Party Time!

Tomorrow is our class party!  The kids are all on a "committee" to help setup and organize the party.  We have a group for decorating, one for food and drinks setup, and one for games and activities.  One last chance to work together and make some memories in 3rd grade!  If you are coming in to help, feel free to join any one of the committees.

RAIN OUT

Rats. We're rained out for tomorrow and probably Monday. Time to cook up a plan C.

Last spelling test of the year (YAY) tomorrow!

End of Year Party Info

Our end of year party info went home today.  Parents often ask what they can send in so I made a list.  No pressure!
Our library visit was very nice.  The kids seemed excited about the summer reading program, especially the "Battle of the Books".  They brought home brochures with details.

Our last math test of the year (YAY!) will be given tomorrow.  The kiddoes are doing a review from their textbooks for homework. We'll go over it before the test.

Spelling and vocab sentences should be done in cursive.  Please help them get the letters and connections right.  Friday morning will be our last spelling test (YAY!)

The picnic looks "iffier" and "iffier".  If tomorrow is the soaker they are saying it will be, Stanley Demming Park won't be in any shape for our afternoon.  Sadly, Monday, our raindate, doesn't look so hot either!

Library Visit Tomorrow

The 3rd grade is (hopefully) walking down to Wisner Library tomorrow at 9 a.m. We'll be back by 10.

Tonight's homework:  Spelling ABC order twice in cursive.  Please help with the cursive!
                                  A review of the time concepts we've practiced.  The test will be on Thursday.

Friday is our picnic and it looks a little "iffy".  Keep a good thought for the weather!

The class explored a new website today and I highly recommend it.  National Geographic for Kids at kids.nationalgeographic.com   Keep it in mind for one of those long summer afternoons.

ALL CURSIVE, ALL THE TIME

In the short time we have left I have asked the children to write in cursive for everything.  I know it's not as much fun as practicing and perfecting one letter a a time, but it's time to jump in completely.  Please help your child to form their letters and words correctly.  There has been so little time to practice this year. I'm not even sure it's part of the 3rd grade curriculum anymore!

Tonight's homework: spelling words twice in cursive, once in print
                                  elapsed time worksheet front and back.

Our visit to the Wisner Library is at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday.  We'll be back by about 10.
Our picnic/playdate in the park is on Friday afternoon. We'll leave right after P.E. (12:05) and return by 2:30 the latest.  Parents are welcome to come hangout and help keep an eye on the kiddoes.  

Permission Slips for June Events

Two permission slips went home today. One for our picnic at Stanley Demming Park on the 14th and one for trip to Albert Wisner Library on the 12th.  Please try to return them as soon as you can.

Grade sheet for the most recent math test went home as well.  Students worked independently or with me to make corrections and improve their grade.  Please sign that as well and return it as soon as possible.

We've begun our last math unit combining lessons on time and graphing.  Everyone has come such a long way through a very challenging curriculum this year and we're sliding into home plate!

I'm trying to get in all of the cursive practice possible throughout the day and so far everyone is making great progress!  Tonight's spelling sentences should be done in cursive!  

New Adventure Day

Today was a big day for our class! Ten of our students went to Sanfordville for most of the day, and we were visited by an entire class from Kings!  I hope everyone feels a little better about their new adventure next year, whatever it may be.

Tonight's homework:

ABC order IN CURSIVE.  Please help with letter formation, etc.  We are just beginnng to apply what we've been practicing.

12-3 Practice converting units of time

Keeping Cool

It was pretty cozy in our classroom today!  The fans help a great deal, but cool water is the best medicine.  Next week will be a delightful change.

I hope everyone enjoyed the Family Picnic. Have a great weekend! (I have 2 new cookbooks and I may do some diet damage!)

Testing...

Ugh! More tests tomorrow.  At least these are curriculum based.  The usual weekly spelling and ELA assessments plus a quickie math test on geometry is plenty for one day!  The kids will be allowed to have the  plastic shapes to help them answer questions.  We'll go over the practice test they're doing for homework before we do the real thing.

Today was our last book checkout day for the year so if you need to hunt up overdue books...

As of the end of school today there are only 16 more school days! I cannot believe it.  All of the 3rd grade classes will enjoy a picnic/playdate at Stanley Demming on June 14th if the weather cooperates. June 17th if we need a rain date.

Our end-of-the-year party will be on the 2nd to last day of school.  It's a half day.  I always do a luau theme and I'll send home a note about opportunities to support the cause, if anyone is interested.  Basically, it's fresh fruit (with pineapple of course),  breakfast food, games and fun.  Some limbo-ing and music, etc.

WISE BEHAVIOR EXTRAVAGANZA TOMORROW!

We had 2 classes visit the "museum" today and our class was wonderful!  I observed and listened in on everyone doing their presentations and I was amazed at how knowledgeable and well spoken our class was!   This is the only assessment I have enjoyed giving all year and I'm certain it's the only one the kids enjoyed!

NO SPELLING TEST TOMORROW!!!!   It's my contribution to the WISE behavior extravaganza the kids earned.  Pajamas are welcome, not required.  If you have a DVD that's appropriate for school, please think about sending it in for the celebration.  We are the only 3rd grade class to reach this level and only one of 3 classes in the whole school. Yay us!  The kids are also allowed to bring in a special snack of whatever you wish.

I hope everyone enjoys a great Memorial Day weekend!

Simple Machine Museum

Here they are! All rehearsed and ready to teach some 2nd graders a thing or two about simple machines! They have made notes and practiced with at least two other classmates.  Some have volunteered to do their little speech for the class. I was so impressed!  I know our 2nd grade friends are going to love it.

"Simple Machines Museum"

Today everyone practiced  their simple machine talking points with a partner.  I've invited some 2nd grade classes to come by and learn from our smarties.  I will take some pictures tomorrow but I'll have to check on whether or not I am permitted to publish them on this page.

The kids took their last end of year test to compare with the same test taken in the fall. This has to do with APPR, the new teacher rating system.  The two tests scores are compared to measure growth in ELA from fall to spring.

Friday is our WISE behavior extravaganza.  Kids can wear pajamas, bring a dvd to be voted on for viewing, bring a special snack, and bring a game from home to be played in the classroom in case our extra recess needs to be indoors. We're squeezing all this in to a half day!

What a Cool Assembly!

We attended a terrific assembly today entitled The Signature Project. It was a multimedia presentation by artist and musician Patrick Dunnigan.  Here's the link to his site http://www.signatureproject.com/

It was art and music, science, culture and much more.  A bit hard to describe, but very memorable.  When we got back to the classroom, there was just no way to go back to our regularly scheduled lesson with so many creative ideas bouncing around, so for a bit everyone did whatever drawing and coloring they were inspired to do.    I got to sign the board which will be part of the final artwork!

Tonight the kiddoes are preparing for our weekly spelling quiz plus a math quiz on comparing fractions.  We've practiced over and over how to check their comparisons using cross multiplication so I hope everyone will do well.  I'll do another review lesson before the quiz tomorrow just to make sure.
(We still have geometry, area and elapsed time to get through before summer. AHHH!)  

You'll receive a letter tomorrow asking for help with a simple machines project and the good news that our class has reached the next level in WISE behavior!

Got Simple Machines?

This week the spelling homework is just to review the list for the test on Friday.  All of these words have been part of spelling lists in the past few weeks so they should all be very familiar.

We have finished the next topic in math and we'll review tomorrow for the test on Friday.

  In science, we're learning about simple machines and the kids will be bringing home a letter asking to be allowed to bring a simple machine from home to be part of our Simple Machine Museum.

We've also started our study of China. Beginning with geography and some basic map skill review, we'll also learn about the government, economy, and culture of China.

Happy Mothers Day!

This week the class read Fly, Eagle, Fly, an African folktale that teaches about respect for the true nature of living things. We learned and practiced prepositions.  This is a new grammar skill for everyone.

In Math, we practiced a variety of strategies for comparing fractions: on a number line, using benchmark fractions, using models, and using numerators and denominators to reason about size. Another new concept for the year: reducing fractions to simplest form.  This has been a fourth grade skill in previous years but the new standards have moved it to 3rd grade.

In Science we have been studying physical science topics of force, motion, gravity and magnetism.  The class completed a small group investigation of magnetism yesterday.

We've begun a unit of study on China and there's so much to learn! We're beginning with geography and how it has affected China's history.  I'm looking forward to some fun projects!

ELA TESTING IS FINALLY OVER!

Tonight's homework: study for spelling test and complete the math worksheet: both sides.  The math is a version of the 3 minute test math test we do periodically.

It seemed to take forever to get to the end of the 2013  NYS ELA Common Core Grade 3 Test.  (The kids laughed every time I had to say all that. It was in the directions about 9 times!)

Tomorrow and Monday are half days.
 I've been reading to the class from a great book entitled Poppy . It's full of wonderful writing and raises questions everyone seems eager to think and talk about.  One of the main characters is SO bad!  Never fear, goodness and decency prevail in the end.  It's one of my favorite read alouds for this grade.

In math today, the class learned about perimeter and demonstrated their understanding by creating a unique work of art with a perimeter of exactly 52 centimeters.

Spelling and Vocabulary Sentences

Tonight's homework is to complete the vocabulary/spelling word sentences in the weekly packet.  There is also a math worksheet on equivalent fractions.  Please do only the reteaching side.

Only one more day of ELA testing!

TESTING, TESTING...

Tonight's homework is: spelling packet 3 times each page, 2-sided math worksheet, and write 1 paragrpah to complete a practice essay.


We worked on the writing portion of a practice test today.  Kiddoes are supposed to work on it for another 15 minuted for homework.  In math we continued to practice problem solving with models and number sentences to describe what is known and solve.

ELA testing begins at 8:50 tomorrow morning.  Wish us luck!

POWERPOINT!

Tonight's Homework:  study for the spelling test, and complete a worksheet started in class.

Today we practiced for the ELA test by doing a 4th grade book from a few years ago.
 We used computer lab time to do our first Powerpoint creation.  Everyone created a few slides with text, clipart, and formatted text boxes to be completed over the next week or so in the classroom.  I think everyone enjoyed the experience and learned a little something.

Parent Conferences Tomorrow

Tonight's homework:  2 math worksheets,  spelling packet alphabetical order page, read and log.  Several students also have a multiplication drill to finish.

Today we worked on fraction number lines, problem solving and multiplication fact fluency.

In ELA we began a "close read" of this week's reading selection and wrote a draft of the weekly writing assessment. A close read is a very thorough and analytical reading.  It is the way children are expected to read under the new standards.  It is NOT reading for enjoyment and it is far more than just understanding what is read.  We examine every page, analyzing the words, information, author's purpose, and much more.

  We also began planning an imaginative story which will include dialog.  Some of the characters and settings were pretty "out there", so it will be interesting to see how they urn out!

What a Gorgeous Day!

Tonight's homework: spelling words 3x each,  and a math worksheet (both sides)
What a gorgeous day! We had our first outdoor P.E. class in a very long time!

The new spelling packet went home today.   The spelling pattern is "r-controlled vowels"., -er, -ir,  -or, -ear that make the /er/ sound.  The story for the week is nonfiction: Hottest, Coldest, Highest, Deepest. The  is subject is geographic record holders.

The kids took their first state test practice today and we'll go over some of it to determine strategies that will help.

In math we practice multiplication and division problem solving, and locating fractions on a number line.    

Parent Teacher Conferences

Tonight's homework is a "Quick Check" math worksheet.  Some students also need to complete a multiplication page which should have been completed and handed in today.  Several of them never made it to the finish line, so I gave them out a 2nd time.

Everyone had a look at the reading logs they've handed in since January and it turns out that (SURPRISE!) some children haven't handed in a reading log in some time and some haven't handed in any in 2013.
This is written in their planner every night as part of their homework.  Readers succeed in life.

Tonight was the first night of parent-teacher conferences.  I shared my concerns about the upcoming tests and what I will do to try to help kids be ready.

Today we practiced strategies for multi-step problems, completed the weekly ELA test, wrote persuasive paragraphs, completed summaries of reading group books, and worked on Washongton D.C. memorials research.
 I showed the kids how to go into Powerpoint and use the insert function to "draw" their summary charts on a Powerpoint slide.  Since most kids are very slow typists, I thought that this would be a good first step to using some of the Microsoft Office suite that will be valuable to them as they continue their academic career.

 

tonight's homework

Tonight's homework is to read or reread the small book assigned, then complete both sides of the worksheet.  Please remember that this will fulfill the daily reading requirement. There's a short math worksheet with just 3 questions. The 3rd question asks children to explain their understanding.

Our principal popped in today and was full of compliments on how well behaved and hard-working the children were.  I agree!

We're BAA-AACK ...

Tonight's homework is to get the (ok-to-go-home-again) weekly test signed and to work on 2 math review worksheets. 

It took a while for kids to get back into the swing this morning, but we all made it to "the zone".  We began a little math test prep today to show everyone the kinds of strategies they'll need to have ready to work through some very complex problems on the state test.  How about 3 step word problems written deliberately to confuse?  There is very little material available to help prepare kids this year so you may expect to see some review material that's been around earlier this year.

Everyone worked on some persuasive writing today.  Just a paragraph to convince a reader to try something fun and new.  Everyone wrote a draft from notes made earlier then revised using a "fix it!" checklist.  Then everyone partnered with a classmate to help each other improve their work.  Final copies were completed with spelling help  from the dictionary.

Our library time was used to continue writing a brochure for visitors to a Washington, D.C. monument.  This has stretched out much longer than I hoped because the books we ordered took weeks and weeks to arrive.  So I think we're all looking forward to finishing up and moving on!

The whole school participated in a "sheltering in place" drill this afternoon.  That's the procedure we would use in case of very high wind.  Everyone is well away from any windows, facing a wall and covering head with hands.  Our spot is in the cafeteria hallway, probably the safest spot in the building for that kind of weather.  

Superintendent's Conference Day

    Teachers were at school on Monday, March 25th to collaborate on the ELA and Math Common Core Standard and assessments, among other things.  We used the sample questions provided by the state to gauge readiness and most valuable test strategies to practice before the assessments.  I had to laugh when I read the author's of the reading selections: Leo Tolstoy and NASA.  Those passages were challenging and the questions were even more so!  The math questions were a mixture of sort of normal level questions and killers. The state is announcing everywhere it can find space that test scores are expected to drop.


The week of April 1st is a "catch up" week for ELA.  Our ela series often  has more weekly material than can be taught and digested in a 5 day week and last week was full of  assemblies and weather delays.  The kids have already taken the spelling test but we haven't completed the comprehension practice, reading group strategies, or writing selection (persuasive writing).  So, no spelling packet for the week!

I look forward to hearing about all the fun things the class got up to over the break!

I CAN POST FROM MY SCHOOL COMPUTER!!!!

Hurray!  I can finally update our classroom blog from my school computer! No more 10pm posts! And now we can have the kids put in their ideas from time to time.  This is great!

We are giving a test tomorrow called the Test of Cognitive Skills. As far as I can tell its an assessment of quantitative and verbal reasoning.  It will take most of the morning.  The kids did a short practice test today so they know what to expect and how to fill in their answers.

In ELA we're reading a brief biography of James Naismith, the fellow who invented basketball.  The focus skills are generalizing from details, summarizing, and using graphic sources.  Our writing piece for the week is persuasive writing.  Students will write to persuade the reader to try something the writer thinks is fun.

In math we are continuing to work on multiplication and division problem solving while introducing 3rd grade fraction concepts.

Students who have met with me to go over their Topic 7 math test will be bring home their score and some extra practice for the type(s) of questions they missed.  They have corrected their test while they met with me.  Please try to do some of the practice attached to your child's test. No need to send it back.  This is such a time consuming process! I'm trying to replicate what you probably do when the test themselves are brought home by sitting with each student. Not sure if I can do this for every test. It may take the rest of this week to finish!

Next on the horizon.... NYS TESTING IN APRIL! 

Family Math Night Was Fun!

The 3rd grade team was joined by students and their families for an evening of fun with math.  The whole gym was filled with math games and activities.  It looked like everyone had a good time  The marshmallows and toothpicks building center, beanbag measurement toss and pentominoes were especially popular.  I took some pictures for the yearbook so look for yourself in the yearbook!

I hope everyone will have a great weekend and a very happy St Patrick's Day!

Tonight's homework: work on spelling packet, read and log, practice side of the 7-4 math worksheet.

Students brought home many papers today that we've worked on in the past. Just FYI, no need to do anything with them.

Tonight's homework is to do the next spelling page, complete a workbook page on irregular verbs begun in school, read and log.  Don't forget to send in you PARP reading logs when they're complete.

Many students were overheard talking about going to a different school next year. I'm not going to raise the topic unless I'm actually asked.  My answer will be that the vote hasn't made anything official yet, but we will all have many friends where ever we find ourselves next year.

 

Fewer Tests To Be Sent Home

Teachers received an email today directing them NOT to send home tests which come from the publishers of our math and ela series.  That means no weekly ela, no ela unit tests, no math topic tests.  Spelling tests and times facts tests will still go home along with any teacher-made quizzes. If you have questions or concerns please contact Dr. Marijane Reinhard at the district office.  After each test I'll send home a note with the grade.  I'd like to find an efficient way of showing you areas of concern, if any.  This has just been announced   so I will need some time to look into the best way to do that.

Dr. Bryant is making his recommendation to the board tonight about which elementary school to close.  Even if Park remains open, our little community will change forever.  I know it will be for the best, but I can't help wishing we could keep things as they are.

It looks as though there's another bug making its way through our student population.  Every teacher I talked to had at least 4 children absent today.  Time for the no sharing-no touching talk tomorrow!

Tonight's homework: cause and effect worksheet, spelling 3 times each, read and log, math lesson 7-3 division worksheet (both sides) using a multiplication chart to help with answers.  The cause/effect worksheet is part of the 20 minute!!!!


 

THIRD GRADE FAMILY MATH NIGHT

Everyone will bring home a flyer with information about a family activity night for third graders.  The three third grade classes are invited with adults to attend.  Spaces are limited so if you'd like to attend please send back your reservation as soon as possible.

We'll start our multiplication timed tests tomorrow.  Beginning with the 2's, anyone not scoring 80% or better on the timed test will have some extra practice for homework each night until they can bring their speed up. Student's who are fluent with 2's will move on to 5's, 9's, 3's, 4's, 6's, 7's and 8's.  Students will be keeping track of their scores as we move through the times tables.

Most of the class took the Topic 6 math test today. As soon as we get the makeup tests completed, the test will come home for your signature.

Today students conducted a "peer edit" with a partner today to help one another improve their newspaper article before writing a final copy and grading their own work using a 4-3-2-1 rubric.  Next, I'll use the same rubric and discuss with each student how I arrived at the grade I think they earned.

Math Test on Wednesday

We began reviewing today for the Topic 6 math test.  There's a review packet for homework tonight along with a spelling packet to practice some spelling demons.  Tonight the kids write a sentence using each word correctly.  Anyone who has completed the last weekly reading test brought it home to be signed, as well.

We'll review again tomorrow for the math test. We are also going to work with a 4,3,2,1 rubric to write a first draft of a newspaper article the kids planned last week.  Our reading for the week focuses on short (1 page) readings with questions that require going back into the text.  If you hear about "Fresh Reads", those are the assignments I mean.  The kids will also be working on magazine style readings to practice the reading skills  of generalization, drawing conclusions, and using story elements to improve understanding.

Mrs. Vanderkruik and the PTA will kick off the Parents as Reading Partners program with a short assembly tomorrow morning.  

Gold Bracelets for Everyone!

Our class reached the 3rd level of WISE behavior! Everyone received a gold WISE bracelet for being part of such a great class.  Mrs. Maraia delivered them herself, congratulating every student individually.

We also conducted our classroom spelling bee to find out who will represent our class at the 3rd grade bee on March 19th.  Everyone did a great job! (There's been some talk of having a team name... Golden Stingers...?)

We worked on multiple step problems in Math today and will do so again tomorrow as we begin to review for the Topic 6 test.  The test will be given on Tuesday or Wednesday.

This week's writing assignment is to create a newspaper style story with a "grabber" beginning and answering the "5 w's".  

Tonight's homework is to study for the spelling and vocabulary quiz tomorrow, and to complete the reteaching side of the 6-7 worksheet.  

New spelling packets went home today.  Since it's a short week, I had the kids do their usual Monday homework as classwork.  A few students got a 100 on their spelling pretest.  They have a note attached to the "Family Times" flyer.

Tonight's homework:  a page from the spelling packet, Math 6-7 worksheet front and back, read and log.

Don't forget that our classroom spelling bee will be held on Thursday.  This will be the qualifying round for the whole school spelling bee to be held in March.

Valentines and Spelling Bee

Just a reminder that kids can bring valentines for classmates but they cannot bring in food treats for others.  I've asked everyone to bring an extra treat or snack just for themselves. No rules about what you send for your own child.  We have 13 boys and 9 girls in our class.

This week's spelling homework is to practice for the spelling bee. Our classroom spelling bee, the qualifier for the school bee, will be on the 21st.

Finding Nemo?

Tonight's homework is to reread the group book and answer the questions inside the back cover.  Some student need to finish a multiplication page.  If we have school tomorrow I will give the spelling quiz and the vocabulary portion of the weekly ELA quiz.

Today we finished up some writing, held reading groups, "read" graphic sources for their full meaning,  drilled multiplication by 3, did some math problem solving, and watched a short video about winter storms.

Our Valentines Day celebration will include delivering valentines, a crafty activity, snacks from home, and a movie (to be announced).  Each child can bring whatever snack they want for themselves.  We can't have classmates give out treats with their valentines because it would add up to much more than the sugar, fat, or salt allowances. There are no rules for what children bring to school for their own consumption.

I hope everyone will stay safe and warm this weekend!  

Facts Review and Projects Completion Day

I have planned tomorrow as a basic facts practice day in Math and as time to complete reading and writing projects that need just a bit more effort to complete.  Some students will be completing comprehension assessments they missed last week. Others will be adding art work to their play or a venn diagram of 2 myths.  Everyone will work on a packet of ELA skills and strategies while I meet with reading groups.

Today we had a great Library lesson with Mrs. Vanderkruik and created a class book of really interesting (offbeat?) facts about Washington, D.C.  In math we practiced using multiplication to create x,y pairs and plotting them on a graph.  After connecting the plotted points, the kids have a shape or design to color.

We worked on a simple rubric example to understand the meaning of the 1-4 writing scores we use.  Part of the loose ends we'll tie up tomorrow is a timed writing prompt, so I hope the rubric examples will encourage kids to go for the very best writing they can do.

Tonight's homework is a math "Quick Check",  read their group book, and do a page from their spelling packet.

  

Seeing Stars

Today we read Seeing Stars, an expository  selection about, guess what? Stars.  The focus for this selection is reading for information, using graphic sources, and strategies for understanding new/challenging words. Our question for the week us thinking about what can be learned about nature through investigation.

We've completed the last lesson introducing strategies for figuring out products in multiplication.  These strategies are only a temporary support until times tables are memorized.  Over the next week or so, the kids will make their own flashcards and practice, practice, practice.  Even with all the time we can devote during the school day, it will not be enough to get everyone to fluency with those facts.  Please practice one of the times tables every night.

Tonight's homework is the math worksheet for lesson 6-5 (front and back), one page of the spelling packet, read for 20 minutes and log.

Spelling Bee info in today's papers

The kids brought home their spelling bee practice packets today.  The top 5 spellers in each 3rd grade class will go to the whole school contest.  The regular weekly spelling packet also went home today.  Several kids spelled everything correctly on the pretest and I told them that they only need to do the sentences page for homework this week. (With the caveat that parents decide whether or not they must do the rest.) I meant to send a note home with each student who got a 100 and I will be sure to do so tomorrow.

Homework tonight is a math worksheet (front and back), 1 page of the spelling packet, read 20 minutes and log.  A few children need to rewrite the sentences from last week's packet.  You'll see a note on the first page of the packet.

Great Puppet Show Today!

We were treated to a really great puppet show today!  The theme was anti-bullying and the performance was excellent.  I wondered of the kids would buy into it, but they really did. The puppets were muppet style. There were little musical numbers and an age appropriate story.  Well done!  After the show there was a brief Q and A.  The kids had excellent and thoughtful questions.

Spelling test, weekly vocabulary and comprehension tests - done.  I sent home 2 earlier weekly tests to be signed.  These tests are very challenging as I'm sure you've noticed. The new common core standards call it "close reading" and "rigorous analysis".

I'm going to the Warwick Advocacy meeting on Tuesday at 7pm.  Maybe I'll see some of you there.

Today we practiced a memory trick that saved my elementary-school-bacon more than once.  I learned my
multiplication tables to tunes of common songs like Old MacDonald and Yankee Doodle.  We heard from  each table as they sang their 4's to a tune they selected.  Kids practiced basic computation and solving word problems involving 4 as a factor.

Students who finished their plays began to illustrate their opening scene.  One of the focuses of the week is fluency and we're working our way through everyone in the class as they deliver a brief speech from this week's story.

Homework for tonight is to study for the spelling test, complete both sides of a math worksheet, read for 20 min and log.

Tomorrow brings the weekly ELA testing in spelling, vocabulary and comprehension.  It's also the last day of the marking period.

Timed tests in multiplication begin next week for factors of 0, 1, 2, 5, 9, and 10.



 

Marching through the Times Tables

Today we practiced problem solving and computation with the 3 times table.  Tonight's homework is a little more practice with that.  Tomorrow we move on to the 4's!

Tonight's homework is to do a page of the spelling packet, reread the group book to someone, and complete the practice side of the math worksheet.

Tomorrow I hope everyone will be able to complete their play.  I will make enough copies for each student to perform their play with classmates.  It will take quite awhile to find the time for all those performances, but I'm hopeful that the kids will enjoy hearing their words performed.  You never know... this could be the start of something big!

Playwrights

The kids started planning their plays today and they seemed pretty excited.  Here's the assignment: write a very short play that re-explains why something in nature occurs. In preparation we watched a video called Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears.  (It turns out mosquitoes want to know if everyone is still angry about some bad behavior in the past.) The examples we played around with were reasons why trees change color in the fall.  (jealous of the flowers, don't want their leaves eaten, etc)

Tonight's homework is to do a page in their spelling packet, read their group book, and answer the questions at the back of the book.  They DO NOT need to read another book to log.  I hope their reading will help them imagine and plan their play.

 

Short day

The weather made for a short day!  I hope everyone was safe and dry.  I barely made it into my driveway because it's a hill.
Today the kids took a spelling pretest. Anyone who got all the words correct only has to do the vocabulary/sentence page of the spelling packet for the week.  Business as usual for everyone who needs any practice.

No math homework tonight.

Our story for the week is actually a play of an ancient Native American fable explaining why the sky is so high.  We'll be practicing identifying helping and main verbs, using inference to aid comprehension, writing  a mini-play about something occurring in nature.

The math test from last week will go home just as soon as I can get everyone to take it!
 The next topic will extend understanding of multiplication.  Beginning with the Distributive Property (8 x 4 = 8 x 2 + 8 x 2), then multiplying by 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, multiplying 3 factors, multiplying to find possible combinations, and 2 step problem solving.  This is a very tall order and it means lots of practice with times tables to remember all those facts.  I'll send home lots of drills for each fact but you can help by using some of the great online resources.  The easiest to use is aaamath.com but there are dozens of them out there.

Science Fair Tonight

Students participating in the Science Fair tonight don't have to do their 20 minutes of reading and can do the math review others received for homework, when they come in in the morning.  We'll have another review before the math test.

It seems there's another "bug" going around our class. I've reminded and reminded the kids to cover coughs and sneezes, wash their hands and use the antibacterial lotion whenever they've been in the restrooms.  PLEASE keep your child at home if they're not feeling well.

Next Friday marks the end of the 2nd marking period.  Report cards are right around the corner.  

Today we began research on monuments in Washington, DC.  Mrs Vanderkruik and I will be collaborating to use classroom, library, and computer lab time to develop a guided research project.  With this project complete, we'll be planning a more independent effort for the spring.

The kids brought home the usernames and passwords for Brainpop, Jr and Pebblego.com.  Feel free to use them on your home computer!

Tonight's homework is to make corrections to the Prudy's Problem reading test and complete a math review packet.

Great Assembly, Thanks to PTA

We enjoyed a very cool assembly today! A dance troupe entertained everyone with a performance of traditional Chinese dance.  They taught us a little Chinese and invited volunteers to the stage to participate in a ribbon dance.  Thank you PTA!

This week will be a little different from our usual classwork and homework schedule.  Due to the need to schedule in winter universal screenings, lockdown practice, discussions and drill, a short week, and a variety of other small "musts do's", we'll be finishing up lots of loose ends before moving on to our next story and skills in ELA.
Basically, NO SPELLING HOMEWORK THIS WEEK.

There will be a Math test on Friday this week.   It will cover Topic 5, using patterns in multiplication.  We'll review tomorrow and Thursday.

A Warwick police officer stopped in at recess to say hi to everyone today.  An officer walks through the building every day now and I thought it would make the kids more comfortable if they had a friendly, casual contact in the classroom.

Today we began planning a story about what it would be like to be a raisin farmer (of all things!) The idea is that all fiction has certain key features: character, setting, and imagined events that build to a climax.

Our regular Friday Spelling test will be given tomorrow and most of the class will enjoy extra recess they earned for good behavior.  School store will be available after lunch.

Tonight's homework is to study the spelling list and complete the multiples of 10 worksheet.

There is no school on Monday for Martin Luther King Jr Day.  I hope everyone will enjoy the long weekend!

2 hour delay changes everything!

Today's plans took a backseat to the weather. Tomorrow and Friday I will try to catch up with the writing and math we would have done today.
I did a short lesson on using 10 as a factor and everyone did some fact practice.
Tomorrow we 'll finish up with the midyear universal screenings, plan a story, and work on publishing the how to essays the kids wrote last week, work on action and linking verbs, and introduce multiplying with multiples of 10. If time allows I'd like to have a classroom discussion of some MLK related topics the kids wrote about on Monday.  
 We had our practice for the practice lockdown drill today and the kids had lots of questions. We will try it again tomorrow so everyone feels secure about what to do when the actual school wide drill is called.

Tonight's homework is to practice the 9 times table, read and log, do a page in the spelling packet.

January 15

Today we  practiced using patterns to find or determine multiples of 2, 5, and 9.  The trick with checking large numbers to determine if its a multiple of 9 is to get the sum of the digits.  If the sum is 9, 18, 27, etc its a multiple of 9.  

The story this week is How Do You Raise a Raisin?, a fun look at how raisins are produced. (No kidding, it really is pretty cute!)  The grammar skill for the week is identifying action and linking verbs. I learned them as verbs of being, but they are also called linking verbs because they link the subject to the predicate.  

Tonight's homework is: reread the group book and answer questions 1 and 3 at the back of the book
                                    complete another page in the Spelling Packet

I hear there's some bad weather heading our way so we'll see what the morning brings!  A little extra pajama time?

I hope everyone enjoyed crazy hat day and movie afternoon.  The class voted for Despicable Me and it was pretty funny! Nice message, too.

Sorry to be posting so late but I was at the School Board meeting tonight.  No new information was presented but the January 28th meeting will present the options the board will consider to close the budget gap for this year.  Dr. Bryant said the board wouldn't consider any option that increased class size and that sounds like good news.

Tonight's homework is to read the group book, answer question #4, and do a page in the spelling packet. Please be sure to return the group book and baggie.

So many 100's on this week's spelling test! It's a new class record!

    On another happy note, our class has achieved the second level on the WISE behavior chart so we get to have a party!  On Monday the kids can wear a crazy hat (or any hat) all day if they wish and we'll enjoy a movie in the afternoon.  Please send an extra snack for the movie.  If you have any classroom-appropriate dvd's you can share for the occasion, it would be great if you would send one in for the kids to choose from.

Most of the children are getting 100's on their addition/subtraction facts times tests. I'm going to send home practice packets for anyone who still needs to work on fluency.      

This week we learned a bit about Dr. Martin Luther King and discussed the civil rights movement, practiced multiplying by 0, 1, 2,5 , 9, and 10, reviewed and practiced reading strategies, and held our spelling bee. We began the unit test for the 2nd ELA  unit of the year, and conducted the winter "universal screening"tests in ELA and Math. Busy week!

I hope everyone has been working on the spelling review list this week. I hope to have time for a mini-spelling bee tomorrow.  Today we discussed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and the kids had some very insightful questions about that time in our history.  I asked everyone to think about their own inner gifts and how those gifts might contribute to the world or just to their own life.  I haven't read any of them and some students brought home their writing.  I hope everyone was able to reflect a little on what is wonderful about themselves.

There are 2 ELA worksheets (reading comprehension, vocabulary)for homework and one math sheet (9 as a factor).

This week we're reviewing for a "benchmark" test on topics 1 - 4 in math.  In ELA the unit review spelling list went home yesterday.  There is no assigned homework but students should practice spelling the words on the list every night.  There WILL be a spelling test on Friday.

The class is finishing their first essay,today and tomorrow. It is our first multi-paragraph structured writing for the year.  Everyone chose something they know how to do and has written directions to complete their chosen project.

There will be some lockdown " practice for the practice" this week so the kids don't feel frightened or alarmed when we do the actual lockdown drill.  I'm not sure exactly what the initial practice will look like but it has been announced for this week.

We are now in full multiplication mode!  Starting with 0, 1, 2, 5, and  10 the kids will have multiplication practice everyday.  Any additional time they do at night will really help.