Winter Break

I am not sure if anyone is reading this blog over break, but if you are, let me know!!! I wanted to check in and tell all my kids that I do miss them!!

Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed my time off...in fact, due to the snow days, this has been the least stressful holiday season of my adult life...but I am a bit sad that we didn't get to enjoy any holiday fun prior to the break!

If your children are bored, tell them to e-mail me at dana_c_holman@mcpsmd.org to tell me about their holiday and how they are spending their time away from school! I PROMISE to answer ALL e-mails with a day!

TGIF!

Even with snow in the forecast and being in the midst of the holiday season, we are having a great day!

In math we took our fist quiz for unit 3 and the children ROCKED!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so proud of their effort!!

In reading we finished reading Freedom Summer and identifying pronouns (and the words/ideas they took the place of)within the text. After that, the students began their independent work while I conferenced with individuals about their writing. I really enjoyed working on writing, one-on-one for a change!

After media center (which was held in the mini lab due to the book fair), lunch and indoor recess the students will continue to work independently while I meet with reading groups.

Bears: We will practice high frequency words and identify words in the text with the prefixes un- and re-.

Tigers: We will identify pronouns in their text and determine which words (or ideas) the pronouns are representing. We will also review their suffix lists from homework last night.

Lions: WE will continue reviewing the questions they wrote and reread the story marking places with a T where Shahkro was being tricky.

We will end the day with a student sharing two of his special books and then celebrating fun Friday.

Great Start to the Day!

We did not have math today. Instead we enjoyed our school's band and choral concert.

Prior to going to the concert, we finished out science experiment that we began yesterday afternoon. We produced sound from three nails using a pencil. Then we discussed how the sounds differed and why.

After the concert we went to reading. In my reading class we began reading a book called Freedom Summer. Our purpose for reading this book was to identify pronouns, the words they are taking the place of and how using pronouns incorrectly (or too frequently) can lead to confusion.

This book is a fantastic book that led to a great discussion about the civil rights movement. Therefore, we did not finish the book or the lesson. We will continue tomorrow!

Following music, lunch and indoor recess the students worked on independent work which included a pronoun worksheet while I met with reading groups.

Bears: Some students worked on their writing rough draft while others practiced reading the honeybee book. Tonight some need to reread the book while others will complete the pronoun worksheet.

Tigers: We spent time investigating suffixes and identifying words with suffixes in our Alex Lee book. Tonight they need to reread the Alex Lee book and identify words with -s, -d, and -ing suffixes on a chart in their RRJ.

Lions: We began reviewing their homework...asking questions when given a passage of text... unfortunately, we ran out of time. So they do not have homework tonight...and they are just crushed about it! LOL

We ended the day with a friendship lesson given by Mrs. Howard.

Hump Day

This morning, in math, we used division to solve word problems. For homework the students need to complete the multiplication basic facts worksheet and practice their flashcards. Due to the holiday concert, we will not have math tomorrow. So, the homework will be due Friday. We will have a quiz on Friday, too!

We began reading by reviewing the way to determine what is important information (as opposed to interesting) when reading text...the purpose or questions drive what is considered important. Then we identified the theme (author's message) in the book, The Girl Who Wore Too Much. We used the theme to help us identify the important information in the book. As we read, we stopped and wrote down important information. When we were done reading, we reviewed the important information that we had noted on our chart and realized that we had in fact written a summary of the story.

After that I modeled creating a jellyfish graphic organizer using the same article that the students used in their small groups earlier this week. My focus was on including information that their readers would not know, as opposed to including known information.

Following PE, lunch and indoor recess the students will work independently on their writing pieces and a sequencing activity while I meet with small groups.

Bears: Practiced writing high frequency words. Identified topic related vocabulary words within the text. Began reading and discussing Honeybees book. Tonight the students need to read the entire book.

Tigers: We reviewed the unknown words from their homework. Then we began reading the book and answering oral comprehension questions. For homework they need to read the entire book.

Lions: We continued listing questions we had about the story. Then each student chose a keeper question. For homework they need to complete pages 12 and 13 in their packet. They will read selections of text and write a question that goes with the text.

We ended the day by writing predictions as to the sounds that various sized nails will produce. Tomorrow we will test our predictions!

Tuesday

We began tackling word problems in math. I am trying to help the students to recognize key words (such as altogether, in all, etc.) and to think about what the unknown is....is the total is unknown then use multiplication....if a part is unknown, use division. While the students worked independently on a practice worksheet, I pulled a group to work on equations. There is a worksheet for homework and students should be memorizing their basic facts by practicing their flashcards nightly.

During our whole group reading lesson the students continued working in their small groups to create a jellyfish graphic organizer based on the deep sea fishing article. Then we shared the graphic organizers with the entire class. Tomorrow we will investigate which information was new, and therefore should be part of the jellyfish, and which was redundant. Then the children went to the computer lab and visited the book fair.

Following lunch and recess the students worked on their rough drafts, the holiday comprehension activity and the sequencing activity while I met with reading groups.

Bears: Practiced writing high frequency words. Also identified passages in text that answered comprehension questions. Answered two questions together in class. They need to answer the other two for homework tonight.

Tigers: Practiced high frequency words. Discussed the idea of America as a melting pot in preparation for our new book, Alex Lee a Chinese American. Tonight they need to preview the book and list unknown words.

Lions: Began listing questions they have about the new story. Tonight they need to define and use the following words in a sentence, in their RRJ; persuade, desperate, reputation.

We ended the day by investigating how sound travels using tuning forks and fishing line.

Book Fair

The book fair is at DES this week. Come by tonight and Ms. Jones will read to your children while you shop for holiday gifts!

In math we practiced using various strategies to solve division problems. I worked with small groups practicing using simpler facts to solve more challenging problems. For example, if you know that 5x7 = 35, add one more group of 7 to discover that 6x7 = 42. There is a worksheet for homework AND all students should be spending 3-5 minutes practicing their basic fact flashcards each night.

We continued our study of folktales in reading. Today we read Cinderella and practiced sequencing. I paused several times during my reading and reviewed (out loud) what had happened so far. Then at the end, I retold the entire story. Sequencing is an important skill that is used to retell and summarize.

After that the students got into small groups to work on writing. In their groups, they read an article and began creating a jellyfish graphic organizer. Tomorrow they will complete this graphic organizer, in their groups. We will then share the organizers and I will help the children see what should have been added. The purpose of this activity is to help students improve their writing. I am predicting the students will include details that everyone already knows. I will point that out and show them NEW information that should have been included in order to teach their readers new information...the purpose of informative writing.

Following art, lunch and recess we will meet in reading groups and work independently. Students will continue working on their rough drafts from last week.
Additionally, many have to redo the reading comprehension worksheet...answers were not written in complete sentences and some did not use the text to answer the questions. The final assignment that students worked on was a sequence activity.

Bears: Practiced writing high frequency words. Continued reading book and locating information. Tonight they need to reread the entire book.

Tigers: Practiced writing high frequency words. Practiced identifying the answers to questions 1-3, orally. Tonight they need to answer the same questions, in writing, in their RRJ.

Lions: Discussed playing tricks on other people as prereading activity for their new story. Then I read The Man Whose Trade was Tricks out loud. Tonight they need to reread the story and list questions they have in their RRJ.

We ended the day with a science experiment. Students used pitch forks to create sound. We learned that sound is created through vibrations and that the number of vibrations per second is called the frequency. The frequency determines the pitch of a sound.

Thursday

Yesterday I finally finished scoring the unit 2 assessments...the results were not so good! :-( No worries, though...Mrs. Starkey and myself will be working with the students to reteach and practice the various skills that caused challenges! Once we are sure that the children are better prepared, we will begin reassessing them.

So, today, in math, we reviewed determined the area of a figure. Our focus was on figures that were not perfect squares. The students had to estimate which partial squares they could put together to make one. You will find our practice paper in your child's home folder. There is also a basic facts sheet for homework.

I will not be here tomorrow (taking the 3 year old for shots...LUCKY me, huh?) so we will not have a quiz. Instead the children will be making flash cards for some of the difficult multiplication basic facts. PLEASE have your child practice these flashcards DAILY for just 3-5 minutes. As they begin to memorize the products (answers), you can remove the easy cards from the pile in order to reduce the size of the pile and the amount of time needed to practice the facts.

During reading we read two folktales, The Three Billy Goats Gruff and Hansel and Gretel, and practiced making inferences.

Following music, lunch and indoor recess the students will work independently on their current writing piece (finishing their graphic organizer and their rough draft) and on a reading comprehension piece. They will read about holidays and answer some questions. I will meet with reading groups.

Bear: Practiced writing high frequency words on white boards. Reviewed syllables and practiced identifying the number of syllables in words. Continued reading book. Tonight they need to complete their word study homework and reread up to page 10.

Tiger: Practiced high frequency words on white boards and continued reading Forests. We also answered questions orally, in group. Tonight they need to finish their word study work and reread Forests.

Lion: We shared their revised homework from last night and what a JOY that was!!!! The students ALL showed much growth on their assignments. I told them that THIS is what learning is all about...they attempted an assignment and did OK...then we discussed what could be done to improve their work and then they went home and used their new knowledge to improve their work! WOO HOO!!!! So proud! They, too, need to complete their word study assignments.

We will end the day with a lesson about friendship with Mrs. Howard.

Interim Reports

Believe it or not, we are halfway through the second marking period. So every child will be bringing home an interim progress report today. Make sure you look over your child's report so that you have a good idea how he or she is progressing. There is no need to return these papers to school.

In math we worked on comparison multiplication. There is a follow up worksheet for homework.

We listed the characteristics of folktales today and read two; The Three Bears and Jack and the Beanstalk. We also identified evidence of the characteristics from the stories we read. After that I modeled writing the first paragraph of an informational piece suing the jellyfish graphic organizer.

Following PE, lunch and recess the students worked independently while I met with small groups.

Bears: Practiced writing high frequency words on white boards. Reviewed list of unknown words from homework last night. Practiced reading out loud. Tonight they need to add words from their book to the suffix chart in their RRJ.

Lions: I met with the lion group for a while today. We began by sharing their homework assignments (Gonta's diary entries). Some were quite good but they all lacked ideas that showed connection to the actual text. For homework they need to revise their entries. After that, we continued discussing our focus question for the story.

We ended the day by continuing our list of what we know about sound and then began a new list of what we want to find out about sound.

Tuesday

In math we explored the relationship between multiplication and division. We began by reviewing the idea that addition and subtraction are inverse operations. Then we connected that idea to multiplication and division. From there we practiced writing fact families when given three numbers. For example, when given 3, 4 and 12, the fact family would consist of ; 3x4=12, 4x3=12, 12 divided by 3 = 4 and 12 divided by 4 = 3. I worked with small groups practicing function tables while the rest of the class completed a fact family worksheet and a basic fact worksheet. There is a worksheet for homework.

We began reading by reviewing the characteristics of a folktale. Then we read Coyote Steals the Blanket and identified examples, from the story, of folktale characteristics. After that, I modeled writing questions as headings for our next writing piece. Finally, we headed to the computer lab to continue publishing our writing using Microsoft Word.

After lunch and outdoor recess the students will work independently while I meet with reading groups. Independent work today included completing their jellyfish graphic organizer, identifying common and proper nouns and writing statements and questions when given a set of words.

Bears: Practiced high frequency words and then each student red to me individually as part of a running record. While I was with another student, the rest read our new book and noted unknown words on a sticky note. Tonight they need to finish this for homework.

Tigers: Practiced high frequency words and then read up to page 12 in their Forests book. They also located answers to questions I posed orally, in the text. Tonight they need to reread up to page 12.

Lions: We discussed the purposed of a diary and reviewed page 42 in their Ooka packet. Tonight they need to complete page 42.

Word study homework is due FRIDAY!

We ended the day with SCIENCE!!!!!!! We began our next unit, Sound, by listing information the students know about sound...and I am in trouble!!! They already know A LOT!!!!

Monday

I apologize for the lack of Blog on Friday. I left early and meant to blog when I got home...but I forgot...plain and simple! Sorry!

In math on Friday we worked on the basic multiplication facts for 2 and 5. Today we worked on the 3's. Both on Friday and today I was able to pull small groups to work on challenge problems...4th grade math! I met with 4 or 5 groups in total and we worked on solving equations that involve parenthesis, such as, (3+4) x 2= 14 and function tables. There is a worksheet for homework tonight that practices multiplying by 2.

We began studying the Folktale genre of literature today. To refresh our memories the students listed 5 things they know about folktales on index cards. Then they shared their ideas with partners and wrote 3 ideas that they agreed upon. Finally, we shared these ideas as a class. The students really knew a lot! After that we read and discussed the fantasy, Chester the Worldly Pig.

Following art, lunch and indoor recess the children worked on their jellyfish graphic organizers for their next writing piece and completed a story map for Chester the Worldly Pig while Mrs. Hepner and I met with small groups.

Bears: We worked on understanding an entry in a dictionary using the word democracy from our current reading book. Tonight the students need to answer the questions from the back of their book in their RRJ.

Tigers: We began by practicing high frequency words on white boards. Then the students read up to page 9, silently. After that we discussed the different types of forests. For homework tonight the students need to write about the 3 types of forests in their RRJ.

Lions: WE met and began our inquiry discussion as to why Ooka made Gonta pay back an extra 10% of rice as interest. Tonight the students are expected to reread the story...we had a misunderstanding and they were unable to do the original homework assignment that I had planned.

ALL students should be completing word study homework assignments...they are due Friday!

We ended the day by answering questions about our geographic window to assess our knowledge of physical and human characteristics.

Thursday - Word Study is BACK!

We began unit 3, multiplication and division, in math this morning. The students took notes in their math journals as we learned the meaning of key vocabulary words (factor, product, inverse operations, commutative property), strategies for solving multiplication problems (drawing sets, drawing arrays, repeated addition) and tricks to help them memorize the basic facts (anything times zero = 0, any number times 1 = itself). There is a multiplication practice worksheet for homework.

In reading we collected -ough words and sorted them according to the sound produced by the chunk. Then the students chose new words to practice for their word study homework. The lions reading group chose 10 words. Tigers and bears chose 5. The students need to complete 4 activities, using their words, in their word study notebook, by next Friday.


Following music, lunch and recess the students will work independently on gathering and organizing their research for their next writing piece and writing their word study words in cursive. I will meet with reading groups.

Bears: Began new book called Welcome to the White House...we practiced high frequency words on white boards then we read and discussed the book. For homework they need to practice reading the book.

Tigers:Began a new book called Forests. We started by making a word chain on white boards. Our word chain focused on the -ea spelling pattern. For homework they need to preview their new book and list unknown words on a sticky note.

Lions: Students copied and answered a focus question in their Ooka packet. We will discuss the question in group tomorrow. The questions is: Why did Ooka want Gonta to put back more rice than he stole?

Mrs. Howard will come by to do a friendship lesson with our class at the end of the day.

Hump Day

This morning the students took the unit 2 math assessment. Tomorrow we will begin unit 3; multiplication and division.

During reading, we returned to the computer lab to finish collecting research materials for our next informational writing piece. When students were done, they continued publishing their writing.

Following PE, lunch and indoor recess, the students will work independently, while I meet with reading groups.

Bears: Began with word work then discussed and modeled using information from the text in their answers. Tonight for homework they need to rewrite their answer for question number 3 in their RRJ.

Tigers: Began with word work then used post-it notes to locate answers to questions 1-3 in the back of their book. WE also practiced answering these questions orally. They returned to their seats to answer these questions in their RRJ.

Lions: Modeled doing a vocabulary assignment that they started in class nad need to finish for homework. They need to look up 4 words (virtue, courtesy and 2 others they choose)in the dictionary and write the definition in their RRJ. Then they need to use the definition, along with the Ooka story, to get a firm understanding of the word's meaning. Finally, they need to use the word in a sentence that proves they understand the meaning of the word.

We ended the day by, FINALLY, drawing our geographic characteristics on our windows and creating a key to go with it.

Tuesday

This morning, in math, we went over the entire review packet for unit 2. The students will take the assessment tomorrow. Please go over the review packet, with your child, for homework tonight.

In reading the students worked in small groups to write a summary for a section of How PLants Grow. I was very pleased with the progress the small groups made. They will complete this activity tomorrow, hopefully! :-)

After that we went to the computer lab to gather some research, via the internet, for our next informational writing piece. We will return to the lab tomorrow to continue gathering research materials and to publish our writing pieces using Microsoft Word.

Following lunch and recess the students will work independently and meet in reading groups. Some of the independent assignments include; searching for ough words, completing their first informational writing piece and practicing the capital letters T and F in cursive.

Bears: Will finish reading Zoo Vet and answer questions in their RRJ.

Tigers: Will finish reading Deserts and answer a question in their RRJ.

Lions: Will write to explain why they thought certain passages in the Ooka story were fair/unfair.

We will end the day with the students creating a Geographic Window of the geographic characteristics in our community.

The morning after...

The Monday morning after any break from school is usually very quiet. Today was no different! :-)

In math we began reviewing for the unit 2 assessment. The students worked, independently, on a review packet. Tonight they need to complete/recheck the packet for homework. Tomorrow we will go over the entire packet, together, in class. On Wednesday the students will take the unit 2 assessment.

In reading we reviewed the characteristics of a summary and applied them as we took notes in a two column format after reading The Great Plant Contest in the book How Plants Survive.

Then we discussed the difference between a thick and a thin question. Thin questions have answers that are only one or two words and are typically right or wrong. Thick questions demand details and elaboration. For example, do you like peanut butter is a thin questions. How do you like to eat your peanut butter is a thick question.

As part of their independent work today students will be choosing a topic for their next informational writing piece and then writing 5 thick questions to research about that topic.

Following art, lunch and indoor recess the students will work independently while I meet with small groups.

Tigers: When time permits, I am going to try to pull this group in smaller groups of 2-3 students to help maintain their focus. Today we practiced some word work and read pages 8 and 9 to answer some right there questions. Right there questions are questions whose answers are written verbatim in the text. The students will independently read pages 10 and 11 and answer a right there questions in their RRJ. For homework they need to reread the entire book.

Bears: We will practice the words we have been learning to spell and continue reading about Zoo Vets. Tonight they need to reread the book.

Lions: Will reread Ooka and mark areas with a "c" where they can make connections to the text. Then they will complete page 35 in their Ooka packet...for a score! This will become homework if it is not completed in class.

We will end the day with a social studies lesson. The students will write about opportunity cost in their social studies journal. They will give an example to demonstrate their knowledge. Then they will use symbols to draw a picture of the geographical characteristics they see in their community...this might turn into homework. If so, it will be noted in their planner.

Grandparent's Day

We had a spectacular turnout for Grandparent's Day! It was a lot of fun!!

In math we completed a warm up and then reviewed last night's homework. After that, we worked in small groups to solve brainteaser/logic type problems.

We began reading by listening to a story by Charlotte Herman called The memory Cupboard. Then the children worked on family tree activities.

After PE, the students will eat lunch and then return to the class to pack up for our 1:00 dismissal.

I hope everyone has a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving! I am truly thankful for being able to work with a super group of students!!

Tuesday

Tomorrow is Grandparent's Day and Thanksgiving the next...so, we are busy tying up loose ends and having some fun while we learn!

In math we continued identifying the area and perimeter of figures. We also shared the rest of our small group activities. There is a worksheet for homework and the students are expected to identify BOTH the perimeter and area.

We began reading by reviewing the characteristics that summaries should include. Then we used our note taking chart, from yesterday, to write a summary. After that we discussed our I Wonder lists and how to choose a topic (for our next writing assignment) from these lists. After that, we went to the computer lab to continue publishing our writing.

Following lunch and indoor recess, in the gym, the students worked on the final copy of their writing pieces, they began choosing a topic for their next piece and they added words to their personal dictionaries while I met with small groups.

Bears: We continued reading Zoo Vets.

Tigers: We continued reading Deserts and answering true/false questions (orally) and finding evidence in the book to support our answer.

Lions: We shared passages in the story that we felt were fair and unfair and discussed those passages. We had a blast with our discussions...ask your child!

We ended the day by working on a Caring project, for the Senior Center, with Mrs. Howard.

Monday

In math this morning the students worked in small groups to solve a problem involving area using a method and manipulatives of their choice. This gave them the opportunity to take the skills they have learned and apply them to a new situation. All groups were successful! It also gave me a chance to work with a few students one-on-one. There is a worksheet for homework.

We began reading by reviewing the characteristics needed for a good summary. Then the students worked in small groups to create a two column note-taking chart for the second section of the book In the Deep. After working in groups, the students used their results to help me develop a two column chart. We will use this chart to write a summary tomorrow.

Following art, lunch and recess the students will work on the final draft of their writing piece. They will also continue to add to their I Wonder list. Additionally, the will practice forming the capital letters P, R and B in cursive.

I will meet with small groups, as will Mrs. Hepner.

bears: Practiced writing high frequency words on white boards. Read pages 3-6 out loud and discussed answered questions about the text orally. Tonight for homework they need to reread pages 3-6.

Tigers: Began reading Deserts and discussing the use of text features. Tonight they will need to reread pages 4-7.

lions: Continued sharing questions for Ooka. Then picked a keeper question. After that the students began their second reading of Ooka marking places with a U where they felt Ooka was unfair and an F if they felt Ooka was fair. They need to finish this at home. There was NOT enough time to do this well in class...trust me!

We are ending the day by watching a video clip on opportunity cost and writing about it in our social studies journals.

TGIF

We have been working hard all week and I think I can speak for the entire class when I say that we are ready for the weekend!!!

In math we took our second quiz for unit 2. I saw lots of improvement! YEY! This is a short unit. So, we will be taking the assessment after Thanksgiving Break.

We spent our whole group reading time discussing the requirements for a summary and then putting them to good use! :-) Summaries should ...
1. tell the main idea
2. be brief and to the point
3. reflect only what is in the passage
4. use vocabulary specific to the topic
5. be written in your own words
6. be in a logical order

After discussing each requirement individually, I introduced a two column note-taking strategy that helps focus on the main ideas. Then we read a selection of text and completed the two column chart. Finally, we used the chart to write a summary. We will spend more time using this method next week.

Following going to the media center, lunch and recess the students will meet in small groups and finish up any work from the week...it is "finish up Friday", right?!?!?

Bears: Did some word work in preparation for a new book on Monday.

Tigers: Did some word work in preparation for a new book on Monday.

Lions: Shared questions that they wrote as they read Ooka and the Honest Thief.

Prior to going outside for Fun Friday we will discuss the geographical observations that the children completed for homework last night.

Thursday

In math we continued practicing the renaming of units and identifying area and perimeter of figures. Many students have not yet memorized that 12 inches = 1 foot and three feet = 1 yard. This is a MUST!!!! We will have a quiz tomorrow and there is a worksheet for homework.

We began reading by discussing author's use of organization in their writing and identifying key words that point to their organizational process. These words include; to begin with, first, next, at last, before, during, in (year), finally, for example, etc. We made the connection between these key words and the transition words that we use in our writing. Then we read an article in National Geographic about light houses. We looked for these key organizational words in the article.

After that we read some more from the book Why do Zippers Have Teeth and shared some of the I Wonder questions that the children listed in their writer's notebook.

Following music, lunch and indoor recess the children will work in reading groups and independently. Their independent work will include working on their current informational piece, adding questions to their I Wonder list, practicing a capital Z in cursive and any other unfinished work.

Bears: We will continue reading the electricity book and begin answering written comprehension questions.

Tigers: We will finish reading A Tour of the Planets. They will reread it independently and answer three comprehension questions in their reading response journal.

Lions: We will do a first reading of Ooka and the Honest Thief. Tonight they need to reread it for homework.

WE will end the day by listing geographic characteristics in our social studies journals. For homework tonight, the students will need to observe the geography directly outside of their house (this can be done through a window) and tally the characteristics that they see.

PTA Movie Night = No Homework

There is no homework tonight due to the PTA sponsored Movie Night.

In math we reviewed renaming measurements and area and perimeter. I worked with a small group using function tables to rename measurement units.

We began reading with the students working in small groups to reread Life on the African Savannah and chart examples of cause and effect. I was impressed with how well they worked together AND the results of their efforts!

After that we discussed how inventions are usually the result of people asking questions and wondering about things. Then we began reading a book called I Wonder Why Zippers Have Teeth. This afternoon the students will have a chance to look through some books about various inventions and then begin an I Wonder list in their writer's notebook. These lists will eventually be used for the children to pick a topic (of interest to them) to research and write about in an informational piece.

Following PE, lunch and recess the students will work independently on their current writing pieces. They will also complete a cause and effect worksheet and begin their I Wonder lists. I will work with reading groups.

Bears: We began by changing sounds in words to create a word chain. Then we continued reading the book. We also spent time orally practicing answers to questions about text features.

Tigers: We shared the facts they wrote for homework last night. We continued reading the book and orally practiced answering questions that were both literal and inferential.

Lions: We previewed our next story Ooka and the Honest Thief. We discussed the sense we got from our preview, as well as the irony of the title.

We are ending the day by reviewing the geographic characteristics data we collected yesterday afternoon.

Terrific Tuesday

In math we reviewed renaming units and identifying perimeter and area. I gave the class a quick "exit card" with two conversion problems to assess their current abilities. Then I pulled a small group to work on this skill based on the results of the exit card. For homework, students need to finish their classwork and they also have a conversion (renaming) worksheet.

We began reading by doing a shared reading about pollution. This piece of writing was on the overhead projector and we identified examples of cause and effect within the piece. Additionally, we noticed target words that let us know that we were reading examples of cause and effect. These words included, since, because, if...then, etc.

After that I modeled writing a paragraph as I finished my informational piece on running. Then we went to the computer lab where the students continued typing their personal narratives.

Following lunch and recess I met with small groups for reading and Mrs. Hepner continued working on writing.

Bears: We read up to page 11 and then practiced making words using a strategy called word chains. For homework the students need to reread pages 4-11.

Tigers: We read up to page 8 and practiced identify sentences within the text that answered questions I was asking orally. Tonight they need to read pages 8-11 and list 3 facts about 3 planets in their RRJ.

Lions: We shared their wish lists from last night. Then we continued our discussion from yesterday. Tonight they need to re answer the focus question at the bottom of page 28 using thoughts from our discussion and evidence from the text to support their answer. This will be scored.

We are ending the day by collecting data about our geography on the tally chart we prepared yesterday.

Monday

Thankfully we are back to routine...it gets challenging when our days are interrupted!!

In math we continued renaming units in inches, feet and yards. We also began identifying the area and perimeter of shapes. Area is when we count the squares inside the figure and label it with squared units ( cm sq., in sq, etc.). The perimeter is when we calculate around the outside of the figure. For homework the students need to complete a worksheet that we started in class.

We began reading by previewing the book Life on the African Savannah. Then we wrote questions that we had about the book. After that, we read the book and located answers to our questions. Because this information answered questions we had, it became "important information".

For our writing mini-lesson we discussed using words in our writing that pertained to our chosen topic. Prior to peer conferencing students were to highlight at least 5 words that were specific to their topic, in their writing piece.

After that I introduced two pieces of independent work that the students will complete during the week. These worksheets are NOT homework but they will be kept in the front of their binder until they are completed. One was a cursive handwriting paper (capital u, v and Y). The other was a noun paper...identifying common and proper nouns.

Following art, lunch and recess the students worked on peer conferencing and the other pieces of independent work while I met with reading groups.

Bears: We reviewed some vocabulary from the book and wrote questions to guide us to important information within the book. Tonight they need to identify words from the book with s, ly, and ing endings.

Tigers: Began new book...practiced writing and reading vocabulary from book and wrote questions to help identify important information from our reading. We were able to read the first page in the book and actually answer one of our questions. Tonight they need to read pages 1-6 and write 5 common and 5 proper nouns on the chart in their RRJ.

Lions: Began discussing why the fisherman did has his wife told him even though he didn't want to. Great discussion...we will finish tomorrow! Tonight they need to complete the Wish List chart in their RRJ with at least 5 wishes for each category (to have, to do, to be).

We ended the day by reviewing geographic characteristics; human and physical. Then we identified characteristics we wanted to count as we observed out a window in the school. We set up our chart and will hopefully have time to do the observation and the tallying tomorrow.

Finish Up Friday!

...and boy did we finish up!!!!

With the cancellation of our walking field trip, we were left with added time to go over shaky skills and complete unfinished work...that was the theme of the day!

In math we spent a lot of time practice and discussing the renaming of units (converting inches, feet and yards).

I began reading by modeling the writing of an informational paragraph suing the format that was introduced earlier this week. Then I spent the rest of the day working with children one-on-one and in small groups as they completed their graphic organizers and rough drafts. The students finished the above and any unfinished worksheets from the week. In between we did go to the media center, lunch and recess.

We did end the day with our fun Friday celebration!

Looking back, this is a short blog entry but it was a very productive day!!!

Book orders are due Monday!

Field Trip Update

The walking field trip that was scheduled for tomorrow has been CANCELLED due to the weather.

Thursday

Another half day today...

In math we took our first quiz of the second unit. I was a bit disappointed with the results. Be sure to check your child's math section. We will continue working on renaming measurement units. There is a worksheet for homework tonight.

In reading the students had time to work on their graphic organizer and rough draft for their writing piece. They also worked on the two follow up worksheets from earlier in the week. I met with the BEARS reading group...we began a new book by going over important vocabulary in the book. Then we used the text features to answer some questions. After that, we read the introduction. Tonight they need to preview the book and list any unknown words.

Following music the students will go to lunch and pack up to go home.

Book orders are due Monday...you can order online.

Look for an announcement about our field trip...the weather does not appear to be cooperating...we might have to cancel!

Veteran's Day

This morning we had an assembly in honor of Veteran's Day. After that, we had abbreviated math classes. In my math class we reviewed creating function tables to help rename measurement units. We also went over last night's homework. We will have a quiz tomorrow. It will cover renaming units (conversions) and measuring length with a ruler.

After that, we had reading. We began by reading and discussing Avalanche, an article in our current National Geographic. Then I met with the LION reading group to finish sharing the selections they marked as important. For homework tonight, the LIONS group needs to answer the focus question that they wrote in their JGB packet.

The tigers group worked with Mrs. Hepner while I met with the lion's group.

Following PE and lunch we will pack up and head home.

So...there is not much homework tonight...study for the math quiz and the lion's group needs to answer their focus question. All other reading groups should read for 15-20 minutes.

Tuesday

Some reminders...our walking field trip is this Friday. We will be back at school in time for lunch. Tomorrow and Thursday are early release days. Students will be going home at 1:00.

In math we created function tables to help us rename measurements (conversions) in inches, feet and yards. Then the students worked in small groups to determine which length was longer; 42 inches, 4 ft or 3 ft. 10 inches. The groups also had to explain how they determined their answer. It was so cool to see the different methods used to arrive at the same answer. Two groups shared their efforts with the class today. The rest will share tomorrow. There is a centimeter worksheet for homework tonight. We will have a quiz on THURSDAY this week!

We began reading using a book called A Tour of Our Planets to identify the information we gained via text features. Then the students chose a scored personal narrative, from the first marking period, to publish in the computer lab using Microsoft Word. We will be attempting to publish our writing in the hopes of binding it into a book at the end of the year.

I do have to take a moment to brag here...the students have been practicing many word processing skills, in the computer lab, over the past few weeks...it has paid off!!! They did a GREAT...not FABULOUS job typing up their stories!!! It was so cool to witness!!!! YEY!

Following lunch and recess I will meet with reading groups while the students work on their current rough drafts and the reading graphic organizer from yesterday.

Bears: We will identify example of cause and effect in their current book. They should reread it tonight.

Tigers: We will identify example of cause and effect in their current book. They should reread it tonight.

Lions: We will continue our discussion from yesterday...we were sharing their reasons for why they marked certain actions as important. Then they will get a focus question to answer in preparation for another discussion later this week.

We will end the day with a review of economics and then we will use our observations from last Thursday and create a tally chart of the types of geographic characteristics in our community.

Monday

I look forward to meeting with all of you this week at our parent conference. Keep in mind that students will be dismissed early on Wednesday and Thursday. Additionally, we have our walking field trip of Damascus on Friday.

In math we began calculating conversions between inches, yards and feet. The students are in need of more practice, so we will continue tomorrow. Tonight's homework is a centimeter measurement paper.

In reading we used text features to help us answer questions from Life in the Polar Regions. The students will also use the book to complete a graphic organizer as part of their independent work. We also began looking at the structure of a paragraph by comparing it to a hamburger. Students learned that every paragraph needs a topic and concluding sentence, as well as, detail sentences in between.

Following art, lunch and recess I will meet with reading groups while the students work on independent reading and writing activities.

Bears: We will read selected portions of the text and identify the main idea.

Tigers:We will finish reading Giraffes and identify the main idea in selected sections.

Lions: Students will reread Fisherman and his Wife and mark 3-4 places where they think a character does something important in the story. We will discuss these selections in group.

We will end the day with Mrs. Howard doing a lesson on Caring.

TGIF

I hope all of your received the permission slip for our walking field trip of Damascus next Friday. If you have not already done so, please sign the permission slip and return it to school. We will need chaperones. If you would like to volunteer, simply make a not of it on the bottom of the slip.

In math we continued using rulers to measure length. Today we measure using centimeters. I also pulled a small group to continue working on three digit subtraction.

We began reading by using our background knowledge from Angela in the Arctic to better understand a new text, Life in the Polar Regions. After that, I modeled adding more detail, especially specific vocabulary, to our writing to inform graphic organizers.

Following media center, lunch and recess the students finished any unfinished work from the week and added details to their graphic organizers. I met with reading groups.

Bears: Reread specific sections of the text and identified the main idea.

Tigers: Read the first half of the text and discussed cause and effect within the text and compared and contrasted giraffes to humans.

Lions: Shared the questions they wrote in their RRJ. Then chose a "keeper" question to focus on while they reread the story on Monday.

Before celebrating Fun Friday, the students will review their geographic characteristics list from yesterday with a chart that was given to them on Wednesday to make sure that they put the characteristics on the correct side of their t-chart.

Thursday

This morning, instead of math, we went to a weather assembly that was sponsored by Channel 7 and conducted by Adam Caskey. I thought it was cool and learned a lot!!! Ask your child about it!

In reading we read Angela from the Arctic and used our background knowledge to make connections and deepen our understanding of the text. Then I modeled making a graphic organizer for our informational writing piece which must be multi-paragraphed. I took my topic, running, and broke it down into smaller components such as, equipment, training and racing. Then I wrote details for each of the three sub-groups. For example, for equipment I wrote, GPS, Ipod, good shoes and clothing.

Following music, lunch and recess I will meet with reading groups while the children create their own graphic organizer and write a thank you not to the Rotary Club for he dictionaries they received yesterday.

Bears: We will share their words with suffixes and finish reading the book. If time permits, we will begin identifying the main idea in different sections of the book.

Tigers: We will review their lists of unknown words and begin reading the book.

Lions: We will do a first reading of The Fisherman and his Wife. Tonight they will reread it and list questions they are wondering about.

We will end the day by observing the geographic characteristics that we see out of the front window of our school.

Hump Day

This morning in math we practiced measuring to the nearest 1/2 inch. I also met with a small group to continue practicing 3 digit subtraction. There is a measurement worksheet for homework tonight. It will not be collected until Friday because we will not have math tomorrow due to a weather assembly.

In reading we read an article called Sea Slugs in our current National Geographic magazine. We used the following questions to guide us to the main idea of the article:
What is the overall topic?
What important details are included?
How are the details related ? ( I think this is the BIGGIE!)
What is the author trying to say?

After that, we discussed the importance of choosing interesting topics and using great ideas in our writing. WE also shared catchy topic sentences.

Following PE, lunch and recess the students will work on identifying nouns on a worksheet, adding topics to their informational writing topic list and reading about those topics, practicing the capital H, K, and X in cursive and any unfinished work, while I meet with small groups.

Bears: We will review their list of unknown words and read through their book. Tonight they will identify words will suffixes.

Tigers: We will wrap up Wednesday Surprise and practice vocabulary for their new book Giraffes. We will also discuss the function of various text features in this book. Tonight they will write three questions (for the reading group to answer) that can be answered using text features in their book.

Lions: We will begin our first Junior Great Books (JGB) story. We will do a text opener and a first reading in class. Tonight they will reread the story and list questions they are wondering about.

We will end the day with a visitor from the Lion's Club. They will be giving each third grade student a dictionary!

First Day of Quarter 2

I want to thank Mrs. Petrolle and all of the parents who helped plan the fabulous Halloween party. I was truly sorry that I missed it but the children certainly had a great time!

Today is the beginning of the second marking period.

In math we began unit 2 which focuses on linear measurement, including conversions (such as, 12 inches = 1 foot) and area and perimeter. Today we spent a great deal of our time comparing different types of rulers. My goal was to help the students understand that some rulers begin at the edge while others have a definite starting point. I also wanted the children to notice that sometimes the metric side is measured in centimeters, while others use millimeters. For homework there is a subtraction worksheet. We were not ready for the measurement worksheet that I had planned to send home.

We began reading by identifying questions that will help guide us to identifying the main idea in text. Tomorrow we will use these questions to help us find the main idea in a National Geographic magazine article. After that we reviewed nouns. Then we discussed our new focus for writing this quarter...writing to inform. We talked about making a list of topics that each student knows a lot about.

This afternoon, while I meet with reading groups and Mrs. Hepner helps with writing, the children will develop personal topic lists for writing to inform. They will also identify nouns on a worksheet. Lastly, they will add words to their personal dictionary from our last word study unit.

Before going to lunch and recess, we visited the computer lab. The students practiced opening and printing a saved document, among the other skills we have been developing over the last few weeks.

This afternoon, I met with two out of three reading groups!

Bears: Practiced new vocabulary in their new book. Identified text features and their function within the book, too. Tonight they need to preview their new book and write any unknown words on the post-it note that is on the front cover.

Tigers: We finished reading The Wednesday Surprise. Tonight they need to read it to an adult, stopping at page 23 for the adult to make a prediction.

We will end the day by reviewing vocabulary that is specific to geography.

Oh...and today was picture day...if you forgot to send in money, no worries...you will get to see proofs and decide whether or not to order!

Thursday...a quick update

I have to leave early today to take of a sick child. SO, this is a very quick update.

In math we completed the unit 1 assessment. Tomorrow we will begin unit 2...linear measurement.

In reading we reread the article from yesterday and charted problems within the article. Then we charted the actions that were taken to solve the problems or, if the problems were not solved, possible solutions. After that we continued sharing paper bag book reports.

Following music, lunch and recess the children will work on their writing and reading groups assignments with Mrs. Hepner and my substitute.

Then, they will end the day with a lesson, presented by Mrs. Howard, about citizenship.

Picture Day is Tuesday. Halloween parades and parties begin at 2 tomorrow.

Hump Day

In math we began talking the unit 1 assessment. We will complete this assessment tomorrow. Please continue to study the review packet.

In reading we read the article, "America the Beautiful" from October's National Geographic. Our purpose for reading the article was to identify problem and solution in non fiction text. We will continue this lesson tomorrow.

After that, we continued sharing the paper bag book reports.

Following PE, lunch and recess we will work on our revising our writing and our final drafts. We will also meet in reading groups.

Just a side note...this week I have been working with many students on their writing. Therefore, reading groups haven't met as regularly or progressed as planned.

Today the reading groups will be working on the assignments that were on yesterday's post.

We will end the day with Mrs. Mollet, our substitute principal, reading Halloween stories to the entire third grade.

Picture day is Tuesday!!!

Terrific Tuesday!

This morning, in math, we went over each problem in the unit 1 review packet. PLEASE make sure your child uses it to prepare for the assessment which is TOMORROW!!!!!

In reading we continued with our main idea lesson from yesterday. We reread the chart we created that listed our background knowledge and the big ideas from the text. Then we noticed connections within our chart and ideas that "popped out" at us. These we listed on the chart in our "after reading" section. with the use of all three sections on our chart, we were able to identify the main idea.

Next, several students shared their paper bag book reports...again, all were excellent!!!

Then we went to the computer lab where we continued working on word processing skills using Microsoft Word. We practiced changing the font, inserting a picture and using spell check. We also learned how to copy, cut and paste within a document and change the margins.

Following lunch and recess we will work independently and meet in small groups. Many will conference on their personal narrative writing piece with Mrs. Hepner or me, too.

Bears: Reread story and identify the plot elements using post-it notes...a continuation of yesterday's lesson.

Tigers: We will reread up to page 23 and write a prediction in our RRJ...we did not do this yesterday since only one member of this reading group was in class. :-)

Lions: Will finish their RRJ from yesterday and meet in group to discuss the changes in the book.

TO end our day, we will review social studies vocabulary that we have used so far this year, and identify examples of the terms from THe Big Green Pocketbook.

Magical Monday

Why is today magical? Well, I am hoping for a big win tonight! So...we need some magic!!!

In math we worked on the review packet for the unit 1 assessment. Tonight, for homework, the students need to complete the packet. We will review the packet, as a class, tomorrow. Use it to study for the assessment on Wednesday.

We began reading by reading From Father to Son and discussing how to identify the main idea. I modeled stopping every couple of pages and thinking about that the big ideas were. Then I charted those ideas. Tomorrow we will use our background knowledge and the big ideas from the book to come up with the main idea.

Then we shared some of the spectacular paper bag book reports. We will continue to share these tomorrow, as well.

Following art, lunch and recess we will work on reading group activities and writing personal narratives. Then we will go to a cultural arts assembly about Benjamin Franklin.

Bears: We will reread the story and identify plot elements, in the book, using post-it notes.

Tigers: We will reread up to page 23 and write a prediction in RRJ.

Lions: Read chapter 14 and write about how Ben has changed, in RRJ.

Please look for parent conference confirmation letters this week. You will be meeting with your child's READING teacher.

TGIF

Please do not forget that all Paper Bag Book Reports are due Monday! We may not have time for all students to share on Monday but they are need to be turned in!

In math we took our final quiz for unit 1. We will begin a review packet on Monday. The packet will be completed and reviewed in class on Tuesday. It will come home Tuesday night for students to study in preparation for the assessment on Wednesday. You can get a head start by reviewing the quiz with your child this weekend. It is in his/her binder.

In reading we discussed "Catch Up Friday". From this week forward, I will not assign new work on Fridays (well, I will TRY not too) and students will have this time to finish any unfinished work that they have piled up from the week. We also reviewed the expectations for peer conferencing. Additionally, I modeled the capital letters I and J.

After that, the students worked independently on a variety of activities that were assigned earlier in the week and remained unfinished. Of course, I met with reading groups and Mrs. Hepner helped students with their writing.

In between, we went to the media center, lunch and recess.


Bears: We began a new book by reviewing vocabulary and practicing words on white boards. Then we did our first reading of the story.

Tigers: Finished writing about the plot. We will also begin a new book, The Wednesday Surprise, by Eve Bunting. Today we will preview the text and write questions we have in our RRJ.

Lions: We will read chapter 14 and discuss who gets the children help and the meaning of the title of the book.

After reading, those who completed all of their homework will celebrate Fun Friday.

New Word Study Words!

In math we practiced making line plots and determining the median (middle value), mode (most often occurring value) and range (difference between the greatest and least value). Then we worked on creating line graphs. For homework the students need to take class data and create a line plot and identify the median, mode and range.

In reading the students chose ten new word study words with the /ea/ spelling pattern. We also carefully reviewed and highlighted important parts of the writing rubric that I use to score their pieces. Students also had a chance to complete their rough drafts, finish their thank you notes (from last week!) and do their determining importance worksheet.

Following music, lunch and recess the students will continue to work on the above, independently. They will also work on their writing with Mrs. Hepner and meet in reading groups with me.

Bears: Will write about the lesson in the story in their RRJ.

Tigers: We will review the plot and write key words on white boards. They will use the white boards to help them write about the plot in their RRJ.

Lions: Read chapters 12 and 13 and respond to a BCR prompt (on their novel schedule) in their RRJ.

We will end the day by breaking down goods and services into production equations.

BOOK REPORTS are due MONDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hump Day

This morning, in math, we used data to create a line plot and to determine the median (middle value), mode (most frequently occurring value) and range( greatest value subtract least value). For homework there is a subtraction worksheet. We will have a quiz on Friday and our unit 1 assessment will take place towards the end of next week. Look for a review packet on Tuesday.

We began reading by finishing Whale Rap and listing the important information that was discovered in the text. Then the students sorted their -ea words according to the sound that the pattern made in the word. Finally, we complied a class list. Tomorrow students will choose words for their individual lists.

Following PE, lunch and recess we will work independently and in small groups.

As part of their independent work, the students chose a book to preview. Then they thought of 2-3 questions about the book. After that, they read the book and identified important and interesting information from the book.

Also, the students continued working on their writing with Mrs. Hepner. Those who were finished with their rough draft circled 3-5 transition words and starred any powerful words in their rough draft.

Bears: Reread their book and discussed the message in the story. Tomorrow they will write about the message and use support from the text.

Tigers: Worked on writing about the plot in their RRJ. When they got to small group it was apparent that identifying the problem and events was a struggle. We discussed some of the plot but tomorrow we will continue to discuss the plot (as opposed to a retell). Then the students will rewrite their BCR in their RRJ.

Lions: Reread chapter 10 and read chapter 11. They completed a vocabulary activity independently. When they came to small group we discussed the irony in the story.

We ended the day by reviewing natural, human and capital resources. Then we broke down some goods into a production equation. For example: A ring = gold and diamonds + jeweler+ special tools. The students will complete a production equation worksheet in class tomorrow.

Remember that book reports are due on MONDAY! Tomorrow is boot day for Red Ribbon Week!

Terrific Tuesday!

OK...so today was hat day not boot day...OOPS! Thursday is boot day and tomorrow is "Team Up Against Drugs", so students are encouraged to wear team jerseys...and yes, I WILL wear a Redskins jersey...I am not a fair weather fan...I love my Skins no matter what!!!!

In math we continued to analyze data to answer questions. I also met with a small group to continue working on three digit subtraction with regrouping. For homework the students have two worksheets...one is unfinished work from class (either subtraction or data analysis...depends on which group the students were working with) and the other is data analysis.

We began reading by discussing the difference between important information and interesting facts. Important information, within text, are facts that directly respond to the purpose for reading. For example, if you are reading a book to find out how many babies polar bears can give birth to at one time, the ONLY important information is the answer to that question. Any other facts become interesting information (or facts) at this time. Facts in text can change between important information and interesting facts depending upon the purpose for reading.

We began reading, as a group, a book called Whale Rap. Before we began reading the book, though, we did a picture walk and identified 5 questions we have prior to reading. These became our purpose for reading and ONLY information that pertained to those questions was identified as important information. Other facts we came across were noted as interesting facts.

After that, the class headed to the computer lab. We spent time learning about working with documents on the computer. We practiced minimizing, hiding and closing documents. We also opened a document in Word and practiced changing the size, style and color of the font. Additionally, we learned how to import and change the size and location of pictures in our document. The students seemed to enjoy this lesson and they definitely learned A LOT! My goal is to eventually have them publishing their own writing on the computer.

Following lunch and recess we will listen to a guest speaker for Red Ribbon Week. Then we will continue with reading by meeting in small groups and working independently.

Bears: We will reread the story and the students will mark places in the book that demonstrate the family being kind. After that they will answer the question in their RRJ...Why are they the kindest family?

Tigers: We will finish reading the story and identify question s we have during and after our reading. Then we will choose a question to respond to in our RRJ.

Lions: Will reread chapter 8 and 9. They will add an event to their story map and mark selected portions in the text. In group we will discuss the irony in these sections.

Book Reports are due MONDAY, OCTOBER 26....

Red Ribbon Week

Red Ribbon Week...the reminder for students to say NO to drugs...began today! Today was wear read day...tomorrow the children are asked to wear boots to "stomp Out Drugs".

This morning, in math, we reviewed items from the quiz that presented challenges for many students. We also practiced using data from three charts to answer questions. For example, which pizza place sold the most pizza on Tuesday and Wednesday? There is an estimation story problem worksheet for homework.

I have also noticed an overwhelming need for students to memorize the basic addition and subtraction facts. I have links to some web sites on this blog that the students can use for practice. You can also help your child make flashcards. The more facts they have memorized, the easier all other aspects of math instruction will become!!!

Prior to art, lunch and recess we continued reading Polar Bears. The students wrote questions during and after our reading. We shared their questions and discussed how recognizing our questions helps us to focus on and become more interested in the text and therefore, increase our comprehension.

After that, I continued modeling the writing of a rough draft that included transition words. When I was finished, students identified transition words within my written piece. Then they went back to their own rough drafts, with table partners, and circled transition words in their own writing.

This afternoon the students will work on reading group assignments, writing their rough drafts and locating words with the-ea spelling pattern (sound doesn't matter). Later in the week we will wort these -ea words according to the sound the pattern makes in each word.

Lions: Will read chapter 7, list 3 things that Ben fears and add an event to their story map.

Tigers: Will finish reading their story and write questions they have on post-it notes.

Bears: We will continue reading the story and writing questions as we read. We will also answer a question in our RRJ.

We will end the day with a social studies lesson. Students will identify a community worker and write about the good/serviceit provides and the resources needed to do their job.

Please check planners for homework...I am trying not to assign too much due to the Book Report due NEXT Monday...but any reading group assignements will be in there.

TGIT

It might be Thursday in the real world...but in the school system it is a FRIDAY!!!! No school tomorrow!

In math we took our fifth quiz for unit 1. It is scored and in your child's binder. Please review it with them over the weekend. I am seeing some of the same mistakes over and over again!

We got a lot done in reading! First, we practice recognizing our questions (things we are thinking about) before and during the reading of non-fiction text. This skill helps us focus on our reading and develop a deeper understanding of what we have read.

Then, in writing, I continued modeling my writing of a rough draft using the graphic organizer I had developed in front of the class. As I wrote, I included transition words to connect my ideas and make my writing flow smoothly. Then the students looked for transition words in chapter books. WE shared the transition words that they found and began a class list.

Following music, lunch and recess we will meet in small groups and work independently. The children will finish their writing graphic organizer and begin a rough draft. They will also work on their thank you letter for our visitor yesterday.

Bears: Will meet with me and begin reading a new book. FIrst, we will practice writing some key words on white boards. Then we will list questions we have prior to reading the text. Finally, we will write questions that come up while reading the text.

Tigers: They will preview their new book and write down any unknown words. We will share these in group and then list questions we have prior to reading. After that, we will begin reading the sotry and list questions we have.

Lions: Will read chapter 6 and complete a Venn Diagram comparing and contrasting Ben and Hanna. In group we will share the Venn Diagram and reread page 50 to check for textual evidence.

We will end the day with Fun Friday on Thursday!

Red Ribbon week is NEXT week...wear red on Monday! The Homeless Walk is next Friday...please return signed pink forms!

An Exciting Surprise!!!

In math we practiced reading double bar graphs. Then the students worked on creating another single bar graph while I met with a small group to work on subtracting three digit numbers. For homework students are expected to finish their bar graph and the subtraction worksheet from yesterday. There will be a quiz tomorrow and it will require the construction of a single bar graph.

During reading the entire third grade was honored with a visit by a published children's author, Mrs. Joan Wyatt. She happens to be a family friend of a student in my homeroom. When I found out she was in Damascus, visiting from England, I asked if she could pop in and discuss her experience as a writer. Within an hour, she arrived!!!

It was a wonderful, enriching experience for our children! I was thrilled that she agreed to come talk to our grade with no preparation time...literally I got an e-mail at 9:30 and by 11:15 she was speaking with our students!!! How lucky!!!

Following PE, lunch and recess the students returned to class to work on reading group assignments, their writing graphic organizers and some other language arts activities. I met with reading groups and Mrs. Hepner worked with students on their writing.

Bears: Reviewed contractions and identified examples in Jonathan Buys a Present. Then separated the contractions into the two original words.

Tigers: Identify clues to the mood in Trip to Freedom with post it notes. Then we will compare and contrast the mood changes from Vietnam to America.

Lions: Reread chapters 4 &5 draw a picture of how Ben sees Gully...use the textual clues to help! We will then discuss the two problems that tie into the theme and add them to our story map.

We will end the day by using our results from yesterdays chromatography experiment to identify the pen used in a crime!

Tuesday

In math the students created a bar graph that required a scale which skip counted by 25's. They also worked on a subtraction worksheet and used a calculator to check their answers. WHile they worked independently, I met with two small groups. One worked on numeric patterns, while the other spent time solving three digit subtraction problems. There is a graphing worksheet for homework.

TOday is our LONG reading block...and boy, did we get a LOT done!!!! THe students really buckled down and worked hard. I was very proud of them!!!

To begin, as a whole group, we reviewed the places we marked with an "S" (same or a "D" (different) in Race tot he South Pole. As part oftheir independent work, the students then used these marking to complete a Venn Diagram (type of graphic organizer) to compare and contract Robert Scott and Roald Amundsen's journeys.

In writing I modeled, through thinking aloud, how to pick a topic for a personal narrative. I then modeled creating a graphic organizer. The students will be copleting their graphic organizers for independent work.

As the students worked independently on the above assignments, along with reading group work and any unfinished work, I met with reading groups. WE also took a break for lunch and recess.

Bears: WE reread Jonathan Buys a Present. Then the students marked the problem, events and solution with post-it notes in the book. Finally, with some help from me, they used the post-it notes to write about the plot in their RRJ.

Tigers: They received a new book and previewed it prior to meeting with me. When we meet we will review any unknown words and read the book together. They need to reread it for homework.

Lions: Read chapter 3 and added an event to their story map. They also completed a vocabulary activity independently. When we neet in group we will discuss the quote, If at first you don't succeed..." We will also begin reading chapter 4. Students will need to read chpaters 4&5 for homework.

We will end the day by running chromatoraphy tests on different markers. TOmorrow we will use the results to "solve" a crime.

Remember that Book Reports are due MONDAY, OCTOBER 26!

Parent Open House

It was great to see so many parents this morning at our Annual Open House.

During our math warm up it became clear that the students needed additional instruction on regrouping when there is a zero in the tens column. So we spent some time, using white boards, going over two strategies that can be used to solve those types of problems. After that, I modeled the construction of a bar graph that required a scale which skip counted by 25. Unfortunately, this did not leave any time for independent work or small group instruction. Tomorrow students will construct a bar graph on their own while I meet with small groups. There is a graphing worksheet for homework.

Our whole group reading lesson used the book Race to the South Pole to compare and contrast the journeys of Robert Scott and Roald Amundsen. Today the children used post it notes to locate and label information that was the same and different for the two explorers. Tomorrow they will be charting those facts onto a Venn Diagram.

This week in writing the students will begin a new personal narrative. So I read the book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day to the class. We discussed that although this wasn't a personal narrative for me, it could be one for Alexander. I used this story to model the creation of a new graphic organizer for writing. This afternoon, as part of their independent work, the students will choose a new topic and begin a graphic organizer.

Following art, lunch and recess I will meet with reading groups and Mrs. Hepner will continue helping the students with their writing.

Bears: We will answer comprehension questions by locating information in the text and writing answers in our RRJ.

Tigers: Will answer the question in their RRJ: Do you think Henry enjoyed his journey? How do you know? The emphasis will be on using the text to answer and support the "how do you know" part of the question.

Lions: Will read chapter 2 and complete parts of a story map.

We will end the day by identifying additional goods and services in The Big Green Pocketbook. We will also discuss the concept of insurance.

PLEASE remember that Paper Bag Book Reports are due in two weeks...October 26!!! This needs to be part of your child's daily homework!!!

TGIF!

Wow! It has been a very productive week. I think we are all ready for the weekend!

In math we took our fourth quiz for unit 1. It is scored and in your child's binder.

We finished reading Race to the South Pole in reading today. We also continued to identify examples of cause and effect within the book. Then the students finished their final drafts of their personal narrative, read Frightful Animals and completed the follow up worksheet. Mrs. Hepner continued helping students with their writing pieces and their RRJ assignments while I met with reading groups.


Bears: Worked on final drafts and Frightened Animals with Mrs. Hepner.

Tigers: Discussed the plot in group with me and then wrote about the plot in their RRJ.

Lions: Read and discussed chapter 1. Discussed the information we gained from the selected quotes. Some began reading chapter 2.

At the end of the day the students who had completed all homework assignments this week enjoyed Fun Friday. Unfortunately, there was a large crowd who stayed in to complete missing homework assignments.

Book orders were due today but I gave students until Monday to turn them in.

See you at the Octoberfest on Sunday!

Thursday

In math this morning we created bar graphs that required the use of a scale that counted by tens. I also met with students, in a small group, to practice subtracting 3 digit numbers. There is a pictograph worksheet for homework and we will have a quiz tomorrow.

In reading we reviewed the concept of cause and effect by discussing examples from stories we have read in class. Then we began reading a non-fiction book, Race to the South Pole, and identifying examples of cause and effect. We will continue this tomorrow.

For writing, the children worked on their topic lists for personal narratives. We shared our topics aloud and practiced making sure they were not too broad.

Following music, lunch and recess the students will listen to a presentation from Fannie Mae representatives about our upcoming Homeless Walk. Then we will continue with small group reading and writing instruction.

Bears: We will continue locating answers to questions in the text using post-it notes. Then we will practice writing answers to the questions in our RRJ.

Tigers: We will finish reading Hot-Air Henry and share the places we labeled the story elements. Then we will write about the plot in our RRJ.

Lions: WE will discuss Jean Little's disability and read chapter 1. We will also discuss the characters, setting and problem.

Remember that book orders are due tomorrow!
The Octoberfest is Sunday!
PLEASE sign and return the pink Homeless Walk forms...you do not have to send money but we are hoping all students will return the signed pink form!

Hump Day!!!

In math we continued reviewing three digit subtraction. We also took the data from our pictograph that we created yesterday and created a bar graph and a data table. I emphasized that all three graphs showed the exact same data and used the same title and labels. Tonight for homework the students need to complete a graph showing our classes favorite ice cream flavors. The data is shown on a chart on the back of the graph worksheet. But, just in case, here is the data....

Chocolate: 5 students
Vanilla: 2 students
Cookies N' Cream: 8 students
Bubble Gum: 5 students

At the beginning of reading I assigned a Paper Bag Book Report that is due October 26. The assignment is in your child's home folder. PLEASE look it over and sign the bottom of the paper. I need the bottom section cut off and returned to me tomorrow.

After that I share a word choice poster that gave examples of boring verbs and alternative "powerful" verbs that could be used instead. Then the students worked in groups to find more "powerful verbs". The groups made charts and shared their findings with the class.

Following PE, lunch and recess the students worked on their final draft of the writing piece and an illustration to go with it. They also received a new National Geographic and a follow-up worksheet that most will complete tomorrow, in class. I met with reading groups.

Bears: We reviewed the suffixes and reread Jordan's Lucky Day. Then I asked the group a question. The students had to locate the answer, within the text, and label it with a post-it note. Finally, we wrote an answer, to the question, together, in their RRJ. WE will continue this tomorrow. Tonight they need to reread the story.

Tigers: Half of their group was out today (no NOT the flu...various reasons) so we did a reread of the story. They need to finish the reread for homework tonight.

Lions: We reviewed their written homework assignments. They were well written...so I shared what I thought was GREAT about their writing...in hopes that they will continue doing what they did well! Then I passed out the novel schedule for Different Dragons and they put it in their binder. For homework they need to read the article about Jean Little, the author, and underline her disability and what she does to conquer it!

Finally, we ended the day with a forensics video in Mr. Vogel's room.

Remember...book orders are due FRIDAY! The Octoberfest is Sunday from 12-4!!

Tuesday

This morning, in math, we reviewed subtraction with three digit numbers and paid specific attention to issues Mrs. Starkey and I had noticed in observing the children's work. Then we created a pictograph that displayed the students' birth months. There is a subtraction worksheet for homework.

In reading we reviewed text features and how they help us understand non-fiction text. We also corrected the punctuation and capitalization of a letter I wrote, as a class. After making the corrections we charted specific generalizations such as, put a period at the end of a telling sentence and use a period at the end of an abbreviation, etc.

After that, the students worked independently on text features follow-up worksheets and practicing the letters C, E and Q in cursive. I began meeting with reading groups prior to lunch. Following lunch and recess, Mrs. Hepner will give the entire class instructions about writing the final drafts of their personal narrative and then I will continue meeting with reading groups.

Bears: We reread One Birthday, Two Traditions and then began a new book called Jordan's Lucky Day. Tonight they need to reread the beginning of the book and chart words with -ed and-ing endings in their RRJs.

Tigers: We will reread Hot Air Henry and use post-it notes to identify story elements within the text. Tonight they need to reread the story and retell the story in three to four sentences, making sure they include the beginning, middle and end.

Lions: Completed a vocabulary assessment for The Secret. Received new book - Different Dragons. We read the introduction and discussed that the dragon is actually a symbol of a fear. Tonight in their RRJ they need to write about their own dragon (fear) that they battle.

We will end the day with a social studies lesson. We will begin charting goods and services mentioned in The Big Green Pocketbook.

Remember that 4 word study homework assignments are due this Friday.

Also, the DES Octoberfest is THIS Sunday!!!

Monday...a beautiful start to the week!

In math we reviewed some challenges from the quiz on Friday. We spent time writing numbers in standard form when given the expanded form. We also practiced solving three digit subtraction problems with multiple regroupings. We began by working in a whole group using white boards. Then some students returned to their seats to work independently while I met with a small group at the back table. All students need to finish the worksheet for homework.

During our whole group reading lesson we reviewed some text features that are commonly see in non-fction text. Then we used the book Life in the Rain Forest to identify text features and their use on a chart. As part of their independent work the children will choose a non-fiction book and work on a similar chart.

In writing we discussed the importance of word choice in regards to getting the picture we, as writers, have in our head, into the head of our readers. For example, instead of I have a pretty dress...it is better to say I have a lilac colored dress with sequins on the bottom.

Then the students got into small groups and given a bland word (such as; go, said, good...) they used books to discover other words that authors use instead. In their groups the children began creating posters of these new words. For example, the group who had the word said found exclaimed, called and yelled.

Following art, lunch and recess the students will work in reading groups, work on their writing with Mrs. Hepner and work independently on reading and writing assignments.

Bears: We will begin reading a new book and practice high frequency words and new vocabulary from this book. They need to practice reading the book this evening.

Tigers: We will bnegin a new book, Hot Air Henry. THe students will read the book and mark the story elements with a sticky note. They will reread the story for homework.

Lions: I was hoping to begin a new novel, Different Dragons, but was a bit disappointed with their RRJ entries from last week where they were supposed to exaplin what they thought the author's message was in the book. So we are going to review the answers that the students wrote and, as a group, improve upon these responses. Then the students will rewrite their own responses for a score.

ALL GROUPS...word study homework is due Friday...so that is part of their homework each day this week!!!!

We will end the day with a social studies lesson. I will read the story Big Green Pocketbook and, as a class, we will identify goods and services in the story.

TGIF!!!!

In math we took our third quiz. It has been scored and should be in your child's math section of the binder. Please look it over but keep it in the binder. I have gathered a lot of information from the quizzes for some reteaching and small groups next week. That's what it is all about!!! :-)

In reading we sorted /er/ words according to the spelling of the /er/ sound. The children also chose 10 words for their personal word study lists. These lists can be found in their planners for next week, as well as, their word study journals.

After that the students went to the media center and lunch. When they return we will have an indoor recess type of Fun Friday and then the students will be dismissed...not me, though...I have meetings all afternoon!

Thursday!

Remember that tomorrow is an early dismissal day. Students will be released at 1:05.

In math we continued working on subtracting two digit numbers when regrouping is required. I also worked with a small group on identifying and continuing numeric patterns. There is a worksheet for homework and we will have a quiz tomorrow.

In reading we read Strega Nona and identified words that had the /er/ SOUND. We got a late start on our word study lesson this week. I am hoping that students will get to pick their words tomorrow but since it is an early release day, I am not sure how successful we will be. I will keep you posted through the blog! Then we identified the steps for peer conferencing for our writing pieces. A student and I began modeling this process as well.

Following music, lunch and recess we met with small groups and worked independently. Mrs. Hepner continued conferencing with students about their writing pieces. When not working on their rough drafts or reading assignments, the students practiced writing the capital A, O and D in cursive. They also searched for words with the ?er? sound and wrote them on sticky notes. We will eventually sort these words according to the spelling of the /er/ sound.

Lions: Read chapter 3 out loud and discussed the use of an inhaler. Then they made a prediction as to what will happen next in the story. Then they read chapter 4. For homework they are to read chapter 5 and write, in their RRJ, about what they think the author's message was in the story.

Tigers: After reading and scoring their written assignments about the plot in Galimoto I decided to model an example of a "good" written response. We discussed the importance of using the book for help and making sure that the problem, events and solution are included. Tonight they need to reread Galimoto and make a list of 10 words with the /er/ sound from the book in their RRJ.

Bears: Reread Rex plays Fetch for homework. THey spent a majority of their time in class working on their writing with Mrs. Hepner.

We are ending the day with a lesson about organization with Mrs. Howard.

I am sending home a new SCholastic book and computer club order form. They are due back by NEXT Friday, October 9. Remember you can fill out the order form and return it to school with a check payable to Scholastic or you can order on line.

OOPS! One more thing...

All students will be bringing home an interim progress report in their home folders today. It is the midway point in the marking period. SO this report let's you know how your student is doing.

Also, ALL reading groups have reading homework written in their planners!!

Hump Day...Already?!?!?!

This week seems to be moving along quite nicely!!!

In math we continued practicing solving two digit subtraction problems when regrouping is needed. I worked with a small group while the rest of the class worked independently. There is a practice worksheet for homework.

In reading we read a GREAT book called Flossie and the Fox and discussed the plot and story endings. Be sure to ask your child about the story...it was really funny!

After that the children shared their writing graphic organizers, that they created yesterday, with their classmates.

Following PE, lunch and recess the children will work on independent work and meet with me in reading groups.

Bear: We will share the endings list from their homework. We will also reread their story. The students will write about the plot in their RRJ. THis will be a scored assignement.

Tigers: We will share their sticky notes that identify the elements of the story and reread the story. They, too, will write about the plot (for a score) in their RRJ.

Lions: We will read chapter 2 and write about whether Panic is a good name for this chapter.

Additionally, the students will use their graphic organizer to begin a rough draft of a personal narrative and work on the curive letters x, y and z.

We will end the day by conducting a chromatography experiment. WE will use a water bath to separate an ink mixture.

Check planners for homework! It will be different for each child since it will be to finish any unfinished independent work from reading and writing. Sorry to make it vague!!

Terrific Tuesday

Talk about hitting the ground running...we have had a productive day so far!!!

In math we reviewed identifying the rule for numeric patterns and applying the rule to continue the pattern. We also spent some time discussing number periods (every set of three digits is called a period...so 1 million had 7 digits and therefore it has 3 periods)and using our knowledge of the periods to read 6 and 7 digit numbers.

I also spent some time discussing addition and subtraction as parts and wholes. Addition is when you add together parts to get to the answer, which is the whole. With subtraction you begin with the whole and take away a part. We are using this knowledge to check our subtraction work by using addition and vice versa.

Finally, we spent time solving two digit subtraction problems that require the regrouping of numbers.

There is a subtraction worksheet for homework...no regrouping...yet!

Today is our day without specials. So we have an extended language arts block...and we put it to GREAT use! We began by listening to the story Library Lil' and discussing the story elements. As part of their independent work the students will complete a story map for the book.

I also introduced writing n, m and v in cursive. There is a practice worksheet for independent work, too.

In writing we focused on the entire writing process. The students have been learning about organization and sensory images. These are tools they should use to enhance their writing. We are now going to focus on taking pieces through the writing process; choosing a topic and organizing thoughts, first draft, conferencing with peers and adults, revising and writing a final draft.

After going over all of this with the class, the students chose a topic and begin a graphic organizer. The received a blank piece of paper and began drawing EVERYTHING that came to mind about their topic. Next they will begin organizing the pictures into a sequence that will lend itself to a rough draft.

Of course, following the whole group instruction, while the students work (ed) independently, I am meeting with reading groups.

Bears: We worked with contractions including those with 's and 've. Then we reread Rex Plays Fetch. Finally, we discussed suffixes again and identified words with -ed, -es and-ing endings. For homework: Reread the book and find at least 5 words for each suffix listed on the chart in their RRJ (-ed, -es and-ing).

Tigers: Reviewed list of unknown words from the children's homework last week. Then began reading Galimoto. For homework the children need to reread the story. They have 5 sticky notes labeled with characters, setting, problem, events and solution. They need to identify these story elements in the story by writing it on the appropriate sticky note and putting the paper on the page where they locate the information.

Lions: Tonight for homework they need to read chapter 1 in The Secret and respond to the RRJ question that is on their novel schedule which should be in the reading section of their binder.

We are ending the day by going to the computer lab to visit a web site that will give us information about chromatography.

A Very Busy Thursday!

We are humming along and being quite productive these days!!

In math we practiced solving addition problems that require the regrouping of numbers. I also met with two small groups working on addition and identifying and completing numeric patters. There is a subtraction practice sheet (no regrouping required!) for homework. We WILL have a quiz tomorrow on estimating sums, expanded form and numeric patterns.

During reading we used context clues (surrounding sentences and illustrations)to figure out the meaning of new vocabulary in Brave Irene. I was so impressed with the children's abilities. It made for a fun lesson!!!

Following music, lunch and recess my homeroom will be going to the computer lab to complete a Fingerprint Web Quest, while Mr. Vogel's homeroom has a guidance lesson. After the computer lab, my homeroom will meet with Mrs. Howard for a lesson on organization.

Homework: Word Work Homework is DUE TOMORROW!!!!! FOUR assignments. All students should read for at least 15 minutes, as well.

Hump Day!

You gotta love it when you wake up thinking it is only Tuesday and it is actually WEDNESDAY!!!!

Good news...the children did a great job with the sub yesterday! They got through the lessons I left and received wonderful compliments from her!!

In math today we worked in small groups to solve 2 and 3 digit addition problems that required regrouping. The students worked together to solve the problem and explain their thinking to the class. There is an addition practice sheet for homework.

We began reading by listening to Madeline's Rescue. Additionally, I modeled a written response (BCR) that identified the problem and events leading to the solution for The Empty Pot. AS part of their independent work, the students will answer the same BCR but use Madeline's Rescue. They will also practice writing the letters q, o and c in cursive.

Just prior to going to PE, lunch and recess, we went down to the lunchroom and noted sensory images that we saw, heard, smelled and felt, in our writer's notebook.

After recess the students will meet with me in reading groups, work with Mrs. Hepner on their writing and work independently on the assignments explained earlier.

I am hoping we will end the day by going to the computer lab to work on a Web Quest (kind of like an electronic scavenger hunt)for our fingerprinting unit. We will have to see how the day plays out as far as time goes...

Reading Groups:
Bear - We will sort our contractions that we collected yesterday and begin a new book.

Tiger - We will begin reading Galimoto and identify unknown words (both comprehension and decoding).

Lion - We will begin The Secret. They will write about basketball in their RRJ. Just an FYI...this group is getting a "novel schedule" today. This is the anticipated sequence of events for their new book. It is expected to be kept in the reading section of their binder. Please look it over but keep it in there!

Tuesday!!!

Be warned...we do not have specials on Tuesday...they can be long for the children (okay...for me, too!) But, again, it has been another productive day! I am loving our new schedule and this group of children!!!

In math, the children worked in small groups, using a cooperative learning strategy called numbered heads, to estimate the difference between two numbers. Then the groups shared their work with the entire class. However, the students all had to understand what was done in group because they did not know who I would call on to tell the class how they solved the problem. It was a fun way for the students to learn and it did encourage total group participation. The downside was I did not get to small groups. There is a pattern worksheet for homework.

After math and before reading, Mrs. Howard spoke to the students about running to be a class rep for SGA. A letter with more information is coming home this evening. Speeches are due and will be given to homeroom classes at 1:30 on Friday.

During reading we read Brave Irene and discussed the plot. Then, as apart of independent work, the children wrote about the story elements, including the plot, on a worksheet. They also completed a vocabulary activity and practiced writing the letters, a, d and g for independent work.

For our writing lesson, I read an excerpt of Charlotte's Web and we identified and discussed various uses of sensory images, used by the author, to create a scene. It was a great discussion! The students were able to explain so many examples!

Prior to lunch I met with the bear reading group. We identified contractions as we reread The Running Shoes. We also wrote about the problem and solution in the story, together, in their RRJs.

Following lunch and recess, I will be out at a doctor's appointment. The children will continue to work on independent work and meet in reading groups with the sub. They will also work on writing with Mrs. Hepner.

Tigers will reread Crow Boy and discuss the problem and solution. They will write about the problem and solution, independently, in their RRJ.

Lions will reread chapter 4 & 5 and discuss the problem and solution. They, too, will write about it, on their own, in their RRJ.

Finally, my homeroom will use cocoa powder to dust for fingerprints in science today. Should be a fun experiment!!