Mrs. Holman's Third Grade

Finish Up Friday!

2009-11-13T14:40:00.002-05:00

...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

2009-11-12T13:16:00.000-05:00

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

Thursday

2009-11-12T10:34:00.001-05:00

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

2009-11-11T11:40:00.002-05:00

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

2009-11-10T11:50:00.002-05:00

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

2009-11-09T12:19:00.003-05:00

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

2009-11-06T13:18:00.003-05:00

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

2009-11-05T13:12:00.002-05:00

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

2009-11-04T12:12:00.002-05:00

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

2009-11-03T12:03:00.003-05:00

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

2009-10-29T11:20:00.001-04:00

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

2009-10-28T11:14:00.002-04:00

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!

2009-10-27T11:49:00.002-04:00

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

2009-10-26T12:01:00.002-04:00

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

2009-10-23T11:53:00.002-04:00

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!

2009-10-22T11:19:00.002-04:00

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

2009-10-21T13:16:00.003-04:00

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!

2009-10-20T11:58:00.004-04:00

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

2009-10-19T13:03:00.002-04:00

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

2009-10-15T13:04:00.002-04:00

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!!!

2009-10-14T13:19:00.002-04:00

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

2009-10-13T13:05:00.002-04:00

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

2009-10-12T12:03:00.003-04:00

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!

2009-10-09T14:56:00.002-04:00

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

2009-10-08T13:17:00.003-04:00

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!