The Day After...

The day after Back to School Night is usually a "toughy"...being out later than normal typically makes it more difficult to get out of bed in the morning...this morning was different! I bounced out of bed in anticipation of the big game tonight!! Yes, I am an avid Skins fan and I have faith...they WILL win tonight!!

OK...on to school stuff...Thanks to all of you who came to Back to School Night last night. I really enjoyed sharing third grade with you!! As always, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to e-mail me!

In math we began with a warm up that is similar to the homework worksheet they were given for this evening. Then we reviewed last night's homework and clarified a few common misconceptions. After that, I introduced some math anchor activities (ways children can practice their math skills when they are finished with their work). Finally, we reviewed the topics that will be included on tomorrow's quiz...arranging 4 digit numbers from least to greatest, writing numbers in word form and expanded notation and arranging digits to create the largest possible number.

On to reading...we began with a reading of the morning message. Then we discussed the characteristics of Realistic Fiction (not true, but could be true...characters are believable, as are the setting, the problem and the solution). After that, I read Thundercake by Patricia Pollaco to the class and we discussed evidence of it being in the realistic fiction genre.

While I continued my reading assessments, the children worked independently on a chart in the RRJ. They also practiced writing the letter "a" in cursive. If they finished early, they worked on their All About Me book or chose an anchor activity.

Following lunch and recess Mrs. Benson will read a chapter or two from Frindle to the class. Then they will choose a memory, from their memory walk yesterday, to turn into a personal narrative. Finally, they will review the elements of a map and begin creating a map of their desk using (among other things) the symbol they created, for their hobby, last week.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
Important meeting about new grading system and new report card is Tuesday, September 23 at 7:00!!!