Common Core website

When I was going to the CC website, I typed in the address wrong...and ended up at a site run by teachers sharing ideas on the CC.  Go to http://www.commoncore.org/ instead of the http://www.corestandards.org/ we've been using.

QRI-5

I've just finished the introductory pages.  I found "look-backs effective grade 3 and higher" very interesting.  Especially since I've been very frustrated with the inability many of my social studies students to NOT be able to do jsut that. 

We only have "Coach" style books to use for textbooks, and whatever we are able to glean from the internet.  The book has the standard in a grey box with a short (1-6 paragraph) minilesson underneath.  That is followed by a few multiple choice questions.  I find that even when we go over the mini-lesson, and I give them background to help them understand, many are unable to find the answers in the short passage above.  None of my group exceeded the standard last year, and 7 did not meet.  I'm using all sorts of tricks - charts, graphs, etc.  Very frustrating.

I have this group for reading as well, and this 9 weeks is a non-fiction focus.  Maybe getting it in 2 classes will help!

Proust and the Squid

I went to the library here in Rome and got their copy of Proust and the Squid.  I didn't think I'd have time over hte break to read it, but with grades being "captured" Wednesday instead of Sunday, it looks like I'll have the break to read it!  I started chapter 1 ont he way home - yes, I read at redlights - and it sounds pretty interesting.  I'll keep you updated.