This Week...

December 16- December 20, 2013

Reading:  Students analyzed the text structure of various Time for Kids selections in order to discover cause and effect relationships.  Students looked for key phrases and words, such as “as a result” and “because” to help figure out the cause behind certain occurrences.  Multiple meaning words were also discussed within various contexts.   The “think and search” test strategy was also discussed and practiced using a short nonfiction piece on frogs.  At the end of the week, students identified root words. Reading Logs are due Monday, January 6. (300 minutes)

Math:  We spent the week reviewing major concepts from unit 5.  Students practiced reading aloud large numbers and decimals.  They also worked on comparing numbers and putting them in correct number sequences.  Place value was also reviewed up to the millions and down to the thousandths place.  Students took their unit 5 test on Thursday.  The test consisted of a written portion, as well as an oral test where students read numbers.   After break, we will begin unit 6! Xtra Math practice is due Monday, January 6. (9 sessions)

Social Studies:  Students finished researching their Midwest states!  They also put in a lot of time and effort building their parade floats!  They did such a wonderful job and it was so nice to see everyone helping each other during this process.  At the end of the week, students presented their floats to other third graders.  When we come back from break, we will start our new science unit: light!

Writing:  We created an expository writing project, “How to Build a Snowpal”.  Students explained the steps for designing a snowman using different transition words.  Students also created poetry based on what they love or don’t love about winter.  In grammar, students identified the past tense form of various verbs.

Cursive/Spelling:  Today, we had our week 15 test.

Miscellaneous:  Students enjoyed the holiday musical performed by the Dryden first graders.  We also exchanged beautiful secret snowpal cards!  Students really enjoyed sharing their cards with classmates.  They worked very hard on creating these special gifts.  Today, students had the opportunity to attend the Winter Wonderland events in the gym…they worked on crafts and listened to holiday stories!  I wish you all a restful and enjoyable winter break!  See you back in 2014!

Secret Snowpal Cards!

Just a reminder...Secret Snowpal cards are due this Wednesday!

This Week...

December 9- December 13, 2013

Reading:  The weekly theme focused on riddles!  Students practiced using clues in the story to help them figure out the setting.  The setting includes when and where the story takes place.  One Riddle, One Answer was the main story selection for the week.  Students learned about Persia, currently Iran, in a fairy tale setting.  We also discussed figurative language, focusing specifically on similes.  Students learned how authors use similes to make their writing more interesting for the reader. Reading Logs are due Monday, December 16.  (100 minutes)

Math:  Students applied their knowledge of large numbers to calculate their age in a variety of ways, including days and minutes!  We also explored decimals and fractions using base-10 blocks.  By using a flat, students learned how to shade in a certain number of blocks to represent a decimal.  During this investigation, we discussed 3 new place values: tenths, hundredths, and thousandths.  They also made a place value book.  Students can continue practicing these small numbers by reading them aloud at home using the book.  Our unit 5 math test will be Thursday, December 19. Xtra Math practice is due Monday, December 16. (3 sessions)

Social Studies:  Students spent the week reviewing major concepts from the Midwest unit.  They took their Midwest unit test today, which also included the states and capitals.  After break, there will be a new region of capitals to learn: the Northeast.  Next week, students will work on completing their state research and building their floats!  Thank you to everyone for sending in materials and helping your child prepare for the float building process…they are very excited!

Writing:  In writing, we continued working on sensory details.  Students analyzed excerpts from the book My Name is Maria Isabel and created details to support each moment.  In grammar, students identified the correct form of present tense verbs.

Cursive/Spelling:  Today, we had our week 14 test.

Miscellaneous:  “Secret Snowpal” names went home today!  Students need to create a homemade card with a special message for that particular classmate.  Snowpal cards are due Wednesday, December 18.  Shh…remember, it’s a secret!  As always, please contact me if you have any questions…have a great weekend and stay warm!

This Week...

December 2- December 6, 2013

Reading:  We began Unit 3 in our Treasure’s book!  The weekly theme focused on foods around the world.  Students practiced making inferences with a variety of texts, including Family Feast and Stone Soup.  We learned how important it is to use text clues and our own background knowledge when creating an inference.  Synonyms were another important topic.  Students learned there are often synonyms within context clues, which can help when figuring out unknown words. Reading Logs are due Monday, December 9.  (100 minutes)

Math:  We began unit 5 this week!  Students reviewed place value up to the hundred millions.  They also practiced writing large numbers from dictation, as well as saying numbers aloud.  We also learned a new game, “Number Top-It”, which helped us compare large numbers in a fun way!  Towards the end of the week, students discussed the U.S. census and applied their knowledge of large numbers to interpret city populations.  Pictographs were another focus.  Xtra Math practice is due Monday, December 9. (3 sessions)

Social Studies:  Students began their state research projects!  Students applied various research skills with books and online resources to find out key information about their Midwest state.  A note also went home today describing our upcoming state float project.  Students will be creating a miniature float showcasing the information they learned about their state.  These floats will be created in class in a couple of weeks.  Our Midwest unit test will be next Friday, December 13.  A review guide and flashcards were will be going home at the beginning of next week.  The unit test will also cover the Midwest states and capitals.  Please let me know if you need extra practice sheets and/or blank maps.

Writing:  In writing, we began unit 2 in our WEX writing program!  Unit 2 focuses on a response to literature.  We started the book My Name is Maria Isabel and students identified showing details that helped develop the main character.  Close reading is a skill that we will be using to carefully analyze the text.  In grammar, students worked on identifying action verbs in various sentences.

Cursive/Spelling:  Today, we had our week 13 test.

Miscellaneous:  I had a wonderful time meeting with each of you at conferences!  Thank you again for the commitment to your child’s learning experience!  I also hope you had a relaxing Thanksgiving break.  This week, students showed great character by donating coins for the tornado victims in Illinois…thank you for your generosity!  I hope you have a fabulous weekend.  Please let me know if you have any questions.

This Week...

November 18- November 22, 2013

Reading:  Students had the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of unit vocabulary and reading strategies in a variety of ways.  By responding to multiple choice questions and extended response prompts, students were able to show what they had learned from unit 2.  They also compared and analyzed three different texts about Venus flytraps.  Students found similarities and differences between the poem and articles.  They also determined the purpose of each text and provided evidence to support their reasoning.  We will begin unit 3 when we return from Thanksgiving break!  Reading Logs are due Monday, December 2.  (100 minutes)

Math:  At the beginning of the week, students analyzed map scales and found the distances between various U.S. landmarks.  Students also practiced reviewing major concepts from unit 4.  Using arrays and pictures, they represented various multiplication/division number stories.  Students took their unit 4 test today!  We will begin unit 5 after break. Xtra Math practice is due Monday, December 2. (at least 6 sessions)

Social Studies:  We discussed how kids grew up in the Midwest during the late 1800s.  Students wrote pioneer letters written from the perspective of a child living at that time.  We also had a great discussion about the Midwest economy.  We discovered that manufacturing and agriculture provide many jobs for people in the area.  Henry Ford and the assembly line were highlighted.  At the end of the week, students experienced the culture of the Midwest by reading about Mt. Rushmore, Cahokia, the Hmong people, and many other interesting topics.

Writing:  Students finished sharing their personal narratives with the class!  They also took their November writing words test.  Next month, there will not be a December list due to the shortened month.  We also investigated how figurative language can impact a writing piece by looking specifically at metaphors.  In grammar, students reviewed major concepts from unit 2:  common & proper nouns, possessive nouns, and sentence combinations with similar subjects & predicates.

Cursive/Spelling:  Today, we had our unit 2 review test.  After break, we will resume regular spelling and homework.  We will also review our uppercase cursive letters when we return.

Miscellaneous:  Today, we enjoyed a great Art Appreciation session from Shelby’s mom…thank you!  In addition, we learned important safety information from Officer Friendly today!  Progress reports were also sent home.  Please sign the front of the envelope and return the empty envelope to school.  I am looking forward to meeting with you at conferences next week!  Thank you for taking the time to discuss your child’s progress.  Students will return to school on Monday, December 2.  I hope you all have an enjoyable and relaxing Thanksgiving break!  As always, please contact me if you have any questions…enjoy!

October Book Orders

I spoke to Scholastic and our book orders should be on their way shortly.  I apologize for the delay!

I will be sending home the December catalogs shortly.  That way, we will be able to receive the books before winter break.  Please let me know if you have any questions!

This Week...

November 12- November 15, 2013

Reading:  We enjoyed reading a variety of selections based on the “Becoming a Writer” theme!  Determining the author’s purpose through story clues was our main strategy.  We learned that when an author’s main purpose is to inform, he or she may include many facts.  Entertaining and persuading were other purposes we discussed.  We also read different nonfiction articles and provided evidence to support the purpose.  Next week will be our review and assessment week for unit 2.  Reading Logs are due Monday, November 18.  (100 minutes)

Math:  We practiced how to use multiplication and division fact triangles to make fact families.  There were many tips and tricks that we practiced in order to start learning our facts.  Students also reviewed how to solve multiplication and division number stories.  Our unit 4 test will be next Friday, November 22.  A review guide will be going home on Wednesday. Xtra Math practice is due Monday, November 18.

Social Studies:  We started the Midwest unit!  Students learned where the states and capitals are located.  A letter went home this week detailing the expectations for learning this information.  We also read about the landscape of the Midwest.  We discovered that the land was once covered with glaciers, which later formed many of our lakes.  Lewis and Clark’s expedition in the Louisiana territory was also discussed.

Writing:  At the beginning of the week, students edited their personal narratives with a checklist.  They checked for proper spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.  Then, they started to share their final pieces with the class!  In grammar, students learned how to combine sentences that have the same predicate or the same subject.

Cursive/Spelling:  Students took their week 11 spelling test.  Next week will be a review week for spelling, so there will be no homework.  We also finished our lowercase cursive packets.

Miscellaneous:  The November writing words test will be on Thursday, November 21.  This test will be cumulative and cover the October words as well.  Please let me know if you need additional copies of the lists.  We had a wonderful week sharing some of our Flat Stanleys that arrived!  So far, we have learned about Florida, Arizona, Minnesota, and Georgia!  Thank you to everyone who has helped us during this project.  Have a terrific weekend!

This Week...

November 4- November 8, 2013

Reading:  “Animal homes” was the theme for the week!  Students read interesting nonfiction selections about animals and their habitats.  By using a topic-example-detail-detail organizer, students were able to pick out main ideas and find supporting facts.  They also learned how to solve analogies by analyzing the relationships between words.  Students read “Attack of the Germs” in our new National Geographic issue.  They found text evidence to support the author’s claim and help determine the author’s purpose. Reading Logs are due Tuesday, November 12.  (100 minutes)

Math: We started Unit 4, which focuses on multiplication and division!  A family letter was sent home on Monday.  We practiced drawing arrays to represent basic multiplication problems.  We also solved multiplication number stories using a graphic organizer.  Then, students used counters to model simple division problems.  We also discussed the formal way to write remainders in number models. Xtra Math practice is due Tuesday, November 12.

Science: Students completed their short research projects by designing an animal that would survive in their biome.  They also learned how insects contribute to the environment through pollination, soil tillage, and food processing.  Today, students took their habitats unit test.  Next week, we will begin our new social studies unit: The Midwest!

Writing:  In writing, we began our personal narratives!  Students learned the characteristics of this writing genre and selected a piece from their journals to revise.  They started by identifying a strong section and adding more showing details.  Then, they chose a section that needed revision.  After creating their revisions, students worked on their rough drafts.  In grammar, students learned how to write possessive nouns.

Cursive/Spelling:  Students took their week 10 spelling test.  We continued to work in our cursive packets.

Miscellaneous:  In honor of the upcoming Veteran’s Day, students wrote thoughtful letters to our nation’s veterans.  These letters will be delivered to a local VA hospital in time for the holiday.  Our class did a wonderful job of filling these veterans’ “buckets” and showing that they matter!  Just a reminder, there will be no school on Monday due to the holiday.  Please let me know if you have any questions…have a terrific weekend!

This Week...

October 28- November 1, 2013

Reading:  Students worked on distinguishing fact from opinion through various Time for Kids articles.  Each article focused on the theme of “Past, Present, and Future”.  Students did an excellent job accessing their background knowledge to discuss future inventions.  They found words key words/phrases, such as “probably, I think, I believe” which helped them locate opinions.  Vocabulary was practiced within the context of various reading pieces.  Reading Logs are due Monday, November 4.  (100 minutes)

Math: We continued reviewing important concepts from unit 3.  Students took their unit 3 test on Tuesday.  On Friday, students took a “pop” cumulative math test covering units 1-3.  I will share these results at conferences.  Next week, we will begin unit 4!  A family letter will be sent home on Monday.  Just a reminder, Xtra math practice sessions are due on Monday, November 4.  Thank you for your support as your child learns how to use this website to practice their facts.

Science: Students worked on their short research projects by designing an animal that would survive in their biome.  Physical and behavioral adaptations were detailed by each student in their diagrams.  At the end of the week, students were excited to dissect owl pellets and discover what owls eat!  They matched up their discoveries with a bone matching diagram.  Students learned that most owls eat voles and birds, which helped them determine the owls’ habitats.

Writing:  We continued working on the skills of focus and showing.  Students were able to write showing details about a particular moment at gym or recess.  They are doing a great job focusing on the use of strong verbs!  In grammar, students learned irregular plural noun forms, such as “feet” and “geese”.  Students also took their October writing words test this week.  The November writing words list will be going home next week.

Cursive/Spelling:  Students took their week 9 spelling test.  We continued to work in our cursive packets.

Miscellaneous:  Thank you again to all the volunteers who made our Halloween party a success!  A special thank you to Hannah’s mom, Tarek’s, mom, Sebastien’s mom, Addison’s mom, Matthew’s mom, and Ryan’s mom for running various games and activities.  Also, thank you to all the families who donated supplies and treats for our party!  We really enjoyed it!  Also, as we near the end of our habitat unit, we are happy to announce that Scooter and Hermit have found new homes!  Have a great weekend and please let me know if you have any questions!

This Week...

October 21- October 25, 2013

Reading:  Distinguishing reality from fantasy was our main reading strategy this week.  Students worked on identifying fantasy elements, as well as reality elements with texts following our weekly theme: wolves.   Students read “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” and Wolf!.  We continued working on generating questions, confirming predictions, and making relevant connections as we read.  At the end of the week, students studied point of view and determined the perspectives of various characters.  We read the classic fairytale The Three Little Pigs and an alternate version, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs to encourage students to analyze the varying perspectives of the pigs and the wolf.  Reading Logs are due Monday, October 28.  (100 minutes)

Math: At the beginning of the week, students reviewed how to find area with multiplication models.  We also explored diameter and circumference.  By measuring circular objects and recording measurements, students discovered the “3-times” rule to help remember the circumference of a circle is about 3 times the diameter.  Students also spent time reviewing how to measure to the nearest ¼ inch, and how to find the perimeter/area of a polygon.  Our unit 3 test will be Tuesday, October 29.  A review guide went home yesterday.  Students will begin math facts homework next week, using the XtraMath website.  An informational letter and student log-in information will be sent home on Monday.   Please let me know if you have any questions!

Science: Students began their short-research biome projects!  In the LMC, students used various websites and nonfiction books to explore their biomes (rainforest, forest, ocean, or desert).  They learned about the animals and plants that live there, in addition to the climate.  Students also identified physical and behavioral adaptations that help the animals and plants survive.  At the end of the week, students participated in a bird beak experiment that demonstrated the importance of different adaptations.

Writing:  Students continued to utilize and incorporate strong verbs in their writing.  Students practiced the skills of focus and showing to describe a moment of action.   In grammar, students learned how to change singular nouns into plural nouns.  We discussed special endings and rules.  Just a reminder, the October writing words test will be on Wednesday, October 30.

Cursive/Spelling:  Students took their week 8 spelling test.  We wrote the cursive “l”, “b”, and “k” in our cursive packets.

Miscellaneous:  Students participated in a variety of activities to celebrate Bullying Prevention month and Character Counts week!  Just a reminder, on Thursday, students should wear their costumes for the afternoon only.  The Halloween parade will begin around 1:15.   Our party will take place when we get back to the classroom.  Thank you to everyone who donated supplies, organized games, and volunteered to help us!  Have a fabulous weekend and please let me know if you have any questions!

First Months of School

This Week...

October 16- October 18, 2013

Reading:  We focused on close reading strategies while using two different science texts: Home is an Oak Tree and The Cactus Hotel.  Students discovered which organisms use these plants to survive.  They also compared and contrasted how various organisms meet their needs in forests and deserts.  At the end of the week, students practiced the key aspects of good fluency: accuracy, expression, medium speed, and punctuation awareness. Reading Logs are due Monday, October 21.  (100 minutes)

Math: Students practiced measuring the perimeter of polygons.  We also created an experiment involving probability and pattern block shapes.  Students predicted and confirmed their guesses by collecting data on how many times a shape would fall on its edge.  We discussed line plots as a way to display data.  Finding the minimum, maximum, range, median, and mode were also practiced.  Students ended the week by determining the area of various polygons.  They learned that in order to find the area, they need to count the number of square units inside the shape.

Science: Students discussed the differences between “needs” and “wants”.  They learned that in order to survive, an organism’s basic needs must be met within its habitat.  Students brainstormed various ways that organisms meet their basic needs of food, water, air, protection, and space.  We also recorded drawings and observations of our plants.  Students discovered that the plants growing without light lacked the green pigment used in photosynthesis.

Writing:  Students learned how to incorporate “strong verbs” in their writing.  By being more precise, the students learned they can create better visualizations for the reader.

Cursive/Spelling:  There was no spelling due to the shortened week.  We wrote the cursive “l” and “h” in our cursive packets.

Miscellaneous:  Welcome back from the long, relaxing weekend!  October book orders went home this week and are due on October 30.  I am also excited to announce that we sent our Flat Stanleys on their way!  We look forward to hearing about their exciting adventures across the United States!  Thank you to all the families and friends who are helping support us in this project!  As always, please let me know if you have any questions…have a terrific weekend!

Conference Forms

Conference forms are being sent home today!  Please fill out the sheet and return it with your preference as soon as possible.  Thank you!

This week...

October 7- October 11, 2013

Reading:  This week, students worked hard applying a summarizing strategy to various readings.  They practiced completing story maps for texts that focused on the weekly theme: putting on a performance.  The texts included “The Wind and the Sun”, and “The Strongest One”.  We also spent time working with antonyms.  The text feature of the week involved students analyzing the purpose of captions in nonfiction articles.  At the end of the week, students read various articles from National Geographic and completed an FQR chart (Fact, Question, Response).  We talked about the importance of “metacognition” while reading (thinking about our thinking).  Students identified important facts, developed questions related to the facts, and then shared their responses/thinking about the information presented in the article. Reading Logs are due Wednesday, October 16.  (100 minutes)

Math: We began unit 3!  An informational letter was sent home detailing important concepts of the unit.  Measurement was the main focus of the week!  We read the story How Big Is A Foot? to understand the importance of standard units of measure.  Students did a hands-on activity where we found our average class shoe size.  They also practiced measuring line segments to the nearest whole, half, and quarter inch.  At the end of the week, students measured the perimeter of polygons.  By measuring each side of a shape, students realized they could determine the perimeter.

Science: Students enjoyed planting their very own seeds!  Over the next few weeks, students will be monitoring plant growth and making careful observations.  Students sang the photosynthesis song to remember the important steps a plant takes in order to make its own food.  Students also participated in a hands-on paper cutting activity that demonstrated how the Illinois prairie is rapidly disappearing.  Students learned that development and farming are major factors that have contributed to the decrease in prairie acres.  We also finished our hermit crab research presentations!  All students learned valuable information from each other regarding the hermit crabs and their habitats.  Next week, we will be learning about various biomes!

Writing: Students worked on a new skill: showing!  Students learned to differentiate between telling and showing sentences.  Showing sentences give readers a clear visualization of what is happening at a certain moment.  In grammar, students discriminated between common and proper nouns.

Cursive/Spelling: Students took their week 7 spelling test.  We also wrote the cursive “v” and “e” in our cursive packets.

Miscellaneous:  On Monday, students participated in a bus evacuation drill to review and practice important bus safety rules!  Just a reminder, there will be no school for students on Monday (Columbus Day) or Tuesday (School Improvement Day).  Enjoy the long weekend!

This Week, In 3-2...

September 30- October 4, 2013

Reading: This week, students enjoyed reviewing concepts and strategies from our first reading unit. They played vocabulary games to help them learn and apply our unit 1 words. Students also participated in close reading activities with nonfiction articles about hermit crabs. Students worked in teams to become experts on their topics and created posters to demonstrate their learning. Main idea and detail organizers were completed to help students choose the most important parts of the articles.

Reading Logs are due Monday, October 7. (100 minutes)

Math: Students worked on solving number stories with multiple addends. They also reviewed and practiced the main concepts from unit 2. We took our unit 2 test at the end of the week and we will begin unit 3 on Monday! A family letter will be going home detailing the upcoming measurement topics.

Science: In science, students enjoyed being scientists and exploring various soil samples. We also discussed characteristics of soil, which included terms such as loam, humus, and nutrients. We dissected lima beans to find important seed parts: the seed coat, stored sugars, and the embryo. We watched a seed germination time lapse video

clip to experience how a plant grows from a tiny seed.

Writing: Focus continues to be the target writing skill during WEX. Students worked on developing tiny details that focused on sound. They made careful observations to create interesting descriptions of various objects and moments. Students continue to share their work and respond to each other using targeted, positive feedback. In grammar, we reviewed key concepts from unit 1. Students also completed their first RA, or revision assignment, which asked them to turn one of their telling sentences into a showing sentence.

Cursive/Spelling: Students took their unit 1 review spelling test. Next week, normal spelling lists and homework will resume.

Miscellaneous: October writing words went home this week. Please keep this list in a safe spot…students will be tested on these words at the end of the month. Also, thank you to everyone who supported Dryden, Just Jump! The students were very excited to participate in this event! Have a wonderful weekend!