Ethan Long Author Visit!

This Week...

November 16- November 20, 2015

Reading:  This week, we focused on the compare/contrast and description text structures that are often found in nonfiction texts.  At the beginning of the week, students read an article about chimpanzees and humans.  They used key words and phrases to find similarities and differences between the two.  The information was recorded in a Venn diagram.  Students also worked on finding the main idea and details in an article that had a description text structure.  They used the headings, topic sentences, and ending sentences to determine the big idea and supporting details.  At the end of the week, students used context clues to figure out unknown vocabulary. Reading Logs are due Monday, November 30.  (200 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 reviewed how to solve multiplication and division number stories.  Map scales were also used to calculate distances on a map.  Our unit 4 test will be on Thursday, December 3.

Social Studies:  Students learned about the natural resources in the Midwest.  They focused on Native American life in the early 1800s and how the buffalo was vital to their survival.  Lewis and Clark’s expedition in the Louisiana territory was discussed.

Writing:  Students took their November writing words test on Thursday.  Next month, there will not be a December list due to the shortened month.  Students also enjoyed an assembly from author Ethan Long!  He taught students about the writing process, including brainstorming and getting energized about your topic.  He also shared one of his most recent book ideas with students.  In grammar, students worked on combining sentences with similar subjects or predicates.

Spelling:  Students took their week 11 spelling test.

Miscellaneous:  On Thursday, students enjoyed a visit from Officer Veenstra, who works with the Arlington Heights Police Department.  He spoke to students about the importance of online safety and stranger danger.  Progress reports were sent home today.  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, November 30.  I hope you all have an enjoyable and relaxing Thanksgiving break!  As always, please contact me if you have any questions…enjoy!

This Week...

November 9- November 13, 2015

Reading:  This week, we focused on the characteristics of biographies.  Students learned that a biography is written about a real person and includes important events from his/her life.  Many biographies have a chronological text structure.  Students also learned how to read nonfiction reference articles by focusing on text features.  They filled out KWL charts about great white sharks.  The charts included their prior knowledge, questions, and information that they learned.  At the end of the week, students determined the “big idea” of different articles.  They figured out that the first sentence of a paragraph will usually help them find the topic.  Nonfiction text features, like captions and photographs, can also help readers figure out the big idea. Reading Logs are due Monday, November 16.  (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.

Social Studies:  In the LMC, students completed their biome projects that focused on animal adaptations!  They also took their habitats test on Tuesday.  At the end of the week, 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.

Writing:  Students edited their personal narratives with a checklist.  They checked for proper spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.  They also revised their pieces to ensure that strong verbs and showing details were included.  Students then shared their stories with Mrs. Lo’s class.  In grammar, students learned how to write possessive nouns.

Spelling:  Students took their week 10 spelling test.

Miscellaneous:  We really enjoyed honoring a group of very special veterans on Tuesday!  We were so lucky to have them visit our class and share their stories.  We are very grateful for their service and dedication to our country!  Just a reminder, the November writing words test will be on Thursday, November 19.  This test will be cumulative and cover the October words as well.  Please let me know if you need additional copies of the lists.  November book orders are due November 20.  As the weather gets colder, please make sure your child brings warm outerwear for recess…thank you!  Have a wonderful weekend and stay warm!

Happy Veteran's Day!

We were so lucky to have a wonderful Veteran's Day assembly!  We enjoyed recognizing and honoring many special people.  After the assembly, we were fortunate to have a few of our veterans come to our classroom!  Mr. Rist (Ben's grandpa), Mr. Lange (Blaike's grandpa), Mr. Crenshaw (Noah's grandpa), and Mr. Wilkin (Ben's grandpa) were able to visit with us today.  It was such a meaningful experience to hear their stories and answers to our questions.  We also loved seeing their photos, medals, and army gear.  We want to say thank you to all the veterans for their important service to our country!

Kidz Voice Newsletter Opportunity!

Calling All Third Graders!

Extra! Extra! Let's read all about what's on your minds!

Kidz Voice, Dryden's student newsletter, needs you! We are looking for article submissions. 

Articles can be about current events at Dryden, in Arlington Heights, the U.S., or the world. You can write about sports, an interesting person, submit artwork, or write an opinion. It's all about making your voice heard!

Articles are due to Mrs. Geisler by FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13! 

You can e-mail them directly to her at teresageisler@gmail.com or drop a hard copy off in the office.  If you have any questions, you can contact Mrs. Geisler at the above e-mail.

This Week...

November 2- November 6, 2015

Reading:  We spent some time reviewing all the key topics and skills we have learned in our nonfiction unit so far…some of these included author’s purpose, types of nonfiction, vocabulary strategies, features, and structures.  Then, we talked about the importance of summarizing what we read.  We learned that a summary should be about the most important parts of the text and that it can help the reader with his/her comprehension.  Students practiced using the “Sum It Up” strategy with A Butterfly is Patient.  They also applied this strategy while reading a National Geographic article about raptors raising their young.  They used a graphic organizer to make sure they included all the key parts of the article in their summary. Reading Logs are due Monday, November 9.  (100 minutes)

Math:  Students reviewed major concepts from unit 3, which included: measuring to the nearest ¼ inch, finding the perimeter/area, and measuring the diameter/circumference of a circle.  They also started using IXL, an online resource to review key measurement concepts.  Student log-in information and passwords are taped in the front of their assignment notebooks.  Students are encouraged to use this resource at home to practice any additional skills.  Students took their unit 3 test on Wednesday.  We will begin unit 4 next week!

Science:  In the LMC, students continued their biome research.  They used the boxes and bullets organizer to take notes about various animals that live in their biome.  They determined if the adaptations were physical or behavioral.  At the end of the week, we reviewed key ideas from our habitat unit.  Two review guides went home.  One guide focused on the oak tree and survival needs, while the other focused on the cactus.  The habitats unit test will be on Tuesday, November 10.  Please encourage your child to start studying now since there is a lot of material.

Writing:  In writing, we continued working on our personal narratives!  Students chose two sections that needed improvement.  Then, they wrote two revisions that included additional showing details.  After creating their revisions, students worked on their rough drafts.  In grammar, students learned irregular plural noun forms, such as “feet” and “geese”.  The November writing words list also went home at the beginning of the week.  The November writing words test will be on Thursday, November 19 and will include the October words.

Spelling:  Students took their week 9 spelling test.

Miscellaneous:  November book orders went home this week and are due on Friday, November 20.  Also, congrats to Nani and Mary for winning the raffle for our hermit crabs!  We appreciate all the offers to take one home, but unfortunately, we only had 2. We will miss Herman and Mr. Massive, but know that they will be well taken care of!  Please let me know if you have any questions.  I hope you have a terrific weekend!