Thanks to Mrs. Hartley and Mrs. Dowling and all the third grade parents that helped plan and organize the winter party! Thanks to Mrs. Silver, Mrs. Tverskoy and Mrs. Zolotar for coming in to help out. The kids had a fabulous time.
Click here to see photographs of the event.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
CAP
Special guests came to Room 221 this morning to present "CAP: Child Assault Prevention." They shared many strategies for children to use to keep themselves safe, strong and free. The topics included bullying, strangers and "inappropriate" touching. Please check your child's folder for more information. Remember to ask your child to share what they learned today.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Winter Concert
The class enjoyed 2 wonderful concerts performed by our school orchestra, band and chorus. Click here to see a collection of photographs of the event taken by our media specialist, Mrs. Martell.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Continents
Have you heard that Room 221 is traveling the globe? We have been learning interesting facts about each continent.
Thanks to an NEF Grant, third grade teachers created a bag for each continent filled with different objects. Each object represents a fact about a continent. First, the third grade learners were given the opportunity to explore the objects and use their background knowledge to "guess" what fact might be true about the continent. For example, in the Asia bag there is a small wheel. Many children guessed that wheels are made in Asia.
After children have had a chance to explore, we learn the true information about the continents. The children see photographs and facts for each object. For example, third graders learned that the wheel was actually invented long ago in Asia.
Ask your child what interesting information they have learned as we've traveled the world!
Thanks to an NEF Grant, third grade teachers created a bag for each continent filled with different objects. Each object represents a fact about a continent. First, the third grade learners were given the opportunity to explore the objects and use their background knowledge to "guess" what fact might be true about the continent. For example, in the Asia bag there is a small wheel. Many children guessed that wheels are made in Asia.
After children have had a chance to explore, we learn the true information about the continents. The children see photographs and facts for each object. For example, third graders learned that the wheel was actually invented long ago in Asia.
Ask your child what interesting information they have learned as we've traveled the world!
Word Problems
Third grade mathematicians are working hard to improve their problem solving skills in math. We have learned several strategies to help us.
1. Read the problem carefully. It is often helpful to read one sentence, and stop to think about what that sentence means before reading on. Third graders are encouraged to do this for each sentence to help them better understand the problem.
For example, if the problem says:
There are 5 students in Mr. Parker’s art class. He would like to give each of his students 6 stickers to use in a project they are doing.
I am going to stop and think about what the sentence means. After thinking, I realize that this sentence gives me enough information so I can figure out how many stickers Mr. Parker needs.
(5 x 6= 30)
2. Be sure to answer the question being asked. Some questions ask for numbers, but other questions ask for months, or times. Still other questions might ask for yes or no.
For example, if the question asks:
Does Mr. Parker have enough stickers for everyone?
I know I need to answer yes or no.
3. Finally, third graders should label their answers.
For example, if the question asks:
If not, how many more stickers does Mr. Parker need?
My answer needs to include the word stickers - 18 stickers.
Please remind your third grade mathematicians of these strategies when they are working on word problems at home.
1. Read the problem carefully. It is often helpful to read one sentence, and stop to think about what that sentence means before reading on. Third graders are encouraged to do this for each sentence to help them better understand the problem.
For example, if the problem says:
There are 5 students in Mr. Parker’s art class. He would like to give each of his students 6 stickers to use in a project they are doing.
I am going to stop and think about what the sentence means. After thinking, I realize that this sentence gives me enough information so I can figure out how many stickers Mr. Parker needs.
(5 x 6= 30)
2. Be sure to answer the question being asked. Some questions ask for numbers, but other questions ask for months, or times. Still other questions might ask for yes or no.
For example, if the question asks:
Does Mr. Parker have enough stickers for everyone?
I know I need to answer yes or no.
3. Finally, third graders should label their answers.
For example, if the question asks:
If not, how many more stickers does Mr. Parker need?
My answer needs to include the word stickers - 18 stickers.
Please remind your third grade mathematicians of these strategies when they are working on word problems at home.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Made in the Shade
Thanks to the Needham Creative Arts Council, and a NEF grant, the Eliot School was treated to a performance from Jazz band, "Made in the Shade." Here's some of the things Room 221 learned from the performance:
*Jazz started in New Orleans, Louisiana.
*The banjo comes from Africa.
*Some marching band music changed into Jazz music.
*There are many different types of jazz like: Dixie Land, Swing, Bee Bop, Jazz Fusion and Latin Jazz.
*The band had a trumpet, trombone, drums, double bass, banjo and a guitar.
It was fun! Thanks to the musicians for teaching us about Jazz.
by Room 221 authors
*Jazz started in New Orleans, Louisiana.
*The banjo comes from Africa.
*Some marching band music changed into Jazz music.
*There are many different types of jazz like: Dixie Land, Swing, Bee Bop, Jazz Fusion and Latin Jazz.
*The band had a trumpet, trombone, drums, double bass, banjo and a guitar.
It was fun! Thanks to the musicians for teaching us about Jazz.
by Room 221 authors
Friday, November 30, 2012
Around the World with Mrs. Martell
Wednesday afternoon Mrs. Martell took 221 on a trip around the world. We learned that a landmark is a special place that is man made (like Fenway Park) and a landform is also a special place, but it is formed by nature (like The Grand Canyon). Using Google Earth, we traveled to each continent to see different landforms and landmarks. Ask your third grader what they remember about our trip.
You can check out Google Earth with your third grader at home! Happy traveling!
You can check out Google Earth with your third grader at home! Happy traveling!
Monday, November 26, 2012
Photo Retake Day
REMINDER: School Photo Re-Take Day is scheduled for Tommorrow-
TUESDAY, 11/27/12
PHOTO Re-Take Day is for:
Students who were absent on our September 13 photo day
or for those who want a photo "re-take."
Please inform your child's teacher if he/she will be having a photo taken.
Any questions, about payment, orders and photos? please call Lifetouch at: 508-946-0777.
Pico Ferme Nada
We played a great game at Morning Meeting that you can play at home.
It's called "Pico, Ferme, Nada." One player thinks of a three digit
number (although you can play with as many digits as you'd like). The
other player(s) try to guess what the number is. The player who chooses
the number tells the guessers if they are right using the words pico,
ferme, nada.
Pico means that the digit is in the number and it's in the right place.
Ferme means that the digit is in the number, but it's in a different place (therefore having a different value).
Nada means that the digit is not in the number at all.
For example, the person thinking of the number comes up with 784. They don't tell the other players. The other players start guessing. Perhaps they guess 743.
7 is pico because it's in the right place.
4 is ferme because it's in the number, but in the wrong place.
3 is nada because it's not in the number at all.
The players then use their reasoning skills to make a new guess.
I know this sounds a little complicated, but the kids know how to play. Let them teach you! It's lots of fun. :o)
Pico means that the digit is in the number and it's in the right place.
Ferme means that the digit is in the number, but it's in a different place (therefore having a different value).
Nada means that the digit is not in the number at all.
For example, the person thinking of the number comes up with 784. They don't tell the other players. The other players start guessing. Perhaps they guess 743.
7 is pico because it's in the right place.
4 is ferme because it's in the number, but in the wrong place.
3 is nada because it's not in the number at all.
The players then use their reasoning skills to make a new guess.
I know this sounds a little complicated, but the kids know how to play. Let them teach you! It's lots of fun. :o)
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Thanksgiving
Each year Room 221 and I spend the morning before Thanksgiving exploring a wonderful website. Due to scheduling, we were note able to spend time on it today, but I wanted to share it with you in case you and your child are interested.
Do you want to know the truths and myths about Thanksgiving? Plymouth Plantation has created a website to teach you the truth about Pilgrims and Native Americans. So much of what we know is based on ONE letter about "the first Thanksgiving" written by a Pilgrim in 1621. The children can learn that this primary source gives us some answers, but also leaves historians with many questions. Let your third grader learn about it at:
http://www.plimoth.org/education/olc/index_js2.html
The Room 221 community discussed what Thanksgiving means to different people. Although I encouraged children to celebrate and enjoy their own traditions with family, I also asked them to pause and remember that not all people celebrate Thanksgiving. Some families who are relatively new to this country do not choose to celebrate the holiday. In addition, many Native Americans don't choose to celebrate Thanksgiving because they consider it a Day of Mourning.
Whatever you choose to do tomorrow, I hope you enjoy time with your family.
Do you want to know the truths and myths about Thanksgiving? Plymouth Plantation has created a website to teach you the truth about Pilgrims and Native Americans. So much of what we know is based on ONE letter about "the first Thanksgiving" written by a Pilgrim in 1621. The children can learn that this primary source gives us some answers, but also leaves historians with many questions. Let your third grader learn about it at:
http://www.plimoth.org/education/olc/index_js2.html
The Room 221 community discussed what Thanksgiving means to different people. Although I encouraged children to celebrate and enjoy their own traditions with family, I also asked them to pause and remember that not all people celebrate Thanksgiving. Some families who are relatively new to this country do not choose to celebrate the holiday. In addition, many Native Americans don't choose to celebrate Thanksgiving because they consider it a Day of Mourning.
Whatever you choose to do tomorrow, I hope you enjoy time with your family.
Publishing
Each third grade author is publishing their first personal narrative.
The children have been working hard to include many qualities of
effective writing in their work. Ask your child if he/she has been:
*Writing a little seed story (NOT a watermelon topic)
*Including true, exact details from the movie they have made in their mind
*Beginning with a hook - perhaps using setting, action or dialogue
This is hard writing work and certainly not all children are in the same place in their progress. My biggest goal for writers at this point in third grade is that their writing is (mostly) clear, it makes sense and that the writers are intentional. When I say intentional, I mean that third grade writers are working to be reflective and think about what they can do to make their writing the best it can be.
Yesterday, we began the process of editing. When I refer to editing, I mean checking the mechanics of writing - capitals, punctuation, spelling. Correct writing mechanics makes the writing easier to read.
I can't wait to share their writing at our conference! :o)Melanie
*Writing a little seed story (NOT a watermelon topic)
*Including true, exact details from the movie they have made in their mind
*Beginning with a hook - perhaps using setting, action or dialogue
This is hard writing work and certainly not all children are in the same place in their progress. My biggest goal for writers at this point in third grade is that their writing is (mostly) clear, it makes sense and that the writers are intentional. When I say intentional, I mean that third grade writers are working to be reflective and think about what they can do to make their writing the best it can be.
Yesterday, we began the process of editing. When I refer to editing, I mean checking the mechanics of writing - capitals, punctuation, spelling. Correct writing mechanics makes the writing easier to read.
I can't wait to share their writing at our conference! :o)Melanie
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Subtraction with Regrouping
This week we tackled subtraction in math. More specifically, we worked on subtraction with regrouping. For those of you as old as I am, you may know it as subtraction with borrowing. It's really the same thing. But instead of calling it "borrowing" from the tens column, we "regroup" a ten, into the ones column as ten ones.
Subtraction with regrouping can be tricky for many children. Click here to see a video that your third grade can watch to help review the concept.
Ask your child how they know whether to regroup or not!
Please let me know if you have any questions, comments of concerns.
:o)Melanie
Subtraction with regrouping can be tricky for many children. Click here to see a video that your third grade can watch to help review the concept.
Ask your child how they know whether to regroup or not!
Please let me know if you have any questions, comments of concerns.
:o)Melanie
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
New Dictionaries
Thank you so much to the Needham Rotary Club! This morning each student received his/her very own dictionary - inscribed with their name. The looks on the children's faces were priceless. Each child was truly excited. They can't wait to share them with you. We love words! :o)
Friday, November 9, 2012
Retelling
This week we focused on retelling. Retelling is when you tell a story again. You have to include the title, the names of the characters, the setting, and the events. Mrs. Sullivan read us "Pigs Make Me Sneeze" by Mo Willems. We retold it to our partner. We retold it as if our partner had never heard the story before. We focus on retelling because it shows if we understand the book and helps others understand. Ask your third grader to retell the story to you at home!
by Room 221 writers
by Room 221 writers
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Synonyms
A synonym is a word that means the same or almost the same. For example, mad is a synonym for angry. Third graders learned about synonyms this week at morning meeting. You can ask your child to name some for you.
You can have lots of fun with synonyms in the car or at home. You might play "I'm thinking of a Word" and use synonyms for clues.
I'm thinking of a word that is a synonym for smart. Do you know what it is?
You can have lots of fun with synonyms in the car or at home. You might play "I'm thinking of a Word" and use synonyms for clues.
I'm thinking of a word that is a synonym for smart. Do you know what it is?
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Parent Conferences - Please Read!
Technology is taking over! Hopefully using "Doodle" to sign up for conferences will simplify the process!
1. Click here to schedule your parent conference. Please note that I am attempting to schedule most of my conferences on Friday, November 30. However, if you are unable to schedule something that day, I would be happy to accommodate 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 November 30. 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 child's 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!
1. Click here to schedule your parent conference. Please note that I am attempting to schedule most of my conferences on Friday, November 30. However, if you are unable to schedule something that day, I would be happy to accommodate 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 November 30. 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 child's 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!
Monday, November 5, 2012
Money
Who doesn't love money? :o) These third graders certainly do! Friday we began a quick review of counting change. The following is a list of
things I encourage mathematicians to practice and remember:
*The name and value of each coin
*When counting coins they should generally begin with the largest value. Then look to get to a "10" (the numbers you say when you count by tens).
For example, if I have 2 quarters, 2 dimes, a nickel and 3 pennies, I will start with the quarters - $.50. Then I will continue counting with the dimes - $.60, $.70. (Counting tens is easiest.) Next I will count the nickel - $.75 and finally the pennies - $.71, $.72, $.73.
However, if I have 1 quarter, 2 dimes a nickel and 3 pennies, I will start with the quarter - $.25, but then jump to the nickel - $.30 because I want to get to tens as quick as I can. Then I would continue on with my dimes and my pennies.
*The value of groups of quarters - 2 quarters = $.50, 3 quarters = $.75, 4 quarters = $1.00.
We learned a new "Trading Game!" Look for the directions in your third grader's folder on Wednesday.
*The name and value of each coin
*When counting coins they should generally begin with the largest value. Then look to get to a "10" (the numbers you say when you count by tens).
For example, if I have 2 quarters, 2 dimes, a nickel and 3 pennies, I will start with the quarters - $.50. Then I will continue counting with the dimes - $.60, $.70. (Counting tens is easiest.) Next I will count the nickel - $.75 and finally the pennies - $.71, $.72, $.73.
However, if I have 1 quarter, 2 dimes a nickel and 3 pennies, I will start with the quarter - $.25, but then jump to the nickel - $.30 because I want to get to tens as quick as I can. Then I would continue on with my dimes and my pennies.
*The value of groups of quarters - 2 quarters = $.50, 3 quarters = $.75, 4 quarters = $1.00.
We learned a new "Trading Game!" Look for the directions in your third grader's folder on Wednesday.
Field Trip Reminder
We are very excited about our field trip to Wheelock Family Theatre on Wednesday! We will be leaving Eliot at 9:15 so we can enjoy the show at 10:00. Please be sure your child comes to school on time.
Children should pack a lunch from home on Wednesday. We will be eating lunch when we return to school at 1:15, so the cafeteria will not be available to us.
We will eat snack at the theatre during intermission. Please be sure your child packs a large, healthy snack to eat because we will be eating lunch much later than usual.
Children should pack a lunch from home on Wednesday. We will be eating lunch when we return to school at 1:15, so the cafeteria will not be available to us.
We will eat snack at the theatre during intermission. Please be sure your child packs a large, healthy snack to eat because we will be eating lunch much later than usual.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Learning Buddies on Halloween
We had more fun with our Learning Buddies today! First, Mrs. Claus read us a fun story about "The Old Lady Who Swallowed..." Followed by a jack 'o lantern glyph. Ask your third grader about the directions they needed to follow.
Vocabulary Parade
Today we went on a parade around the building to show off our awesome vocabulary costumes! We impressed many people with our knowledge of language!
Click here to see for yourselves.
Hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween! :o)
Click here to see for yourselves.
Hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween! :o)
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Vocabulary Parade!
Please remember - tomorrow is our annual Vocabulary Parade! We can't wait to see what vocabulary words our third grade word wizards will represent. If your third grader is still looking for ideas, click here and scroll to the bottom of the page to check out some ideas from students in other schools.
Home Again!
Wow! Crazy weather yesterday. Hope you are all safe and dry. If you have power, your child can use the extra time to catch up on Spelling City or Xtra Math. I updated Spelling City last night, so all kids who had completed assignments have new ones.
Hope to see everyone tomorrow! :o)
P.S. Did you know there is an app for Spelling City for your ipad or iphone? Just go to the home page for Spelling City. At the top of the page is an link that says "Want Our App?" Click on the link and directions are on the following page.
Hope to see everyone tomorrow! :o)
P.S. Did you know there is an app for Spelling City for your ipad or iphone? Just go to the home page for Spelling City. At the top of the page is an link that says "Want Our App?" Click on the link and directions are on the following page.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Magic Squares
Third graders practiced using efficient addition strategies to complete magic squares. For example, when mathematicians are adding three numbers, they can find combinations of ten. For example in the center row, I would add 3 and 7 to make 10. Then, it is easy to add the 5 to 10. The sum of course, is 15. Similarly, third grade mathematicians can use sums they know, to solve sums they don't. For example, if third graders know that 7 + 7 = 14, they should also know that 6 + 7 = 13.
Third grade mathematicians also practiced finding missing addends when they knew the special sum of the square. For example, if we know that the special sum of the above grid is 15, but the last row is blank. We can add up the first column, 8 + 3 to make 11. Knowing that the special sum is 15, I can figure out that the last square in the first column is 4.
Ask your third grader to show you how they solve magic squares! Ask them what the special sum is for this magic square:
Tardiness
Well, this post may not have ideal timing. I know that the weather conditions and power outages may make things tricky tomorrow. So, disregard this message for tomorrow, but please take into consideration for all future school days... :o)
Tardiness has been a real issue for many students in Room 221. Children have been getting to the classroom well after 2:35 each day. I am asking that your child arrive at school at 8:20 each day.
Third graders have many responsibilities in the morning. These include recording in their assignment notebook, reading and responding to the morning message and completing any unfinished work they might have. In addition, I often meet with individuals and small groups before Morning Meeting to reteach or challenge children.
Please help your child arrive at school at 8:20 whenever possible.
Thank you for your consideration.
:o)Melanie
Tardiness has been a real issue for many students in Room 221. Children have been getting to the classroom well after 2:35 each day. I am asking that your child arrive at school at 8:20 each day.
Third graders have many responsibilities in the morning. These include recording in their assignment notebook, reading and responding to the morning message and completing any unfinished work they might have. In addition, I often meet with individuals and small groups before Morning Meeting to reteach or challenge children.
Please help your child arrive at school at 8:20 whenever possible.
Thank you for your consideration.
:o)Melanie
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Homophones
We added to our Word Wall today! 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 Friday. 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 children's work.
*You can also find a copy on our classroom website.
We learned two new sets today:
know - to understand something completely
no - a negative response to a question
***********************************
write - to put pen to paper
right - the opposite of left; an answer that is correct
I updated a paper copy that was sent home Friday. 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 children's work.
*You can also find a copy on our classroom website.
We learned two new sets today:
know - to understand something completely
no - a negative response to a question
***********************************
write - to put pen to paper
right - the opposite of left; an answer that is correct
Friday, October 19, 2012
Weekly Math
This weekend you may notice an extra homework assignment in your child's folder. We have
begun assigning Weekly Math. Weekly Math will be assigned each Friday and
should be returned no later than the following Friday. The problems are review of the
content we have studied in math so far this year. Children should complete both sides of the page.
Please note that this homework is in addition to the usual math packet. Third grade mathematicians are still expected to complete at least four pages of the packet each week. The packet allows students to practice material taught that week.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your continued support.
Please note that this homework is in addition to the usual math packet. Third grade mathematicians are still expected to complete at least four pages of the packet each week. The packet allows students to practice material taught that week.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your continued support.
Bike Rodeo
This week we had the Bike Rodeo! Each group went to a different station. At one station, a volunteer checked our helmets and showed us how to check them ourselves. There was also a station about hand signals we can use while riding. Another station was about road signs. We learned what each sign means. At the last station, we rode on a biking course. While we were riding, Mr. Rufo held up a colored ball behind us. We had to look back and yell out the color of the ball. Now we know how to ride our bikes safely.
Room 221 Writers
Click here to see photographs from our Bike Rodeo. A big thank you to Mr. Brenheiser for organizing this wonderful event and all of the volunteers for teaching us!
Room 221 Writers
Click here to see photographs from our Bike Rodeo. A big thank you to Mr. Brenheiser for organizing this wonderful event and all of the volunteers for teaching us!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Internet Safety
Mrs. Martell taught us about being safe on the internet. Room 221 learners created posters with slogans to teach others what they learned.
Click here to check out their posters.
Click here to check out their posters.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Homophones
Homophones are sets of words that sound the same, but are spelled
differently and have different meanings.Yesterday, we read the book "Dear Deer: A Book of Homophones" by Gene Barretta. It is filled with fun sentences that include pairs of homophones. For example, the first page says,
"Dear Deer,
I now live at the zoo. Wait until you hear what goes on over here."
Love, Aunt Ant
We brainstormed lots more sets of homophones. Ask your child to share a different set of homophones with you!
Throughout third grade, we will be learning new sets of homophones. Each time we learn a new set, we will add them to our Word Wall. Once a set of homophones is posted, third grade writers will be expected to spell them correctly. Stay tuned for new homophones!
"Dear Deer,
I now live at the zoo. Wait until you hear what goes on over here."
Love, Aunt Ant
We brainstormed lots more sets of homophones. Ask your child to share a different set of homophones with you!
Throughout third grade, we will be learning new sets of homophones. Each time we learn a new set, we will add them to our Word Wall. Once a set of homophones is posted, third grade writers will be expected to spell them correctly. Stay tuned for new homophones!
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Science Center Visit
Mrs. Rizzutto from the Science Center came to Room 221 with some extra special guests this morning. She brought a gecko, a bearded dragon and two doves. The children enthusiastically did scientific observations of one bird and one reptile. The children shared what they noticed and Mrs. Katz charted the information on a table. They specifically looked at different parts of the animals: head, legs, feet, eyes, ear, movement,etc... We will use the table to compare characteristics of reptiles, birds and finally dinosaurs to see why scientists think they are linked through evolution. It will lead to many interesting discoveries I'm sure!
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Columbus Day
Most of you are probably aware of the year 1492. The year Columbus
sailed the ocean blue on the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria. The voyage
when Columbus "discovered" America.
You may not have heard the story from the Native American point of view. This morning I read "Encounter" by, Jane Yolen to the class - a piece of historical fiction that tells the Columbus story from the voice of a young Taino (Native American) boy. From that point of view, Columbus came to the Americas and "discovered" a land that had been inhabited for thousands of years. He claimed that inhabited land for Spain.
After reading the story, third graders were very thoughtful. They said, "You can't discover something that already belonged to someone else!" This in fact is true. Columbus did not truly "discover" America. From another point of view however, Columbus did introduce the New World to Europeans. Certainly a kind of discovery.
Talk to your child about Columbus. Talk about the story that you learned originally and how your thoughts may have changed. Talk about how stories change depending upon the point of view.
Happy Talking!
You may not have heard the story from the Native American point of view. This morning I read "Encounter" by, Jane Yolen to the class - a piece of historical fiction that tells the Columbus story from the voice of a young Taino (Native American) boy. From that point of view, Columbus came to the Americas and "discovered" a land that had been inhabited for thousands of years. He claimed that inhabited land for Spain.
After reading the story, third graders were very thoughtful. They said, "You can't discover something that already belonged to someone else!" This in fact is true. Columbus did not truly "discover" America. From another point of view however, Columbus did introduce the New World to Europeans. Certainly a kind of discovery.
Talk to your child about Columbus. Talk about the story that you learned originally and how your thoughts may have changed. Talk about how stories change depending upon the point of view.
Happy Talking!
Friday, October 5, 2012
Multiplication
This week in math we learned about multiplication. One strategy we used is to make a map with horizontal and vertical lines. The lines make a grid with intersections. If there are four vertical lines and five horizontal lines on the map, you can multiply horizontal by vertical to find the number of intersections. The number of intersections is the product. On the four x five map there would be 20 intersections.
by Room 221 Writers
by Room 221 Writers
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Patricia Polacco
Room 221 readers have been enjoying books by Patricia Polacco. Ms. Polacco is a wonderful author and illustrator. Many of her stories are inspired by her own life. This makes her a wonderful author for us to learn from because we will be writing stories inspired by our own lives!
We have enjoyed several of her stories so far. Ask your child about:
We have enjoyed several of her stories so far. Ask your child about:
Patricia Polacco has a wonderful website to explore. Click here to check it out.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Fossils
Have you ever imagined yourself as a paleontologist? Digging up
dinosaur bones from deep beneath the ground? Most of your children
have. They are very excited as we begin our dinosaur unit. Yesterday
many fossils (and replicas) were spread throughout the room. The
children acted as true scientists as they drew observational sketches
and took notes about what they drew. At the end of the session, we held a
scientific meeting. The scientists shared their findings and made
theories about what they noticed.
Today we learned that there are three types of fossils: mineralized fossils, trace fossils and preserved fossils. Ask your third grader to explain how each one is created.
Today we learned that there are three types of fossils: mineralized fossils, trace fossils and preserved fossils. Ask your third grader to explain how each one is created.
Alphabetical Order
Third graders have practiced putting words in alphabetical order. They were introduced to the concept in Media. They worked together to alphabetize themselves by last name. This morning we reviewed the concept with a Morning Meeting activity. They each wrote their own word and alphabetized themselves by that word.
You can practice at home too! This skill will help children look for books in the library and look for words in the dictionary.
You can practice at home too! This skill will help children look for books in the library and look for words in the dictionary.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Morning Meeting
Please join our community for a Morning Meeting! You can get to know us better by participating in greeting, share, activity and morning message. We start at 8:40 and end at 9:00. We hope to see you!
Click here if you would like to participate. Sign up for one day and we'll look forward to seeing you!
Click here if you would like to participate. Sign up for one day and we'll look forward to seeing you!
Important Forms
Hopefully you received two important forms last week:
1. CORI forms - If you would like to volunteer in our classroom or school (this includes chaperoning field trips) you are required to have an updated CORI through Needham Public Schools. Be sure to send in the forms along with a copy of your driver's license. If you have had a CORI through Needham in the last three years, you do not need to complete this process.
2. AUP - Mrs. Martell came to our classroom to teach us about being safe on our computers. In order for children to continue using computers in our school, they need to return an Acceptable User Policy form. Please discuss this form with your third grader and return it as soon as possible.
If you need an extra copy of either form, please let me know.
Thanks!
Xtra Math
Has your child been using Xtra Math at least 3 times each week? Please remember that this is a requirement of third grade. It's very important that they become fluent with their addition facts. This will help them tackle more sophisticated math later in the year. Thanks for your support!
Volunteers Needed
We're still looking for help from parents! Please consider if your schedule will allow.
Third graders will soon start to study Dinosaurs and their Fossils! There are several different ways fossils can be formed. Third graders are going to learn more about the different types of fossils by creating “fossils” of their very own.
We would love your help! The entire third grade will be working in stations on Thursday,
October 4 from 12:30-2:00. We are looking for volunteers to run stations where children will create their fossils. (You just need to bring your self. No prior knowledge necessary... :o)
Please let us know if you can make it!
Third graders will soon start to study Dinosaurs and their Fossils! There are several different ways fossils can be formed. Third graders are going to learn more about the different types of fossils by creating “fossils” of their very own.
We would love your help! The entire third grade will be working in stations on Thursday,
October 4 from 12:30-2:00. We are looking for volunteers to run stations where children will create their fossils. (You just need to bring your self. No prior knowledge necessary... :o)
Please let us know if you can make it!
Monday, September 24, 2012
Volunteers Needed
Third graders will soon start to study Dinosaurs and their Fossils! There are several different ways fossils can be formed. Third graders are going to learn more about the different types of fossils by creating “fossils” of their very own.
We would love your help! The entire third grade will be working in stations on Thursday,
October 4 from 12:30-2:00. We are looking for volunteers to run stations where children will create their fossils. (You just need to bring your self. No prior knowledge necessary... :o)
Please let us know if you can make it!
We would love your help! The entire third grade will be working in stations on Thursday,
October 4 from 12:30-2:00. We are looking for volunteers to run stations where children will create their fossils. (You just need to bring your self. No prior knowledge necessary... :o)
Please let us know if you can make it!
Assignment Notebooks
Today was an exciting day in third grade! The children received
their assignment notebooks. This is a big jump in terms of their
responsibility. Each day, children should fill out their assignment
notebook with that day's assignment. (It will be posted on the
smartboard for them to copy.) When they return home in the afternoon,
they should open to the correct page (it will be marked with a sticky
note so it's easy to keep track). They should read their assignment
notebook before completing any homework.
We also talked about being responsible about returning the assignment notebook each day. I suggested to the kids that they should put their assignment notebook in their backpack immediately after completing their homework. At the same time, they should put their homework back in their folder and their folder in their backpack. That way, the next morning they will be ready to go!
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns regarding the assignment notebook.
We also talked about being responsible about returning the assignment notebook each day. I suggested to the kids that they should put their assignment notebook in their backpack immediately after completing their homework. At the same time, they should put their homework back in their folder and their folder in their backpack. That way, the next morning they will be ready to go!
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns regarding the assignment notebook.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Learning Buddies
Ask your third grader about their learning buddy! Last week we met first graders from Mrs. Schwarm's room and fourth/fifth graders from Mrs. Hoffman's room. We will be meeting together two-three times each month to learn together. Each child is assigned one or two partners that they will work with each time we meet.
It's important that learning buddies get to know each other, so we started by creating venn diagrams. The venn diagrams show ways that partners are similar and how they are different. Ask your third grade what they learned about their partners last week!
Click here to see partners from our fun time together. (Please excuse the formatting. I couldn't get the web page to cooperate with me... :o)
It's important that learning buddies get to know each other, so we started by creating venn diagrams. The venn diagrams show ways that partners are similar and how they are different. Ask your third grade what they learned about their partners last week!
Click here to see partners from our fun time together. (Please excuse the formatting. I couldn't get the web page to cooperate with me... :o)
Classroom Rules
Yesterday we created our classroom rules. We discussed ways our community should act so that everyone can reach their hopes and dreams. First, we brainstormed many different rules - we had 15 or 20. We realized however, that we wouldn't be able to remember them all! So we found connections and similarities in our list, and narrowed it down to 4 rules that we can all remember. The rules are:
Respect everyone and everything.
Be safe.
Try your best.
Have fun!
Next week, children will work in pairs to show what it looks like to follow each of the rules. We will role play and practice following these rules together so that everyone can achieve their third grade hopes and dreams.
Respect everyone and everything.
Be safe.
Try your best.
Have fun!
Next week, children will work in pairs to show what it looks like to follow each of the rules. We will role play and practice following these rules together so that everyone can achieve their third grade hopes and dreams.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
L'Shana Tova
Happy New Year to all of you that celebrate!
I just realized that I sent home our first homework packet on the weekend of the holiday. Please remember that the packet is not due until Friday. However, if it is difficult for your child to complete the four pages of the packet due to the holiday, they can return it next Monday, June 24.
In addition, you should have received your child's Reflection Notebook on Friday. Typically I expect these to be returned when children return to school from the weekend. However, if you are unable to respond to your child's letter due to the holiday, please feel free to hold onto the notebook and respond when you can.
Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused!
Melanie
I just realized that I sent home our first homework packet on the weekend of the holiday. Please remember that the packet is not due until Friday. However, if it is difficult for your child to complete the four pages of the packet due to the holiday, they can return it next Monday, June 24.
In addition, you should have received your child's Reflection Notebook on Friday. Typically I expect these to be returned when children return to school from the weekend. However, if you are unable to respond to your child's letter due to the holiday, please feel free to hold onto the notebook and respond when you can.
Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused!
Melanie
Reflection Letters
Hopefully your child will come running through the door Friday excited to share their newly written reflection letter with you. If not, it can be found in a spiral notebook in their backpack. Each Friday students will brainstorm a list of the activities and lessons we learned throughout the week. Students will use these ideas to write a letter home about one or two of their favorite lessons. In third grade, this takes a LOT of practice! We work on our letter writing skills for the entire school year.
Each week there will be FCAs (Focus Correction Area) based on what has been taught and what the kids are practicing. These FCAs make it clear to the students what my expectations are. This week's FCAs for the letter were:
Topic sentence - This sentence should be towards the beginning of their letter. It should tell the reader what the paragraph is about.
3+ specific details - Third grade writers should include 3 specific details telling about their topic. The details and the topic sentence should be about the same thing.
Capitalization and punctuation - Third grade writers should begin every sentence with a capital and end every sentence with punctuation.
As we learn and grow you will see lots of progress and improvement in our letters. Eventually you will see the FCAs change as we work on more sophisticated skills and techniques.
Please read and respond to these letters if possible. Students look forward to hearing from you and it is a great way to model writing a friendly letter, which is a component of the 3rd grade curriculum.
Happy writing! :o)Melanie
Each week there will be FCAs (Focus Correction Area) based on what has been taught and what the kids are practicing. These FCAs make it clear to the students what my expectations are. This week's FCAs for the letter were:
Topic sentence - This sentence should be towards the beginning of their letter. It should tell the reader what the paragraph is about.
3+ specific details - Third grade writers should include 3 specific details telling about their topic. The details and the topic sentence should be about the same thing.
Capitalization and punctuation - Third grade writers should begin every sentence with a capital and end every sentence with punctuation.
As we learn and grow you will see lots of progress and improvement in our letters. Eventually you will see the FCAs change as we work on more sophisticated skills and techniques.
Please read and respond to these letters if possible. Students look forward to hearing from you and it is a great way to model writing a friendly letter, which is a component of the 3rd grade curriculum.
Happy writing! :o)Melanie
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
The Colors of Us
Yesterday morning, Room 221 listened to "The Colors of Us" by, Karen Katz.
It's a story of a young girl's walk through her neighborhood as she
notices the beautiful and unique shades of each person's skin. She
returns home to mix white, black, red and yellow paint to recreate each
skin tone and paint portraits of her friends.
The young girl connects the shades of skin to many familiar foods. "My mom's the color of french toast... Sonia is a light yellow brown, just like creamy peanut butter..." I challenged children to find foods in the kitchen that remind them of their own skin. We noticed that my oatmeal cookies might match someone's skin! Let us know what you find!
In the afternoon, 221 artists mixed paints to find their own, unique skin color. They painted the shade onto a plain piece of paper which they will use to cut out their face and create their self portrait in collage. They are amazingly realistic! We will notice and celebrate the difference of each one. Thanks so much to the mom's of: Laura, Tom, Jasmin, and Kristina for all their help. I couldn't have done it without them!
The young girl connects the shades of skin to many familiar foods. "My mom's the color of french toast... Sonia is a light yellow brown, just like creamy peanut butter..." I challenged children to find foods in the kitchen that remind them of their own skin. We noticed that my oatmeal cookies might match someone's skin! Let us know what you find!
In the afternoon, 221 artists mixed paints to find their own, unique skin color. They painted the shade onto a plain piece of paper which they will use to cut out their face and create their self portrait in collage. They are amazingly realistic! We will notice and celebrate the difference of each one. Thanks so much to the mom's of: Laura, Tom, Jasmin, and Kristina for all their help. I couldn't have done it without them!
Monday, September 10, 2012
Home Folders
Please be sure your child checks his/her folder each evening and delivers any important papers to you. I often send home important notes and homework. I expect each third grader to return their emptied folder the following day. It should only have new notes or completed homework in it.
Thanks for your help as your children learn to handle new responsibilities.
Thanks for your help as your children learn to handle new responsibilities.
First Six Weeks of School
We will be spending a lot of time during the first six weeks of school spelling out expectations, articulating rules and establishing predictable structures.
1. The children are participating in guided discoveries. In a guided discovery children discuss, explore and practice the use of classroom materials so that they can take care of the materials and each other. They role play what we can do when something goes wrong, or when another child wants to share.
2.Today, the children chose a hope and dream for third grade. Each child will share their dream with the rest of the community. We will use these hopes and dreams as the basis for classroom rules. The discussion will begin with the question - “What rules do we need to have in our classroom so that everyone is able to fulfill their hopes and dreams this year?”
3. We are practicing, practicing, practicing all of the expectations. We practice lining up quietly, using quiet voices while working and even hanging up our backpacks in the cubbies. (**So far so good! The children have been fantastic and respectful. I am constantly amazed by them.)
4. I have been teaching recess. This may sound strange to you, but it's very important. The purpose of recess is for all children to have fun. We have been playing games together as a community. We model and practice what it looks like to be sure everyone has fun and is safe.
5. Most importantly, we are getting to know one another. We are all special and unique and we have begun sharing small pieces of ourselves with one another.
***We put a strong focus on all of these activities so that we can continue to have an
orderly, cooperative and stimulating learning environment where children feel ownership and safety.
1. The children are participating in guided discoveries. In a guided discovery children discuss, explore and practice the use of classroom materials so that they can take care of the materials and each other. They role play what we can do when something goes wrong, or when another child wants to share.
2.Today, the children chose a hope and dream for third grade. Each child will share their dream with the rest of the community. We will use these hopes and dreams as the basis for classroom rules. The discussion will begin with the question - “What rules do we need to have in our classroom so that everyone is able to fulfill their hopes and dreams this year?”
3. We are practicing, practicing, practicing all of the expectations. We practice lining up quietly, using quiet voices while working and even hanging up our backpacks in the cubbies. (**So far so good! The children have been fantastic and respectful. I am constantly amazed by them.)
4. I have been teaching recess. This may sound strange to you, but it's very important. The purpose of recess is for all children to have fun. We have been playing games together as a community. We model and practice what it looks like to be sure everyone has fun and is safe.
5. Most importantly, we are getting to know one another. We are all special and unique and we have begun sharing small pieces of ourselves with one another.
***We put a strong focus on all of these activities so that we can continue to have an
orderly, cooperative and stimulating learning environment where children feel ownership and safety.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Third Grade!
We have successfully completed our first days of third grade! I have to
tell you that your children are amazing! They worked very hard today as
they began to learn routines and expectations. They have been incredibly
respectful.
Ask your child to tell you about:
*our morning routine
*the wonderful things in our classroom
*our classroom library
*class-yes!
*bathroom rules
*math all around me
*cubby name tags
I look forward to meeting you next week at Curriculum Night!
Ask your child to tell you about:
*our morning routine
*the wonderful things in our classroom
*our classroom library
*class-yes!
*bathroom rules
*math all around me
*cubby name tags
I look forward to meeting you next week at Curriculum Night!
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Happy Summer!
Happy last day of school!
Please be sure to check out your child's report card. I asked the kids not to open it until they were with an adult member of their family.
In addition, you will find a large, manila envelope labeled "Portfolio of Progress," and all of their notebooks and folders. It should be fun to look through all of this work and notice the changes from September through June.
Finally, you will find a large, manila envelope labeled "Summer Stimulation" this includes summer reading lists, and math practice/challenges for each child. You will also find their summer assignment from the fourth grade teachers. Please note that they have a math and reading assignment. I explained to the children today that I do not expect them to be doing academics all day, every day. I hope they rest and have a lot of fun! However, they might choose to keep their academic brain in gear by spending some time with math once or twice a week, and reading almost every day.
I can't thank you enough for sharing your children with me. They are each amazing. It has been a privilege to teach them. Thank you for all of your support this year.
Happy summer!
Please be sure to check out your child's report card. I asked the kids not to open it until they were with an adult member of their family.
In addition, you will find a large, manila envelope labeled "Portfolio of Progress," and all of their notebooks and folders. It should be fun to look through all of this work and notice the changes from September through June.
Finally, you will find a large, manila envelope labeled "Summer Stimulation" this includes summer reading lists, and math practice/challenges for each child. You will also find their summer assignment from the fourth grade teachers. Please note that they have a math and reading assignment. I explained to the children today that I do not expect them to be doing academics all day, every day. I hope they rest and have a lot of fun! However, they might choose to keep their academic brain in gear by spending some time with math once or twice a week, and reading almost every day.
I can't thank you enough for sharing your children with me. They are each amazing. It has been a privilege to teach them. Thank you for all of your support this year.
Happy summer!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Pajama Day
Thanks to Ella and her family, Room 221 won Pajama Day from the Eliot Auction! We inadvertently scheduled Pajama Day for Friday, June 15 - the day of the concert. We all agreed that children should probably not perform in their pajamas... Unfortunately, the thought of rescheduling made many third graders very unhappy! So, we are compromising.
We ARE having Pajama Day on the 15th. However, children that are performing in the concert should come to school in appropriate dress for the concert. They should pack pjs in their backpack so they can change after the concert.
Any child who is NOT in the concert can come to school in their pajamas. (No packing necessary.)
Thanks for your cooperation!
:o)Melanie
We ARE having Pajama Day on the 15th. However, children that are performing in the concert should come to school in appropriate dress for the concert. They should pack pjs in their backpack so they can change after the concert.
Any child who is NOT in the concert can come to school in their pajamas. (No packing necessary.)
Thanks for your cooperation!
:o)Melanie
Publishing Party
Thanks to all who were able to attend our Publishing Party! I'm sure you were impressed by all their amazing pieces!
For those of you who were unable to come, our amazing authors were able to show off four genres of writing:
Personal Narrative Poetry
Feature Articles (informational) Realistic Fiction
Third grade authors have grown tremendously throughout the year. They were able to show off examples of:
Focused writing Specific details
Interesting leads Strong, specific word choice
Show not tell Description
Click here to see pictures from the event.
For those of you who were unable to come, our amazing authors were able to show off four genres of writing:
Personal Narrative Poetry
Feature Articles (informational) Realistic Fiction
Third grade authors have grown tremendously throughout the year. They were able to show off examples of:
Focused writing Specific details
Interesting leads Strong, specific word choice
Show not tell Description
Click here to see pictures from the event.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Dates to Remember
Just a reminder:
Room 221 Publishing Party: Wednesday, June 13 @ 9:00
Orchestra/Band/Chorus Concert: Friday, June 15 @ 9:00
Take Down the Walls: Monday, June 18 @ 9:00
Room 221 Publishing Party: Wednesday, June 13 @ 9:00
Orchestra/Band/Chorus Concert: Friday, June 15 @ 9:00
Take Down the Walls: Monday, June 18 @ 9:00
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Little Red Schoolhouse
I hope your third grader came home to tell you all about our trip back in time yesterday! Click here to check out some photographs of the day. Thanks to Bridget Dangel for taking the photographs.
Thanks to both Bridget and Ilene Effenson for being a fantastic help during our day.
Thanks to both Bridget and Ilene Effenson for being a fantastic help during our day.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Volume of Solid Shapes
Today we learned that we can find the volume of a solid shape (like the one seen below) by multiplying the width x height x length.
The volume of this rectangular prism is 4cm x 3cm x 5cm or 60 cubic centimeters.
Kids can practice on this cool website!
The volume of this rectangular prism is 4cm x 3cm x 5cm or 60 cubic centimeters.
Kids can practice on this cool website!
Friday, June 1, 2012
Field Day
Thanks so much to Mr. Brenheiser and all the wonderful parent volunteers for providing our students with such a fun Field Day!
Click here to check out some pictures of the day.
Click here to check out some pictures of the day.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
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. Most children can tell 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 see 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.
Happy time telling!
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 see 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.
Happy time telling!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Little Red Schoolhouse
Third grade historians learned the "special identity" they will use when we travel back in time to 1850 at the Little Red Schoolhouse. Ask them to share their name and age. Some of the were even able to find their house!
Click here to see the schoolhouse role fro 1850.
***P.S. If you haven't sent in your permission slip for the field trip, please do so as soon as possible.
Click here to see the schoolhouse role fro 1850.
***P.S. If you haven't sent in your permission slip for the field trip, please do so as soon as possible.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Special Guests
High School seniors, Mulin and Liz, came to third grade this afternoon to teach us! They are in the Advanced Placement Biology Class at Needham High School. As part of their class, they were asked to create and teach a lesson to younger students. They taught us all about animal adaptations. The children watched a wonderful presentation that showed various kinds of adaptations that help animals survive. Ask your child to share an example of one with you!
At the end, the children were invited to make their own animal using Model Magic. They could even decide what kind of adaptation that animal would have. You will be able to see your child's creation on Tuesday.
Enjoy the long weekend! :o)
At the end, the children were invited to make their own animal using Model Magic. They could even decide what kind of adaptation that animal would have. You will be able to see your child's creation on Tuesday.
Enjoy the long weekend! :o)
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Geometry Vocabulary
Geometry is a unit filled with vocabulary! It all comes at once, so it can be challenging for children to remember all the different words and meanings.
Ask your mathematician about these words:
polygon
quadrilateral
rectangle
square
triangle
pentagon
prism
rectangular prism
triangular prism
pyramid
cylinder
sphere
cone
vertex
edge
face
parallel
perpendicular
symmetry
congruent
You can even sort these words together!
Not sure what some of the words mean yourself? Click here for a wonderful, illustrated math dictionary.
Ask your mathematician about these words:
polygon
quadrilateral
rectangle
square
triangle
pentagon
prism
rectangular prism
triangular prism
pyramid
cylinder
sphere
cone
vertex
edge
face
parallel
perpendicular
symmetry
congruent
You can even sort these words together!
Not sure what some of the words mean yourself? Click here for a wonderful, illustrated math dictionary.
Eve Bunting
We learned that Eve Bunting writes two different kinds of books. Some of her books are very sad and serious, and other books are more light and funny. Ask your third grade reader to give you an example of each!
Monday, May 21, 2012
Author Study
Third grade readers began an author study of Eve Bunting today. She is a prolific author who has been writing for children for many years. Each child has been challenged to read at least 2 of her picture books this week. We will look for similarities and differences, and learn from her techniques as a writer.
Click here to learn more about her.
Click here to learn more about her.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Three Dimensional Shapes
Have you ever built a 3 dimensional solid? Your third grader did today. They cut out templates, folded and taped. They made rectangular prisms, triangular prisms, and pyramids. We are learning to identify and count the number of faces, edges and vertices (corners) each shape has.
Have you ever played "Headbands?" In this game one player wears a picture or a word on their head so they can't see it. The player tries to figure out what the word or picture is by asking the other players yes or no questions. We played today using geometrical terms. Try playing it with your family. It's lots of fun! :o)
Have you ever played "Headbands?" In this game one player wears a picture or a word on their head so they can't see it. The player tries to figure out what the word or picture is by asking the other players yes or no questions. We played today using geometrical terms. Try playing it with your family. It's lots of fun! :o)
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Think Math for Parents
I have added a link to the side of the blog. It brings you directly to a support page for Think Math. I find the site a little overwhelming at first glance. However, if you are looking for a specific topic, just look at the column all the way over to the left. You can choose Algebra, Geometry, Number Sense - anything that your child may be working on.
Click here to go to the site directly.
Click here to go to the site directly.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Making Maps of Needham
A special thanks to our PTC for bringing "The Map Lady" to third graders today!
Room 221 cartographers (map makers) followed directions carefully. They measured and drew in the boundaries of Needham. Did you know that The Charles River separates Needham from other towns in several places? The children also drew in lakes, brooks, and many hills. Do you know the name of the highest hill in Needham? Your third grader does! Remind them that it's the "four-ring hill."
Tomorrow we will add a title, compass rose, map key and map scale. Finally, we will label all of the hills, lakes and brooks.
We'll be hanging the children's creations outside the pod for all to see.
Room 221 cartographers (map makers) followed directions carefully. They measured and drew in the boundaries of Needham. Did you know that The Charles River separates Needham from other towns in several places? The children also drew in lakes, brooks, and many hills. Do you know the name of the highest hill in Needham? Your third grader does! Remind them that it's the "four-ring hill."
Tomorrow we will add a title, compass rose, map key and map scale. Finally, we will label all of the hills, lakes and brooks.
We'll be hanging the children's creations outside the pod for all to see.
Extra Help
I will be holding extra help sessions this week on Tuesday
morning (7:50-8:20)and Thursday afternoon (2:35-3:05). In order to
best meet the needs of each child I have chosen to focus on subtraction with regrouping this week. 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.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Preparation for Little Red School House
We need your help! Our trip the school house (the one that I neglected to mention takes place on Tuesday, June 5 :o) requires some preparation. Please send to school any extra brown shopping bags you might have.
I am also looking for a few volunteers to put together our "copy books." This only requires some folding and "sewing" with yarn. This can be done at your own home and in your own time. Full instructions will be provided.
Please let me know if you are available to help! :o)
I am also looking for a few volunteers to put together our "copy books." This only requires some folding and "sewing" with yarn. This can be done at your own home and in your own time. Full instructions will be provided.
Please let me know if you are available to help! :o)
Visit to the School House
As some of you know, third graders visit The Little Red School House as part of our study of the history of Needham. We need several chaperones for this visit, but all chaperones need to be CORId. If you are interested in joining us, please be sure that you have a CORI through Needham Public Schools within the last three years. If you're not sure, contact Susan Rains (781-455-0452) in the office. She can check it out for you.
Please let me know if you are interested! :o)
Please let me know if you are interested! :o)
History of Needham
Ask your third grader:
Why did the settlers from Northern Dedham want to separate and make their own town?
In what year did Needham officially become a town?
Where was the first town center located?
What was the first kind of school used to teach children in Needham?
Why did the colonists want to fight against the British?
Where did the colonists from Needham hide the guns they used to fight against the British?
Why did the settlers from Northern Dedham want to separate and make their own town?
In what year did Needham officially become a town?
Where was the first town center located?
What was the first kind of school used to teach children in Needham?
Why did the colonists want to fight against the British?
Where did the colonists from Needham hide the guns they used to fight against the British?
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Thank you so much to Mrs. Martell for taking us on a fabulous tour of
Needham! We saw in person so many sites that we have learned about, and so many sites that we are getting ready to learn about!
Ask your child what they learned about:
**town cemetery
Native Americans
Sabrena Lake
First Eliot School
Little Red School House
Dog Corner
**Baker Estate
Echo Bridge
Hemlock Gorge
Town Center
First Parish Church
**You may want to learn more about these with your child. We weren't able to get out at the cemetery, and there's really so much to see there. Click here to take a virtual tour.
William Emerson Baker was a fascinating citizen of Needham. He has a very unique history, but we're unable to learn lots about him during our unit. Click here to see a slide show about him and the "amusement park" he created right here in Needham.
Click here to see pictures of the children at Hemlock Gorge. You may want to take your family there to explore.
Ask your child what they learned about:
**town cemetery
Native Americans
Sabrena Lake
First Eliot School
Little Red School House
Dog Corner
**Baker Estate
Echo Bridge
Hemlock Gorge
Town Center
First Parish Church
**You may want to learn more about these with your child. We weren't able to get out at the cemetery, and there's really so much to see there. Click here to take a virtual tour.
William Emerson Baker was a fascinating citizen of Needham. He has a very unique history, but we're unable to learn lots about him during our unit. Click here to see a slide show about him and the "amusement park" he created right here in Needham.
Click here to see pictures of the children at Hemlock Gorge. You may want to take your family there to explore.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Mr. Thomas Teaches Harmonica
Mr. Thomas actually played his harmonica for us! He showed us how to inhale and exhale to play different pitches. He even took a harmonica apart to show us the inside. We saw the reeds and the comb.
Ask your children what they liked best about playing harmonica. Click here to see some pictures.
Travis Roy
Hopefully your child told you all about our visit from Travis Roy. Travis Roy came to Eliot on Friday to teach us about his life, and his life with a disability. He ended up inspiring so many of us.
As you may know, Mr. Roy sustained a terrible injury during his very first game as a hockey player at Boston University. Since then, he has been paralyzed from the neck down, with the exception of some movement in his right arm.
Mr. Roy shared a tremendous amount with his young audience. But there were two ideas I hope your children walked away with.
1. Set goals and work hard to reach them.
Mr. Roy told us about a list of goals he made when we was 15. One of them was to play hockey at the college level. Although he was devastated by his injury, both he and his father were proud of the fact that he made one of his dreams come true.
2. Do not treat people with disabilities as if they are invisible.
Mr. Roy shared a story of a time after his accident when he was eating lunch in a B.U. cafeteria. He sat at an empty table, eating alone. Everyone walked by him as if he wasn't there. I know I was taught as a child not to stare at people who seemed different to me. Although it is not polite to stare, I want kids to know that it's okay (and kind) to say hello. I want them to know that people with disabilities are not scary. They are people, just like you and I.
The Travis Roy Foundation raises money to support others who have spinal cord injuries. They also raise money to find a cure for such injuries. You can learn more at their website.
As you may know, Mr. Roy sustained a terrible injury during his very first game as a hockey player at Boston University. Since then, he has been paralyzed from the neck down, with the exception of some movement in his right arm.
Mr. Roy shared a tremendous amount with his young audience. But there were two ideas I hope your children walked away with.
1. Set goals and work hard to reach them.
Mr. Roy told us about a list of goals he made when we was 15. One of them was to play hockey at the college level. Although he was devastated by his injury, both he and his father were proud of the fact that he made one of his dreams come true.
2. Do not treat people with disabilities as if they are invisible.
Mr. Roy shared a story of a time after his accident when he was eating lunch in a B.U. cafeteria. He sat at an empty table, eating alone. Everyone walked by him as if he wasn't there. I know I was taught as a child not to stare at people who seemed different to me. Although it is not polite to stare, I want kids to know that it's okay (and kind) to say hello. I want them to know that people with disabilities are not scary. They are people, just like you and I.
The Travis Roy Foundation raises money to support others who have spinal cord injuries. They also raise money to find a cure for such injuries. You can learn more at their website.
Extra Help
I will be holding extra help sessions this week on Tuesday
morning (7:50-8:20)and Thursday afternoon (2:35-3:05). In order to
best meet the needs of each child I have chosen to focus on fractions this week. 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, May 3, 2012
Making Right Angles
Right angles are everywhere! They're on your stairs, on the tiles of your floor, the corners of your ceiling. Everywhere you look you'll find a right angle. Third grade mathematicians began studying geometry today. They used straws and glue to create quadrilaterals with different numbers of right angles. Ask your third grader how many right angles they could not create in a quadrilateral.
Click here to see third graders at work.
Click here to see third graders at work.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
MCAS Week!
As many of you know, the Math MCAS begins next week. The children took a brief practice test today. It was very short, and simply gave the children an exposure to the experience.
The actual test will be administered on Monday, May 7 and Wednesday, May 9 at 9:00am. The test is created to take about 60 minutes. Some children will be done sooner, and others will take longer. The test is untimed, so the children can take as long as they need.
I am asking all students to be in bed by 8:00 the nights before the test. Please help your children follow this guideline. In addition, all children should eat a healthy breakfast before coming to school each test day.
The children are welcome to bring in an extra healthy snack if they would like to eat before the test begins. They will be encouraged to eat lightly so they don't become sleepy from overeating. After all children have completed the test, they will also be able to eat snack and relax for a short time. The children will get extra recess each test morning in order to run off any extra steam.
Next week will look different in terms of homework. Written homework will not be assigned. In addition, the timed quizzes will not be given on Tuesday and Friday. Your children should continue to read (or be read to) for at least 20 minutes each night.
Most importantly, I do not want your children to feel stressed about MCAS. It is important that they know we believe they will do well. Please encourage them to work hard and do their best. However, also remind them that no matter how they do on MCAS, we know they are smart children!
Thanks for your cooperation. Don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.
The actual test will be administered on Monday, May 7 and Wednesday, May 9 at 9:00am. The test is created to take about 60 minutes. Some children will be done sooner, and others will take longer. The test is untimed, so the children can take as long as they need.
I am asking all students to be in bed by 8:00 the nights before the test. Please help your children follow this guideline. In addition, all children should eat a healthy breakfast before coming to school each test day.
The children are welcome to bring in an extra healthy snack if they would like to eat before the test begins. They will be encouraged to eat lightly so they don't become sleepy from overeating. After all children have completed the test, they will also be able to eat snack and relax for a short time. The children will get extra recess each test morning in order to run off any extra steam.
Next week will look different in terms of homework. Written homework will not be assigned. In addition, the timed quizzes will not be given on Tuesday and Friday. Your children should continue to read (or be read to) for at least 20 minutes each night.
Most importantly, I do not want your children to feel stressed about MCAS. It is important that they know we believe they will do well. Please encourage them to work hard and do their best. However, also remind them that no matter how they do on MCAS, we know they are smart children!
Thanks for your cooperation. Don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
History of Needham
Today we continued our story of Needham.
Ask your third grader why many settlers left Watertown.
Ask your third grader where those settlers went after they left Watertown.
Ask your third grader how settlers purchased some of the land that is now Needham.
Ask your third grader why many settlers left Watertown.
Ask your third grader where those settlers went after they left Watertown.
Ask your third grader how settlers purchased some of the land that is now Needham.
Fiction Writing
Thank you so much to Mrs. Anne Nydam for visiting third grade this
afternoon! If you don't know, Mrs. Nydam is a published author and
illustrator. (Her children are in fourth grade here at Eliot.) You can check out her work at her website http://www.nydamprints.com/.
221 have begun a unit focused on writing fiction. Mrs. Nydam shared many of the strategies and techniques she uses as a writer of fiction. Here's some of what our third grade writers learned:
*Every story needs a problem and solution
*Write stories like the ones you like to read
*Show don't tell - Don't say 'big,' describe how it's big
*Notice and pay attention to everything. Record or save the ideas you find most interesting
*Name your characters
*Put yourself in the character's place - think about what it was like when you felt that way...
*Notice problems in your own life. You might use one for a story
You can see Mrs. Nydam and her work this weekend at Needham Open Studios! If you do, be sure to tell her that your child enjoyed her visit to third grade!
Happy writing!
221 have begun a unit focused on writing fiction. Mrs. Nydam shared many of the strategies and techniques she uses as a writer of fiction. Here's some of what our third grade writers learned:
*Every story needs a problem and solution
*Write stories like the ones you like to read
*Show don't tell - Don't say 'big,' describe how it's big
*Notice and pay attention to everything. Record or save the ideas you find most interesting
*Name your characters
*Put yourself in the character's place - think about what it was like when you felt that way...
*Notice problems in your own life. You might use one for a story
You can see Mrs. Nydam and her work this weekend at Needham Open Studios! If you do, be sure to tell her that your child enjoyed her visit to third grade!
Happy writing!
Monday, April 30, 2012
Are and Perimeter
Third graders have been practicing their measuring skills. Lately, we've practiced measuring the area and perimeter of rectangles.
Perimeter is the measure around a shape. We might measure the perimeter of a space if we want to put a fence around it.
Area is the measure of space inside a shape. We might measure the perimeter of a space if want to cover the space with a rug.
Today, third graders made a connection between arrays and area. To determine the area of a rectangle, you can multiply width x length similar to the way we multiply rows x columns in an array.
Happy measuring!
Perimeter is the measure around a shape. We might measure the perimeter of a space if we want to put a fence around it.
Area is the measure of space inside a shape. We might measure the perimeter of a space if want to cover the space with a rug.
Today, third graders made a connection between arrays and area. To determine the area of a rectangle, you can multiply width x length similar to the way we multiply rows x columns in an array.
Happy measuring!
History of Needham
Today we began sharing the story of Needham.
Ask your child what people lived on the land we call Needham for thousands of years before the Puritans came.
Ask your child why the Puritans left England in the 1600s.
Ask your child what river the Puritans traveled on as they moved towards Needham.
We'll tell more of the story tomorrow! :o)
Ask your child what people lived on the land we call Needham for thousands of years before the Puritans came.
Ask your child why the Puritans left England in the 1600s.
Ask your child what river the Puritans traveled on as they moved towards Needham.
We'll tell more of the story tomorrow! :o)
Extra Help
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 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.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Just a reminder that I will be holding parent conferences today. I hope you are able to make it.
Here's the schedule:
7:30 Keren
8:00 Jesse
8:30 Sabine
9:00 Abbie
9:30 Caitlyn
10:00 Sarah
10:30 Jonathan
11:00 Khameran
12:30 Eric
1:00 Zach
1:30 Reed
2:00 Louis
2:30 John
If you were unable to schedule a conference yet, please email me at melanie_sullivan@needham.k12.ma.us.
I look forward to seeing many of you! :o)
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
History of Needham
We are just beginning our new unit on the History of Needham! One big idea that I would like students to understand from this unit, is that things change over time. We will learn specifically how many things have changed in Needham over many years.
To get us started, third grade historians started thinking about how they think things have changed. Children worked through a carousel brainstorm (moving in groups from station to station) to list changes they know about in jobs, children's lives, schools, houses and transportation. Talk to your children about the changes you have experienced.
They'll be sure to tell you all about the changes that have taken place in Needham as we get going.
:o)Melanie
The Genius Files
Our latest read aloud has been a HUGE hit! I am reading aloud "The Genius Files" by Dan Gutman. Room 221 listeners have loved the action and adventure packed into this fun book.
One of the reasons I chose this book is because the characters drive across the country. We are able to follow their travels with Google Maps. We are also visiting some of the many interesting sights that they are visiting.
You can follow along at home too! Go to Google Maps. Click on "Get Directions." For today, type in Burlingame, CA to Chico, CA. You can see the route our favorite characters took on the first leg of their trip!
You can also visit interesting places with us. Yesterday we saw The Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorobilia. (Would you have ever guessed there was such a place????) Today we visited The National Yo-Yo Museum. Check it out!
Spelling City
As you probably know, VocabularySpellingCity is a website that helps students learn their weekly spelling and vocabulary words while having fun at the same time. All 221 spellers have an assignment to complete that is due on May 4. I have sent home lists of their assigned words to assist them as they complete their assignments.
Please help your child find time to get onto the computer to complete this assignment. If internet access is difficult for you, don't worry! I can print out the activities and kids can complete them on paper. Just let me know!
Click here to access the site. The kids know how to log in.
Happy spelling!
Friday, April 13, 2012
State Fair
Thank you so much for coming to the State Fair! The kids had so much fun presenting to you! Click here to see photographs of our performance.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
From the Science Center
It's that time again! Science Center animals are looking to be temporarily adopted for the summer. Feel free to request more than animal, if you please!
Here's our list of summer adoptees:
Ring Neck Dove, Single Male
Ring Neck Dove, Pair of Females (Mom and Baby)
Hamster
Leopard Gecko
Anole Lizard (changes color!)
Mini Rex Rabbit
Degu (looks like an oversized gerbil)
Tarantula
We'll give you a cage, care instructions, and starter food supply.
To request an animal for adoption, contact Lisha Goldberg via First Class, or call the Science Center: 781 455-0475. Animals are available on a first come, first serve basis.
Here's our list of summer adoptees:
Ring Neck Dove, Single Male
Ring Neck Dove, Pair of Females (Mom and Baby)
Hamster
Leopard Gecko
Anole Lizard (changes color!)
Mini Rex Rabbit
Degu (looks like an oversized gerbil)
Tarantula
We'll give you a cage, care instructions, and starter food supply.
To request an animal for adoption, contact Lisha Goldberg via First Class, or call the Science Center: 781 455-0475. Animals are available on a first come, first serve basis.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Multiplication Strategies
Do you remember learning to multiply larger numbers? You probably were told to "put down the four, carry the two." (Or something like that. Room 221 mathematicians learned some new strategies.
First, we learned that we can break one large array into two smaller arrays. Therefore, we can use multiplication facts we know (or will soon know...) to solve larger multiplication problems we don't know. For example, in order to multiply 19 x6, we can make two smaller arrays: 10 x 6 and 9 x 6. (See the array above.) If we find the product of each small array, we can add them together. That gives us the total (or the product) of the larger array. So, 10 x 6 = 60 and 9 x 6 = 54. Therefore, 19 x 6 = 114.
We can also use base ten blocks to help us solve multiplication problems with larger numbers. This time, we can solve 19 x 6 by building 19 with base ten blocks 6 times. (See the base ten blocks above.) All we have to do is count up the total of base ten blocks. That helps us solve the problem 19 x 6 = 114.
Challenge your third graders to solve some multiplication problems with you!
P.S. It is crucial for children to understand that when multiplying by a multiple of 10, they need only add a zero to the product of the first digits. For example, 70 x 4 = 280. ( 7 x 4 = 28 - put a zero at the end to make 280.)
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