Week 4

This week I have spent a great deal of time modeling the 4-square method and decoding words (NCATE 3 & 5). I have also discussed the importance of adding detail to the student's pictures. I provided the children with a 20 minute mini-lesson this week on using detail, decoding words, and producing a 4-square piece. Along with the 20 minute lesson, I also spent at least 10 minutes a day specifically modeling how to spell words (NCATE 4). I read the comments on my post last week and developed a saying that I have taught my children this week it is: "If you can say it you can hear it, and if you can hear it you can spell it." Before practicing spelling words we say this chant together. I using my hands to reinforce the say, hear, and spell portions of the chant. I feel that this has been effecting in putting the sounds to letters. They really understood what I was saying after modeling several times. The children were spelling the words for me. SO EXCITING. This weeks 4-square was based upon the reading book we were using "Armadillo's Orange." The assignment was to think of Armadillo's friends in the story and pick out 4 to illustrate on their 4-square. After the children had completed their work they were allowed to display their writing on the board using the mimio (NCATE 9). While displaying their work they discussed what they had written.