Sorry for the incredibly late post...no excuses, just apologies! We had a very busy week...and how about all that snow Friday am!?!? (I know...crazy, right?) Here is how our week went down:
Language Arts
For the next couple months we will be focusing more on root words and their meanings. The kids will have word study packets to complete and they will be assessed on the root meanings as well as the spelling of the words. I am continually impressed with the kids' vocabulary and just want to continue to build on it.
We have started our poetry unit...I love this unit (I feel like I say that a lot...but I just love third grade and all we study!) During this unit we will be learning many different elements of poetry and studying figurative language...We read many different poems this week to experience all of the elements of poetry: rhyme, stanzas, lines, repetition...we also discussed the setting, tone, and mood of these poems...then on Friday we read a Readers Theater that demonstrated forms of figurative language in a very humorous way...the kids were introduced to characters such as "King Pun, Queen Simile, Prince Paradox, Earl of Idiom," and many more we had a lot of fun with that activity! We will continue this unit this week and begin writing some poems ourselves!
Social Studies
We have started another new unit...economy. This week the kids enjoyed a video series titled, "Econ and Me" that is put together to teach the kids all about economic problems, opportunity cost, choices, consumers, production, and interdependence. We talked about resources, limited resources, and scarcity of resources. We have great discussions after each segment and then add words to our economy vocabulary. We are headed into an Entrepreneur Unit where the children will get to apply all of these concepts personally...more info to come on this!
Math
Last week we spent time in geometry...comparing prisms and pyramids, cones and cylinders, their "nets" and discussing faces, bases and vertices...just to clarify...a prism has two bases and a pyramid has only one...the bases are included when counting faces...so...a rectangular pyramid has FIVE faces (one base) and a rectangular prism has SIX faces (two bases)...
We also worked with the perimeter and area of complex shapes. This was a hard concept to visualize initially, but as the week ended, most kids had it! We are headed into measuring angles this week...its so fun to teach how to use a protractor!!
Extra Info
Some of you may have noticed small changes to your child's checklist this week...many of the kids had a hard time transitioning back to school after the break...very chatty...as I explained to them last week and reminded them this week...THEY are in control of what is put on the checklist...its just my job to put it there...so THEY are the only ones who can change it! Reminders from home would be helpful, too...thank you!
Who knows what the forecasters are saying for tues,wed...but if we miss a day of school, just have your kids continue the work on the word study packets and read the book they will be coming home with tomorrow. We are headed into a biography unit in a couple weeks and they will have a reading assignment over this week and next.
Thanks and as always, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me. Stay warm!
January 10, 2011
December 22, 2010
WHAT A TREAT!!
What a wonderful day we've had...
- As we speak...the kids are watching the Polar Express...in their pjs!
- Right before the movie started each child visited our "Cultural Buffet" (thanks Mrs. Lizik!) where they had the opportunity to fill a goody bag with so many different treats from different countries/cultures:
- Italian pizzelles
- Chinese fortune cookies
- English figgy pudding
- English figgy pudding
- Jewish macaroons
- German/Scandanavian spritz cookies
- Jewish geilt (left over from our dreidel game!)
- Candy canes
Many of these treats were homemade and all were absolutely delicious!!
- Earlier in the day we were predicting probability and working on following directions while learning to play the dreidel game (thank you, Hoffrichters!)
The kids earned this special day of celebrating holidays and being able to weave in the cultural food was just perfect!! (For the record, we also worked with decimals today!)
I look forward to tomorrow so we can wrap things up before our week-long break. I hope you and your families have a wonderful winter break...my wish for you all is a happy and peace-filled new year.
Karen
(or Mrs. Wills, depending on who is reading!)
December 17, 2010
Crazy week, huh?!
Well...early dismissal here, late arrival there...little crazy, but we still managed to be productive!!
In Math this week we have been immersed in the world of decimals. We pulled out linking blocks to conceptualize lines of 10, blocks of 100...we talked about how they each know how to write these parts of a whole using a fraction and that there is another way...we explored the "other side" of the number line and tied it all together. Then we spent time comparing and ordering decimals...this is a bit trickier, but they were really into it. We made a # line using cards and discussed (sometimes argued) over which numbers went where...but the end result was a well ordered # line. We will continue with decimals next week.
In Language Arts we have been reading and discussing a book titled, "Immigration", (Social Studies) We have focused on main idea and details to support it, vocabulary, timelines, reading aloud, and on top of all that...all the different reasons people have come to our country from other places. We talked about voluntary immigration vs. involuntary immigration. We talked about all the immigration symbols found around our nation. Next week we will see with our own eyes how immigration has shaped our own community as we share the Cultural Projects. I am very excited to see their hard work! Please remember that a rubric is attached and it is what I will use to give each child two grades...an oral speaking grade and a social studies grade.
Next week we will also have some neat activities!! One is related to our personal safety unit two others to the holiday season. The Puppet Company "Kids on the Block" will come to do a puppet show as a culmination of our personal safety unit. We will also hear the book "The Polar Express" and watch the movie! We will compare and contrast the two different types of media and answer comprehension questions. And last, it is my understanding that we will be treated to a winter concert from our UES Chorus!
We earned another THIRTY-SIX Soaring With Pride stickers, so we will be deciding on how to celebrate our success and finding time for that celebration next week, too!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend, enjoy your families and all the magic of this holiday season.
In Math this week we have been immersed in the world of decimals. We pulled out linking blocks to conceptualize lines of 10, blocks of 100...we talked about how they each know how to write these parts of a whole using a fraction and that there is another way...we explored the "other side" of the number line and tied it all together. Then we spent time comparing and ordering decimals...this is a bit trickier, but they were really into it. We made a # line using cards and discussed (sometimes argued) over which numbers went where...but the end result was a well ordered # line. We will continue with decimals next week.
In Language Arts we have been reading and discussing a book titled, "Immigration", (Social Studies) We have focused on main idea and details to support it, vocabulary, timelines, reading aloud, and on top of all that...all the different reasons people have come to our country from other places. We talked about voluntary immigration vs. involuntary immigration. We talked about all the immigration symbols found around our nation. Next week we will see with our own eyes how immigration has shaped our own community as we share the Cultural Projects. I am very excited to see their hard work! Please remember that a rubric is attached and it is what I will use to give each child two grades...an oral speaking grade and a social studies grade.
Next week we will also have some neat activities!! One is related to our personal safety unit two others to the holiday season. The Puppet Company "Kids on the Block" will come to do a puppet show as a culmination of our personal safety unit. We will also hear the book "The Polar Express" and watch the movie! We will compare and contrast the two different types of media and answer comprehension questions. And last, it is my understanding that we will be treated to a winter concert from our UES Chorus!
We earned another THIRTY-SIX Soaring With Pride stickers, so we will be deciding on how to celebrate our success and finding time for that celebration next week, too!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend, enjoy your families and all the magic of this holiday season.
December 11, 2010
Wetlands Wonder
During American Education Week, we were fortunate enough to go to the Great Heron Wetlands and be taught by Mr. Wetlands, himself. Mr. Esko led us through many different hands-on science investigations. We tested the pond water, identified fossils, and found the fossils on the Geological Wall of Time. It was a wonderful morning! Click on the "Wetlands Wonder" link below to enjoy the movie!!
Wetlands Wonder
Wetlands Wonder
December 10, 2010
I think I'm finally catching up!!
So...where to begin?! Just a quick update...on Thursday of last week my oldest son (who was five years old when I met my husband and is now 25!) and his wife came for a visit...that next day, my 13 year old went into the hospital with asthma...we thought he'd be released the following day and lo and behold...he spent three nights and was released Monday night...so on Tuesday, the whole family had a "shut in" because we had yet to be in the same room together since my son and daughter-in-law had arrived...on Wednesday, we all returned to work and Robert and Kim returned to Chattanooga...Connor is now healthy...and I'm almost caught up grading papers!!!
And the best news of all...while Robert and Kim were here I learned I am going to be a GRANDMA!!! So...now you're caught up on me...let me catch you up on the REAL reason you check this website...YOUR KID!!
You would think with the holidays upon us, your kids would be climbing walls...not true...as I type they are working SOOO hard on their state brochures....let me tell you what was done to get us to this point. This project hits on so many indicators...in Language Arts we are reading social studies text to find the main idea, taking notes, and rewriting information from our own perspective...so the kids first researched using Culturegrams, an on line resource, then they gathered facts from textbooks and a non-fiction book from the library. All this was going on, while in Social Studies we were focusing on physical geography, natural resources, and climate. Then the kids organized their facts to create a brochure encouraging people to visit their state....making sure to incorporate the geography, natural resources, climate...and of course, facts they just found downright cool! They developed a slogan to use as an enticing title, designed pictures, printed maps and flags, and are in the process of finishing the final product...they are SOOOO good...the brochures, and YOUR KIDS.
Towards the end of the week we shifted our focus to cultures around the world...this coming week we will talk about immigration...the hows and whys...and how it has helped shape our wonderfully diverse country. Speaking of cultures...your child has a culture project due next Monday, December 20th...if you haven't seen the project, check your child's take home folder! They will receive two grades...a social studies grade and an oral presentation grade.
Speaking of grades...sometimes I wish they didn't exist...not because I don't like grading papers...but because many of the kids are very hard on themselves and get very upset about grades...I try to help them see that if they get a grade they dislike, its a learning experience and it will help them to improve in some way...however, this past Friday I returned a BOATLOAD of papers...some three weeks old, and there were some unhappy faces in the crowd. Most of the kids had a lot of A's, but as you know, the ONE "not so good grade" overshadows all the others. ;-( As I told the kids...if anyone has a C or below on a quiz or test, they are allowed to retake it to help improve their grade. Please sign the graded quiz and when it is returned, I will ask your child if he/she wants to retake it...and then I will give them a couple nights to study before I retest. Please email me with any questions about this.
In Math this past week we worked on coordinate points...they were introduced to all four quadrants of the coordinate plane...then each child drew a picture on grid paper and wrote directions using coordinate points for another student to create their picture...it was a very fun way to ensure they understand coordinate points...some kids even chose to use all four quadrants!! The kids also wrote about mystery fractional creatures and had to use each other's clues to identify them around the room. This coming week we move into the land of decimals...
For four of the five days this week we have had lessons on personal body safety. Your children have been extremely mature and have asked excellent questions. We have discussed safe touches, unsafe touches, and unwanted touches. They have been introduced to new vocabulary: victim, sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, and have been taught the difference between an OK secret and a not OK secret. The students created a Trusted Adult Directory so they know they have more than one person to turn to with a question or concern. At the end of each lesson the students are given a file card to jot down a question that they are wondering about...even if the kids do not have a question, I require them to write something down...this way, all questions are confidential since everyone has dropped one in the box. Again, I have been extremely impressed with their maturity handling this subject.
In case you haven't noticed...IT IS REALLY COLD OUTSIDE!! Please make sure you are sending your child to school with hats and mittens...unless the temperatures drop below 20 degrees fahrenheit, we go outside...even for a short time...to run off some energy...SOOOO...please help your child remember all the necessary pieces of clothing to stay warm...thanks!
Have a great weekend...enjoy this joyous time of year
And the best news of all...while Robert and Kim were here I learned I am going to be a GRANDMA!!! So...now you're caught up on me...let me catch you up on the REAL reason you check this website...YOUR KID!!
You would think with the holidays upon us, your kids would be climbing walls...not true...as I type they are working SOOO hard on their state brochures....let me tell you what was done to get us to this point. This project hits on so many indicators...in Language Arts we are reading social studies text to find the main idea, taking notes, and rewriting information from our own perspective...so the kids first researched using Culturegrams, an on line resource, then they gathered facts from textbooks and a non-fiction book from the library. All this was going on, while in Social Studies we were focusing on physical geography, natural resources, and climate. Then the kids organized their facts to create a brochure encouraging people to visit their state....making sure to incorporate the geography, natural resources, climate...and of course, facts they just found downright cool! They developed a slogan to use as an enticing title, designed pictures, printed maps and flags, and are in the process of finishing the final product...they are SOOOO good...the brochures, and YOUR KIDS.
Towards the end of the week we shifted our focus to cultures around the world...this coming week we will talk about immigration...the hows and whys...and how it has helped shape our wonderfully diverse country. Speaking of cultures...your child has a culture project due next Monday, December 20th...if you haven't seen the project, check your child's take home folder! They will receive two grades...a social studies grade and an oral presentation grade.
Speaking of grades...sometimes I wish they didn't exist...not because I don't like grading papers...but because many of the kids are very hard on themselves and get very upset about grades...I try to help them see that if they get a grade they dislike, its a learning experience and it will help them to improve in some way...however, this past Friday I returned a BOATLOAD of papers...some three weeks old, and there were some unhappy faces in the crowd. Most of the kids had a lot of A's, but as you know, the ONE "not so good grade" overshadows all the others. ;-( As I told the kids...if anyone has a C or below on a quiz or test, they are allowed to retake it to help improve their grade. Please sign the graded quiz and when it is returned, I will ask your child if he/she wants to retake it...and then I will give them a couple nights to study before I retest. Please email me with any questions about this.
In Math this past week we worked on coordinate points...they were introduced to all four quadrants of the coordinate plane...then each child drew a picture on grid paper and wrote directions using coordinate points for another student to create their picture...it was a very fun way to ensure they understand coordinate points...some kids even chose to use all four quadrants!! The kids also wrote about mystery fractional creatures and had to use each other's clues to identify them around the room. This coming week we move into the land of decimals...
For four of the five days this week we have had lessons on personal body safety. Your children have been extremely mature and have asked excellent questions. We have discussed safe touches, unsafe touches, and unwanted touches. They have been introduced to new vocabulary: victim, sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, and have been taught the difference between an OK secret and a not OK secret. The students created a Trusted Adult Directory so they know they have more than one person to turn to with a question or concern. At the end of each lesson the students are given a file card to jot down a question that they are wondering about...even if the kids do not have a question, I require them to write something down...this way, all questions are confidential since everyone has dropped one in the box. Again, I have been extremely impressed with their maturity handling this subject.
In case you haven't noticed...IT IS REALLY COLD OUTSIDE!! Please make sure you are sending your child to school with hats and mittens...unless the temperatures drop below 20 degrees fahrenheit, we go outside...even for a short time...to run off some energy...SOOOO...please help your child remember all the necessary pieces of clothing to stay warm...thanks!
Have a great weekend...enjoy this joyous time of year
December 4, 2010
please forgive me
i am very busy with mommyhood this weekend...my thirteen year old was admitted to the hospital yesterday with a bad episode of asthma and they are keeping him again tonight, so i am unsure whether or not i will get a posting done this weekend...i promise to make it up to you all...have a great weekend
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Happy End of January
I’m learning that this blog doesn’t really fit into my life anymore...any extra time I have is spent working on enhancing instruction...and ...
