9/4/12 - 9/7/12

     I was very happy to see so many in attendance for Curriculum Night.  Thank you for your attendance!  Hopefully you have a better understanding of third grade.  We are really getting into our subjects now, and it feels good.  This coming week we will test over science chapter 1.  Students may study the study guides located in the binder behind science.  There should be three different pages.  If one is missing, please let me know so that I can copy replacement pages for study. 

Here's what else is going on this week:
Math - In Ch. 2 we will learn about even-odd, place and value, and ways to write a number:  standard form, word form, and expanded form.  This is a very challenging chapter, and so  there may be more math homework this week.  Please continue to practice addition and subtraction facts as well so that the review sections of assignments aren't a struggle.
Writing - The class is doing a great job as they practice how to construct a good paraghraph with details!
Spelling - Let the spelling groups begin!  Each student was informed of their group and group members.  I will meet with two groups each day.  Since I have four groups, that means I will meet with your child every other day.  Look for the word list in the daily planner as well as word cards being sent home on the first day that the group meets.  Feel free to cut cards and sort, learning how the words are connected and how they are spelled.
Reading - I'm not quite ready for groups yet, but know that I will most likely begin them next week.  Right now we are practicing visualizing and making connections with what we read.
Science - Our seeds are germinating and growing!  We'll bring them home this week.  Out first test is Friday.
Social Studies -  We will be designing murals depicting urban, suburban, and rural communities.  We will also be focusing on map study.  Look for a chapter 1 test sometime next week.

Important Events:
Mon. - No school
Tues. - Spelling Groups begin;  bring books to return to library;
Fri. - Science Test;  Football Spirit Day!  Wear as much Ram's attire as you can for the schools classroom contest!  Judges will vote on the class with the most spirit.  I love football, so I'm hoping we will snatch the prize for the most spirit!!!!!

 

Today's Science Class

     We started our first science experiment today.  Students were in teams of two or three students.  Each team was in charge of three types of seeds - lima. pinto, and radish.  Here's what a couple teams had to say about what they did!

 

 

 



8/27 - 8/31

     We had another awesome week!  Students are grasping the new routines and working hard to do their very best.  I think I have a wonderful group of children and am so happy that each child is a part of my class.  Tuesday is Curriculum Night, and it is my hope to see each and every one of you there.  This may very well be the most important meeting we have during the course of the year!

Here's what is happening in school this week:

Math - We are finishing the first chapter in math on Tuesday, and our first math test will be given on Thursday.  Students should be practicing their addition and subtraction facts as much as possible.  Knowing them well is the basis for an entire year of math.  The study guide will come home on Tuesday evening as homework.  We will go over it in class on Wednesday.  Students may study from it again on Wednesday evening.
Writing - My hope is that students will write a letter to their parents inviting them to curriculum night!  Wish us luck, as I hope everyone is successful in finishing them in time!
Spelling - I'm in the process of developing the spelling groups for the year.  In class we are still practicing all of the activities associated with my spelling centers.
Reading - The class is building stamina as they read silently for a certain amount of time each day.  This week we will learn the routine for reading to someone and listening to someone read.
Science - Monday is experiment day.  We will be in teams of three and will experiment with three types of seeds.  Our goal is to see how long it takes for each seed to germinate.
S.Studies -  This is our week to make our community murals!

Important Events:
Mon. -   Library Day
Tues. -  Curriculum Night
Wed. - Study for math test!
Thurs. - Test over math chapter 1
Fri. - ??????

August 20 - August 24

    Hello, and welcome to a new school year!  I really enjoyed getting to know my new students this past week, and I am looking forward to a very good year.  We spent Thursday and Friday getting acquainted with one another.  Three students in our classroom are new to the district, but by lunch time the first day, you could hardly tell.  Everyone was blending together beautifully.  I am hoping for an equally nice week this week!

The following is an idea of what we will try to cover this coming week:

Math - We will be dusting off the addition and subtraction flash cards as we review our facts in the first chapter.  We will learn a few tricks along the way to aid in adding and subtracting accurately.  Please practice at home1
Writing - Students will review the idea of a topic and topic sentence.  Then they will write their first paragraphs about something fun they did this summer.  I'll be looking for good topic sentences, at least three detail sentences, and a closing sentence.  Wish us success!
Spelling - The class will learn how to do various sorts with the names of the students in the class.  We will use their names to practice the activities I am using with the Words Their Way spelling program.
Reading - At the start of our reading program we will learn the importance of knowing how to read well, learn how to choose "just right" books, and will work on building our reading stamina.  This week and next I will be organizing reading groups.  New students to the school will be tested for reading level.
Science - Our study of plant and an animal life cycles will begin.
S. Studies - We will begin chapter 1, which is a review of types of communities - urban, suburban, and rural.



Up coming Events:
Tuesday, August 28th is Curriculum Night.  I hope all parents will be in attendance.  This is perhaps our most important meeting of the year! 

More Pictures of Biography Day

Students dressed up like the main character in their biography books.  They told our guests details about their lives.  Caleb, Alana, Josh, Emilio, Alexis, and Nathan all had wonderful reports!

Biography Day

Alana is enjoying her presentation!

Biography Day

Kaelyn!  I believe Kaelyn was Mary Todd Lincoln.