A longer weekend for some of us...

I decided to go to the doctor today...I had been fighting a cold for almost two weeks and when I felt achy last night I was worried the dreaded flu had gotten me, too...but the good news is...it's not flu! I have a sinus infection and am on antibiotics, so I should be in good shape quickly. I missed being at school today, but I made a good decision...I got some much needed rest and some medication!

We had a shorter week this week, but it was still chock full of learning...here's how it went down:

Math
This week we finished up our work with area...during this unit the students redecorated Inchy's House and designed a solar powered car...all the while working with the area of a rectangle. On Wednesday I gave the kids a multiplication pretest that will help guide my instruction for the next couple of weeks. I had so many hands go up to tell me that they already know how to multiply...I don't think they knew what to do with me when I jumped up and down and said, "Oh, good!!!" :-) As in most classrooms, I have kids on either end of the spectrum when it comes to multiplication. My whole class understands that multiplication is repeated addition, some know their facts, some know how to multiply one digit by three digits or more...most do not know the strategy used to estimate when multiplying...and most need some work solving word problems that involve multiplication. It is now my job to teach those that don't know a particular skill that skill while making sure the children that have already mastered it are working on something challenging for them! I'll let you know how that goes! :-)

I also gave the kids a timed multiplication facts test on Wednesday. There were 100 problems and they had 6 minutes. They checked their own tests and recorded the number of correct answers. Their goal is to increase this number each week or so. I have two different math links that are wonderful for practicing facts. Please encourage your child to visit these sites and work on increasing their accuracy and/or speed. This will help them so much in the multiplication unit and especially in the division unit.

Social Studies
Planning to visit parts of our beautiful country anytime soon? If so, you're in luck! We are well on our way to producing travel brochures for 21 different states in the US! The students spent time this week working on the Language Arts indicator of using different note taking devices and summarizing. We researched states using Culturegrams two different days in the labs...the kids used sticky notes to jot down important key words or phrases and organized them in their "learning laptops" (manila folders)...then each student had an article printed from SIRS (another research portal) and we used highlighters to mark key words and phrases. Today, with the sub, the kids began their rough drafts of the travel brochures. We will polish these and have final products some time next week...it is very exciting!

The kids did a nice job on their first project...we learned the schedules of so many fun teams and got to hear the latitude and longitude of tons of cities across our country! It was obvious many of the students had practiced speaking at home...they used eye contact and a loud voice!

Language Arts
As stated above, we did a lot of note taking this week...using sticky notes and highlighters. We also are continuing our focus on the "during reading" strategies...while reading our novel, Frindle. Today the kids took a quiz on Chapter Nine...I'm anxious to see how they did...I want the students to read carefully while they're enjoying a book...the more they think WHILE they read, the better they understand what they're reading. We talk about this a lot...so often they read quickly...because THEY CAN...but they need to slow down and process what they're reading. They need to make connections, ask questions, visualize, infer meaning, synthesize, and use fix up strategies to better understand what they're reading!

Writing
I know many of you have seen the paragraph that your child brought home...the best path to take to Wyoming from Maryland. Thank you to all of the people that signed the red form and returned the whole packet. I have to keep certain samples in their portfolios, and that is the best way for me to let you see them, but also keep them. If I ever send anything home like that and you have a question, don't hesitate to send me an email. karen.wills@fcps.org

Word Study
Since next week is a short week, we'll probably have a word study list that lasts two weeks again. When you see your child's list in the folder, encourage them to practice those words. I will assign homework with their words a few nights, but it is their responsibility to practice spelling their words. Also, please help your child keep that list in their folder. Because each child has a different list, they need them on test day...they give each other their word study tests! Thanks for your help with this.

Speaking of thanks...thank you to Mrs. Akula, Neelam's mom, for putting together the class directory. It should have come home today in your child's Take Home folder. I appreciate the time it took for her to do this...thank you!

I hope you have fun plans for the four day weekend!! I will be at school tomorrow, but will enjoy the three days with my family. Tell your kids I'll look forward to seeing them Tuesday!

Happy Constitution Day!

We had a great week this week...did you know Thursday was "Constitution Day"? Our entire morning was devoted to the constitution...we started off the morning with a coloring sheet that had the Preamble (one child called it the "bramble") of the Constitution printed on it. We then discussed what the kids already knew about the constitution...next we visited a website that had information about the constitution and it's history. I read the Preamble aloud and we all decided that it was full of a lot of big words and was kind of hard to understand. So I partnered them up, gave them phrases from the Preamble and let them at it! They were really into it...they grabbed dictionaries and began pulling apart the meaning word by word. We reconvened on the rug and I shared a book titled We the Kids with a forward written by David Caltrow (he also did the illustrations.) It was the Preamble "for kids"...I showed them the pictures and asked them to think about what they had decided their phrase represented and whether or not it matched the pictures. THEN...they revisited their phrase with their partners and made final changes. When everyone was ready I read the forward to the kids...it's about how when David Caltrow was in fifth grade and his teacher was talking to him about the constitution, all he heard was "blah, blah, blah"...too many big words and big ideas. So he translates what each line means in a kid friendly way...and we compared ours to his...it was WAY COOL...the kids did an amazing job figuring out what "insure domestic Tranquility" and "secure the blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity" actually meant. It was a "light bulb going off" kind of lesson and I LOVED it. See what I mean when I thank YOU for sending THEM to ME...that's what I got to do ALL morning on Thursday!

We did so many other things this week...here's the rest in a nutshell...

MATH...we worked with the formula of finding the area of rectangles this week...we worked on properly labeling measurements, we worked with measuring using both sides of our rulers...standard and metric. Yesterday and today we completed a project entitled "Redecorating Inchy's House" where the students had to figure out the area of each wall and floor of "Inchy's" house, measure the perimeter of certain walls, and decide what type of decorating element each wall/floor would need...you see, paint was one price and wallpaper was another. They had to calculate the price per square inch and figure out how much it would cost to redecorate. I heard some of my favorite words this week, "THIS IS HARD"! Music to my ears.

Social Studies...the mapping portion of our geography unit saw it's end with a test yesterday...the kids did a wonderful job on their assessments...they'll come home Monday or Tuesday. It wasn't a regular old "label the continents and oceans" test...they took a trip around the world and were asked questions along the way...I heard kids saying..."this is fun" (more of my favorite words)! Next week each child will be picking a state from our country and doing research in order to make a travel brochure. Their research will focus on the physical geography, climate, and natural resources found in their state. They will also be researching the state flag and other important and interesting facts. Their mission will be to develop a travel brochure that entices people to visit their state...I believe they will LOVE this project and be very excited to see it through.

Language Arts...we continue to work on "during reading" strategies...we focused on Inferring and Synthesizing this week...I shared different books when modeling the strategies, and they put the strategies to work while reading their novel, Frindle. It is a fun story of a boy who is trying to outsmart his teacher (I just hope none of my SEVENTEEN boys get any crazy ideas!!) :-)

Writing...we have "free" writing time during the week, and we have "not so free" writing time. "Not so free" writing time is when I give the kids a particular writing assignment. This week the kids had a writing assignment where they had to pick the best route for me to take from Maryland to Yellowstone Park. They were asked to write a well written paragraph (we discussed the particulars) using geography vocabulary, mentioning the states in my path, and possible interesting stops along the way. I got their FIRST drafts on Tuesday and instead of grading them (be happy I didn't), today I returned them with a lesson on REVISING and EDITING. They wrote their SECOND drafts today and most of them are very improved. When I send those home I will send them for you to view, but then I will need them back to keep in their portfolios. I believe you will be very impressed with your child's writing. Don't look for them very soon...writing takes the longest to grade (and because I left early today, they're still in the IN box back at school!)

Speaking of leaving early...I figured I could only escape "it" for so long...my middle school son has the flu. :-( I was out this afternoon to take him to the doctor and he tested positive for it, so we'll be washing our hands even more now (I didn't think there was an "even more"!) That being said, hopefully my other kids will stay healthy and I will be back with your kids on Monday (knock wood).

I promise to have pictures the next post...I am still waiting on ONE form (no pressure) to be returned and then you can view their bright smiling faces!! Have a great weekend...enjoy the weather...enjoy your families...AND STAY HEALTHY!! :-)

one more thing...

I like to post pictures every now and again of your kids...but I need permission to do so...I will send a note home next week asking you to sign off that it's ok to put a picture of your son/daughter on the blog. If you are not comfortable with this, please sign and check that you DO NOT want me to use a picture of your child. FYI...I do not ever attach names to the pictures. Today I am posting the lovely backsides of your children working hard! I figure I don't need permission since only you will be able identify your own!

Have a great weekend!! (I crack myself up!)

Happy RAINY Friday

Know what's funny? My kids are SO happy it's raining! They have been waiting for an indoor recess...how funny is that!? So we are eagerly anticipating recess today!!

I enjoyed seeing so many of you last night...thanks for coming. If you were unable to attend, a folder with some information is coming home today. The power point presentation I did is included. Please return the PINK directory form...I am making a class directory list and will only distribute it within our class...but it helps for sending invitations and such, so send it in soon! Also...if any of you out there would like to type it up for me...it would be so appreciated...just shoot me an email.

We had a short, but busy week...here is the run down...

Social Studies
We are wrapping up the mapping portion of this unit...we will now move into the natural resources of certain regions and the climate and landforms, and how they shape communities. Each student will pick a state from our country and research that state using "Culturegrams" in our lab...they will then synthesize their information to develop a travel brochure...this will all be done in class and will be a highlight for your "fact finding" driven children!! :-) A study guide will come home today to help guide your child if they'd like to study for the test which will occur on Thursday, Sept. 17th. Also coming home today is a project that your child has been assigned and it is due Monday, Sept. 21st. Please sign that project and send it back with your child so that I know you've seen it!

Language Arts
We dove into a novel titled Frindle this week and we are using it to continue our study on the "during reading" strategies...this week's focus was making connections, visualizing , and asking questions. We will spend next week (and many weeks in the future) working on inferring and synthesizing...the two toughest strategies for kids to master. We wrote letters to parents about Back to School Night and have continued our focus on IDEAS in writing.

Math
We have worked on estimating using the rounding and front end estimation strategies this week. We have reviewed subtracting with zeroes and using relational symbols when comparing equations (<,>,=). The homework last night was the catalyst for a discussion about the formula for finding the area of a rectangle...which then spun into the area of a square and numbers "squared"...I love the discourse among these kids! We will work on area a bit more next week...finding the area of irregular shapes...we will also will tie in perimeter since many kids often switch the two.

Handwriting
We have begun the instruction/review of the cursive letters. Many of the second graders that were here last year learned all of their cursive letters, some did not...so I am instructing those who are learning and the others are practicing to make perfect! There is a link on my blog to Zaner Bloser...if you click on "get started" once at that site, you can make cursive worksheets from home! Don't over do it...but if you notice your child's work and there is a certain letter or connection they're having trouble with, feel free to make a practice sheet!

PBS
Today we took the whole third grade into the cafeteria to practice respectful behavior...we were informed that the third grade wasn't listening very well as a whole...we practiced seeing "the hand" go up and NOT ONLY putting their own hands up, but closing their mouths. :-) It is hard for the people on duty to give directions when that cafeteria is very noisy...I think we will see a remarkable change starting today at lunch.

Thanks for sending me such great kids...they are a joy to teach and I appreciate you lending them to me on a daily basis. Have a great weekend...stay dry!

Happy 2nd Friday!

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!

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!

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!