint balloons on our avatar to be the first one covered.  You can see the problem they need to answer first at the top.  Many have their favorite games, but I took time to expose them to many others.  I have a few who have played every one and have a distinct opinion of each.

Third Grade LA:

We are almost done with the movie Alice.  We'll for sure finish up next week.  It's been a nice way to end the year after reading the book and comparing.  They also had time to play Sumdog against each other.

Third Grade Math:

As you can see by my group, they really enjoy competing against each other on Sumdog.  They would ask out loud if there's anyone who wants to go into Junk Pile.  Then they would coordinate their clicks so that they were versing each other.  It was fun to watch.  

First Grade LA and Math:

Both groups took turns in the lab as well as on the Smartboard playing Sumdog.  This group is particularly kind with their coins.  They often gift their classmates a chair, hat, ball, etc. to just name a few.  It's contagious because after they receive something, they are ready to return the favor.  

Yours in education,

~Mrs. Koedyker

Frugal Friday . . . on a Thursday!!!

Welcome!

• Most people do not listen with the intent to understand.  Most people listen with the intent to reply.  (Stephen R. Covey) (ACTIVE LISTENING)
• Patience is not simply the ability to wait-it's how we behave while we're waiting. (Joyce Meyer) (PATIENCE)
• Picture right is for RESOURCEFULNESS
• Look for 3 things in a person-intelligence, energy and integrity.  If they don't have the last one, don't even bother with the first two. (Warren Buffet) (INTEGRITY)

In the past, I have sent parents the pictures that I've taken over the school year.  I've stored them in folders along the way.  If you'd like the folder for your child, please let me know.  For example, I'll just send you the second grade LA folder with all of the pictures.  I've taken more than what's shown up on the blog too.  Warning:  I may have mixed a few of them up, lol!  You may get a math in the LA or even the wrong grade in there.  Just not sure. . . As a mom, I know getting a glimpse into their world is priceless and appreciated.  Just send me an email letting me know and I'll send the folder to your email after we've wrapped everything up. Thanks!

Wanted to share a picture of how our Math Masters' Wall finished up.  As you can see the colors are all mixed up which is great!  It just means that the students pushed passed what they were expected to for their grade level.  My kindergartners got acclimated with just taking a timed test and did really well!  I had first and second graders on multiplication and third and fourth on division, exponents and beyond. . . .  They all worked so very hard and I couldn't be more proud!  

Here's a key for the colors of the squares above.

red = fourth grade

orange = third grade

yellow = second grade

green = first grade

blue = kindergarten  

Has your child logged onto Sumdog at home yet?  There's a few in each grade that have yet to log in, but I can see that others have really taken to it.  After we play in class, I select the "Your classmate's best" drop down box and they enjoy it when their name is listed.  It shows the top scores for all students at Yost (yes, the phenomenon is catching on across the school!) and not just their grade level.  Also, I just discovered how they can play against other Yosties.  I know many have attempted this at home with no success.  On their page to the right, there's a button that says Play world.  If they click that, they can select Class or Robot.  Choose class.  It will wait so long for a Yostie to show up, if not they will play against Robots instead, lol.  I'm sure there's much more we can learn about Sumdog and I'll share when I do!  What a great way to have fun learning and to refresh those math skills!

Kindergarten Math:

We finished up our most of story problem worksheet before moving to the Smartboard.  Since I've met with my kindergartners for such a short time, I wanted to introduce them to this great technology! We have a giant white board in our room that I can use with different programs.  It's basically a giant touch screen they interact with.  They each took turns writing the problem on the board.  It even knows what color they have in their hand by which pen they select.  How awesome is that!  After they each got a chance to use the Smartboard, we took turns playing Sumdog.  Due to an absence, one student had yet to see how this neat program works, so we had to show him!  It's hysterical how excited this group gets when we're stacking garbage on Junk Pile.  It's so funny to watch them as it wobbles!  Congratulations to Attix for passing his plus 2's and Camren for passing plus 4's!

Fourth Grade LA:

They are still ISTEPing, so this was my one and only day to see them.  We had some quiet time to read from our Brixton Brother's book.  I'm sending the book home with them to finish up, so that we can play a jeopardy game with questions from the novel.  I put some real doosies in there!  They were excited to finally finish it at home.    The latter part we played Sumdog.  This was the first time for many since our time has been sporadic.  I sent their login information home.  Let me know if you have any questions!

Fourth Grade Math:

Did not see due to ISTEP testing and scheduling changes.

Second Grade LA:

We finished up our persuasive group write.  Jointly we came up with supports that commercials can't always be trusted.  We reviewed how to use transition words in their writing.  We also went over the rubric on what would be expected on the post assessment.  I originally had it scheduled for next week, but they chose to take it Tuesday, so we could ease up a bit next week.  I left about five minutes to introduce Sumdog to our last few.  For some reason our smartboard wasn't cooperating, so we had to use my mouse and coordinate who was next.  Great team effort by all!

Second Grade Math:
We moved from the Sudoku puzzles onto word problems.  They were tough and some looked at it as impossible.  With pictures and a little coaching they started to see that they could solve it.  For example, seven cats each caught seven mice that each caught seven bugs . . . how many cats, mice, and bugs are there all together?  They got lots of practice with these because each one stayed with a consistent number.  Tough stuff.....  The next day they explored Sumdog in the lab with the new things we've learned.  
  

Third Grade LA:

We finished listening to Alice before launching into the movie.  We launched into a discussion about Lewis Carroll's ideas for the book.  He ended with a letter to every child who loves Alice.  It helped bring the book into perspective.  We are now watching the movie while taking note in our Venn diagram.  I started them off with a few similarities and differences, but for the most part, they are doing this on their own.  I've had a few run out of room which is fantastic!

Third Grade Math:
We finished up our unit on decimals and fractions by playing Think, Pair, Write, Share.  After putting them into two teams, I gave them several problems to solve.  For example, in the number 1234.567 the number 3 is in what place?  What I love most about this activity is the coaching that goes on.  They each get time to solve it on their own, but when they pair together and see someone has a different answer . . . they coach.  We've built such a community in here all year long, that that's exactly what happens.  They don't just have them change to the correct answer, they teach their classmate how to get the right answer.  Not only is the student learning who had the incorrect answer, but the one who knew it will understand it more because he's able to verbalize it.  Now THAT'S why I do what I do . . . plus many, many more!  Congratulations to Jack for passing improper fractions, amazing!

First Grade LA:
We finished up our unit on hieroglyphics.  They were very interested to learn all about it!  We took time to fill in our KWL chart after reading a book and watching a short video clip.  They enjoyed hearing about the Rosetta Stone and how it connects to hieroglyphics.  They each were given time to fill in the L part of our chart for what they learned.  I also gave them a chance to log on to Sumdog in the computer lab.  They were individually able to explore the many wonderful games available.

First Grade Math:

Unfortunately due to early dismissal we only met one day this week.  I signed up the lab and gave them each time to explore Sumdog on their own.  I have two first graders who've yet to login at home, so they had a chance to try many of the neat games out.  We also had each add them to their friend list.  We now know how to play other Yosties!

Wow, only two weeks left!

Yours in education,

Mrs. Koedyker

'Til We're Through Thursday!

Welcome Back!

Thanks for checking in!  I am sad that things are winding down in High Ability.  I've thoroughly enjoyed working with all of my groups.  Each class brings something different and I love that!

We mixed up the theme this week and continued to have them guess which one it was.  They are getting good at identifying them.  I'm passing out fewer green slips this last month.  Not that I don't see awesome things happening in here, just going to be a little more selective for the last drawing.  

• The only person you should try to be better than, is the person you were yesterday.  (PERSONAL BEST)
• The truth may sometimes hurt for a moment, but the pain you experience from a lie can last forever. (TRUTHFULNESS)
• Quality is never an accident.  It is always the result of intelligent effort.  (John Ruskin)  (EFFORT)
• Perseverance is stubborness with a purpose.  (Josh Shipp)  (PERSEVERANCE)

My third grade LA class drew the names for the green slip drawing this month.  It was nice to see some new names and grades chosen.  I recently resupplied our treasure chest, so they were excited!

• Attix A.-kindergarten-curiosity
• Hannah L.-kindergarten-manners
• Braxton O.-first grade-caring
• Jai B.-third grade-caring
• Troy P.-fourth grade-problem solving
• Cadence O.-fourth grade-perseverance

We've had to be flexible in third and fourth due to ISTEP.  I will not hit them again with testing if they are testing that day.  Plus, their schedule changes quite a bit, so some days I had a few kids and other days I had all four classes. No worries at all.  We will do what we can do.

I've discovered something new that I'm introducing all of my classes to.  The timing is actually perfect with the testing.  It's a FANTASTIC website/app called Sumdog.  Hopefully you saw the letter that went home explaining it.  All classes have really enjoyed learning about it.  It's a fun break from testing and our normal routine.   I can see from the data, that there are about ten kids who use it regularly at home which is great!

Kindergarten Math:
You can see them doing their push ups to let me know they keep going when the going gets tough.  It went along with our morning message on perseverance.  We've started word problems together.  They each have a sheet "key words", to make it easier.  I had them highlight those key words when we came across them.  We work through them together and talk about their strategies.  We started off using manipulatives.  Then moved towards mental math.  I was pleased when I asked one student how he knew that 7+9=16.  He just said he took the one from seven to make it 10 then added 10 + 6 in his head.  WOW, I'm impressed!!!  We had no Math Masters this week, but they are all improving each week.  We chart their progress on a graph, so they can see what they did last time.  It helps them stay motivated, on track and in their own lane.

Fourth Grade LA:
My classes we few and far between this week due to ISTEP.  On Monday I had four kids and Tuesday I saw two.  We took the time to explore Sumdog since we had such a small group.  It was nice to unwind from the testing . . .

Fourth Grade Math:

 Again, I did not see all of my kids due to testing.  Those I did see, we only met once.  We took the second to last Math Master test, yet didn't have any pass this time.  There's one more to come!  We used what we learned about GCF last week to reduce fractions.  They whipped right through it pretty quickly.  I showed my smaller group how to play Sumdog and they couldn't get enough of it!  I have the logins for those I haven't seen.  I'd like to meet with them first before sending those home.  Next week . . . 

Second Grade LA:
We caught up on our post assessments.  This week we focused on the concept of connections.  Again, our focus is more on how the curriculum fits with our program and not where the students are at.  We will assess the groups for second grade HA at the end of the year, but it has nothing to do with these assessments.  I shared with all of them their logins to Sumdog and showed them a sample of how to play a few of the games.  There are SO many to choose from!  I hope they take advantage of it.  It's a math game, but all will benefit from it.  

Second Grade Math:
They show determination and effort each time I give them a new puzzle to solve.  Most continue with Sudoku puzzles while another moves on.  They are really enjoying them.  Congratulations to Kaden H. for now passing 60 multiplication facts.  They are all making such progress!  We took time at the end of each day to play Sumdog.  I showed them Junk Pile and Snowball which are two of the running favorites in here.  

Third Grade LA:
We took one day to finish an assessment.  That leaves us with one more to do.  We are not doing the writing post assessment because the writing portion of the curriculum is further back in the year, so that's something we'll change for next year.  We are so close to being finished with listening to Alice.  We'll for sure finish on Monday before we watch the movie.  I shared with them their login for Sumdog.  We had a chance to play a few of their games as I explained how it worked.  Fun learning!

Third Grade Math:
We reviewed comparing fractions before they visited the stations around the room.  Each task card had a question with a series of numbers to choose from.  They were to chose the largest or smallest by comparing the different numbers written in decimal form.  Some had to re-visit a few, but for the most part they did great!  Congratulations to Jack for passing improper fractions and Logan for passing his multiplication facts!  We'll celebrate next week by enjoying an ice cream treat.  Yum!

First Grade LA:
We continue to delve into our Hieroglyphics unit.  We started with a KWL chart to find out what they Know, Want to know and what they Learned about it.  They did not know very much, but are so excited to learn.  We read a book call Hieroglyphics A to Z which showed some of the symbols and their meaning.  I had them practice writing their names using the code to decipher.  At the end, I took time to introduce them to Sumdog.

First Grade Math:

We touched on a little of two digit addition with regrouping.  We walked through several together and I stressed starting with the ones column (although a few times they started with the tens).  By the second day they pretty much got the hang of it.  It was challenging, don't get me wrong, but they welcomed it.  I went back over their answers and had them correct their mistakes.  Congratulations to Caden K. for passing 50 subtraction facts and Kennedy B. for passing 60 multiplication facts!  We saved time at the end of each class to sample several of the Sumdog games.  They were funny to watch as they jumped with excitement as they saved the endangered animals.  

Yours in education,

~Mrs. Koedyker

Think Group Thursday

Hello Everyone!

We are still going strong in High Ability.  Now it's just a matter of squeezing everything in . . . .finishing things up . . . passing things back . . .all while winding down the school year.

High Ability Summer School invites went home with report cards several weeks ago.  I encourage you to sign your child(ren) up for it.  It is hosted at Bailly and Mrs. Pethes has a WONDERFUL unit planned for them.  Don't miss out!

High Ability groups for next year are pretty much set except for second grade.  If they are currently in for kindergarten, first or third grade then they will continue in the high ability program next year.  Second grade tends to be a bit of a shake up year, now that we have recent data due to CogAT.  No decisions have been made for second grade.  Our High Ability committee will wait for the rest of the data to be in before making the final decisions.  I will let you know at the end of this school year as soon as I know.  

We reviewed the Lifelong Guidelines and LifeSkills throughout the week.  They are getting much better at identifying which one goes with the theme of the day.  I gave a green slip out, one random day in LA/Math to those who answered correctly.

Our next green slip drawing will be next week!  The last one will be in May!

• Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach. (FLEXIBILITY)
• Common sense is not so common. (COMMON SENSE)
• It's not resources but resourcefulness that ultimately makes the difference. (RESOURCEFULNESS)
• Most great learning happens in groups.  Collaboration is the stuff of growth.  (Sir Ken Robinson PhD)  (COOPERATION)

We continue to post assess in our Language Arts classes.  We will do a day of testing then return to our regular curriculum on the other day.  It's not fun, but they have great attitudes and are still putting their best foot forward just like I knew they would.  I will send them both (pre/post) home at the years end.  It's more to assess the curriculum and how it fits with our program and not where the students are.  We know they're doing GREAT!

For math, we will wrap up our Math Masters the first week of May, so only two tests remain.  Some will be thrilled and others will not . . . I'm really excited with just how far each of them has pushed themselves this year.  They've stayed in their own lane with the help of their chart.  I'll send those home along with their squares we used to track them.

Kindergarten Math:
Due to the Body Safety Presentation, we only met once this week.  We started with our Math Master timed test.  Congratulations to Sam for passing +1's, Attix for passing +2's, and Camren for passing +3's!!! Next, we did our problem of the day (POD).  It's always fun for this group because they enjoy using our white boards to figure their answer.  We finished up by analyzing our color data and made a graph.  I had the "doubles song" playing while we worked.  I love how they dance and sing along.  I sent the packets home even though we did not complete the entire packet.  We will move onto something else next week!

Fourth Grade LA:

We took another post assessment on informational text.  We have two more left to do, yay!  Spreading them out is helping a lot.  On day two, we returned to our Brixton Brother's mystery.  We have popcorn read together before, but also read independently.  Since many read after finishing up their assessment, we found that everyone was in different spots.  A majority wanted to keep that going so they could see what happens next, yet three popcorn read with me.  I had some, in my group, really get into character and I had to remind them that others needed it quiet.  Too funny . .  . . .

Fourth Grade Math:
They jumped right into their Math Masters facts anxious to do their best since time is running out to take them.  Congratulations to . . . . We also solved our problem of the day (POD).  We reviewed how to find the greatest common factor (GCF) through a neat YouTube video with floating cows, lol.  We did several problem together on the first day.  They got it right away and used Button Buddies to find our partner before setting off on doing another worksheet using Kagen Rally Coach to help them through.  I had to come up with more challenges on the next day since most finished so quickly!  We are leading into reducing fractions in upcoming lessons.  Can't wait!

Second Grade LA:
We've only finished with one assessment so far.  This group took a while to finish up from last week which is fine.  We've only done the grammar part.  We also reviewed persuasive writing by kicking off by looking at old commercials.  We discussed how the commercials persuaded you to buy their product.  Great discussions once again!   They are working in small groups to come up with reasons to support our idea . . . "All commercials cannot be trusted."  We'll get back together next week to continue.  These two brave students were flexing their muscles before they got to work. It was part of our morning message on flexibility.

Second Grade Math:
I have to admit, Sudoku has never been my strong point.  I love, love, love math, but struggle with these puzzles.  Not my group!  (I think they love them even more once I shared that little fact with them, lol)  They are cruising through these number puzzles.  Occasionally, I have to redirect, but for the most part, they do wonderfully!  We also did a problem of the day and a Math Master timed test.  Congratulations to Aybriel for passing her subtraction facts.  Way to persevere!!!

Third Grade LA:
All groups started out figuring out the word riddles on the whiteboard.  They are working out their brains and using past patterns to solve this week's dilemma. You can see this group deep in thought.  Have them share one or two with you! We finished our second assessment on informational text.  They all finished at their own pace, so some worked on an extreme dot-to-dot.  We had a chance to revisit Alice as we listened to the story.  

Third Grade Math:
I have a group of hard working boys.  They push themselves to do their personal best on their timed tests.  Congratulations to . . . . We also solved our problem of the day (POD)  This group really understands how to round decimals with the exception of making sure they follow directions.  I had a few round to the tenths when it was asking them to round to the hundredths.  Carefully reading the directions is so very important!  You may understand how to do the problem, yet miss them all because of a careless error.  I paired them up using button buddies before setting them free to use Rally Coach to solve more problems.  We worked on two digit multiplication with those who finished early.  This group, more than any other, . . . complains about the time going too quickly.  I tell them it's time to pack up and go . . . they think I'm joking.
  
First Grade LA:
We only have two parts for assessments in first grade.  I have one completely done and the others close behind.  They are just putting their finishing touches on their persuasive writing before completing.  I'm looking forward to starting the next cipher message . . . we will learn about hieroglyphics.  There's so much to talk about.  We'll start first with a KWL chart, so I can find out what the Know, what they Want to learn, and what they Learned.  

First Grade Math:
On our first day, I was minus one class due to a scheduling conflict.  We all met on the second day.  This was the first time my first grader attempted her multiplication timed test.  I was close by to cheer and coach her through.  They also did our problem of the day (POD), and since they are almost second graders, we did the second grade problem.  Success!  We explored with the balance scales.  They estimated and weighed different objects.  It's great with such small groups because they each had their own scale to use.  Just to hear their language as they cooperated and exchanged grams and different objects was wonderful!

Yours in education,

~Mrs. Koedyker

Do the Right Thing Thursday!

Welcome back and thanks for stopping by!

We'll continue to review the Lifelong Guidelines and LifeSkills for the rest of the year.  Every day I focus on one of the many that we've talked about over the year (for kindergarten, they are brand new) and have the students guess which one it is.  I did not pass out green slips for correct answers like I did last week. 

Here are the quotes we talked about this week:

• Laughter is the shortest distance between two people. (Victor Borge) (SENSE OF HUMORE)
• Quality is pride of workmanship. (W. Edwards Deming) (PRIDE)
• If you have a positive attitude and constantly strive to give your best effort, eventually you will overcome your immediate problems and find you are ready for greater challenges. (Pat Riley, coach)  (EFFORT)
• Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody's going to know whether you did it or not. (Oprah Winfrey)

During Language Arts, I've started something new with them.  They will have a series of word riddles to solve on the white board when they walk in . . . very much like the Problem of the Day in Math.  Not many solved them on the first day, but knowing now what's expected, they will improve.  Plus it takes a little practice and training, so that your brain can tackle problems like these.   Ask them to share a few with you!  Can you guess the answers to these?

Second grade did such a nice job on their word clouds!  They took their heartfelt paragraphs about the book, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane and made them into a word cloud using www.tagxedo.com.  It's a free site if anyone is interested in exploring!  If you have questions, I'd be happy to help.  I displayed them proudly outside of our doorway.  They are anxious to bring them home . . . very soon!

Our last day of HA for the school year will be Thursday, May 21st.  There's SO much going on at the end of the year, especially with fourth grade, that the days may be even fewer.  Many will have their end of the year study trips plus fourth will have orientation and their track meet to name a few.  We will do the best to fit the most in!

Kindergarten Math:
We went into the "field" as mathematicians scouring the halls for people to survey about what their favorite color was.  We prepped our survey first by selecting the colors and practicing how to introduce themselves/ask the question.  (it was priceless)  Each student was responsible for surveying a different adult.  You could see the excitement on their faces as they walked through the school, feeling very important with their clipboards.  So fun!  Then we took our data and began to analyze it.  Group picture day limited our time, so we'll continue next week.  We closed with two of my favorite "doubles" songs.  It helps them remember their doubles facts. (2+2 is 4) If you send in a blank CD, I'd be happy to copy the disc for you . . . many GREAT math songs!!!  Congratulations to Attix, Isabel and Hannah for passing their plus 1's and Camren for passing his plus 2's!!!  They all work so hard and I love that!

Fourth Grade LA:

We met Mac Barnett, author of the Brixton Brother's books, via YouTube video.  Seeing the title once again after having read much of the book, the title clicked.  They got it!  They enjoyed Mr. Barnett's sense of humor and seeing what a young author he is.  It isn't hard to see where the humor in his books comes from.  We filled in the conflict and setting of the story before getting back to reading.  I had them summarize what they've already read since last time we met, they read independently.  On the second day we began the first of our post-assessments.  They are working hard to do their best, but were excited to have a little time in the end to read.

Fourth Grade Math:
We started prime factorization.  We first discussed what makes a number prime and made a quick list.  Then they used factor trees to figure the equations.  There are many ways to figure a problem in math and for factor trees, it's the same way.  I encouraged them to go "off road" if their numbers didn't fit the tree.  They will still get to the same place, with the same numbers, it's all good.  They were so productive that they did today and tomorrow's lesson which was a good thing since Thursday is the Book Bowl and Spelling Bee.  Good luck!  Congratulations to Kelli for passing her multiplication, Kaden and Troy for passing 90 division facts, Ben for passing division with remainder, Josh L. for passing mixed numbers and Riley for passing %, fractions, decimals!!!  Whoaaaa, that's a lot of Smarties. . . .

Second Grade LA:

We met once again to look deeper into the poem excerpts.  To remind you, last week we did two together and this week they worked in "button buddies" to interpret two new ones.  For example, they are given a sentence like, Love sought is good, but given unsought is better (Twelfth Night).  Their task is to write what the quote is about THEN connect it to Edward's journey.  FANTASTIC HA STUFF!!!  I floated around the room to listen, converse and coach.  I heard some great conversations!  They have started to analyze two on their own.  Day two we started post-assessments.  They know more than they think . . . some are hesitant to jump right in, so I'm encouraging them that, "they've GOT this!"

Second Grade Math:

I thought they might tire of these number puzzles, but not a chance!  You can see them just dig in and get to it.  I love to see their perseverance even when they are tough and frustrating.  We are solving Latin squares and even got to create their own which was not easy.  We've just started the Sudoku like puzzles and will continue next week.  Congratulations to Cyrus for passing his subtraction test and Kaden for passing 50 multiplication facts!  When they are at a level that's above their grade level (multiplication), I reward them starting at 50 correct problems, then by increments of 10.  Great job to you both!

Third Grade LA:

We started off the week with their post assessments.  Comparing to their sentences from earlier, they've made a big improvement.  We tested on the first day and part of the second because a student's schedule was different.  We didn't want to move ahead with Alice and leave them out.  I love their flexibility!  They compromised and worked half of the time on their assessment while hoping to get on the Smartboard.  It wasn't cooperating, so we punted the last ten minutes. 

Third Grade Math:
To continue with decimals, we are now rounding to the nearest tenth and hundredth.  I drew a picture of a hill and numbers lining it with the five at the top.  For numbers 1-4, they will come right back to the number they started with, but for five and higher . . . they can go over.  For several of them, they needed it repeated many times before they got it.  They need to "go next door" to decide what they do with the number.  I have two that picked up on it right away!  We rounded to the nearest tenth and hundredth this week.  Next week we'll do some Kagen strategies to continue and review.  Congratulations to Jai and Tyler for passing their 100 division facts!

First Grade LA:

We wrapped up our REBUS ciphers this week.  Not only did they come up with their own from a list of "grocery store" words, but they made an original for the class to guess.  I loved to see how much they got into this . . .especially the part where they got to sit in our "fun chair" while their classmates guessed.  We finished the week with a post assessment.  They are unsure, but again know more than they think!

First Grade Math:

Beside having Gallon Guy to refer back to, they now also have an additional page of reference.  It was helpful when we did the challenging measurement activity.  My group is varied, so I need to make sure I challenge those who are ready for it, but make the others comfortable to take chances.  Some problems were very tough, but most they could solve.  We made sure to talk about it and work together as we went.  It definitely got easier as we practiced.  Congratulations to Kennedy for passing her 100 subtraction facts!  She will move onto multiplication next week, oh my!  I took time out with the whole class to share some neat multiplication tricks.  Ask them to share one or two with you . . . 

It has been a GREAT week full of "push your thinking" learning!  We'll meet back next week to do it again.

Yours in education,

Mrs. Koedyker