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.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
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!
Only one more day of ELA testing!
Monday, April 15, 2013
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!
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!
Thursday, April 11, 2013
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
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!
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!
Monday, April 8, 2013
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.
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.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
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!
Our principal popped in today and was full of compliments on how well behaved and hard-working the children were. I agree!
Monday, April 1, 2013
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.
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.
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