Language Arts - None - We completed our DOL and grammar page in class today. This week students are studying the difference between commands and exclamations, and focusing on using the proper punctuation with each one. Our spelling words all have final e at the end, which makes the vowel a long sound. We introduced our vocabulary words for the week, and completed our vocabulary packets. Mrs. Pratt's groups reviewed final e phonics rules with iPads, and my groups read the story Puss in Boots.
Math - None - We started lesson 1.6 on using the break apart strategy to add. This method has students breaking apart 3-digit numbers into hundreds, tens, and ones before adding. Although this may seem like the "long way" to solve an addition problem, using this method will help give your child a deeper understanding of place value. We will finish this lesson tomorrow.
Science - None - We started reading chapter 1 today about living things. Today we discussed the difference between living and non-living things. We categorized items in our journals that were either living or non-living.
Social Studies - None - Mrs. Abbott taught her SEL lesson during our social studies time today.
Monday, August 31, 2015
Friday, August 28, 2015
Lessons & Assignments Friday, August 28th
Language Arts - None - We took our weekly assessments today. Students took their vocab and spelling test on the iPads using the Spelling City app. Their printed reports were sent home today. We took the reading test together in class. Since we did it together, a score was not recorded. I wanted to the students to understand the layout of the test, and my expectations on how to complete the test.
Math - None - We finished lesson 1.5 today in class. All students were able to complete their homework during class time.
Science - None - We took our first chapter test today.
Social Studies - None - We used our social studies time today for a send-off party for our friend Deacon, who will be moving to a new school next week. We will miss you Deacon!
Math - None - We finished lesson 1.5 today in class. All students were able to complete their homework during class time.
Science - None - We took our first chapter test today.
Social Studies - None - We used our social studies time today for a send-off party for our friend Deacon, who will be moving to a new school next week. We will miss you Deacon!
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Housekeeping - Classroom Updates
Just wanted to share a few updates now that we are up and running on the school year!
Skyward online grade books are not 100% completed yet. Our language arts classes still need to be set up. Due to this delay, I have not posted any grades yet. When my grade book is up and ready to go, I will post grades for you to view.
Language Arts:
We started switching teachers for Language Arts this week. If you are unsure of your child's language arts teacher, feel free to email me. For those students in my LA class, we will be taking our first tests tomorrow. My language arts class is co-taught with Mrs. Pratt, who will return from maternity leave next week. When she returns, we will be sending home additional information on our class and expectations.
Math:
Math class tends to generate the most questions from both students and parents. In my math class, I use guided math groups that help introduce the lesson to students at a level and learning style that is appropriate for your child. I meet with 3 different groups for 10 minutes at a time. We use items such as manipulatives, number lines, place value charts, and technology. While I am working with a small group, the other groups are completing the following activities:
Paper/Pencil Group - this group works on the Problem of the Day and the Reteach page. Every lesson has a problem of the day. These are solved independently and glued into math journals. At the end of each chapter, I collect journals and assign students a grade for the problem of the day. The reteach page from the previous day's lesson is also completed independently at this time. Students turn this in for a classwork grade when they are finished. Corrections on the reteach page will not change the grade, but can be done for learning opportunities. The reteach page helps me understand whether or not the students remembered and can still do what we learned the day before.
Technology Group - this group uses technology for some type of math review. The type of technology varies depending on our lesson. Sometimes students will be working on a practice quiz using the website www.thatquiz.org. I typically don't assign grades for these quizzes, but use them to track progress on math fluency and skills. We also use MangaHigh.com to play interactive math games. I assign specific games based on the skills we are working on in class. With our Go Math series, we also have access to Animated Math Models and Soar to Success lessons. If lessons have a coordinating Animated Math Model, students will work on that. Soar to Success lessons are based on your child's performance on the beginning of the year testing. Specific lessons are assigned based on your child's individual needs.
After math groups, we have approximately 60 minutes left of our math block for instruction. Students are given a packet to complete with blue and white pages (lesson) and one black and white page (homework). I project the blue and white pages, and we solve these together in class. Students are expected to follow along, and record all information in their packets. We don't always have time to complete the entire packet, and anything left blank does not need to be finished. Within that blue and white packet is a section called "On Your Own." This section appears near the end of the lesson, when students should be able to work independently. Students complete this section on their own, and receive a classwork grade for the work.
The black and white page for each lesson is your child's homework. Most of the time, we try to get this finished in class. If students receive a D or F grade on this assignment, corrections can be made, which will raise the homework grade to a C. (Note: If there are 10 or fewer problems, missing only a few can result in a D, so in those cases, corrections are not allowed). These corrections will be made during Academic Study Hall at recess, or during study hall with teacher assistance if needed.
Science/Social Studies:
We are preparing to take our first science test on Friday. All of my science and social studies tests are open book, and I provide the page numbers for students to find the answers. I believe it is more important in 3rd grade to show kids how to find answers, rather than how to memorize answers. Learning to use textbooks is a new thing in 3rd grade, and it will take us awhile to get used to it! If students receive a D or F, corrections needs to be made during Academic Study Hall at recess, or during classroom study hall.
Reading Logs:
September reading logs will be going home with students on Friday. I explained these at Back to School night, but if you were unable to attend, please remember these are optional. Initial one picture for every 20 minutes that your child reads. At the end of the month, if your child has filled the reading log, they can have lunch with me in the classroom!
Lessons & Assignments Thursday, August 27th
Language Arts - Study - We completed our DOL and grammar page in class today. We also took a practice vocabulary test, and practiced alphabetizing our spelling words in class. Students first worked with word cards in groups, then transferred information to their papers. We reread our weekly story to prepare for tomorrow's test, and read about what it takes to be a good citizen. We wrote about how the main character in our weekly story was a good citizen as we practiced making connections across two texts. Tomorrow we will take our first spelling, vocabulary, and reading test for the year.
Math - None - We started lesson 1.5 today on using addition properties to add. We practiced identifying digits in the ones column that would make a ten in order to build speed and fluency when adding more than 2 addends. We will continue this lesson tomorrow.
Science - None - Since we have finished our first chapter, we played a review game in class today. The students enjoyed learning what that basketball hoop in the classroom was for! Tomorrow we will take our first open book science test.
Social Studies - None - We read about communities today, and practiced describing our community. We talked about our planet, hemisphere, continent, country, state, county, town, and address. Most of the class members did not know their home addresses. This would be a great skill to practice at home by having your child write return addresses on your mail.
Math - None - We started lesson 1.5 today on using addition properties to add. We practiced identifying digits in the ones column that would make a ten in order to build speed and fluency when adding more than 2 addends. We will continue this lesson tomorrow.
Science - None - Since we have finished our first chapter, we played a review game in class today. The students enjoyed learning what that basketball hoop in the classroom was for! Tomorrow we will take our first open book science test.
Social Studies - None - We read about communities today, and practiced describing our community. We talked about our planet, hemisphere, continent, country, state, county, town, and address. Most of the class members did not know their home addresses. This would be a great skill to practice at home by having your child write return addresses on your mail.
Reminder: book orders due tomorrow
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Lessons & Assignments Wednesday, August 26th
Language Arts - None - We completed our DOL and grammar page in class today. We also practiced this week's spelling words by writing them in cursive today. We reread our weekly story, and completed a character, setting, and plot graphic organizer together in class. Remember to keep studying your spelling words, vocab words, and the difference between statements and questions at home this week!
Math - None - We completed lesson 1.4 on using mental math strategies to add today. This was a challenging lesson. Not everyone is ready for mental math in the same way, but we discussed several different ways of adding using our heads. Using a number line, and counting up by tens, then ones was what most students preferred. I was proud of everyone's focus and hard work today.
Science - None - We read about the Scientific Method today, and learned all of the steps that scientists use to answer questions about the world around us. We watched a Study Jams video by Scholastic about the Scientific Method and took a quiz over the material. We even had a chance to sing a fun Scientific Method karaoke song!
Social Studies - None - PE ran over today since the kids were running the mile, so we ran out of time for social studies.
Math - None - We completed lesson 1.4 on using mental math strategies to add today. This was a challenging lesson. Not everyone is ready for mental math in the same way, but we discussed several different ways of adding using our heads. Using a number line, and counting up by tens, then ones was what most students preferred. I was proud of everyone's focus and hard work today.
Science - None - We read about the Scientific Method today, and learned all of the steps that scientists use to answer questions about the world around us. We watched a Study Jams video by Scholastic about the Scientific Method and took a quiz over the material. We even had a chance to sing a fun Scientific Method karaoke song!
Social Studies - None - PE ran over today since the kids were running the mile, so we ran out of time for social studies.
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Lessons & Assignments Tuesday, August 25th
Language Arts - None - We completed our DOL and grammar page in class today. We read a story called Tina's Try Out Day, where we reviewed our vocabulary words, and practiced identifying the characters, setting, and plot. We also read our weekly story, First Day Jitters. Be sure to ask your child what was so surprising about the end of this story!
Math - None - We finished lesson 1.3 on estimating sums today. We discussed two different ways to estimate sums. We talked about using compatible numbers such as 75 and 25, and we also talked about rounding before adding. The students seemed more comfortable with rounding first, so we focused on that strategy for most of our lesson. All students were able to complete their homework assignment at school today.
Science - None - We continued to read about science inquiry skills today. We discussed the difference between facts and opinions in science, and wrote down 3 facts and 3 opinions in our science journals.
Social Studies - None - We used our social studies time today to work on some following directions activities. We practiced following both verbal and written directions in order for me to get a sense of how the class best responds to directions. This activity will help me guide future assignments and class activities.
Math - None - We finished lesson 1.3 on estimating sums today. We discussed two different ways to estimate sums. We talked about using compatible numbers such as 75 and 25, and we also talked about rounding before adding. The students seemed more comfortable with rounding first, so we focused on that strategy for most of our lesson. All students were able to complete their homework assignment at school today.
Science - None - We continued to read about science inquiry skills today. We discussed the difference between facts and opinions in science, and wrote down 3 facts and 3 opinions in our science journals.
Social Studies - None - We used our social studies time today to work on some following directions activities. We practiced following both verbal and written directions in order for me to get a sense of how the class best responds to directions. This activity will help me guide future assignments and class activities.
Monday, August 24, 2015
Science News
Today we practiced using the science inquiry skill of classifying by sorting items in our pencil boxes. Some friends chose to sort by color, size, or item type. Way to go scientists!
Lessons & Assignments Monday, August 24th
Language Arts - Study spelling & vocab - We switched teachers for the first time this year for language arts. Please note that these assignments only apply to my language arts class. Even though your child may have me for homeroom, your child's LA teacher may be different. We completed our Daily Language Activity today, where we practiced finding errors in sentences. We also completed a grammar page in class. Our focus skill for grammar this week is using the correct punctuation in statements and questions. Students were given their spelling and vocabulary lists for the week. We will be tested over these words on Friday. We reviewed our vocabulary words, and completed vocab packets in class. These were returned to students today so they can study them each night. Tomorrow we will start reading our weekly selection.
Math - None - I like to break the students into groups during math instruction in order to give the students an opportunity to work with me in small groups to preview the upcoming lesson. We started math groups today. During group work, the students working with me practiced estimating sums. In order to estimate, we had to round, then add. We used number lines and our iPads to practice these skills. Independent groups reviewed addition and subtraction online, and completed a reteach page from Friday's lesson. We will start our estimation lesson tomorrow.
Science - None - Today we read about inquiry skills such as predicting, making inferences, classifying/ordering, and gathering data. Students practiced classifying and ordering objects in their pencil boxes.
Social Studies - None - We finished up our vocabulary foldables for our social studies journals, and started reading lesson 1 on communities. We learned about what a community was. See if your child can tell you the 3 things that people do in a community!
Math - None - I like to break the students into groups during math instruction in order to give the students an opportunity to work with me in small groups to preview the upcoming lesson. We started math groups today. During group work, the students working with me practiced estimating sums. In order to estimate, we had to round, then add. We used number lines and our iPads to practice these skills. Independent groups reviewed addition and subtraction online, and completed a reteach page from Friday's lesson. We will start our estimation lesson tomorrow.
Science - None - Today we read about inquiry skills such as predicting, making inferences, classifying/ordering, and gathering data. Students practiced classifying and ordering objects in their pencil boxes.
Social Studies - None - We finished up our vocabulary foldables for our social studies journals, and started reading lesson 1 on communities. We learned about what a community was. See if your child can tell you the 3 things that people do in a community!
Friday, August 21, 2015
Science Tools
We finished reading about science tools today in our textbooks. To wrap up the lesson, students were asked to match the science tool name to the picture, then describe how to use each tool.
Lessons & Assignments Friday, August 21st
Language Arts - None - We used our language arts time to review last night's math homework. Since this was our first assignment for math, we needed to review the expectations for homework and responsibility. We also worked on taking our Star Reading and Star Math benchmark testing. We will start switching teachers for language arts on Monday. Students were given their language arts teachers this afternoon.
Math - None - We took our 1st quarter assessment pretest today, and reviewed rounding. The students seemed to be catching on a lot faster this morning, and I was very proud of their progress in just one day!
Science - None - We finished reading about science tools today, and completed a picture/word match on the board when we were finished.
Social Studies - None - Mrs. Livengood had a surprise for us today during our social studies time. Be sure to ask your child how he or she was part of a winning team today!
Math - None - We took our 1st quarter assessment pretest today, and reviewed rounding. The students seemed to be catching on a lot faster this morning, and I was very proud of their progress in just one day!
Science - None - We finished reading about science tools today, and completed a picture/word match on the board when we were finished.
Social Studies - None - Mrs. Livengood had a surprise for us today during our social studies time. Be sure to ask your child how he or she was part of a winning team today!
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Success is a TEAM Effort!
Check out our finished product for the door decorating contest! Thank you to everyone who participated. Families are a crucial part of a child's success!
Lessons & Assignments Thursday, August 20th
Language Arts - None - We worked on our argument (opinion) writing assessments today. The class also helped set up our classroom iPads by loading apps. We developed a list of rules and responsibilities together for iPad use.
Math - 1.2 #1-12 - We learned about rounding today. 3rd grade is the first time kids learn this skill, and it is a difficult one to master. We discussed several different ways to round in our lesson, and I taught them a few tricks of my own. One way was to use a number line as a visual. I sent "rounding rainbows" home was a visual number line for the students. Another way was to use place value. I also sent home a rounding poem to help remind students how to use place value to round. On tonight's assignment, students can use either way (number line or place value) to round to the nearest ten and the nearest hundred. We will continue working on this skill tomorrow in class.
Science - None - We started our first chapter today, where we started to learn about science tools. We will continue reading about science tools tomorrow, and will have a chance to explore some of the tools and see how they work.
Social Studies - None - We also started our first chapter in social studies. We previewed unit 1 and chapter 1. We started a vocabulary foldable that will be put in our social studies journals when we finish.
Math - 1.2 #1-12 - We learned about rounding today. 3rd grade is the first time kids learn this skill, and it is a difficult one to master. We discussed several different ways to round in our lesson, and I taught them a few tricks of my own. One way was to use a number line as a visual. I sent "rounding rainbows" home was a visual number line for the students. Another way was to use place value. I also sent home a rounding poem to help remind students how to use place value to round. On tonight's assignment, students can use either way (number line or place value) to round to the nearest ten and the nearest hundred. We will continue working on this skill tomorrow in class.
Science - None - We started our first chapter today, where we started to learn about science tools. We will continue reading about science tools tomorrow, and will have a chance to explore some of the tools and see how they work.
Social Studies - None - We also started our first chapter in social studies. We previewed unit 1 and chapter 1. We started a vocabulary foldable that will be put in our social studies journals when we finish.
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Can You Save Fred?
Today we tried to rescue my friend Fred. Fred's boat capsized, and his life preserver
was stuck underneath. Students had to work with a partner to design a plan to save
Fred using only 4 paperclips. No fingers allowed!
Be sure to ask your child about his/her plan, and whether or not it worked!
Lessons & Assignments Wednesday, August 19th
Language Arts - None - We completed our informative writing assessment today. We also did a fun teamwork/scientific method activity where the kids had to save my friend Fred from drowning. Pictures coming soon!
Math - None - We finished lesson 1.1 today on number patterns. All students were able to complete their homework assignment in class today. The colorful packets that went home today were part of the lesson, and any unfinished work on the colored pages does not need to be finished or returned. We don't always have time to get through the entire thing.
Science - Book worksheet - We used our class time today to finish up our textbook scavenger hunt. Those students that were not able to complete the assignment in class or study hall need to finish it for homework tonight.
Social Studies - None - We practiced identifying non-fiction text features in our social studies book today.
Math - None - We finished lesson 1.1 today on number patterns. All students were able to complete their homework assignment in class today. The colorful packets that went home today were part of the lesson, and any unfinished work on the colored pages does not need to be finished or returned. We don't always have time to get through the entire thing.
Science - Book worksheet - We used our class time today to finish up our textbook scavenger hunt. Those students that were not able to complete the assignment in class or study hall need to finish it for homework tonight.
Social Studies - None - We practiced identifying non-fiction text features in our social studies book today.
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Lessons & Assignments Tuesday, August 18th
Language Arts - None - We took our narrative writing assessment today. We also completed a fun activity involving the number 3 since it was our 3rd day in 3rd grade!
Math - None - We started lesson 1.1 today on number patterns. We looked at addition tables and shaded sums to look for number patterns. We discussed the Identity Property of Addition (0+6 = 6) and the Commutative Property of Addition (1+5=6 and 5+1=6). Since this was our first lesson, we took our time. We will finish this lesson tomorrow.
Science - None - We started a "Get to know your textbook" activity today. This scavenger hunt type activity challenges the kids to use informational text features such as headings, bold words, illustrations, and reference sections. This was a bit more challenging than I anticipated, so we will continue this activity tomorrow. Understanding these features of informational text will be crucial in 3rd grade.
Social Studies - None - Since our science activity took a bit longer than I planned, we used our social studies time today to work on our door decorating contest. Notes went home in planners today about this contest.
Math - None - We started lesson 1.1 today on number patterns. We looked at addition tables and shaded sums to look for number patterns. We discussed the Identity Property of Addition (0+6 = 6) and the Commutative Property of Addition (1+5=6 and 5+1=6). Since this was our first lesson, we took our time. We will finish this lesson tomorrow.
Science - None - We started a "Get to know your textbook" activity today. This scavenger hunt type activity challenges the kids to use informational text features such as headings, bold words, illustrations, and reference sections. This was a bit more challenging than I anticipated, so we will continue this activity tomorrow. Understanding these features of informational text will be crucial in 3rd grade.
Social Studies - None - Since our science activity took a bit longer than I planned, we used our social studies time today to work on our door decorating contest. Notes went home in planners today about this contest.
Monday, August 17, 2015
Can You Figure Us Out?
Today we used our math facts to create posters all about ourselves. See if you can figure us out!
Lessons & Assignments Monday, August 17th
Language Arts - None - We took our 1st quarter assessment pretest today. We also set some goals for ourselves to accomplish this year, and finished talking about the rules and routines in 3rd grade.
Math - None - We took our 1st quarter assessment pretest today. We also created some posters about ourselves using math facts.
Science - None - We took our 1st quarter assessment pretest today.
Social Studies - None - We took our 1st quarter assessment pretest today.
Math - None - We took our 1st quarter assessment pretest today. We also created some posters about ourselves using math facts.
Science - None - We took our 1st quarter assessment pretest today.
Social Studies - None - We took our 1st quarter assessment pretest today.
Friday, August 14, 2015
Lessons & Assignments Friday, August 14th
We spent our first day in the classroom reviewing rules and routines. We discussed class procedures including anything from taking attendance, to handing in papers and walking in the hallways. We organized and labeled our school supplies, and completed a few fun "get to know you" activities. Now we'll be ready to start the real deal on Monday! I hope everyone has a great weekend!
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Welcome Back!
Thank you to everyone that came out for Unpack Your Backpack night tonight.
I enjoyed meeting all of you this evening, and can't wait to get our new school year started.
These special treats are waiting for your child tomorrow morning. See you then!
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
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