Happy Friday!

First of all, I'd like to thank everyone who was able to come to Back to School Night last night...I enjoyed seeing so many of you, and I know your children were thrilled that you got to come in and see some of the wonderful things they've been doing. They especially enjoyed checking out your position in the line plot this morning! If you were unable to attend, your child will be bringing home an orange folder today. There are many different items in this folder. Please take time to read through each one and then return the green directory form and the white volunteer form. Thank you!


Another five day week has come and gone...my goodness time flies! This week in Language Arts we focused on "during reading" strategies...specifically visualizing, asking questions, and inferring...I have some outstanding thinkers in this room. Many of these kids use all of these strategies naturally, and so to read and make them stop to talk about them or write about them can be frustrating...but they have done a remarkable job! Next week we will be focusing on synthesizing and determining importance...two strategies that are a little more complex.


In Math this week we began a new unit on numeration. We are working with numbers in the millions, determining their value, composing and decomposing the numbers, using estimation and applying it all in problem solving. We have been using white boards during some of these lessons...which leads me to a request...you know how when you do laundry you end up with at least one sock that has lost it's partner?!?! Could you please send one sock with your child to school that he/she may use as a white board eraser? I would really appreciate it!! We will continue with this unit into next week...and then dive into money...when pretesting the kids, they can all determine an amount of money, but finding the correct amount of change using the least amount of coins and bills is an area they all need to work on...so we'll be headed there next.


In Social Studies we are continuing to work with maps...we had a wonderful time this week delving into the State Highway Map of Maryland...using the grid system provided as well as lines of latitude and longitude. We are now turning our focus to the map of the entire US and will be doing an in class project determining the best route for my family to take on a trip this summer. I look forward to reading and seeing their ideas!


We continue to work on cursive...if you plan to let your child practice at home, my only request is that you stick to our pace...only practice the letters we have taught. It is a slow process, but it's at a pace appropriate for the kids. I am adding a link today where you can go to Zaner Bloser "Fonts on Line" and click on "get started" and make cursive worksheets for your child. This is only an option...no one is required to do extra cursive practice, but a parent requested it, so I am providing it!

Last, but certainly not least...in word study we are focusing on words that follow patterns that third graders are required to know...I have also added the "Spelling City" link where kids can use our actual list and play games and take tests. I may assign HW asking the kids to go on line and play one of the games or practice their words. Today in the computer lab, the kids visited Spelling City...they accessed it through the UES website, clicked on staff list, my name, and the globe next to my name, which in turn, took them to my blog. Spelling City can be accessed right here.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend with your kids...your families...and as always, feel free to email me with any questions. I truly enjoyed last night and look forward to a great year!