Patrick practiced building words with letter magnets for the end blends, -st and -ft. We practiced adding -s to the end after the root word was built, as well as covering it up and identifying the root word. For ex:The word 'lifts' is very difficult to break apart all of the sounds to spell it properly. So he'd spell the root word 'lift' and then add -s and vice versa. We discussed the different scenarios for an author's purpose; to persuade, to inform, or to entertain. Patrick hunted through a non fiction book basket to select books that were probably written with the intent to inform. He discovered the following: Huge Animal Babies, Spiders, Lizards, Incredible Animals, Forests/Lakes, Deserts, etc. We read a section of Incredible Animals about the lemur to show examples of the author informing readers of new information. Following reading, Patrick recalled 2 examples, and acted out the movement of the information. He reviewed his sight words; help, will, use, where and very, and recorded them in his sight word book. He practiced spelling them without looking and was successful :) He independently read an informative article, Soccer, to practice reading his sight words in context and to be exposed to the genre nonfiction/author's purpose.

Identified the difference between blends and digraphs.

Group activity

Today Patrick continued his FF program by playing 3 brain games which will help him improve his listening comprehension. Patrick also complete a LB activity in word imaging. He did great. We had a lengthy conversation about perspective and used manipulatives in order to enforce the idea of looking at a picture "from an angle". Patrick had a great week. Enjoy the weekend.

Continue working on the 3 string chords G, G7 and C. Also continue trying to form the F chord.

Practice using the chords in a basic chord progression.

Today Patrick described a picture in the Picture to Picture step, of a man feeding a squirrel on the bench. He is definitely using more words to describe these pictures. Soon we will abandon this step, but for now we will be overlapping with the new step- word imaging. In word imaging he described a picture of a cupcake and did very well. He was able to look back at the picture when he needed more information. After he was satisfied with his description we both looked back at the picture to see if we could add more details. There were a few things, of which, we agreed would make a more vivid picture. In FF, Patrick played Elebot where he beat his high score! Great job! In keyboarding Patrick completed Stage 3 Level 8, where he was learning letters B and N. The B is a bit of a stretch to him but he is doing beautifully!

Patrick and I brainstormed and recorded a list of l blend words that fall under the blends bl, cl, gl, fl, and sl. Referring to the list on the board, we played Hangman Jr. He was very enthusiastic and excited about each round, proving to be grasping the sounds, as he read and pronounced the words each time. He learned new sight words: very, use, help, and over. He read the words in context in the story Soccer. We talked about the Author's Purpose for writing this piece, and Patrick was very successful with inferring why when options were provided. (to entertain, persuade, or to give information) For homework, please have him continue to practice these words and re-read the story to strengthen fluency. Patrick makes accuracy errors in reading due to a strong "makes sense" que. Patrick narrated his informational piece about lacrosse to me as I typed it on Microsoft PowerPoint. Over time, as he begins to develop his typing skills with Miss Dee, he will be able to take on the role of typing his own pieces. However, he chose the font and background of the text, as well as the photographs selected.

Patrick worked on 4.1, Identifying the Missing Part. In each problem, a whole number was provided, as well as one of the addends. (7 total. One part is 2. The missing part is 5) We used the counting on approach from the addend provided and trying to reach the sum. Once he reached the sum, he went back to determine how many it took to get there. Patrick had a little difficulty in the beginning with understanding the meaning of the question. After many guided attempts, he was able to independently master the rest. For homework, please have him practice this skill.

Patrick mastered spelling words with welded sounds and we introduced the concept of blends.

Mastered reading words with welded sounds. Still working on spelling welded sounds.