9/22/14This week you should have received a bright pink paper to sign up for a conference time. My goal is to always give you your first choice at times, but this can be difficult at times. If you have not had a chance to sign up for conferences please do so ASAP. :-) My goal is to meet with all parents at the beginning of the year to go over pre-assessments and 3rd grade expectations. Once you sign up for a time I will send home a confirmation paper letting you know your official time. Please sign the bottom and send it back to school with your child. I know it seems like a lot of back and forth paperwork but this helps keep us all on the same page!
This week we started chapter 2 in math which helps the students learn different methods for addition and subtraction. We are also continuing our timed multiplication tests every Friday.
What's going on this week (9/29)
Wednesday - Simple Solutions Quiz
Thursday - Spelling Test
Friday - Reading Test
I forgot to get pictures this week so I have decided to share the most
adorable picture of my nephews! :-) They are 2 and 4 and live in
Michigan. They visit about once a month so my mom and I decided to get
their Fall pictures taken this past weekend.
This week we started a new classroom behavior system called Class Dojo. The program is computerized and allows each student to earn and lose points throughout the day based on their behavior. The program also allows parents to create a login and check their students points. When parents log on there will be a description as to why their child earned or lost a point. On Friday afternoon, the 2 girls and 2 boys with the highest point totals earn a reward. Also, any students with 10 or more points will earn a reward coupon. The points start over every Monday. I have really noticed a difference in class while using the program and look forward to using it this year! :-)
I also introduced the students to a few of my mimio interactive "games". The first one they tried was a reading - following directions.. The students were split into teams and had to read the clues and follow the direction given to answer the questions correctly. They also got to try a math review, which is similar to Jeopardy. The students really seemed to enjoy the "games" and didn't realize what great practice and review they are!
What's going on this week (9/22)
Tuesday - Simple Solutions Quiz
Thursday - Vocabulary Test
Friday - Multiplication Test
This week the students played "Beat the Calculator" in math. The object of the game was to know their addition facts faster than the student using the calculator. (I am trying to show the students how much easier math is when they don't have to count on their fingers for everything! :-) )
The students are also working on memorizing their multiplication facts. Every Friday the students will take a multiplication test on their facts. (Whichever they are on) The neat thing about this is that the students are able to progress at their own pace and really learn their facts. ALL of the students have passed their 0/1's and are working on their 2-4's. :-)
What's going on this week (9/15)
1. Simple Solutions Test Tuesday Lessons 9-12
2. Constitution Assembly Wednesday
3. Spelling Test Thursday
4. Multiplication Test Friday
This week we really focused on working together. My goal is to have our guided reading groups up and running by October. When the students work in small groups it allows me to help students focus on their area of need. This week the students worked in three different center groups. 1. Guided Reading with Miss Hinkle 2. Simple Solutions (Writing/Grammar) 3. Spelling. Each group had the opportunity to work in each of these centers Tuesday-Thursday. In the guided reading center I am able to listen to the students read and guide them through the comprehension process. Two of the groups are reading the book "Stink, The Incredible Shrinking Kid" and they love it! The main character is actually Judy Moody's little brother. The other group read the book "The Great Gracie Chase!" Both books are guided for the students reading abilities and we will really focus on the comprehension piece this week as we retell and write summaries.
When the students make it up to "Great Choices" on our behavior chart they get to choose a reward coupon. Below you will see pictures of students reading to the class which is one of the rewards. It is a great opportunity for the students to get in front of their peers and share one of their favorite stories. :-) The students are also working on reading contracts where they have the opportunity to read with the teacher.
Lastly, we had picture day on Thursday. Each of the students got their "Get Fired Up about Reading" t-shirt and we took a school picture outside. I also couldn't resist getting a class picture with them all in the same shirt. :-)
**Unfortunate news, strep throat seems to be going around our
classroom. :-( Please remind your children to wash their hands
frequently and keep them out of their mouth. We spent the last few
minutes of our day Friday cleaning their desks, chairs, and classroom
tables to help disinfect the room!
We have officially been in school for 9 days and we are finally getting into a routine! This week we studied for our first vocabulary test and multiplication quiz. We also were able to start practicing working in groups and reviewed classroom rules and procedures.
As for the multiplication, the students are learning their facts in preparation for the school year. Students that memorize their facts and are able to quickly recall them will have a much easier time this year learning the new skills. We will cover multiplication and exactly how to solve multiplication problems this year! :-)
The students also got to practice their reading with a buddy this week. This is a great strategy to allow students to hear their peers read and also practice their own reading.Lastly, we practiced telling time and modeled times on their clocks. :-)
