Another successful day of ERB testing. The children were slowed down today somewhat as the questions frequently changed directions. The questions also called upon the usage of several strategies and skills that the children have been exposed to in Math but took a little longer to get an answer. They were allowed to use scrap paper to help them formulate the answers.
Tomorrow is our Hat Day in celebration of the Kentucky Derby. We have a couple of activities planned as now all the third grade classes are participating. I showed the children the website today. I told them, with your permission, they can could go on the website and think about a horse they would like to follow for the race. We are also going to choose a class horse to cheer for on Saturday at 6:24pm.
We did not take the math test today as I could tell that the children were "over" math by the time they completed the ERB. I thought that I would be fair to them and wait until tomorrow
Tonight's respnsibilities include:
Math Test
Math Workbook page 183 and 184
Create Derby Hat
Finish logging in the minutes for the Idita-Read. Tonight is the last night!
They also have a green letter from Mrs. Baralt in their homework folder that I would like for you to see tonight.
Get another good night's sleep!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Wow.. it's Wednesday!
What a wonderful day to be outside! I for one will really enjoy recess today!
The ERB testing went well again today. This test was called Auditory Comprehension. I read the stories and the questions orally to the children while they bubbled in what they believed to be the answer. It was a lot of reading and listening. But we do a great deal of oral reading and discussing during reading instruction and in social studies, so I feel that the children were well prepared for this subtest.
Tomorrow is the first of two Math subtests. This test will cover many skills from addition to word problems to fractions. They are allowed to use scrap paper, which I call the work space, to help solve the problems.
As you probably already know, Saturday is May 1 and the Kentucky Derby, one of my favorite sporting and social events either on tv or in person. I thought it would be fun on Friday for the children to wear their favorite hat. Now, if they would like to decorate these hats in Derby style, that would be great! There is an ERB test on Friday morning, so we would have to keep it rather low key until after the testing is complete. The children's geography work on Friday will revolve around the Bluegrass state which will also include a fact or two about the Kentucky Derby. And just to put your mind at ease, we will NOT be serving mint juleps! Smiles!
Tonight's responsibilities are as follows:
Study for Math test
Complete the Sandy Koufax activity on facts and opinions. Make sure they explain in detail why they chose the fact that they chose as the most important fact about his life.
Please continue to make sure that the children get a good night's sleep and some breakfast before they come to school. Thank you for your continued support!
The ERB testing went well again today. This test was called Auditory Comprehension. I read the stories and the questions orally to the children while they bubbled in what they believed to be the answer. It was a lot of reading and listening. But we do a great deal of oral reading and discussing during reading instruction and in social studies, so I feel that the children were well prepared for this subtest.
Tomorrow is the first of two Math subtests. This test will cover many skills from addition to word problems to fractions. They are allowed to use scrap paper, which I call the work space, to help solve the problems.
As you probably already know, Saturday is May 1 and the Kentucky Derby, one of my favorite sporting and social events either on tv or in person. I thought it would be fun on Friday for the children to wear their favorite hat. Now, if they would like to decorate these hats in Derby style, that would be great! There is an ERB test on Friday morning, so we would have to keep it rather low key until after the testing is complete. The children's geography work on Friday will revolve around the Bluegrass state which will also include a fact or two about the Kentucky Derby. And just to put your mind at ease, we will NOT be serving mint juleps! Smiles!
Tonight's responsibilities are as follows:
Study for Math test
Complete the Sandy Koufax activity on facts and opinions. Make sure they explain in detail why they chose the fact that they chose as the most important fact about his life.
Please continue to make sure that the children get a good night's sleep and some breakfast before they come to school. Thank you for your continued support!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
It's Tuesday!
The ERB testing went well today. Please encourage your children to take their time and proofread their work when they get to the STOP sign. We will have an hour of testing every day this week.
I did assign a little math homework tonight. We have to keep plugging along to make sure that they have completed all the necessary skills by the end of the year. They have a review test to practice as well.
I had mentioned last week that tomorrow was Spirit Day, but forgot to mention it today. SO... tomorrow is Spirit Day!
Please make sure that everyone has logged in their reading minutes by tonight. Today is the last day to submit your reading miles.
I did assign a little math homework tonight. We have to keep plugging along to make sure that they have completed all the necessary skills by the end of the year. They have a review test to practice as well.
I had mentioned last week that tomorrow was Spirit Day, but forgot to mention it today. SO... tomorrow is Spirit Day!
Please make sure that everyone has logged in their reading minutes by tonight. Today is the last day to submit your reading miles.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Forgetful on Friday!
I forgot to include in the last blog!!! The first artist that visited us today in the classroom was Vikki Bennet. She is a Fiber artist and the children and I were fascinated. Please get the children to tell you all that she did and what they go to do as well. In fact, she allowed us to produce a piece of artwork from the wool that she brought. She is going to put the finishing touches on it over the weekend and bring it to us next week to hang in our classroom. It will make a great end of the year picture for sure!
Artful Friday!
Today was a special day! Not only did the children provide us with incredible art, but they performed the cutest and most entertaining songs of all time. I do hope that those of you that were able to come, enjoyed the picnic and the time together taking in all the artwork.
Tuesday is the first day of ERB testing. The first test is Reading Comprehension. I have asked the children to make sure they come with 2 #2 pencils sharpened. Also, please make sure they get a good night's sleep each night next week and eat a healthy breakfast before they come to school. We will begin testing each day shortly after the bell rings. So please make sure that your child is here on time. They will not be allowed to enter the room after testing has begun. They will then have to make up that portion of the test outside of the classroom, thus missing the regular teaching. They are going to do just fine. I have reviewed as much as I can to prepare them not only for the material, but to make sure they are comfortable with the format of the test.
Make sure that everyone does their final log in for the Idita-Read before Monday morning. They will cut it off the last day of the month. We are regaining the lead! Go Team!
I do hope that everyone has a wonderful 3 day weekend! Thank goodness for no hurricanes!!!
Tuesday is the first day of ERB testing. The first test is Reading Comprehension. I have asked the children to make sure they come with 2 #2 pencils sharpened. Also, please make sure they get a good night's sleep each night next week and eat a healthy breakfast before they come to school. We will begin testing each day shortly after the bell rings. So please make sure that your child is here on time. They will not be allowed to enter the room after testing has begun. They will then have to make up that portion of the test outside of the classroom, thus missing the regular teaching. They are going to do just fine. I have reviewed as much as I can to prepare them not only for the material, but to make sure they are comfortable with the format of the test.
Make sure that everyone does their final log in for the Idita-Read before Monday morning. They will cut it off the last day of the month. We are regaining the lead! Go Team!
I do hope that everyone has a wonderful 3 day weekend! Thank goodness for no hurricanes!!!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Art Tour Thursday!
What a treat today! We took a walking tour of all the artwork on display from Kindergarten to Seniors in high school. As we toured the art work we commented on styles and recorded certain pieces of forms of art that appealed to us. When we arrived at the Student Learning Center, we were in awe of the paintings and sculpture that the Upper Division art students had created. You will want to ask your child which piece of art that they stood in front and why. AMAZING!!!
Tomorrow will prove to be a wonderful day as well. Don't forget to have the kids wear jeans bottoms and a white shirt. We will meet you outside around 10:45 to 11:00. We will sit together as a class for the program, but then will be allowed to sit with you for the picnic. I have also told the children that they are allowed to stroll you around and show you all the artwork if you can't stay, but they must stay with you at all times. The children have also been instructed that this is not recess time. Please try to make it up to the Student Learning Center. The children must be back to the room by 12:45 so that we may continue our day.
Tonight's responsibilities are as follows:
Spelling test with dictation.. to be written in cursive
Review multiplication tables
Complete reading sheet.. this activity is an example of a format that will be used on the ERB's that the children are not familiar with.. based on the paragraph, they have to decide the order of the sentences so that it not only in sequential order but also makes sense.
With all the Celebrate the Arts things going on, I decided to put the Earth Day activity on hold till we get back on Tuesday. I do hope you all have a great three day weekend. Make sure that the children are in bed on Monday night at a time that allows them to get a good night's sleep. I have told them to make sure that they eat something for breakfast.
Tomorrow will prove to be a wonderful day as well. Don't forget to have the kids wear jeans bottoms and a white shirt. We will meet you outside around 10:45 to 11:00. We will sit together as a class for the program, but then will be allowed to sit with you for the picnic. I have also told the children that they are allowed to stroll you around and show you all the artwork if you can't stay, but they must stay with you at all times. The children have also been instructed that this is not recess time. Please try to make it up to the Student Learning Center. The children must be back to the room by 12:45 so that we may continue our day.
Tonight's responsibilities are as follows:
Spelling test with dictation.. to be written in cursive
Review multiplication tables
Complete reading sheet.. this activity is an example of a format that will be used on the ERB's that the children are not familiar with.. based on the paragraph, they have to decide the order of the sentences so that it not only in sequential order but also makes sense.
With all the Celebrate the Arts things going on, I decided to put the Earth Day activity on hold till we get back on Tuesday. I do hope you all have a great three day weekend. Make sure that the children are in bed on Monday night at a time that allows them to get a good night's sleep. I have told them to make sure that they eat something for breakfast.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Wow... it's Wednesday!
We continued our celebration of the arts today by attending a performance of a string quartet. The children were fascinated by the string instruments and how the people began learning how to play the instruments. Tomorrow my class goes on the art tour around the school.One highlight along our journey will be the faculty display of their many talents.
On Friday, the children have been asked to wear jean bottoms. They can be jean shorts, pants, skirts or skorts. They also need to wear a white top. I have told my children just to wear a white Shorecrest shirt then we don't have to worry what is appropriate or not. We practiced our song today outside on the stage. You are going to love it!
Tonight's homework is as follows:
Spelling... write each word twice in cursive on handwriting paper.
Math.. complete the second side of the sheet that they completed last night... this side deals with division with remainders
Reading... make sure they read and log in their minutes for the Idita-Read
We began our review for the ERB's today. We will complete the practice test tomorrow. We only had time to get through half of it today as it takes a while to discuss the format and how they are expected to answer. By doing this, it should make next week easier and hopefully less scary for the children.
I hope to see many of you on Friday at the Art Ceremony and the family picnic. If you are unable to come, let me know and I will make sure that none of my children are eating alone. Thanks! Our afternoon will carry on as usual after the picnic.
On Friday, the children have been asked to wear jean bottoms. They can be jean shorts, pants, skirts or skorts. They also need to wear a white top. I have told my children just to wear a white Shorecrest shirt then we don't have to worry what is appropriate or not. We practiced our song today outside on the stage. You are going to love it!
Tonight's homework is as follows:
Spelling... write each word twice in cursive on handwriting paper.
Math.. complete the second side of the sheet that they completed last night... this side deals with division with remainders
Reading... make sure they read and log in their minutes for the Idita-Read
We began our review for the ERB's today. We will complete the practice test tomorrow. We only had time to get through half of it today as it takes a while to discuss the format and how they are expected to answer. By doing this, it should make next week easier and hopefully less scary for the children.
I hope to see many of you on Friday at the Art Ceremony and the family picnic. If you are unable to come, let me know and I will make sure that none of my children are eating alone. Thanks! Our afternoon will carry on as usual after the picnic.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Marvelous Monday!
Celebrate the Arts has officially begun! We were treated this morning at town meeting by a song that the high school students are performing in the school's performance of West Side Story. Every day this week, the children will attend an a cultural arts performance of some kind. Tomorrow we all go to the gym to enjoy the African Drummers.
If you have not turned in your flier for the picnic on Friday, please do so by tomorrow. Also, on Friday, the children are being asked to wear a white shirt and dark pants.. jeans are allowed. You will love the third grade performance. I am sad that I am unable to perform with the children. I am on another committee that unfortunately scheduled meetings on most of the days that some of the teachers practiced. But, from what I have heard, it is going to be a real treat for all of us!
Tonight's responsibilities are as follows:
Spelling.... copy each word in cursive.. one word is misspelled and I told the children that they do not write the word that they think is misspelled... they are encouraged to use a dictionary for help on finding that one misspelled word.
Reading Vocabulary Quiz.. I had sent home a practice sheet last week that includes the words: bunted, ceased, clammy, clinched, compensates, conveyed, convictions, earsplitting, comprehended, scouts, discomfort, girders, savory, raggedy, memorable
Social Studies: complete the outline using the book pages 60-65.. we have already begun working on the outline so that the children get a sense of the important information that they should include and hopefully will be able to do this independently when they get home.
Complete the thank you note and picture for our wonderful architectural tour that we took on Friday.
Please make sure that your child logs in any reading minutes for the Idita-read. We have suddenly found ourselves in second place after having a mighty lead for quite some time.
Thank you for all of your support!
Also, please check out the links on our blog to the other resource teachers. Ms. Diaz Leroy has posted some websites relating to the Celebrate the Arts week that I think you and the children might find interesting.
If you have not turned in your flier for the picnic on Friday, please do so by tomorrow. Also, on Friday, the children are being asked to wear a white shirt and dark pants.. jeans are allowed. You will love the third grade performance. I am sad that I am unable to perform with the children. I am on another committee that unfortunately scheduled meetings on most of the days that some of the teachers practiced. But, from what I have heard, it is going to be a real treat for all of us!
Tonight's responsibilities are as follows:
Spelling.... copy each word in cursive.. one word is misspelled and I told the children that they do not write the word that they think is misspelled... they are encouraged to use a dictionary for help on finding that one misspelled word.
Reading Vocabulary Quiz.. I had sent home a practice sheet last week that includes the words: bunted, ceased, clammy, clinched, compensates, conveyed, convictions, earsplitting, comprehended, scouts, discomfort, girders, savory, raggedy, memorable
Social Studies: complete the outline using the book pages 60-65.. we have already begun working on the outline so that the children get a sense of the important information that they should include and hopefully will be able to do this independently when they get home.
Complete the thank you note and picture for our wonderful architectural tour that we took on Friday.
Please make sure that your child logs in any reading minutes for the Idita-read. We have suddenly found ourselves in second place after having a mighty lead for quite some time.
Thank you for all of your support!
Also, please check out the links on our blog to the other resource teachers. Ms. Diaz Leroy has posted some websites relating to the Celebrate the Arts week that I think you and the children might find interesting.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Is it Really Friday?
The children and I had a wonderful tour of downtown St. Petersburg. We learned a great deal about the architecture from Greek Revival and Pebble Dash Stucco to Egg and Dart Dentals. As we strolled along the sidewalks, the children marked their architectural characteristics bingo card. Most everyone found all the pictures that they were given and earned a sweet treat as the prize. You will want to ask your child about all the green benches that used to line the streets of downtown and why they no longer exist.
They are coming home with quite a batch of papers for you to see. However, there is an even bigger batch still waiting to come home. It is my promise and plan to get these in to your hands by next Friday. Though there is no homework for the weekend, please have them review their multiplication tables. They will have the quiz on Monday.
I was pleased to see the ease at which they completed their spelling test today in cursive. I have tried it a little different this year and waited till I thought they had had plenty of isolated practice instead of jumping right in at the beginning of the year as we were practicing. The children did not moan or groan once and I didn't have to wait for tired hands. YEA!!! Way to go class!
We will continue to take spelling tests in cursive and I will begin to include other assignments to be completed in cursive as we go.
Next week is a big and exciting week. It's Cultural Arts Week here at Shorecrest. The children will attend art exhibitions, African Dancers Demonstrations and a String Quartet performance. I look forward to seeing everyone on Friday for the children's performance and the family picnic. Please send in your form if you have not done so already. Thank you!
Hope everyone has a great weekend!
They are coming home with quite a batch of papers for you to see. However, there is an even bigger batch still waiting to come home. It is my promise and plan to get these in to your hands by next Friday. Though there is no homework for the weekend, please have them review their multiplication tables. They will have the quiz on Monday.
I was pleased to see the ease at which they completed their spelling test today in cursive. I have tried it a little different this year and waited till I thought they had had plenty of isolated practice instead of jumping right in at the beginning of the year as we were practicing. The children did not moan or groan once and I didn't have to wait for tired hands. YEA!!! Way to go class!
We will continue to take spelling tests in cursive and I will begin to include other assignments to be completed in cursive as we go.
Next week is a big and exciting week. It's Cultural Arts Week here at Shorecrest. The children will attend art exhibitions, African Dancers Demonstrations and a String Quartet performance. I look forward to seeing everyone on Friday for the children's performance and the family picnic. Please send in your form if you have not done so already. Thank you!
Hope everyone has a great weekend!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Wonderful Wednesday!
We are having a great week! We are being quite productive. We only have a few finishing touches to our Native American Essay and by tomorrow by lunch we will be finished. The children will share these essays orally. As we are listening, we should be able to tell the Native American that each child has written based on the facts that each child has thread throughout the story.
The children are bringing home an important letter from the school nurse. Please make sure you look for this letter in the homework folder and read prior to bedtime.
Tonight's responsibilities are as follows:
Study for the Social Studies quiz on Native Americans
Study for Multiplication Quiz.. they will have a 100 problem quiz tomorrow that does count for a sticker on their multiplication chef
On Friday, we will be going on our Architectural Tour in St Petersburg. One third grade class has already experienced this walking tour. The report back was that the children loved it and thought it was a good field trip. We can't wait!!! Please make sure that the children are dressed in appropriately on Friday. If it's going to be warm, shorts and belts are allowed. Also, please make sure your child has a snack.
Please make sure that you turn in your form for Celebrate the Arts week. Even if you are bringing your own lunch, I still need for you to return the form. If you are buying lunch, please send in the money with the form.
The children are bringing home an important letter from the school nurse. Please make sure you look for this letter in the homework folder and read prior to bedtime.
Tonight's responsibilities are as follows:
Study for the Social Studies quiz on Native Americans
Study for Multiplication Quiz.. they will have a 100 problem quiz tomorrow that does count for a sticker on their multiplication chef
On Friday, we will be going on our Architectural Tour in St Petersburg. One third grade class has already experienced this walking tour. The report back was that the children loved it and thought it was a good field trip. We can't wait!!! Please make sure that the children are dressed in appropriately on Friday. If it's going to be warm, shorts and belts are allowed. Also, please make sure your child has a snack.
Please make sure that you turn in your form for Celebrate the Arts week. Even if you are bringing your own lunch, I still need for you to return the form. If you are buying lunch, please send in the money with the form.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Terrific Thursday!
We successfully accomplished the WrAP, the writing portion of the ERB. The children hopefully shared their story with you. This has also been an exciting week with Teacher Appreciation. Thank you to all of you for the beautiful flowers, cards, gifts and yes, my window. The purses on display should go in to production. I love them! The children also published a book of their kind words and visual rendition of their aging teacher. So cute! I have felt very appreciated!!!
Now we are on what I call the Great Race to cover more material before we are in the middle to the next ERB round of testing. We will be getting into division with remainders. So keep reviewing the multiplication facts. We are outlining our Native American Essay. You will want to ask your child to share the many details of their tribe and ask them what their name might be for the essay.
We read a story today about Jackie Robinson, told from the perspective of a little boy and his deaf father. The children began learning a new way to challenge their comprehension. The children were given a chart where they had to list what they thought were the top 5 events that took place in the story. They had to order them sequentially and then rank them according to which event they felt was the most important to the least important and how it affected the story. We then went around the room after individual and group work and listened to every student share what they thought was the most important event with supporting details. They did an excellent job for the first time. We will complete another similar acitivity with a fantasy story tomorrow to see how they can apply what they learned today. You may want to ask your child what they thought was the most important event in the story and why!
Tonight's responsibilities are:
Wordly Wise quiz.. Lesson 10
Social Studies...make a mind map of the Native American Tribe that you want to be a member of and prepare the details for the essay on Friday... there should be at least 10 details on the mind map
The children are also coming home with a Spanish project that is not due until April 14. However, I told the children that once they complete the project, they can bring the sheet in and I will be the keeper till the due date. There is a party at stake!
Don't forget to sign up for the DUALTHALON!!!!!!!
Now we are on what I call the Great Race to cover more material before we are in the middle to the next ERB round of testing. We will be getting into division with remainders. So keep reviewing the multiplication facts. We are outlining our Native American Essay. You will want to ask your child to share the many details of their tribe and ask them what their name might be for the essay.
We read a story today about Jackie Robinson, told from the perspective of a little boy and his deaf father. The children began learning a new way to challenge their comprehension. The children were given a chart where they had to list what they thought were the top 5 events that took place in the story. They had to order them sequentially and then rank them according to which event they felt was the most important to the least important and how it affected the story. We then went around the room after individual and group work and listened to every student share what they thought was the most important event with supporting details. They did an excellent job for the first time. We will complete another similar acitivity with a fantasy story tomorrow to see how they can apply what they learned today. You may want to ask your child what they thought was the most important event in the story and why!
Tonight's responsibilities are:
Wordly Wise quiz.. Lesson 10
Social Studies...make a mind map of the Native American Tribe that you want to be a member of and prepare the details for the essay on Friday... there should be at least 10 details on the mind map
The children are also coming home with a Spanish project that is not due until April 14. However, I told the children that once they complete the project, they can bring the sheet in and I will be the keeper till the due date. There is a party at stake!
Don't forget to sign up for the DUALTHALON!!!!!!!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Topsy Turvy Thursday!
We had several loose ends to tie up! We were trying to finish up our Math Exploration centers and complete our writing assignment using a prompt and then make our special Bunny Bags. So cute!!! You will want to ask your child what the writing prompt is and let them share a summary of their story. The children then worked with a writing buddy to help with details, spelling, and punctuation. Each child was given a rubric to help assess their own writing. The children will be coming home tonight with their story and the rubric. I ask that you read it or have them read it to you. Look at the rubric and give your child a score using just the "Support" row to gauge your score. The children have scored themselves already and then have tried to improve that score by making some corrections and changes.
For tonight's homework:
Wordly Wise- page 95.. complete answers to questions 6-10.
Spelling Test with dictation
Review writing sample...
Get a good night's sleep for Field Day... don't forget your color of shirt
Please have your child bring in the "secret" assignment by tomorrow. A mom is coming by tomorrow afternoon to pick all the work.
On Tuesday, April 6, Shorecrest will be celebrating the opening day of baseball for the Rays. On that day, the children are allowed to wear a Ray's shirt with their normal uniform pants or skirts.
I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend and a Happy Easter. The weather the last couple of days is surely making it easy for that Easter Bunny! Enjoy!
For tonight's homework:
Wordly Wise- page 95.. complete answers to questions 6-10.
Spelling Test with dictation
Review writing sample...
Get a good night's sleep for Field Day... don't forget your color of shirt
Please have your child bring in the "secret" assignment by tomorrow. A mom is coming by tomorrow afternoon to pick all the work.
On Tuesday, April 6, Shorecrest will be celebrating the opening day of baseball for the Rays. On that day, the children are allowed to wear a Ray's shirt with their normal uniform pants or skirts.
I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend and a Happy Easter. The weather the last couple of days is surely making it easy for that Easter Bunny! Enjoy!
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