Unit Test and Blogging!

BLOGGING

Students began blogging last week when we returned from spring break. They are now able to access the site, log in, create a blog post, and comment on our classroom writing community. Our first focus with blogging was to explore, learn to navigate the pages, and get some content published so we could practice commenting. Now that the students have grasped these concepts, I will be approving posts and comments that match their conventional writing ability. What is "conventional writing ability?"
Conventions are the little pieces of writing that make it readable to an audience. Spelling, punctuation, the spacing of paragraphs, capitalization of proper nouns and the beginning word in a sentence, as well as other aspects of grammar and sentence structure all play a role in how a message or piece of writing is interpreted and understood.
Students will be working to utilize their understandings and demonstrate them with increased accuracy to acquire publication status on their blog posts and comments to other students. Keep in mind this does not mean perfection. Children's writing should look like children's writing and match their developmental stage.

To check out your child's blog and our classroom site click the Technology Tab, scroll down to Writing Links, and select the first link in the list.

MATH

Students brought home sections of problems we have worked on in class as part of their multiplication/division math unit review. The most difficult task students are working through are multi-step word problems. We hope to begin portions of the test on Thursday and finish the test on Friday. Keep in mind the test is covering the following topics: Relationships Between Multiplication and Division, Solving Multiplication and Division Problems, and Multiplying by Multiples of 10. These three areas of focus match the information and work students have brought home over the past month.

Michigan eLibrary!

Students have been navigating and reading articles on the Michigan eLibrary site this week to practice listening to reading as well as reading articles on a screen. They have experience with these two skills, however, the Michigan eLibrary offers some fresh information and a whole database of resources! Check it out at home.

NO RED INK!

Ask your child about No Red Ink!