Friday, March 26, 2010

TGIF!!!!

Just a reminder that Spring Break begins today!!!! Students do not return to school until WEDNESDAY, April 7...teachers will work on Tuesday, April 6 as that is a report card prep day.

This morning, after taking a quiz in math, we began sharing the children's sound projects. They were amazing!!!!!! WE continued sharing after recess. Then we had the fifth grade students come in and view our projects. They were quite impressed!!!

We ended the day by going to an assembly about our school's 75th anniversary time capsule.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Sound Project Due Date

There was a lot of excitement in the room this morning as the students brought in their projects. They all look terrific! We will share them tomorrow! I can't wait!!

In math this morning I used a clothesline and clothespins to help students locate fractions and mixed numbers on a number line. This seemed to be a great visual for the children. However, their classwork indicated that there was still some confusion. SO we went over the first two problems, in class, and the students were told to redo the rest of the worksheet for homework. I also met this three small groups. One worked on identifying equivalent fractions. Another had students determine the value of a fraction of a set. Finally, the third group practiced adding money. We will have a quiz tomorrow!

In reading the students received a new National Geographic with a sea turtle on the front cover. We read about Green Sea Turtles and discussed the organization of the article. After that, as a whole group, we edited our persuasive letter rough drafts.

Following music, lunch and recess the students will continue working on their persuasive letters and other assignments from the week while I meet with reading groups.

Tigers: Practiced writing high frequency words. Then read chapter 4 independently. After that we discussed what problem Andrew's embarrassment had caused. Then we finished reading the book (chapter 5) out loud. Tonight they need to reread both chapters.

Bears: We began a new book...kind of weird timing with tomorrow being the last day before Spring Break but the students really wanted to. Who can turn down children who WANT to read?!?! So we read chapter 1 in the secret and discussed what made Chris a hero. Tonight they need to reread chapter 1.

Lions: Finished reading Onion Tears independently. Then, in group, read and discussed the end.

The day will end with a lesson lead by Mrs. Howard.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Hump Day!

This morning in math, after going to FASTT math, we practiced placing fractions and mixed numbers on a number line. We did this as a whole group activity, using white boards, because only one student was able to earn a score of 3 or better on this section of their math quiz last week. There is a worksheet for homework and we will have a quiz on Friday. In order to prepare for the quiz, the students have been told to review last week's quiz.

In reading we finished reading Amber Brown is Not a Crayon. We also discussed various ways to write a good ending and listed them, along with examples, in our writer's notebook. Then we read Caps for Sale to illustrate a great ending!

Following PE, lunch and recess the students will work independently on their persuasive letter, homophones activities (word study), the vocabulary sheet and any reading group assignments. I will meet with small groups.

Tigers: We discussed a time when the children felt sick but didn't tell anyone. Then we read chapter three and wrote about a time we felt embarrassed. For homework, the students need to reread chapter three two times.

Bears: We practiced writing high frequency words. Then we reread chapter 4 and 5 practicing reading fluently. Then the students identified the one main idea/ or event from the beginning, middle and end of the story. Tonight they need to reread chapters 4 and 5.

Lions: We discussed the word sort and then talked about why the groups of children vandalized Nam's bike and why she didn't react. This came about from a discussion of the mood in the book. There is no additional homework tonight.

We ended the day by discussing the first 5 amendments in the Bill of Rights and also identifying our responsibilities that go along with those rights.

The sound projects are due TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Tuesday

Busy, busy day...so, please excuse, in advance, if this post is confusing or disjointed! :-)

In math we reviewed our quiz from Friday. These are now in your child's binder in the math section. Please look at it. Then, after FASTT math, the students practiced comparing fractions while I met with three small groups. Tow of the groups worked on identifying the value of a fraction of a set...for example, 3/5 of 20. The other group worked on identifying equivalent fractions. Then we all reviewed the classwork together. There is a worksheet (comparing fractions) for homework.

In reading we continued reading Amber Brown is Not a Crayon and discussing our predictions. Then we went over making sure that our arguments matched our audience for our persuasive letters. After that, we headed to the computer lab to complete a student survey for the county.

Following lunch and recess the students will work on their persuasive letters, their homophone charts and a vocabulary cartoon for the word amble.

Reading groups:
Tigers: Read chapter 2 to find out what was wrong with Andrew. Then they discussed why panic is a good title for this chapter. For homework they need to reread this chapter, twice...going for fluency.

Bears: Read and discussed chapters 4 and 5. For homework they need to reread these chapters...going for fluency!!

Lions: Reread pages 32-46 identifying examples of realistic fiction along the way. For homework they need to complete the word sort worksheet that they were given.

We will end the day with a social studies lesson that focuses on the rights and responsibilities of citizens.

Remember that the sound projects are due THURSDAY!!!

Monday, March 22, 2010

Monday

This morning we began comparing fractions. This is always a challenge for students because they think the larger the denominator, the larger the fraction. We practiced drawing (modeling) different fractions and the students came to the realization that as the denominator increases, the size of each piece decreases. While I met with small groups, the rest of the class used paper strips to models fractions of different sizes and then answer questions on a worksheet.

One small group worked on identifying equivalent fractions. The other practiced determining the value of a fraction of a set. There are two worksheets that needed to be worked on in class and completed for homework. We will review Friday's quiz tomorrow and then send it home.

In reading we continued reading Amber Brown is Not a Crayon. Today we made predictions about what will happen next. Then we began planning our next persuasive writing piece. The students are picking something that bothers them and writing a letter to a specific person to get them to change their mind or the rule.

Following art, lunch and indoor recess the students will continue working on their persuasive writing piece, identifying homophones and a new vocabulary word, while I meet with reading groups.

Tigers: Practice writing high frequency words then read and discussed chapter 1. Tonight the students need to reread chapter 1, two times...we need to work on fluency.

Bears: We worked on their planning sheet for their next persuasive piece instead of reading during our small group time. Tonight they need to reread chapter 3, two times, working on fluency.

Lions: We reread the letters to the yellow canary and discussed why Nam writes to the canary and what information we can gain about Nam from reading these letters. Tonight they need to read pages 32-46.

We ended the day by sharing our rules posters from last week.

Remember that the sound projects are due THIS Thursday!!!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Thursday

This morning, after reviewing our homework and going to FASTT math the students worked independently on identifying the value of a fraction of a set. For example, 1/2 of 12 is 6. I also worked with a small group on this same skill. There is a worksheet for homework and we will have a quiz tomorrow that covers fractions, mixed numbers and probability.

I spent our reading whole group lesson reviewing and re-modelling the writing of a persuasive writing piece. In conferencing with the students I saw many students having the same challenges. They lacked a clear focus or understanding of who their audience was. Additionally, their support wasn't strong and geared toward their intended audience. I addressed all of these issues and more during my lesson.

Following music, lunch and recess the students will continue working on their writing piece by conferencing with me and then a peer. After that, they will make revisions to their rough draft. Finally, they will write a final copy. I am expecting all final copies to be finished and turned in by the end of the day tomorrow.

Therefore, I may not be meeting with my reading groups today. :-(

At 2:30 those students who earned at least 25 points on their MSA effort rubrics will be treated to an extra recess and an ice cream sandwich.

I will be out of the building tomorrow at a doctor's appointment.

Remember that the sound projects are due one week from today. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions or concerns.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Hump Day!

This morning, in math, after completing a warm up, reviewing last night's homework and going to FASTT math, the students worked in small groups to solve the problem 1/3 of 12. Then we shared the different methods used by the groups to find the answer. My goal was for the students to realize, on their own, that the denominator tells you how many groups to divide the set into. Tonight's homework reviews probability because I wasn't sure they were ready for identifying the fractions of a set.

After that, my reading class continued to work on their persuasive writing pieces and homophone worksheets while I conferenced with students. Then they went to PE, lunch and recess.

This afternoon, the students will continue working independently while I meet with reading groups.

Tigers: Read chapter 4 independently and identified the events at the beginning, middle and end of the chapter. After that we finished the book and discussed how Selena changed during the story.

Bears: Reread chapter 3. For homework they need to reread the chapter twice...we are trying to work on fluency. They also completed a comprehension worksheet, independently, in class.

Lions: The students reminded me that they hadn't finished sharing the chapter they wrote for the novel Journey. So, we took a break from Onion Tears and shared them. Tonight, for homework, they need to read pages 16-31.

We will end the day by grouping rules and regulations into like categories.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Terrific Tuesday

MSA is over and the sun is shining...what could be better?!?

After completing our math warm up, we read a book about fractions and then went to the computer lab for FASTT math. When we returned to the classroom we used cuisenaire rods to explore equivalent fractions. There is a worksheet for homework and I am hoping to have a quiz on Friday. Stay tuned...

We began reading by finishing the homophone book from yesterday. WE also created a homophone chart in our RRJs. Then we examined ways to win an argument in order to help our persuasive writing skills. When we went tot he computer lab, the students worked on Type to Learn while I conferenced with individuals on their rough drafts.

Following lunch and outdoor recess, the class continued working on their persuasive writing pieces and identifying the meaning of homophones and using them correctly in sentences, while I met with reading groups.

Tigers: Practiced writing high frequency words. Then reread chapter 3 and identified the problem and what could have been done to avoid it.

Bears: practiced writing high frequency words. Then began reading and discussing chapter 3.

Lions: Students finished reading pages 1-15 and marking required sentences with a post-it. Then they discussed the meaning of these sentences with a partner. When we net in group, we began rereading pages 1-15 and discussed the first marked sentence.

We ended the day with a video about plants. The life cycle of a plant will be our next science unit.

The sound projects are due next Thursday!

Monday, March 15, 2010

MSA for Third Grade is O*V*E*R!!!!

This morning the students completed the final portion of the math MSA. We are finished! WOO HOO!

After that we learned about homophones, homonyms and homographs. WE also began reading a book called A Chocolate Moose for Dinner.

Next we went to art, lunch and outdoor recess.

This afternoon the students worked on their persuasive writing piece and identifying the meanings of different homophones. I met with two reading groups.

Bears: Reread chapter 1 and discussed the problem in the chapter. Then we read chapter 2 and the students wrote about a character trait for Selena, in their RRJ, and provided evidence from the text.

Lions: Read pages 1-15 and marked three sentences with sticky notes. Then they worked with a partner to discuss the meaning of these sentences.

We ended the day by brainstorming rules and guidelines that are present in our community. The students began working in groups to categorize these items.

Remember the sound project is due NEXT Thursday!

Friday, March 12, 2010

TGIF

This morning we took the first part of the math MSA. After lunch and indoor recess we paid tribute to African American History and the Civil Rights Movement by watching the movie Ruby Bridges.

We will take the second part of the math MSA on Monday!

Have a great weekend!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Thursday

Math MSA begins tomorrow. So, this morning we practiced using calculators and reviewed some math skills using an MSA test prep resource. we also went to FASTT math.

After that, we continued to investigate the novel using Amber Brown is Not a Crayon. We practiced taking notes on the character development in the chapter and sighting the pages in the chapter where we obtained our evidence. After that we learned how to win an argument using the pros and cons table from yesterday.

Following music, lunch and recess the students will work independently while I emet with readiing groups.

Bears: WIll practice writing high frequency words and read chapter 1 of Queen of the Pool. They will practice writing a summary of the chpater.

Tigers: Will practice writing high frequency words and read chapter 3 of Queen of the Pool. THey, too, will practice writing a summary of the chpater.

Lions: Will read a summary of Onion Tears and discuss the concept of a traumatic event. They will also use sensory images to describe times they feel safe and unsafe.

WE will end the day with a friendship lesson with Mrs. Howard.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Hump Day

Ahhh...a reprieve from testing today...remember, math MSA begins Friday. I won't be giving any new homework until next Tuesday BUT students should be working on their sound projects -- they are due Thursday, March 25!!

After going to FASTT math, my math class practiced identifying the chance of events occurring. I met with two small groups. One worked on writing fractions and mixed numbers for the same picture. The other worked on identifying fractions and mixed numbers on a number line.

In reading we began exploring the novel as a literary genre. We discussed challenges that a novel might bring, such as, lack of picture support and remembering what has already taken place. Then we began reading the novel, Amber Brown is Not a Crayon.

After that, we switched our focus to persuasive writing. Students helped me develop a pros and cons chart for never going to school again. This afternoon they will create a similar chart for their topic.

Following PE, lunch and recess the students will work independently on their writing and some brain teaser activities while I meet with reading groups.

Tigers: We reread chapters 1 and 2 and discussed how Selena has changed so far.

Bears: We finished reading and discussing The BIrthday Swap.

Lions: We read and discussed an article about Diana Kidd, the author of Onion Tears, our r next novel.

We ended the day by changing the volume of our string instruments and then disassembling them.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

MSA Reading - DONE!

THis morning the children completed the reading portion of the MSA. We will begin the math part on Friday and complete it on Monday. After that, the students went to the computer lab and practiced their keyboarding skills using Type to Learn.

Following lunch and outdoor recess, we will woork on identifying qand modeling fractions of a set and on a number line. We will also do FASTT math in the lab. Once again, we will end the day with a realistic fiction movie.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Welcome to MSA!!

We began MSA with part 1 of the reading test today. We will have reading part 2 tomorrow and take the math portions on Friday and next Monday.

After MSA the children went to art, lunch and outdoor recess. Then we had math. N my math class we reviewed drawing models and identifying fractions and mixed numbers. We also identified fractions on a number line.

After math, we will watch a historical fiction movie.

There will not be any homework this week. PLEASE make sure your child relaxes in the evenings, goes to bed at a reasonable hour and eats a good dinner and a large breakfast!

Also, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions and/or concerns.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Thursday

I will not be in tomorrow so I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone that MSA for third grade begins MONDAY!!!!

In math today we watched a video about probability. Then we discussed and provided examples of events that were most likely, least likely, certain and impossible. We also used fractions to identify the chance of an event happening. There is a worksheet for homework tonight and NO quiz tomorrow. Tonight's worksheet is two sided but the students only need to complete the side with the spinner. If they choose to do the other side, as well, that is fine...but not required!

After math we obtained information from a poster using text features. We also determined the intended audience for the poster and provided support for our thinking. Then I modeled creating a jellyfish graphic organizer for our next writing to persuade piece.

Following music, lunch and outdoor recess the students will work on their graphic organizer and a reading comprehension activity while I meet with reading groups.

Tigers:Practiced writing high frequency words. Then read chapter one of Queen of the Pool. For homework they need to reread chapter 1.

Lions: Finished reading and discussing chapter 13.

We will end the day with a visit from Mrs. Howard. She will do a lesson about friendship!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Hump Day!

Interim reports are coming home today! PLEASE check your child's binder.

This morning, after FASTT math, we watched a short video clip about fractions on a number line. Then the students practiced identifying fractions on a number line while I met with small groups. One group worked on naming fractions greater than 1. The other group practiced solving three digit by one digit multiplication problems. Tonight for homework there is a number line worksheet.

In reading we identified text features and responded to questions about a flyer. Then we began sharing topic ideas for persuasive writing.

Following PE, lunch and recess the students will work on reading group activities (including answering their own questions from homework the other day), identifying a persuasive topic to write about and 3 arguments for that topic, and they will finish any other unfinished work while I meet with reading groups.

Tigers: The students worked on a worksheet that consisted of comprehension questions THEY wrote while I read with each individual student. We will begin a new book (level P!!)tomorrow!

Bears: After practicing writing high frequency words we continued reading our current book. TOnight they need to reread up to the marked page TWICE...we are working on fluency!

Lions: They began reading by working on a packet of comprehension questions for Journey that THEY wrote. Then we began reading chapter 13 out loud...hopfully, we will finish tomorrow!

We will end the day by adding more strings, of different weight, to our string instrument and identifying how this affects the pitch.

Don't forget that the Science Fair is tonight!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

Today is Read Across America Day in honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday. Our wonderful guidance counselor arranged to have seniors from the Damascus Senior Center read a Dr. Seuss book to each class. Our class listened to Oh, the Places You'll Go!

After that we went to math class. In my math class we continued identifying fractions of a whole and of a set. WE watched a segment of video and worked on a practice worksheet. There is a worksheet for homework.

After that, I had a meeting to attend, but Mrs. Benson reviewed the strategies we use to persuade. Then the students shared ideas, they listed yesterday that, that they might choose to persuade a friend to do. Finally, Mrs. Benson read Green Eggs and Ham (another Dr. Seuss book) and discussed the persuasive methods that are utilized within the book.

Prior to lunch and recess, we went to the computer lab to practice key boarding skills using Type to Learn.

After recess the students will write thank you notes to our guest speak and answer multiple choice questions based on a flyer while I meet with reading groups.

Tigers: Finished reading book out loud and discussed main event on each page. Then worked on vocab activity using words from the book. Tonight they need to reread the book.

Bears: Reviewed unknown words from homework. Began reading the story aloud. Tonight they need to reread the marked section TWICE.

Lions: Read and discussed chapter 12 out loud. Tonight they need to reread chapter 13 and share (with an adult) what they think will happen next...they are to use their knowledge of the book to think about what they would write if they had to write another chapter for the book. This is to help prepare the students for an upcoming assignment.

We will end the day by construction a one-stringed instrument.

PLEASE remember that the sound projects are due in just over three weeks. I will do my best to reduce the amount of reading homework during this time!!!

Also, MSA testing begins MONDAY!

Monday, March 1, 2010

March!!!

What a beautiful fist day of March! Hopefully, it is an indication of the weather to come...

After FASTT math, the students practiced identifying fractions of a whole and of a set while I met with two small groups. One group practiced completing and identifying the rule for numeric patterns. The other group worked on identifying the missing addend in a number sentence. For homework, the students need to finish their two worksheets from class.

In reading we practiced answering multiple choice questions by narrowing down our choices. Then we listed methods we use to change peoples' minds (persuade).

Following art, lunch and recess the students will list ideas they want to convince their friends to do (ex. eat broccoli, ride a roller coaster, etc.)and they will practice using the narrowing strategy to answer multiple choice questions. I will meet with reading groups.

Tigers: Review writing high frequency words. Then discussed the "swap". After that we read some portions of the text out loud. For homework, the students need to write 2 multiple choice and 1 BCR questions in their RRJ. They should not answer these questions. We will do that in reading group!

Bears: We practiced writing high frequency words. Then we previewed The Birthday Swap and looked at a map to not the proximity of California and Mexico. For homework the students need to preview the book and list 5 unknown words.

Lions: We continued reading and discussing the end of Journey. For homework, the students need to write 2 multiple choice and 1 BCR questions in their RRJ. They should not answer these questions. We will do that in reading group!

We will end the day by creating a model of an eardrum using a cup and plastic membrane.

Additionally, the students will be bringing home the requirements for the sound instrument project. This is an AT HOME project that is due on Thursday, March 25. Please look for the information this evening.

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