Ms. Wilcox's Class Page

Landforms Galore

Students used their knowledge of the three regions of Georgia, as well as, map reading skills.  Each child formed a state that contained swamps, mountains, rivers, lakes, plateaus, and flat areas of land.  We spoke about the reasons for each region name.  Children inferred why each region had its name.  We located the region in which we live.  We brainstormed reasons why pioneers may have settled in Cobb County.  Finally, we embarked on a new journey and took off running to claim our piece of Cobb County, so each child could further explore the settlements.

Cherokee Class Projects

These are student generated performance tasks to show how they worked together and created Cherokee Villages.  Teams of four discussed what the village would need and how the team would create the items.  Some teams included store bought items but that was not a requirement of the project.  The children were very inventive and resourceful! Enjoy viewing their work.

Procedural Writing

Elvia has published her procedural writing as a video is Photo Story 3. Here it is:

Writing in Action

Children write everyday.  That is motto of our classroom.  We use Writer's Workshop which is also a program for America's Choice.  Students interact with the teacher in a large group lesson that generates ideas about the topic for the day.  We also discuss specific standards to focus on during the writing work period.  As children produce work the students participate in conferences with the teacher to edit and revise what was previously written.  When the child feels confident or at the request of the instructor, the child sits in the Author's Throne and shares the skill that has been mastered.  So children become teachers, as well as, learners.

Reader's Workshop

Daily instruction in reading takes place in our America's Choice format known as Reader's Workshop.  We begin with a mini-lesson focusing on a specific skill.  Next, the children split into three groups.  One group is reading independently and completing tasks that demonstrate what each child has acquired.  Another group works directly with a teacher in guided reading.  In guided instruction, the children and teacher read and discuss the selected text.  Each group is created based on the needs of the children for that group.  This allows for the children to mastery various strategies at a pace that is functional for the indidvidual child.  The final group rotates between a listening center and a word building station.  Each child will rotate through this process weekly.

Weekly Homework

Reading

Each night your child should read a library or classroom book on their level.  Reading should take place for 15-30 minutes daily.  Every student is expected to independently complete 1-3 AR tests weekly.

Math

Study basic facts using flash cards or websites from the internet.  (15 minutes)

August-September (Addition and Subtraction, one digit and two digit)

October-November (Multiplication)

December-January (Division)

Science/Social Studies

Assignments will vary based on topic of study.  Student work will be recorded nightly in the planner.  Please review notes written by your child regarding each assignment.  Total work time should take 20-30 minutes.