Wednesday, September 11th, 2019

We are doing more patterns in math because, as we have learned earlier, math is the study of patterns.  I have been and will continue to share with my class that if they see each math concept as a pattern to be learned, it will make it both easier and more interesting too.

Today's focus, after a review of patterns, was a problem solving activity.  The students were given either a sheet of graph paper or using the attached in my Google Classroom.  The task:  draw an 11 x 13 grid rectangle.  Then, fill it up using the fewest number of squares.  This was actually pretty challenging.  I made an attempt at it before being caught up with assisting or reminding.  One reminder is that the instructions need to be followed or it isn't really an authentic task for me to measure whether they understand something or not - or mastering it or not.  

I came up with seven rectangles but one group came up with six.  At the end of that part of the lesson, I had them share how they solved it by drawing it on the screen.  

The second part of the activity was for the class to create their own patterns, either numeric or with shapes.  A lot chose to do the Input/Output table.

Social studies was about students creating their own Post Cards for Peace.

The focus in literacy was twofold.  First, we went over what wise reading choices looked like for independent reading.  Each group was given the task of coming up with guidelines/suggestions and then choosing one person to be the writer.  I then chose each group (1-6) at random to write a guideline on some chart paper once they shared it with me.  By sharing it verbally, I or other students were able to offer suggestions.  Then, the writer wrote it down.

Students were given time to read independently for about 25 minutes.  Reading independently is by-far the most effective way to grow as a reader.  The more one reads with an effort to understand, the more that reader grows.  

The last 30 minutes were for writing where students continued to work on their fictional stories, using the writing process.