Lessons & Assignments Monday, February 29th

Language Arts - read passage, word ladder worksheet - We completed our DOL and grammar page in class today.  The students were given 10 minutes to practice their spelling words using the Spelling City app.  They also reread our weekly story today in class.  Mrs. Pratt started the word ladder activity with the whole class.  Those that were unable to finish during class time need to finish it for homework tonight.

Math - None - We reviewed how to tell time on an analog clock today.  We did 3 worksheets together, and used an app on the iPads to practice.  We will continue to review telling time this week before we return to chapter 10.

Science - None - We read about physical and chemical changes, mixtures, and solutions. We watched a Study Jams video on mixtures and solutions, and watched a YouTube video on baking soda boats so we could observe a chemical change.

Social Studies - None - We read about the U.S. government, and continued a guided note taking activity for our journals.

Reminder:  February reading logs due tomorrow!

Star of the Week

Kallie is our Star of the Week this week!

Classroom Visitor

Since our Valentine party and Jump Rope for Heart were during Kiera's Star of the Week time, we didn't have time for her dad to visit our classroom that week.  Luckily, he was able to visit today to tell us all about his job as a correctional officer.  The kids were so excited to ask questions about a prison, and what happens there.  We even learned that some products we might use are made there, like license plates!

Lessons & Assignments Friday, February 26th

Language Arts-  None - We completed our DOL, spelling, and grammar pages in class today.  We listened to our weekly story on the iPads, and completed our comprehension questions.

Math - None - We started our first lesson in chapter 10 today.  After teaching this lesson, I decided we need to back track a bit and concentrate on the basics of telling time on an analog clock.  We will practice some of these skills next week in class, but please practice at home!

Science - None - We watched a Scholastic Study Jams video on solids, liquids, and gases, and completed a cut and paste sort activity.

Social Studies - None - We had a classroom visitor during our social studies time today.

Lessons & Assignments Thursday, February 25th

Language Arts - read passage - We completed our DOL, spelling, and grammar pages in class today.  We listened to our weekly story on the ipads, and worked on our comprehension questions today.

Math - None - We started chapter 10 today on time, measurement, volume, and mass.  To introduce this chapter, we completed a fun playground design activity, and shared our results with the class.  We also drew lines on blank paper, and had partners practice measuring them.  We completed the vocabulary preview page, and will start with lesson 1 tomorrow.  Be sure to have your child practice how to tell time at home!

Science - None - We read about solids, liquids, and gases today, and completed a worksheet in class.

Social Studies - None - We read about the U.S. government today, and started a guided note taking activity for our journals.

Science Lab

Check out these pictures from our foil boats lab today!

Lessons & Assignments Wednesday, February 24th

Language Arts -  read passage - We completed our DOL, spelling, and grammar page in class today.  The students listened to their weekly story on their iPads, and we also worked in small groups. Mrs. Pratt's groups worked on phonics skills, and my groups used the leveled readers to review vocabulary.

Math -  None - We took the chapter 9 test today.

Science - None - We read about density today and why items sink or float.  We made aluminum foil boats to see how many pennies they could hold.  Be sure to ask your child how many pennies his/her boat held!

Social Studies  - None - Due to the SIP early dismissal, we did not have social studies today.

Lessons & Assignments Tuesday, February 23rd

Language Arts - read passage - We completed our DOL, spelling, and grammar page in class today.  We read our weekly vocabulary review story, and our selection story.  This week our story is called What Do Illustrators Do?  This story is about 2 illustrators who interpret and draw the same story in different ways.  Our focus will be on sequencing events in the story.  Mrs. Pratt also did a phonics review activity with the class, practicing the oy and oi spelling patterns.

Math - None - We reviewed chapter 9 today in preparation for tomorrow's test.

Science - None - We read about matter today.  We discussed the physical properties of matter that we can observe with our 5 senses.  We also watched a Scholastic Study Jams video on properties of matter.

Social Studies - worksheet - We read about early types of government including direct democracies in Ancient Greece, the Magna Carta, and the Mayflower Compact.  We tried something new today by having students read and respond in writing.  The written answers (using complete sentences) are due tomorrow.

Reminder:  SIP early dismissal tomorrow!

Science Lab

We started our chapter on matter today by doing an activity with volume.  Students filled containers of various shapes and sizes with 100 mL of water.  We discussed why some containers appeared to have more water than others.  Have your kids ever done this at home when they think a sibling got more to drink than they did?  We recorded our results in our science journal, and will learn more about matter and volume tomorrow.

Lessons & Assignments Monday, February 22nd

Language Arts - read passage, vocab packet - We completed our DOL, spelling, and grammar page in class this morning.  This week our grammar target is future tense verbs.  We learned that the special helper "will" helps us identify future tense verbs.  The students were given their weekly reading passage, and we read it once together in class today.  This week our reading focus is sequencing events, so it would be great to ask your child to restate the events in the story in order after reading.  We also introduced our new spelling and vocabulary words.  Our spelling words this week all have the /oi/ sound with oi or oy.  We introduced our vocabulary words with an Adobe Slate slide show, and had some class time to work on our vocab packets.

Math - None - We finished lesson 9.7 today on equivalent fractions.  This was the last lesson in this chapter.  We will review tomorrow, and take our chapter 9 test on Wed.

Science - None - We started chapter 11 today on matter.  We did a lab activity on volume today.  Students poured 100 mL of water in different containers.  We discussed why some containers looked "fuller" than others when the amount of water was the same.

Social Studies - worksheet 79 - We started unit 6/chapter 11 today.  We will be learning about different types of governments in this chapter.  Students that weren't able to complete the vocabulary worksheet in class need to finish it for homework tonight.

Bee Buck Prize

Our class earned the opportunity to help Mrs. Abbott with the morning announcements last week by having 700 bee bucks!  We got to lead the Pledge, and speak over the intercom.  How fun!  Keep up the good work 3rd grade!

Red Carpet Reader

Congratulations to Kaihden for meeting his 3rd quarter AR goal.  Way to go!

Vocabulary Slide Show

Click HERE to view this week's vocabulary slide show.

The test over this material will be on Friday, March 4th.

Field Trip

The third graders visited the Fryxell Geology Museum at Augustana College today since we have been studying rocks & minerals in science.  We got to see some really cool fossils, and even some rocks that glow in the dark.  The students were challenged to follow clues throughout the museum, played a fun matching game with cards and items in the museum, and rotated through rock & mineral stations.  We had originally planned to visit the planetarium as well, but our guide was sick today.  We received lots of compliments on how well behaved our students were.  Way to go 3rd grade!

Thank You!

I've been fighting a virus all week long, and went home sick after the field trip today - on my birthday.  I was feeling pretty sorry for myself that I was sick on my birthday, until my class surprised me with this thoughtful card and cake.  Thanks guys for making my day!!!

Lessons & Assignments Friday, February 19th

Language Arts - None - We were on our field trip during language arts time this morning.

Math - None - We were on our field trip during math time this morning.

Science - None - We were on our field trip during science time today.

Social Studies - None - We took our unit 5 open book test today.

Lessons & Assignments Thursday, February 18th

Language Arts - None - We took our weekly assessments today.

Math - None - We used our math time today to make some outstanding corrections, and to review multiplication and division.

Science - None - We took the quarterly assessment pretest today.

Social Studies - Chapter 10 w.s. - We completed the chapter 10 review sheet in class today.  Those that didn't finish in class need to finish it for homework tonight.

Reminder:  Field trip tomorrow - bring a sack lunch!

Lessons & Assignments Wednesday, February 17th*

Language Arts - read passage - We didn't have language arts today due to an assembly.

Math - None - We finished lesson 9.6 today on modeling equivalent fractions.

Science - None - We took the chapter 10 test today.

Social Studies  - w.s. 75 - We continued reading chapter 10 today.  Those students that didn't finish their worksheet in class need to finish it for homework tonight.

*Please note:  These plans are tentative.  I am home sick today.  :(

Lessons & Assignments Tuesday, February 16th

Language Arts - read passage, cursive spelling - We reviewed our grammar skills for the week in class today, and played a couple of review games using the Kahoot online quiz.  We listened to our weekly story on the iPads, and completed a prefix activity in class together.  We will not have class tomorrow due to an assembly.  Our reading, spelling, and vocab tests will be on Thursday.

Math - 9.5 front only - We compared and ordered fractions today.  We also took our mid-chapter quiz today.

Science - None - We played a review game in class today.  Our chapter 10 open book test will be tomorrow.

Social Studies - None - We read about how communities depend on one another today.

Star of the Week

Lincoln is our Star of the Week this week!

Red Carpet Readers

Congratulations to Ysabell and Gwyn for meeting their 3rd quarter AR goals! 

 Keep up the good work!

Valentine Party

I would like to send out a huge "Thank You!" to all of the parents and family members that volunteered to help at our party today, or contributed items for our activities.  We played a candy estimation jar game, Valentine Bingo, candy trains, and had some amazing ice cream snacks!

Lessons & Assignments Friday, February 12th

Language Arts - None - We completed our DOL and spelling page in class today.  We also played a cause & effect game.  The students listened to their weekly story on their iPads, and we watched a Discovery Education video on internet safety.  This week we have been distributing "heart attacks" to our favorite teachers by writing adjectives to describe them.  Ask your child about this activity!

Math - None - We reviewed fractions with conversation hearts today, and compared fractions using our fraction strips.

Science - None - We had Jump Rope for Heart during our science time today.

Social Studies - None - We had our Valentine party during our social studies time today.

Reminder:  No school Monday!

Jump Rope for Heart

Mr. Lindsey does a great job every year organizing our fundraiser for Jump Rope for Heart.  We had so much fun jumping for an hour today!

We LOVE Math!

Today in math, we used conversation hearts to compare fractions.  We counted the number of hearts in each box, then figured out which fraction of the entire box was each color.  Then we compared the different colors.  Of course, we got to eat them when we were finished!

Lessons & Assignments Thursday, February 11th

Language Arts - read passage - We completed our DOL, grammar, and spelling page today in class.  The students listened to their weekly story on the iPads, and completed their prefix phonics packets for Mrs. Pratt.

Math - None - We compared fractions with the same numerator.  This was a tricky concept when compared to yesterday's lesson.  It's really difficult to understand how 1/2 is bigger than 1/3 when 3 is bigger than 2!  We used dry erase fraction strips and fraction circles as a visual to help with today's lesson.

Science - None - We read about the outer planets of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune today.  We watched a Scholastic Study Jams slideshow today, and created our own constellations in our science journals.

Social Studies - None - We had computer class during our social studies time today since we will miss it tomorrow for our Valentine's Day celebrations.

Reminder:  Valentine parties & Jump Rope for Heart tomorrow.  Book orders also due!

Lessons & Assignments Wednesday, February 10th

Language Arts - read passage - We completed our DOL, grammar, and spelling page in class today.  We listened to our weekly story on the iPads, and worked in small groups to review phonics skills and our leveled readers.

Math - None - We discussed comparing fractions with the same denominator today.

Science - None - We read about the solar system today.  We learned about the inner planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars), and watched a Scholastic Study Jams slide show.

Social Studies - None - We read about different types of resources today (renewable, non-renewable, human, and capital).  We used a graphic organizer to take notes as we read, and we watched a Discovery Education video on how Louisville Slugger baseball bats are made.

Lessons & Assignments Tuesday, February 9th

Language Arts - read passage - We completed our DOL, spelling, and grammar page in class today.  We read our weekly story and discussed cause & effect.  Mrs. Pratt's groups worked on some word study with prefixes.  My groups read our leveled readers.  We discussed cause & effect, and reviewed vocabulary.

Math - None - We started chapter 9 today on fractions.  Today we used fraction strips to compare fractions.

Science - None - We had Ag in the Classroom today.

Social Studies - None - We read a Scholastic News article on being the president today.

Red Carpet Reader

Congratulations to Erich for already meeting his 3rd quarter AR goal!  Keep up the great work!

Lessons & Assignments Monday, February 8th

Language Arts - read passage - We completed our DOL, spelling, and grammar page in class today.  Mrs. Pratt introduced our new vocabulary words and the students completed their vocabulary packets in class.  Our test over this unit will be on Thursday, February 18th.

Math - None - The students played some review games today with Mrs. Johnson while I was at the dentist.

Science - None  - We used our science time to make corrections to last week's math test.

Social Studies - None - We used our social studies time for our star of the week presentation and a birthday celebration.

Star of the Week

Kiera is our Star of the Week this week!

Lessons & Assignments Friday, February 5th

Language Arts - None - We completed our weekly assessments today.

Math - None - We took our chapter 8 test today.  This was a tricky test, and we will be correcting it next week.

Science - None - We read about eclipses today, and started an article about the moon.

Social Studies - None - We had a classroom visitor during our social studies time today.

Classroom Visitor

Kyle's dad visited our classroom today to tell us about his job as an electrician and a volunteer fire fighter.  We even got to review some very important fire safety tips, like why you should keep your room clean in case of a fire!

Lessons & Assignments Thursday, February 4th

Language Arts - read passage, study - We completed our DOL, spelling, and grammar pages in class.  We listened to our weekly story on the iPads, and took a practice vocabulary test.  Mrs. Pratt's groups worked on phonics, and my groups read our leveled readers.  Our biography projects were sent home today.  Please review these with your child.  The same format will be used for a biography report later this quarter, so it is important to understand the format!  Remember to study for your reading, spelling, and vocabulary tests tomorrow!

Math - none - We reviewed chapter 8 today.  Our chapter 8 test will be tomorrow.

Science - None - We read about moon phases today, and completed a moon phase worksheet together in class.

Social Studies - None - We previewed chapter 10 today and completed a vocabulary preview page.

Lessons & Assignments Wednesday, February 3rd

Language Arts - read passage - We completed our DOL, spelling, and grammar page in class today.  The students listened to our weekly story on their ipads, and we worked in small groups.  Mrs. Pratt's groups worked on phonics skills, and my groups read our leveled readers.  We focused on vocabulary review, and our weekly skill (character, setting, plot).

Math - None - We finished lesson 8.9 today.  We used unit fractions to find the total number in a group.  For example, 3 is 1/8 of what number?

Science - None - We read about what causes seasons, and what causes day and night today. We watched a Scholastic Study Jams video on day and night.

Social Studies - None - Due to the early dismissal, we did not have social studies today.

Star of the Week

Kyle is our Star of the Week this week!

Lessons & Assignments Tuesday, February 2nd

Language Arts - read passage - We completed our DOL, spelling, and grammar page in class today.  I distributed AR prizes for students that are meeting percentages of their quarterly goals.  Congrats to my friends that earned prizes today!  We listened to our weekly story, Dear Juno, on the ipads.  This week's skill is to determine the characters, setting, and plot of the story.  This is a review skill, but a good one to continue practicing!  We cut out and assembled our biography projects.  I can't wait to start reading them.  The students also had some free time to work on their AR goals today.

Math - None - We used unit fractions to find part of a group today.  We drew models to find the answer to questions such as, "What is 1/3 of 12?"  We talked about a few different strategies to help us figure this out, and hopefully everyone found a favorite way!

Science - None - We introduced chapter 10 today on the solar system.  Our first lesson will be all about what causes the seasons.  We watched a Discovery Education video about this today.  Ask your child if he or she can tell you why we have seasons!

Social Studies - Chapter 9 review sheet  - We had the entire class period to work on the chapter review sheet today.  Those students that were unable to finish in class need to complete it for homework tonight.

Reminder:  SIP early dismissal tomorrow