al-mofhariz

Don't forget to assess as you go....
Yesterday, we did a ramp experiment where we learned that speed is determined by time and distance of movement.  Our investigation today, was very similar with a few changes.

I started off by reviewing what we had learned so far.  I wanted to know if they had gotten the concepts I had taught yet...
Force - push/pull, gravityMotion - movement, measured by speed (distance and time) and described by changes in position (directions: up, down, forward, back)Friction - caused by two objects rubbing against each other, some surfaces slow objects down (rough, bumpy) others speed it up (smooth or oiled)So I asked the kids to do a 3, 2, 1

3 things you know about Motion
2 things you know about Force
1 thing you know about Friction





The next step is to take the samples and sort them.  I mark who got it according to the criteria I had already set, and then am able to find mistakes and misunderstanding.  For example, one of my students wrote that force was the same …

I am on another vacation this weekend..this time to celebrate the wedding of my fourth grade colleague Joe Curtin! So, I peeked back through my posts and picked an oldie but a goodie that I posted back in December.  Enjoy!


I am all about authentic assessments. I want to peer into the child's mind and see what she or he really understands about a concept that I have taught.  However, one of the drawbacks to this is TIME.  It takes time to check work and make comments and provide appropriate feedback.  Right?

This fall I was introduced to a new element of formative instruction that will be implemented in all the FOSS 3rd edition NEW units.  I sat with my jaw wide open as I thought...this is what I've been waiting for. So let me tell you how it's done!


Step one:  When you are teaching a lesson, pick out one or two main concepts that you want them to understand.  Write them on the sheet I have provided for FREE in google docs. (right under the Teachers Pay Teachers link)

Step two:…

Freebie Friday on www.TeachingBlogAddict.com means an excellent way to share with more of you my blog.  My blog is mainly about instruction - how I use science notebook and literacy strategies in my fourth grade classroom.  I am an inquiry based teacher who loves to learn with my kids.  If you want to see more, please scroll on down and peek into the past two months of my blog.  There is a lot to see!

For others: you may only be interested in grabbing the goodie! I get that too...so here it is:

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Exit-Cards-101

Have a great weekend...I am a super busy sports mom this weekend.  No time for play...drive, watch and cheer!

I love a good way to peek into the minds of my students.  One way to do this is with a "Quick Write". I got these pointers from FOSS and would like to share them with you. 
       Quick Writes are usually short and to the point...designed to get to the heart of the topic at hand.  I like to use them as a preassessment to show what the students have for background knowledge on a new topic and to reveal misconceptions that they bring with them in the classroom.  This is crucial so that you can catch them early and work to correct these misunderstandings as you teach (not at the end of the unit!)
     When designing a quick write, you need to start with a topic in mind.  Think of a main concept, big idea or standard that you will be addressing and develop a prompt or question for the students to write a response to.  Jot down 3 or 4 concepts that you feel are common for your students to have as background knowledge ahead of time.  This will help you assess the prompt to det…