Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving week! Spelling words and grammar homework came home today.
Reading
We are moving on to Poetry! Love this genre. We will focus on four different kinds of poetry: humorous, lyrical, narrative, and free verse. I will model how to track our thinking with poems, name and notice figurative language, and discuss the authors message. Students received a study stack today with various poems. We will mark up the poems together and then later use them for writing in the spring time. We will make an anchor chart of figurative language we are noticing in our study stack. Students will need to know the following: metaphor, simile, personification, alliteration, and hyperbole. Feel free to study these terms with your child. The students will be tested over figurative language and poetry the last week before break (preferably in the beginning of the week).
Writing
We are working on our rough drafts for our SFML. We will meet in writing groups to conference about our base story, learn how to revise and edit, and then write the final product. This will take place over the next three weeks. My goal is to slow the kids down and look at ways to improve the story. (If that means we write the final product after break, then I will just grade their base story for structure.) We are starting a craft elements chart. So far we have noticed how authors use descriptive language in their writing. I expect for students to try to apply this in their own writing.
Grammar
We are reviewing adverbs. The students did a fun activity today with adverbs. We are constantly noticing adverbs in our read aloud and how it impacts the writing. Have your child point out adverbs they are noticing in their nightly reading for homework or when you both are reading together. Next grammar test will be next Friday, including their spelling test.
Side note: I did take out the grammar grades out of spelling category and put them into the writing category. Just FYI incase you noticed your child's grade change.
Social Studies
We will focus on the Founding Fathers closely and the branches of government.
Monday, November 27, 2017
Monday, November 13, 2017
November 13-17
Don't forget about field day on Friday. If you plan on checking out your child afterwards, please see me or a third grade teacher to sign them out. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving break!
Writing
We are going to take things slow. Instead of focusing our attention on craft (which we will still do in our shared read alouds) we are going to focus on storytelling and conferencing. I am going to put the kids in writing groups. They will get into their groups to storytell a SFML (story from my life) they plan on writing. From there, they will plan their story on the story arc. Students will then conference again in their writing groups to confirm their story has structure.
Reading
We are finishing up Traditional Literature this week. This week my plan is to review the reading benchmark with the kids. I've handed back their reading benchmark so they can see how they did and review questions they may have missed. I also plan on starting our next read aloud, " The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" by Kate DiCamillo. Love this book!
Social Studies
We are wrapping up our maps. Students will share their maps with a partner.
Writing
We are going to take things slow. Instead of focusing our attention on craft (which we will still do in our shared read alouds) we are going to focus on storytelling and conferencing. I am going to put the kids in writing groups. They will get into their groups to storytell a SFML (story from my life) they plan on writing. From there, they will plan their story on the story arc. Students will then conference again in their writing groups to confirm their story has structure.
Reading
We are finishing up Traditional Literature this week. This week my plan is to review the reading benchmark with the kids. I've handed back their reading benchmark so they can see how they did and review questions they may have missed. I also plan on starting our next read aloud, " The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" by Kate DiCamillo. Love this book!
Social Studies
We are wrapping up our maps. Students will share their maps with a partner.
Monday, November 6, 2017
November 6-10
Writing
This week we are moving on to craft elements. We will name and notice craft elements in our read alouds and the stories we have already consumed. The craft elements we will focus on are: dialouge, inner thinking, backstory, descriptive details, and show/not tell. I encourage you when you are reading with your child at night, to point out the craft elements and discuss how it added to the story.
Grammar: We are reviewing adjectives this week. We are noticing how adjectives helps readers visualize. We are working on adding adjectives to our writing. Students will have a grammar test on Friday reviewing nouns, verbs, and adjectives.
Reading
We are having fun with traditional literature. Students have read myths, legends, fables, and fairy tales. They've been tracking their thinking with a graphic organizer.
Our focus this week is to teach the reading strategies. Students will have their first reading assessment on Thursday. They will read three passages and answer questions to go along with it.
Social Studies
The students are begging me this week for social studies time. They've been working on their island maps. Students had to create a map and include the following: key, compass rose, title, land forms, bodies of water, and overall presentation. I will hang the maps up in the hallway when they are finished.
Don't forget the states test on Wednesday!
This week we are moving on to craft elements. We will name and notice craft elements in our read alouds and the stories we have already consumed. The craft elements we will focus on are: dialouge, inner thinking, backstory, descriptive details, and show/not tell. I encourage you when you are reading with your child at night, to point out the craft elements and discuss how it added to the story.
Grammar: We are reviewing adjectives this week. We are noticing how adjectives helps readers visualize. We are working on adding adjectives to our writing. Students will have a grammar test on Friday reviewing nouns, verbs, and adjectives.
Reading
We are having fun with traditional literature. Students have read myths, legends, fables, and fairy tales. They've been tracking their thinking with a graphic organizer.
Our focus this week is to teach the reading strategies. Students will have their first reading assessment on Thursday. They will read three passages and answer questions to go along with it.
Social Studies
The students are begging me this week for social studies time. They've been working on their island maps. Students had to create a map and include the following: key, compass rose, title, land forms, bodies of water, and overall presentation. I will hang the maps up in the hallway when they are finished.
Don't forget the states test on Wednesday!
Sunday, October 29, 2017
October 30- November 3
Writing
This week students will do SFML reproduction activities. They will put together a story they haven't heard before and label the structure. We are noticing craft (backstory, dialogue, inner thinking, etc) in our reading. Slowly I will expect students to add craft to their stories.
Students will choose a SFML to write about. It can be a story they written in the past as long as they go back and revise it. I've stressed to the class the importance of conferencing with a group and myself.
Grammar: The students had a noun quiz this past friday. Overall, the kids did well. We introduced/reviewed verbs last week.We will look at verbs in isolation and within our reading. I encourage you to point out the parts of speech in their nightly reading.
Reading
We are moving on to Traditional literature. We will discuss the characteristics of traditional literature. We will read mythology, fables, legends, etc. On Friday, I will introduce the reading strategies using a traditional literature story.
Students are wrapping up their book clubs. I will put them in new books clubs based on student choice.
Social Studies
We will work on a map project. Students will create their own map. They need to have a legend, compass rose, land forms, and cities. This project is always a lot of fun.
This week students will do SFML reproduction activities. They will put together a story they haven't heard before and label the structure. We are noticing craft (backstory, dialogue, inner thinking, etc) in our reading. Slowly I will expect students to add craft to their stories.
Students will choose a SFML to write about. It can be a story they written in the past as long as they go back and revise it. I've stressed to the class the importance of conferencing with a group and myself.
Grammar: The students had a noun quiz this past friday. Overall, the kids did well. We introduced/reviewed verbs last week.We will look at verbs in isolation and within our reading. I encourage you to point out the parts of speech in their nightly reading.
Reading
We are moving on to Traditional literature. We will discuss the characteristics of traditional literature. We will read mythology, fables, legends, etc. On Friday, I will introduce the reading strategies using a traditional literature story.
Students are wrapping up their book clubs. I will put them in new books clubs based on student choice.
Social Studies
We will work on a map project. Students will create their own map. They need to have a legend, compass rose, land forms, and cities. This project is always a lot of fun.
Monday, October 16, 2017
Remember Thursday and Friday are half days. We will dismiss at noon. I look forward to meeting to speaking with you all.
Writing
We are continuing with story mapping and marking up the text. This week our story is called, "The Yeller...or so I Thought" Students will label the structure in small groups.
Spelling: Students are taking home a spelling journal today. I introduced the spelling words for the week and we sorted the words together in their journal. They will take home their spelling journal so they can use it to help them study their spelling words. We will also use their spelling journal as a reference to help them spell during writer's workshop.
Grammar: We are continuing with nouns (common, proper, singular, and plural) this week. Grammar homework was passed out today. It will be due on Friday. We will go over the homework and place in the grammar section of their writing binder.
Reading
We are continuing with characterization and how characters change over time. Students will be assessed this week (hopefully if time permits) on characterization using their graphic organizer.
We will continue with book clubs. I have been so impressed in their active discussion skills. They are saying some great things about shared read aloud.
Social Studies
We are continuing with map skills.
Writing
We are continuing with story mapping and marking up the text. This week our story is called, "The Yeller...or so I Thought" Students will label the structure in small groups.
Spelling: Students are taking home a spelling journal today. I introduced the spelling words for the week and we sorted the words together in their journal. They will take home their spelling journal so they can use it to help them study their spelling words. We will also use their spelling journal as a reference to help them spell during writer's workshop.
Grammar: We are continuing with nouns (common, proper, singular, and plural) this week. Grammar homework was passed out today. It will be due on Friday. We will go over the homework and place in the grammar section of their writing binder.
Reading
We are continuing with characterization and how characters change over time. Students will be assessed this week (hopefully if time permits) on characterization using their graphic organizer.
We will continue with book clubs. I have been so impressed in their active discussion skills. They are saying some great things about shared read aloud.
Social Studies
We are continuing with map skills.
Monday, October 9, 2017
October 9-13
Happy Columbus Day!
Writing:
Our focus for the next couple of weeks will be to map stories. Students will read the story, " The Yeller...or so I Thought" First students will do a first read and mark it up. Then they will read it again looking to see how the story is structured. (looking at the STS, IE, RA, Climax, FA, and Resolution).
We will map the story on the story arc.
Grammar:
Yay, we are officially starting grammar! For the next two week, students will learn/review common/proper nouns and singular/plural nouns. Students will receive grammar homework next week on Monday. They will have a grammar test over nouns, but that won't be until Friday, the 27th.
Spelling:
Students will have their spelling test this Friday over the triple R blends.
Reading:
We have been diving into realistic fiction. This week we will look how characters change over time and how specific events change the character. I will introduce a new graphic organizer to them and we will practice using it.
Reader's workshop: Students will continue to read, track their thinking, and participate in book clubs.
Social Studies
We are having fun with maps this week. We will look over latitude/longitude, map skills, and review land forms. Our final project will be to create their own maps with a key, compass rose, land forms, etc.
Writing:
Our focus for the next couple of weeks will be to map stories. Students will read the story, " The Yeller...or so I Thought" First students will do a first read and mark it up. Then they will read it again looking to see how the story is structured. (looking at the STS, IE, RA, Climax, FA, and Resolution).
We will map the story on the story arc.
Grammar:
Yay, we are officially starting grammar! For the next two week, students will learn/review common/proper nouns and singular/plural nouns. Students will receive grammar homework next week on Monday. They will have a grammar test over nouns, but that won't be until Friday, the 27th.
Spelling:
Students will have their spelling test this Friday over the triple R blends.
Reading:
We have been diving into realistic fiction. This week we will look how characters change over time and how specific events change the character. I will introduce a new graphic organizer to them and we will practice using it.
Reader's workshop: Students will continue to read, track their thinking, and participate in book clubs.
Social Studies
We are having fun with maps this week. We will look over latitude/longitude, map skills, and review land forms. Our final project will be to create their own maps with a key, compass rose, land forms, etc.
Sunday, October 1, 2017
October 2-6
I look forward to meeting some of you this week for the start of October conferences.
Writing
This week our focus is on story mapping. We will read a story together as a class. We will
"mark it up" meaning we will read it first discussing what that story was about and take notes. We will then read it for a second time to map the story on the story arc. The focus is for students to see how stories are structured. (Setting, initiating event, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution).
Reading
We are starting our second read aloud, "Oggie Cooder" by Sarah Weeks. I love this book! It's a great book to discussion characterization, motivation, and how characters change over time. We will track our thinking together as class and write reading responses.
Social Studies
We are moving on to government. We will read the Social Studies Weekly news article together as a class and take notes in our journal.
Spelling: Spelling words will be passed out tomorrow. The students have two weeks to study their words.
Writing
This week our focus is on story mapping. We will read a story together as a class. We will
"mark it up" meaning we will read it first discussing what that story was about and take notes. We will then read it for a second time to map the story on the story arc. The focus is for students to see how stories are structured. (Setting, initiating event, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution).
Reading
We are starting our second read aloud, "Oggie Cooder" by Sarah Weeks. I love this book! It's a great book to discussion characterization, motivation, and how characters change over time. We will track our thinking together as class and write reading responses.
Social Studies
We are moving on to government. We will read the Social Studies Weekly news article together as a class and take notes in our journal.
Spelling: Spelling words will be passed out tomorrow. The students have two weeks to study their words.
Monday, September 25, 2017
September 25-29
Writing
This week students are writing their stories from the life. This is an informal writing piece. It will give me a chance to see where I need to start our writing instruction as a class. It's been nice to see the students conference with each other for help.
Reading
I am currently assessing the students reading this week. I will test their fluency, accuracy, and comprehension. I'll share this data with you all during our October conferences. During reader's workshop, students are expected to track their thinking in their reading journal. We have done this as a class with our class read aloud, "Third Grade Angels".
We are starting a new class read aloud, "Oggie Cooder" by Sarah Weeks. I showed the kids last week how I mark up the text in the book. They were a little shocked that I was writing in the book itself. If your child would like their own book to mark up the text, here is the link to order from Barnes and Noble. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/oggie-cooder-sarah-weeks/1100995526?ean=9780439927949
Please know purchasing the book is optional. I do read under the document camera so the kids can see the text. I like to pause and notice things authors do in their writing.
Social Studies
We are finishing up our "Where in the World Are You" unit this week. Students took notes in small group and will finish up on their own.
This week students are writing their stories from the life. This is an informal writing piece. It will give me a chance to see where I need to start our writing instruction as a class. It's been nice to see the students conference with each other for help.
Reading
I am currently assessing the students reading this week. I will test their fluency, accuracy, and comprehension. I'll share this data with you all during our October conferences. During reader's workshop, students are expected to track their thinking in their reading journal. We have done this as a class with our class read aloud, "Third Grade Angels".
We are starting a new class read aloud, "Oggie Cooder" by Sarah Weeks. I showed the kids last week how I mark up the text in the book. They were a little shocked that I was writing in the book itself. If your child would like their own book to mark up the text, here is the link to order from Barnes and Noble. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/oggie-cooder-sarah-weeks/1100995526?ean=9780439927949
Please know purchasing the book is optional. I do read under the document camera so the kids can see the text. I like to pause and notice things authors do in their writing.
Social Studies
We are finishing up our "Where in the World Are You" unit this week. Students took notes in small group and will finish up on their own.
Monday, September 18, 2017
September 18-22
Happy Monday!
Reading
This week we are reviewing the parts of the DRA. We will read, "Each Kindess" by Jacqueline Woodson. We will use this picture book to do a practice DRA as a class. I want students to understand what is being asked of them when they go to do the DRA on their own the following week.
We are continuing to review the routines of reader's workshop. As a class, our goal is to build our reading stamina. Reading homework is to read 20-30 minutes each night.
Book fair is this week! If you haven't seen it yet, it's AWESOME!!! In all my years here, I've never seen a book fair this awesome before. Students will go as a class on Wednesday to buy books. They may go during the week during class, but at an appropriate time.
Writing
We will spend all week story telling. Students will share stories with a partner. I'm hoping students will have connections to each other's stories so they can add more ideas to their "idea list" By Friday, students need to pick a SFML (story from my life) to write about.
Spelling
We have started spelling this week. A spelling list was passed out. Students will be tested on September 29th, meaning they will have the words for two weeks. I do not have spelling homework in my class. I expect the students to study their words to prepare them for the test. How you would like to study is up to you. I did pass out a spelling menu to give them ideas in how to study. They can try these activities out or do none of them at all, if they wish. Later on in the year, students will have grammar homework.
Social studies
Theme is week is "Where in the World Are You?" We will discuss Christopher Columbus, latitude and longitude, and map skills.
Reading
This week we are reviewing the parts of the DRA. We will read, "Each Kindess" by Jacqueline Woodson. We will use this picture book to do a practice DRA as a class. I want students to understand what is being asked of them when they go to do the DRA on their own the following week.
We are continuing to review the routines of reader's workshop. As a class, our goal is to build our reading stamina. Reading homework is to read 20-30 minutes each night.
Book fair is this week! If you haven't seen it yet, it's AWESOME!!! In all my years here, I've never seen a book fair this awesome before. Students will go as a class on Wednesday to buy books. They may go during the week during class, but at an appropriate time.
Writing
We will spend all week story telling. Students will share stories with a partner. I'm hoping students will have connections to each other's stories so they can add more ideas to their "idea list" By Friday, students need to pick a SFML (story from my life) to write about.
Spelling
We have started spelling this week. A spelling list was passed out. Students will be tested on September 29th, meaning they will have the words for two weeks. I do not have spelling homework in my class. I expect the students to study their words to prepare them for the test. How you would like to study is up to you. I did pass out a spelling menu to give them ideas in how to study. They can try these activities out or do none of them at all, if they wish. Later on in the year, students will have grammar homework.
Social studies
Theme is week is "Where in the World Are You?" We will discuss Christopher Columbus, latitude and longitude, and map skills.
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
September 11-15
Welcome back again! I hope you all made it safe and dry or at least with minimal damages. It's nice to be back into the routine!
We will have book fair starting next week. Students will go the library on Wednesdays. They may buy books before (with an adult) during, and after school.
We also have an author visit, Max Brallier, on September 25th. You will have the opportunity to purchase a signed book(s)that will be delivered to the classroom. You can ask Mrs. Dolan for the order form.
Reading
We started our shared read aloud. We are reading "Third Grade Angels" by Jerry Spinelli. We are tracking our thinking (in their journal) and writing down main ideas on our class anchor chart. The kiddos are doing well with reader's workshop. I can tell I have a bunch of readers! YAY! It's nice to see them so engrossed in their book.
Writing
Our focus is on ideas. We will brainstorm a list of ideas the students can write about. We will make a class list as well as an individual list the students can keep in their binder. They've been working hard on finishing their heart maps!
Social studies
Do you have a growth mindset? This week we will discuss the difference between a growth mind set and a fixed mind set. I'll post pics of our class anchor chart on our instagram page. :)
We will have book fair starting next week. Students will go the library on Wednesdays. They may buy books before (with an adult) during, and after school.
We also have an author visit, Max Brallier, on September 25th. You will have the opportunity to purchase a signed book(s)that will be delivered to the classroom. You can ask Mrs. Dolan for the order form.
Reading
We started our shared read aloud. We are reading "Third Grade Angels" by Jerry Spinelli. We are tracking our thinking (in their journal) and writing down main ideas on our class anchor chart. The kiddos are doing well with reader's workshop. I can tell I have a bunch of readers! YAY! It's nice to see them so engrossed in their book.
Writing
Our focus is on ideas. We will brainstorm a list of ideas the students can write about. We will make a class list as well as an individual list the students can keep in their binder. They've been working hard on finishing their heart maps!
Social studies
Do you have a growth mindset? This week we will discuss the difference between a growth mind set and a fixed mind set. I'll post pics of our class anchor chart on our instagram page. :)
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
First week
Hi parents!
Happy second day to you all! I hope you all are getting back into the swing of things. My kids were ready the first day but were dragging today. :)
Couple of class reminders:
-students have the option to bring snack
-"getting to know me"sheet is due on Friday (passed out on meet the teacher)
-scholastic orders are due on Friday (passed out on meet the teacher)
Here's what we are up to this week.
Reading
It's all about setting up readers' workshop. We will discuss what good readers do, what reader's workshop looks/sounds like, readers diet, classroom library, etc. My goal is to set up reader's workshop expectations for the year. It's been great to see the kids excited about the classroom library and reading.
Students will start map testing on Wednesday. They will be tested on reading this week and language the following week. I know the kids are familiar with Map testing from last year which is great! It won't be a scary thing.
Writing
We have set up our writer's notebook today. The kids had some time to free write today. This week we will set up the expectations for writers workshop. They will also work on their heart map at the end of the week. You might want to discuss some memories you cherish or their favorite things.
The students do have homework. They are to decorate their cardstock with pictures, stickers, drawings, etc. This will go on the cover of their writing binder. Their homework is due on Monday, August 28.
Social Studies
Our focus in social studies is building a classroom community. We will discuss what to expect from their teacher/classmates and what it means to be a good citizen in the classroom. Thursday and Friday, the students will be engaged in a "Growth Mindset" lesson. This teaches students they are capable of working hard to reach their potential and intelligence.
Happy second day to you all! I hope you all are getting back into the swing of things. My kids were ready the first day but were dragging today. :)
Couple of class reminders:
-students have the option to bring snack
-"getting to know me"sheet is due on Friday (passed out on meet the teacher)
-scholastic orders are due on Friday (passed out on meet the teacher)
Here's what we are up to this week.
Reading
It's all about setting up readers' workshop. We will discuss what good readers do, what reader's workshop looks/sounds like, readers diet, classroom library, etc. My goal is to set up reader's workshop expectations for the year. It's been great to see the kids excited about the classroom library and reading.
Students will start map testing on Wednesday. They will be tested on reading this week and language the following week. I know the kids are familiar with Map testing from last year which is great! It won't be a scary thing.
Writing
We have set up our writer's notebook today. The kids had some time to free write today. This week we will set up the expectations for writers workshop. They will also work on their heart map at the end of the week. You might want to discuss some memories you cherish or their favorite things.
The students do have homework. They are to decorate their cardstock with pictures, stickers, drawings, etc. This will go on the cover of their writing binder. Their homework is due on Monday, August 28.
Social Studies
Our focus in social studies is building a classroom community. We will discuss what to expect from their teacher/classmates and what it means to be a good citizen in the classroom. Thursday and Friday, the students will be engaged in a "Growth Mindset" lesson. This teaches students they are capable of working hard to reach their potential and intelligence.
Friday, August 18, 2017
Welcome!
Hi third graders! I am so excited to have you in my class this year. It's going to be an awesome year.
Parents: Please refer to my blog for any curriculum news, school news, important dates, etc. I will update it weekly, usually on Sunday nights. It you have any questions, please feel free to shoot me an email. I'm excited to get to know your sweet child.
Parents: Please refer to my blog for any curriculum news, school news, important dates, etc. I will update it weekly, usually on Sunday nights. It you have any questions, please feel free to shoot me an email. I'm excited to get to know your sweet child.
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