A day late...and always a dollar short!! ;-)

Thanks for your understanding!
Last week was great...we were very busy and VERY productive!  Here's how it went down...

Language Arts
This past week we focused on Main Idea and Detail AND Cause and Effect when reading NON-FICTION. We used the United States Communities and Neighbors textbook that the students have been given.  It is a consumable book meaning the kids can write in it.  I am pleased with this text as it has rigorous vocabulary and meaning.

We are also continuing the publishing of our State brochures...I'm hoping for completed products by Friday...these brochures will hang in the classroom for awhile, so if you're in over the next month for all of our Fall festivities, you will get to take a first hand look at the amazing work your kids have done!

In writing we are getting ready to do our first drafts of the opinion essays AND we are plugging along with Writer's Workshop.  These kids are always writing!!  And here's a snapshot of what "AUTHOR'S CHAIR" looks like...proud writers sharing their work!!

Math
In math we have moved into multiplication and division...this past week we defined both operations and discovered that just like multiplication is repeated addition, division is REPEATED SUBTRACTION.  We used color tiles to build arrays and groups to show our understanding of the concepts and the kids were introduced to the distributive property of multiplication.  Today we actually took this a lot further and we worked without tiles to solve problems like 367 x 6 = using the distributive property.  Don't ask them to show it to you yet...they're not ALL ready...but they are really getting the hang of it.  This is a really important concept even if your child knows the algorithm for this type of problem already.  Being able to show it with the distributive property helps me know that they understand the concept, not that they have memorized how to solve the equation. We are also continuing to work on multi-step word problems...underlining important information and using clue words to determine which operation to use is key. Our focus on multiplication and division will continue over the next couple weeks.

Social Studies
We integrated a lot this week using the Social Studies text in Language Arts.  Between reading for a purpose and the brochure work, we are becoming geography experts!!

Science
Our Aquarium Unit has begun...and the excitement is soooo....NOISY.  ;-)  A classroom of kids observing daphnia (our minute fresh water organisms) is so loud...because they are excited!  In pairs the kids got to observe the daphnia in their environment and then also in the top of a cup to magnified the critter.  We have discussed the different body parts and how each one helps the organism to survive.  Today the kids looked through the microscope at the daphnia...I only wish you could have heard the oohs and ahhs!  They looked at a labeled scientific drawing and then compared it to what they saw in the microscope.  Our unit continues for another month as we add different organisms to our aquariums.

 Pumpkin Math
By now you have probably seen the orange letter that came home on Friday about October 31st and our Pumpkin Math activity.  This morning is so fun, but only possible with parent participation.  My goal is to have six adults (other than me) to run groups...these will be groups of 5 or 6 kids...and the whole morning focuses on the pumpkin and all ways it can be measured...it is SO fun!  I have four volunteers at this time (THANK YOU!!)...if you think you can come, please fill the form out and get back to me...ALSO...please complete the volunteer training on the UES website before that day...you have to turn in the paperwork in order to volunteer in the classroom or attend a field trip, so get it done now...please.  ;-)

Fall Festival
Our Fall Festival party will take place on Friday, November 1st from 1:15 - 2:25 pm.  Our three wonderful room mothers are planning a great time...a letter will be coming home tomorrow requesting a $3 donation from each family to offset the costs they will incur.  Please read the letter and let me know if you have any questions. Thanks ahead of time to our Room Parents!!

Walk for the Homeless
That same day...November 1st...our entire school will participate in our annual Walk for the Homeless. The kids are allowed to wear their costumes that day for the walk and the party...if your child does not want to wear a costume, they certainly do not have to...this is optional.  More information to come about this...

Hand Sanitizer
We are in need...thank you to the couple of families that have donated, but we could use more, so thank you!!

Participation and Effort
In case you are unaware...every subject gets TWO grades with this new report card. A grade for the concepts/skills and a grade for participation and effort.  I have been explaining this to your kids, so this week I gave them a self evaluation in math and language arts. Then I evaluated their effort and participation in math and language arts...this sheet will come home later this week.  I really am doing it to make THEM aware of the fact that their behaviors affect the outcome.  They sometimes have a hard time making this connection.

On Friday we had a great assembly brought to us by the AMAZING PTA...The Magic of Recycling...different kids got pulled out of the audience to help...guess who got pulled from our class?!?!  Ask your kids about the show...it was a fun way to hear a very important message.

Have to head to McDonalds for McTeacher night to celebrate Mr. Kidd...and then to Fosters Grille to support a dear neighbor and friend.  Never a dull moment with the Wills.  Have a great week!

Can you believe tomorrow is the LAST day of September?!

Me neither!!

We had a great week...here is how it all went down....

LANGUAGE ARTS and SOCIAL STUDIES
This week we integrated Social Studies and Language Arts...we were determining importance using text features as we read the SS textbook.  Our topic?...physical geography (what the land and water look like), climate, and the natural resources of a region.  We also had a lesson on note-taking and the importance of jotting down important words or phrases vs. sentences.  This helps the kids avoid plagiarism. :-)  All of this was in preparation for the project we started this week...STATE BROCHURES.  Each student chose one of the fifty states and is gathering information to produce a travel brochure.  This project touches on so many different skills...they have to think about their audience while informing about the state AND persuading readers to visit the state, all at the same time!  They have to use text features, in both the non-fiction book and the internet research portal, to locate the important information they need.  We visited the computer lab this week to do just that.  Take a look....

This at-school brochure project will continue throughout this next week.

We have also been working on our Opinion Essay...we're not even to the drafting stage yet...each part of this essay needs its own lesson...we will begin rough drafts this week!

I have exciting news...this week we will have two people share during our Author's Chair portion of Writer's Workshop!  We have lots of kids waiting for a teacher conference and a long line waiting to publish on the computer as well...this is ALL good news!!

MATH
This week in math we worked on estimating using rounding and two step word problems using all four operations.  The kids took a post test on Unit One (for their portfolio) and they also took a Unit 1 test that was graded and sent home.  Please feel free to email me at any time if you have questions about grades.  I know that for many of you, this is the first year for grades.  I am happy to discuss your child's progress.  If a child receives a D or F on a test, I allow for that child to study at home using the first test, and then take another test to improve his/her grade.  I always write this on the test, so make sure to review your child's work with him/her each weekend.  Thanks!

We are moving into MULTIPLICATION and DIVISION...we will work on showing our understanding of the concepts using manipulatives, choosing the best strategies to solve difficult problems, and mastering the algorithms as we travel through this unit.  As always, my instruction will be based on the results of a pretest.

SQUIRRELY FACTS
Tomorrow a small Social Studies project will be assigned and the kids will have a week to complete...it will be due Monday, October 7th. In order to complete the assignment, your child will need access to an atlas or an online atlas.  They will use their geography skills to answer some fun questions.

SUMDOG
This week the kids will be asked to play Sumdog as a homework assignment.  I am aware many of your kids have been playing just for fun...good for them!  If your child does not have access to a computer, PLEASE let me know.  Thanks!

I hope you all had a great weekend!

Happy Sunday!

I hope your kids had a great day off on Friday...I sure did!  We didn't go to the fair on Friday, but we went on Saturday and saw all 12 adorable baby pigs...and some newborn calves...I just love the fair!

REMINDER:  Tomorrow is a two hour early dismissal!  Magnet students are done at 12:30!!

We had a great week...here is an update...sorry no pictures...I'll try to take some this week!

We do writing almost every day...but we began our first formal writing assignment this past week...the kids are writing an opinion essay.  We all read a debate in the Scholastic Storyworks about whether or not all kids should get a trophy in sports.  I am using that debate to model each important step in the opinion writing process.  I pulled out some old Storyworks and the kids chose debates they found interesting.  They have read both sides and will now choose an opinion and begin building their argument.  Funny how excited I get about writing!! 

In Language Arts rotations we worked on non-fiction text features and how they help determine importance in an article.  I modeled this in small group and then the kids worked independently during seatwork to determine important parts of an article.  The kids also prepared for Readers Share this week...you may be aware because they had the option to practice at home.  I was SOOOO pleased with their ability to talk about what they are reading.  They each shared a book they have been reading during INDEPENDENT reading...and they each had a paper entitled, "Books I'd Like to Read," so as they listened, they could record books they found interesting!  It was a great Readers Share on Thursday!

In Social Studies we have been finishing up our maps and globes unit...as you know, the kids have a test soon.  The study guide went home Thursday...your child already knows most of the things on the study guide, but I like to give kids time to "brush up" on a skill they need to review, so use it as you wish.  I will send home blank maps tomorrow that the kids can practice with!

This week the kids took the Global Scholar Math Test...this gives me an indication of what standards your child needs to learn in the third grade curriculum and onward.  I will be sending a note home this week to let you know where your child stands in addition and subtraction facts.  FCPS standards state that by the end of second grade your child should be proficient with both of those fact sets.  Not all of our class is proficient, so I'm hoping if I can share those scores with you, you can help your child remember they have to continue to be practiced ALL THE TIME.  I am getting ready to head into multiplication and so there will not be a focus on attaining addition and subtraction facts in the classroom...that practice needs to happen at home. Thanks for your help with this!

We worked on estimation this week with a focus on rounding...many kids round to the nearest ten when estimating in the thousands...that definitely gives you the most accurate estimation, but takes a lot more brainwork...I was trying to show them that in estimation you want something close, but the idea behind estimation is to make it easier, so that they don't necessarily have to calculate...I explained that they should round to the nearest largest place value to get a round about answer...it was just a suggestion, but some like to make it challenging...and I LOVE that!  We also did some problem solving in pairs.  This year on the new report card there are TWO math grades:  one is for skills and concepts and one is for problem solving.  So I am keeping records of different ways the kids are solving problems...a lot of those grades won't come home because it is part of a lesson and is just observed or noted...but sometimes you'll see a grade that represents problem solving.

This coming week we will be diving into the physical geography, climate, and natural resources found all over our country. I will use Maryland to model, but the kids will be researching a state of their own and designing a brochure to convince others to visit their state.  They will use books and a research portal on-line to gather information.  We will use different methods of note-taking and use text features to determine importance.  Then, the kids will be using text features in our brochures for the same purpose...we will be integrating LA and SS a lot this week!

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact me...email is best!  Have a great week!

Lots of BIG things happening!!

BIG maps...BIG stories...BIG numbers...BIG class...haha...had to throw that in!  We had a great week and I'd like to give you a run down!

BIG maps...this week we focused on map elements...looking at keys/legends and determining how important they are, looking at scales and seeing how different they can be depending on the size of the map, observing colors and deciding whether or not color is an important element of mapping...we really took some BIG maps apart observing and analyzing.  Take a look....

 

BIG stories...well, this is two fold...first we read "The Green Man" this week from our Junior Great Book series.  If you are unfamiliar with the JGB series, it is a collection of literature that is chosen because of its rigor...both in vocabulary and comprehension.  We used this story to discuss story elements, particularly the problem, solution, and the events in the story that led to the solution.  Then after rereading, we worked with the vocabulary in the story.  We discussed different ways to attack words in stories when we have no idea what they mean.  Last, all kids participated in a Shared Inquiry Discussion...discussing a question generated by the kids...and diving DEEP into the story...I was very impressed with their ability to cite evidence when trying to make a point...this is a BIG focus all year and they are off to a great start!

BIG stories part 2...the kids had "Writers Share" this week...this is where they get in groups of two or three and share their writing...for pure enjoyment!  We have peer conferences during Writer's Workshop where they give each other feedback, but this share was to "show off" their writing.  As you will see in the pictures below...they all enjoyed this very much!

BIG numbers...well, our NUMERATION unit on place value, adding and subtracting big numbers, and number patterns comes to a close this coming week...the kids have manipulated numbers in so many different ways...and I've been working with them in small groups so that I can get a handle on who needs what...I've done reteaching with some, enriching with others, and all of the kids have worked with pencil and paper, used manipulatives, played games, demonstrated algorithms on white boards, and used multiple strategies to gain a deeper understanding of the concepts.  Math is a very busy time in our classroom and I am not usually able to take pictures because I am always with a group...we are doing a fun problem solving lesson tomorrow and I will try to get pictures of the kids problem solving.  Speaking of problem solving, another thing we've been doing in math is going over the EIGHT Mathematical Practices...we spent one day for each one, taking apart the language and giving examples of what each practice looks like.  I tell ya...we don't waste a minute!

As far as our BIG class goes...they are getting much more accustomed to how I run a classroom and we are finally getting into a groove!  I saw many #s on checklists improve since the first checklist went out, and I'm excited to see continued growth.  This is a year of growth...where they learn what true independence looks and feels like...don't worry...I promise to be gentle!

CLASSROOM NEEDS:  If you haven't had a chance to pick up Clorox wipes...it's never too late.  Every Friday we clean the tops of our desks and we clean the tops of our chairs...trying to keep the germs out...and every time we do this, we almost use an entire container of wipes.  So thank you to those who have donated, and if you haven't, anytime is a good time!  (Hand sanitizer, too!)

Hope you had a great weekend...incredible weather, right?

Another great week...

Our week was short, but great!

No pictures this week...just a few facts:

Math - I've been using small group instruction to ensure that all numeration and base ten third grade common core skills have been mastered...meanwhile, others have been using their skills to work with large numbers independently.  Next week we will be working on solving two step word problems using all four operations...many of your kids are well versed in using the algorithms, however, when the math is hidden away in a bunch of words...it's a whole different story!  We will be using the Mathematical Practices to help us make sense of problems and persevere when solving them!

Writing - Writer's Workshop is in full swing!  This week I introduced the first "pit stop" on our "race of writing"...it's not about winning the race...it's about finishing strong!  I introduced "peer conferencing" and modeled it for the kids.  Many kids are still drafting, however some dove right into the peer conference.  The next two pit stops that will be introduced are "editing" and "revising"...all of these "stops" force the kids to continue to read and reread their pieces looking at them through different lenses.

Language Arts - This week we worked with the comprehension strategy "asking questions"...this kids met in groups and listened to a story and generated questions while they listened, and then were asked to use this strategy when reading their independent reading book, too.  All of the comprehension stratgegies we are focusing on will help each student improve their comprehension as we move forward.  We also read and analyzed a poem from the Scholastic Storyworks magazine...it was so wonderful listening to the different sensory imagery that was activated by the words of the poem.  You have such great kids!

Social Studies - Ask your child if there is a continent that is found in all four hemispheres...and then ask them to explain.  They will probably say something like, "Well if I had the map that is in my Social Studies folder, I could show you easier!"  And this would be true.  We made interactive maps this week to help us discuss and make sense of the hemispheres, the prime meridian and the equator.  This map will eventually be a tool for studying for a test, so they will keep it in their folders until it is time to take it home to study.

Checklists - I know many of you were looking forward to seeing if your child had improved their "scores" on the checklist this week.  Being here three days and not even all in a row makes filling out those checklists very difficult.  I saw some wonderful improvement...and I saw a few kids that are probably glad no checklist came home yet!  I told the kids this same thing, and I told them that I would remind them at the beginning of the week next week to keep their goals in mind.

Parent Volunteer Training  - Like I shared with you at Back to School Night, if you would like to volunteer in our building or anticipate possibly chaperoning a field trip this year, you will be required to either attend the orientation training on September 10 at 6:30 or complete the training on line. EVERYONE must complete the training this year, even if you have in the past. Teacher needs for volunteers will not be determined until mid-September, so that all parents who are interested have time to get the training. If you would like to complete the training on line, you can do so starting September 10th.  Go to http://education.fcps.org/ues/ and click on volunteer training on the left hand side.

Thanks! - Thank you to Susie Filburn (Samantha's Mom), Maura Fisher (Drew's Mom) and Lane Fields (Justice's Mom) for offering to be our Room Parents this year!  Also thanks to Judith Apshago (Alivea's Mom) for typing our Class Directory this weekend!  And...last but not least...thanks to the numerous parents who jumped at the opportunity to help...I promise I will ask again and very much appreciate your willingness.

Have a great weekend!

We had a great week...

First, thanks to everyone that was able to make it out for Back to School Night.  I know that all of you are busy, and for those who couldn't make it, the folder that was handed out that night came home Friday.

Behavior checklists went home Friday.  Please review this with your child, sign, and have your child place it back in the Take Home folder.  They will receive a ticket for returning it tomorrow.  If you have any questions about the marks on the checklist, please email me.

This past week we accomplished a lot...here is a quick snippet from each subject area...

LANGUAGE ARTS
This past week we continued to build ideas for writing, and this coming week we will begin Writer's Workshop...a program that helps children find the ways to improve their writing and work towards a published piece.  We have read quite a few books to inspire writing and I am looking forward to seeing their ideas blossom!

We are building routines in our LA rotations, and while doing so, we've been working on comprehension strategies...we have used making connections, visualization, and sensory imagery.  This coming week we will be asking questions while we read.  The kids took a Global Scholar test on Friday, and I will be able to use those scores to help guide my instruction and groupings for the upcoming weeks.

MATH
We have been working with large numbers, place value, rounding, estimating, and problem solving. On Friday we did a "Place Value Marathon" where the kids moved around the room solving problems related to their own big number.  To win the race, they had to work on ACCURACY, not speed.  :-)  The pictures below will give you a quick view into this activity. I will be regrouping the students this coming week to better meet the needs of all the levels in the classroom.  We will be moving into the modeling of subtraction of large numbers and mastering the algorithm next week while continuing to refine our problem solving...especially being able to PERSEVERE when met with a tough challenge!

By the end of second grade, students are supposed to have mastered their addition and subtraction facts...50 facts in three minutes.  Some of the kids have not yet mastered this...OUR focus will be multiplication and division, but every student who hasn't mastered their +/- facts yet, should be working on facts at least 5 minutes a day.  Your child corrected his/her own addition fact test last week (subtraction is tomorrow), so they know how well they did.  Ask them about it!

SOCIAL STUDIES
Everything geography is our focus...from our large Maryland county to our very small place on Earth.  Continents, oceans, hemispheres, lines of latitude and longitude...we're covering it all.  To be continued....


Hopefully your kids got some rest this weekend...I worked their brains hard and I'm sure they were tired.  I hope you enjoyed your families and got some rest, too...I did!!  ;-)  Tomorrow begins a three day week...I will see them tomorrow, Wednesday, and Friday this week.  They are off on Thursday in observance of Rosh Hashanah.  Have a good short week!  Enjoy the pix!