Homework: Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Important Reminders!!!
You may bring in library card to check out books related to animal project from library

Bring in any books by Blue Balliett to have autographed
Note:  If you bring in $9 you may keep a new copy of Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett that will be a class-read in a month or so to have autographed to you

Bring in a Brown Bag Lunch for field trip tomorrow!

Reading:
Read Chapter 3: "A Bright Blue Day" in The Hundred Dresses

Math:
Math Packet page 26, 39 and 46

English/Language Arts:
Finish Spelling Sentences #8-15

Homework: Monday, November 1, 2010

Reading:
Read 15 minutes OUT LOUD!

Math:
Math Packet page 20, 27 and 40 (don't worry about estimating for reasonableness)

English/Language Arts:
Spelling Sentences #1-7

Important Notes:
Bring in a brown bag lunch for field trip on Wednesday, November 3
Bring in books by Blue Balliett to be autographed on Wednesday, November 3

Homework: Monday, October 25, 2010

Reading:
Read for 20 minutes!

English/Language Arts:
Spelling Sentences #1-7

Reminder:
"Parents' Eyes Only" letter supplies due by Wednesday - Thanks!

The Third Grade Inquisition Curiosi - TREE!

 

Have you heard about a new addition to our classroom?  I hope so!  We now have what we call "The Third Grade Inquisition Curiosi-Tree!"

As intelligent, inquisitive learners we raise questions during lessons and discussions each day.  Luckily we are blessed with an interactive board and an Encyclopedia Brittancia and Discovery Education account so sometimes I can pull up the Internet and we can research an answer.  On the down side we often do not have unlimited time to drop a lesson and research each curiosity as a class.  So I came up with a solution, our Curiosi-Tree. 

When the students have free time (when finished up a test or other work) they can write down their "big idea" questions on a leaf and tape it to our tree.  Or during free time they can grab a leaf off of the tree and utilize the books in our library or our netbooks to research these questions.  They can also take the leaf home to research the question or take a visit to the library to do so.  This is for them to research and answer though - not for them to ask you and write down your answer :)

In just 3 days we already have 26 questions on our tree - and others that have been picked and answered!  We will set aside some time every couple weeks or once a month to present our answers to these questions.

I admire how the kids are always thinking and asking thoughtful questions so I hope this encourages this and even increases the inquisitive nature in our classroom and at home!

Learning in Literacy Centers!

The class is really doing excellent in their Literacy Centers each week.  They have really picked up the routine and get right to work each day.  Here are some photos and a bit of information about their work in centers.

Library

Oscar reading a book and Kaya returning and checking out books during Library center.

Jane and Oscar reading; Kaya finishing up her book selections.

You've Got Mail!

Brendan hard at work writing his Readers' Response Letter to Mrs. Salmon

Caroline and Mary found a nice quiet spot to read and work on their Readers' Response letters to Mrs. Salmon.

Vocabulary Binder

Maddie, Angelina, Katie and Delaney working diligently on their vocabulary binder.  They describe each word and write sentences.  In addition, they can discuss the words, draw pictures, create word webs and symbols for the various words we are learning across all subject areas.

Guided Reading with Mrs. Salmon

Valerie, Clive, Lance and Trent working with Mrs. Salmon during Guided Reading.  We have started a variety of chapter books in our Guided Reading groups.  Here the kids are reading and discussing the books with Mrs. Salmon.  We work on reading strategies as well as discussion and comprehension strategies during Guided Reading.

Parent Reminder

I hope you saw the "Parents' Eyes Only" letter that went home the past two Fridays.  If not please let me know as soon as possible.

Regarding the letter, please let me know if you will not be able to send your son or daughter's "materials" in this Wednesday, so that I can plan accordingly.

Thanks so much for all your help!

Homework: Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Reading:
Read for 20 minutes!

Math:
Math Book page 60-61 - Practice Test #1-13
Math Workbook page 19

English/Language Arts:
Vocabulary Sentences #1-5