It's Hot!!

Whew!  Was it hot in our classroom today!  I tried to take it a little easier because we were all just

having a hard time focusing because of the heat.  Today, we reviewed over our reading homework from last night.  We also reviewed our place value by going over a worksheet with similar questions to what they will see on the PARCC exam this year.  (formally ISAT)  I discovered that we still need to review expanded form, which is what we will do Monday.

I also discovered how much work we need to do on reading and following directions.  The math review page had 7 questions:  4 multiple choice, 2 short answer, and 1 extended response.  I reviewed each of the questions extensively, especially, #6 and 7 which both had 2 parts.  After 90 minutes, only three students were able to complete the 7 questions correctly.  The biggest problem was not the skill.  As I said, expanded form was a little tricky, but everything else was fine.  The biggest problem was the fact that #6 was to be written in standard form AND expanded form. Most students did one or the other but not both.  This was AFTER I had explained, underlined the important parts, and reminded them twice.  #7 was the same way.  It required the students to also use sentences.  I made it very clear, even writing it down and leaving it on the board, that they were to answer the questions on another sheet of paper.  However, a majority of the students still tried to answer the question on the little lines given and only answered part of it.

As you can see, I was a little upset.  This is just one example.  This scenario is played out several times a day with all different types of instructions.  (Some as simple as put your book away.) But, we are going to work on this.  :-)

Right now, we are all going to go home and relax this week end.  I allowed them to finish the math page in class. (Actually, I had to finish it with several of the students.)  The only thing I am asking them to do is read their reading passage from last night out loud to someone at home.  If you listen, you can initial the paper, just like last time.  They will get a ticket for the prize box for every set of initials.

Thanks again to everyone who came out for Open House last night.  If you were unable to come out, please look for your child's Friday papers in their folder.  You can sign the top sheet and send it back with your child on Monday.

Thanks for listening to my rant!  :-)  Have a great week end!