This week's homework isn't too complicated. You'll notice that I'm putting a cover sheet on the homework packet to help give an outline of what's expected.
1. The first item on the outline highlights the importance of your child reading at least 20 minutes outside of school daily. The more your child reads, the more they'll grow as a reader.
2. Your child should have brought home their cursive handbook. They will complete four letters that are similar to one another. The pages to complete are listed on the homework packet.
3. Your child has their weekly math packet to complete as well.
All are due Tuesday, since Monday is Labor Day.
Monday, August 29, 2016
Friday, August 26, 2016
Weekly Blog
We have had a wonderful first week and a half in third grade. We've been lucky enough to add 6 new students to our already excellent classroom community and everyone seems to be getting to know each other, connecting...you know, the good stuff.
I know you guys are busy, but you would like to be in the know about what's going on in our classroom. Each Friday, my goal is to give you a quick run-down about what we are learning about, cool anecdotes, and sometimes a discussion topic. You can always feel free to post a comment below with your thoughts and insights.
Reading
This week, we read the book Mr. Lincoln's Way by Patricia Polacco. It's an excellent book that helps us have discussions about appreciating the differences in people. In fact, Mr. Lincoln is one of my all time favorite "book heroes". Using the story, we thought about the idea of how authors create a story with a theme in mind. Sometimes it comes out that a character learns something over the course of a book, or they go through a change. Many times, the theme is connected to that idea.
We also spent some time over two days reading three of the Olivia the Pig stories. These books are hilarious. We learned about how words and illustrations can depend on each other for meaning construction. For example, in Olivia, if you were to isolate the text, you would get a very different meaning than when you read it with the pictures. Together, the tone is actually quite sarcastic.
Writing
As writers, we began our year just writing. Sometimes, we as teachers wait for kids to "be ready" to write. Instead, some of my colleagues and I thought it would be an effective exercise for the kids to start the year creating books. Setting the tone for what we do as authors. We also spent a good deal of time setting up expectations for our workshop and coming up with ideas for how to use it. One idea is to create a list of possible topics for writing at the back of our notebooks. This way, when we feel the dreaded Writer's Block, we can access our list to help inspire some creativity.
We also have been learning about how our life and the events we experience can be the basis of a story. I used my story about when I got in trouble as a kid for throwing mud at my baby brother. I didn't remember everything, but we discussed how I can change some of the details and it can become a fictionalized version of a real event. We paired up and shared our stories aloud before we began writing them down and it was remarkable how much more comfortable the kids were at creating these pieces.
Math
In Math, we've been learning about how division and multiplication are connected, including the different properties these operations have. In the process, each day we are building our knowledge as we connect our new knowledge to our background knowledge about arrays.
Students are working in pairs called "learning buddies" as they coach each other up in Math Workshop. Before they work independently, they move through a problem set together and this puts each child in the role of a teacher. They are given the chance to communicate their strategies to another person.
Ecosystems
As you already know, our science unit right now is ecosystems and habitats. We have gone out to different natural areas around our school to observe the living and nonliving things. We are also discussing how people impact natural areas in positive and negative ways.
The students are preparing to begin a group project where they are researching an ecosystem together as a table. They are discussing the physical features, animals, and plants that are in a particular environment. Then, they will use this research to create a giant one-page nonfiction page that reflects their learning.
I know you guys are busy, but you would like to be in the know about what's going on in our classroom. Each Friday, my goal is to give you a quick run-down about what we are learning about, cool anecdotes, and sometimes a discussion topic. You can always feel free to post a comment below with your thoughts and insights.
Reading
This week, we read the book Mr. Lincoln's Way by Patricia Polacco. It's an excellent book that helps us have discussions about appreciating the differences in people. In fact, Mr. Lincoln is one of my all time favorite "book heroes". Using the story, we thought about the idea of how authors create a story with a theme in mind. Sometimes it comes out that a character learns something over the course of a book, or they go through a change. Many times, the theme is connected to that idea.
We also spent some time over two days reading three of the Olivia the Pig stories. These books are hilarious. We learned about how words and illustrations can depend on each other for meaning construction. For example, in Olivia, if you were to isolate the text, you would get a very different meaning than when you read it with the pictures. Together, the tone is actually quite sarcastic.
Writing
As writers, we began our year just writing. Sometimes, we as teachers wait for kids to "be ready" to write. Instead, some of my colleagues and I thought it would be an effective exercise for the kids to start the year creating books. Setting the tone for what we do as authors. We also spent a good deal of time setting up expectations for our workshop and coming up with ideas for how to use it. One idea is to create a list of possible topics for writing at the back of our notebooks. This way, when we feel the dreaded Writer's Block, we can access our list to help inspire some creativity.
We also have been learning about how our life and the events we experience can be the basis of a story. I used my story about when I got in trouble as a kid for throwing mud at my baby brother. I didn't remember everything, but we discussed how I can change some of the details and it can become a fictionalized version of a real event. We paired up and shared our stories aloud before we began writing them down and it was remarkable how much more comfortable the kids were at creating these pieces.
Math
In Math, we've been learning about how division and multiplication are connected, including the different properties these operations have. In the process, each day we are building our knowledge as we connect our new knowledge to our background knowledge about arrays.
Students are working in pairs called "learning buddies" as they coach each other up in Math Workshop. Before they work independently, they move through a problem set together and this puts each child in the role of a teacher. They are given the chance to communicate their strategies to another person.
Ecosystems
As you already know, our science unit right now is ecosystems and habitats. We have gone out to different natural areas around our school to observe the living and nonliving things. We are also discussing how people impact natural areas in positive and negative ways.
The students are preparing to begin a group project where they are researching an ecosystem together as a table. They are discussing the physical features, animals, and plants that are in a particular environment. Then, they will use this research to create a giant one-page nonfiction page that reflects their learning.
Monday, August 22, 2016
Homework, Week of 8/22
Just a reminder about how I handle homework: I will give it all out at one time at the beginning of the week and it will be due on a specific day. If I need a particular piece of the homework for a lesson in class, I will make a separate note and due date on that particular assignment.
1. Observe an Ecosystem, due Monday: The directions are printed on the sheet, but your child needs to observe a natural area (it doesn't have to be a road trip) and classify living and nonliving things. They can also look for evidence of living things, such as a spider's web. If you would like for your child to extend the assignment, have them document by taking pictures and send them to me. Or, another idea is, instead of just writing "spider", your child can research to see if it's a specific species. For example...
I saw this amazing spider over the weekend. I showed the students in class and instead of just saying "spider", I used the wonders of technology and Internetness to find the species. One student said to search "spider with yellow circles on its back"...within a few seconds we had the answer. If you said, "Golden Orb Spider" you were right! Guess what else we learned...did you know that a Golden Orb Spider has venom that is similar to a Black Widow but slightly less potent? It affects you in the same way but to a lesser extent. It made me feel quite brave actually!
2. Math Packet, due Monday: Students will complete math packet covering properties of multiplication and division. This is an excellent opportunity to sit down with your child and listen to them share their strategies that they've learned in class. One of my best college professors once told me, "Teaching is the highest form of learning. If you can teach it, then you REALLY know it."
3. Richland County Library Cards, by Friday: We go to the library near the school about once a month. I already have several cards from last year, but if I don't, please send them in by Friday if you would like for your child to check out books. If you're not sure if I have your child's card, send me a quick email.
Dates to Keep in Mind:
1. Friday, August 26: We walk to the library @ 9:15.
2. Monday, Sept. 5: Labor Day, no school
3. Thursday, Sept. 15: Opening Picnic; if you're new to us, you'll be getting more information about this fun time.
4. Thursday, Sept. 22: Early Dismissal @ 11:30
5. Friday, Sept. 30: Our 1st Gathering @ 2:20
6. Thursday, October 6: Curriculum Night #1 @ 7:00
Note: In the future, I'm going to post my weekly blogs on Friday. When I originally said Monday, I forgot that it's our Faculty Meeting Day and it might be "information overload" with Homework info as well.
Technology RUP Forms: Please log into Parent Portal and complete your child's Responsible Use form for Chromebook use as soon as you are able. If you have questions or difficulties, send me an email and I'll forward it to our tech-guru Mrs. Hucks.
As always, if I forgot something, I'll send everyone an email. Have an excellent week!
B
1. Observe an Ecosystem, due Monday: The directions are printed on the sheet, but your child needs to observe a natural area (it doesn't have to be a road trip) and classify living and nonliving things. They can also look for evidence of living things, such as a spider's web. If you would like for your child to extend the assignment, have them document by taking pictures and send them to me. Or, another idea is, instead of just writing "spider", your child can research to see if it's a specific species. For example...
I saw this amazing spider over the weekend. I showed the students in class and instead of just saying "spider", I used the wonders of technology and Internetness to find the species. One student said to search "spider with yellow circles on its back"...within a few seconds we had the answer. If you said, "Golden Orb Spider" you were right! Guess what else we learned...did you know that a Golden Orb Spider has venom that is similar to a Black Widow but slightly less potent? It affects you in the same way but to a lesser extent. It made me feel quite brave actually!
2. Math Packet, due Monday: Students will complete math packet covering properties of multiplication and division. This is an excellent opportunity to sit down with your child and listen to them share their strategies that they've learned in class. One of my best college professors once told me, "Teaching is the highest form of learning. If you can teach it, then you REALLY know it."
3. Richland County Library Cards, by Friday: We go to the library near the school about once a month. I already have several cards from last year, but if I don't, please send them in by Friday if you would like for your child to check out books. If you're not sure if I have your child's card, send me a quick email.
Dates to Keep in Mind:
1. Friday, August 26: We walk to the library @ 9:15.
2. Monday, Sept. 5: Labor Day, no school
3. Thursday, Sept. 15: Opening Picnic; if you're new to us, you'll be getting more information about this fun time.
4. Thursday, Sept. 22: Early Dismissal @ 11:30
5. Friday, Sept. 30: Our 1st Gathering @ 2:20
6. Thursday, October 6: Curriculum Night #1 @ 7:00
Note: In the future, I'm going to post my weekly blogs on Friday. When I originally said Monday, I forgot that it's our Faculty Meeting Day and it might be "information overload" with Homework info as well.
Technology RUP Forms: Please log into Parent Portal and complete your child's Responsible Use form for Chromebook use as soon as you are able. If you have questions or difficulties, send me an email and I'll forward it to our tech-guru Mrs. Hucks.
As always, if I forgot something, I'll send everyone an email. Have an excellent week!
B
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Welcome to 3rd Grade!
Hello families!
It's almost time for third grade. This is a big year for your child and I'm very glad to be there to help them along the way. Most of you already know me, but to those of you that don't yet, I want to welcome you to a school where real learning happens, where kids are encouraged to ask questions, and where everyone is on a journey of outgrowing themselves.
I wanted to send you a quick post outlining some info about the beginning of the year and how I will communicate with you.
Schedule
Our schedule will vary depending on the day. Some structures will stay in place, but others have to move around. I'll be sending each of you a copy of our class schedule. Plus, it's color coded!
MAT
Our class will have an MAT for the fall semester. Her name is Mrs. Katie Watson and I've had the pleasure of getting to know her over the last couple of days. She will be a real asset to your children this year. I was an MAT several years back, so it's a program that I really believe in and I'm excited to contribute to.
Traffic!
Dr. Mueller sent out an edconnect explaining that you may want to consider bringing your child between 7:45 and 8:10 because our parking lot gets extremely congested on the first day of school. It's really not bad the second or third day. So, you may want to plan accordingly for tomorrow.
First Day Jitters
If you are able to come in, look for the tall, lanky guy with a tie surrounded by tiny people. I would love to meet our new parents and reconnect with the old ones...(get it?). The first part of our day will be getting our supplies organized, so some help with that will be appreciated. However, my goal is for our class to get started around 8:20-8:25 so I can start getting everyone acquainted and setting the tone for our day.
Forms/Technology
At the beginning of each year, your child comes home with all these forms. I'm not sure when you'll get them, but I'll send an email letting you know to check your child's folder for them. It's very important that we get these back ASAP, especially the one dealing with technology. I need to have that form before I can get the students started with their Chromebooks.
Weekly Communication and Homework
I communicate through email when I need to share information quickly or am giving you specific information about your child. If you send me an email and I haven't responded in 48 hours, just assume that I didn't see it and send it again; usually I'm pretty good about responding quickly.
I communicate daily through our class Twitter feed: @footecfi. I use this to share pictures and videos of what we're working on during the day.
I will communicate weekly about homework and a reflection on the week in our class blog. I'll send you an email each Monday with a link to the blog post. It will start with a bulleted list of what your child will have for homework, explanations if needed, and due dates. Then, if you continue reading, you'll get a summary of how our previous week went.
Alright, there you go! I hope to see everyone tomorrow morning. Tell those kids to get some sleep. :)
-B
It's almost time for third grade. This is a big year for your child and I'm very glad to be there to help them along the way. Most of you already know me, but to those of you that don't yet, I want to welcome you to a school where real learning happens, where kids are encouraged to ask questions, and where everyone is on a journey of outgrowing themselves.
I wanted to send you a quick post outlining some info about the beginning of the year and how I will communicate with you.
Schedule
Our schedule will vary depending on the day. Some structures will stay in place, but others have to move around. I'll be sending each of you a copy of our class schedule. Plus, it's color coded!
MAT
Our class will have an MAT for the fall semester. Her name is Mrs. Katie Watson and I've had the pleasure of getting to know her over the last couple of days. She will be a real asset to your children this year. I was an MAT several years back, so it's a program that I really believe in and I'm excited to contribute to.
Traffic!
Dr. Mueller sent out an edconnect explaining that you may want to consider bringing your child between 7:45 and 8:10 because our parking lot gets extremely congested on the first day of school. It's really not bad the second or third day. So, you may want to plan accordingly for tomorrow.
First Day Jitters
If you are able to come in, look for the tall, lanky guy with a tie surrounded by tiny people. I would love to meet our new parents and reconnect with the old ones...(get it?). The first part of our day will be getting our supplies organized, so some help with that will be appreciated. However, my goal is for our class to get started around 8:20-8:25 so I can start getting everyone acquainted and setting the tone for our day.
Forms/Technology
At the beginning of each year, your child comes home with all these forms. I'm not sure when you'll get them, but I'll send an email letting you know to check your child's folder for them. It's very important that we get these back ASAP, especially the one dealing with technology. I need to have that form before I can get the students started with their Chromebooks.
Weekly Communication and Homework
I communicate through email when I need to share information quickly or am giving you specific information about your child. If you send me an email and I haven't responded in 48 hours, just assume that I didn't see it and send it again; usually I'm pretty good about responding quickly.
I communicate daily through our class Twitter feed: @footecfi. I use this to share pictures and videos of what we're working on during the day.
I will communicate weekly about homework and a reflection on the week in our class blog. I'll send you an email each Monday with a link to the blog post. It will start with a bulleted list of what your child will have for homework, explanations if needed, and due dates. Then, if you continue reading, you'll get a summary of how our previous week went.
Alright, there you go! I hope to see everyone tomorrow morning. Tell those kids to get some sleep. :)
-B
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