If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it, I know I can achieve it!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Gazette Memo Jan 18-22
For the next few weeks, our class will be doing book clubs. Some groups are reading Because of Winn Dixie, others are reading Charlotte’s Web, and the rest are reading Frog and Toad are Friends. I will allow them to take home the book to read that night (for reading log) if they feel they won’t have time to complete it in class…or if they want to read it again with you (this would be a great time for you to have a discussion with your child about the book they are reading). So far they are doing a terrific job and are completing assignments in a timely manner. I will post what chapters we are on and what their daily assignments are on our website!
Fractions are coming along pretty well. We still need some more practice, but the majority of the class is really catching onto this objective! Keep up the awesome work.
Objectives this week:
*Math- strategies for multiplication (lattice) and division (forgiveness method), multi-step word problems, fractions (identifying, compare and order, equivalent and reducing)
*Reading- cause and effect, drawing conclusions, compare and contrast nonfiction, synonyms and antonyms, vocabulary.
*Writing-Power Point Presentations and begin personal narrative (brainstorming and planning sheet)
*Social Studies- Economics- Apply concepts of specialization and division of labor to the local community, Compare and contrast the division of labor in local and global communities, Distinguish and analyze the economic resources within communities, Recognize and explain reasons for economic interdependence of communities, Identify historic figures and leaders who have influenced the economies of communities and evaluate the effectiveness of their contributions.
Vocabulary Words Jan 18-22
1. trade- when one thing is given in exchange for something else.
2. international trade- trade between countries.
3. division of labor- dividing work so each worker does a part of a larger job.
4. supply- a quantity of a good or service.
5. demand- the willingness to buy goods and services.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Spelling Words Jan. 19-22
A thesaurus is a good resource! They can also find synonyms on Microsoft Word. All you have to do is write the word, highlight it, then press SHIFT and F7, and a list will show up on the right-hand side of the screen.
There are tons of words in chapter books and picture books that they are reading nightly. Good authors use descriptive writing all throughout their work.
There will not be a "spelling test" on Friday. Instead, they will turn in their lists of synonyms to use for writing next week!
Here are the words we will be putting to rest on Friday ;)
1. said
2. happy
3. sad
4. then
5. walk
6. mad
7. big
8. small
9. scared
10. fast
11. slow
12. watched
13. smell
14. grab
15. close
They should come up with 3 or MORE synonyms for each word!
Fractionistas!!!
Build a triangle that is 1/3 green and 2/3 red.
Build a triangle that is 2/3 red, 1/9 green and 2/9 blue.
Build a parallelogram that is 3/4 blue and 1/4 green.
Build a parallelogram that is 2/3 blue and 1/3 green.
Build a trapezoid that is 1/2 red and 1/2 blue.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Gazette Memo Jan. 11-15
This week (Wed-Fri), the 3rd grade will be taking the CogAT test. This is an IQ test measuring abilities in reasoning and problem solving, using verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal (spatial) symbols. Please make sure your child gets enough sleep throughout the week so they can do well on this assessment. These scores will go in their cumulative records.
On the EOG’s, fractions is a MAJOR portion on the math test. I am not supposed to start teaching fractions until the last quarter (right before the EOG). I would rather begin now, just as we started multiplication early, so my class will feel successful when they come across these problems in the future. I will use averages on quizzes and tests in their 2nd and 3rd quarter grades.
I hope you all have an enjoyable week…and please let me know if you ever have any questions. I am here not only for my students, but for you too!!!
Objectives this week:
*Math- strategies for multiplication (lattice) and division (forgiveness method), multi-step word problems, fractions (identifying equivalent and reducing)
*Reading- cause and effect, drawing conclusions, compare and contrast nonfiction, words with prefixes &/or suffixes, vocabulary.
*Writing-Informational Writing about a chosen constellation (Power Point Presentation).
*Science- we will complete the study guide on Monday. The Solar System Assessment will be given on Tuesday.
Vocabulary Words Jan 11-15
1. humble- not proud or arrogant
2. patriotic- expressing love for one’s country
3. energetic- having a lot of energy
4. dainty- something delicious to the taste
5. daring- bold or courageous
Spelling Words Jan 11-15
Sunday, January 3, 2010
What is LATTICE multiplication?!?!
Vocabulary Words Jan 4-8
*Your child must be able to match words and definitions by Friday
1. resourceful- capable of handling difficult situations.
2. conceited- having a high opinion of oneself.
3. humorous- funny or amusing.
4. gullible- easily tricked.
Gazette Memo Jan. 4-8
What a super relaxing, long break! I hope everyone was able to spend quality time with family and friends.
We are jumping right back into the swing of things this week. I do want to let you know that every day, from now on, we will be doing some sort of EOG practice/test taking strategy skill. I like to start slowly so my kids do not become overwhelmed as easily.
Homework will remain the same for consistency purposes. This is how homework will look from now on. I will NOT be able to print out homework agendas…since copies are running low.
*This will be posted on our website!!!
EVERYDAY:
*Read 20 minutes and complete a reading response.
*Spelling Tic-Tac-Toe Activity
*Study Vocabulary Words
MONDAY & WEDNESDAY
*Math Assignment
TUESDAY & THURSDAY
*Reading Assignment
Objectives this week:
*Math- strategies for multiplication and division (repeated addition/subtraction, fact families, grouping, arrays, commutative property), begin multiplication 2 digit by 2 digit (lattice…a little different than how we were taught…check out our website)
*Reading- cause and effect, drawing conclusions, compare and contrast nonfiction, words with prefixes &/or suffixes, vocabulary.
*Writing-Informational Writing about a chosen constellation.
*Science- objects in the sky have patterns of movement (focus on constellations). Observe that patterns of stars in the sky stay the same, although they appear to move across the sky nightly.