Thursday, April 28, 2011
Summer Reading Challenge!
Your child will be bringing home their User Name and Password today. Third grade readers can start logging their minutes immediately! :o)
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Summer Reading Challenge!
Studies show that kids who read over the summer maintain the skills they’ve built during the school year, and score higher on reading tests when they return to school in the fall. To keep reading all summer long, our class is signed-up to participate in the 2011 Scholastic Summer Challenge, a free reading program dedicated to stopping the “Summer Slide” and encouraging kids to read more books this summer.
Now in its fifth year, the Summer Challenge invites kids to log the minutes they spend reading as they Read for the World Record. The 20 schools with the most minutes logged will receive recognition in the 2012 Scholastic Book of World Records. Kids can participate in weekly challenges, earn digital rewards, enter sweepstakes to win fabulous prizes, and more. Our class is reading on behalf of our school, so cheer them on and check our school's reading progress on the Summer Challenge interactive map. Your child has been given a screen name and a password to participate at www.scholastic.com/summer. Kids can sign in and start logging minutes on April 27, 2011.
You can get involved, too! Visit www.scholastic.com/summer to download summer book lists by age, find expert tips on motivating your child to read, encourage your child to log minutes online and track our school’s reading minutes together. If your child provides your email address during log-in, Scholastic can notify you on your child's reading achievements throughout the summer.
You should review the Scholastic Summer Challenge Privacy Policy which describes the information that has been or may be collected from your child or student in connection with Summer Challenge, how Scholastic may use it, and how you can access, change or delete your child's information. To revoke Summer Challenge permission or to request to review or have deleted a child’s personally identifiable information from Scholastic’s records, and refuse to permit further collection or use of a child’s personally identifiable information, parents or teachers may call Scholastic at (800) 246-2986 or write to e-Scholastic, 557 Broadway, New York, New York 10012, Re: 2011 Summer Challenge (to revoke permission for Summer Challenge) or Re: Parent/Teacher Request for Information (general requests). You can also print, complete and return this letter to the specified address. Scholastic may ask for verification of identity to ensure that no personally identifiable information is provided to anyone other than the child’s parent or teacher.
For more information about the Summer Challenge, please visit www.scholastic.com/summer, or review the Frequently Asked Questions. To read the Scholastic.com Terms of Use, go to http://www.scholastic.com/terms.htm. You can also email Scholastic with general questions about the Summer Challenge at summerchallenge@scholastic.com
Now in its fifth year, the Summer Challenge invites kids to log the minutes they spend reading as they Read for the World Record. The 20 schools with the most minutes logged will receive recognition in the 2012 Scholastic Book of World Records. Kids can participate in weekly challenges, earn digital rewards, enter sweepstakes to win fabulous prizes, and more. Our class is reading on behalf of our school, so cheer them on and check our school's reading progress on the Summer Challenge interactive map. Your child has been given a screen name and a password to participate at www.scholastic.com/summer. Kids can sign in and start logging minutes on April 27, 2011.
You can get involved, too! Visit www.scholastic.com/summer to download summer book lists by age, find expert tips on motivating your child to read, encourage your child to log minutes online and track our school’s reading minutes together. If your child provides your email address during log-in, Scholastic can notify you on your child's reading achievements throughout the summer.
You should review the Scholastic Summer Challenge Privacy Policy which describes the information that has been or may be collected from your child or student in connection with Summer Challenge, how Scholastic may use it, and how you can access, change or delete your child's information. To revoke Summer Challenge permission or to request to review or have deleted a child’s personally identifiable information from Scholastic’s records, and refuse to permit further collection or use of a child’s personally identifiable information, parents or teachers may call Scholastic at (800) 246-2986 or write to e-Scholastic, 557 Broadway, New York, New York 10012, Re: 2011 Summer Challenge (to revoke permission for Summer Challenge) or Re: Parent/Teacher Request for Information (general requests). You can also print, complete and return this letter to the specified address. Scholastic may ask for verification of identity to ensure that no personally identifiable information is provided to anyone other than the child’s parent or teacher.
For more information about the Summer Challenge, please visit www.scholastic.com/summer, or review the Frequently Asked Questions. To read the Scholastic.com Terms of Use, go to http://www.scholastic.com/terms.htm. You can also email Scholastic with general questions about the Summer Challenge at summerchallenge@scholastic.com
Matter
Today we read "What's the Matter in Mr. Whisker's Room?" We learned all about matter!
Everything around us is made up of matter. As an introduction to our unit on electricity, the children learned that matter:
*takes up space
*has weight
*can sink or float
*can be in different forms - solid, liquid, gas
*can change from one form to another - from solid to liquid, or from liquid to gas
*can be "sensed" - hear, smell, feel, taste, see
Ask your child to name some matter around you!
P.S. Next week we will learn what matter has to do with electricity. Hint: Matter is made up of atoms. Atoms are made up of electrons. The flow of electrons IS electricity!
P.P.S. You and your third grade scientist can make oobleck at home! Oobleck is a fun material that changes from a solid to a liquid then back again.
Mix 7 tablespoons of cornstarch with 4 tablespoons of water a little at a time until you get a mixture that is solid when still, but melts into a liquid when held. Stir in a little green paint or food coloring. Store it in a plastic container with a lid.
Everything around us is made up of matter. As an introduction to our unit on electricity, the children learned that matter:
*takes up space
*has weight
*can sink or float
*can be in different forms - solid, liquid, gas
*can change from one form to another - from solid to liquid, or from liquid to gas
*can be "sensed" - hear, smell, feel, taste, see
Ask your child to name some matter around you!
P.S. Next week we will learn what matter has to do with electricity. Hint: Matter is made up of atoms. Atoms are made up of electrons. The flow of electrons IS electricity!
P.P.S. You and your third grade scientist can make oobleck at home! Oobleck is a fun material that changes from a solid to a liquid then back again.
Mix 7 tablespoons of cornstarch with 4 tablespoons of water a little at a time until you get a mixture that is solid when still, but melts into a liquid when held. Stir in a little green paint or food coloring. Store it in a plastic container with a lid.
Word Girl Contest!
This afternoon third grade word wizards are competing in the 2011 WordGirl Definition Competition! The event is a great way to engage students with vocabulary words in an entertaining and interactive context and have fun in the process! During the 30-minute live webcast, our class will play along, in real-time, by submitting answers online during the webcast—and may even be called out during the event!
The activities in the competition will help us:
• Understand the meaning of words
• Use textual context clues for correct word usage
• Leverage visual context clues to define words
• Draw on existing vocabulary knowledge
• Present vocabulary words in multiple and interesting contexts
By participating in the Definition Competition, our class and school will be automatically entered for a chance to win fabulous books and WordGirl prizes!
Ask your child to tell you a new word they learned this afternoon!
The activities in the competition will help us:
• Understand the meaning of words
• Use textual context clues for correct word usage
• Leverage visual context clues to define words
• Draw on existing vocabulary knowledge
• Present vocabulary words in multiple and interesting contexts
By participating in the Definition Competition, our class and school will be automatically entered for a chance to win fabulous books and WordGirl prizes!
Ask your child to tell you a new word they learned this afternoon!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Check These Out!
All children who love books and reading should check out these websites. They are filled with book reviews written by children as well as book suggestions and links to other cool sites. Check them out!
www.kidsreads.com
www.spaghettibookclub.org
www.kidsreads.com
www.spaghettibookclub.org
Challenge #9: Nature
*It first took place on April 10, 1872 in Nebraska.
*It was the brainchild of Julius S. Morgan who was Grover Cleveland's Secretary of Agriculture.
*All 50 states celebrate the day, and it is also celebrated in Australia, Japan, Israel, Korea and India.
*It is a special day dedicated to tree planting and the awareness of the importance of trees.
*More than 1,000,000 trees were planted during the first celebration.
*It was the brainchild of Julius S. Morgan who was Grover Cleveland's Secretary of Agriculture.
*All 50 states celebrate the day, and it is also celebrated in Australia, Japan, Israel, Korea and India.
*It is a special day dedicated to tree planting and the awareness of the importance of trees.
*More than 1,000,000 trees were planted during the first celebration.
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 review problems from our latest assessment. 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, April 22, 2011
Reschedule - Conferences
Thank you so much for your patience with the rescheduling of conferences. For those that emailed me confirming they would like to keep their originally scheduled times, I have resubmitted that information into Doodle. You can see that schedule by clicking here.
If you haven't contacted me, or if your name is inadvertently not on the schedule, please follow the directions below. If you have any trouble, or there is any confusion, please don't hesitate to contact me.
*****************
1. Click here to schedule your spring conference. Please note that I am attempting to schedule most of my conferences on Friday, April 29. However, if you are unable to schedule something that day, I would be happy to accomodate you in any way I can. Just email me separately.
2. You do not need to enter an email and password so skip the login. A
calendar will appear with times on April 29. Each time slot will have a select
button underneath. Find a time that works for you and select the
button underneath. You can only sign up for one time slot. In the row next to
your select button is a location for you to type your name. Then click SAVE.
3. You will receive a confirmation message. Click the return
to poll link to view your entry on the calendar.
4. You should see your name and OK in green. No one can select your slot
now that it has been entered.
DELETING OR EDITING A SELECTION
1. If you’d like to change your originally selected date, click the Delete an entry
link under Functions at the bottom of the webpage.
2. Click on the red X and choose the option: Yes, delete. Then Return to poll
to schedule a new date or time using the directions above.
I look forward to meeting with you!
If you haven't contacted me, or if your name is inadvertently not on the schedule, please follow the directions below. If you have any trouble, or there is any confusion, please don't hesitate to contact me.
*****************
1. Click here to schedule your spring conference. Please note that I am attempting to schedule most of my conferences on Friday, April 29. However, if you are unable to schedule something that day, I would be happy to accomodate you in any way I can. Just email me separately.
2. You do not need to enter an email and password so skip the login. A
calendar will appear with times on April 29. Each time slot will have a select
button underneath. Find a time that works for you and select the
button underneath. You can only sign up for one time slot. In the row next to
your select button is a location for you to type your name. Then click SAVE.
3. You will receive a confirmation message. Click the return
to poll link to view your entry on the calendar.
4. You should see your name and OK in green. No one can select your slot
now that it has been entered.
DELETING OR EDITING A SELECTION
1. If you’d like to change your originally selected date, click the Delete an entry
link under Functions at the bottom of the webpage.
2. Click on the red X and choose the option: Yes, delete. Then Return to poll
to schedule a new date or time using the directions above.
I look forward to meeting with you!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Mixed Numbers & Improper Fractions
We dug deeper into fractions today. When I was a kid, I would never have believed that fractions could be fun, but it was a blast today! The children worked diligently and enthusiastically figuring out how mixed numbers and improper fractions work.
Yesterday we learned that if we share 7 brownies with 4 people that each person would get 1 3/4 brownies. 1 3/4 is called a mixed fraction. It's a whole with a fraction left over.
Today, I asked third grade mathematicians to compare fractions to a whole. I asked if a fraction was more than a whole, same as a whole or less than 1 (a whole). We noticed that fractions like 2/3, 3/4, 1/2 are all less than 1. We noticed that fractions like 5/5, 8/8, 6/6 are equal to 1. (Any time the numerator and denominator are the same, the fraction is equal to 1. Finally we learned about fractions that are more than a whole - 9/4, 8/6 etc... We made the generalization that if the numerator is larger than the denominator, the fraction is automatically larger than
1. Ask your third grade mathematician to draw you a picture proving these ideas.
Next, I challenged the students to turn 17/4 into a mixed number. I reminded them that a mixed number had some wholes and some fraction of the whole. Most students solved the problem by drawing out squares split into fourths, but several children made the connection to division and were able to solve it mentally!
Finally, I assigned the mixed number 3 2/5 and asked third graders to find the equivalent improper fraction. Most problem solved the problem by drawing 3 rectangles divided into fifths, but even more of them used multiplication and addition to solve this problem.
I was very proud of our mathematical minds today. Challenge your child to convert mixed numbers to improper fractions and improper fractions to mixed numbers. At the third grade level it is very appropriate for them to draw pictures to help them solve the problem.
Have fun! :o)
Yesterday we learned that if we share 7 brownies with 4 people that each person would get 1 3/4 brownies. 1 3/4 is called a mixed fraction. It's a whole with a fraction left over.
Today, I asked third grade mathematicians to compare fractions to a whole. I asked if a fraction was more than a whole, same as a whole or less than 1 (a whole). We noticed that fractions like 2/3, 3/4, 1/2 are all less than 1. We noticed that fractions like 5/5, 8/8, 6/6 are equal to 1. (Any time the numerator and denominator are the same, the fraction is equal to 1. Finally we learned about fractions that are more than a whole - 9/4, 8/6 etc... We made the generalization that if the numerator is larger than the denominator, the fraction is automatically larger than
1. Ask your third grade mathematician to draw you a picture proving these ideas.
Next, I challenged the students to turn 17/4 into a mixed number. I reminded them that a mixed number had some wholes and some fraction of the whole. Most students solved the problem by drawing out squares split into fourths, but several children made the connection to division and were able to solve it mentally!
Finally, I assigned the mixed number 3 2/5 and asked third graders to find the equivalent improper fraction. Most problem solved the problem by drawing 3 rectangles divided into fifths, but even more of them used multiplication and addition to solve this problem.
I was very proud of our mathematical minds today. Challenge your child to convert mixed numbers to improper fractions and improper fractions to mixed numbers. At the third grade level it is very appropriate for them to draw pictures to help them solve the problem.
Have fun! :o)
Monday, April 11, 2011
Homework
I have been reflecting about homework. In my mind, there are two purposes for third grade homework.
The first is to help children develop responsibility. I feel that it's good for them to practice completing assignments and returning them independently.
The second is for children to practice some of the skills/concepts we have learned in class. There are not enough hours in the school day to practice all that children need to learn.
Keeping these two ideas in mind, I am slightly revising the way I assign homework. Children will continue to have homework Monday - Thursday nights. They will continue to have weekly math due on Fridays. They will be expected to read and study each night. However, the written homework will be shorter.
I have fallen into the habit of assigning two-sided worksheets nearly every night. I don't believe this is necessary, or a good use of your child's time. I would prefer they use the time spent completing the second half of the worksheet reading, writing, playing, spending time with family, investigating a topic they find interesting or letting their imagination roam free. (I pointed out to the kids that I purposely did not include watching television or playing video games to this list... :o)
The weekly homework will be:
Monday night: Weekend adventure/paragraph - due Wednesday (This will give them extra time to do their very best work and EDIT carefully!)
Wednesday night: Math worksheet (I will usually send home a worksheet with two sides. However, children can choose which side to complete. They do not need to complete both sides.)
Thursday night: Miscellaneous - spelling/social studies/science (Again, I will often send home a worksheet with 2 sides. Children can choose which side to complete. They do not need to complete both sides.)
Weekly Math: Due Friday
Timed Quizzes: Mondays and Thursdays
Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.
The first is to help children develop responsibility. I feel that it's good for them to practice completing assignments and returning them independently.
The second is for children to practice some of the skills/concepts we have learned in class. There are not enough hours in the school day to practice all that children need to learn.
Keeping these two ideas in mind, I am slightly revising the way I assign homework. Children will continue to have homework Monday - Thursday nights. They will continue to have weekly math due on Fridays. They will be expected to read and study each night. However, the written homework will be shorter.
I have fallen into the habit of assigning two-sided worksheets nearly every night. I don't believe this is necessary, or a good use of your child's time. I would prefer they use the time spent completing the second half of the worksheet reading, writing, playing, spending time with family, investigating a topic they find interesting or letting their imagination roam free. (I pointed out to the kids that I purposely did not include watching television or playing video games to this list... :o)
The weekly homework will be:
Monday night: Weekend adventure/paragraph - due Wednesday (This will give them extra time to do their very best work and EDIT carefully!)
Wednesday night: Math worksheet (I will usually send home a worksheet with two sides. However, children can choose which side to complete. They do not need to complete both sides.)
Thursday night: Miscellaneous - spelling/social studies/science (Again, I will often send home a worksheet with 2 sides. Children can choose which side to complete. They do not need to complete both sides.)
Weekly Math: Due Friday
Timed Quizzes: Mondays and Thursdays
Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.
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 fractions. 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.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Conferences - Please Read!
I am so sorry to do this, but I need to cancel all conferences for tomorrow. I fought off this cold for weeks now. I have won many battles, but have finally lost the war. I'd be happy to meet with you despite not feeling well, but my voice is almost completely gone. I might be able to squeak out 1 or 2 conferences in the morning, but I'm certain I couldn't last all day. (Clearly an indication that I talk too much... :o)
Please email melanie_sullivan@needham.k12.ma.us by 1:00 to let me know that you got this message. If I don't hear back from you, the Eliot office staff will contact you by phone this afternoon.
I will be rescheduling conferences for Friday, April 29. If you would like the same time on that day, please let me know by email. Otherwise, I will be posting a new doodle in the next couple of days. Of course, if that day doesn't work for you, I'll be happy to meet with you before or after school on a different day. Just let me know.
I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. I look forward to speaking to you soon.
Please email melanie_sullivan@needham.k12.ma.us by 1:00 to let me know that you got this message. If I don't hear back from you, the Eliot office staff will contact you by phone this afternoon.
I will be rescheduling conferences for Friday, April 29. If you would like the same time on that day, please let me know by email. Otherwise, I will be posting a new doodle in the next couple of days. Of course, if that day doesn't work for you, I'll be happy to meet with you before or after school on a different day. Just let me know.
I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. I look forward to speaking to you soon.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Virtual Field Trips for the Continents!
Room 221 third graders wish they could travel on the Magic School Bus to all the continents! That would be a great example of experiential learning. Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be in our budget, so we are settling for virtual field trips...
This afternoon we traveled all the way to the computer lab! While there, we were able to visit Europe, Australia, North America, South America and more! Room 221 scholars looked for specific information about each continent to which they traveled:
*2 countries
*2 bodies of water
*landmarks
*landforms
*products
*other interesting facts
Ask your third grader to share 2 facts they learned today! Click here to see some of the field trips. Scroll down to third grade and you can choose your continent!
This afternoon we traveled all the way to the computer lab! While there, we were able to visit Europe, Australia, North America, South America and more! Room 221 scholars looked for specific information about each continent to which they traveled:
*2 countries
*2 bodies of water
*landmarks
*landforms
*products
*other interesting facts
Ask your third grader to share 2 facts they learned today! Click here to see some of the field trips. Scroll down to third grade and you can choose your continent!
Maps of Needham
Do you remember way back when third grade cartographers created maps of Needham? Several maps were chosen from each school to be displayed around town to help celebrate the tercentennial. Look carefully for them as you travel around Needham. Or click here to see photographs of those maps. Be sure to find our very own Irene's!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Answer: Challenge #8 Culture
*Introduced in 1963, it was a huge fad of the 1960s and 1970s when millions were sold; it became popular again in the late 1990s.
*It is a capped glass container holding two compounds that are similar in density and don't mix, with a source of light and heat at the bottom.
*When the unit is turned off and becomes cold, the denser compound sinks to the bottom in a hard, waxy, flat lump.
*With heat, the denser compound liquefies and expands, becoming less dense than the water, and it slowly rises to the surface.
*The risen blobs of compound cool when away from the source of heat, and they fall back to the bottom, to continue the process of rising and falling until the device is turned off.
Answer: Lava Lamp
*It is a capped glass container holding two compounds that are similar in density and don't mix, with a source of light and heat at the bottom.
*When the unit is turned off and becomes cold, the denser compound sinks to the bottom in a hard, waxy, flat lump.
*With heat, the denser compound liquefies and expands, becoming less dense than the water, and it slowly rises to the surface.
*The risen blobs of compound cool when away from the source of heat, and they fall back to the bottom, to continue the process of rising and falling until the device is turned off.
Answer: Lava Lamp
Extra Help
I will continue to hold extra help sessions. This week I will meet with children on Wednesday morning (7:50-8:20)and Thursday afternoon (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 again focus on fractions. 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.
Spring Conferences
Thanks to all who signed up for their spring conference. I hope you found using "Doodle" convenient.
There are still 4 time slots available on Friday, April 8: 10:00, 2:30, 3:30 and
5:30. Please click on this link if you would like to sign up for one of them.
Alternatively, email me at melanie_sullivan@needham.k12.ma.us to sign up for another day and time that is more convenient for you.
I look forward to meeting with you! :o)Melanie
There are still 4 time slots available on Friday, April 8: 10:00, 2:30, 3:30 and
5:30. Please click on this link if you would like to sign up for one of them.
Alternatively, email me at melanie_sullivan@needham.k12.ma.us to sign up for another day and time that is more convenient for you.
I look forward to meeting with you! :o)Melanie
Friday, April 1, 2011
Word of the Week!
Each day a member of the Room 221 community is the "Word Wizard." The Word Wizard collects new words that he/she hears when the class is in a lesson, listening to a story, or having a discussion. At the end of the day, many of the words are shared. They are then put in our word jar.
Every week the class will vote on one word to highlight. This word will be placed in large letters on the wall for all children to see. We will challenge ourselves to use the highlighted words whenever possible. This will make the words part of our standard vocabulary.
I plan to post on the blog each time we choose new words so you can try using the words at home!I will post the third grade definitions that we came up with.
This week's word is:
tsunami: A humungous wave
Every week the class will vote on one word to highlight. This word will be placed in large letters on the wall for all children to see. We will challenge ourselves to use the highlighted words whenever possible. This will make the words part of our standard vocabulary.
I plan to post on the blog each time we choose new words so you can try using the words at home!I will post the third grade definitions that we came up with.
This week's word is:
tsunami: A humungous wave
Learning About Asia!
April 1, 2011
Dear families,
This week we took a virtual field trip to Asia. We saw pictures of the Dead Sea. It is one of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth. We learned that you can easily float because it is so salty. We also traveled down the Silk Road. In ancient times, people traded silk, spices and slaves along that route. We learned a lot about Asia!
Fondly,
Room 221 Writers
P.S. Please notice the letter format in this entry. Children should write their letters using proper letter format. Check out your child's letter this afternoon. Please write back if you can!
Dear families,
This week we took a virtual field trip to Asia. We saw pictures of the Dead Sea. It is one of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth. We learned that you can easily float because it is so salty. We also traveled down the Silk Road. In ancient times, people traded silk, spices and slaves along that route. We learned a lot about Asia!
Fondly,
Room 221 Writers
P.S. Please notice the letter format in this entry. Children should write their letters using proper letter format. Check out your child's letter this afternoon. Please write back if you can!
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