Timez Attack!

Well the hot topic of the day with the kids is the multiplication game TIMEZ ATTACK! I found this game at http://www.bigbrainz.com/Download.html The kids love it! Unfortunately, it does not work on our computer lab computers as it must take up too much memory. It does work on my classroom computers and I have let kids work on it during recess. If you are able to download it at home, it is wonderful practice for multiplication facts.

We had an exciting day in math as I was able to incorporate new technology into our lessons. We used "clickers" with a classroom performance system that allows students to answer questions with a remote which shows up on the big whiteboard. A great way to review! Thanks to the technology grants that allowed this to happen.

We also had a lot of success in reading today. We took our monthly reading test and everyone has shown growth. Hurray! Be sure and keep up the reading at home each night.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

This week has went fast and the kids seem a bit tired. I think it might be those late nights with Missoula Children's Theater. I've tried to lighten the homework load this week to give them extra sleep and family time.

We had our Montana Behavior Institute (MBI) assembly today and I offer congratulations to Logan and Alex for being recognized for their caring and compassion last month. This next month we will be working on the virtue of self control.

In math we are finishing our division concept topic and will be working on division facts next week. Please continue to work on multiplication facts at home. A one minute drill of flash cards can build skills very quickly!

In reading we are reading chapter books in the Mystery genre. We will also begin "book reports" in which we are writing about the elements of the books we are reading.

Have a great weekend and enjoy the warmer weather!

We're back to school today and all the kids were so happy with tons of smiles and hugs. The room has been reorganized to have team tables and today all the students chose team names. Teams can earn points for helping each other to stay organized, staying quiet and on task, keeping a clean work space, and doing their class jobs.

I was so pleased with my reading class today and their focus on reading their books. They are sure maturing as readers! I hope to keep them motivated by providing them with some science, social studies, and poetry centers. This weeks literary focus is on fairy tales and distinguishing reality from fantasy.

Math class was assigned their first math project and I would appreciate parent assistance to ensure they safely do their research on the Apollo missions. If you need to use a school computer, just let me know so I can get you scheduled in.