Tons of Info...pleas read 'til the very end!

Hard to believe a month has gone by since I've posted...time flies when we're having FUN!  Here are some shots of the past month...enjoy!

WRITING

We are working on writing narratives...I can't wait for you to see what great writers you have sent me!  Every few days we work on/learn about a specific part of the narrative and how to make ours better (this is the most difficult concept...they think its perfect at the start!), and then we go back to the drawing board!

MATH

I run rotations most days in Math...this allows me to work with small (and I mean small!) groups and differentiate their learning...a few weeks ago we were working with rounding really big numbers, and now we've moved on to multiplication!  Speaking of multiplication, please help your child remember to practice multiplication facts at least three times a week.  They need to be proficient with their 0-10 multiplication facts...and this takes practice.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Maps, globes, and regions of the world...the kids have really been enjoying exploring our world of continents and oceans...and now they've become experts in one particular region of the USA...this coming week their expert groups will present to the rest of us all they've learned about the landforms, climate, vegetation, and important landmarks that make up their region.

Researching their regions using print materials and a research portal...

MAKERSPACE

There is a maker movement in education...a theory that children need time to create/invent/imagine...and they need the space to do that.  We have a MakerSpace in our classroom and I introduced it this week...one way of using the MakerSpace is to create with cardboard...and that's what we did as a class...with some inspiration from Caine's Arcade!  The collaboration and innovation I observed with your children was astounding...what they can do, think, communicate...these kids are going places!! Take a peek...

IMPORTANT INFO

This past week a pink paper came home informing you about how to sign up for Parent Teacher Conferences...it is all on line now.  If that is a problem...please let me know!

ALSO...a yellow field trip permission slip came home this past week...all field trips are to be paid on line now...info was on that slip as well.  I can only take two chaperones to the Weinberg...I will let you all know who has been pulled from the hat later this week.    

And last...thank you to the parents who offered to be Room Parent.  Mrs. Osher has kindly taken on the job...she will be sending home info about our Fall Festival party which will be held on Friday, October 28th from 1:15-2:00 and we will have a parade from 2-2:25.  That same morning we will have a fun Pumpkin Math activity, so stay tuned for that info...we need parents for that, too!!

REMEMBER...in order to come in and volunteer for a party, a field trip, or just in the classroom, you must complete the volunteer training that can be found on our school's website.  After doing so, send in the signed paper that you have completed the volunteer training.

Enjoy your three day weekend...and Happy New Year to anyone celebrating Rosh Hashanah!

Week Two is In the Books!

Another great week of getting to know your kids, their abilities and interests, and setting up classroom routines that will help us use our time most efficiently while learning!  Take a look at some of our doings....

This week we focused on writing about what we're reading...what a good Reader's Response looks and sounds like...so after reading and writing the kids got into groups to share their thoughts.  This is also part of developing collaborative conversations...listening intently enough to ask questions and make comments.  Third graders are GREAT at sharing their own thoughts, but need modeling and practice being the "other" person in the conversation.  I was so impressed with your kids...making eye contact, paying attention, asking questions and commenting appropriately.  We lay the foundation in the beginning of the year and then they work collaboratively for the remainder of the year.

Another focus this past week was our school wide Positive Behavior System (PBS)...how we respect ourselves, our surroundings, and others.  The students used what they learned to create Google Slides presentations to show what respect in the hallways and on the bus looks and sounds like.  Then we all got together to watch the slide shows.  This allowed for collaboration, creativity, and an introduction to the use of Google Slides and Google Drive. Take a look!

Look for info coming home next week on BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)...and remember, if you don't have a device to bring, it is ok...as you can see I have about seven chromebooks in my room...we will be good!

Enjoy your THREE day weekend!