How to Help Your Child

Check out these fun info graphics that I found on Jodi Southard's Fun in First blog! (http://fun-in-first.blogspot.com/2013/07/tips-for-parentshow-to-help-my-child.html)

Smarter Balanced Practice Task

Last week, we had the opportunity to take a practice performance task for the Smarter Balanced assessment that we will be taking this spring. This was a guided practice experience. The full practice task can be found at here.

 The Smarter Balanced performance task allowed students to use two sources of information and collaborate to write a museum article about animal defenses. They took notes after viewing/ reading each source.

Source #1: animal defenses video

Source #2: Animal Roll Ups article

Using knowledge from these two sources, students answered questions. Here is an example of one response they constructed.

After answering questions, students created a museum display article. This article was guided by me, but almost fully constructed by the students.

They did an excellent job!

Spelling Tests...Do They Matter?

Should spelling tests be given each week? Check out this perspective...it is worth thinking about!

Why Some Kids Can't Spell and Why Spelling Tests Won't Help

Common Core Math

Good Morning!

I am so happy to be back! I apologize that it has taken me so long. Now that we are finally back in the swing of things, I hope that I can update this site often to include interesting links and reads to keep you updated about what is happening in our classroom and tools to help you as a parent. Today's link is from a teacher's blog about Common Core Math.

I can tell you, as with all new trends in education, you must analyze it and determine your opinion for yourself. I have seen amazing transformations for my students and myself because of this new way of thinking.

Please visit the following link for what I think is a GREAT perspective on Common Core Math:

Chalkboard Connection Common Core Math

Have a great week and see you soon!

Common Core Math

I found this to be really informative and interesting. I am sure you will, too!
For the larger info graphic please visit: http://delexcels.org/why-math-looks-different-from-when-you-grew-up/

American Society of Civil Engineers

Check out this website to teach children about the jobs of Civil Engineers. This website directly correlates with our current science unit and the kids love it!

http://www.asceville.org/

LearnZillion

Have you heard of LearnZillion? There are many great resources and tutorials for teachers and parents on this site and you can sign up for FREE! Many of the resources posted are for third through fifth grade, however, they can be adapted for use in second (for example if the tutorial does place value to the ten thousands place, just focus on place value to the thousands place). Plus, it will help you understand the strategies that the Common Core is expecting out of your child. You can also help your child get a jump start for third grade this summer!

http://learnzillion.com/free_resources