Peek at My Week & Pin to Win!

This Sunday I'm switching things up a bit and joining a brand new linky: "A Peek at My Week" from Jennifer at Mrs. Laffin's Laughings. This linky is a fun way to share all the happening of the week, whether they are part of the school day or not.

This last week was our start to school, but this week really puts things into high gear. Fourth grade is the first year that students start switching, so we have a transitional week to get the students comfortable with the new routine.

Buttons thanks to: I Teach, What's Your Super Power for frames & paper; Kevin & Amanda fonts

Monday is our first official switch day in 4th. We will have shortened switches (30 minutes rather than the normal 50 minutes) so that students can be helped around the building, get to where they need to be, and just get accustomed to not staying in one location all day.

I will be teaching ELA: two sections of reading and writing. For onel reading group, we are going to begin the book Fourth Grade Rats by Jerry Spinelli and in the reading group will begin Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume. Monday is going to be a day full of prereading activities for both groups since we will not have the full time frame.

In communications, I will be introducing mentor sentences, (I rave on Jivey's creations, often, you can check them out here). Rather than dive straight into the first lesson, I plan on reading Max's Words by Kate Blanks, and explaining to the kids that like Max we are going to collect words, phrases, and sentences. I hope to have enough time to allow students to begin to personalize their composition books/journals.

Find out more about Max by clicking the picture below:

Tuesday we are diving into both chapter books. In one reading class, we will be dividing up into 2 groups so that half the class can be working on the novel study, the other half working with my co-teacher on reading skills. Half way through the hour we will switch.

In the other section of reading, we are going to read through the entire novel together. Over the course of the week, I will be introducing literature circles that incorporate the use of the iPad. I'm still finalizing rubrics, instructions, and app choices, but I hope that this can become a topic that I can share about more.

Lord help me.. I begin one of two graduate classes today.. tomorrow is the other one. I'm going to email the professors after posting this to see if I can Skype in from time to time, to see if I can avoid the necessary evil that is road construction that is roadwork between here and campus (it makes the 40ish minute drive take closer to an hour). I honestly don't know what I was thinking in taking both on campus classes when switching to a new grade level, but I will survive! {On the bright side, only two more left after this semester... I should be done by June!}

Throughout the week, in addition to mentor sentence practice in the full class (during communications) we are going to be reviewing sentences. I'm not sure if it's texting/tweeting/or just summer brain, but my students have forgotten what a sentence is. I created a small review pack of activities that we will be utilizing throughout the week.

Here is your chance to pin-and-win.. {I will try to blog about all of our experiences throughout the week too if you'd rather wait and wishlist this item for later.} Otherwise, pin from here or my TPT store and leave the URL of your pin in the comments. Tomorrow I will randomly choose a winner and send you the pack!

"There is a spot that I love full well" begins the alumni song... and that spot is K-State... and more precise during this time of the year... Bill Snyder Family Stadium. I am so psyched for this season. My husband has 3 cousins who are playing so it'll make it that much more fun.

As soon as school lets out we are heading to Manhattan, for a little tailgating, and home opener. I cannot wait!!


There is a peek at my week! Be sure you link up your plans this week too!