October 2, 2016

Class 216 News

October 2, 2016

This Is Me and What I Believe

Our student presentation series has been going very well.  Everyone has been coming in well-prepared to deliver an informative and engaging presentation.  While it is not a requirement, the use of computer generated slide shows has been impressive.  They are using useful tech skills.  This coming week, Bella and Emily will present, and next week, Olivia, Peter and Camden will finish things off.

Picture Retake Day

If you did not like the way your child's photo turned out, or your child was absent, Picture Retake Day is Thursday, October 20th.  Please contact the Main Office for more info.

ECO Dates

Our Friday, ECO Hiking Adventure dates are tentatively set:

October 13

October 21

November 4

November 18

December 2

December 16

Link:  ECO Information

Math Workshop

In math workshop, students are developing routines.  Typically, a math workshop might look like this:

1.  Whole Class Count Bys (3's, 4's)

2.  Fast Facts or Math Card Game

3.  Main Lesson

4.  Practice

5.  Strategy Based Board Games or Math Designs (Pattern Blocks/Rods)

During the main lesson these past couple weeks, students are strengthening their conceptual understanding of multiplication.

Reading Workshop

Ms. Slesar continues to engage students in reading mini-lessons before setting them off for independent reading practice.  While students read independently, they are encouraged to engage in some of the reading skills they may be learning about - visualizing, questioning, inferring, etc.  At this time, while students read to themselves, Ms. Slesar has been reading with kids individually, assessing their reading skills, using a tool called, "Fountas and Pinnell Reading Assessment.  It includes hearing a student read aloud for accuracy and fluency, allowing them time to finish their text in their head, and then having a "comprehension conversation" with them.

Field Trips

This coming Thursday, October 6th, 3rd graders will be on another field trip.  This time, we will culturally engage in an experience at the Flynn Theater in Burlington.  It is called, Rennie Harris:  Puremovement.  The first professional hip-hop dance company in the world, RHPM is devoted to challenging the stereotypes of hip-hop as a violent, undisciplined counter-culture. Instead, their exciting educational program honors the vivid living history of the global hip-hop phenomenon and celebrates its potential to make ongoing and meaningful contributions to American and world culture. This multimedia event, half illustration through historical film footage and half dance performed to the beats of a live DJ, traces the evolution of contemporary hip-hop from its roots in African ritual through the diverse influences of African American, Afro-Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, and Puerto Rican cultures and ancient traditions.

The 3rd grade hiking field trip to Osmore Pond at New Discovery State Park was a great success.  The varying hikes provided just right opportunities for all levels of hikers.  The weather cooperated, we had good chaperone turnout, and the kids really seemed pleased with the overall experience.  Here is an image of a group of 3rd grade hikers atop Big Deer Mountain.