Parents:
The Third 9-week period of 3rd grade is a very busy one. I want to give you an advance look at what is upcoming and hopefully ease your mind about what parent involvement might be.
Science Fair: If your child is a creative thinker or interested in the sciences, I highly recommend that you encourage them to do the science fair. For third grade, this project is done entirely at home. Whether they enter a project or not, come enjoy Math and Science Night to view projects, play grade level math games and participate in science activities.
Reading Comprehension Passages: In order to have students demonstrate their reading stamina and use all their reading comprehension skills they will be taking one or two reading passages weekly. Our class will typically do this on Thursday. While this has proven over the years to be invaluable practice which makes kids more confident going into STAAR testing, sometimes Reading grades will slip. We are also scheduled to take a STAAR-Ready reading and math tests in February -- think of it as a practice! Students will be given the full 4 hours to complete.
Living Museum: As part of our Language Arts unit on learning about the lives of others, students will be choosing an inventor/scientist/entrepreneur or innovator to research. All research will be done in class using nonfiction books, biographies and websites. The students will then write a brochure about the subject of their research ...this too will be done during class-time. As a culminating event, the grade level invites parents to our Living Museum. Students dress up and have props for their presentation. These materials are created at home. It can be as simple as a poster, a poster costume, a bottle figure or full costume. Specific information will go home in a letter to parents.
Economic's Fair: Students learn some very sophisticated things about our free enterprise system. To make that learning more concrete and accessible, 3rd graders have an economics fair and are both producers and consumers. The goods that they choose to sell do not have to be either complex or expensive. Students will have an inventory of less than 20 items. Some examples are items from the Dollar Store to resell, home-made slime, decorated pencils or coupons for a service. Again there will be a detailed letter going home in advance of the project with more examples. The point is while it does have to be done at home, it should not be overwhelming for either the child or parent!
Friday, December 22, 2017
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Snow in Texas and December already ... two things I have trouble believing.
All:
I can scarcely believe that we are nearing the end of our first semester -- they're 3 1/2 graders!
At this midpoint, there are so many things to celebrate. I just did another round of reading assessments with your children and I have seen growth from every single child. Some students when up as many as 4 levels. Hopefully this reflects new confidence and enjoyment of reading as well as improvement.
In math we are beginning our unit on Geometry. This will mean a SHORT review of 2D shapes, remembering vocabulary and lots of discussion about the characteristics of different quadrilaterals. It comes up every year so I'm going to give you the parent short course:
That square is a special kind of rectangle
The rhombus is a special kind of parallelogram
Technically, all four of them are parallelograms and quadrilaterals. It blows my mind a little. I don't think I could think this "think" until I was in high school.
We'll move onto 3D figures, more vocabulary and more characteristics to describe.
In science we've begun a study of soil and have invited a few worms into the classroom to see how decomposition works (maybe).
In language arts we'll wrap up our study of literary non-fiction and move on to traditional tales to round out our understanding of different genres.
The new year will bring all kinds of exciting learning for 3rd graders including our economic fair and living museum.
But for now ... as we are headed to our holiday break, continue to remind your kids to do their best at their jobs so that we can enjoy our upcoming vacation.
I can scarcely believe that we are nearing the end of our first semester -- they're 3 1/2 graders!
At this midpoint, there are so many things to celebrate. I just did another round of reading assessments with your children and I have seen growth from every single child. Some students when up as many as 4 levels. Hopefully this reflects new confidence and enjoyment of reading as well as improvement.
In math we are beginning our unit on Geometry. This will mean a SHORT review of 2D shapes, remembering vocabulary and lots of discussion about the characteristics of different quadrilaterals. It comes up every year so I'm going to give you the parent short course:
That square is a special kind of rectangle
The rhombus is a special kind of parallelogram
Technically, all four of them are parallelograms and quadrilaterals. It blows my mind a little. I don't think I could think this "think" until I was in high school.
We'll move onto 3D figures, more vocabulary and more characteristics to describe.
In science we've begun a study of soil and have invited a few worms into the classroom to see how decomposition works (maybe).
In language arts we'll wrap up our study of literary non-fiction and move on to traditional tales to round out our understanding of different genres.
The new year will bring all kinds of exciting learning for 3rd graders including our economic fair and living museum.
But for now ... as we are headed to our holiday break, continue to remind your kids to do their best at their jobs so that we can enjoy our upcoming vacation.
Saturday, November 18, 2017
It's been a whirlwind!
There's a certain time of year when it feels like we go into hyper-drive. I don't know whether it is the end of the first grading period and I realize that these kiddos that have just become "mine" are 1/4 of the way done or whether it is the event onslaught of choir, Halloween, Veteran's Day and O'rama time.
At any rate we have finished our expository literature unit, fraction unit, government unit and force & motion unit which are all reasons to be thankful!
We're all going to get recharged before delving into biographies, geometry and geography! It will be a very few instructional days to get a lot packed in before the Holiday break.
At any rate we have finished our expository literature unit, fraction unit, government unit and force & motion unit which are all reasons to be thankful!
We're all going to get recharged before delving into biographies, geometry and geography! It will be a very few instructional days to get a lot packed in before the Holiday break.
Thursday, October 19, 2017
Friday, October 13, 2017
Can we really be 1/4 of the way through this school year?
"We are excited to announce that Forest Creek Elementary will be participating in the UIL (University Interscholastic League) Competition again this year!
Our district includes these schools, which will compete against each other: Blackland Prairie, Forest Creek, Berkman, Callison, Gattis, and Voigt.
Events offered are:
- A+ Creative Writing – GRADE 2
- Oral Reading- Grades 4 & 5
- A+ Spelling – GRADES 3, 4, & 5
- A+ Ready Writing – GRADES 3, 4, & 5
- Number Sense - GRADES 4 & 5
- Storytelling - GRADES 2 & 3
If you are interested in participating in the UIL program, please send back the interest form in the Coyote Call by October 27, 2017 and the coach for that event will contact you."
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Time is flying
Hello everybody!
I can't believe that we are nearing the end of September. The big chunk of beginning of the year testing has ended and we are now fully in the swing of things. In fact -- you have just seen interim report cards for the first nine weeks grading period and fall conferences are just around the corner! I will be sending you all an email to sign up.
I love, love, LOVE my new students. But they are not perfect. They are very talkative and do not listen very well. I have gotten disappointing reports from all three specials teachers that they are struggling in their classes as well. It's so disappointing. I want our class to be leaders!
Last week I created an incentive - just for listening. When I said "take out your _____", the first table (or first two) groups got a "group dojo". The winning table group got lunch in the classroom, a treat and watched part of a Magic School Bus.
I am repeating it this week with a small adjustment in table groups. Three tables were very close in score and one was very low. So this week the stronger groups have "adopted" a new member or two to model that good listening.
You can help me and make your lives easier too! DON"T REPEAT YOURSELF 5x! When kids aren't "present" in the moment, what adults say is just background noise. They need to be taught that it is important - imperative even that they listen the 1st time.
My job is to reteach to any child that doesn't understand. My job is not to repeat, repeat, repeat to a child that is not attempting to listen or understand.
Here's what we are learning this week:
Reading: Predictable elements in Fiction
Writing: Personal Narrative drafting and revision
Math: Addition and Subtraction with regrouping (reviewing place value and rounding)
Social Studies: Continuing Freedom Week studies and citizenship
Science: Matter - Mixtures and Solutions
Thank you to the families who contributed to the Coins for Classroom. It's horrible that we have had 3 disasters so close together. I appreciate your generosity and am touched by how passionate the kids were about it -- not to win the flashlight reading (we didn't) but to be helping. That's the true reward.
I can't believe that we are nearing the end of September. The big chunk of beginning of the year testing has ended and we are now fully in the swing of things. In fact -- you have just seen interim report cards for the first nine weeks grading period and fall conferences are just around the corner! I will be sending you all an email to sign up.
I love, love, LOVE my new students. But they are not perfect. They are very talkative and do not listen very well. I have gotten disappointing reports from all three specials teachers that they are struggling in their classes as well. It's so disappointing. I want our class to be leaders!
Last week I created an incentive - just for listening. When I said "take out your _____", the first table (or first two) groups got a "group dojo". The winning table group got lunch in the classroom, a treat and watched part of a Magic School Bus.
I am repeating it this week with a small adjustment in table groups. Three tables were very close in score and one was very low. So this week the stronger groups have "adopted" a new member or two to model that good listening.
You can help me and make your lives easier too! DON"T REPEAT YOURSELF 5x! When kids aren't "present" in the moment, what adults say is just background noise. They need to be taught that it is important - imperative even that they listen the 1st time.
My job is to reteach to any child that doesn't understand. My job is not to repeat, repeat, repeat to a child that is not attempting to listen or understand.
Here's what we are learning this week:
Reading: Predictable elements in Fiction
Writing: Personal Narrative drafting and revision
Math: Addition and Subtraction with regrouping (reviewing place value and rounding)
Social Studies: Continuing Freedom Week studies and citizenship
Science: Matter - Mixtures and Solutions
Thank you to the families who contributed to the Coins for Classroom. It's horrible that we have had 3 disasters so close together. I appreciate your generosity and am touched by how passionate the kids were about it -- not to win the flashlight reading (we didn't) but to be helping. That's the true reward.
Friday, September 1, 2017
End of Week 2 - I feel like I've known them forever
Thank you to all the parents that were able to attend Back-to-School night last night. For those of you that missed it, the powerpoint is uploaded under Class Handouts (scroll down). To recreate last night's event you should have someone text you 7 times about HEB running out of gas!
The transition has begun in my mind and heart -- I have a new class of salamanders that belong to me. We are really hitting our stride ... we almost, almost got all of the parts of our instructional day in. We did hands-on activities in science learning about physical properties with magnets and property bags. Next week our focus will be on sink and float as well as states of matter.
In math we have been reading and interpreting bar graphs and pictographs. The kids are doing well. They are beginning to get into problem solving which is the foundation of our curriculum. We will continue this unit next week.
In language arts we began a big unit on Fiction. Students are building their stamina as readers and making connections. Next week we look closer at the predictable features of fiction: characters, setting, problem/solution, theme and story mapping. To sharpen our reading comprehension we'll practice asking questions, making predictions and drawing conclusions in this unit.
Writing a personal letter and developing a personal narrative are our work products for this unit. In support of our writing we are reviewing parts of speech and sentence structure.
Looking ahead to next week - Labor Day! I will begin BAS reading assessments to measure your child's reading level. This information along with other data collected in universal screeners will be shared with parents during Fall conferences (Octoberish).
If you have any questions or comments, please contact me.
The transition has begun in my mind and heart -- I have a new class of salamanders that belong to me. We are really hitting our stride ... we almost, almost got all of the parts of our instructional day in. We did hands-on activities in science learning about physical properties with magnets and property bags. Next week our focus will be on sink and float as well as states of matter.
In math we have been reading and interpreting bar graphs and pictographs. The kids are doing well. They are beginning to get into problem solving which is the foundation of our curriculum. We will continue this unit next week.
In language arts we began a big unit on Fiction. Students are building their stamina as readers and making connections. Next week we look closer at the predictable features of fiction: characters, setting, problem/solution, theme and story mapping. To sharpen our reading comprehension we'll practice asking questions, making predictions and drawing conclusions in this unit.
Writing a personal letter and developing a personal narrative are our work products for this unit. In support of our writing we are reviewing parts of speech and sentence structure.
Looking ahead to next week - Labor Day! I will begin BAS reading assessments to measure your child's reading level. This information along with other data collected in universal screeners will be shared with parents during Fall conferences (Octoberish).
If you have any questions or comments, please contact me.
Thursday, August 24, 2017
Day 3 - Getting in the rhythm ... but also hitting a few speed bumps.
Parents:
Your children have impressed me already. They are eager and willing learners. They have demonstrated that they already have some reading stamina, are actively participating in comprehension discussions and mastered some math games.
I look forward to talking to parents about our classroom procedures on Back to School Night on Thursday August 31st beginning at 6:00pm. We are partners in your child's success.
Your children have impressed me already. They are eager and willing learners. They have demonstrated that they already have some reading stamina, are actively participating in comprehension discussions and mastered some math games.
I look forward to talking to parents about our classroom procedures on Back to School Night on Thursday August 31st beginning at 6:00pm. We are partners in your child's success.
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
Day 1 -- check (and a few notes on "homework")
Dear Salamander Parents;
We did it, we got through day 1, one of the most b o r i n g days of the year because we have to recommit ourselves to school-wide and classroom expectations.
The class did well as a whole. We didn't really jump into academics, but we practiced cafeteria behavior, tried a Kaboom subtraction game, talked a little about growth mind set, wrote a short readers' response and started to set up our science notebook. Recess & specials went off without a hitch.
The only thing we will have to work on a class goal is listening. I have kids talking while I am talking (big NO NO), then asking questions when they should have heard the answers. This for me led to a less than orderly dismissal.
My first goal is safety. We will practice our dismissal behavior again tomorrow before the actual event.
Please join class Dojo so that you can see the areas where your child excels in terms of behavior and where he or she needs work. All of our rules are rooted in safety and respect at school.
The kids had "homework". They will have a blue homework folder and their agenda will live in it, traveling back and forth to school daily. We were fortunate to get the funds for this "big kid" agenda and I am committed to helping the kids become more organized -- it's actually a totally different area of the brain! Feel free to add in personal events like soccer games or birthdays.
Today's homework was to put in their name and address in the front - spelled and capitalized correctly. Tomorrow they will be bringing home a safety contract for a signature as homework. The real homework packet will be distributed on Friday and due the following Friday. I encourage your kids to read daily. They will be stronger and more confident students if they do. The packet will have reading and math worksheets. Spelling will also be part of homework, but it is self-paced based on a students' needs.
If you have any questions before we have time to discuss details at Back to School night, please email me and I will clarify.
Send 'em back tomorrow!
We did it, we got through day 1, one of the most b o r i n g days of the year because we have to recommit ourselves to school-wide and classroom expectations.
The class did well as a whole. We didn't really jump into academics, but we practiced cafeteria behavior, tried a Kaboom subtraction game, talked a little about growth mind set, wrote a short readers' response and started to set up our science notebook. Recess & specials went off without a hitch.
The only thing we will have to work on a class goal is listening. I have kids talking while I am talking (big NO NO), then asking questions when they should have heard the answers. This for me led to a less than orderly dismissal.
My first goal is safety. We will practice our dismissal behavior again tomorrow before the actual event.
Please join class Dojo so that you can see the areas where your child excels in terms of behavior and where he or she needs work. All of our rules are rooted in safety and respect at school.
The kids had "homework". They will have a blue homework folder and their agenda will live in it, traveling back and forth to school daily. We were fortunate to get the funds for this "big kid" agenda and I am committed to helping the kids become more organized -- it's actually a totally different area of the brain! Feel free to add in personal events like soccer games or birthdays.
Today's homework was to put in their name and address in the front - spelled and capitalized correctly. Tomorrow they will be bringing home a safety contract for a signature as homework. The real homework packet will be distributed on Friday and due the following Friday. I encourage your kids to read daily. They will be stronger and more confident students if they do. The packet will have reading and math worksheets. Spelling will also be part of homework, but it is self-paced based on a students' needs.
If you have any questions before we have time to discuss details at Back to School night, please email me and I will clarify.
Send 'em back tomorrow!
Saturday, August 19, 2017
Eclipse 2017
Oh how I wish we started school one day earlier! Third graders do study the Sun and Objects in the sky and although we don't specifically learn about lunar and solar eclipses, I encourage your family to get a little Solar Fever!
1. SUNGLASSES are not enough. Really. Do not risk it. Do not let your children (or you!) look directly at the sun EVEN at the fullest eclipse times. The "best moment" is 1:10pm.
2. There will be a Solar Eclipse viewing in the plaza in downtown Round Rock. Check out this link
https://www.roundrocktexas.gov/event/solar-eclipse-viewing-party/
to see a description of the event sponsored by the library in conjunction with the Space Science Institute and Williamson County Astronomy Club. They will have 500 pairs of safe viewing glasses but this link has directions to create your own easy peasy viewing box.
3. Can't go anywhere or make anything? Two pieces of light cardboard! Put a pinhole in one and use the other as a screen. Hold the sheet with the hole up (your back is to the sun) and watch on the screen (your view will be reversed)
1. SUNGLASSES are not enough. Really. Do not risk it. Do not let your children (or you!) look directly at the sun EVEN at the fullest eclipse times. The "best moment" is 1:10pm.
2. There will be a Solar Eclipse viewing in the plaza in downtown Round Rock. Check out this link
https://www.roundrocktexas.gov/event/solar-eclipse-viewing-party/
to see a description of the event sponsored by the library in conjunction with the Space Science Institute and Williamson County Astronomy Club. They will have 500 pairs of safe viewing glasses but this link has directions to create your own easy peasy viewing box.
3. Can't go anywhere or make anything? Two pieces of light cardboard! Put a pinhole in one and use the other as a screen. Hold the sheet with the hole up (your back is to the sun) and watch on the screen (your view will be reversed)
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
Back to School 2017
C'mon and meet the teacher! Mrs. Shogan's portable is on the playground side of the building right next to the delivery lane.
Supply Drop Off on Thursday, August 17th. Last names A-L from 4:00 - 4:45pm and M - Z from 4:45 - 5:30pm
First Day of School is Tuesday August 22nd. We have a new schedule this year - 5 minutes earlier and 5 minutes later. Students should arrive at 7:15am. Tardies are at 7:40am. Dismissal will be at 2:55pm.
1. 3rd graders go straight to the portable classrooms after entering the main building through the front or back doors. Please do not drop students off from the driveway!
2. Students should wear tennis shoes for recess and specials and may bring a water bottle and healthy snack.
3. Students should bring a book to read this week while we establish our workshop routine.
Back to School Night! This open house event is Thursday, August 31st beginning in the classroom from 6:00 - 6:30pm and then moving to the cafeteria from 6:45 - 7:30pm with a presentation by our new Principal Denise Sharp.
This is an opportunity to gain information about the 3rd grade, expectations and other information ... but if at any time you have a question, don't wait. Email is the preferred contact: susan_shogan@roundrockisd.org
Sunday, August 13, 2017
Just listened to our great "Days of the Week" song again. I'm getting excited for the new year!
Check out the talent.
Check out the talent.
Thursday, June 1, 2017
Words cannot express ...
The end of the year is always difficult for me. For a year you trust me with your children and I am privileged to see them at their best and worst and they become my children.
This class in particular has been so cohesive and supportive of each other, so diverse but so tolerant, so brave and willing to take risks and take charge of their learning.
I am going to miss them terribly.
Kiddos: Have a fabulous summer ... keep reading and learning and opening yourselves up to new experiences. I look forward to 4th grade hugs and stories in the fall.
This class in particular has been so cohesive and supportive of each other, so diverse but so tolerant, so brave and willing to take risks and take charge of their learning.
I am going to miss them terribly.
Kiddos: Have a fabulous summer ... keep reading and learning and opening yourselves up to new experiences. I look forward to 4th grade hugs and stories in the fall.
Monday, May 22, 2017
Field Day, Field Trip, and Upcoming Heritage Presentations
The end of the year is speeding towards us. I spent the weekend trying to upload the hundreds of pictures that I have taken of the class. Please take a browse through for pictures of your child.
Thank you to Jim Wallen, Angela Wright, Amber Markee, Kerri Lofte, and Lisa Tan for helping me wrangle the kids through the Texas Memorial Museum.
The kids were so lucky on Field Day. A day that was forecast to rain turned out to be beautiful.
Thank you to Jim Wallen, Angela Wright, Amber Markee, Kerri Lofte, and Lisa Tan for helping me wrangle the kids through the Texas Memorial Museum.
The kids were so lucky on Field Day. A day that was forecast to rain turned out to be beautiful.
Friday, March 24, 2017
March 24th
Today marks the last day of third grading period. I. Can. Not. Believe. It. This year has been speeding by. We still have a whole lot of learning to go.
In science we are currently working on a huge unit that covers everything from food chains to environments to inherited traits and adaptations.
This week in math we used the partial product method to tackle double digit by single digit multiplication. Parents, I know some of you are teaching your kids the algorithm and they are ready for it ... but they still need to know other strategies. A STAAR question might say:
Abe had 14 bags with 8 apples in each bag. Which is one way he could NOT find the total number of apples:
a. He could add 14 + 14 + 14 + 14 +14 + 14 + 14 + 14
b. He could multiply 10 x 4 and then add 4 x 8
c. He could solve the equation (8 x 10) x 4
d. He could solve the equation (10 x 8) + (4 x 8)
So ... they design these problems to show whether students have true number sense.
In reading we are fine-tuning our reading comprehension focusing on summaries and main idea.
Coming up: Our fabulous room mom is busy constructing our Picnic Themed carnival basket. Thank you to all who have signed up to contribute. If you have been at FCE before you know what an amazing even this is and the basket drawings are phenomenal.
We have set our plans for this year's field trip. I would love to have LOTS of parent volunteers. You have to supply your own transportation and entry fee (which I believe is $1!) You will be in charge of your child and one or two others as they explore the TX History museum doing a scavenger hunt.
SOAP BOX: If your child is struggling in either reading or math, they should be doing more of it at home. There's no replacement for practice.
In science we are currently working on a huge unit that covers everything from food chains to environments to inherited traits and adaptations.
This week in math we used the partial product method to tackle double digit by single digit multiplication. Parents, I know some of you are teaching your kids the algorithm and they are ready for it ... but they still need to know other strategies. A STAAR question might say:
Abe had 14 bags with 8 apples in each bag. Which is one way he could NOT find the total number of apples:
a. He could add 14 + 14 + 14 + 14 +14 + 14 + 14 + 14
b. He could multiply 10 x 4 and then add 4 x 8
c. He could solve the equation (8 x 10) x 4
d. He could solve the equation (10 x 8) + (4 x 8)
So ... they design these problems to show whether students have true number sense.
In reading we are fine-tuning our reading comprehension focusing on summaries and main idea.
Coming up: Our fabulous room mom is busy constructing our Picnic Themed carnival basket. Thank you to all who have signed up to contribute. If you have been at FCE before you know what an amazing even this is and the basket drawings are phenomenal.
We have set our plans for this year's field trip. I would love to have LOTS of parent volunteers. You have to supply your own transportation and entry fee (which I believe is $1!) You will be in charge of your child and one or two others as they explore the TX History museum doing a scavenger hunt.
SOAP BOX: If your child is struggling in either reading or math, they should be doing more of it at home. There's no replacement for practice.
Friday, March 3, 2017
March Madness!
Is it just me or have the weeks begun speeding by? We are almost at Spring Break!
Thank you parents for attending the wonderful Living Museum. I'll post pictures of our "exhibits" soon. The audience reinforces the lessons about making sure you are presenting your best work. As students move onward that "effort" piece should be making more sense to them.
Thank you too for all the parents that have completed the district survey. Drop me a line so I can reward your child with dojo points for your homework!!
Next week we are back to our regular schedule, thank goodness! We will be having the second STAAR ready test in Math on Tuesday. Make sure students get a good night's rest and healthy breakfast.
The key approach for Math is to 1) read carefully or have the question read to you if you are confused 2) solve the question before looking at multiple choice answers (which are designed to be natural errors by children), 3) go slowly taking mental breaks every few questions and 4) double check with a different strategy.
In language arts we will be delving deeper into fiction and working on personal narratives.
We begin our unit on environments and food chains in science.
In math we'll focus more on problem solving and reinforce some of the recent units on linear measurement, perimeter, area, capacity and volume.
Behavior has gotten a little hairy this week. I'm hoping it was the excitement of a changed schedule, hoe-down helpers and the Living Museum. I will be reinforcing my expectations for active learners with the class and asking you as parents to support us by emphasizing the importance of education at home.
As always if you have any questions or concerns please contact me!
Thank you parents for attending the wonderful Living Museum. I'll post pictures of our "exhibits" soon. The audience reinforces the lessons about making sure you are presenting your best work. As students move onward that "effort" piece should be making more sense to them.
Thank you too for all the parents that have completed the district survey. Drop me a line so I can reward your child with dojo points for your homework!!
Next week we are back to our regular schedule, thank goodness! We will be having the second STAAR ready test in Math on Tuesday. Make sure students get a good night's rest and healthy breakfast.
The key approach for Math is to 1) read carefully or have the question read to you if you are confused 2) solve the question before looking at multiple choice answers (which are designed to be natural errors by children), 3) go slowly taking mental breaks every few questions and 4) double check with a different strategy.
In language arts we will be delving deeper into fiction and working on personal narratives.
We begin our unit on environments and food chains in science.
In math we'll focus more on problem solving and reinforce some of the recent units on linear measurement, perimeter, area, capacity and volume.
Behavior has gotten a little hairy this week. I'm hoping it was the excitement of a changed schedule, hoe-down helpers and the Living Museum. I will be reinforcing my expectations for active learners with the class and asking you as parents to support us by emphasizing the importance of education at home.
As always if you have any questions or concerns please contact me!
Friday, February 10, 2017
Where did the week go?
This week FLEW by. It could have been because it was Summer one day and Winter the next. The students have been hard at work researching and taking notes for the Living Museum. ALL of the writing is done at school parents, please only help your child determine whether they will be bringing a prop, dressing up or making a poster for their exhibit.
In reading we have been reviewing the different text features we use in non-fiction and how to use tables of contents, indexes and timelines and determining the main idea. In writing we are reviewing expository writing focusing on the introduction, topic sentences and paragraphing.
I've given students a sample and a writing frame to use as a crutch (you can see it in the language handouts after the Mary Anderson sample speech).
In math we worked on more complex problem solving involving multiplication and division and rearranging equations to help us solve.
We finished up our Science unit on soil and will be moving on to weather and the water cycle.
Next week:
The Valentine's Day Party at 1:50-2:45 on Tuesday💓💓💚💓💓
Speech draft due, editing and revising
Mrs. Shogan 🐱will be out Thursday and Friday; Mrs. McNeese will be my sub.
The Following Week:
Monday - Student holiday
Mrs. Shogan 🐱will be out Monday and Tuesday; Mrs. McNeese will be my sub.
Students create brochures from their research and practice their speeches
In reading we have been reviewing the different text features we use in non-fiction and how to use tables of contents, indexes and timelines and determining the main idea. In writing we are reviewing expository writing focusing on the introduction, topic sentences and paragraphing.
I've given students a sample and a writing frame to use as a crutch (you can see it in the language handouts after the Mary Anderson sample speech).
In math we worked on more complex problem solving involving multiplication and division and rearranging equations to help us solve.
We finished up our Science unit on soil and will be moving on to weather and the water cycle.
Next week:
The Valentine's Day Party at 1:50-2:45 on Tuesday💓💓💚💓💓
Speech draft due, editing and revising
Mrs. Shogan 🐱will be out Thursday and Friday; Mrs. McNeese will be my sub.
The Following Week:
Monday - Student holiday
Mrs. Shogan 🐱will be out Monday and Tuesday; Mrs. McNeese will be my sub.
Students create brochures from their research and practice their speeches
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Living Museum
So yes ... we are doing another PBL project!!!! If the data didn't show that kids learn more deeply and if the kids themselves didn't feel so proud, trust me the 3rd grade teachers would not be putting you through this.
This is what it is: to reinforce our Language Arts unit on "Literary NonFiction" and to piggyback on our recent learning about economics and inventors, 3rd grade will present a LIVING MUSEUM.
Students will read, take notes, and write a speech in the first person (as though they ARE that person come to life). The outline of the speech will focus on the character traits of the notable person and how their innovation (inventor, discovery, exploration etc.) changed the world we live in.
Students may read biographies for their nightly reading, but ALL of the writing will be done in class from the first draft to the last.
HOME:
A little creativity and support for your child. The most engaging presentations have some kind of a prop, colorful well made poster or costume. Nothing expensive. The letter will show samples of "poster costumes" that cost less than a dollar and soda bottle puppets.
Under class pictures, look at last years' Museum.
I ran through the list of Innovators and stressed that there was not much information on some of the people or their discovery was difficult to understand -- they did not go for the "easiest" to research.
As we get into the research, if I do not feel that your child understands the accomplishments of their person, I will step in and change their topic. Also, there is more information available on some inventors vs. others. We want to give students free choice but again if the well is running dry, I will make an alternative suggestion.
In case your kiddo didn't remember - Here are our chosen topics:
Jame - Jane Addams
Rachel - Robert Fulton
Miriam - Mary Anderson
Erik - Garrett Morgan
Giselle - Nikola Tesla
Ava - Marie Curie
Elisa - Louis Pasteur
Jackson - Bill Gates
Nohamine - Ruth Wakefield
Caitlin - Walter Diemer
Grayson - Albert Einstein
Tyler - Patrick W. Smith
Luca - Wright Brothers
Nyandra - Alexandra Graham Bell
Noel - George Washington Carver
Brandon - Neil Armstrong
Jon - Ben Franklin
Daniel - Sir Hiram Maximin
Ashley - Mary Kay Ash
Steven - Martin Luther King Jr.
Izzie - Amelia Earhart
Innovators that I feel would be rich topics that were not chosen (and could possibly be switched to as mentioned above):
Thomas Edison!
Cyrus McCormick
Eli Whitney
Jonas Salk
Henry Ford
Louis Braille
Jane Goodall
Levi Strauss
Leonardo da Vinci -Caitlin
Jacques Cousteau - Daniel
Milton Bradley - Tyler
Louis Daguerre
Sir Isaac Newton
Thomas Jefferson
Charles Goodyear
This is what it is: to reinforce our Language Arts unit on "Literary NonFiction" and to piggyback on our recent learning about economics and inventors, 3rd grade will present a LIVING MUSEUM.
Students will read, take notes, and write a speech in the first person (as though they ARE that person come to life). The outline of the speech will focus on the character traits of the notable person and how their innovation (inventor, discovery, exploration etc.) changed the world we live in.
Students may read biographies for their nightly reading, but ALL of the writing will be done in class from the first draft to the last.
HOME:
A little creativity and support for your child. The most engaging presentations have some kind of a prop, colorful well made poster or costume. Nothing expensive. The letter will show samples of "poster costumes" that cost less than a dollar and soda bottle puppets.
Under class pictures, look at last years' Museum.
I ran through the list of Innovators and stressed that there was not much information on some of the people or their discovery was difficult to understand -- they did not go for the "easiest" to research.
As we get into the research, if I do not feel that your child understands the accomplishments of their person, I will step in and change their topic. Also, there is more information available on some inventors vs. others. We want to give students free choice but again if the well is running dry, I will make an alternative suggestion.
In case your kiddo didn't remember - Here are our chosen topics:
Jame - Jane Addams
Rachel - Robert Fulton
Miriam - Mary Anderson
Erik - Garrett Morgan
Giselle - Nikola Tesla
Ava - Marie Curie
Elisa - Louis Pasteur
Jackson - Bill Gates
Nohamine - Ruth Wakefield
Caitlin - Walter Diemer
Grayson - Albert Einstein
Tyler - Patrick W. Smith
Luca - Wright Brothers
Nyandra - Alexandra Graham Bell
Noel - George Washington Carver
Brandon - Neil Armstrong
Jon - Ben Franklin
Daniel - Sir Hiram Maximin
Ashley - Mary Kay Ash
Steven - Martin Luther King Jr.
Izzie - Amelia Earhart
Innovators that I feel would be rich topics that were not chosen (and could possibly be switched to as mentioned above):
Thomas Edison!
Cyrus McCormick
Eli Whitney
Jonas Salk
Henry Ford
Louis Braille
Jane Goodall
Levi Strauss
Leonardo da Vinci -Caitlin
Jacques Cousteau - Daniel
Milton Bradley - Tyler
Louis Daguerre
Sir Isaac Newton
Thomas Jefferson
Charles Goodyear
Monday, January 9, 2017
Libraries of Love Event
Each year, we do a Walk to Read Event. This helps to support Trudy Marshall, who is a former RRISD librarian. She created 36 libraries in Uganda and is working on 7 libraries in Kenya. We use this event to collect books and money. Walking helps our students see what it is like for many children around the world to walk a long way to school.
Our Walk to Read Event is scheduled for Friday, January 13 at 1:15 pm. Hopefully, the weather will hold out. If it is raining, we will reschedule for Friday, January 20. Trudy Marshall is planning to come.
What do we need?
(1) Help directing the children. Dads can sign up with Watchdogs to help guide the children around the path. Other adult volunteers can sign up with their teacher.
(2) Books to donate and send to Kenya.
(3) Monetary donates also help!
(4) Go to https://librariesoflove.org/ to learn more.
Our goal is for each child to bring in a new or gently used hard-back book to donate. If you would like to donate a book please send it to school by Friday. Envelopes for Libraries of Love were sent home on Friday, 1/6. Cash or check donations can be put in the envelope. Your child will need to return any donations to teachers or the office by Tuesday, January 17.
If you would like to walk with your child, please come and sign in at the office. Bring a book, so you can read with us!
Thanks for your support – it is going to be a great event!
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
Say it isn't so ...
It is 2017 and we are halfway through 3rd grade!
We are going to be very busy this quarter as we tackle not one but two PBL (Project Based Learning) units. PBL projects are in general more creative and hands on learning that have been proven to improve student understanding and application of concepts.
Today 1/3 your child will bring you a letter about the 3rd grade Economics Fair. Please review with your child carefully and ask them any questions. If they are unable to answer them - contact me! We went over it word by word today but it is a little confusing.
Bottom line: there is some work that will need to be done at home creating a product AFTER the business plan has been approved. This can cost you nothing or very little. The expenses are part of the unit learning and high expenses mean low profits. Get creative and keep in touch with me.
We are going to be very busy this quarter as we tackle not one but two PBL (Project Based Learning) units. PBL projects are in general more creative and hands on learning that have been proven to improve student understanding and application of concepts.
Today 1/3 your child will bring you a letter about the 3rd grade Economics Fair. Please review with your child carefully and ask them any questions. If they are unable to answer them - contact me! We went over it word by word today but it is a little confusing.
Bottom line: there is some work that will need to be done at home creating a product AFTER the business plan has been approved. This can cost you nothing or very little. The expenses are part of the unit learning and high expenses mean low profits. Get creative and keep in touch with me.
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