Hello, lovely third grade magnet families! We had a wonderful week...here it is in a nutshell...
MATH
In Math we have been working on estimating and rounding to a particular place...when you are dealing with numbers in the millions and you're asked to round to the nearest thousand there are often furrowed brows...but after this week we have less wrinkled foreheads...I think! :-) We have been reviewing addition of larger numbers and next week will spend a few days on subtraction with zeroes. I know that some of you are wondering...when will my child be challenged? I gave a quarterly pretest and am only instructing those kids that need reinforcement of the different concepts. If your child missed no addition of larger numbers or subtraction with zeroes, they are working on enrichment activities where they must apply the skills they already have mastered. This is always harder than the actual algorithm itself. When I assign homework, I usually assign the actual concept being worked on/reinforced as mandatory homework, and then assign a more challenging piece for extra credit. This piece is always a choice, and some kids do not take it with them...I am fine with this as I feel that during the day I am taxing their brains and if in the evening they'd rather do the "must do" homework and skip the extra credit, it's fine. HOWEVER...I am aware that it may not be fine in your opinion. This is a conversation you need to have with your child if you want them to take the extra credit piece home with them. Hopefully I've explained this well, but if you're completely confused, feel free to email me!
SOCIAL STUDIES
We are working on map elements and delving into lines of latitude and longitude...using coordinate points to locate places on the map. I was thrilled to see that six of our students completed the extra credit project about the lines on a map! By the end of next week, every child will be bringing home a project that will require them to use their knowledge of map elements and coordinate points. They will have 10 days to complete the project...more details next Friday!
LANGUAGE ARTS
In Language Arts we have been reading different fiction and non-fiction books and using our "before reading" strategies. We have identified fiction and non-fiction text features and we have continued with our reading responses. Each student now has a rubric inside their reading response journal to remind them of the expectations. This is something you can see if you come to our Back to School Night (BTSN) next Thursday evening. Speaking of BTSN...
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
Our BTSN is from 7-8 on Thursday, September 10th. It is for parents only and it is where I will have the opportunity to tell you more about our program and answer any questions you may have. If you know a question you'd like answered, please email me ahead of time so that I can be well prepared...thanks!
As you probably know by now, we FILLED OUR MARBLE JAR! I wasn't kidding when I said they're an awesome group...ask them how many marbles it took to do it...it's AMAZING that they did it in two weeks! We spent some time today playing board games...I even got to play backgammon...and I lost!! It was a lot of fun and well deserved!
This Tuesday, President Obama is giving a speech to America's students. I am not broadcasting this speech. It begins 10 minutes before our lunch and it, unfortunately, does not fit into our day. I am, however, recording it at home to show my own children that evening. If you would like more information about this speech, want to know what channel to record, or would just like some questions to use with your child before and after the speech, please follow this link... http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/academic/bts.html#faqs
I hope you enjoy the three day weekend and I look forward to seeing your lovelies on Tuesday!
September 4, 2009
September 3, 2009
WE FILLED THE MARBLE JAR!!
I realize many of you will not see this because it's Thursday...but remind your kids to bring a board game to school tomorrow...we are having BOARD GAME DAY!! :-) They have worked very hard and deserve some "play" time.
I'll blog tomorrow!
I'll blog tomorrow!
August 27, 2009
It's Friday!
WOW...what a week! You all have sent the most well-mannered, delightful children...and I thank you. I know many of you are thinking, "Is she talking about MY kid?" I am. The 21 students in my classroom have had a wonderful week and I'm really excited about the upcoming year! I have so much to share, so let me get started.
SOARING WITH PRIDE
You may have noticed that our whole staff was wearing t-shirts that said, "Soaring with Pride" at our Open House. This is the theme for our new positive behavior support system at Urbana. The students have been introduced to the expectations and have been informed how they will be rewarded (classroom stickers and star student stickers) and how they will be reminded/what consequences they will face if those expectations are not met. "Think Sheets" are one of the ways we're asking kids to think about their actions. A think sheet is given after a warning...a silent warning. In my classroom that silent warning is a "Thinkman" card...this is a picture of the same "man" that is on the Think Sheet...it is supposed to warn the student that "I've asked you to stop that behavior and now I'm leaning toward giving you a Think Sheet." (I will go over this more at BTSN.) Anyway...I'm happy to report that I've only had to set the "Thinkman" cards on desks a few times and as of yet, they've not resulted in a "Think Sheet"! Today we celebrated by attending a "Soaring With Pride" assembly and each student was given a wristband with the theme on it...it was a fun assembly where the third grade teachers did skits showing good choices and no-so-good choices! This new positive behavior support will bring consistency throughout our school...our entire staff is involved and we like what we've seen the first week!
Math
In Math this week we've been focusing on numeration and place value. We've been working on "really big numbers" and using many different ways to manipulate these numbers. The students have worked with a place value chart, had to read numbers aloud, used white boards to show their ability to write the numbers in expanded form, composed and decomposed the numbers, and put large numbers on a number line. The kids also took a Quarterly pretest this week. The results of this test help me to structure the lessons and groupings for each concept in math. I will be scoring them this weekend and will spend the remainder of Quarter One covering fourth grade indicators and extending/enriching when appropriate.
Writing
The kids now have writing folders and are chomping at the bit to have "free writing" time. I introduced the writing trait "IDEAS" this week and gave them a parking lot to put in their folder. This is where they are to park ideas as they get them. A couple times a week the students will have writing time where they can work on their "masterpieces"...or as I like to call them :-) "works in progress!" They were given a Quick Word handbook to use as a resource when writing...a place to put words that they need to ask how to spell...sort of like their own private "word wall." Now that we have these folders set up, they are one of a few choices that kids have when they have finished their classwork. Many kids are dying to take them home and work on them...I am allowing that...please refrain from helping them "improve" their pieces. These pieces will be taken through all steps of the writing process and need to be their own work! Trust me, I know how hard it is to not help...but try not to, please!
Language Arts
I read a book this week called By My Brother's Side. It was a story written by Tiki and Ronde Barber and is about when they were young. It's a wonderful story that Mrs. Wright, our media specialist, recommended...we used it to discuss the Pillars of Character that our school recognizes: citizenship, caring, responsibility, respect, fairness, and trustworthiness. The kids worked cooperatively to define these six pillars and then after the story, illustrated a pillar and defined it in their own words. They did a nice job. Next week we will dive into unit one which deals with reading strategies. We will be responding to literature and having class discussions...it's a great unit!
Social Studies
This week we focused on communities and being good citizens...the curiculum suggests we touch on this later in the year, but it seemed so timely as we worked on classroom rules and the new behavior system. We have 21 FINE citizens in our community of learning and I'm proud to spend my days with them!
Daily Schedules
A few kids have asked for another copy of the daily schedule. In an effort to save paper, I have added links to the side bar of this blog so that you may access your child's daily schedule whenever you need it...the only information you'll need to know is which group your child goes to specials with!
Please know that if you ever have a question, comment or concern I am all ears. Please feel free to email me. I check email throughout the day and over the weekend. I hope you enjoy your families this weekend...I sure plan to!
SOARING WITH PRIDE
You may have noticed that our whole staff was wearing t-shirts that said, "Soaring with Pride" at our Open House. This is the theme for our new positive behavior support system at Urbana. The students have been introduced to the expectations and have been informed how they will be rewarded (classroom stickers and star student stickers) and how they will be reminded/what consequences they will face if those expectations are not met. "Think Sheets" are one of the ways we're asking kids to think about their actions. A think sheet is given after a warning...a silent warning. In my classroom that silent warning is a "Thinkman" card...this is a picture of the same "man" that is on the Think Sheet...it is supposed to warn the student that "I've asked you to stop that behavior and now I'm leaning toward giving you a Think Sheet." (I will go over this more at BTSN.) Anyway...I'm happy to report that I've only had to set the "Thinkman" cards on desks a few times and as of yet, they've not resulted in a "Think Sheet"! Today we celebrated by attending a "Soaring With Pride" assembly and each student was given a wristband with the theme on it...it was a fun assembly where the third grade teachers did skits showing good choices and no-so-good choices! This new positive behavior support will bring consistency throughout our school...our entire staff is involved and we like what we've seen the first week!
Math
In Math this week we've been focusing on numeration and place value. We've been working on "really big numbers" and using many different ways to manipulate these numbers. The students have worked with a place value chart, had to read numbers aloud, used white boards to show their ability to write the numbers in expanded form, composed and decomposed the numbers, and put large numbers on a number line. The kids also took a Quarterly pretest this week. The results of this test help me to structure the lessons and groupings for each concept in math. I will be scoring them this weekend and will spend the remainder of Quarter One covering fourth grade indicators and extending/enriching when appropriate.
Writing
The kids now have writing folders and are chomping at the bit to have "free writing" time. I introduced the writing trait "IDEAS" this week and gave them a parking lot to put in their folder. This is where they are to park ideas as they get them. A couple times a week the students will have writing time where they can work on their "masterpieces"...or as I like to call them :-) "works in progress!" They were given a Quick Word handbook to use as a resource when writing...a place to put words that they need to ask how to spell...sort of like their own private "word wall." Now that we have these folders set up, they are one of a few choices that kids have when they have finished their classwork. Many kids are dying to take them home and work on them...I am allowing that...please refrain from helping them "improve" their pieces. These pieces will be taken through all steps of the writing process and need to be their own work! Trust me, I know how hard it is to not help...but try not to, please!
Language Arts
I read a book this week called By My Brother's Side. It was a story written by Tiki and Ronde Barber and is about when they were young. It's a wonderful story that Mrs. Wright, our media specialist, recommended...we used it to discuss the Pillars of Character that our school recognizes: citizenship, caring, responsibility, respect, fairness, and trustworthiness. The kids worked cooperatively to define these six pillars and then after the story, illustrated a pillar and defined it in their own words. They did a nice job. Next week we will dive into unit one which deals with reading strategies. We will be responding to literature and having class discussions...it's a great unit!
Social Studies
This week we focused on communities and being good citizens...the curiculum suggests we touch on this later in the year, but it seemed so timely as we worked on classroom rules and the new behavior system. We have 21 FINE citizens in our community of learning and I'm proud to spend my days with them!
Daily Schedules
A few kids have asked for another copy of the daily schedule. In an effort to save paper, I have added links to the side bar of this blog so that you may access your child's daily schedule whenever you need it...the only information you'll need to know is which group your child goes to specials with!
Please know that if you ever have a question, comment or concern I am all ears. Please feel free to email me. I check email throughout the day and over the weekend. I hope you enjoy your families this weekend...I sure plan to!
August 22, 2009
Nice to meet you!
I feel like I said that a lot on Friday...but I really didn't say a whole lot more! I look forward to Back to School Night when I can share a lot more information with you all.
I got a few questions on my "Burning Questions" board that I'd like to answer today...then you don't have to wait until then!
1. How often should we check your fabulous blog? (thank you)
I would like you to check it weekly....I will blog every Friday. The students will write "read blog" on their agendas if I need you to see it on a different day...otherwise, please check on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
2. How much homework should we expect?
The county policy is approximately 30 minutes a night. Some nights it will be less, every once in a while it will be more...I will give the students ample time to complete long term projects and will speak more on this at BTSN...no long term projects will be assigned before then.
3. Can we get grades on line throughout the year?
No, I'm sorry you can't. Well, I'm sorry for you...not so sorry for me...that would be a lot of pressure! :-) We do not use Pinacle, so there is no way to give you access. I am MORE than happy to discuss your child's grades with you at any point in the school year...just shoot me an email.
4. What new subjects will be taught this year?
The subjects will not be new, but the units within them will be new. We will have Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and Science. There are three different science units and four different social studies units...all curriculum can be found on line at fcps.org (the link is on the sidebar of my blog). I will describe each unit at BTSN.
5. How can I help you this year?
Thanks for asking! Truly the best way to help me is to stay connected...visit the blog, email me when you have a question...our communication is key to a great year...but another way you can help is by volunteering. I will be sending home a volunteer letter the second week of school. So, if you're interested in volunteering in the classroom or at home (I always have cutting or sorting or things like that to do) you will be able to give me your availability then.
6. I would like to see my child do a science project this year.
Well, that works out nicely since each child is going to be required to enter our science fair and do a project this year!!
Those were all of the "burning questions"...and I will go into a lot more detail at Back to School Night...so please mark your calendars...Thursday, September 10th 7pm-8pm!
Have a wonderful LAST weekend of summer vacation!!
I got a few questions on my "Burning Questions" board that I'd like to answer today...then you don't have to wait until then!
1. How often should we check your fabulous blog? (thank you)
I would like you to check it weekly....I will blog every Friday. The students will write "read blog" on their agendas if I need you to see it on a different day...otherwise, please check on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
2. How much homework should we expect?
The county policy is approximately 30 minutes a night. Some nights it will be less, every once in a while it will be more...I will give the students ample time to complete long term projects and will speak more on this at BTSN...no long term projects will be assigned before then.
3. Can we get grades on line throughout the year?
No, I'm sorry you can't. Well, I'm sorry for you...not so sorry for me...that would be a lot of pressure! :-) We do not use Pinacle, so there is no way to give you access. I am MORE than happy to discuss your child's grades with you at any point in the school year...just shoot me an email.
4. What new subjects will be taught this year?
The subjects will not be new, but the units within them will be new. We will have Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and Science. There are three different science units and four different social studies units...all curriculum can be found on line at fcps.org (the link is on the sidebar of my blog). I will describe each unit at BTSN.
5. How can I help you this year?
Thanks for asking! Truly the best way to help me is to stay connected...visit the blog, email me when you have a question...our communication is key to a great year...but another way you can help is by volunteering. I will be sending home a volunteer letter the second week of school. So, if you're interested in volunteering in the classroom or at home (I always have cutting or sorting or things like that to do) you will be able to give me your availability then.
6. I would like to see my child do a science project this year.
Well, that works out nicely since each child is going to be required to enter our science fair and do a project this year!!
Those were all of the "burning questions"...and I will go into a lot more detail at Back to School Night...so please mark your calendars...Thursday, September 10th 7pm-8pm!
Have a wonderful LAST weekend of summer vacation!!
August 21, 2009
WELCOME TO OPEN HOUSE!
You must be on the back page of your scavenger hunt if you're sitting here reading the blog! Good job!
MAKE SURE that I take a picture of you today...if you have not had your picture taken by the time you're ready to go out for ice cream...come tell me that you're leaving and you need me to take your picture! Thank you for your help with that!
If you brought your supplies...feel free to organize your desk...or just leave them here and we'll organize on Monday.
I am really excited for the upcoming year and so glad that YOU are in my class!
Have a great weekend and enjoy your families...oh, and take a blue piece of paper with the blog address...when you get home, tell your parents to add it to their bookmarks or favorites, OK?
MAKE SURE that I take a picture of you today...if you have not had your picture taken by the time you're ready to go out for ice cream...come tell me that you're leaving and you need me to take your picture! Thank you for your help with that!
If you brought your supplies...feel free to organize your desk...or just leave them here and we'll organize on Monday.
I am really excited for the upcoming year and so glad that YOU are in my class!
Have a great weekend and enjoy your families...oh, and take a blue piece of paper with the blog address...when you get home, tell your parents to add it to their bookmarks or favorites, OK?
August 9, 2009
WELCOME to my new third graders and families!!!
WELCOME! This is the place where I will post information every week about the goings on in our classroom. I am guessing that since you have found this blog, you have received my letter!! If not, you should be getting it any day now!
I am so excited for the upcoming year...we are going to have a great time together while stretching our brains!! I hope to get a chance to meet you all on Friday, August 21st from 3-4pm at the UES Open House...feel free to bring your school supplies and put them in your desks that afternoon...it will make the backpack a lot lighter the next morning!!
When you get to the classroom...look for your desk...on it will be a Scavenger Hunt to help you become familiar with the classroom and our surroundings.
We have EIGHT new students to the third grade magnet program this year...make sure to introduce yourselves to each other so that you can start off Monday the 24th already having made a new friend.
If you'd like to communicate with me BEFORE the 21st....maybe you'd like me to know what name you like to be called, or you'd like to tell me something interesting about your summer, or maybe you just have a question...please feel free to email me... karen.wills@fcps.org!
Enjoy the rest of your summer break...see you VERY soon!!
Mrs. Wills
I am so excited for the upcoming year...we are going to have a great time together while stretching our brains!! I hope to get a chance to meet you all on Friday, August 21st from 3-4pm at the UES Open House...feel free to bring your school supplies and put them in your desks that afternoon...it will make the backpack a lot lighter the next morning!!
When you get to the classroom...look for your desk...on it will be a Scavenger Hunt to help you become familiar with the classroom and our surroundings.
We have EIGHT new students to the third grade magnet program this year...make sure to introduce yourselves to each other so that you can start off Monday the 24th already having made a new friend.
If you'd like to communicate with me BEFORE the 21st....maybe you'd like me to know what name you like to be called, or you'd like to tell me something interesting about your summer, or maybe you just have a question...please feel free to email me... karen.wills@fcps.org!
Enjoy the rest of your summer break...see you VERY soon!!
Mrs. Wills
August 2, 2009
Two more additions...
So...right after I posted, I was reminded by a few people that I said, "August", so they hadn't sent their updates yet...I'm SO happy to post them now!
Kirsten says...
I am in a triathalon tomorrow (8/2/09)! I have to swim 2 laps, bike one mile, and run 1/2 mile!
Erica says...
I did a triathalon. It was really fun! I had to swim 100 yards, bike 2 miles, and run .75 miles. I got second place (first place for girls!) Now I'm doing soccer camp since swimming is over, and pretty soon I'm going to the beach!
Kirsten says...
I am in a triathalon tomorrow (8/2/09)! I have to swim 2 laps, bike one mile, and run 1/2 mile!
Erica says...
I did a triathalon. It was really fun! I had to swim 100 yards, bike 2 miles, and run .75 miles. I got second place (first place for girls!) Now I'm doing soccer camp since swimming is over, and pretty soon I'm going to the beach!
WOW! I am so impressed...I've NEVER done a triathalon!! I have loved hearing from you all this summer...and miss you all!
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