Back to School

The first day of school is TOMORROW!! I'm so excited to see all of my new 3rd grade kiddos, and to see my former 3rd graders pass me by as they go to 4th grade (which makes me just a little sad...)!! Such a wonderful time of year!!  And, at the end of the day, we'll all be exhausted because no one slept a wink the night before...lol!!! Hope everyone has a fabulous 1st day of school!!

Math and Science Links

On the Math and Science workshop pages, you'll find links to some websites that your child can use at home.  These websites have some really fun games and great videos that they'll definitely enjoy.  Check them out!!

MATH WORKSHOP

SCIENCE WORKSHOP

Time flies...

Wow...it's amazing how fast time flies! I apologize for my absence in posting to our classroom blog! Although, in my absence, I have enjoyed meeting all of you at parent conferences. As we discussed at conferences, if you have questions or concerns at any time, please just give me a call.

This week we are recognizing Red Ribbon week. Today was wacky sock day and tomorrow is mismatched clothing day. It will be interesting to see what the kids pick out of their closets to wear! And, Thursday is wear your favorite sports team shirt or jersey. It'll be a hard decision between the Rangers and the Red Raiders.....

We are also selling boo-grams as a third grade fundraiser. Boo-grams are 25cents each or 5 for $1.00.  The kids really enjoy delivering the candy and boo-grams to other classrooms.  I just try to stay out of the candy!

You might have noticed that your homework sheet looked a little different this week.  We made a decision on Monday to send home Reading and Spelling words, and not assign any Social Studies, Math, or Science homework.  Please have your child continue reading and practice their Spelling words. There will be a weekly test!

Math:  We continue to focus on multiplication and arrays in the classroom. Ask your child what an array is and see if they can draw and describe what they are doing in the classroom.

Science:  We continue with our focus on Force:  Push and Pull, and next week will add Simple Machines.  As with Math, ask your child questions about their activity in the classroom. They should be able to describe to you what a push and a pull means, and what impact gravity and friction have in everyday activities.

Thanks again for having your child at school on time everyday. It does make a difference! Have a wonderful week!!

Rounding Rap....

The kids learned a new rap today during Math! You should ask them to perform for you!!

Underline your number,
Look next door,
5 or greater, add one more.

Numbers to your left,
Stay the same.
Numbers to your right,
Zero's your name.

I have some really cute video that I'll be uploading, along with some pictures from our "Do you sink it will float" lab experiment.  They absolutely love Science lab and ask to go everyday!!

Have a wonderful week!!

I remember....

Yesterday, Ms. Grant and Ms. Draughn focused their lessons on the tragic events that occurred on September 11, 2001.  It's hard to believe it happened 10 years ago. Our third graders weren't even born! I remember exactly where I was standing when I received an urgent phone call from a friend to "turn on the tv". I'm sure you have vivid memories as well.  I am so incredibly thankful to live in this wonderful country, the United States of America!


Classroom news......
We have moved our recess time, and the kids are thrilled!! Our original recess time was at 2:30, and by that time of day, it is HOT! We have now changed our time to 12:35, right after lunch. It is working out beautifully, and the kids are loving the time outside!

In Math, we will be concentrating on rounding and estimation.  On my website, I have lots of links to interactive games and websites that your child can play at home and practice.  Also, we took an assessment on Friday, and students will be bringing that home in their Thursday folder.

In Science, we are continuing with our study on Matter. We will be measuring mass, determining what will sink or float, and sorting matter objects. There are also Science games on the website as well.

Parent Portal:  I am inputting grades often, but we are still having issues with Parent Portal. Hopefully, it will be up and running on Monday.


CALENDAR:
Tuesday, 9/13:  Curriculum Night - 6:30-7:30


Have a wonderful weekend!

Enjoy the long weekend!

I am so ready to relax and enjoy a beautiful three day weekend! And, I am sure your family is as well! It looks like our weather may actually be taking a break too. What a nice treat :)

I feel so blessed to be a teacher, and spend my day with your kids! Their little personalities are really starting to shine, and it's awesome to see the potential in each and every one of them.  Future doctors, lawyers, artists and talk show hosts!

Next week, we will continue with place value, writing numbers in words, and greater than/less than. We will have an assessment over these skills on Friday. In Science, we will be discussing the Scientific Method, and conducting some experiments with solids/liquids/gas and magnets.   Homework will reinforce the concepts that are taught in class. (And, it's a little longer than last weeks!!)  As they work on homework, encourage your child to teach and share with you what they are doing in class!

As always, if you have any questions, please either call or email me! Have an awesome weekend!!!

Homework begins this week!

We made it through the first week! The kids worked really hard, as we reviewed place value in Math, and discussed putting together our Science journals. Thank you so much for helping your child decorate their journal. I love their creativity, and made sure to show them off to our class!

This week brings their first week of homework. We started off pretty simple and have given them the entire week to finish their assignments. Please make sure your child brings their homework back to school this Friday, September 2, 2011.  This pattern of homework will continue throughout the year....homework assigned on Monday and due back on Friday. There may occasionally be additional assignments, but we do our best to limit them. We will be having projects due throughout the year as well and will let you know more about them later.

This week in Math, we will continue with place value (through the thousands) and also be reviewing greater than and less than. In Science, we will be touring the Science lab and talking about laboratory safety and science tools.

As always, if you have questions or concerns, please let me know! Have an awesome week!!