Setting Goals

At the beginning of semester 2, I competed a goal setting task with my class. We created a whole class goal together and students create their own personal goals. Students set 'SMART' goals and designed their own hands that would be reaching up towards their goals. Our class goals included working better as a team and remembering to bring in our completed homework. We would do this by reminding each other about our homework, developing good study practices, supporting each other and using lift-ups, not put-downs. The students decided that we would know that we have achieved our gaols when we, as a class, reached 200 Dojo points for teamwork and homework. I can't wait to see if we are able to reach our goals.

We now have this display in our classroom. My favourite part of this is that students are now coming up to me saying "Mrs Hartley, I have already achieved my goal, I got 30/60 for my maths." At the beginning of next term we might review our goals. Students can set new goals and celebrate their success.

Sight Word Practice

I have a few students in my class this year who need extra practice with sight words. I tested them using Diana Rigg sight words and created these individualised lists for each student. Twice a week the students time themselves to see if they can improve their word recognition speed. Usually students are given one or two warm-ups before I time them. As you can see the students are getting better each time. They really enjoy trying to beat their last time.

Setting Clear Expectations

I created this display in my classroom to allow students to see what they need to be aiming for with their writing. It was surprising  to see students reactions when they saw the level of writing they need to be aiming for. It definitely encouraged some students to put in more effort with their writing.

Students added blue arrows to highlight the different features in each example. This has become a useful tool for students to use as they can refer to it and see what they need to add to their writing, or when they have achieved their goals. I have also found it useful to use as a comparison when having parent meetings.

Creating 3D Shapes

We have started to learn about 3D shapes. To kick of the unit I had students use modelling clay and tooth picks to create a variety of shapes. Students also labelled their models and included the number of faces, edges and corners for each shape. The students really enjoyed this activity and there was a lot of discussion about how to create the shapes and their features.

Geography

This year I am teaching a year 4/5 class. This term we have started a unit on Geography. The students worked in pairs to create an annotated map using Microsoft Publisher. Students were given a checklist that they had to complete within a set time frame. Most of the pairs were able to achieve this.
Now students will focus on one country from each continent to examine in terms of climate and vegetation.