Showing posts with label ELA/Social Studies Info. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ELA/Social Studies Info. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
Writing Grades
Understanding the Writing Grades
I hope this will help any confusion regarding writing grades.
On the "Fun in the Sun" paper, I took two grades.
1. Notebook- Students worked on this paper for 3 weeks. I graded them on the writing process and the steps we did together as a class. There was a specific rubric for the notebook that enabled me to see that students had completed the writing process.
2. The actual paper- I used the TAKS writing rubric to grade the paper. TAKS scores writing with a 1-4. Here's the scale in grade form.
1- 65
2-75
3-85
4-95
As always, shoot me an email if you have questions. :)
Texas Reader's Club and Accelerated Reader
I would say this is the most popular question topic from parents that I receive. Just wanted to post frequently asked questions. I posted to the right all of the assignments and dates. Texas Reader's Club is a state wide program; therefore, there are requirements about the different genres kids read.
Ultimately, it is the child's responsibility to take care of AR tests and Texas Reader's Club assignments. When an assignment or test is completed, the child should turn them into my orange basket at school or notify me. For assignments that require an oral report, students should arrange a time with me the day before to present to the class. They may work on assignments in class when they have time, and I try to allot time on Fridays for this purpose.
We are having great success with our reading programs! So happy to see all the blooming readers out there! :)
Ultimately, it is the child's responsibility to take care of AR tests and Texas Reader's Club assignments. When an assignment or test is completed, the child should turn them into my orange basket at school or notify me. For assignments that require an oral report, students should arrange a time with me the day before to present to the class. They may work on assignments in class when they have time, and I try to allot time on Fridays for this purpose.
We are having great success with our reading programs! So happy to see all the blooming readers out there! :)
What is Accelerated Reading
- Accelerated Reading
How does it work?
- Students will read a book and then take a test on the book. Based on the percentage of questions they got right, they will receive points that will accumulate throughout the year.
How do I know what level my child is on?
- Earlier this year, your child took an assessment called the “STAR test” when they went to library for outclass. I transferred the results on the top of your child’s AR reading log that should be in their binder.
What is an AR goal?
- Based on your child’s STAR test results, I created a reasonable point value goal for them to work toward. Typically, we will set a new goal each nine weeks; however, because there are only a few weeks left in the current grading period, we will extend this goal until December 17th. I have explained to the kids that for every point that earn OVER their AR goal, they will receive an extra sticker on their Great Kid Sheet. :)
Are all AR goals the same for third graders?
- No. I made the goals based on how the students tested on the STAR test. The point values are on a scale that matches their reading level.
How do I know what an AR book is?
- There are so many quizzes! Here is a link to search for AR books: http://www.arbookfind.com/default.aspx
Where does my child take AR tests?
- Your child may take an AR test in the library after 7:30 in the morning, or in my classroom during workshop time. They may not take AR tests at home.
Can we use AR books for Texas
- YES! I would even encourage your child to pick a book that would earn AR points. Why not double dip the reward? :) Most Bluebonnet books should be AR books as well.
Why should my child participate?
- Accelerated Reading
Bluebonnet Reading Program:
Bluebonnet books are selected each year. Your child has an updated list in their Wild About Reading Folder. They must read all books by January in order to attend the party.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Summer Reading List
Many of you have asked for reading suggestions for the summer. I would strongly advise that your child read over the summer, and here are a few suggestions:
The Eric Rex Series by Kaza Kingsly
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
A Swiftly Tilting Planet by Madeleine L’Engle
Heroes of Olympus Series by Rick Riordan
Kare Chronicles Series by Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan
The Kronos Chronicles Series by Marie Rutkoski
Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
Chronicles of Narnia Series by C. S. Lewis
Eragon Series by Christopher Paolini
Little House on the Prairie Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Hamlet Chronicles by Gregory Maguire
Here are some suggestions for girls: http://www.elmhurstpubliclibrary.org/Kids/documents/4girls_000.pdf
Here are some suggestions for boys: http://www.elmhurstpubliclibrary.org/Kids/documents/4boys_000.pdf
If you have questions about reading level, here is a great way to check: http://bookwizard.scholastic.com/tbw/homePage.do
Fourth graders should be reading on a DRA 40. Books within a 40-50 DRA range will be good for your children.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Sticky Notes!
No, your children are not lying to you. We prefer to use sticky notes during research. If you have some lying around the house, or if you are able to buy some, please send them to school. We would appreciate it!
Thank you! :)
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
UNRAAVEL
 |
| This is our TAKS strategy. Students should learn by Friday. :) |
 |
| An example of how it is expected to be used. :) |
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Literary Elements
Also, in other news, I am going to be taking a grade on summarizing this Friday, February 9th. I will read a fiction picture book to the kids, and they will write a summary on their own. They should include, "somebody, wanted, but, so, then." This has been in their homework, practiced independently at school, as a whole class, and in small group. I feel like the kids are ready! Next week, we will move onto non fiction summaries. Thank you for your support!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Understanding the Writing Grades
Some of you may be confused by the new writing grades that went home this afternoon in your child's Tuesday folder. I hope this will help!
On the "Time I was Nervous" paper, I took three grades.
1. Handwriting on the published piece.
2. Notebook- Students worked on this paper for 2 and a half weeks. I graded them on the writing process and the steps we did together as a class.
3. The actual paper- I used the TAKS writing rubric to grade the paper. TAKS scores writing with a 1-4. Here's the scale in grade form.
1- 65
2-75
3-85
4-95
As always, shoot me an email if you have questions. :)
On the "Time I was Nervous" paper, I took three grades.
1. Handwriting on the published piece.
2. Notebook- Students worked on this paper for 2 and a half weeks. I graded them on the writing process and the steps we did together as a class.
3. The actual paper- I used the TAKS writing rubric to grade the paper. TAKS scores writing with a 1-4. Here's the scale in grade form.
1- 65
2-75
3-85
4-95
As always, shoot me an email if you have questions. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)