Important Info: Wax Museum

Students will work on the backdrops for their Wax Museum in class this week.  They may add printed graphics or quotes to the backdrops, but these must be printed at home.  

We will have a dress rehearsal tomorrow (Wednesday).  NO COSTUMES ARE NEEDED FOR THE DRESS REHEARSAL.  Wax Museum speeches should be fully memorized by tomorrow (Wednesday).  Students will practice their speeches with Miss Shakespeare's class.  

The Wax Museum will be held on Thursday afternoon in the gym from 2:00-3:00pm.  Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. Students will have 15-20 minutes to change for the Wax Museum prior to the start.  Please make sure they are able to get into their costume on their own.  Props may be used at the wax museum, too.  However, they will be kept in your child's cubby during the day and they must be appropriate for school.  I will send a reminder email out later in the week.

Final 40 Book Challenge Due Date Modified

The final 40 BC due date will be moved from Thursday, June 7th to Monday, June 11th. 

The final turn-in includes 30 total entries and a book talk. Students who go above and beyond to reach 40 book entries will receive special recognition. 

In addition to the in-class book talk presentation, students must complete the book talk planning form (taped in the back of their 40 BC notebook) to receive full credit.

Final Field Trip

Field trip slips for our final field trip on the Shoreline Sightseeing Boat Cruise went home on Tuesday, 5/29.  Please return the signed form as soon as possible and no later than Monday, June 4th.  You are only responsible for the cost if you DID NOT pay the student fee at the beginning of the year.  

DEAR Day on Monday, May 21st

We are celebrating all our hard work this year with an ABC Countdown, as part of our ABC Countdown, we are having a DEAR Day on Monday, May 21st. 

DEAR stands for "Drop Everything and Read." Students can wear pajamas to school and bring a blanket, pillow, and one stuffed animal. Anything brought should be able to fit in a small bag and be carried without the help of an adult. We will spend the day reading independently, reading our read aloud book, Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief, and at the end of the day, students will watch the movie, Sign of the Beaver, which we finished reading this week. 

The movie is Unrated (I would categorize it as PG). If you do not want your child to watch the movie in class on Monday, please notify me by email by 8AM on Monday, 5/21. Please make sure your child comes to school with at least one book they can read for a prolonged period of time on Monday. :) 

A Sneak Peek into Next Week

Literacy:  Next week, students will begin reading their literature circle novels and meeting for small group discussions.  If they do not finish the reading at school, they will be expected to finish it at home. During the writing block, we will work on our short story written from a bug's perspective.

Math:  We will continue to move through Unit 8 in our math curriculum.  Students will practice on www.freckle.com, and we will continue to practice word problems, as well.  You can expect the corresponding Home Links as homework. 

Science: During the science block, we'll begin learning about the food chain and the impact environmental changes and man-made changes have on different ecosystems.  Students will create a food web and participate in a population simulation. 

NWEA Testing: Third grade will take the final spring NWEA assessment on Wednesday, 5/23 and Thursday, 5/24

Progress Reports were sent home on Friday. Please sign the bottom portion and have your child return it on Monday.

Important Reminders
5/21 DEAR Day
5/23 QP Final Report Due
5/23-5/24 NWEA Testing
5/28 Memorial Day (No School)
5/30 QP Speech Notecards due
6/7 Wax Museum & 40 BC Due
6/8 Field Trip

A Look at Our Week Ahead

Literacy:  We will finish our shared novel, The Sign of the Beaver, and take the final assessment.  Students will also choose a literature circle novel for the following week.  All of the literature circle novels will focus on analyzing different characters' perspectives on an event. 

Math: We will begin Unit 8 this week.  In this unit, students will apply their knowledge of fractions, number concepts, patterns, and geometry to different real-world scenarios.  Students will also continue to practice skills on www.freckle.com (formerly known as Front Row).  This computer program is adaptive to students instructional needs and differentiates accordingly.  It is available your home computer as well and each child has his/her log-in written inside their planner. 

Science:  Students will observe meal worms over the next several weeks.  They will student the meal worms' life cycle and watch it develop through the stages.  Additionally, students will study a variety of ecosystems and the animal classification systems. 

Important Reminders
5/23 QP Report due
5/23-5/24 EOY NWEA Testing for 3rd Grade
5/30 QP Note cards for Speech
5/28-6/1 All Library books due, no more books will be checked out after this date

A Look at the Week Ahead

Literacy:  Students will continue reading The Sign of the Beaver.  They will look closely at two perspectives represented in the book and analyze why the characters may have a different perspective about an event or topic.  Each day, students will be expected to read a designated section of the text and complete the corresponding vocabulary page in their packet. 

Math:  We will wrap up Unit 7 this week.  Students will receive the study guide early in the week and they will test on Thursday.  We will review for the test on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Science: Students will take the National Geographic Theme Set assessment tomorrow (Tuesday).  We will continue to study living things and environments as we watch meal worms develop through their life cycle and look closely at other insects as well.  Please visit the TGW to learn more about the Environments unit.

Reminders
5/11 Quarter Project Research due
5/18  Progress Reports go home
5/23  Quarter Project Report Due
5/23-5/24 Spring NWEA testing
5/28  Memorial Day (No School)

A Sneak Peek into Our Week

Literacy:  We began our Perspectives unit last week.  Students learned about different points of view and how the point of view can affect the story.  This week, we will begin our shared novel study using  Sign of the Beaver.  Throughout the novel, students will practice analyzing the different perspectives within the story.  Students will also receive a vocabulary packet with the novel. Each night, students will be responsible for completing one vocabulary page.  During the writing block, we will wrap up our social studies inquiry project and work on a perspectives writing assignment, as well.

Math:  I will teach lessons 7.9-7.12.  Most of the lessons focus on solving multi-step number stories, except for 7.9, which focuses on identifying and generating patterns.  Please make sure your child is completing the nightly Home Links and practicing on Freckle (formerly Front Row) or IXL at home. 

Science:  Students will continue using the National Geographic Theme set texts to study the life cycle process.   After becoming experts on a particular animal, students will share their learning with a small group and work on a mini-project to showcase their learning. Tomorrow, we will begin our FOSS Environments module. We will investigate several different plants and animals (including meal worms, sow bugs and pill bugs) to discover the structures and functions that serve in growth and survival. We will also learn more about the environments that support their well being, and attempt to determine the optimum environments for some of the organisms. 

Important Reminders
5/3 - 40 BC Check-in (26 entries due)
5/4 -  Field Trip to Symphony
5/11 - QP Part 2 due

Weekly Updates

Welcome to 4th Quarter! It was wonderful to meet with you all at conferences yesterday!

Literacy: Students will continue to read Folklore Literature Circle books and participate in literature circles to discuss the theme, setting, and characters with other students reading the same text. 

Writing:  Students prepared for conferences early in the week, We will use some of the writing time to research for our social studies project. Next week,  students will write a short response in conclusion of their literature circle books. 

Social Studies:  Students will continue to gather research to answer the inquiry questions they came up with last week. Students will decide on a final presentation style and begin to work on their final social studies neighborhood project. 

Math:  We began Unit 7 on Monday, and we will continue to move through the unit over the week.  The unit focuses on multiplying fractions and measurement.  You can expect corresponding Home Links to be assigned as homework each night. 

4th Quarter Projects went home on Tuesday - please check in with your child. 

Important Dates:
Wednesday, 4/25 - Quarter Project Top-Three Choices sheet is due

Sneak Peek into Our Week

This week is the last week of the third quarter.  This means that all missing assignments need to be turned in before this Thursday.  Students were given a sticky note today that listed all missing assignments, so please be sure to ask your child about this in addition to checking Gradebook. 

Reading and Writing:  We will wrap up our Folklore Unit with an assessment and then, begin Folklore Literature Circles.   Students will read a text full of folktales, myths, and legends from a variety of cultures.  They will study the different tales and determine the theme, setting, and other story elements to discuss in small groups.  During the literacy block, we will write short paragraphs comparing and contrasting folktales.

Social Studies:  Students will be assigned neighborhood groups tomorrow.  They will begin researching and working on an inquiry project this week.  If you and your family are able to visit the neighborhood your child is studying, it would be a fantastic enrichment opportunity.  Students will study the culture, resources, government, landmarks, history, and location of the neighborhood.  Any additional resources would be especially helpful. 

Math:  I will administer the math test tomorrow, 4/10.  The study guide, SMJ pages, and Home Link packet are due tomorrow. We will begin Unit 7 next week.  Students will take the Unit 7 Pre-Test and work on a small math project for the duration of the week.

Important Reminders
Friday, 4/13 - No School for Students and the last day to purchase the yearbook
Wednesday, 4/18 - Parent-Teacher Conferences (no school for students)

Spring-into-Literacy Door Decorating Contest Winners!

I'm very excited to announce that Team 210 won the Spring-into-Literacy door decorating contest! As a prize, our team will receive an additional 30-minute recess!

THANK YOU to our stellar door decorating volunteers, including: Tom Chen, Shannon Pokornik, and Chaz Davis! We couldn't have pulled this off without your help. :)

A Sneak Peek into Our Week

Welcome back!  I hope you all had a fantastic (and relaxing!) Spring Break. :)

Literacy:  This week students will continue reading stories from The Cow-Tail Switch, and they will continue to use the stories to compare and contrast story elements. We will also work on identifying setting details. During the writing block, students will put the final touches on their realistic fiction stories.

Math:  We will finish up Unit 6 this week.  Study guides will go home on Thursday and we will take our unit test on Tuesday, 4/10. 

Social Studies: We'll begin the week studying Chicago's government. Students will then begin their inquiry project with a small group. Students will learn planning and research skills as they study Chicago's many unique neighborhoods. Once your child learns his/her neighborhood of study, if you have time, please plan a weekend field trip to visit the neighborhood.  Take photos and send them to school as we will be creating a large bulletin board. 

Parent Conferences:  Parent Teacher Conference forms will go home tomorrow.  I will do my best to accommodate your request. 

Important Reminders:
4/5 Quarter Project Part 3 due
4/5 40 BC and Book Talk due
4/13  No School for Students
4/18 Parent Teacher Conferences

PARCC Testing Schedule

PARCC testing will begin next week.  Please make sure your child is well-rested, eats a nutritious breakfast, and arrives to school on time.  Testing takes place for about an hour first thing in the morning.

Our PARCC schedule is as follows:
3/6: English Language Arts
3/7: English Language Arts
3/8: English Language Arts

3/14: Mathematics
3/15: Mathematics
3/16: Mathematics
3/19: Mathematics

A Sneak Peek Into Next Week

Literacy: Students will work on an in-class project for the majority of the week. The project relates to our Character Study unit. It asks students to choose a final presentation format and then present how the dynamic character - in the book they have just read during literature circles - changes.  In addition to the project, students will work on word study activities and begin learning test-taking strategies, as the PARCC assessment will be administered to third graders this spring.  We will spend a very minimal amount of time reviewing test-taking strategies each day.  During writing, students will continue to draft their realistic fiction stories as we learn about using descriptive setting details and captivating endings!

Math: I will instruct lessons 5.7- 5.10 this week. You can expect corresponding Home Links for homework. If your child doesn't complete the corresponding SMJ pages in class, that will be assigned for homework as well. Students will practice subtracting fractions, creating line plots, and working with angles and protractors. 

Science: This week students will study metamorphic rocks and igneous rocks. We will also study how the rocks create a rock cycle. 

Quarter Project: Information for the Quarter 3 Project was sent home last week. Your child was sent home with a purple-colored one-pager that includes expectations and deadlines for the project. Additionally, your child was sent home with a research template packet  Research should be completed in note-taking form (i.e. complete sentences are not necessary). Students must use four different sources, which must include more than just internet resources. In other words, please have your child gather information from books as well. Information is also available on the TGW if your child did not bring his/her copy home. The research packet is due on March 6th.

Important Dates:  
2/22 - 40 BC Due (18 entries total)
3/6 - Quarter Project Part 1 Research Due

A Sneak Peek into Next Week

I hope everyone had a safe and restful snow day last week!   Here is a brief overview of what to expect next week:

3rd Quarter Project will be sent home on Monday.  The project is literacy-based with a hint of science, as well! 

Valentine's Day/Friendship Day:  Students are welcome to bring in cards for ALL classmates on Wednesday, 2/14.  We have 30 students in our classroom, and I sent the class list via email last week.   I will give students time to distribute the cards on Wednesday afternoon.  Please remember we cannot give out candy or edible treats.  💝

Literacy:  Students will finish reading their literature circle book and engage in discussions that focus on the main character.  Additionally, students will be introduced to a new word-study procedure we will begin to implement in the classroom.  During the writing block, we are in the beginning stages of our Realistic Fiction unit.  Students have developed a seed idea and now, they will begin writing the first draft of their story.  They will learn a variety of narrative writing strategies including "showing" rather than "telling," using deliberate dialogue, and developing believable characters.  Please ask your child to tell you about their story, and feel free to give constructive feedback!  Authors appreciate feedback from readers. 

Science:  This past week, students began making a model of the weathering process.  We will continue using this model to study the rock cycle and the different rocks that make up the rock cycle. Sedimentary rocks will be the focus in the beginning of the week.  Towards the end, students will learn about metamorphic rocks and igneous rocks. 

Math:  We began Everyday Math Unit 5 last week. This week, I will instruct lessons 5.3-5.7.  IXL checklists were sent home last week - please make sure your child has this taped in their planner.  Students will add and subtract fractions, and they work in small partnerships to solve more in-depth problems using fractions.

Quarter project due date pushed back

Ms. Shakespeare and I have pushed back the quarter project part 3 due date from Tuesday, 1/23 to Monday, 1/29. Students should bring their toy and written or typed responses to school on the 29th. Below, I have provided the rubric for part 3 with an updated due date.

Coming Up Next Week

We have a busy week coming up...

Literacy:  Students will finish their guided reading book and choose a literature circle book for the final part of our Character Study Unit.  They will also take the final Character Study Unit assessment.  During writing, students will practice finding text evidence, and they will give a book talk to the class on Thursday. 

Math:  On Monday, students will complete a Math Box Assignment covering 4.1 - 4.4. Throughout the week, I will instruct lessons 4.7-4.10.  You can expect the corresponding Home Links.  Students will practice using multi-digit multiplication strategies to solve word problems. 

Science:  On Friday, we began studying forces of nature that change the Earth.  Students were assigned a differentiated National Geographic theme set text, which they will use to learn about different forces of nature including wind, water, ice, earthquakes and volcanoes   Students will work with me to review and practice finding the main idea and details of a non-fiction text. 

We have a field trip to the Chicago History Museum on Wednesday, 1/24. Trip slips were sent home last Thursday - please return on Monday.  Students will need a brown bag lunch, as we will eat at the museum. I will email details to parent chaperones on Monday afternoon. Two chaperone spots are still open!

40 Book Challenge Notebooks are due on Thursday, 1/25 - I will extend the due date to Friday, 1/26 if extra time is needed. Students will give a 1-minute book talk in class on Thursday. Book talks should be memorized and no longer than one-minute. Additionally, students are required to complete a book talk planning sheet that should be taped into the back of their 40 BC notebook. This sheet is meant to help students plan out what they will say during their talk in class. 

Science Night will take place on January 31st - quarter projects will be on display from 3:30-4:30pm.  We hope you are able to make it! 

Students have been working hard and will perform at the Winter Music Assembly on Friday, 1/26, at 9am and 2pm.  We hope you are able to make one of those performances, as well!

Important: Guided Reading Homework Overview

I wanted to give you a heads up - as we move into the guided reading portion of our Character Study, students may have slightly more homework than usual. 

Vocabulary:  Students will be responsible for completing a vocabulary concept map each night.  The vocabulary word will come directly from the novel they are reading in class.  Students will need to write the sentence from the text, an inferred definition, the actual definition, a synonym, an antonym, draw a picture, and write a sentence of their own to show the student understands the meaning of the vocabulary word.  This homework will be checked daily.  This portion should not take longer than 10 minutes and students may use a dictionary or thesaurus. 

Reading and Note-Taking Page:  Each day, students are required to read a portion of their book and complete a "Note-Taking" page.  They will have 30+ minutes to work on this in class each day; however, any incomplete work will be assigned as homework.  I've asked students to take this home each night and return it the next day even if they have completed the work.  The assignment will be checked daily.  It would be very helpful if you can please double check to make sure it is completed and returned daily.  If the work is forgotten at home, students will be expected to read a different book during the allotted time and make up the assignment fully as homework.

Characterization Think-Mark: As students read, they will look for characterization clues (important parts of text that show the main character's feelings, actions, dialogue, thoughts, and what others say/think of the character). This tri-fold bookmark is completed throughout the guided reading unit and will also be checked daily. Be sure to ask your child about this portion of the assignment each night to ensure they have remembered to add to their think-mark. 

A Look Back at Our Week

Literacy: This past week, we began the guided reading portion of our Character Unit. Students have been assigned a novel with a strong, dynamic main character.  Students will continue to practice the skills they have learned, as they participate in small group discussions, skill practice with me, and independent reading activities centered around the novel.  You can read more about the novels and the unit on the TGW. 

This week in writing, we wrapped up our ABC books. 

Math:  We took the Unit 4 (Multi-Digit Multiplication) pre-test on Tuesday and began the unit on Wednesday. In addition to learning several strategies for solving multiplication problems, students will also begin solving multi-step number stories and using estimation to check for reasonable answers. 

Social Studies:  Unit 2 will wrap up this week.  Students received a study guide yesterday, and they will work on completing the study guide in their Inquiry Notebook in class today. Students will take the open-book ("Just Add Water") unit assessment on Tuesday, 1/16.

Note: If you are interested in volunteering in our classroom, please sign up at http://signup.com/go/BpyCRnd. Your help is great appreciated!!

Important Dates
Monday, 1/15: No School in observance of MLK Day
Tuesday, 1/16: Unit 2 S.S. Assessment
Tuesday, 1/23: QP Part 3 due
Thursday, 1/25: 40 BC Check-in (14 entries total and book talk #2)

Happy New Year and THANK YOU!

I wanted to wish you all a very Happy New Year and let you know that I look forward to a fabulous second-half of the school year! We have some really exciting projects, lessons, and activities planned for the upcoming months, in addition to a field trip that we are in the works of planning right now. Please stay tuned for more details on the field trip, as I will send an update as soon as the date is finalized.

Also, I wanted to extend a big THANK YOU for the generous and thoughtful gift that I received from our class this holiday season! I am beyond grateful to have such amazing students with supportive parents this year, and I truly appreciate your generosity and kindness!