OK...so here is how proud I am of your kids...I have to get up at SIX am tomorrow to be on a baseball field very far away for an 8:30 am game...I SHOULD be sleeping...but I cannot go to sleep without posting about our week...
Ladies and gentlemen...sign your kids up for acting camp...call Hollywood...do something...they are AMAZING actors and actresses! I am so incredibly proud of the work they did on their plays...can you believe they memorized all of that?! And delivered it with such dramatic talent?! WOW.
So...you're probably wondering what else we did this week...I'm sort of wondering that too...just kidding...here goes...
Language Arts...plays, plays, plays...
Science...we are finishing up our Populations unit...look for a unit test sometime soon...I'll let the kids know and it will be written on their agendas. This past week we observed and discussed the anatomy of daphnia. The students read a non-fiction article about daphnia and labeled a scientific drawing. Byputting the daphnia in a large drop of water and using the small circle in the hands lens, the students could see all of the parts that we had read about and discussed...it was so cool! They could count the eggs in the brood pouch! We are doing an experiment to see how fast daphnia reproduce...we put a few daphnia in a vial and recorded the exact number in our science composition books...we'll be checking in on those daphnia regularly to see what the biotic potential of daphnia are in our classroom! On a sad note, our friendly anoles went back to the science center, but it sure was fun caring for them and watching them partake in a real live food chain!
In Math this week we completed a project using our knowledge of perimeter and area. The students designed a garden with at least 5 different vegetables and fruits sections. They had to find the perimeter and area of their gardens and some of the veg/fruit sections. They also had to write a question for another student to solve pertaining to their garden. It was a fun way to review and extend our area/perimeter skills. We will be solving these problems on Tuesday and then heading into something new (that's what I say when I haven't figured out what we're doing next...please forgive me, it was a long week!)
This week we also started the Personal Body Safety Unit. We are piloting this new curriculum and I personally think it is very well written. Your children are doing such a nice job listening, discussing, and respecting each other during this unit. We will finish the five lessons next week and we have a Kids on the Block program this Friday as a culmination of this unit.
As I'm sure you know by now, we have a field trip scheduled for Monday, June 1st to Rose Hill Manor. This field trip ties directly to our Social Studies indicators...
SS.300.50 History
Students will use historical thinking skills to understand how individuals and events have changed society over time.
SS.300.50.01.b Investigate how people lived in the past using a variety
of primary and secondary sources.
SS.300.50.01.b.1 Collect and examine information about people,
places, or events of the past using pictures, photographs, maps, audio or
visual tapes, and/or documents.
This is a fun field trip and we're looking forward to going. If you would like to accompany your child, please send an extra $5 with your child's money and field trip permission slip. I will contact you toward the end of next week to firm up details.
I hope you enjoy this extra long weekend...it's going to be beautiful weather!
May 22, 2009
May 18, 2009
Will Your Child Play an Instrument Next Year!?
After today's "recruiting concert" I'm guessing your child wants to play an instrument next year!! Today, all six county band teachers came to our school and performed for the third and fourth graders...they were wonderful and they got the kids very interested in the program. Each child is coming home with a Band and Orchestra enrollment form for next year. Please read and discuss the letter with your child and return it to me by Friday. 
May 15, 2009
Time is FLYING...
Can you believe we're in the middle of May?! Holy moly!! Time is flying by and your kids have grown up so much...wait until you see these plays! They're WONDERFUL!
Speaking of the plays...the third grade magnet classes are performing four "fractured fairy tales" next week. Hopefully by now you've seen the pink letter that came home asking if you'll be attending the Parent Performances on Thursday, May 21st at 1:30 pm. If for any reason that time is not good for you, please email me...we have a dress rehearsal Monday and we're performing for the other third grade classes on Tuesday, so there are other options. We're hoping that our 2:30 shuttle friends can stay until 3pm on Thursday...we want to have a "cast party" and we won't have time before the 2:30pm dismissal. We really appreciate your help with this!
So...in Language Arts it's been all about the plays. The kids are learning so much...not only are they perfecting their oral communication skills, they are learning a lot about stage direction, and they are learning they need each other to run a successful play...if one person forgets to walk onto the stage, the play is at a standstill...if the curtain doesn't close on time...they cannot proceed...in saying that, they've had to work on being kind when reminding friends it's "their time/turn". The other thing I've noticed about your little drama kings and queens is that they are really learning how to be the character...quite a few of them have put their own spin on the character in a really mature way...this is something that will be hard to see because you won't have a script...but their mannerisms and twist on wording has been kid inspired...not my doing. I have to tell you...I'm hard on them...I'm a true stage director and they're so used to me, they don't even flinch, but if you heard me barking at them, you might cringe a little...I do it with love and the finished product will show their amazing hard work!
OK...so truth time...math kind of took a back seat this week...we're so into plays. They took a quiz and they did some problem solving, but truth be told, between plays, science, the two hour late arrival, and our visit from Ms. Fike to talk about bullying, math got the shaft. We will return full speed ahead next week with a unit on perimeter and area where the children are designing a garden...more to come on that!
Science, however, can't take a backseat because if it did, we'd have dead organisms all over the place! Yesterday the kids observed daphnia and aphids...these two organisms reproduce at a rapid pace and they will be doing an experiment next week that will help them observe the daphnia's biotic potential. This week we also read some non fiction articles about food chains and discussed consumers, producers, and decomposers...it has been great to have all of the different organisms in the classroom while learning about these scientific concepts!
The other focus this week was how to organize and complete the animal research project. The students were required to complete at least 10 note cards and site the references. We then took those cards and organized them...we constructed an outline using the questions as our topics and the facts on the cards as the details. The students were supposed to come in today with an idea of what visual they will use for their project. Next week the students will be required to work on the "written part of their project"...I write it like that because some children want to do a power point presentation...the outline will help them to set it up. Some kids want to do a venn diagram...the outline will have all the information they need...others want to complete a written report...by adding a few transition sentences, their report is mapped out for them. All next week the agenda will read, "work on project". Your child may need help organizing their time, but they should be doing this part by themselves as much as possible. Please contact me if your child needs extra guidance...I'd like this to be THEIR OWN WORK...and I appreciate your help in this matter.
Have a wonderful weekend. I hope you stay dry...the forecast doesn't look promising!
Speaking of the plays...the third grade magnet classes are performing four "fractured fairy tales" next week. Hopefully by now you've seen the pink letter that came home asking if you'll be attending the Parent Performances on Thursday, May 21st at 1:30 pm. If for any reason that time is not good for you, please email me...we have a dress rehearsal Monday and we're performing for the other third grade classes on Tuesday, so there are other options. We're hoping that our 2:30 shuttle friends can stay until 3pm on Thursday...we want to have a "cast party" and we won't have time before the 2:30pm dismissal. We really appreciate your help with this!
So...in Language Arts it's been all about the plays. The kids are learning so much...not only are they perfecting their oral communication skills, they are learning a lot about stage direction, and they are learning they need each other to run a successful play...if one person forgets to walk onto the stage, the play is at a standstill...if the curtain doesn't close on time...they cannot proceed...in saying that, they've had to work on being kind when reminding friends it's "their time/turn". The other thing I've noticed about your little drama kings and queens is that they are really learning how to be the character...quite a few of them have put their own spin on the character in a really mature way...this is something that will be hard to see because you won't have a script...but their mannerisms and twist on wording has been kid inspired...not my doing. I have to tell you...I'm hard on them...I'm a true stage director and they're so used to me, they don't even flinch, but if you heard me barking at them, you might cringe a little...I do it with love and the finished product will show their amazing hard work!
OK...so truth time...math kind of took a back seat this week...we're so into plays. They took a quiz and they did some problem solving, but truth be told, between plays, science, the two hour late arrival, and our visit from Ms. Fike to talk about bullying, math got the shaft. We will return full speed ahead next week with a unit on perimeter and area where the children are designing a garden...more to come on that!
Science, however, can't take a backseat because if it did, we'd have dead organisms all over the place! Yesterday the kids observed daphnia and aphids...these two organisms reproduce at a rapid pace and they will be doing an experiment next week that will help them observe the daphnia's biotic potential. This week we also read some non fiction articles about food chains and discussed consumers, producers, and decomposers...it has been great to have all of the different organisms in the classroom while learning about these scientific concepts!
The other focus this week was how to organize and complete the animal research project. The students were required to complete at least 10 note cards and site the references. We then took those cards and organized them...we constructed an outline using the questions as our topics and the facts on the cards as the details. The students were supposed to come in today with an idea of what visual they will use for their project. Next week the students will be required to work on the "written part of their project"...I write it like that because some children want to do a power point presentation...the outline will help them to set it up. Some kids want to do a venn diagram...the outline will have all the information they need...others want to complete a written report...by adding a few transition sentences, their report is mapped out for them. All next week the agenda will read, "work on project". Your child may need help organizing their time, but they should be doing this part by themselves as much as possible. Please contact me if your child needs extra guidance...I'd like this to be THEIR OWN WORK...and I appreciate your help in this matter.
Have a wonderful weekend. I hope you stay dry...the forecast doesn't look promising!
May 11, 2009
So Sorry I Missed It...
This morning the kids could not stop talking about the Cultural Fair held yesterday. Based on their conversations and the pictures, I can tell I missed a wonderful afternoon. On any other day I would have skipped a baseball game, but on Mother's Day I needed to be with my kids...and we were all at the ball field. The coach of Jake's team bought long stemmed pink roses and each player presented their mother with a rose...so I was especially happy to be there as Jake handed one to me! I hope that if this event takes place next year I will be able to attend. I cannot wait to see the video clips...I hear that I missed some stellar performances. For now I will leave you with the picture collage that Ms. Kim made. Congratulations to all participants...you provided a wonderful afternoon for everyone who attended!
May 8, 2009
WOW...I am so humbled.
Thank you for the way you made me feel this week...it is my absolute pleasure to teach your children and I am overwhelmed by your generosity. On Monday I was treated to my favorite breakfast foods...a yummy muffin and a CASE of Gatorade! On Wednesday my chinese food lunch (my favorite!) was served on a pretty placemat with silverware, chopsticks, and fresh fruit...I felt like I was in a restaurant! Yesterday I was given an eco friendly bag (eco friendly AND beautiful) as a gift...and today...by far the best day ever...a book made by the kids that I will always treasure. I can't thank you enough for your kind words. I consider myself doubly blessed. I have a job I love, and I have a classroom full of great kids who come from wonderful families. Thank you doesn't seem like enough...but THANK YOU so much.Now...to the reason I blog...our week...
Language Arts...we are heavy into play production. The students auditioned and have been assigned parts. They have made "scene signs", are working on background scenery, have made lists of needed props, and are rehearsing their lines. Next week we have time scheduled in the cafeteria to use the stage. After a couple of days on the stage I will have a better idea of when we will be ready to perform. I am looking at Thursday, May 21 or Friday, May 22...but I will nail down a date by mid week next week.
Math...we are finishing up our unit on Algebra...my goodness, I love the insides of these kids' heads!! We have had fun solving for the unknown, writing equations to match everyday situations, creating our own function tables, and balancing equations.
Science...we have many populations living in our classroom. We have friendly anoles...who prey on active crickets...who are busy eating the grass...that grow in our terrariums. We are observing the growth and development of our bush bean plants, fava bean plants, and pea plants as they grow quickly. As you are now aware, each child is working on a research project that directly relates to our science unit. They are researching two animals that are very similar, yet quite different. They are collecting data using a research tool (put together by Mrs. Ganeshan and Ms. Kim...thank you!). They will use this tool to organize the data and put together a report/presentation to inform us about their animals. I will continue to instruct the students on the "how to" of the organization tool...right now they should have 5 questions and 5 fact cards. Next week we will continue to add fact cards as I give them instructions for the next step at school. If at any point you have a question, please feel free to shoot me an email. I received an email from one student last night and I was able to clarify for that family right away.
Writing...although this is part of Language Arts...I am giving writing it's own paragraph...because HOLY MOLY...you should see the kids' persuasive essays!! They are coming home today. There is a sticky note to remind your child to share it with you, but return it. I need it for the kids' portfolios. They are unbelievable...and also in the folder today is their first persuasive writing they did over a month ago for homework...sort of a pretest to see what they knew about writing persuasively...I am tickled PINK with the final products!! And just a warning...some of you will have to come up with good arguments for NOT painting the kitchen, NOT refinishing the basement, NOT raising the allowance, etc...they are extremely convincing persuasive essays.
As always I hope you and your family enjoy the weekend...you have amazing children...and I am so humbled by your kindness.
Love,
Mrs. Wills
May 1, 2009
Two more things!!
First and foremost...we have very exciting news to share. Over 1500 students across the nation entered the Letters From the White House contest that your children entered...and one of our very own is a 2nd runner up!
CONGRATULATIONS, JOY XU!!
I am very proud of Joy and her amazing letter from the White House. Her piece will be published online May 6th and can be found at this link... http://www.adlit.org/our_white_house_contest.
I am so proud of all of our writers, and on Monday, each student will receive a certificate for participating in this contest!
Secondly...a new and improved summer reading list has been distributed. (I can't believe we are talking about summer already!) Anyway the link below will take you to many different websites that will help give you and your child several options when picking good quality literature for summer reading.
Have a great weekend!
Another rainy Friday....
but a great week of learning! Here is the rundown...
Math...
We have turned our focus on algebra...and are having a lot of fun! We worked this week mainly with function tables. Function tables were introduced, each table group attacked one together, and then each student was given a table to figure out independently. THEN...each child developed a function table of their own. We hung them all over the room and did a "Function Table Gallery Walk" where we walked around trying to solve each others' tables...many had double functions and were very hard...but the kids were very into figuring them out. It was a fun activity...we will continue with algebra next week!
Language Arts...
As I'm sure you've heard...we're into our "play unit"...no this is not a time for playing :-)...it is a time to analyze the elements of plays and become part of a production. The kids were very excited to practice and audition...they were wonderful! We even had one student bring a costume for the audition!! :-) The casts of our two plays were announced today...most kids were happy about their parts...a few were disappointed...and I cannot stand disappointing kids...but when casting plays it's part of life, I guess. We will work for the next two weeks on these plays and hopefully perform them the third week of May...I will let you know as soon as possible what days we will be performing, so you can come see your lovely third grader in action!!
Science...
We are hot and heavy into science! We have an investigation going on right now...Bigs and Littles...ask your kids about it! If I had put more salt in the water (as I'm SURE they'll tell you) our investigation would have gone a little smoother. We have terrariums waiting for critters to observe, and we have bean plants growing in cups...we went on a schoolyard field trip to the Wetlands to observe all different kinds of organisms...we are so lucky to have that beautiful area on our property! Our populations unit is in full swing and the kids will be spending the next month or so observing different populations and how they interact and depend on each other!
Remember last week's photo story about our field trip!? Well...this week your kids were instructed on how to use the Photo Story program and they created a photo story of their own....Photo Story is a free download from Microsoft...and it's a wonderful tool for retelling stories and saving memories! Now that they know how to use the program, we will be incorporating it into our Science unit later this month!
Have a wonderful weekend...stay dry!
Math...
We have turned our focus on algebra...and are having a lot of fun! We worked this week mainly with function tables. Function tables were introduced, each table group attacked one together, and then each student was given a table to figure out independently. THEN...each child developed a function table of their own. We hung them all over the room and did a "Function Table Gallery Walk" where we walked around trying to solve each others' tables...many had double functions and were very hard...but the kids were very into figuring them out. It was a fun activity...we will continue with algebra next week!
Language Arts...
As I'm sure you've heard...we're into our "play unit"...no this is not a time for playing :-)...it is a time to analyze the elements of plays and become part of a production. The kids were very excited to practice and audition...they were wonderful! We even had one student bring a costume for the audition!! :-) The casts of our two plays were announced today...most kids were happy about their parts...a few were disappointed...and I cannot stand disappointing kids...but when casting plays it's part of life, I guess. We will work for the next two weeks on these plays and hopefully perform them the third week of May...I will let you know as soon as possible what days we will be performing, so you can come see your lovely third grader in action!!
Science...
We are hot and heavy into science! We have an investigation going on right now...Bigs and Littles...ask your kids about it! If I had put more salt in the water (as I'm SURE they'll tell you) our investigation would have gone a little smoother. We have terrariums waiting for critters to observe, and we have bean plants growing in cups...we went on a schoolyard field trip to the Wetlands to observe all different kinds of organisms...we are so lucky to have that beautiful area on our property! Our populations unit is in full swing and the kids will be spending the next month or so observing different populations and how they interact and depend on each other!
Remember last week's photo story about our field trip!? Well...this week your kids were instructed on how to use the Photo Story program and they created a photo story of their own....Photo Story is a free download from Microsoft...and it's a wonderful tool for retelling stories and saving memories! Now that they know how to use the program, we will be incorporating it into our Science unit later this month!
Have a wonderful weekend...stay dry!
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