Islands all over

Hello,

A colorful archipelago sprung up in our class today.  Islands are on every desk.  I was pleased to see some fiords, arches, caves, lagoons, swamps and deltas.  It was a high energy day.  Thanks to everyone who made dough. I left my phone and batches of clay at home. I wasn't a happy camper upon arrival at school. All of you and your extra batches saved me.  Thanks so much.

Students met my mentor teacher from when I student taught back in Portland over ten years ago.  Pat Whitney worked with students on telling time today. I think some students said they needed help so they could get a chance to go out in the hall and be part of a small group. Pat will be joining us for a couple days a week for the whole year, and hopefully next. It is great to have such a knowledgeable and trusted partner.

Students did more map work with real DOT Maine maps with Ms. Hill.  This was a continuation of yesterday's work.  I also introduced another strategy for their writing idea books.  Between Pat, Ms. Hill and I, we had literacy covered.

We estimated volume in math.  Students cut out paper and taped and folded them into rectangular solids.  Then they estimated the number of cubic centimeters that would fill the prisms.  Finally they filled them up with plastic cubic centimeters. They did a nice job of estimating and I felt like it was a good intro to volume as we head into multiplication.

No school tomorrow.  I'll write a blog up on my professional development day if anyone is interested.
That was a joke.

Have a great weekend.

Mr. Shea