What we're doing and things I love!

Here's some pics and info about what we're up to in Penguin Land this week!

So in my class, students can earn Penguin Pesos to redeem for Penguin Privileges.  To make things more complicated, I've added Penguin Points into the mix.  I put super cute penguins on water bottles.  Now, I just carry around marbles in my pocket and drop them in when students in that group are doing a PERFECT job.

It makes enough noise to bring attention from other groups, but not so much that it's distracting.  Also, the top of the water bottle makes it so kids can't just grab marbles out and play with them, etc.  Once the bottle is full, they can redeem it for however many Penguin Pesos per group.

 I'm getting rolling with small groups now that our benchmark testing is done.  For reading, I'm using Scholastic News during this time along with some things from the reading adoption.  For math, I'm using my Math Intervention: Fractions and Multi-Step Problems of the Day from 4th Grade Racers.

We are working on Main Idea and Details, Fishin' for Fractions, and expository writing.  Any tips for teaching expository writing are appreciated...  :)

I have my multiple choice response cards ready for each kiddo to use during test prep.  Last week while I did DRA's and benchmarks, the students completed Reading Response Book-tivities for story elements from Shelley Grey.  They turned out so awesome!!

I also started making Fiction and Nonfiction Buddy Reading Questions from Gretchen Welk for my kiddos to use while I'm pulling reading groups.  She's an awesome new seller...definitely check her out and show some love!