Super Week 3B. . . Let's Have Another!!!

Last week was a very busy; yet, wonderful week for 3B. I was so proud of each and every one of the students as they worked so hard and stayed on task the whole week! Great job 3B! I hope that continues this week and throughout the rest of the year!

Well, where to start? We did finish up our biography presentations! They were super. I have put pictures of the students on their individual blog pages (you can get to by visiting my web page). You can also view the pictures on my webpage and going to the "09-10 photo" link or clicking on the star that says "Biography Presentation Photo". Either one will get you there. These are just pictures from our "dress rehersal" so not all students have a photo yet as some did not have their costumes at school for the dress rehersal. I am currently working on uploading the videos to the student's blog pages and created a DVD with all the presentations. I will then give a DVD to each student to keep and watch the presentations at home. They are so excited for that!!! I told them they were going to be movie stars!!! Look for that to come home soon but feel free to view their individual picture posted on the web (student blog page or my class web page)! I have to say I was very impressed with everyone's costumes and hard work to memorize as much of their presentation as they could!!!! Excellent job 3B! I could tell you enjoyed this project!!!

We also finished a science and math test last week. I am finishing correcting those, science has many parts, and will be sending those home tomorrow or Wednesday. Because of our Earth Day activity last Thursday, we didn't have science Thursday or Friday (Friday was Food and Fitness). I did not get all the components of the science test done, but I am going to just go with what we did get done. The students were glad to hear that!! :) To get them used to "letter grades" they will be getting in 4th grade, I will be putting a "letter grade" on both the science and math assessments. This will give each 3rd grader an idea of what grade they would have received if in 4th grade. I am going to try and do that on many activities to help them prepare for this aspect of 4th grade. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

On Thursday of this week we will be going out to Vernon for Arbor Day. This is a day of activities focusing on trees, soil, plants, and wildlife. Please be sure your child dresses in layers as the weather could be chilly in the morning and then get warmer as the day progresses. Hats/visors are allowed as well. Please have your 3rd grader where tennis shoes as we will be walking on some trails and busy outside. I also suggest you put sunscreen on your 3rd grade child that morning before sending him/her to school so that no one gets burnt. The school will be providing sack lunches for all of 3rd grade so please do not send a cold lunch on Thursday from home. This is a fun activity that brings all 3rd graders together throughout the district. Let's just hope the weather cooperates!

May 14th is also a field trip for Crestwood 3rd graders. We will be going to an eagle preserve in Wisconsin as well as a toy museum. More information will be sent home soon, but I wanted to send out a little request for chaperones. Each class will be taking 3 parent chaperones. If you are interested in going and would like to volunteer, please send me an email or call me. If I have more than 3 volunteers, I will put all names in a hat and draw them out to make it fair. Just so you know, we will be leaving the elementary at 7:30 AM and returning at 3:30 PM. Again the date is May 14th. Please let me know as soon as possible if you would like to volunteer to go along. I guarantee it will be a super day!

Last week we also ventured into something new in literacy called Book Clubs. After two days of modeling by myself, Mrs. Hartberg, and Mrs. Foster, the students went into some of the 4th grade rooms and watched what a book club is. There is a photo above that shows some 3rd grade students watching a 4th grade book club. Then on Thursday, we started our book clubs. The students are loving them and learning so much from the discussions that are happening, which is a main component of book clubs. Please ask your child about his/her book club, the book they are reading, and how it is going.

Above you will find some pictures that can be viewed on my web page in the photo albums. I have posted pictures from our Earth Day activity picking up trash in Cresco and at Kessel Park as well as the biography pictures. Take a look!

Have a great week and enjoy the sunshine. . . hopefully it sticks around awhile!

Busy Week Ahead!

We had a great talk this morning about how much we have going on this week. It is a little overwhelming to some of the students, but I feel they were more relaxed once we talked about everything. Yes, it is going to be busy! I know the students can handle it though and it will turn out wonderful. So what's going on you may ask. . . .here it is:

1. Biography presentations: I am so impressed with most of the students and their hard work to memorize as much of their biography presentations as they can! Wow! The students are so excited about this project, and it is super to see. Most students have been practicing hard each night, while a few students have not been. I am sad to say, but this will show when they do their presentations this week. We have been practicing daily in class, but the students were to practice every night since last Thursday at home for 20 minutes. Most did that and are ready. Some did not; therefore they spent their recesses today practicing, which was too bad because it was so nice outside. Oh well. . . .moving on. . . this is the schedule for the week:
a. I listened to almost everyone practice their oral presentations today. We will have a little more practice time in the classroom.
b. Costumes and props need to be to school by this Wednesday, if they were not sent today. Last week's newsletter asked that they be sent to school today so thank you to those who read my blog carefully and sent them today. If your child did not bring their costumes, I would appreciate them by Wednesday at the latest.
c. We will do a "dress rehersal" on Wednesday with the other 3rd grade students in the other sections coming in to listen and learn.
d. Presentations will start Thursday. Remember that all presentations will be video taped and placed on the students' blog pages, except for the students who signed that they did not want that. I also told 3B students they will get a DVD next week of all the presentations put together in a movie so they have it to keep forever. They were very excited about that aspect!!!
e. I hope to have all presentations done by the end of the day Friday. Costumes will then be sent back home on this day.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. We are moving along quickly because the students are ready and working hard. Thanks for your help and cooperation!

2. Science tests - If you remember, there are many components of our science assessments (visual, manipulative, multiple choice, etc.). The purpose of this is to meet all learning styles and hope for success in a way that meets the learning style of your child. I sent a study guide and science materials home last week for students to begin preparing for this assessment. We will start with the first half on Tuesday afternoon and finish on Thursday afternoon with the last half (we do not have science on Wednesday). Feel free to study more Wednesday night before part 2 of the assessment by using your study guide or materials sent home, but please return the science books with our child on Tuesday. I have reminded the students of this.

3. Math Assessments - We will be finishing up our unit on Geometry tomorrow with a math assessment Wednesday. While there is really no way to study for this assessment, remember to work on the multiplication facts. Even though it is an assessment on geometry, part of it is a quick check to see if students have been working on their facts. Otherwise, don't worry about studying for this assessment.

4. Multiplication Facts - The deadline to earn a "Walking Taco" for knowing all the multiplication facts is this Friday. I have 4 students done with many others very close. Keep working on them!!!!

See. . . .I told you it was a busy week. :) Hang in there. . . .we can do it!!!!

Last but not least. Just a quick note about a field trip coming up next Thursday to Vernon. All 3rd graders in the school district will take part in a celebration for Arbor Day next Thursday by going through various stations on trees, soil, animals, plants, etc. Look for more information to be sent home next week, but I wanted to make you aware of the date. All students will eat sack lunches provided by the school that day so no need to send a sack lunch from home.

Hopefully you are not overwhelmed by all of the information above. We have gone through it all, as I mentioned, and the students are aware of everything going on. Yes, it is a busy time, but they can do it!!!! It sounds like a lot, but we have spent a lot of time preparing so nothing should be a surprise. At least we had a some fun (we always have fun but this was a different kind of fun) and students picked their prizes out of the prize box for all of their great effort on the MAPs test. I was very proud of each of them and they deserved a little pat on the back or fun object to celebrate. Great job 3B!

Oh yeah. . .remember to watch your child's video book review and post a comment or question for them! They would really appreciate it - as would I!!!! Just go to my web page and select the student blog link to reach the list of students. They are so proud of them. . . . and I know you will be too!

Have a great week!

MAPs testing is done!!! Jump for Joy!!!

This post includes three post - the following two as well. If you look closely, you can see that I have posted pictures from our Technology Open House as well as the Field Day with Ridgeway students. In order to view the pictures/slide show, go into my blog page via the internet and watch from there. Comments follow as well.

I have had a lot of questions about the biography project so I am going to take some time to answer those and share information. The students worked very hard last week taking their notes and writing up their presentation. Some are still working on that while others worked on adding more information (some did not read all of the book like I had liked and had to do some rereading last week :( This week, students will be wrapping up their writing and preparing for their presentations here at school. While I don't feel it is necessary for the students to memorize their speeches, I do not want them reading directly off a paper all the time. We will be working on that this week. Look for your child's presentation to come home Wednesday night and the rest of the week for he/she to practice at home. Just remember to return it every day so he/she has it at school. As far as costumes and props go, I would like the students to have their costumes and props to school by next Monday. We will not need them on Monday, but I want to make sure every student has his/her costume and props. Remember props can include anything that reflects from the person's life or they were involved in. I am aiming to start the presentations next Wednesday, April 21st, and continue Thursday, April 22nd. With the costumes and materials here next Monday, we will have a dress rehersal on Tuesday, April 20th. So. . . we are getting there. This week, just look for your child to bring his/her speech home to practice on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Also be gathering and putting together your child's costume with him/her to be brought to school next Monday. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call or email me. Thanks for your help! The students are very, very excited (and a little nervous).

If you haven't had time to watch your child's book review video, I hope you will find time soon. You can go to your child's blog page (through my webpage) and click the link to watch his/her video. We would love comments posted as well so that the students understand who their audience is and build some communication through this activity. They did a great job and will be doing another one towards the end of the year. So. .enjoy! The students are eager for someone to watch their first video. :)

Just a few last minute reminders. The students who returned their reading calendars every month will be having a pizza party with me this Friday. Students who did not return their reading calendars will eat in the lunch room with the other 3rd grade students. I will provide pizza and beverages for the students who returned their calendars. Great job!

Remember that next Friday, the 23rd, is the last day for students to master all of their multiplication facts and earn a walking taco. Many students are so, so close so keep working at it. I am a little disappointed in some of the students not trying and practicing much at home as there are a few that don't seem to really care about it. I guess that is their choice, but 4th grade teachers do expect their students to know all their facts by next year. Might as well practice and earn something for it. Remember that mastering multiplication facts is part of our math series that is expected to be worked on outside the classroom as well. I am hoping to see a lot of students eating walking tacos soon!

The students finished up MAPs testing today. I don't think they could be happier to get them done. I was very pleased with the effort of the students and how hard many of them worked!!! Super job 3B! It showed in their scores, which were great! We had many types of "brain food" throughout the week to keep us going and working hard. . . . .now we are glad they are over with and we can return to normal. Look for your child's fall and spring scores to be sent home at the end of the year with his/her report card.

Have a great week!

Fun Day with Ridgeway!

Two weeks ago the staff and students of Crestwood Elementary enjoyed a fun morning with the staff and students from Ridgeway Elementary. The Ridgeway students were split up to mix in with their current grade level and work through various track and field activities, classroom activities, and then enjoyed a cook out lunch before the Ridgeway staff/students headed back. It was an excellent way for the students from Ridgeway who may be attending Crestwood next year to meet new people and become comfortable with the possible new environment. I am sure that each of us, including myself, made at least one new friend on this day, which was great!

Technology Night Open House

I am finally getting around to uploading the pictures from our Technology Open House. Thanks to the parents and families that attending and enjoyed spending time podcasting, blogging, and learning about the smartboard. It was a great evening! Enjoy!

Sometimes Technology is NOT my Friend!!!

I hope you had an enjoyable 3day weekend with your family and friends. It was very nice to have a little break and regroup for the rest of the year. Hard to believe that it is April already. . . . .time is just flying by as usual. I am proud of the students and their hard work though. . . they are really hanging in there and pushing themselves, which is awesome! I hope they keep it up for a little while longer!!!!

Well, our book review videos went well last week! I was pleased with them overall, and the students were very excited to see themselves on the computer. In trying to make it easier for the students, I ran into a little snag as far as uploading the videos to their individual blog pages. I used the computer video recorder on iMovie to record the videos (very simple for students to use). Unfortunately, these types of recordings won't upload to our blog pages. I should have checked it out first, found out if they worked or not, and then went with my original plan if they didn't. (Original plan was to use my FlipCamera to record the videos.) I learned a lesson for sure. So what I have done is put the students' book review videos on their podcast pages, which did work. This way the reviews can be watched. I am also going to put the link on each student's review on their blog page in hopes that parents, friends, and others will send comments to the students to foster more communication and discussion. So. . . look tomorrow at the student individual blog pages and information to comment/view your child's book review. Or, if you can't wait, you can view the video tonight by going to our podcast pages on my class website. Your choice-they are there for you to view tonight if so desire.

Almost everyone brought back his/her biography project information! Super! I was very pleased this morning with the responsibility shown by the students. Here is a timeline of what will be happening in the next few weeks:
1. I will review the information the students brought in. I will do this by Wednesday so that if anyone needs to reread or gather more information, he/she will have time to do that.
2. We will begin taking our information and preparing our oral presenation. This will mostly be done at school.
3. Once we get going on that, I will send information home about when costumes and props are due. Some have sent them to school already, but that is not necessary. If you do not have your costume, you have about a week or two to get it ready. Look for a note to be sent home soon with specific information/dates.

Thanks for your help and cooperation with this activity! The students are very, very excited about it!

I have six or seven students who have returned their reading calendar every month and have earned a pizza party with me, Mrs. Kerian. I am tentatively planning this party next Friday, April 16th. These six students will not be eating school lunch that day as they will be eating pizzas with me and having beverages provided by me as well. Those students who did not meet the goal of returning their calendars every month will go to lunch as usual with the other 3rd grade teachers or an associate to sit with them in the cafeteria. Great job to these students! I am very proud of each of them and their dedication to reading has shown in their improvement as well! Keep it up!

Just a reminder to keep working on those multiplication facts. All facts must be memorized by April 23rd to earn the "Walking Taco" party. Many students are very close so keep working on them!

In conclusion, I wanted to comment about our upcoming MAPs test we will be starting tomorrow. Students in 3B will be doing the Reading part of the assessments tomorrow, Language on Tuesday, and Math on Thursday. We will end our assessments next Monday by taking the Science portion of the test. If you remember, your child took these assessments at the beginning of the year on the computer. They are not timed and students are given as much time as needed to work through the problems. Today your child set his/her goals for the scores they would like to receive. Our hope is that there will be improvement in all areas. . . .I have no doubt there will be. Anyway, please do not stress your child out about this. They will be fine. All I ask is that they get a good nights rest this week, or as usual, and eat a healthy breakfast. Thanks for your help and cooperation!

Have a great week!