Reading
Our class learned many things during our reading block this week. Our focus of study was to ask questions about what we are reading to clarify the meaning. Students learned to ask questions before, during, and after a text to better comprehend the meaning of a story. Through class discussions, we were able to explore stories in-depth and answer many of the questions that students posed.
As a class, we read a story called Dancing Rainbows from our Houghton Mifflin anthology. The story was very interesting; students had many questions before, during, and after the story about the Native American culture.
We also continued working with Guided Reading Groups this week. Students read level appropriate stories like Dancing Rainbows about other cultures around the world. Guided Reading Groups meet with me several times each week to practice fluency and to answer comprehension questions about the story.
Furthermore, at the beginning of the week, I conducted the Oral Reading Fluency (ORF) assessments. These tests gauged how fluently students could read a short, 3rd grade selection. Third grade students should be reading a grade level appropriate test at 100-110 CWPM (correct words per minute).
Fluent readers can:
- Recognize words automatically
- Read aloud effortlessly and with expression
- Do not have to concentrate on decoding
- Can focus on comprehension
You will be able to see your child's ORF score on the trimester 1 report card.
Math
At the beginning of the week, we continued our work in Unit 5. We studied 2-step and multiple-step story problems. These story problems require students to carefully read the problem to figure our 2 or more equations to perform to arrive at the correct answer.
We also reviewed for the trimester 1 math test. Students took a practice test on Friday that is very similar to the actual trimester 1 math test I will give on Monday. We graded the practice math tests in class. Students were assigned to study their mistakes on the practice tests over the weekend. Please help your child review the problems that they answered incorrectly so that they may succeed on the Monday test.
I also gave our third graders the timed math facts test in addition and subtraction. These tests assessed how quickly students know their simple math facts. I recommended that students purchase sets of addition and subtraction flash cards. If your child practices math flash cards consistently at home, it would greatly help him or her continue to grow as a strong math student. Flash cards can be cheaply purchased at Walmart, Fred Meyer, etc. Social Studies
Create a Culture projects were due on Monday of this week. Students began presentations on Tuesday. I am so impressed by the creativity of our students! Many children spent a lot of time developing their created culture and making their Create a Culture packets beautiful.
I graded Culture Presentations on the following: eye contact, volume, and fluency. Students assessed one another at the end of each presentation on the three categories. Overall, most students spoke fluently. However, students should practice speaking loudly and making eye contact with an audience. We will continue to practice public speaking as the year continues.
The Great Money Challenge
On Friday, we welcomed a special guest into our classroom. Mr. Mahoney from the Seattle Children's Museum paid us a visit and read a book to our class about a poor boy in Tanzania who wanted to buy a bicycle. Mr. Mahoney gave our class bookmarks and a free pass to the Seattle Children's Museum. Please note that the pass expires in June 2012. Mr. Mahoney also gave our class $10 to spend on a good cause. Our class brainstormed good causes and charities on Friday. We are also thinking about fundraiser ideas. I loved seeing our students get into the giving spirit just in time for Thanksgiving! We have some very kind and generous students in our class.
VIP of the Week: Jayden
Jayden was the VIP of the Week! Jayden wants to be a policeman when he grows up. If he had one wish, he would wish "to be so rich"! Thanks for sharing with us, Jayden!
Announcements
- Welcome Ashlynn! Ashlynn joined our class on Friday of this week. We are so excited to get to know her and welcome her into our class!
- Many students have been asking about schooldays this Thanksgiving week. Just to clarify, we have full days of school on Monday and Tuesday and a half-day on Wednesday. There is no school on Thursday and Friday. Please note the "important dates" below.
- Please remember to sign off on your child's Homework Sheet every night. Students can only earn stars on the Homework Star Chart by getting your signature daily!
- Students need to read or be read to at least 25 minutes every night. Please don't sign off on your child's homework sheet until he or she has completed at least 25 minutes of reading!
- Students have been bringing unhealthy snacks to class lately! If students come to school with unhealthy food (cookies, candy, chips) consistently, I will tell the student that they must eat their unhealthy snack at lunchtime. I allow fruit snacks, pretzels, etc. Please help your child make healthy choices about the snacks he or she brings to school!
Important Dates
November 23 - Early Release (12:45)
November 24-25 - Thanksgiving Holiday, No School
Sincerely,
