Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Today we wrote a how-to list, telling the steps to follow in order to carve a pumpkin. This is our list:
1. Pick a pumpkin
2. Cut a circle around the stem
3. Take the top off
4. Scoop out the seeds and pulp
5. Decide on a face and draw it on the front of the pumpkin
6. Carve the mouth, nose, and eyes with a knife
7. Push out the pieces and take them out
8. Put a candle inside and light it
9. Enjoy!

During Reader’s Workshop, the Wednesday group got to shop for new books. This is our first time getting to shop for new books in our just right book bins. When we shop for new books, we remove our post its, put the books back in the proper bin(s), and then choose new ones. We reviewed the strategies that we learned (get your mouth ready, look for chunks, look at the pictures) and reviewed getting our minds ready before reading. (Getting our minds ready means that we look at the title, “read” the picture on the cover, take a picture walk, and think about what we already know about that topic. We’re all going to practice doing these things when we read at home just like we do at school!

We had a talk about the importance of good listening and following the directions the first time they are given, especially since that is our first class rule (always listen carefully and follow the directions). Ms. Stern gave recent examples where consequences were given because some children didn’t listen or follow the rules and asked what we as a class could do differently to improve. Here is what the children came up with:

Problem: “I already know what we’re talking about so I’m not going to pay attention. Oops…now I don’t know what to do.”
Solution: Kids ask more questions during class discussions---just to be sure.

Problem: Skipping problems on our papers
Solutions: Check over your work first before handing it in; Ms. Stern marks the problem as incorrect if we’re being careless.

Problem: Not listening after the first or second time directions are given
Solution: Silent snack for that person

Good listener
Solution: Earn free choice time; special treat; read/work in the reading corner; positive note sent home

Problem: Bad choices
Solution: Lose recess; negative note/call home

After snack we did math. We used pattern blocks to follow two rules. First, we worked alone. Ms. Stern gave us a number. Everyone had to show that number using the different pattern blocks. The second rule was that each alike shape had to be touching. After we worked alone, we worked with a partner to make larger numbers. Carly, Mia, and Axl liked working with a partner better. Darren, Nolan, Bartosz, and Isabella preferred working by themselves.

In Gym, we practiced using hula hoops. We danced as our Halloween costume characters. When the music stopped, people had to find a hula hoop. It was sort of like musical chairs. After the game, we had free time to play with the hula hoops.

We had Library. Ms. Eyer read How Many Seeds are in a Pumpkin? We talked about how the number of lines on the outside of a pumpkin gives a clue about the number of seeds on the inside. After the story we got to have book exchange.

A quick reminder: Friday will be our Halloween party and parade. The party begins at 9:00 and the parade follows at 10:30. Hope to see you there!