I can't believe we have come to the end of the school year, it has flown by! I want to take a moment to say what a privilege it has been to get to know and teach your kids. Also I want to thank all of you for welcoming in a new teacher to Pioneer, so many of you have gone out of your way to volunteer and offer to help with whatever is needed. That means so much to a new teacher! I hope that your summer is filled with fun, family and friends! I look forward to seeing all of the kids again as big fourth graders in August!
Here's what you need to know for this last week:
Monday and Tuesday will be devoted to assembling our shoebox community, adding roads and landscaping and organizing all of the zones. Tuesday will also feature our end of the year class celebration (yay!). I will be showing a movie, popping popcorn, and plan on just enjoying an afternoon as a class. Students will bring home all of their unused and used supplies, so please make sure they bring a backpack to school.
Wednesday- Students should not bring backpacks to school this day. We will likely be filling out an activity packet and watching a video since the morning will be so short with specials. Parents/family are welcome to come to the class shortly before the picnic to see our shoebox community and then to leave with their child to go eat. If you plan on leaving with your child from the picnic you must sign them out. I will have a sign out sheet in our classroom so you don't need to go through the front office. Students who will not be checked out early will remain with me until our regular dismissal at 3:50. If you intend to send your child to the picnic/home with another family I need to have WRITTEN NOTICE BEFOREHAND or I can't release them.
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Monday, May 19, 2014
May 19-23
Dear families,
I hope you have all had a chance to get outside and enjoy the warm weather we have been having, summer is right around the corner! This week in third grade we will have two homework assignments due on Friday.
1. The Animal Adaptations assignment should be returned. Each student was to answer the questions in the packet by researching their animal and then creating an artistic representation of their animal on the letter.
2. Word study- students will be completing their word study contract. Don't forget the free choice line at the bottom where students can choose their own unique way of showing me they know their words.
I hope you have all had a chance to get outside and enjoy the warm weather we have been having, summer is right around the corner! This week in third grade we will have two homework assignments due on Friday.
1. The Animal Adaptations assignment should be returned. Each student was to answer the questions in the packet by researching their animal and then creating an artistic representation of their animal on the letter.
2. Word study- students will be completing their word study contract. Don't forget the free choice line at the bottom where students can choose their own unique way of showing me they know their words.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
May 5-8
Homework: Word study will be due Friday as usual :) I have added a line at the bottom of the word study contract that gives students the option of creating/choosing a different activity to show me their understanding of their weekly words. They don't have to use this option, but it is there as an extra choice.
Regarding Group 2's spelling pattern (the VCC/CV, VC/CCV, and V/V pattern): This is a tough list! Here is some extra explanation to help you at home. The slash means there is a syllable break in that word. Looking at the VCC/CV pattern, if the word is athlete and we break it apart into syllables the break would be ath-lete. The break is right after the second consonant. Looking at the VC/CCV pattern, if the word is pilgrim, then the syllable break is right after the second consonant, pil-grim. If you have other questions, please let me know. Some students did not have their sort colored correctly.
This week we have started our geometry unit and began by studying types of lines and angles. We went on a scavenger hunt to find real-world examples and will be creating a piece of artwork that incorporates different lines and angles.
For language and reading we are reading an expository nonfiction text called If You Made a Million by David Schwartz. For this story students will make connections to math by counting money and finding combinations of money, and also to our economics unit by discussing the ways you can spend and save money.
As we go further into our science unit, students are investigating needs of living things and ways that organisms can adapt to their environment.
Regarding Group 2's spelling pattern (the VCC/CV, VC/CCV, and V/V pattern): This is a tough list! Here is some extra explanation to help you at home. The slash means there is a syllable break in that word. Looking at the VCC/CV pattern, if the word is athlete and we break it apart into syllables the break would be ath-lete. The break is right after the second consonant. Looking at the VC/CCV pattern, if the word is pilgrim, then the syllable break is right after the second consonant, pil-grim. If you have other questions, please let me know. Some students did not have their sort colored correctly.
This week we have started our geometry unit and began by studying types of lines and angles. We went on a scavenger hunt to find real-world examples and will be creating a piece of artwork that incorporates different lines and angles.
For language and reading we are reading an expository nonfiction text called If You Made a Million by David Schwartz. For this story students will make connections to math by counting money and finding combinations of money, and also to our economics unit by discussing the ways you can spend and save money.
As we go further into our science unit, students are investigating needs of living things and ways that organisms can adapt to their environment.
Monday, April 28, 2014
April 28-May 2
This week students have word study homework and their 20/20 Club Reading Log that is due on Friday. Word study is a consistent homework assignment so that students can get the amount of time they need practicing their spelling pattern for the week. I try to provide a variety of activity choices so that students are not repeating the same activities over and over. I also remind students to try activities that they haven't tried before or haven't done very often just so they aren't getting bored.
Please also be going over flashcards for math facts so students are getting that extra practice. With our curriculum we just don't have all the extra time we need to devote to memorizing facts, so practice at home is a great help.
In reading and language arts this week we will be reading Alejandro's Gift, a realistic fiction story by Richard E. Albert. Students will be exposed to a variety of new vocabulary words and practice reading strategies for comprehension and how to ask and answer questions about the text.
This week in science we are discussing what living things need to survive, how they get energy, and compete for resources. Students will be conducting investigations on these concepts as well as creating food chains and a class poster.
Our study of fractions progressed to adding and subtracting fractions with like denominators, and we will be looking at improper fractions, and adding and subtracting fractions that equal improper fractions next. Upon completion of this study, we will begin our geometry unit next week.
Please also be going over flashcards for math facts so students are getting that extra practice. With our curriculum we just don't have all the extra time we need to devote to memorizing facts, so practice at home is a great help.
In reading and language arts this week we will be reading Alejandro's Gift, a realistic fiction story by Richard E. Albert. Students will be exposed to a variety of new vocabulary words and practice reading strategies for comprehension and how to ask and answer questions about the text.
This week in science we are discussing what living things need to survive, how they get energy, and compete for resources. Students will be conducting investigations on these concepts as well as creating food chains and a class poster.
Our study of fractions progressed to adding and subtracting fractions with like denominators, and we will be looking at improper fractions, and adding and subtracting fractions that equal improper fractions next. Upon completion of this study, we will begin our geometry unit next week.
Monday, April 21, 2014
April 21-25
I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend! This week starts our second week of testing with the SBAC. We will be taking the english language arts performance test on Thursday.
Our weekly story this week is an expository nonfiction piece called Yippee Yay! by Gail Gibbons. It gives students a glimpse of what life was like as a cowboy going on a cattle drive in the old west. We will work on vocabulary specific to the story and other comprehension activities.
In math our study of fractions is building to addition and subtraction of fractions with the same denominator. Students have built an understanding of what equivalent fractions are and how to show them using various models.
For social studies, students are wrapping up their business team projects by performing their commercials for the class to enjoy. They did a wonderful job! We will be diving into our science unit on the survival of living things. I hope everyone has had the opportunity to plant their cabbages so they can see them grow! Don't forget that if you want additional information about the cabbages you can visit the website on the paper your child brought home.
For homework this week: students should complete the word study activities for their list of words. Please continue to read and work on flashcards!
Our weekly story this week is an expository nonfiction piece called Yippee Yay! by Gail Gibbons. It gives students a glimpse of what life was like as a cowboy going on a cattle drive in the old west. We will work on vocabulary specific to the story and other comprehension activities.
In math our study of fractions is building to addition and subtraction of fractions with the same denominator. Students have built an understanding of what equivalent fractions are and how to show them using various models.
For social studies, students are wrapping up their business team projects by performing their commercials for the class to enjoy. They did a wonderful job! We will be diving into our science unit on the survival of living things. I hope everyone has had the opportunity to plant their cabbages so they can see them grow! Don't forget that if you want additional information about the cabbages you can visit the website on the paper your child brought home.
For homework this week: students should complete the word study activities for their list of words. Please continue to read and work on flashcards!
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
April 14-18
I apologize for not posting this yesterday afternoon, but here is the update for what we will be learning in third grade this week. Please remember that there is no school Wednesday due to a teacher in-service.
For reading we are diving into a historical fiction text called Boom Town by Sonia Levitin. Students will be creating maps of the town in the story using imagery from the story. They will also continue to expand their vocabulary with new words and vocabulary activities. In our writing unit we are continuing our analysis of opinion writing, and students will have the opportunity to voice their opinion on the business idea they developed for our economics unit.
In math we are progressing to more complex concepts with fractions, using manipulatives to explore how fractions can be represented, ordered and compared. For our economics unit, students have been working in their teams to develop an idea for a business that would benefit our community. They have created advertisements and will be presenting them to the class very soon!
This week for homework students should work on their word study. I will be sending home the word study contract sheet this afternoon. Students should complete the activities in their spelling journal and then turn it in this Friday morning when they arrive at school.
Special note regarding testing: Yesterday students took their spring IRI assessment for reading fluency. This Friday they will begin the SBAC test in the computer lab. I sent home a letter on bright blue paper last Friday that outlined our test schedule and ways you can help them to be successful on the tests and hope that you find it helpful. If you have questions about the testing, please let me know.
Have a great week!
For reading we are diving into a historical fiction text called Boom Town by Sonia Levitin. Students will be creating maps of the town in the story using imagery from the story. They will also continue to expand their vocabulary with new words and vocabulary activities. In our writing unit we are continuing our analysis of opinion writing, and students will have the opportunity to voice their opinion on the business idea they developed for our economics unit.
In math we are progressing to more complex concepts with fractions, using manipulatives to explore how fractions can be represented, ordered and compared. For our economics unit, students have been working in their teams to develop an idea for a business that would benefit our community. They have created advertisements and will be presenting them to the class very soon!
This week for homework students should work on their word study. I will be sending home the word study contract sheet this afternoon. Students should complete the activities in their spelling journal and then turn it in this Friday morning when they arrive at school.
Special note regarding testing: Yesterday students took their spring IRI assessment for reading fluency. This Friday they will begin the SBAC test in the computer lab. I sent home a letter on bright blue paper last Friday that outlined our test schedule and ways you can help them to be successful on the tests and hope that you find it helpful. If you have questions about the testing, please let me know.
Have a great week!
Monday, April 7, 2014
April 7-11
This week in third grade we will be studying a magazine article in our textbook called Wild Shots, They're My Life about a wildlife photographer. Students will learn vocabulary that goes along with this story, how to use headings to find information quickly, and some common latin suffixes.
In social studies we will continue to study economics. Students formed teams to create an idea for a good/service they think would benefit our community. They have listed what tools they think they would need to make it a success, and are now planning their "grand opening". After analyzing advertisements last week, each team will use what they learned to create an ad for their business.
For math we are investigating fractions in sets, shapes, and their relationships using fraction rods.
We have the opportunity to have several guest speakers in our class this week- we had Ms. Furniss our school SSA in today to teach an anti-bullying lesson, we will have a canal safety lesson Tuesday, a visit from our art mom Wednesday, and a workshop with Jr. Achievement on Friday!.
I have reassessed students for word study groups, and am pleased with their progress! Many students have changed groups, so you will be seeing some different word study patterns on their lists. ***Word study homework this week is their word study contract activities. Each student should have brought home their words in a plastic baggie, their spelling journal, and the word study contract. Homework will be due as usual this Friday.
A book order will be coming home Tuesday from Scholastic. Please feel free to make use of the easy online ordering using our class activation code in the letter that comes with the catalog.
In social studies we will continue to study economics. Students formed teams to create an idea for a good/service they think would benefit our community. They have listed what tools they think they would need to make it a success, and are now planning their "grand opening". After analyzing advertisements last week, each team will use what they learned to create an ad for their business.
For math we are investigating fractions in sets, shapes, and their relationships using fraction rods.
We have the opportunity to have several guest speakers in our class this week- we had Ms. Furniss our school SSA in today to teach an anti-bullying lesson, we will have a canal safety lesson Tuesday, a visit from our art mom Wednesday, and a workshop with Jr. Achievement on Friday!.
I have reassessed students for word study groups, and am pleased with their progress! Many students have changed groups, so you will be seeing some different word study patterns on their lists. ***Word study homework this week is their word study contract activities. Each student should have brought home their words in a plastic baggie, their spelling journal, and the word study contract. Homework will be due as usual this Friday.
A book order will be coming home Tuesday from Scholastic. Please feel free to make use of the easy online ordering using our class activation code in the letter that comes with the catalog.
Monday, March 31, 2014
March 31- April 4
I hope you all had a restful and fun track break! I am so excited to be starting our third trimester activities in third grade!
This week, students are reading the story Leah's Pony. We will study author's purpose, vocabulary, and comprehension as we read this historical fiction story. We will also begin our opinion writing unit where students learn to express their point of view on various topics.
For our social studies unit, we will be studying economics. It would be incredibly beneficial to talk with your child about spending and saving money. They are learning about goods and services, so please share your own experiences as well! We are also fortunate to have a volunteer from the Jr. Achievement program in our classroom to help us learn more about this unit. In our next science unit students will study the survival and adaptations of living things.
In math, students will be learning about fractions including what they are, how to add and subtract them, simplify them, generate equivalent fractions and compare and order them. In class we discuss real world examples of fractions, so if you would like to have your child help you cook or join in another activity that involves this concept that would be great!
This week, students are reading the story Leah's Pony. We will study author's purpose, vocabulary, and comprehension as we read this historical fiction story. We will also begin our opinion writing unit where students learn to express their point of view on various topics.
For our social studies unit, we will be studying economics. It would be incredibly beneficial to talk with your child about spending and saving money. They are learning about goods and services, so please share your own experiences as well! We are also fortunate to have a volunteer from the Jr. Achievement program in our classroom to help us learn more about this unit. In our next science unit students will study the survival and adaptations of living things.
In math, students will be learning about fractions including what they are, how to add and subtract them, simplify them, generate equivalent fractions and compare and order them. In class we discuss real world examples of fractions, so if you would like to have your child help you cook or join in another activity that involves this concept that would be great!
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Supplemental Levy Information
If you would like more information about the supplemental levy that will be up for a vote, please send me an e-mail and I will provide you with information from the district office.
I have updated the school calendar page through track break (March 31st) to show spirit days and major school events.
I have updated the school calendar page through track break (March 31st) to show spirit days and major school events.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Box Top Collection!
Please send your box tops to school on or before January 16th!
Our next collection date will be February 20th.
Our next collection date will be February 20th.
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