Our First Monday

I am excited about starting the first full week of the school year!

Bell work began today. Bell work is a short journal writing or set of five or fewer problems to solve as soon as the students come in the classroom. It normally takes no more than six minutes to complete the bell work. There are five points possible each day for a total of 25 possible points for the week.

The idea behind bell work is that each day the students will independently practice skills that will be assessed by the state and district at the end of each semester. (Plus it gives me a chance to submit the attendance!) Communication Arts I students complete a sheet containing five editing and revising problems. Communication Arts II students journal on a given topic and edit their own writing. Math I students complete a Daily Countdown, one problem that is more involved and requires the students facilitate problem solving strategies. Math II students solve five basic and word problems that incorporate several different mathematical fields such as numerical operations, algebra and geometry.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about the bell work - or anything else - call or email me.