1st day of introducing writer's workshop. Writing is a whole new world for my kids. They LOVE the activities we are starting to do. 

MM: "I really like this kind of writing, Ms. V" 

JM: "I've never come up with this many ideas before!!" 

Great success! BIG thanks to my ASU professor. 

JL: "I appreciate Ms. V for teaching me how to say 'pizza' during lunch bunch today" 

Some of my Hispanic students have issues saying "pizza." It usually comes out as "peak-sa". 

Today, J.L. FINALLY said it properly after I explained to her that it is pronounced like the Pete's in Pete's Fish n chips plus "a." 

"Pete's+a" 

First round of book club just ended today. It was a great success. Some of my kids were VERY invested in book club. 

It is so wonderful to see my kids excited about reading and carrying their books around with them. 

My ASU adviser came in to observe book club and was very pleased with where we are. It was awesome to have someone else see how cheesy my kids are and how much they try to apply what we learn in class to their book club books. 

Fostering student love of reading...awesome. 

Started a new tracking system today on top of tracking individual assessments. Students now have a list of allllll of the AZ standards (they didn't realize there were so many) and they check off when I teach it and whether or not they "rocked it!" 

It seems to be quite the investment tool. 

The Long Division Dance was a HIT! 

Divide up!
Multiply down!
Subtract 
Drop it like it's hot
Start again. 

It would make a lot more sense with the lovely motions that go with it.  :) 

Trying a new approach to spelling with JM. Tomorrow is his first test. Cross your fingers!