Wednesday May 21, 2014

Today Ember told us about a special evening with a friend she rarely gets to see.  After morning meeting, we discussed the current state of MPAs, which parents will be seeing tonight.  We had a nice long talk about attentiveness to detail and the responsibility of understanding proficient targets at this point in fifth grade.

Next, we dove into NWEA mathematics.  I am proud to say that 100% of our class either exceeded their beginning of the year growth goal OR have surpassed the current fifth grade standard.  Superb.  Now we need to make this happen in reading tomorrow!

In the afternoon, wagon trains had to make a major decision about how they will undertake the water situation at Prairie Wells.  Two groups decided to duke it out with the armed guards, one decided to pay for water, and the final group decided to push on without any water in hopes of finding some at their next destination.  Ask your child what happened to their group!  So far Wagon Master Micah has led his wagon train to an early lead.

In reading we got some Google App action in and it was a smashing success!  Students noticed cause and effect situations in our Journeys story and recorded their text evidence in a Google document.  As students worked, I gave them specific feedback as to how they could improve their responses in real time commenting.  SMASHING success.  Boy, am I loving having Google Apps in the classroom.  Check our first real Google Doc here.

HOMEWORK

Math

- MPA revision and reflection due Friday

Social Studies/Science

- Aquatic Plant readings and questions due Friday (4 opportunity acrostic poem)

- 4 opportunity and 400 extra trail points- research and write a paragraph about how people healed burn wounds on the Oregon Trail

Reading
- Read 30 minutes

- Red Fern Discussion board for an advanced opportunity
Vocabulary and Spelling
- flect/flex sentences and PWYK Friday
Other
- Planner signed
- Sign graded items (2)

- Coins of Compassion Friday (Neon Day)