Hi Parents,
Just a few things for tomorrow.
The kids can wear their pajamas, please make sure they still wear a coat and proper shoes.
They are allowed to bring their "Velveteen Rabbit" as mentioned in the letter I sent home on Friday. Please only send one small animal or if it is a blanket that is okay too.
Finally, Stone Soup will be happening tomorrow afternoon around 1. If you are able to send 1/2 to 1 cup of a cut up veggie, or anything that would go well in soup please do so.
They have math homework tonight, help them to do their best, it is similar to the homework for Thursday of last week.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Thursday, December 16th
Hi Parents!
Tonight's math homework could be difficult for your children. They did excellent in class but it is a new concept. We introduced the concept of the tenths place value and the hundredths place value. The math homework states that the 100 block (the grid) is consider ONE whole. If it is ONE whole, then each long (10 blocks) is a tenth, and each small block is a hundredth. I realized tonight that I completely failed in giving you the unit letter. It is still in my room! Do your best with your students. I know this will be hard. Encourage them, and remind them to not get frustrated. I made them all say out loud,"This is a new concept. I might not get it right away, but eventually I will." Make sure they keep that in mind!
All in all great day. We had art and your students made fantastic Santa faces.
Tonight's math homework could be difficult for your children. They did excellent in class but it is a new concept. We introduced the concept of the tenths place value and the hundredths place value. The math homework states that the 100 block (the grid) is consider ONE whole. If it is ONE whole, then each long (10 blocks) is a tenth, and each small block is a hundredth. I realized tonight that I completely failed in giving you the unit letter. It is still in my room! Do your best with your students. I know this will be hard. Encourage them, and remind them to not get frustrated. I made them all say out loud,"This is a new concept. I might not get it right away, but eventually I will." Make sure they keep that in mind!
All in all great day. We had art and your students made fantastic Santa faces.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Wednesday, December 15th
Staying busy and getting a lot done before the holiday break.
Today in math we did math rotations. In small group I introduced tenths to the students. This is truly a new concept for them It will be taught again in 4th and 5th grade. The main idea the students need to understand is that when you get 10 tenths, you have one whole. That is so hard to understand. Tomorrow the lesson is on tenths and hundredths using base-ten blocks. Tonight for their homework they need to write story problems using large numbers.
Today as a whole group we started reading the Velveteen Rabbit. The students did a great job making connections with this story. We will finish it before the break and on the Tuesday before break the students will get to bring in their own "Velveteen Rabbit (a.k.a. precious stuffed animal or blanket) to share with the class.
We worked today on what an adverb is and did an activity where they had to demonstrate a adverb and verb, such as gracefully dance. That was a lot of fun!
We did the Daily 5 and had time in the computer lab. I showed the students a website called www.storylineonline.net where actors and actresses read their favorite stories aloud. It is very neat and the students can read along as someone reads. They also add a bit of music and sound affects.
Have a great night!
Today in math we did math rotations. In small group I introduced tenths to the students. This is truly a new concept for them It will be taught again in 4th and 5th grade. The main idea the students need to understand is that when you get 10 tenths, you have one whole. That is so hard to understand. Tomorrow the lesson is on tenths and hundredths using base-ten blocks. Tonight for their homework they need to write story problems using large numbers.
Today as a whole group we started reading the Velveteen Rabbit. The students did a great job making connections with this story. We will finish it before the break and on the Tuesday before break the students will get to bring in their own "Velveteen Rabbit (a.k.a. precious stuffed animal or blanket) to share with the class.
We worked today on what an adverb is and did an activity where they had to demonstrate a adverb and verb, such as gracefully dance. That was a lot of fun!
We did the Daily 5 and had time in the computer lab. I showed the students a website called www.storylineonline.net where actors and actresses read their favorite stories aloud. It is very neat and the students can read along as someone reads. They also add a bit of music and sound affects.
Have a great night!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Tuesday, December 14th
Today was our musical and the students did fantastic. There is no homework tonight due to the busy day. Have a great night.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Monday, December 13th
Hi Parents,
Today was a busy day and a little bit of a different schedule do to the dress rehearsal for our Christmas Program tomorrow.
We had rehearsal from 9:40-11:25.
This afternoon I introduced two assignments for the week. One is a book project designing a new book cover for the book we just completed reading aloud in class called There is a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom (I know I am supposed to underline that, but I cannot figure out how to underline on this blog!). This is an in class assignment, however, if the students do not finish it by Friday it will be homework.
The other assignment we worked on today was working on figurative language, specifically focusing on similes. The students are comparing Christmas/ Holidays to other things using the words like an as.
The spelling words for this week are:
The /s/ sound
super
fastest
pass
since
silly
saved
mice
ice
cents
space
seven
sick
price
silver
race
taste
sometimes
Review short vowel words
getting
can’t
Sunday
Word Wall Words
let's
our
terrible (we are having this word again because so many of them spelled it wrong last week)
don't
won't
Bonus: thesaurus
Today was a busy day and a little bit of a different schedule do to the dress rehearsal for our Christmas Program tomorrow.
We had rehearsal from 9:40-11:25.
This afternoon I introduced two assignments for the week. One is a book project designing a new book cover for the book we just completed reading aloud in class called There is a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom (I know I am supposed to underline that, but I cannot figure out how to underline on this blog!). This is an in class assignment, however, if the students do not finish it by Friday it will be homework.
The other assignment we worked on today was working on figurative language, specifically focusing on similes. The students are comparing Christmas/ Holidays to other things using the words like an as.
The spelling words for this week are:
The /s/ sound
super
fastest
pass
since
silly
saved
mice
ice
cents
space
seven
sick
price
silver
race
taste
sometimes
Review short vowel words
getting
can’t
Sunday
Word Wall Words
let's
our
terrible (we are having this word again because so many of them spelled it wrong last week)
don't
won't
Bonus: thesaurus
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Wednesday, December 8th
Hi Parents,
Today in math we worked on practicing 7 digit numbers (millions place value). Tonight's homework specifically asks for the students to read the numbers aloud to their parents. It is very important for them to be able to read the numbers as well as write them. During math we were able to do math rotations. They practiced math facts, played a new math game called Name That Number, did a few workbook pages, and then did small group work with me.
They had social studies as well. Most of them have completed their brochure for Mrs. Cech. A few still need to finish. I mentioned that they had this assignment last Wednesday, but next time I will do a better job of making sure they know to bring home their assignments.
We were able to practice our typing today, and do our daily 5 and small group reading for a few of the students.
We ended that day with our musical practice. Please remember that next Tuesday we have the performances at 10am and 1pm.
Today in math we worked on practicing 7 digit numbers (millions place value). Tonight's homework specifically asks for the students to read the numbers aloud to their parents. It is very important for them to be able to read the numbers as well as write them. During math we were able to do math rotations. They practiced math facts, played a new math game called Name That Number, did a few workbook pages, and then did small group work with me.
They had social studies as well. Most of them have completed their brochure for Mrs. Cech. A few still need to finish. I mentioned that they had this assignment last Wednesday, but next time I will do a better job of making sure they know to bring home their assignments.
We were able to practice our typing today, and do our daily 5 and small group reading for a few of the students.
We ended that day with our musical practice. Please remember that next Tuesday we have the performances at 10am and 1pm.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Tuesday, December 7th
Today we got a lot accomplished.
In math today we worked on comparing large numbers by playing a math game called, Name that Number. Tonight the students have homework where they compare numbers. Please have your students practice saying the numbers aloud.
In Science, we watched a video called Rocks and Mineral by BBC. It was more of an introduction to our unit on Earth Materials.
This afternoon we worked on our Elf Writing. The students are pretending they are elves at the North Pole and what their job is there and why it is important. We have had some very creative jobs such as, the Reindeer Rancher, the Secret Service, the Book Writer, etc. Wonderful writing, focusing on writing in first person, and what that means!
We practiced the Daily 5, and are really getting into our read aloud book!
In math today we worked on comparing large numbers by playing a math game called, Name that Number. Tonight the students have homework where they compare numbers. Please have your students practice saying the numbers aloud.
In Science, we watched a video called Rocks and Mineral by BBC. It was more of an introduction to our unit on Earth Materials.
This afternoon we worked on our Elf Writing. The students are pretending they are elves at the North Pole and what their job is there and why it is important. We have had some very creative jobs such as, the Reindeer Rancher, the Secret Service, the Book Writer, etc. Wonderful writing, focusing on writing in first person, and what that means!
We practiced the Daily 5, and are really getting into our read aloud book!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Monday, December 6th
Parents, I am so sorry for not posting a few times last week. If there is a night that I do not post and you have a question please call me at 406-582-6840. I worked late every night last week, and forgot to blog!
Today we started a new unit in math focusing on place value. The students should know place value to the ten-thousands and we will introduce tenths, and hundredths this coming unit. It will be a new concept that will take time, decimals can be difficult to grasp.
In science we also started a new unit on the earth. The students will learn what the earth of made of (specific rocks, and the minerals in the rocks), how the surface of the earth is always changing (weathering, erosion, deposition, catastrophic events, etc), and the layers of the earth.
This week your students are doing a writing assignment in first person. They are pretending to be an elf at the north pole and need to describe what their job is and why it is important. Some examples of the jobs we brainstormed together today where the navigation elf, secret service elf, personal assistant elf, etc. The students seemed very excited and had great ideas following about what the jobs where and why they are important.
In small groups this week we will be reading non-fiction texts for the most part. Working on the reading skills of making connections and asking questions that help us better understand the story.
We ended the day with the longer practice for our musical next Tuesday, Dec. 14th.
better
happy
really
berry
messy
unless
carrot
lettuce
spilled
grilling
dribble
litter
rubber
happen
puzzle
running
dripping
telephone
earphone
headphone
microphone
when
wouldn’t
trouble
terrible
anyone
Bonus: alphabetical order
Today we started a new unit in math focusing on place value. The students should know place value to the ten-thousands and we will introduce tenths, and hundredths this coming unit. It will be a new concept that will take time, decimals can be difficult to grasp.
In science we also started a new unit on the earth. The students will learn what the earth of made of (specific rocks, and the minerals in the rocks), how the surface of the earth is always changing (weathering, erosion, deposition, catastrophic events, etc), and the layers of the earth.
This week your students are doing a writing assignment in first person. They are pretending to be an elf at the north pole and need to describe what their job is and why it is important. Some examples of the jobs we brainstormed together today where the navigation elf, secret service elf, personal assistant elf, etc. The students seemed very excited and had great ideas following about what the jobs where and why they are important.
In small groups this week we will be reading non-fiction texts for the most part. Working on the reading skills of making connections and asking questions that help us better understand the story.
We ended the day with the longer practice for our musical next Tuesday, Dec. 14th.
better
happy
really
berry
messy
unless
carrot
lettuce
spilled
grilling
dribble
litter
rubber
happen
puzzle
running
dripping
telephone
earphone
headphone
microphone
when
wouldn’t
trouble
terrible
anyone
Bonus: alphabetical order
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Wednesday, December 1st
Today in math we worked more on multiplication. Their homework tonight is just practicing multiplication facts. The most important concept is that they know that they are counting by multiples.
The students had science and social studies today. Today in social studies there were given their end of the unit project in which they need to make a brochure. The guidelines for this project are coming home with your students tonight. In science we finished up our assessment.
We had time in the computer lab today were we played a math game called tackle ball. They did a good job with that.
We did our Daily 5 and some reading groups.
We ended the day with all the 3rd grade having music to practice for our big performance on Dec. 14th.
The students had science and social studies today. Today in social studies there were given their end of the unit project in which they need to make a brochure. The guidelines for this project are coming home with your students tonight. In science we finished up our assessment.
We had time in the computer lab today were we played a math game called tackle ball. They did a good job with that.
We did our Daily 5 and some reading groups.
We ended the day with all the 3rd grade having music to practice for our big performance on Dec. 14th.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Tuesday, November 30th
I cannot believe today is the last day in November.
We had a great day today. In math we worked on using a scale on a map. The kids did a nice job with this. They will have a math test on Friday. The test is mainly about multiples. The homework tonight is working on drawing arrays.
In Science today your students began the assessment on the standards for the unit on living things. They were given an ecosystem (desert, ocean, forest, arctic) and had to choose an animal that lived in that ecosystem, how it survives there (adaptations), its classification (invertebrate/vertebrate), and its food chain. This assessment will tell me how the students did understanding the key concepts from this unit. We will begin our new science unit next week.
I began reading aloud a new book called There's A Boy in the Girl's Bathroom. It is a realistic fiction genre. So far, your students have been exposed to fantasy, mystery, and realistic fiction.
We began cursive today. They are all very excited about that!
In spelling we worked on oy/oi sound in words.
They had social studies and the Daily 5. This week in small groups we are working on making inferences.
We had a great day today. In math we worked on using a scale on a map. The kids did a nice job with this. They will have a math test on Friday. The test is mainly about multiples. The homework tonight is working on drawing arrays.
In Science today your students began the assessment on the standards for the unit on living things. They were given an ecosystem (desert, ocean, forest, arctic) and had to choose an animal that lived in that ecosystem, how it survives there (adaptations), its classification (invertebrate/vertebrate), and its food chain. This assessment will tell me how the students did understanding the key concepts from this unit. We will begin our new science unit next week.
I began reading aloud a new book called There's A Boy in the Girl's Bathroom. It is a realistic fiction genre. So far, your students have been exposed to fantasy, mystery, and realistic fiction.
We began cursive today. They are all very excited about that!
In spelling we worked on oy/oi sound in words.
They had social studies and the Daily 5. This week in small groups we are working on making inferences.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Monday, November 29th
Hi Parents,
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I also thank the parents that were understanding in rescheduling your child's conference from
Tuesday night. I sent a note home with your students today to schedule a new conference time.
We had a busy day today and got a lot finished.
I had a meeting first thing this morning but your students did a great job on the math lesson for the day while I was gone. We continue to work on multiplication and division facts. If you have time at home please practice math facts whenever you have time.
We finished our pen pal letters today that will be sent on to the school I worked at in Colorado. The letters are fantastic and they are so excited about them; the authentic writing is wonderful practice.
Today we had our first all 3rd grade rehearsal for the music concert on Dec. 14th.
The spelling words for this week
1. join
2. joy
3. boil
4. noise
5. spoil
6. choice
7. soil
8. point
9. foil
10. voice
11. coil
12. broil
13. disjointed
14. display
15. dislike
16. disgrace
17. displease
18. disown
19. discomfort
20. write
21. right
22. they're
23. first
24. everything
Bonus: palindrome
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I also thank the parents that were understanding in rescheduling your child's conference from
Tuesday night. I sent a note home with your students today to schedule a new conference time.
We had a busy day today and got a lot finished.
I had a meeting first thing this morning but your students did a great job on the math lesson for the day while I was gone. We continue to work on multiplication and division facts. If you have time at home please practice math facts whenever you have time.
We finished our pen pal letters today that will be sent on to the school I worked at in Colorado. The letters are fantastic and they are so excited about them; the authentic writing is wonderful practice.
Today we had our first all 3rd grade rehearsal for the music concert on Dec. 14th.
The spelling words for this week
1. join
2. joy
3. boil
4. noise
5. spoil
6. choice
7. soil
8. point
9. foil
10. voice
11. coil
12. broil
13. disjointed
14. display
15. dislike
16. disgrace
17. displease
18. disown
19. discomfort
20. write
21. right
22. they're
23. first
24. everything
Bonus: palindrome
Monday, November 22, 2010
Monday, November 22nd
Hi Parents!
I am sorry for not writing last week. Monday night was a bit crazy trying to get everything ready for the sub and packing.
This week is a short week.
There is no spelling test this week, since it is such a short week. We are doing word work in class working specifically on our word wall words.
Today in math we continued to work on division and multiplication problems. Tonight's homework works on those concepts. If your students are struggling please encourage them to draw pictures to help them understand. If they are still having a hard time please write me a note and I will work with them tomorrow.
We had exciting news today in that we have Pen Pals in Denver. I asked one of my teammates if she (and her class) would be interested in writing our class. She said yes, and today we worked on our letters. This is fantastic because it helps us meet a large section of our writing standards for 3rd grade in which your students are supposed to be able to write a friendly letter and address an envelope.
I am meeting with some of you for conferences tonight, some tomorrow night, and some of you I already saw on Friday. It has been great getting to discuss your students and their successes.
I am sorry for not writing last week. Monday night was a bit crazy trying to get everything ready for the sub and packing.
This week is a short week.
There is no spelling test this week, since it is such a short week. We are doing word work in class working specifically on our word wall words.
Today in math we continued to work on division and multiplication problems. Tonight's homework works on those concepts. If your students are struggling please encourage them to draw pictures to help them understand. If they are still having a hard time please write me a note and I will work with them tomorrow.
We had exciting news today in that we have Pen Pals in Denver. I asked one of my teammates if she (and her class) would be interested in writing our class. She said yes, and today we worked on our letters. This is fantastic because it helps us meet a large section of our writing standards for 3rd grade in which your students are supposed to be able to write a friendly letter and address an envelope.
I am meeting with some of you for conferences tonight, some tomorrow night, and some of you I already saw on Friday. It has been great getting to discuss your students and their successes.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Friday, November 12th
Hello Parents,
Today your kids got out the door so quickly after an art project that I did not have the chance to give them their compliment sticky notes. Please look for those on Monday.
We joined Mrs. Cech's class for the second session of our art lesson drawing and painting bisons on the plains. They are INCREDIBLE! Look for them on the walls when you come from your conferences next week.
In math today we began looking at multiplication and division. I was very pleased with your students understanding and ability to draw a picture to help them understand the problems.
Tonight you will get getting a bright pink paper that is preparation for Parent Teacher Conferences. Please return that sheet on Monday.
Next week, I will be gone on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for the wedding in Florida. I will be back on Thursday night, in time for conferences held on Friday.
Have a great weekend!
Today your kids got out the door so quickly after an art project that I did not have the chance to give them their compliment sticky notes. Please look for those on Monday.
We joined Mrs. Cech's class for the second session of our art lesson drawing and painting bisons on the plains. They are INCREDIBLE! Look for them on the walls when you come from your conferences next week.
In math today we began looking at multiplication and division. I was very pleased with your students understanding and ability to draw a picture to help them understand the problems.
Tonight you will get getting a bright pink paper that is preparation for Parent Teacher Conferences. Please return that sheet on Monday.
Next week, I will be gone on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for the wedding in Florida. I will be back on Thursday night, in time for conferences held on Friday.
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Thursday, November 11th
Hi Parents,
Sorry for not writing last night. We had a staff meeting after school until 5:15 and then was busy getting sub plans ready for today.
Today your students had a sub. Ms Cade. She told me they did a nice job. This was their day.
They had a math lesson doing review pages in the math book. Working again on find the perimeter. Tomorrow we will begin doing multiples. Their homework tonight is a sheet practicing multi-digit addition.
This afternoon they did the daily five, word wall work, spelling and penmanship.
Sorry for not writing last night. We had a staff meeting after school until 5:15 and then was busy getting sub plans ready for today.
Today your students had a sub. Ms Cade. She told me they did a nice job. This was their day.
They had a math lesson doing review pages in the math book. Working again on find the perimeter. Tomorrow we will begin doing multiples. Their homework tonight is a sheet practicing multi-digit addition.
This afternoon they did the daily five, word wall work, spelling and penmanship.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Tuesday, November 9th
Today your students took a math test on Unit 3, so they will have no homework. However, you should have gotten the family letter for Unit 4. Unit four beginnings teaching students multiples. If you have time practice with your students counting by 3s, 4s, 5s, 6s, 7s, 8s, 9s and 10s.
I did ask the students to show you a writing prompt I gave them today about a family tradition. We talked for a bit about our different family traditions but some of the kids had a hard time thinking of a tradition. Please discuss the tradition that your child thought of. For this writing prompt the main focus of the grading will be on conventions. Did your students start every sentence with a capital letter, end with punctuation, and spell their word wall words correctly.
Today in Science we worked on animals adaptations. We are going to continue working on that concept next week and then will have the assessment on the unit the week after.
Mrs. Cech gave your students a map to study for a test tomorrow on the first states. They will be given a key and have to put the state names on the correct state.
I hope you have a great night. I just got done walking my dog with my husband. The cold I have heard so much about here in Bozeman, I felt for the first time tonight!
I did ask the students to show you a writing prompt I gave them today about a family tradition. We talked for a bit about our different family traditions but some of the kids had a hard time thinking of a tradition. Please discuss the tradition that your child thought of. For this writing prompt the main focus of the grading will be on conventions. Did your students start every sentence with a capital letter, end with punctuation, and spell their word wall words correctly.
Today in Science we worked on animals adaptations. We are going to continue working on that concept next week and then will have the assessment on the unit the week after.
Mrs. Cech gave your students a map to study for a test tomorrow on the first states. They will be given a key and have to put the state names on the correct state.
I hope you have a great night. I just got done walking my dog with my husband. The cold I have heard so much about here in Bozeman, I felt for the first time tonight!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Snowy Monday, Novemeber 8th
Wow, it is amazing how much the weather can change in 24 hours!
Today we reviewed for our math test by playing math basketball. We also did a whole group problem where the kids made multiple rectangles with a perimeter of 24ft but different areas. It is a challenging concept but your kids did a good job with the beginning of finding area. Tomorrow there will be a math test so the students will have no homework tomorrow. Look for a review sheet tonight.
In science I had planned a lesson on the computers with a Power Point teaching the students about adaptations in animals. Needless to say technology is fantastic...when it works! So hopefully tomorrow the students will be able to access the power point!
This afternoon we did a project working on what a common noun is vs. a proper noun. Work with your children when they read by pointing out nouns and asking them if it are a proper noun or a common noun. In our spelling notebooks today we worked on common spelling patterns for the long i vowel sound. Their spelling words this week have that pattern. Here are the words:
wild
bright
die
sight
child
pie
fight
lie
tight
tie
might
mind
design
delight
November
mishandle
reconsider
manage
entertainers
Bonus: melissophobia (a fear of bees)
We did our Read Naturally and the kids are finishing the day at Music right now.
Have a safe night, and enjoy the beautiful winter wonderland!
Today we reviewed for our math test by playing math basketball. We also did a whole group problem where the kids made multiple rectangles with a perimeter of 24ft but different areas. It is a challenging concept but your kids did a good job with the beginning of finding area. Tomorrow there will be a math test so the students will have no homework tomorrow. Look for a review sheet tonight.
In science I had planned a lesson on the computers with a Power Point teaching the students about adaptations in animals. Needless to say technology is fantastic...when it works! So hopefully tomorrow the students will be able to access the power point!
This afternoon we did a project working on what a common noun is vs. a proper noun. Work with your children when they read by pointing out nouns and asking them if it are a proper noun or a common noun. In our spelling notebooks today we worked on common spelling patterns for the long i vowel sound. Their spelling words this week have that pattern. Here are the words:
wild
bright
die
sight
child
pie
fight
lie
tight
tie
might
mind
design
delight
November
mishandle
reconsider
manage
entertainers
Bonus: melissophobia (a fear of bees)
We did our Read Naturally and the kids are finishing the day at Music right now.
Have a safe night, and enjoy the beautiful winter wonderland!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Friday, November 5th
Happy Friday.
Today we did a lot of catch up today on math boxes. The kids did a great job, and then played various math games such as Addition Top It, Subtraction Top It, Roll to 100, or Name That Number.
We are getting ready to move to cursive writing, so we spent some time today working on our penmanship. We also worked on writing sentences with our Word Wall Words from this week.
The kids had a fantastic first week of Read Naturally. After Read Naturally we took our spelling test and finished up the writing assignment from this week.
Today we did a lot of catch up today on math boxes. The kids did a great job, and then played various math games such as Addition Top It, Subtraction Top It, Roll to 100, or Name That Number.
We are getting ready to move to cursive writing, so we spent some time today working on our penmanship. We also worked on writing sentences with our Word Wall Words from this week.
The kids had a fantastic first week of Read Naturally. After Read Naturally we took our spelling test and finished up the writing assignment from this week.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Thursday, November 4th
Sorry for not posting last night. The day got away from me!
Today was a wonderful day. Your children did a great job listening to instructions and listening to each other. I was so proud of them.
Today in math we continued to work on Area. The kids are doing a very good job with this concept, especially considering it is not taught to mastery in 3rd grade. Many of them still need to count the number of square units inside a rectangle but they are understanding that area is the inside of the shape and perimeter is around the outside.
For literacy today we worked on homophones. I read them a book called "Dear Deer," in which the other uses a number of homophone pairs to tell a story. It is a wonderful book and I think your students are getting an idea of homophones and their usage.
They continue to do a nice job with Read Naturally.
We also read a story today about traditions. If you get a chance with your kids tonight, talk to them about traditions you have in your family. That will help with a writing prompt I want to do next week.
We also had a whole 3rd grade art lesson with Mrs. Cech. The students are working on drawing Bison.
Today was a wonderful day. Your children did a great job listening to instructions and listening to each other. I was so proud of them.
Today in math we continued to work on Area. The kids are doing a very good job with this concept, especially considering it is not taught to mastery in 3rd grade. Many of them still need to count the number of square units inside a rectangle but they are understanding that area is the inside of the shape and perimeter is around the outside.
For literacy today we worked on homophones. I read them a book called "Dear Deer," in which the other uses a number of homophone pairs to tell a story. It is a wonderful book and I think your students are getting an idea of homophones and their usage.
They continue to do a nice job with Read Naturally.
We also read a story today about traditions. If you get a chance with your kids tonight, talk to them about traditions you have in your family. That will help with a writing prompt I want to do next week.
We also had a whole 3rd grade art lesson with Mrs. Cech. The students are working on drawing Bison.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Tuesday, November 2nd
Today in math we worked on finding the perimeter. Please reinforce with your students that the perimeter is the distance around the outside of a shape. We will begin touching on area tomorrow.
In science we played our classification game working on vertebrates and invertebrates. They did an OUTSTANDING JOB! I was so proud of how they worked together to play this game.
We began read naturally today, working on fluency and comprehension.
In spelling we looked at spelling patterns for the long o sound.
Spelling words this week:
coach
blow
float
hold
sew
though
sold
soap
row
own
both
most
tomorrow
program
unafraid
unlike
unfair
unlucky
ungrateful
unchain
unselfish
Bonus: Taurophobia
In science we played our classification game working on vertebrates and invertebrates. They did an OUTSTANDING JOB! I was so proud of how they worked together to play this game.
We began read naturally today, working on fluency and comprehension.
In spelling we looked at spelling patterns for the long o sound.
Spelling words this week:
coach
blow
float
hold
sew
though
sold
soap
row
own
both
most
tomorrow
program
unafraid
unlike
unfair
unlucky
ungrateful
unchain
unselfish
Bonus: Taurophobia
Monday, November 1, 2010
Monday, November 1st
I cannot believe today marked the first day of November! Wow
We had a great day today. Your students earned 50 marbles last week, so they earned an ice-cream party this afternoon. They worked very hard getting compliments from other teachers and from me to get those marbles.
Today in math we worked on graphing data. On their homework tonight they have to find:
The maximum number (the largest number)
The minimum number (the smallest number)
The range (the difference between the largest number and the smallest number)
The mode (the number that appears the most frequently)
The Median (the middle number when the numbers are lined up from largest to smallest).
On their homework tonight, they are given data in a graph about how many pill bugs where collected by students. To find the median, they have to write out 2,2,2, 3,3,3,3,3, 5,5, 6,6 and then cross out the largest then the smallest, so-on till they get the middle.
I introduced your students to a reading activity called "Reads Naturally" that the students will do everyday to practice fluency.
The writing prompt for this week was "It is your lucky day. You have a magic seed,that when you plant it, will grow what every kid wants." I am looking to see what kind of ideas and content they come up with.
In science we are classifying vertebrates and invertebrates.
We had a great day today. Your students earned 50 marbles last week, so they earned an ice-cream party this afternoon. They worked very hard getting compliments from other teachers and from me to get those marbles.
Today in math we worked on graphing data. On their homework tonight they have to find:
The maximum number (the largest number)
The minimum number (the smallest number)
The range (the difference between the largest number and the smallest number)
The mode (the number that appears the most frequently)
The Median (the middle number when the numbers are lined up from largest to smallest).
On their homework tonight, they are given data in a graph about how many pill bugs where collected by students. To find the median, they have to write out 2,2,2, 3,3,3,3,3, 5,5, 6,6 and then cross out the largest then the smallest, so-on till they get the middle.
I introduced your students to a reading activity called "Reads Naturally" that the students will do everyday to practice fluency.
The writing prompt for this week was "It is your lucky day. You have a magic seed,that when you plant it, will grow what every kid wants." I am looking to see what kind of ideas and content they come up with.
In science we are classifying vertebrates and invertebrates.
Friday, October 29, 2010
October 29th, 2010
Wow, what a party.
This was the first year that I had to do a party on my own. At the school I was at before a room mom/dad would plan the whole party, so this was a learning experience for me! Thank you all for the treats. We had more than enough. Next class party, I will ask for volunteers to bring items, and then call people who volunteered with what to bring. I so appreciate you effort to give us treats, there were so many and the kids were so excited!
I didn't get a chance to pass out class pictures at the end of the day. I will get them to you on Monday. I also ran out of time to give your students their positive note.
Have a very fun and safe weekend with your kiddos.
This was the first year that I had to do a party on my own. At the school I was at before a room mom/dad would plan the whole party, so this was a learning experience for me! Thank you all for the treats. We had more than enough. Next class party, I will ask for volunteers to bring items, and then call people who volunteered with what to bring. I so appreciate you effort to give us treats, there were so many and the kids were so excited!
I didn't get a chance to pass out class pictures at the end of the day. I will get them to you on Monday. I also ran out of time to give your students their positive note.
Have a very fun and safe weekend with your kiddos.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Thursday October 28th
Thank you all for volunteering to bring things for tomorrows activities! We will begin with some games around 1:15-1:35 and then we will enjoy our treats and head home. You are more than welcome to come (I might put you to work helping with the games!).
Today in math we worked on finding the perimeter of polygons. We built different shapes out of twisty ties and straws and then measured them to find the perimeter.
The math lesson took us a good portion of the morning, but they did a great job!
Today we had Art and the students worked on finishing their castles with water-colored paint.
We also worked on finishing up a lot of assignment we started this week and last week.
Ask your students about the book we are reading aloud called "To Catch A Mermaid." We are almost done, and they all were begging for me to keep reading. It makes me so excited when the students love to hear stories!
Today in math we worked on finding the perimeter of polygons. We built different shapes out of twisty ties and straws and then measured them to find the perimeter.
The math lesson took us a good portion of the morning, but they did a great job!
Today we had Art and the students worked on finishing their castles with water-colored paint.
We also worked on finishing up a lot of assignment we started this week and last week.
Ask your students about the book we are reading aloud called "To Catch A Mermaid." We are almost done, and they all were begging for me to keep reading. It makes me so excited when the students love to hear stories!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Wednesday October 27th
A non-stop day!
Today we worked on Standard Units of Measurement with the US System and the Metric System. They measured a variety of things in our classroom that were about an inch, about a foot, about a yard, and then what was about a centimeter, about a decimeter, and about a meter. Tonight the homework is hard to do if you don't have a measuring tape. Do the best you can, and again, if you can't do the top part at least have the kids do the addition on the bottom.
We had rotations today and I introduced your students to a new website called Mr. Nussbaum. This is website had a lot of educational games. Today the students worked on a telling time. I have been thinking about the math rotations and am wondering if any other parents are available to help on Wednesdays from 9:45 till 11:20. Right now I have one parent which is an EXTREME help, but they would go even better with an adult to supervise each group. Let me know.
Today we did a writing called Witches Brew. I did emphasize to the students that if they did not want to call it witches brew, they could title it something else. The purpose of the writing was to work on writing recipes.
The spelling words for this week are:
paint
clay
feel
leave
neighbor
eight
seem
speak
paid
lay
need
weigh
needle
crayon
transparent
opaque
translucent
misinform
misbehave
unchain
unafraid
reconstruct
Bonus: pagophobia
Tonight there is a note coming home about the party on Friday. Please sign it and return it with you students tomorrow.
Today we worked on Standard Units of Measurement with the US System and the Metric System. They measured a variety of things in our classroom that were about an inch, about a foot, about a yard, and then what was about a centimeter, about a decimeter, and about a meter. Tonight the homework is hard to do if you don't have a measuring tape. Do the best you can, and again, if you can't do the top part at least have the kids do the addition on the bottom.
We had rotations today and I introduced your students to a new website called Mr. Nussbaum. This is website had a lot of educational games. Today the students worked on a telling time. I have been thinking about the math rotations and am wondering if any other parents are available to help on Wednesdays from 9:45 till 11:20. Right now I have one parent which is an EXTREME help, but they would go even better with an adult to supervise each group. Let me know.
Today we did a writing called Witches Brew. I did emphasize to the students that if they did not want to call it witches brew, they could title it something else. The purpose of the writing was to work on writing recipes.
The spelling words for this week are:
paint
clay
feel
leave
neighbor
eight
seem
speak
paid
lay
need
weigh
needle
crayon
transparent
opaque
translucent
misinform
misbehave
unchain
unafraid
reconstruct
Bonus: pagophobia
Tonight there is a note coming home about the party on Friday. Please sign it and return it with you students tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Tuesday, October 26th
Hi Parents,
Today your students have homework in which they have to measure with a ruler. If you do not have a ruler at home, that is okay. Have them do the bottom part of it and return that. You all did a wonderful job helping your students find standard units of measurement. They are on our math wall.
It was a very exciting day in science as our millipedes arrived! Your students created their ecosystem and even got to hold them! I assured the janitors that they lids are on snugly and their will be no escapes (I guess that happened last year!).
Today in reading we worked on Word Wall Words, rainbow spelling, finished up our Dream Sleepover prompt from last week and did a bit of the daily 5.
You should see three piece of paper tonight. Math homework on blue paper, the family unit math letter on bright pink, and a note from me about conferences. PLEASE sign the paper about the conferences and send it back ASAP. If the time on the paper does not work for you, I will work with you to get a different time. I am sorry that my schedule is different than the other teachers, but the wedding is that of my very best friend, and I cannot miss it
I hope you all have a wonderful night. Again, if anyone would like to donate some food for our Harvest Party on Friday, that would be wonderful.
Today your students have homework in which they have to measure with a ruler. If you do not have a ruler at home, that is okay. Have them do the bottom part of it and return that. You all did a wonderful job helping your students find standard units of measurement. They are on our math wall.
It was a very exciting day in science as our millipedes arrived! Your students created their ecosystem and even got to hold them! I assured the janitors that they lids are on snugly and their will be no escapes (I guess that happened last year!).
Today in reading we worked on Word Wall Words, rainbow spelling, finished up our Dream Sleepover prompt from last week and did a bit of the daily 5.
You should see three piece of paper tonight. Math homework on blue paper, the family unit math letter on bright pink, and a note from me about conferences. PLEASE sign the paper about the conferences and send it back ASAP. If the time on the paper does not work for you, I will work with you to get a different time. I am sorry that my schedule is different than the other teachers, but the wedding is that of my very best friend, and I cannot miss it
I hope you all have a wonderful night. Again, if anyone would like to donate some food for our Harvest Party on Friday, that would be wonderful.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Monday, October 25th
Sorry for the late post. I forgot my computer power cord at home today, and my computer died.
It was wonderful seeing the students today after a long weekend.
We began a new unit in math. The family newsletter will come home tomorrow or the next day. Today we worked on developing a standard unit of measurement for our class. We then measured different objects in the class. The students had a great time with it.
In science we played a game called "Oh Deer." Ask your students about it, it was very fun and taught them how all living things need water, shelter, food and space to survive.
I introduced Victor Verb today to keep Nancy Noun company. I will also have Adam Adverb, and Annie Adjective in the next few weeks. This is introducing the concepts of what makes up a sentence. We will also talk about subjects and predicts.
This week in reading we are working on inferences. This is a hard concept that will take time to develop.
I will post the spelling list tomorrow. I did not bring a copy home with me.
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!
It was wonderful seeing the students today after a long weekend.
We began a new unit in math. The family newsletter will come home tomorrow or the next day. Today we worked on developing a standard unit of measurement for our class. We then measured different objects in the class. The students had a great time with it.
In science we played a game called "Oh Deer." Ask your students about it, it was very fun and taught them how all living things need water, shelter, food and space to survive.
I introduced Victor Verb today to keep Nancy Noun company. I will also have Adam Adverb, and Annie Adjective in the next few weeks. This is introducing the concepts of what makes up a sentence. We will also talk about subjects and predicts.
This week in reading we are working on inferences. This is a hard concept that will take time to develop.
I will post the spelling list tomorrow. I did not bring a copy home with me.
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Wednesday October 20th
It was a birthday day in our class. We celebrated 4 birthdays! I told the students they could only eat one of the birthday treats that was brought. The other they are bringing home in a baggie. If it doesn't make it home, they might have eaten it on the bus!
This morning we did our math rotations. We will be starting our new unit when we get back next week, beginning with a pre-test on Monday.
I do not have homework for them over this four day weekend, however, it would be VERY good for them to read each night and practice their addition and subtraction math facts. If you are in the car driving, just ask them orally.
Also, if any parents would like to donate treats for our Harvest Celebration on Friday, that would be greatly appreciated. I will make rice-crispy treats and bring those in, if you would like to bring something, please let me know. The students are allowed to wear orange and black but NO costumes.
Have a fantastic weekend.
This morning we did our math rotations. We will be starting our new unit when we get back next week, beginning with a pre-test on Monday.
I do not have homework for them over this four day weekend, however, it would be VERY good for them to read each night and practice their addition and subtraction math facts. If you are in the car driving, just ask them orally.
Also, if any parents would like to donate treats for our Harvest Celebration on Friday, that would be greatly appreciated. I will make rice-crispy treats and bring those in, if you would like to bring something, please let me know. The students are allowed to wear orange and black but NO costumes.
Have a fantastic weekend.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Tuesday, October 18th
Hi Parents,
There is no homework tonight because we took a math test today.
Today we did a lot of different things.
We are working on different parts of speech. Today I introduced "Nancy Noun." We talked about how a noun is a person, place or thing. We also discussed that every sentence has to have at least one noun.
In science we discussed how every living thing needs for things to survive: water, food, shelter and space. In our next science session we will play a game called "Oh Deer" where you students will see first hand how an animal needs those things if it is to survive and reproduce.
Again, no spelling test this week.
Today, we also worked on the writing process by responding to a writing prompt that said "You get to have three people over for a sleepover. Describe your sleepover." The students and I worked through planning and writing a rough draft. Some students got to editing and revising, and we will get a final draft written tomorrow.
Have a great night!
There is no homework tonight because we took a math test today.
Today we did a lot of different things.
We are working on different parts of speech. Today I introduced "Nancy Noun." We talked about how a noun is a person, place or thing. We also discussed that every sentence has to have at least one noun.
In science we discussed how every living thing needs for things to survive: water, food, shelter and space. In our next science session we will play a game called "Oh Deer" where you students will see first hand how an animal needs those things if it is to survive and reproduce.
Again, no spelling test this week.
Today, we also worked on the writing process by responding to a writing prompt that said "You get to have three people over for a sleepover. Describe your sleepover." The students and I worked through planning and writing a rough draft. Some students got to editing and revising, and we will get a final draft written tomorrow.
Have a great night!
October 18th
I completely forgot to blog last night! I am so sorry.
This week is short so we will have no spelling test. We will do word work with our Word Wall words.
Your students have a unit math assessment today, so that means no homework tonight which I will post again this afternoon.
This week in reading we are working on fantasy books, and what makes a story a fantasy.
This is very short but I will write more this afternoon.
This week is short so we will have no spelling test. We will do word work with our Word Wall words.
Your students have a unit math assessment today, so that means no homework tonight which I will post again this afternoon.
This week in reading we are working on fantasy books, and what makes a story a fantasy.
This is very short but I will write more this afternoon.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Friday, October 15th
Hi Parents,
The Mid-Term report came home last week and again today. Let me explain! I thought they had to go home last week, and rushed to get them completed. I then found out they were to go home today. So I re-did them and added to them more notes. Sorry for giving you two. If you have questions, please feel free to call or email me.
We were so busy today! Today in math we worked on number problems involving multiple addends in a problem. Your students did very well. We are really working on strategies to speed up our figuring our addition facts.
All of the students finished up their "How to Eat and Oreo" paragraphs. They did a great job! Look for them to be up on the walls soon.
We took our spelling test and worked on the daily 5.
It was a great week. Remember next week we have school Monday-Wednesday.
The Mid-Term report came home last week and again today. Let me explain! I thought they had to go home last week, and rushed to get them completed. I then found out they were to go home today. So I re-did them and added to them more notes. Sorry for giving you two. If you have questions, please feel free to call or email me.
We were so busy today! Today in math we worked on number problems involving multiple addends in a problem. Your students did very well. We are really working on strategies to speed up our figuring our addition facts.
All of the students finished up their "How to Eat and Oreo" paragraphs. They did a great job! Look for them to be up on the walls soon.
We took our spelling test and worked on the daily 5.
It was a great week. Remember next week we have school Monday-Wednesday.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Thursday, October 14th
We had a busy and fun day today!
This morning in math, we finished up our lesson from yesterday working on making a ball park estimate and subtracting multi-digit numbers. Tonight the homework is a review and is labeled Homelink 2.1.
We had our art lesson today in which we drew castles which we will paint using watercolors, particularly working on doing a wash with the watercolors.
We worked more today on editing and revising our Oreo Writing. I am hoping to finish the finals drafts tomorrow.
In our reading groups we have been working on filling out a story map that focuses on characters, setting, the problem and the solution. When your students read at home please have them talk to you about what they are reading.
We finished off the day with our last bully proofing session with Mr. Marty. You children are quite the actors! They did skits in which they acted out different bullying situations.
Have a great night.
This morning in math, we finished up our lesson from yesterday working on making a ball park estimate and subtracting multi-digit numbers. Tonight the homework is a review and is labeled Homelink 2.1.
We had our art lesson today in which we drew castles which we will paint using watercolors, particularly working on doing a wash with the watercolors.
We worked more today on editing and revising our Oreo Writing. I am hoping to finish the finals drafts tomorrow.
In our reading groups we have been working on filling out a story map that focuses on characters, setting, the problem and the solution. When your students read at home please have them talk to you about what they are reading.
We finished off the day with our last bully proofing session with Mr. Marty. You children are quite the actors! They did skits in which they acted out different bullying situations.
Have a great night.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Wednesday October 13th
Hi Parents,
I am sorry I did not have a chance to write last night. I had an appointment directly following our school day.
A look at our day today.
We started our first day of math rotations. We will be doing math rotations every Wednesday. The students rotate for 20 minute rotations between small group instruction with me, workbook time (with a parent volunteer), math computer game and an Everyday Math game. It keeps the students moving and working on a variety of skills and gives me a chance to have small group instruction with students. I think your students enjoyed it very much!
We worked on the writing step of Editing and Revising today. Tomorrow your students should write their final draft of their "How to Eat An Oreo."
We worked on typing and I showed your students a new website. If you search "Funbrain math baseball" there is a neat game that helps students work on their math facts.
The daily 5 went well.
One thing I am really trying to drive home with the class is year is being nice to one another. Please encourage your students to be kind to all of their classmates and ask them if that is going well at school. Please teach them and help them to know that in their lives, people will say mean things. It doesn't make it right but saying mean things back is not the right solution. We are working on that here, please encourage them at home.
I am sorry I did not have a chance to write last night. I had an appointment directly following our school day.
A look at our day today.
We started our first day of math rotations. We will be doing math rotations every Wednesday. The students rotate for 20 minute rotations between small group instruction with me, workbook time (with a parent volunteer), math computer game and an Everyday Math game. It keeps the students moving and working on a variety of skills and gives me a chance to have small group instruction with students. I think your students enjoyed it very much!
We worked on the writing step of Editing and Revising today. Tomorrow your students should write their final draft of their "How to Eat An Oreo."
We worked on typing and I showed your students a new website. If you search "Funbrain math baseball" there is a neat game that helps students work on their math facts.
The daily 5 went well.
One thing I am really trying to drive home with the class is year is being nice to one another. Please encourage your students to be kind to all of their classmates and ask them if that is going well at school. Please teach them and help them to know that in their lives, people will say mean things. It doesn't make it right but saying mean things back is not the right solution. We are working on that here, please encourage them at home.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Monday, October 11th
Hi Parents!
Mondays get very busy for me as our specials is not until the end of the day and I do recess duty on Mondays. I forgot to get the spelling list out tonight. Here are the words, and a hard copy will come tomorrow
belong
depart
return
prevent
protect
destroy
prepay
invalid
imprint
contrast
beautiful
while
would
should
thought
superman
supervise
superfine
supervisor
Bonus: Arachnophobia
Today we worked on comparison number stories. The students were given two quantities and asked to find the difference. The big idea is that difference means subtraction. They did well with the graphic organizer which you will see on the homework tonight.
Today we drew our crabs and worked on their food chain. Keeping in mind the concept that the sun is the start of the food chain, the source of energy.
This week we are really working on the writing process by writing a piece about "How to Eat an Oreo!" Today we ate a two Oreos, thinking about what they look, smell, taste, smell, and sound like as we eat them. Then we started our rough drafts on how we eat them. Tomorrow we will work on the process of editing and revising our work before we write a final draft.
In reading our focus is asking questions to help us better understand our text.
Mondays get very busy for me as our specials is not until the end of the day and I do recess duty on Mondays. I forgot to get the spelling list out tonight. Here are the words, and a hard copy will come tomorrow
belong
depart
return
prevent
protect
destroy
prepay
invalid
imprint
contrast
beautiful
while
would
should
thought
superman
supervise
superfine
supervisor
Bonus: Arachnophobia
Today we worked on comparison number stories. The students were given two quantities and asked to find the difference. The big idea is that difference means subtraction. They did well with the graphic organizer which you will see on the homework tonight.
Today we drew our crabs and worked on their food chain. Keeping in mind the concept that the sun is the start of the food chain, the source of energy.
This week we are really working on the writing process by writing a piece about "How to Eat an Oreo!" Today we ate a two Oreos, thinking about what they look, smell, taste, smell, and sound like as we eat them. Then we started our rough drafts on how we eat them. Tomorrow we will work on the process of editing and revising our work before we write a final draft.
In reading our focus is asking questions to help us better understand our text.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Friday, October 8th
Hello Parents,
It was a wonderful week!
Today was picture day and all of your students looked absolutely fantastic. They were very nervous when we had gym first thing in the morning, that PE might mess up their curls and clothes. It turned out fine!
Today in math we did a bit of catch up for the week. There were no new concepts introduced but we worked on math boxes as well as did whole group instruction in practicing writing 5 digit numbers. It is very important that your students know place value. We will continue to work on that throughout the year.
We worked on our Penguin Comics and our Storyboards in the afternoon, as well as took our spelling test.
We had birthday cupcakes, and did our star student.
Your students are very into our read aloud book which is "To Catch a Mermaid." They cannot wait to find out what happens next. This is one of my favorite books to read to my classes.
Have a fantastic weekend!
It was a wonderful week!
Today was picture day and all of your students looked absolutely fantastic. They were very nervous when we had gym first thing in the morning, that PE might mess up their curls and clothes. It turned out fine!
Today in math we did a bit of catch up for the week. There were no new concepts introduced but we worked on math boxes as well as did whole group instruction in practicing writing 5 digit numbers. It is very important that your students know place value. We will continue to work on that throughout the year.
We worked on our Penguin Comics and our Storyboards in the afternoon, as well as took our spelling test.
We had birthday cupcakes, and did our star student.
Your students are very into our read aloud book which is "To Catch a Mermaid." They cannot wait to find out what happens next. This is one of my favorite books to read to my classes.
Have a fantastic weekend!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
October 7th, 2010
It was so nice to see and talk to many of you tonight.
I am not going to post much tonight. Your students did have math homework, if they did not get it finished due to coming, have them get done what you can and send it back in.
Spelling test tomorrow and I realized after saying I post the words on Monday I failed to do so this week! Of course!
have
haven't
found
around
one
than
then
them
before
other
because
mother
family
cousin
everybody
guess
what
when
where
why
America
Asia
Antarctica
bonus: claustrophobia
Have a wonderful rest of your night!
I am not going to post much tonight. Your students did have math homework, if they did not get it finished due to coming, have them get done what you can and send it back in.
Spelling test tomorrow and I realized after saying I post the words on Monday I failed to do so this week! Of course!
have
haven't
found
around
one
than
then
them
before
other
because
mother
family
cousin
everybody
guess
what
when
where
why
America
Asia
Antarctica
bonus: claustrophobia
Have a wonderful rest of your night!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
October 6th, 2010
Sorry for the late posting. I had a staff meeting until now.
The morning started with the excitement of the crabs! I have to say they are much more interesting to watch than the frogs. The frogs and the crabs and inspired many stories in our work on writing time.
Math today we worked on organizing word problems into two parts and a total graphic organizer. Students are given two numbers in a story problem and asked to solve for the third. The graphic organizer helps them to see if they are adding or subtracting by where the numbers fit. If they have two parts but not the total they need to add. If they are given the total and one part, they will need to subtract to get the answer.
Today was National Walk to School day. Your students made bar graphs showing how many kids biked, walked, skateboarded, rode in cars or rode on the bus.
We went to the computer lab today to work on typing as well as to get a chance to type some of our pieces of writing.
We worked on the daily five. In small groups we continue to work on making predictions and making connections when we read.
Tomorrow is the open house from 5:30-6:45. You do not have to come for the whole time, but it would be great if you can stop in. They kids will be ready to show you what we do in our classroom from day to day. They are especially excited to show you the crabs and frogs. Beware, they make our classroom a bit smelly :)
The morning started with the excitement of the crabs! I have to say they are much more interesting to watch than the frogs. The frogs and the crabs and inspired many stories in our work on writing time.
Math today we worked on organizing word problems into two parts and a total graphic organizer. Students are given two numbers in a story problem and asked to solve for the third. The graphic organizer helps them to see if they are adding or subtracting by where the numbers fit. If they have two parts but not the total they need to add. If they are given the total and one part, they will need to subtract to get the answer.
Today was National Walk to School day. Your students made bar graphs showing how many kids biked, walked, skateboarded, rode in cars or rode on the bus.
We went to the computer lab today to work on typing as well as to get a chance to type some of our pieces of writing.
We worked on the daily five. In small groups we continue to work on making predictions and making connections when we read.
Tomorrow is the open house from 5:30-6:45. You do not have to come for the whole time, but it would be great if you can stop in. They kids will be ready to show you what we do in our classroom from day to day. They are especially excited to show you the crabs and frogs. Beware, they make our classroom a bit smelly :)
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
October 5th, 2010
*********PARENTS! I MADE A MISTAKE ON THE BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT! IT IS ON THURSDAY OCT. 7TH! I am so sorry!Please note my mistake and come if you can, it is from 5:30-6:45*************
Today was great!
In math today we worked an Everyday Math graphic organizer of in/out what is my rule. The students received a blank sheet tonight where they have to come up with a rule (such as +7) if the number 7 goes in 14 would come out when you add seven. Your students should be able to explain it. They all did a great job with it in class today.
Science:
Today we worked on the new words producers and consumers. Next week we will be getting into food chains and food webs. We also got our fiddler crabs today. Very exciting.
During our literacy block your students have done a great job with getting to choose what activity of the daily 5 they are doing. They have done a great job with this. I am excited for them to show you what happens during our literacy block at our open house.
Today was great!
In math today we worked an Everyday Math graphic organizer of in/out what is my rule. The students received a blank sheet tonight where they have to come up with a rule (such as +7) if the number 7 goes in 14 would come out when you add seven. Your students should be able to explain it. They all did a great job with it in class today.
Science:
Today we worked on the new words producers and consumers. Next week we will be getting into food chains and food webs. We also got our fiddler crabs today. Very exciting.
During our literacy block your students have done a great job with getting to choose what activity of the daily 5 they are doing. They have done a great job with this. I am excited for them to show you what happens during our literacy block at our open house.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Monday, October 4th
What a great day! A snapshot:
Math: Tonight the homework has to do with seeing patterns in math problems. The main idea is that if students can understand the basic math facts (such as 9 + 7=16), they can solve larger problems (such as 90+70 or 900+700).
Science: Today we finished the video about water ecosystems and spent time observing our frogs by drawing them. Tomorrow we will talk about how their body build helps them to survive in their habitat.
Writing/Reading: Today your students started working on a comic about a penguin. They were given 7 pictures of the same penguin expressing different activities and emotions. The students' job is to organize the pictures to tell a story. The major writing skill is organizing.
In reading this week our big focus is making connection to the text. Students can make connection to the text by :1 Connecting it to a personal experience 2: connecting it to another text 3: Connecting it to a world event.
Tonight you should have seen three things come home. !. math homework 2. spelling words 3. a flier about Walk to School day on Wednesday.
Also a cool website to help your kids with math:
http://nlvm.usu.edu/
Remember back to school night is on Thursday from 5:30-6:45 also and I hope to see you and your student here!
Have a great night.
Math: Tonight the homework has to do with seeing patterns in math problems. The main idea is that if students can understand the basic math facts (such as 9 + 7=16), they can solve larger problems (such as 90+70 or 900+700).
Science: Today we finished the video about water ecosystems and spent time observing our frogs by drawing them. Tomorrow we will talk about how their body build helps them to survive in their habitat.
Writing/Reading: Today your students started working on a comic about a penguin. They were given 7 pictures of the same penguin expressing different activities and emotions. The students' job is to organize the pictures to tell a story. The major writing skill is organizing.
In reading this week our big focus is making connection to the text. Students can make connection to the text by :1 Connecting it to a personal experience 2: connecting it to another text 3: Connecting it to a world event.
Tonight you should have seen three things come home. !. math homework 2. spelling words 3. a flier about Walk to School day on Wednesday.
Also a cool website to help your kids with math:
http://nlvm.usu.edu/
Remember back to school night is on Thursday from 5:30-6:45 also and I hope to see you and your student here!
Have a great night.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Friday, October 1, 2010
Wow, I cannot believe that it is already October! It has been a very fast month!
Today was a great day. Your kids did fantastic in everything. I want you all to know how much I love teaching your kids. I look forward to seeing them everyday, they make me laugh and love my job!
Math: Today we reviewed the math homework from last night. I am sorry for any headaches the assignment gave you! We went over it together and talked about quarter past, half past, etc. It is a tough concept but we will keep working on it. We played Roll to 100 again. On Fridays, I do not teach a new lesson but review concepts from the week.
We had our spelling test and did Hidden Words with our Word Wall words for the week.
In reading your students did FANTASTIC on the Daily 5. We also worked on putting event in order with a graphic organizer called a storyboard.
Enjoy the weekend! My husband and I are going camping for the first time here in MT and cannot wait. We were going to backpack but I don't have the energy!
Today was a great day. Your kids did fantastic in everything. I want you all to know how much I love teaching your kids. I look forward to seeing them everyday, they make me laugh and love my job!
Math: Today we reviewed the math homework from last night. I am sorry for any headaches the assignment gave you! We went over it together and talked about quarter past, half past, etc. It is a tough concept but we will keep working on it. We played Roll to 100 again. On Fridays, I do not teach a new lesson but review concepts from the week.
We had our spelling test and did Hidden Words with our Word Wall words for the week.
In reading your students did FANTASTIC on the Daily 5. We also worked on putting event in order with a graphic organizer called a storyboard.
Enjoy the weekend! My husband and I are going camping for the first time here in MT and cannot wait. We were going to backpack but I don't have the energy!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Friday, September 30th
Here are the things we touched on today:
Math: The students learned a new game called Roll to 100. It worked on addition skills.
The lesson today worked on fact families using triangles. You might ask why the homework is on clocks?! I sent in my copies for unit 2 home links last week, and received back not what I had asked for. Still learning a new system! So next week, we will have home links from Unit 2. For tonight, it is more practice telling time.
We had a brief science lesson today where we watch a video on Water Ecosystems. The students are working to identify how living things interact with non-living and other living things to survive in their ecosystem.
In reading today we were working on sequencing (putting events in order). We also worked on the spelling pattern ance. Tomorrow is the spelling test. The words are listed on this blog under September 27th.
We had an art lesson today in which we went outside and sketched sunflowers. Next week we will finish the lesson using oil pastels to color in the sunflowers.
Mr. Marty came to talk to our students about dealing with bullies at the end of the day.
You should have received a lot of papers today from your students including a picture form (pictures are on Oct. 8th), a fundraiser packet and a letter describing what that involves and a few other papers. Tomorrow I will send home papers from their folders.
Looks like it will be a beautiful weekend.
Math: The students learned a new game called Roll to 100. It worked on addition skills.
The lesson today worked on fact families using triangles. You might ask why the homework is on clocks?! I sent in my copies for unit 2 home links last week, and received back not what I had asked for. Still learning a new system! So next week, we will have home links from Unit 2. For tonight, it is more practice telling time.
We had a brief science lesson today where we watch a video on Water Ecosystems. The students are working to identify how living things interact with non-living and other living things to survive in their ecosystem.
In reading today we were working on sequencing (putting events in order). We also worked on the spelling pattern ance. Tomorrow is the spelling test. The words are listed on this blog under September 27th.
We had an art lesson today in which we went outside and sketched sunflowers. Next week we will finish the lesson using oil pastels to color in the sunflowers.
Mr. Marty came to talk to our students about dealing with bullies at the end of the day.
You should have received a lot of papers today from your students including a picture form (pictures are on Oct. 8th), a fundraiser packet and a letter describing what that involves and a few other papers. Tomorrow I will send home papers from their folders.
Looks like it will be a beautiful weekend.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Wednesday September 29
Today was a short, productive day!
You might have a few questions about the homework tonight. Students are responsible to cut out the math triangle and practice the math facts for 10 minutes. Those triangle cards are for the students to keep at home.
We had a math pre-test today during our math session. These helps me to know what students already know and what they need to learn.
We worked on rainbow words (the students write out the spelling words in multiple colors).
You might have a few questions about the homework tonight. Students are responsible to cut out the math triangle and practice the math facts for 10 minutes. Those triangle cards are for the students to keep at home.
We had a math pre-test today during our math session. These helps me to know what students already know and what they need to learn.
We worked on rainbow words (the students write out the spelling words in multiple colors).
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Tuesday, September 28
A very fun and exciting day here in third grade. This is a look at what we did today.
Math: Your students took their math assessment today. They did not have homework tonight due to the math assessment. I will hopefully have them graded and ready to take home on Friday. They will be stapled to the pre-test they took at the beginning of the unit.
Science: Today in science we worked on what was living and non-living by creating collages that had pictures from magazines of living and non-living things. We talked about how when living things interact with non-living things to survive it creates an ecosystem.
Reading/Writing: We talked today about the writing process: planning, writing a rough draft, editing and revising, and writing a final draft. This will be a year long concepts. Your students have been writing wonderful things when we do Work on Writing. We are starting a new thing this week which will continue through the rest of the year called poetry notebooks. I choose two poems a week that we read together and do word work with.
Tomorrow is early release! Have a fantastic evening. I need to get out and enjoy this weather!
Math: Your students took their math assessment today. They did not have homework tonight due to the math assessment. I will hopefully have them graded and ready to take home on Friday. They will be stapled to the pre-test they took at the beginning of the unit.
Science: Today in science we worked on what was living and non-living by creating collages that had pictures from magazines of living and non-living things. We talked about how when living things interact with non-living things to survive it creates an ecosystem.
Reading/Writing: We talked today about the writing process: planning, writing a rough draft, editing and revising, and writing a final draft. This will be a year long concepts. Your students have been writing wonderful things when we do Work on Writing. We are starting a new thing this week which will continue through the rest of the year called poetry notebooks. I choose two poems a week that we read together and do word work with.
Tomorrow is early release! Have a fantastic evening. I need to get out and enjoy this weather!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Monday, September 27
Wow! I cannot believe how beautiful it was today! And hot!
Things that happened in our class today:
In math we had a review day. I taught your students how to play a game called math basketball (ask them about it). Tonight there homework is a hodgepodge of review for the assessment tomorrow. Remember, there will be no homework tomorrow night because they are having an assessment.
Today we took the Easy CBM test for district in math. This test is done on the computer and will give us information on what our students need to learn before the state assessment.
The spelling words for this week more on the vowel-consonant-e pattern which helps the vowel say its name, the visual chunk ance, and high frequency words. We also started our word wall activities today. The words you will see on these different activities (done in class) are words that 3rd graders need to be able to spell by the end of the 3rd grade in their writing.
Spelling for this week (please ignore the date on the top of the one that came home today!)
smoke
huge
save
life
wide
come
mine
grade
smile
note
cube
love
escape
slope
advance
allowance
ambulance
acceptance
people
said
they
until
very
want
who
Bonus: agoraphobia
The students were assigned to their science groups today. They were given a frog and worked on what is living in the frog's habitat, and what is non-living in their habitat. We really stressed that non-living does not mean dead! It means it never lived (does not breathe, eat, need sun, etc).
Things that happened in our class today:
In math we had a review day. I taught your students how to play a game called math basketball (ask them about it). Tonight there homework is a hodgepodge of review for the assessment tomorrow. Remember, there will be no homework tomorrow night because they are having an assessment.
Today we took the Easy CBM test for district in math. This test is done on the computer and will give us information on what our students need to learn before the state assessment.
The spelling words for this week more on the vowel-consonant-e pattern which helps the vowel say its name, the visual chunk ance, and high frequency words. We also started our word wall activities today. The words you will see on these different activities (done in class) are words that 3rd graders need to be able to spell by the end of the 3rd grade in their writing.
Spelling for this week (please ignore the date on the top of the one that came home today!)
smoke
huge
save
life
wide
come
mine
grade
smile
note
cube
love
escape
slope
advance
allowance
ambulance
acceptance
people
said
they
until
very
want
who
Bonus: agoraphobia
The students were assigned to their science groups today. They were given a frog and worked on what is living in the frog's habitat, and what is non-living in their habitat. We really stressed that non-living does not mean dead! It means it never lived (does not breathe, eat, need sun, etc).
Friday, September 24, 2010
Friday, September 24th
I do not think there is a day that is not busy and wonderful!
Things that happened today:
We are wrapping up the first unit in math. The students will be taking a math assessment on Tuesday. That means on Tuesday night they will not have math homework. Expect a review to come home on Monday night.
In third grade our school councilor, Steve Marty, does a 6 week bully proofing program to help our students learn to handle different situations with bullies. Normally, we have these sessions at the end of the day on Thursday, however, due to yesterday's drill, Mr. Marty came today to work with the kids.
Every Friday, I chose a student (randomly) to be the star student. The student will have a poster and on Friday will be able to share with our class a little more about themselves. This is an important way to build community in our classroom.
Today we celebrated Native American Heritage Day (as expected by the district).
Things that happened today:
We are wrapping up the first unit in math. The students will be taking a math assessment on Tuesday. That means on Tuesday night they will not have math homework. Expect a review to come home on Monday night.
In third grade our school councilor, Steve Marty, does a 6 week bully proofing program to help our students learn to handle different situations with bullies. Normally, we have these sessions at the end of the day on Thursday, however, due to yesterday's drill, Mr. Marty came today to work with the kids.
Every Friday, I chose a student (randomly) to be the star student. The student will have a poster and on Friday will be able to share with our class a little more about themselves. This is an important way to build community in our classroom.
Today we celebrated Native American Heritage Day (as expected by the district).
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Thursday September 23, 2010
It was a very busy day. This afternoon we had our practice evacuation to The Ridge Athletic Club. Your students might need a little extra for dinner tonight. When we got back from the walk they were all saying how hungry they were.
Tonight your students have home link 1.12 in math. Today we worked on finding patterns in numbers. The homework will ask the students to follow a certain rule (or figure out the rule) and complete the following boxes.
The students have a spelling test tomorrow. I sent home a copy of the spelling words on Monday. This copy is just for you to have at home. I do not expect the students to write the words a certain number of times. We practice the words a number of times in class doing a variety of word work activities. I just want parents to know the spelling list. If you did not get the list on Monday here are the words:
1. pond
2. luck
3. drop
4. lot
5. rub
6. does
7. drum
8. sock
9. hunt
10. crop
11. shut
12. won
13. hop
14. much
15. dodge
16. dusk
17.again
18. because
19. could
20. favorite
21. have
22. into
23. off
24. misfit
25. mislaid
26. misprint
Bonus: aerophobia
If any parents are particularly good at art. I would love to have a guest artist come and teach our students a lesson. In my old district there was an art teacher, so I am new at this subject and would love help. Art is on Thursday from 10:30-11:25.
Tonight your students have home link 1.12 in math. Today we worked on finding patterns in numbers. The homework will ask the students to follow a certain rule (or figure out the rule) and complete the following boxes.
The students have a spelling test tomorrow. I sent home a copy of the spelling words on Monday. This copy is just for you to have at home. I do not expect the students to write the words a certain number of times. We practice the words a number of times in class doing a variety of word work activities. I just want parents to know the spelling list. If you did not get the list on Monday here are the words:
1. pond
2. luck
3. drop
4. lot
5. rub
6. does
7. drum
8. sock
9. hunt
10. crop
11. shut
12. won
13. hop
14. much
15. dodge
16. dusk
17.again
18. because
19. could
20. favorite
21. have
22. into
23. off
24. misfit
25. mislaid
26. misprint
Bonus: aerophobia
If any parents are particularly good at art. I would love to have a guest artist come and teach our students a lesson. In my old district there was an art teacher, so I am new at this subject and would love help. Art is on Thursday from 10:30-11:25.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Wednesday Sept. 22nd
This is my first attempt at a blog to keep parents and students updated on homework and things happening in our class each day. My goal is to post news and event every night after school (keep in mind that sometimes things pop up and I might not get to it, but the goal is to try!)
Things we worked on today:
*Exciting news for science! Our African Dwarf Frogs arrived. We had a short discussion about how they are different from regular frogs. More to come as we learn about different animals and their habitats.
*We wrote poems today about what colors and things we see in the fall. Our main goal while we were working on the poems was to use descriptive word choices for our colors. Instead of yellow we might say lemon, instead of red we might say scarlet, etc.
*In math we continued to work on counting money. Learning to round it and add it.
*We went to the computer lab to work on typing. If your kids would like to practice at home the web address is www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing
*We worked on our daily five, and in our guided reading groups we are working on make predictions and filling out story maps (character, setting, plot)
Tonight your students will not have math homework. We spent two math session on lesson 1.11 as it was long and a bit difficult. They did the homework for this unit last night. However, if your child did not finish the poem that is coming home for them to finish. Please return that tomorrow.
Tomorrow we will have a practice off-site evacuation drill. Please make sure your students are dressed for the walk. We will be walking down to The Ridge Athletic Club.
Things we worked on today:
*Exciting news for science! Our African Dwarf Frogs arrived. We had a short discussion about how they are different from regular frogs. More to come as we learn about different animals and their habitats.
*We wrote poems today about what colors and things we see in the fall. Our main goal while we were working on the poems was to use descriptive word choices for our colors. Instead of yellow we might say lemon, instead of red we might say scarlet, etc.
*In math we continued to work on counting money. Learning to round it and add it.
*We went to the computer lab to work on typing. If your kids would like to practice at home the web address is www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing
*We worked on our daily five, and in our guided reading groups we are working on make predictions and filling out story maps (character, setting, plot)
Tonight your students will not have math homework. We spent two math session on lesson 1.11 as it was long and a bit difficult. They did the homework for this unit last night. However, if your child did not finish the poem that is coming home for them to finish. Please return that tomorrow.
Tomorrow we will have a practice off-site evacuation drill. Please make sure your students are dressed for the walk. We will be walking down to The Ridge Athletic Club.
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