Weekly Friday Updates
For the most detailed information (links and pictures), please check your actual email.
The links and pictures do NOT transfer over to this site.
The links and pictures do NOT transfer over to this site.
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9/17/21
Another short but fun week at school! This week we started our new schedule and we are pleased with how the students adjusted to the small changes. We continued to work on procedures, expectations, and routines. Here are some of the week’s highlights:
Important Information:
ELA / IB
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9/3/21
What a short week! Thank you to those of you that we’re able to join me on Curriculum Night. If you were unable to attend - or would like to refer back to the presentation, please review the Video Recording and the Presentation and let me know if you have any questions. We continued to work on procedures, expectations, and routines. Here are some of the week’s highlights:
Important Information:
ELA / IB
9/3/21
Our first full 5-day week went well. We continued to work on procedures, expectations, and routines. Fortunately, the extreme heat went away and everyone was much more comfortable. Water is still important to have in class, even when the weather isn’t as hot. The masks on all day make everyone more thirsty, and our drinking fountains at school only fill up bottles.
Important Information:
ELA / IB
9/17/21
Another short but fun week at school! This week we started our new schedule and we are pleased with how the students adjusted to the small changes. We continued to work on procedures, expectations, and routines. Here are some of the week’s highlights:
Important Information:
- Here is the Parent Weekly Grid that reviews what students will be doing this upcoming week. Take a look and get a peek into what we'll be doing next week!
- ART Smock: please send to school an oversized T-shirt for your child to use in Art class that can get dirty from class.
- SEND WATER BOTTLES TO SCHOOL!!
- Please send 2-3 clean masks to school with your child every day. The masks tend to get sweaty and gross, especially in this heat! Students should be wearing a new mask every day and cloth masks should be washed after each wear.
- Students may bring a healthy (non-messy) snack to school.
- Picture Day: Friday, September 24. Order forms were sent home this week. You can also order your pictures online by using this link: here.
- Birthday Treat Update: This year we are allowing birthday treats to be brought into class. Following the District’s COVID protocol, birthday treats must be individually wrapped for each student. At this time, due to the pandemic, we are asking that treats are dropped off at the office.
- The MAP Math is scheduled for Tuesday, 9/21, at 1:30.
ELA / IB
- Flight Check: On Monday, students continued to read a passage aloud into the computer, did a retelling, and answered comprehension questions. I identified each child’s reading level (involving accuracy, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension).
- States of Matter & Heat Energy: This week students continued inquiring into the states of matter through read aloud books, experiments, nonfiction passages, short videos, and activities.
- Balloon Experiment: Can you blow up a balloon without using your mouth? Yes! On Wednesday students predicted what would happen when a 2-liter bottle (with a balloon attached to it) was placed into hot water and cold water. The class was so excited to witness the atoms in hot water inflate the balloon. When the bottle was next placed in cold water, the balloon deflated. Ask your child to explain this experiment, or better yet - try it at home! **Pictures and videos are linked in our class website.
- Food Coloring Experiment: Does food coloring mix more quickly with hot or cool water? We conducted this experiment and discussed the outcome. The food coloring mixed with both - but it mixed the quickest with hot water. Why? The molecules are further apart in hot water, allowing the food coloring to mix in more quickly.
- Reading for Vocabulary: Alphaboxes: This activity aligns with our IB unit and with our study of the scientific method, matter, and energy. Students practiced using nonfiction text features to search for words that relate to the states of matter. The features used the most were: Types of Print and Glossary.
- Balloon Experiment: Can you blow up a balloon without using your mouth? Yes! On Wednesday students predicted what would happen when a 2-liter bottle (with a balloon attached to it) was placed into hot water and cold water. The class was so excited to witness the atoms in hot water inflate the balloon. When the bottle was next placed in cold water, the balloon deflated. Ask your child to explain this experiment, or better yet - try it at home! **Pictures and videos are linked in our class website.
- MAP Reading: Students took the MAP Reading test this week. I’ll share the results with you at our conference in October.
- Subtraction Bingo: On Monday we practiced Math rotations and computation. Students learned a new game called Subtraction Bingo. This involved adding and subtracting. The game has many variations. Take a look at the game and consider playing it at home with your child. (The link is below.)
- Scavenger Hunt for Lengths: Students went on a hunt in the classroom to find objects of a specific length (in centimeters). Students estimated and measured the objects.
- Open Number Line Chart: We created a chart displaying the items and lengths found during the scavenger hunt. The chart also worked as an open number line, a model used for adding and subtracting multi-digit numbers.
- Adding Lengths: Students practiced adding lengths of items together. We used items from the scavenger hunt and the student workbook to practice this skill. We focused on the mental strategies (making tens, getting to a friendly number, breaking apart). Next week we will work on the traditional regrouping method.
- Counting by Tens: At the start of math class this week, we did a “Count Around.” where we counted by tens. We’d go around in a circle a couple of times. Numbers were written while they were said aloud so that students could see and hear the pattern. For example, I’d start by saying, “87!” Students took turns saying the next ten: 97, 107, 117, 127, 137, 147, 157, etc...
- Math Games: Make a Sum Loops and Groups Target to Twenty Subtraction Bingo (click the link to access the math game we played - for differentiation try the variations!!)
- → A running list of math games will be added to this section each week so they’ll always be at your fingertips.
- These game links NOW work. If you tried a link previously and were prompted to log in, try again. The issue has been resolved.
- → A running list of math games will be added to this section each week so they’ll always be at your fingertips.
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9/3/21
What a short week! Thank you to those of you that we’re able to join me on Curriculum Night. If you were unable to attend - or would like to refer back to the presentation, please review the Video Recording and the Presentation and let me know if you have any questions. We continued to work on procedures, expectations, and routines. Here are some of the week’s highlights:
Important Information:
- Parent Weekly Grid --> I mentioned this document during Curriculum Night. Starting today, every Friday you'll be sent a grid, which is a glimpse into what will be covered next week for Language Arts, IB, and Math.
- Our new schedule begins on Monday.
- SEND WATER BOTTLES TO SCHOOL!!
- Please send 2-3 clean masks to school with your child every day. The masks tend to get sweaty and gross, especially in this heat! Students should be wearing a new mask every day and cloth masks should be washed after each wear.
- Students may bring a healthy (non-messy) snack to school.
- Reminder: There is No School on Thursday, September 16th for the observation of Yom Kippur.
- Birthday Treat Update: This year we are allowing birthday treats to be brought into class. Following the District’s COVID protocol, birthday treats must be individually wrapped for each student.
- Back to School Bash: The Back to School Bash is today, Friday, 9/10/21 at 6 pm. This event will be in person, outdoors, and masked.
ELA / IB
- Flight Check: On Wednesday, reading level assessments began. Students read a passage aloud into the computer, did a retelling, and answered comprehension questions. Over the weekend I will listen to the recordings and possibly assign a new passage for next week. The goal is to identify each child’s reading level (involving accuracy, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension).
- Learning Profile Attitudes: After reading the book Name Jar, students chose one of the 12 attitudes from the story that the character displayed and captured the thought on a sticky note. The sticky notes were displayed on a Learner Profile Chart.
- Matter Vocabulary - After observing this Wordle on matter, we discussed what the words mean and why the words may look the way they look. We used the Frayer Model graphic organizer to build background knowledge of some matter vocabulary words. read aloud (Matter)
- Matter Article: After reading an article about matter, students used Cheerios to model how atoms move in each state of matter.
- Subtraction review of strategies (take away all, neighbor facts, take away 10, take away 0)
- Subtraction word problems (describing comparison problems and take away problems)
- Rotation practice: Dreambox rotation and Teacher Time Rotation (facts and word problems)
- Math Games: Make a Sum Loops and Groups Target to Twenty (click the link to access the math game we played - for differentiation try the variations!!)
- → A running list of math games will be added to this section each week so they’ll always be at your fingertips.
9/3/21
Our first full 5-day week went well. We continued to work on procedures, expectations, and routines. Fortunately, the extreme heat went away and everyone was much more comfortable. Water is still important to have in class, even when the weather isn’t as hot. The masks on all day make everyone more thirsty, and our drinking fountains at school only fill up bottles.
Important Information:
- SEND WATER BOTTLES TO SCHOOL!!
- Please send 2-3 clean masks to school with your child every day. The masks tend to get sweaty and gross, especially in this heat!
- Students may bring a healthy (non-messy) snack to school.
- Stay tuned for information about homework and other 3rd grade procedures. We’ll go over this all at Curriculum Night on Wednesday, 9/8/21. Curriculum Night is VIRTUAL! → Meet Link: https://meet.google.com/wuc-ydgk-hfk
- I just sent a Google Calendar Invite to everyone and will send a few reminders before then as well.
- There is no school on Monday or Tuesday. Happy Labor Day and Happy Rosh Hashanah to those who celebrate. I look forward to seeing everyone on Wednesday, 9/8/21.
- Back to School Bash: The Back to School Bash is in a week, on Friday, 9/10/21. This event will be in person, outdoors, and masked.
ELA / IB
- Safety Plans: We all get frustrated for a variety of reasons, and we all need a break now and then. On Monday, we talked about frustrations and what strategies can be utilized to calm down before "losing it." After hearing the book, Ahn's Story, I shared the strategies of my Safety Plan. 1. Pet something soft (real or stuffed animal). 2. Wipe down a surface and use pressure while doing so to let go of my frustrations (and clean). 3. Visualize a calm place. Each student wrote his/her own plan. Throughout the day, students can use the Safety Plan for 3 minutes without questions asked. This usually calms down and centers thoughts and feelings. Ask your child about his/her steps.
- Learner Profile Attributes: On Tuesday, we discussed the 10 Attributes that learners display. After reading the book Empty Pot, students chose one attribute from the story that the character displayed and captured the thought on a sticky note. The sticky notes were displayed on a Learner Profile Chart.
- Fine Fine School (balanced): We discussed ways we could be balanced at home and school
- Our first unit of inquiry is “Who We Are.” The central idea is, “Inquiry provides opportunities for discovery and exploration into how individuals learn.” Students engaged in an activity that required communication, cooperation, and open-mindedness. Small groups of students worked together to save Fred (a gummy worm), whose boat (a plastic cup) capsized...and his life preserver was under the boat! The mission was to use the few tools available to save Fred. Hands were NOT to touch Fred, the boat, or the life preserver. Only 4 paper clips could be used. Lots of problem solving and curious minds were at work!
- We read the book, Same same but different. After we read and discussed the book, students paired up with a partner and they completed a Venn Diagram comparing and contrasting themselves. It was a great way to observe things that were similar and also celebrate differences.
- On Friday, we completed a Memory Walk Museum. Each student put the special items on his/her desk, with the description cards. Students toured the “Me Stations” in museum-format. While walking around and looking at the items, students recorded reflections - making connections and learning about each other.
- This week we took time in our afternoon to complete the DSA (Developmental Spelling Analysis). This assessment helps us determine where our students are with their phonics and word pattern understanding. This will help us make the best fit for the word lists that students will receive (differentiation).
- Students completed a math pre-assessment with basic addition and subtraction, regrouping, and their understanding of a number rack. This helped guide our instruction as we continue to learn more about our new math program: Bridges.
- During our first math unit we have focused on using a number rack. This tool is a great way for students to develop strategies and demonstrate understanding of how to add and subtract mentally. Students who typically “memorize” facts were able to explain with words (metacognition) how to solve basic addition math facts.
- During a guided lesson we filled out an addition table. We discussed adding 0, counting up facts, doubles, making ten, adding ten and nine. The number rack acted as a great tool to help students understand and observe patterns within addition.
- DreamBox and rotations
- Math Games: Make a Sum (click the link to access the math game we played - for differentiation try the variations!!)
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8/27/21
Welcome to 3rd grade!! We had a terrific first week! The most difficult part was the extreme heat, and the humidity. (Fortunately, next week is supposed to be cooler.) Students seemed genuinely happy to be back at school in a somewhat of a more normal setting. I am quite impressed with the students' perseverance in keeping those masks on. Despite the heat, our first week together was fun! Most of the 3 days were spent learning classroom procedures and routines, learning about each other, exploring our new and adventurous environment, setting Essential Agreements, and most importantly – having fun! Here are some of the highlights and important information:
Important Information:
8/27/21
Welcome to 3rd grade!! We had a terrific first week! The most difficult part was the extreme heat, and the humidity. (Fortunately, next week is supposed to be cooler.) Students seemed genuinely happy to be back at school in a somewhat of a more normal setting. I am quite impressed with the students' perseverance in keeping those masks on. Despite the heat, our first week together was fun! Most of the 3 days were spent learning classroom procedures and routines, learning about each other, exploring our new and adventurous environment, setting Essential Agreements, and most importantly – having fun! Here are some of the highlights and important information:
Important Information:
- Please, SEND A WATER BOTTLE TO SCHOOL with your child.
- Please welcome Dillon to our class. Dillon is coming on Monday, and we're all excited to meet him! Our class now has 19 students.
- Please send 2-3 clean masks to school with your child every day. The masks tend to get sweaty and gross, especially in this heat!
- Students may bring a healthy (non-messy) snack to school.
- On the first day of school I surprised the students with SAFARI ESSENTIALS - items needed to survive our 3rd grade learning adventure. Students were able to choose what went home and what stayed at school. The only exception is the safari hats. Those stay at school all year long, and then go home.
- Stay tuned for information about homework and other 3rd grade procedures. We’ll go over this all at Curriculum Night on Wednesday, 9/8/21, at 6:00 pm. Once I know if Curriculum Night is in person or virtual, I will let you know.
- I attached just a few pictures to this email. While my TO DO list this weekend is quite long, I hope to update the class website and post some pictures. When that happens I'll let you know, then you can view much more! Enjoy the few enticing pictures of some of the fun we had this week!
- This week we began developing our classroom community and establishing routines.
- Essential Agreements - After listening to the story, What if Everybody Did That, we discussed the importance of structure. As a class, we brainstormed essential agreements and sorted them under be safe, be respectful, and be responsible. Students have the power to monitor their behavior through the POWER Card management system. Thank you to those of you who signed the contract and sent it back this week. Our Essential Agreements
- My Teacher’s Secret Life: This story is about a teacher who lives a “secret” life outside of school. After hearing the story (and having some laughs), I shared some highlights from my life outside of school. Students were able to ask questions to get to know me better. Next week, each student will be able to share more about his/her life.
- Hopes and Dreams: Gerald, in Giraffes Can’t Dance, dreamed of learning how to dance. After hearing the story, students wrote about hopes and dreams for 3rd grade.
- Other read alouds this week during Morning Meeting: First Day Jitters, Ruby Finds a Worry
- Our first unit of inquiry is “Who We Are.” The central idea is, “Inquiry provides opportunities for discovery and exploration into how individuals learn.” To jump-start this unit, on Friday small groups of students were provided with mini marshmallows and toothpicks. The goal: Build the tallest freestanding structure. This was a great activity for group communication, collaboration, and exploration.
- Math:
- On Wednesday I read the book Twelve Ways to Get to 11. After discussing the ways 11 were made in the story, as a class, we brainstormed different ways to make 12. All four operations were used, allowing for differentiation and enrichment. Every student made 12 at least one way. As an extension, students were encouraged to make 15 in a variety of ways. This also gave me an informal glimpse into each student’s concept of number sense.
- Mathematical Community - We developed a list of statements that our learning community will look and sound like in the classroom. We will refer to the list frequently, reflect on it, and add lines as needed.
- Math Glyphs: Each student created a glyph, representing him/herself as a mathematician. The glyph key involved colored hats, glasses, shaped noses, and mouth shapes.
- Sorting and Classifying: We explored, interpreted, and sorted the glyphs. We made bar graphs of the glyphs displaying the favorite time of day and mathematical thinking. Afterward, each student wrote comparison statements in his/her math journal.