This Week's Homework
A lot of studying this week!
1. Spelling check in on Friday:
high, every, near, add, food, between, own, below, country, plants
2. Multiplication x5 check in next Monday. It will only be the 5's times table and we will have 5 minutes to do as many as possible. Your child is bringing home their check in from today and some new flash cards. Please don't throw away the only flash cards! :)
3. Next Tuesday, we will have a check-in on different environments. Your child will bring home a completed chart of the 10 environments we have studied tomorrow after school. They basically need to be able to differentiate between different types of environments based on temperature, light, water, and plant and animal life.
4. Rounding to the nearest 10 worksheet due Monday.
5. Editing the 2nd draft of the fiction stories is due Monday. We are going to rewrite published copies next week, so there is no need to rewrite them at home. Just looking out for ending punctuation, capitalization, spelling of commonly used words, speech tags, and quotation marks.
6. Reading daily. :)
This Week in the Classroom
Reading: We are focusing on reading with expression. If you are able this week, have your child read aloud with you and listen to how they read with expression. We practiced today and I'll be posting a video as soon as YouTube allows. We are still accessing fiction texts.
Writing: Our class has completed 2nd drafts of pieces and we are beginning 1st drafts of new fiction pieces. We are continuing to learn about narration and dialogue and how to use quotation marks and speech tags.
Math: Rounding to the nearest 100 and multiplication by 5's.
Science: Environments and habitats, and planning out our 1st expert project where we will be comparing two animals. More to come soon!
Important Notes
This Thursday is a half-day. Our day will end @11:30. We will still have AfterCare for those who are already registered for AfterCare.
This Thursday, we will begin hosting our school's Student Voice Council or SVC. It's a big responsibility for our class. We will facilitate discussion between classes about ways to improve our school. We will create a blog for the school to access.
Monday, September 22, 2014
Monday, September 15, 2014
Homework 9/15-9/22
All assignments are due Monday. I hope you all have a great week!
1. A two-sided math word problem worksheet.
2. Two cursive worksheets on the letters "e" and "c". There is a bottom section on the worksheet that doesn't need to be done. Some may need assistance with the cursive since it is so brand new.
3. Read the Scholastic News article about sea turtles. Answer the questions on the back and also write a paragraph response about your thoughts on this article.
4. Daily study your 2's times tables. We made flash cards for the students to keep. They don't need to come back to school. But, studying about 10-20 minutes a day will help get them in our memory. We will have a check-in on Monday.
There will be no spelling check-in this week because I want them to practice studying for multiplication. We'll add spelling next week.
1. A two-sided math word problem worksheet.
2. Two cursive worksheets on the letters "e" and "c". There is a bottom section on the worksheet that doesn't need to be done. Some may need assistance with the cursive since it is so brand new.
3. Read the Scholastic News article about sea turtles. Answer the questions on the back and also write a paragraph response about your thoughts on this article.
4. Daily study your 2's times tables. We made flash cards for the students to keep. They don't need to come back to school. But, studying about 10-20 minutes a day will help get them in our memory. We will have a check-in on Monday.
There will be no spelling check-in this week because I want them to practice studying for multiplication. We'll add spelling next week.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
What About Bob?
Tomorrow will be our first adventure as 3rd graders with the MAP test.
MAP is a standardized test that the district uses to attempt to pinpoint where a child is academically, identify strengths and growth areas, and predict how much progress could be made within a specific time frame.
The key word here is attempt. Sometimes it is accurate, but other times it is inaccurate. I have seen students struggle with MAP in the fall only to shoot up an unforeseen amount in the Spring; I have seen the opposite happen as well.
While these tests are important and are to be taken seriously, it is equally important to remember that these tests are a "snapshot of a day". Kids could be feeling ill, anxious, upset about something before or during testing, struggle with test-taking stamina, unfamiliar test directions, rushing to complete the test, accidentally choosing the wrong answer choice, etc. I have seen all of these take place before. On the other hand, students can come to school prepared and ready to try their very best.
So what does preparation for this type of test look like?
Since there is no way to know exactly what types of questions your child will be asked, and some questions they will be asked are beyond what they typically see in 3rd grade, the best way to prepare is simply by minimizing stress and sticking to routine. Going to bed at a decent hour, having a healthy breakfast, and not rushing in the morning will help your child to come to school fresh and ready for the day. In addition, reminding your child that this is just "another way to show what you know" helps them know that you've got their back no matter what. We don't want them to fear testing, but approach each one confidently.
In the classroom, we prepared by looking over some of the sample questions on the MAP website. In our discussion we highlighted valuable strategies for:
We also had a classroom discussion about this guy:
MAP is a standardized test that the district uses to attempt to pinpoint where a child is academically, identify strengths and growth areas, and predict how much progress could be made within a specific time frame.
The key word here is attempt. Sometimes it is accurate, but other times it is inaccurate. I have seen students struggle with MAP in the fall only to shoot up an unforeseen amount in the Spring; I have seen the opposite happen as well.
While these tests are important and are to be taken seriously, it is equally important to remember that these tests are a "snapshot of a day". Kids could be feeling ill, anxious, upset about something before or during testing, struggle with test-taking stamina, unfamiliar test directions, rushing to complete the test, accidentally choosing the wrong answer choice, etc. I have seen all of these take place before. On the other hand, students can come to school prepared and ready to try their very best.
So what does preparation for this type of test look like?
Since there is no way to know exactly what types of questions your child will be asked, and some questions they will be asked are beyond what they typically see in 3rd grade, the best way to prepare is simply by minimizing stress and sticking to routine. Going to bed at a decent hour, having a healthy breakfast, and not rushing in the morning will help your child to come to school fresh and ready for the day. In addition, reminding your child that this is just "another way to show what you know" helps them know that you've got their back no matter what. We don't want them to fear testing, but approach each one confidently.
In the classroom, we prepared by looking over some of the sample questions on the MAP website. In our discussion we highlighted valuable strategies for:
- using context to figure out what an unfamiliar word might mean.
- reading all the answer choices first.
- how to find the best or most likely answer.
- how to locate specific information.
- where to usually find the main or central idea in a passage.
- how to use the process of elimination to find "bogus" answers.
We also had a classroom discussion about this guy:
This is Bob, what the kiddos named the testmaker. We talked about how he wants to see if students are using their heads and solid strategies, so he's not going to make everything super easy. They might have to sit with some questions for awhile and then make best decisions.
Going through the sample questions, we were able to see ways that Bob was trying to trick us or see if we would take the question seriously or even finish answering the question altogether. I think we got wise to Bob's game.
I hope this information helps you as you prepare at home for the MAP test and I also hope it gives you a snapshot into how we prepared this morning.
By the way, here's our first photo from Anna, our class historian:
I think that's of me reading Indian in the Cupboard. But I can't be sure. I don't even remember her taking this picture. She's like a Ninja Historian.
Monday, September 8, 2014
9/8-9/15
Homework (A Little More This Week Than Last)
Friday
Our weekly spelling list is:
amazing, finally, create, thought, though, threw, through, castle, should, because
Monday
1. The math packet is all word problems with subtraction and addition. We've been working very hard at this since last Wednesday. I spoke with the students this morning about the importance of reviewing their work with you at home. It gives you insights into their processing and offers an opportunity for teachable moments regarding math.
2. Your child will write a fiction piece at home. They can create whatever story they would like, but it should make sense. If they create their own world, they should still help their reader understand. I don't like giving length requirements, because some kids think that once they finish a page or two, the story ends. The truth is, stories kind of end themselves. Some stories need to last longer than others. After the story is completed or a stopping point is found, your child should conference with you about what they have written. I would like to see their drafts on Monday morning. Thanks!
3. Reading is ongoing. :)
This Week
Wow! It's gonna be an incredibly busy week for us.
On Wednesday, we will take the reading portion of the MAP test. The best way to prepare for this is to read, read, read. Next Wednesday, we will take the Math test.
On Thursday, we will have Closing Picnic at the school.
On Friday, our class will lead our school's Gathering promptly at 2:20.
Our thought for the week is "Habitats are everywhere and they need our help." We began planning this morning; we will cover a broad range of topics and structures in our classroom. We hope to see you there!
Friday
Our weekly spelling list is:
amazing, finally, create, thought, though, threw, through, castle, should, because
Monday
1. The math packet is all word problems with subtraction and addition. We've been working very hard at this since last Wednesday. I spoke with the students this morning about the importance of reviewing their work with you at home. It gives you insights into their processing and offers an opportunity for teachable moments regarding math.
2. Your child will write a fiction piece at home. They can create whatever story they would like, but it should make sense. If they create their own world, they should still help their reader understand. I don't like giving length requirements, because some kids think that once they finish a page or two, the story ends. The truth is, stories kind of end themselves. Some stories need to last longer than others. After the story is completed or a stopping point is found, your child should conference with you about what they have written. I would like to see their drafts on Monday morning. Thanks!
3. Reading is ongoing. :)
This Week
Wow! It's gonna be an incredibly busy week for us.
On Wednesday, we will take the reading portion of the MAP test. The best way to prepare for this is to read, read, read. Next Wednesday, we will take the Math test.
On Thursday, we will have Closing Picnic at the school.
On Friday, our class will lead our school's Gathering promptly at 2:20.
Our thought for the week is "Habitats are everywhere and they need our help." We began planning this morning; we will cover a broad range of topics and structures in our classroom. We hope to see you there!
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
More Stuff from in Here
This afternoon, we researched root systems looking for the purposes they serve. We began by observing the pictures of the uprooted tree from yesterday:
"The roots are spread out."
"Not all the roots grow down. Some grow out from the side of other roots."
"There's a lot of dirt stuck to them."
"Roots are different sizes."
We researched on our Chromebooks and shared one purpose that we found in our research.
There were major categories that came up:
1. Roots break up rocks and help make soil.
2. Roots keep the plants anchored in the ground.
3. Roots help the plants get nutrients.
4. Roots keep the ground from getting oversaturated with water.
By the way, here is our class depiction of Hunter's Pond based on the different types of organisms and non-living factors we noticed there.
"The roots are spread out."
"Not all the roots grow down. Some grow out from the side of other roots."
"There's a lot of dirt stuck to them."
"Roots are different sizes."
We researched on our Chromebooks and shared one purpose that we found in our research.
There were major categories that came up:
1. Roots break up rocks and help make soil.
2. Roots keep the plants anchored in the ground.
3. Roots help the plants get nutrients.
4. Roots keep the ground from getting oversaturated with water.
By the way, here is our class depiction of Hunter's Pond based on the different types of organisms and non-living factors we noticed there.
You've got some fish, turtles, waterbugs, various insects, geese, worms, algae, various trees and shrubs, grass, plants we could name because of what Miss Newton has taught us about botany, fungi, spiders, and mud. I'm probably leaving stuff out. Oh, yep...I am. Litter! We even included litter that we found there.
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Directions to Regrouping Madness
Directions:
1. Set up your game board.
2. Player 1 rolls 2 dice.
2-9 count as that number
10 counts as 0
11 counts as 1
12 means reroll
3. Put that number in the one's place.
4. Roll again for your ten's place.
5. Write the number down.
6. Roll for another number with the same rules.
7. The larger number goes on top. The
smaller number goes on bottom.
8. Subtract, you can help each other.
9. Player 2 goes through the same steps.
10. After 6 rounds. Roll one dice. That is the square you will use to see who won!
1. Set up your game board.
2. Player 1 rolls 2 dice.
2-9 count as that number
10 counts as 0
11 counts as 1
12 means reroll
3. Put that number in the one's place.
4. Roll again for your ten's place.
5. Write the number down.
6. Roll for another number with the same rules.
7. The larger number goes on top. The
smaller number goes on bottom.
8. Subtract, you can help each other.
9. Player 2 goes through the same steps.
10. After 6 rounds. Roll one dice. That is the square you will use to see who won!
9/2-9/9
So, 30 feels...different. But, our classroom families and my own at-home family did a phenomenal job of helping me celebrate this change. Thank you so much for the generous gift. I'll post pictures of my culinary creation for you to salivate over. From day one last year, I have appreciated the support and encouragement that you guys shower me with, but the real gift (not to sound too cheesy) is the time I get to spend teaching and learning alongside your kiddos. Thank you for entrusting me with them!
This Week's Homework
1. Math packet with regrouping practice due Monday. I would encourage your child to show their work and to review it with them, looking for common miscues like not regrouping or "subtracting up".
2. Our first spelling check-in will be Friday. When we do these, the students will come up with the list from noticing common words in their reading. I'll have a sentence that they will put that word in to help with some context. My major assessment on spelling is a spelling index which I collect from drafts of pieces they do in Writer's Workshop. Words are: difficult, minute, knife, difference, favorite, incredible, tremble, fire, picture, and could.
3. Play one game of Regrouping Madness!!! I would like for your child to teach the game to you. It takes about 20-30 minutes to play a round. But, it provides a great opportunity to have conversations about math strategies. If you choose to play more than one round, extra scoresheets can be made on a sheet of regular notebook paper split up into sixths. The scoresheets that I made copies of are due Monday.
What Are We Up To This Week?
1. We are still working on cursive and writing for understanding in Writer's Workshop. Students are independently authoring choice pieces.
2. We are beginning to think about the reading process and how authors craft fiction texts during Reading Workshop. We are reading Indian in the Cupboard as a chapter book this nine weeks.
3. In Math, we are talking about fluency, reviewing regrouping with more than 2 digits, and looking into reading word problems/charts carefully.
4. In Science, we are using our notes from the trip to Hunter's Pond to help us construct an environment, including what things have to be present for life to exist.
Notes for the Upcoming Weeks (As Far As I Know)
1. MAP Testing is next Wednesday (Reading) and the following Wednesday (Math). September 10th and 17th. This is that assessment that the district uses to help "pinpoint" how your child is doing. It also provides me with valuable information that guides some instructional decisions. It's not the most authentic piece of data, but it is something that we take seriously.
2. Curriculum Night is Thursday, September 11th.
3. Classroom Jobs will be posted by next week. Well, sometime in that week.
Well, I hope you all enjoy your abbreviated week! Maybe Carolina or Clem5on (see what I did there?) will choose to show up this weekend? Sigh...
-B
This Week's Homework
1. Math packet with regrouping practice due Monday. I would encourage your child to show their work and to review it with them, looking for common miscues like not regrouping or "subtracting up".
2. Our first spelling check-in will be Friday. When we do these, the students will come up with the list from noticing common words in their reading. I'll have a sentence that they will put that word in to help with some context. My major assessment on spelling is a spelling index which I collect from drafts of pieces they do in Writer's Workshop. Words are: difficult, minute, knife, difference, favorite, incredible, tremble, fire, picture, and could.
3. Play one game of Regrouping Madness!!! I would like for your child to teach the game to you. It takes about 20-30 minutes to play a round. But, it provides a great opportunity to have conversations about math strategies. If you choose to play more than one round, extra scoresheets can be made on a sheet of regular notebook paper split up into sixths. The scoresheets that I made copies of are due Monday.
What Are We Up To This Week?
1. We are still working on cursive and writing for understanding in Writer's Workshop. Students are independently authoring choice pieces.
2. We are beginning to think about the reading process and how authors craft fiction texts during Reading Workshop. We are reading Indian in the Cupboard as a chapter book this nine weeks.
3. In Math, we are talking about fluency, reviewing regrouping with more than 2 digits, and looking into reading word problems/charts carefully.
4. In Science, we are using our notes from the trip to Hunter's Pond to help us construct an environment, including what things have to be present for life to exist.
Notes for the Upcoming Weeks (As Far As I Know)
1. MAP Testing is next Wednesday (Reading) and the following Wednesday (Math). September 10th and 17th. This is that assessment that the district uses to help "pinpoint" how your child is doing. It also provides me with valuable information that guides some instructional decisions. It's not the most authentic piece of data, but it is something that we take seriously.
2. Curriculum Night is Thursday, September 11th.
3. Classroom Jobs will be posted by next week. Well, sometime in that week.
Well, I hope you all enjoy your abbreviated week! Maybe Carolina or Clem5on (see what I did there?) will choose to show up this weekend? Sigh...
-B
Inquiring about Last Night's Storm
As I was driving in this morning (and how about that traffic!), I noticed that one of the brick signs on Summit Pkwy had been demolished by a fallen tree.
Naturally, we went out there (safely) to get a closer look.
It was pretty amazing to think about the power that nature has. We can talk about it and read about it, but when teachable moments like this pop up, we can't overlook them. Today, the students SAW the power of nature.
But then!
One of the clean up crew workers told us that if we went behind the sign we would see a six foot hole where the tree had been uprooted. That fits in perfectly with what we are learning about environments. You can't make this stuff up.
We could have talked about it or read about it, but your children got to see the root system of a mature tree up close and personal. We have a real life something to connect our learning to.
Naturally, we went out there (safely) to get a closer look.
It was pretty amazing to think about the power that nature has. We can talk about it and read about it, but when teachable moments like this pop up, we can't overlook them. Today, the students SAW the power of nature.
But then!
One of the clean up crew workers told us that if we went behind the sign we would see a six foot hole where the tree had been uprooted. That fits in perfectly with what we are learning about environments. You can't make this stuff up.
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