Somehow lots of time has gone by and I never set up a volunteer schedule. There is plenty to do, so if you are interested, I would LOVE for you to join us. You can come to our classroom on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis. You can even come in sporadically - whatever works for your schedule. Please let me know if you are interested.
Thanks!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Fifth Grade Simple Machines Fair
On Friday we went to the Fifth Grade Simple Machines Fair in the cafeteria. The fifth graders used simple machines to build inventions that can help people. One fifth grader built a game with a ball. You rolled the ball down an inclined plane that had lots of pegs on it. The goal was to get the ball in the jackpot at the end of the ramp. The boy used an inclined plane and screws to make the game. It was interesting!
by, Room 221
P.S. This article was written as a shared writing. Shared writing is when a group of children (in this case the entire class) shares the pen. They work together to decide what words to use and how to make the writing as clear as possible. We hope to write one article together each Friday as we prepare for our Reflection Letters.
by, Room 221
P.S. This article was written as a shared writing. Shared writing is when a group of children (in this case the entire class) shares the pen. They work together to decide what words to use and how to make the writing as clear as possible. We hope to write one article together each Friday as we prepare for our Reflection Letters.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Extra Help
I will continue to hold extra help sessions on Tuesday mornings (7:50-8:20)and Thursday afternoons (2:35-3:05). In order to best meet the needs of each child I will be choosing a focus for each session. This week we will continue our focus on telling time. (Some day we will have a full week of school so we can move on... :o)If your child needs or would like some extra practice in this area they are welcome to attend either or both days.
I am happy to see as many children who are interested. I only ask that you notify me to let me know that your child is coming.
I am happy to see as many children who are interested. I only ask that you notify me to let me know that your child is coming.
Challenge #4
Technology
*The name of this apparatus comes from the Greek word meaning "calculating board."
*It is generally recognized as the first calculating machine, since it was used by Babylonian traders as early as 1000 BC and in China in 800 BC.
*This counting machine is still used in many countries to teach the elements of the numerical system.
*The device consists of beads that serve as counters, strung on wires in a frame; different wires represent different place values (1s, 10s, 100s, 1000s, etc..).
*By moving the beads up and down, an adept user can quickly perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; no pen, paper or electricity is used, and it works in any base number system.
*The name of this apparatus comes from the Greek word meaning "calculating board."
*It is generally recognized as the first calculating machine, since it was used by Babylonian traders as early as 1000 BC and in China in 800 BC.
*This counting machine is still used in many countries to teach the elements of the numerical system.
*The device consists of beads that serve as counters, strung on wires in a frame; different wires represent different place values (1s, 10s, 100s, 1000s, etc..).
*By moving the beads up and down, an adept user can quickly perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; no pen, paper or electricity is used, and it works in any base number system.
Challenge #3 - Answer
Challenge #3
Science:
*The name of this configuration translates to "The Big Hunter"; in Greek mythology, he boasted that no animal could defeat him.
*One of the most recognizable patterns of stars in the Northern sky, it is home to super giant stars named Rigel and Betelgeuse.
*Extremely rich in bright stars and in deep sky objects, the constellation is useful in locating other stars.
*In the Northern Hemisphere, this cluster of star lights up the night sky from late fall to early spring.
*It depicts a hunter standing by the river accompanied by his faithful dogs, Canis Major and Canis Minor.
Answer: Orion
Science:
*The name of this configuration translates to "The Big Hunter"; in Greek mythology, he boasted that no animal could defeat him.
*One of the most recognizable patterns of stars in the Northern sky, it is home to super giant stars named Rigel and Betelgeuse.
*Extremely rich in bright stars and in deep sky objects, the constellation is useful in locating other stars.
*In the Northern Hemisphere, this cluster of star lights up the night sky from late fall to early spring.
*It depicts a hunter standing by the river accompanied by his faithful dogs, Canis Major and Canis Minor.
Answer: Orion
Friday, January 28, 2011
Estimation Jar
As you may know, third grade mathematicians have been practicing their estimation skills. This week Irene filled the Estimation Jar with corks. Throughout the week children write their estimates on scrap paper and submit them to the Star Box.
Together we go through the estimates and round each to the nearest ten (or hundred - depending on the estimates). The estimates are placed on the line plot.
Word of the Week!
miniature - tiny, very small
Encourage your third grader to notice this word around them and to use this word whenever they can!
Encourage your third grader to notice this word around them and to use this word whenever they can!
Sorry!
I don't want families to be concerned that children are not bringing home their corrected work. Due to the "perfect" storm: grading assessments, report cards, a flooding basement, and strep throat - my pile of correcting has taken on a life of its own. I hope to tackle most of it this weekend, so you should see a large pile in your child's folder on Monday. I'm sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Circles and Stars
Mathematicians in Room 221 learned a new math game yesterday. It's very simple and helps children better understand the concept of multiplication.
You can play with two or more players. All you need is a die, paper and pencils. The goal is to get the highest product. (Remind your mathematician that product is the answer to a multiplication problem.)
The first player rolls the die. The number that is rolled indicates the number of circles the player should draw. The same player rolls the die for a second time. This number indicates how many stars should be drawn in each circle. For example, if I roll a 6, I should draw 6 circles. If I roll a 4 on my next roll, I should draw 4 stars in each circle. Now I have 6 groups of 4 - in other words 6 X 4. Players can solve the multiplication sentence or simply count the stars to find the product.
Play continues with each player completing the same steps. After all players have had a turn, the player with the highest product wins.
The play can continue with as many rounds as you'd like.
The emphasis here is that multiplication is combining equal groups. It is also repeated addition (4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4).
*If your child is already skilled at multiplication, you can always play the game with larger numbers - just use two dice.
Have fun!
You can play with two or more players. All you need is a die, paper and pencils. The goal is to get the highest product. (Remind your mathematician that product is the answer to a multiplication problem.)
The first player rolls the die. The number that is rolled indicates the number of circles the player should draw. The same player rolls the die for a second time. This number indicates how many stars should be drawn in each circle. For example, if I roll a 6, I should draw 6 circles. If I roll a 4 on my next roll, I should draw 4 stars in each circle. Now I have 6 groups of 4 - in other words 6 X 4. Players can solve the multiplication sentence or simply count the stars to find the product.
Play continues with each player completing the same steps. After all players have had a turn, the player with the highest product wins.
The play can continue with as many rounds as you'd like.
The emphasis here is that multiplication is combining equal groups. It is also repeated addition (4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4).
*If your child is already skilled at multiplication, you can always play the game with larger numbers - just use two dice.
Have fun!
Study of the States
Hopefully your children are busy at home preparing their dioramas and paragraphs for the State Fair. Over the next couple of weeks I will give the children one night per week without written homework to give them additional time to work on it. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
The children are working equally hard at school. While we are focusing in on one small aspect of their state at home, we are looking at the entire state at school. The children have completed research sheets to gain general information. We are learning about agriculture and manufacturing. (Ask your child for an example of something that is manufactured! Ask them the difference between manufacturing and agriculture!) We are learning that states became parts of our nation at different times.
This information will be compiled and shared on a large display board that will represent each region at the state fair. They will be displayed along with the children's dioramas. Together the children will look carefully at their collective states and analyze why they are grouped together. Most importantly, we want children to understand that where people live in our country affect how they live.
The children are working equally hard at school. While we are focusing in on one small aspect of their state at home, we are looking at the entire state at school. The children have completed research sheets to gain general information. We are learning about agriculture and manufacturing. (Ask your child for an example of something that is manufactured! Ask them the difference between manufacturing and agriculture!) We are learning that states became parts of our nation at different times.
This information will be compiled and shared on a large display board that will represent each region at the state fair. They will be displayed along with the children's dioramas. Together the children will look carefully at their collective states and analyze why they are grouped together. Most importantly, we want children to understand that where people live in our country affect how they live.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Challenge #3
Challenge #3
Science:
*The name of this configuration translates to "The Big Hunter"; in Greek mythology, he boasted that no animal could defeat him.
*One of the most recognizable patterns of stars in the Northern sky, it is home to super giant stars named Rigel and Betelgeuse.
*Extremely rich in bright stars and in deep sky objects, the constellation is useful in locating other stars.
*In the Northern Hemisphere, this cluster of star lights up the night sky from late fall to early spring.
*It depicts a hunter standing by the river accompanied by his faithful dogs, Canis Major and Canis Minor.
Science:
*The name of this configuration translates to "The Big Hunter"; in Greek mythology, he boasted that no animal could defeat him.
*One of the most recognizable patterns of stars in the Northern sky, it is home to super giant stars named Rigel and Betelgeuse.
*Extremely rich in bright stars and in deep sky objects, the constellation is useful in locating other stars.
*In the Northern Hemisphere, this cluster of star lights up the night sky from late fall to early spring.
*It depicts a hunter standing by the river accompanied by his faithful dogs, Canis Major and Canis Minor.
Challenge #2 - Answer
Challenge #2
Subject Area: Art
*This genre flourished among 17th century Dutch painters; the term originated in the Dutch language as "and."
*This art often adorned ancient Egyptian tombs, and Paul Cezanne made it famous with his Apples and Peaches.
*These paintings give the artist freedom in the arrangement of the design elements within a composition.
*It is a work of art depicting inanimate objects such as pottery, flowers or fruit arranged in a pleasing way.
Answer: Still Life
Subject Area: Art
*This genre flourished among 17th century Dutch painters; the term originated in the Dutch language as "and."
*This art often adorned ancient Egyptian tombs, and Paul Cezanne made it famous with his Apples and Peaches.
*These paintings give the artist freedom in the arrangement of the design elements within a composition.
*It is a work of art depicting inanimate objects such as pottery, flowers or fruit arranged in a pleasing way.
Answer: Still Life
Extra Help
I will continue to hold extra help sessions on Tuesday mornings (7:50-8:20)and Thursday afternoons (2:35-3:05). In order to best meet the needs of each child I will be choosing a focus for each session. This week we will focus on telling time. If your child needs or would like some extra practice in this area they are welcome to attend either or both days.
I am happy to see as many children who are interested. I only ask that you notify me to let me know that your child is coming.
I am happy to see as many children who are interested. I only ask that you notify me to let me know that your child is coming.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Things That Come in Groups
During the next few weeks, your child will be working on a mathematics unit about multiplication and division, called Things That Come in Groups.
Today third graders made lists of items that come grouped in different amounts-- things like 2 shoes in a pair, 7 days in a week, 12 eggs in a carton. Later the class will use these lists to write their own story problems.
Students will also work with the 100 chart, which shows the numbers from 1 through 100, organized in a systematic 10-by-10 grid. On this chart, your child will discover patterns in the multiples of a given number. We will also use arrays, or objects arranged in rows and columns to form rectangles of different shapes and dimensions. Students play games with Array Cards, learning to recognize the dimensions and the total number of small squares in each rectangle. The aim is a meaningful introduction to multiplication that helps students visualize what multiplication combinations "look" like.
Through our activities, students will be learning many multiplication pairs (or "facts"). Students will naturally learn many of these multiples through repeated use. They will practice counting by different multiples-- for example, by 3s (3,6,9,12...) - as one way of learning multiplication relationships. Students will be encouraged to visualize what these "facts" mean and what their relationships are -- for example, that 6 x 4 is four more than 5 x 4 or that 4 x 8 is double 2 x 8.
The emphasis of this unit is on understanding what multiplication and division mean. The children will be asked to make sense of different multiplication and division situations. They will develop their own ways for thinking and writing about these. Family members can help with many of the assignments during this unit. For example, you can help your child look for things that come in equal groups. You can take turns skip counting on the 100 chart with your child. And you can play the number games that your child brings home.
Today third graders made lists of items that come grouped in different amounts-- things like 2 shoes in a pair, 7 days in a week, 12 eggs in a carton. Later the class will use these lists to write their own story problems.
Students will also work with the 100 chart, which shows the numbers from 1 through 100, organized in a systematic 10-by-10 grid. On this chart, your child will discover patterns in the multiples of a given number. We will also use arrays, or objects arranged in rows and columns to form rectangles of different shapes and dimensions. Students play games with Array Cards, learning to recognize the dimensions and the total number of small squares in each rectangle. The aim is a meaningful introduction to multiplication that helps students visualize what multiplication combinations "look" like.
Through our activities, students will be learning many multiplication pairs (or "facts"). Students will naturally learn many of these multiples through repeated use. They will practice counting by different multiples-- for example, by 3s (3,6,9,12...) - as one way of learning multiplication relationships. Students will be encouraged to visualize what these "facts" mean and what their relationships are -- for example, that 6 x 4 is four more than 5 x 4 or that 4 x 8 is double 2 x 8.
The emphasis of this unit is on understanding what multiplication and division mean. The children will be asked to make sense of different multiplication and division situations. They will develop their own ways for thinking and writing about these. Family members can help with many of the assignments during this unit. For example, you can help your child look for things that come in equal groups. You can take turns skip counting on the 100 chart with your child. And you can play the number games that your child brings home.
Tri-fold Boards
To assist us as we prepare for the state fair, Room 221 needs three tri-fold presentation boards. These can be purchased at Staples or other office supply stores. We would appreciate any donations.
FCA - Best Spelling
Some children have "Best Spelling" as an FCA this week. If children are doing their best spelling the following words should be spelled correctly:
Trick Words - Those children were tested on earlier in the year - most of them have mastered all or most of them.
Word Wall Words - Homophones that have been introduce and reviewed this year. Click here to see the Word Wall on our website.
Words displayed on a book or worksheet - anything that a third grader is working with
Rules Third Graders have learned in Fundations
Trick Words - Those children were tested on earlier in the year - most of them have mastered all or most of them.
Word Wall Words - Homophones that have been introduce and reviewed this year. Click here to see the Word Wall on our website.
Words displayed on a book or worksheet - anything that a third grader is working with
Rules Third Graders have learned in Fundations
Thursday, January 20, 2011
State Projects
Has your third grader told you about the state they will research? We have begun learning about the states in our country! Our study will culminate with a State Fair on Tuesday, February 15 at 9:00. (Please save the date! :o)
Each child will focus on one state. They will be asked to do research at home and at school. Ask your child which state he/she is studying. Hopefully you found the actual assignment in your child's folder yesterday. This gives explicit instructions for each part of the assignment. We will go over it carefully this afternoon. Please note that the projects are due on Friday, February 11. (I believe the day was wrong on the notice.)
Finally, I will not give written homework on Thursdays until the project due date. I hope this gives your child extra time to do their very best work.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
:o)Melanie
Each child will focus on one state. They will be asked to do research at home and at school. Ask your child which state he/she is studying. Hopefully you found the actual assignment in your child's folder yesterday. This gives explicit instructions for each part of the assignment. We will go over it carefully this afternoon. Please note that the projects are due on Friday, February 11. (I believe the day was wrong on the notice.)
Finally, I will not give written homework on Thursdays until the project due date. I hope this gives your child extra time to do their very best work.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
:o)Melanie
Elapsed Time
Elapsed Time:
Elapsed time is the amount of time that has passed. In third grade, children are expected to solve problems involving elapsed time, but it can be very tricky for them. Fortunately, we have learned a trick! The children have learned to make a T chart. You put the starting time at the top of the chart. You count the hours by ones and the minutes by fives. When you get to the ending time, you should have the accurate answer. Ask your third grader to show you tonight!
For example:
Start time - 12:35, End time - 3:15
12:35, 1:35, 2:35 -That's 3 hours.
2:35, 2:40, 2:45, 2:50, 2:55, 3:00, 3:05, 3:10, 3:15 -That's 40 minutes
Answer - 3 hours, 40 minutes
(*It all looks nicer on a T chart but I lacked the technological skills to put one on this page. Sorry!)
Elapsed time is the amount of time that has passed. In third grade, children are expected to solve problems involving elapsed time, but it can be very tricky for them. Fortunately, we have learned a trick! The children have learned to make a T chart. You put the starting time at the top of the chart. You count the hours by ones and the minutes by fives. When you get to the ending time, you should have the accurate answer. Ask your third grader to show you tonight!
For example:
Start time - 12:35, End time - 3:15
12:35, 1:35, 2:35 -That's 3 hours.
2:35, 2:40, 2:45, 2:50, 2:55, 3:00, 3:05, 3:10, 3:15 -That's 40 minutes
Answer - 3 hours, 40 minutes
(*It all looks nicer on a T chart but I lacked the technological skills to put one on this page. Sorry!)
Monday, January 17, 2011
Scholastic Book Club
Tomorrow is the last day I will accept new orders for Scholastic! Click here if you would like to place an order online. Reminder - our classroom code is:DRVHV.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Extra Help
I will continue to hold extra help sessions on Tuesday mornings (7:50-8:20)and Thursday afternoons (2:35-3:05). In order to best meet the needs of each child I will be choosing a focus for each session. This week we will continue to focus on subtraction with regrouping. If your child needs or would like some extra practice in this area they are welcome to attend either or both days.
I am happy to see as many children who are interested. I only ask that you notify me to let me know that your child is coming.
I am happy to see as many children who are interested. I only ask that you notify me to let me know that your child is coming.
Challenge #2
Each weekend I plan to post a new "trivia" challenge. (I know I started a math problem solving challenge a while ago, but I have a book full of these, so I hope to be more consistent... :o)The challenge will include a list of clues listed from most general to most specific. The object is to investigate each clue using resource books and/or the internet and to combine the information to arrive at the correct solution to the puzzle. Each child can work independently or together with family members to complete the research.
The challenges help enhance logical thinking, deductive reasong and problem solving abilities. Mostly I hope you have fun learning together! Good luck! I will post the answers on Friday.
Challenge #2
Subject Area: Art
*This genre flourished among 17th century Dutch painters; the term originated in the Dutch language as "and."
*This art often adorned ancient Egyptian tombs, and Paul Cezanne made it famous with his Apples and Peaches.
*These paintings give the artist freedom in the arrangement of the design elements within a composition.
*It is a work of art depicting inanimate objects such as pottery, flowers or fruit arranged in a pleasing way.
The challenges help enhance logical thinking, deductive reasong and problem solving abilities. Mostly I hope you have fun learning together! Good luck! I will post the answers on Friday.
Challenge #2
Subject Area: Art
*This genre flourished among 17th century Dutch painters; the term originated in the Dutch language as "and."
*This art often adorned ancient Egyptian tombs, and Paul Cezanne made it famous with his Apples and Peaches.
*These paintings give the artist freedom in the arrangement of the design elements within a composition.
*It is a work of art depicting inanimate objects such as pottery, flowers or fruit arranged in a pleasing way.
Answer to Challenge
Challenge #1
Subject Area: Nature
*It lives in select boggy areas in North and South Carolina but is endangered and today grows mostly in greenhouses.
*Its leaves have short, stiff hairs called "triggers" or "sensitive hairs."
*It secretes digestive juices to dissolve the soft inner part of what it catches; leftover parts are blown or washed away when it re-opens after five to twelve days.
*When anything touches the hairs enough to bend them, two lobes or leaves snap shut and trap whatever is inside.
*It is a carnivorous, insect-eating plant that also gathers nutrients from gases in the air and the soil.
Answer: Venus Fly Trap
Let me know if you were right! :o)
Subject Area: Nature
*It lives in select boggy areas in North and South Carolina but is endangered and today grows mostly in greenhouses.
*Its leaves have short, stiff hairs called "triggers" or "sensitive hairs."
*It secretes digestive juices to dissolve the soft inner part of what it catches; leftover parts are blown or washed away when it re-opens after five to twelve days.
*When anything touches the hairs enough to bend them, two lobes or leaves snap shut and trap whatever is inside.
*It is a carnivorous, insect-eating plant that also gathers nutrients from gases in the air and the soil.
Answer: Venus Fly Trap
Let me know if you were right! :o)
Friday, January 14, 2011
Regions of the United States
Third grade geographers are so excited to learn about the 50 United States! We have officially started our unit, and will choose which state each child would like to "dig into" on Tuesday!
This afternoon, geographers looked at one way the country is divided into regions. (Different people divide it in different ways, we teach just one example.) Ask your child to tell you where to find these regions on a map of The United States:
New England
Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Midwest
West
Southwest
Pacific
In addition,it is important that all children know the following:
Our country is made up of 50 states.
Each state has a capital.
The capital of our country is Washington D.C.
We live in Massachusetts.
The capital of Massachusetts is Boston.
This afternoon, geographers looked at one way the country is divided into regions. (Different people divide it in different ways, we teach just one example.) Ask your child to tell you where to find these regions on a map of The United States:
New England
Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Midwest
West
Southwest
Pacific
In addition,it is important that all children know the following:
Our country is made up of 50 states.
Each state has a capital.
The capital of our country is Washington D.C.
We live in Massachusetts.
The capital of Massachusetts is Boston.
Weekend Adventure
I am using the Weekend Adventure as an assessment this week, so don't be surprised when your third grader comes home without it. They will complete it in school on Tuesday. You can expect math homework in their folder Tuesday night.
Have a good weekend!
Have a good weekend!
Reflection Letters
Unfortunately, reflection letters did not make it into our schedule this morning. We will be sure to write to you next Friday. Sorry!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Word of the Week!
meteorite - a big piece of rock of metal that falls from space
Encourage your third grader to notice this word around them and to use this word whenever they can!
Encourage your third grader to notice this word around them and to use this word whenever they can!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Extra Help - Math
Starting this week I will be holding extra help sessions on Tuesday mornings (7:50-8:20)and Thursday afternoons (2:35-3:05). In order to best meet the needs of each child I will be choosing a focus for each session. For example, this week there will be a focus on subtraction with regrouping. If your child needs or would like some extra practice in this area they are welcome to attend either or both days.
I am happy to see as many children who are interested. I only ask that you notify me to let me know that your child is coming.
I am happy to see as many children who are interested. I only ask that you notify me to let me know that your child is coming.
Telling Time
Do you have digital clocks all over your house so your third grader will know what time it is? You don't have to anymore! The children are becoming time experts. Right now most children can tell time to 15 minutes. We are practicing telling time to the minute.
Here are some tricky parts you can practice together:
1. When it is half past the hour (30 minutes past), the hour hand is half way to the next hour. (Often children will say that it's 3:30 when the hour hand hasn't reached the 3 yet.)
2. The kids are really good at saying it's 9:45, or 10:50. But when I ask how many minutes until _______. It get's trickier. We are learning that it's 10 minutes before 11:00 when it's 10:50. You can practice counting how many minutes until ________ at home.
Here are some tricky parts you can practice together:
1. When it is half past the hour (30 minutes past), the hour hand is half way to the next hour. (Often children will say that it's 3:30 when the hour hand hasn't reached the 3 yet.)
2. The kids are really good at saying it's 9:45, or 10:50. But when I ask how many minutes until _______. It get's trickier. We are learning that it's 10 minutes before 11:00 when it's 10:50. You can practice counting how many minutes until ________ at home.
Read Aloud
Please read aloud to your children! I know they are third graders and can read independently, but they can still get so much from you reading to them. Some of the many benefits are:
*inspires writing
*expands vocabulary
*boosts comprehension
*increases achievement
*improves listening skills
*builds general knowledge
*encourages visual imagery
*broadens knowledge of genre
*reveals different writing styles
*fosters curiosity and imagination
*reveals different language patterns
*promotes motivation to read and learn
*extends knowledge of literary elements
Don't be afraid to share your THINKING as you read aloud!
You might say:
*I'm wondering...
*I predict.... because...
*If I were ________ (character's name) I would have...
*I liked the part when...
It's mostly just important to share the kind of thinking you do when you are reading on your own. You are a fantastic model for your children!
*inspires writing
*expands vocabulary
*boosts comprehension
*increases achievement
*improves listening skills
*builds general knowledge
*encourages visual imagery
*broadens knowledge of genre
*reveals different writing styles
*fosters curiosity and imagination
*reveals different language patterns
*promotes motivation to read and learn
*extends knowledge of literary elements
Don't be afraid to share your THINKING as you read aloud!
You might say:
*I'm wondering...
*I predict.... because...
*If I were ________ (character's name) I would have...
*I liked the part when...
It's mostly just important to share the kind of thinking you do when you are reading on your own. You are a fantastic model for your children!
Getting Organized
There was a flurry of papers Friday morning as we sorted through our folders to get ourselves organized. You may have seen a lot of "extra" papers on Friday afternoon that got lost in the confines of our desk.
We are going to work hard to put everything in its place as we are working so that we can always find what we need. I notice that the children stay organized best (as do I) when they have routines to follow. For example, at the end of every day, the children are asked to check their folders for unfinished work so that they don't get too far behind.
We are going to work hard to put everything in its place as we are working so that we can always find what we need. I notice that the children stay organized best (as do I) when they have routines to follow. For example, at the end of every day, the children are asked to check their folders for unfinished work so that they don't get too far behind.
New Challenge!
Each Sunday I plan to post a new "trivia" challenge. (I know I started a math problem solving challenge a while ago, but I have a book full of these, so I hope to be more consistent... :o)The challenge will include a list of clues listed from most general to most specific. The object is to investigate each clue using resource books and/or the internet and to combine the information to arrive at the correct solution to the puzzle. Each child can work independently or together with family members to complete the research.
The challenges help enhance logical thinking, deductive reasong and problem solving abilities. Mostly I hope you have fun learning together! Good luck! I will post the answers on Friday.
Challenge #1
Subject Area: Nature
*It lives in select boggy areas in North and South Carolina but is endangered and today grows mostly in greenhouses.
*Its leaves have short, stiff hairs called "triggers" or "sensitive hairs."
*It secretes digestive juices to dissolve the soft inner part of what it catches; leftover parts are blown or washed away when it re-opens after five to twelve days.
*When anything touches the hairs enough to bend them, two lobes or leaves snap shut and trap whatever is inside.
*It is a carnivorous, insect-eating plant that also gathers nutrients from gases in the air and the soil.
The challenges help enhance logical thinking, deductive reasong and problem solving abilities. Mostly I hope you have fun learning together! Good luck! I will post the answers on Friday.
Challenge #1
Subject Area: Nature
*It lives in select boggy areas in North and South Carolina but is endangered and today grows mostly in greenhouses.
*Its leaves have short, stiff hairs called "triggers" or "sensitive hairs."
*It secretes digestive juices to dissolve the soft inner part of what it catches; leftover parts are blown or washed away when it re-opens after five to twelve days.
*When anything touches the hairs enough to bend them, two lobes or leaves snap shut and trap whatever is inside.
*It is a carnivorous, insect-eating plant that also gathers nutrients from gases in the air and the soil.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
New Homophones!
We added to our Word Wall again this week! Our Word Wall consists of homophones that are commonly misspelled. A homophone is a word that sounds like another word, but has a different meaning and is spelled differently.
I updated a paper copy that was sent home. Keep it where your child does homework for easy reference. Once a homophone is on the Word Wall, I expect it to be spelled correctly in each child's work.
*You can also find a copy on our classroom website.
We learned three new sets:
father - A parent who is a man
farther - When two objects have a large amount of space between them
***********************************
berry - Tiny round fruit that grow on bushes or trees
bury - When someone places something in a hole and covers it up
***********************************
weather - A condition of the air or climate
whether - Referring to an option between two or more choices
I updated a paper copy that was sent home. Keep it where your child does homework for easy reference. Once a homophone is on the Word Wall, I expect it to be spelled correctly in each child's work.
*You can also find a copy on our classroom website.
We learned three new sets:
father - A parent who is a man
farther - When two objects have a large amount of space between them
***********************************
berry - Tiny round fruit that grow on bushes or trees
bury - When someone places something in a hole and covers it up
***********************************
weather - A condition of the air or climate
whether - Referring to an option between two or more choices
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