This weeks high level vocabulary words are: blissful, delighted, elated, exhilarated. Vocabulary LINCs is due on Friday.
I purchased a new pack of Expo Neon dry erase markers on Sunday and opened the pack today and placed them on my white board. Four of the markers are already missing from the white board. I'm so disappointed that students in my class would take the markers and not return them. Students are not allowed to take materials from the board without permission. The students were asked if they had the markers to please return them, not one student spoke up to say they have the markers. It is my hope that the markers return tomorrow. It makes me sad to know that someone in our class is not being honest. If you notice that your child has one of the new markers please have them return it to the board. Thanks!
Be sure to check Progressbook many students are already missing assignments.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
We "Rocked" on our Friday writing prompt...again!!
I couldn't be prouder of my students than I am today. The kids had an independent writing prompt, it was a challenging one, and they did fantastic! Some of the prompts made me laugh out loud, which shows that their writer's voice is really amazing! Ask your child what they wrote about. I will not send the prompts home just yet becuase we are using them all next week during editing conferences. Thank you for your support at home. Their vocabulary is amazing!
-Mrs. Downey
-Mrs. Downey
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Technology is Alive in our Classroom!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOlpcJhNyDI&NR=1
Dear Parents,
Today we really took advantage of technology at Cornerstone. In reading we are reading a selection about the famous Duke Ellington. We watched an online video of Duke and his band. Ask your child about Duke's music. You may want to watch the video at home with your child. We also introduced a new reading station using digital storytelling and a site where students can type their own story and actually listen to it read aloud online. During writing the students used the iphone as a microphone to read their expository essays out loud. Try out the following sites: storybird.com, naturalreaders.com, carnegieligrary.org/kids/storymaker/storymaker.swf
Dear Parents,
Today we really took advantage of technology at Cornerstone. In reading we are reading a selection about the famous Duke Ellington. We watched an online video of Duke and his band. Ask your child about Duke's music. You may want to watch the video at home with your child. We also introduced a new reading station using digital storytelling and a site where students can type their own story and actually listen to it read aloud online. During writing the students used the iphone as a microphone to read their expository essays out loud. Try out the following sites: storybird.com, naturalreaders.com, carnegieligrary.org/kids/storymaker/storymaker.swf
Somerset Writes Practice FCAT Test- February 9, 2011
Parents,
On February 9, 2011 your child will participate in the Somerset Writes Practice FCAT Test. This writing assessment will be similar to the FCAT Writes assessment that we will take in March. Please see the rubric below which outlines the score details.
Rubric Criterion to Obtain a Writing Score of 6
□ Stays focus on the topic
□ Organizational pattern provides a logical progression of ideas – a sense of wholeness – beginning, middle and end
□ Use of transitional words
□ Ample development of supporting ideas/details
□ Precise word choice
□ Various sentence structure is used
□ Sentences are complete – no fragments
□ Subject/verb alignment
□ Verb/noun forms are correct
□ Capitalization – punctuation – spelling
□ Restate the prompt
□ Paragraph indent
Monday, January 24, 2011
Today's Independent Writing Prompt
Parents,
Students were put to the test today and given 50 minutes to respond to the following prompt. Ask your child what they wrote about. I will score the prompts today. Tomorrow students will have writing conferences with a peer buddy and on Wednesday they will have individual writing conferences with me.
Many of the prompts are fantastic but some students were nervous and had a bit of "writer's block." Please discuss with your child the importance of always doing their very best and showing what they know.
Expository Prompt: Families spend a lot of time together and create many lasting memories. Think about the best time you and your family spent together! Where did this happen? What did you do together that made it special? Write to explain why this was the best time you and your family spent together.
Students were put to the test today and given 50 minutes to respond to the following prompt. Ask your child what they wrote about. I will score the prompts today. Tomorrow students will have writing conferences with a peer buddy and on Wednesday they will have individual writing conferences with me.
Many of the prompts are fantastic but some students were nervous and had a bit of "writer's block." Please discuss with your child the importance of always doing their very best and showing what they know.
Expository Prompt: Families spend a lot of time together and create many lasting memories. Think about the best time you and your family spent together! Where did this happen? What did you do together that made it special? Write to explain why this was the best time you and your family spent together.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Strategies that Work
All students in my classes need post-it notes daily. We take interactive notes during reading block. I often use strategies from a book called Strategies that Work. If your child is out of post-it notes please try to pick some up. Thanks!
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