January 11, 2017

HAPPY NEW YEAR FAMILIES!

2017 is upon us here in Classroom 216 at Union Elementary School.  While the first half of 3rd grade was exciting, the second half promises to rival or better it.  With exciting integrated learning units such as the Solar System, Force and Motion, Animal Studies, and Cultural Geography, there will be no shortness of engagement.  Additionally, the annual 3rd Grade Puppet Residency starts at the beginning of March, and always proves to be a highlight of the year.  
Let's take a look at what is happening presently, and on into the future...

REPORT CARDS
At the end of January, students will receive their first report card of the school year.  In anticipation of this, students have been taking mid-year assessments in reading and math.  While these assessments are not the only evidence we use to evalaute student progress, they are helpful in capturing a chunk of student progress and understanding.

THE SOLAR SYSTEM
For the past few weeks, students have been learning about the Solar System.  No doubt they are coming home spewing newly learned facts about the planets.  Or, perhaps they are singing you songs about the moon, the sun, the planets and stars.  They have been academically engaged in researching an individual planet, using books and computers.  Recently, students have been creating

"solar system slide shows."  In Tech class, Mr. Jarrad introduced them to their Google Drive, where they have been able to practice their typing skills into Google Docs.  This week, I gave them a "crash course" in Google Slides, and they absorbed it like a sponge (though some of them had already used it), allowing them to create a 10 slide presentation where they could demonstrate their understanding of the planets.

SOLAR SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
In conjunction with our learning unit, three 3rd grade classes are preparing a "Solar System Performance."  The Performance Date is set for Thursday, February 2nd.  We anticipate a couple daytime shows, and an evening show.  Times TBD.
For the performance, students will be expected to dress in ALL black (or dark blue) attire (top and bottom).  If your child does not have this attire, please let us know.

PLAYGROUND FUN...AND ICE!

Winter started out pretty nice - with fresh, white snowfall.  It was a wonderland on the playground for a period of time.  However, needless to say, things have taken a turn for the worse.  With rising and falling temps, mixed bouts of precipitation, and a lack of accumulating snowfall, the playground has become an ice field.  Top that with the sand/salt mix that the trucks lay on top of it and it kind of looks like a barren wasteland.  Nevertheless, the kids are managing to stay engaged (and mostly safe), despite the conditions.  While snow sliding has been at a minimum, the ice rides have been plentiful.

READ ALOUD

Our new read aloud book is titled, "Lunch Money," 
by Andrew Clements.  
Ask your child about the main character - Greg Kenton.










READING WORKSHOP
Ms. Slesar continues to facilitate Reading Workshop with the students, offering up a daily mini-lesson, and opportunity to practice skills, both independently and in a guided reading group.  Check in with your child about what they have been reading.

MATH WORKSHOP
During math workshop, as of late, students have been learning about "properties of multiplication."  I have used the words commutative and distributive with students, and likely they will acquire this new math vocabulary over time, but it still requires repeating and consistent explanation.  The properties (or strategies) themselves are being accessed pretty well, especially the commutative property.  
As a reminder, here is what each property looks like (and how it's useful).
Commutative Property:  7 x 5 =35  OR  5 x 7 = 35  
(the factors can be be in either order, but the product remains the same)
Distributive Property:  6 x 8 = (5 x 8) + (1 x 8) = 48
(one factor can be broken into two "friendlier" parts to multiply)
These properties/strategies are useful when students have not yet memorized their multiplication facts.  That being said, the ultimate goal would be memorization, after conceptual understanding. (So, pick up some flashcards if need be...)

SNACK SUPPLY
If anyone feels inclined to send in a classroom snack, it's always welcome.  Things such as Goldfish Crackers, pretzels, Ritz, rice crackers, Cheerios, etc.  

ECO
We will continue to go out for ECO throughout the winter, weather permitting.  Typically, if we have an ECO day planned (Fridays), we will send home a notice via note or email as a reminder.  Appropriate winter clothing is essential for ensuring an enjoyable experience outdoors - hat, gloves, boots, snowpants, warm coat.  We have some extras of these items at school, but the selection can be thin at times, as it is accessed by the whole school.  That being said, we do have ECO on Friday, January 13th (weather/conditions permitting).