End of December Reminders

Hard to believe the end of December is fast approaching.  I wanted to send a few reminders before the 19th is here.

1.  Please remember to have students reading at home.  As I have mentioned before many times, students in 3rd grade do not have a lot of homework but are expected to be reading at home.  With that, remember that students can participate in the Book It program encouraging reading and earning a free personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut.  November calendars were due last week and December calendars can be returned on the 19th or after the first of the new year.  Keep reading!

2.  3rd grade students should have brought home their recent math assessment over unit 1 last week, adding and subtracting large numbers.  With that, there was a note from me and a review packet sent home.  If you did not see on and you are a parent of a 3rd grade student, ask them about it or contact me.   Continue to keep reviewing addition and subtraction of large number.

3.  We are finishing up our literacy unit next week focusing on the strategies and skills of text structure, predicting, summarizing, contractions, compound words, and recognizing figurative language uses of similes and idioms.  Our theme has focused on science so it is a nice way to cover science across the curriculum as well.  We will do a quick assessment right before the break and return ready to start theme 3.

4.  Our current math unit is on measurement.  While measuring to the nearest inch and half inch appear simple for students, measuring to the nearest 1/4 inch is more challenging for many.  We will continue to work on this as well as move into perimeter and area before the break.

5.  This week we are interrupting social studies to do some coding for the Hour of Code, which starts today. I will be posting information about that during the week as well.  Next week we will wrap up our social studies unit on Communities with a project based assessment.

6.  Parents, please remember to send boots and snow pants with your 3B student even if there is not a lot of snow outside.  Students are coming in wet from recess when they don't have the necessary clothing and then have to sit all afternoon in wet clothes.  The playground is pretty muddy and wet so boots are appreciated.

As always, we are busy in 3B!

We Have a Visitor! Meet Clark!

Students were shocked Friday afternoon when they returned from music to see a visitor in our classroom.  While I was at a meeting, an elf decided to join our classroom leaving us a message and a book to read.  We were all surprised to look up and see an elf swinging in one of the paper lanterns from our ceiling!!!

After reading the book, we learned that we had to give him a name. The name the class voted on was Clark.  We also learned that we can not touch Clark as he will return every night to Santa's village to report if the students in 3B are naughty or nice.  Hmm....Wonder what he will tell Santa?

We are excited to have Clark join our class. Hopefully he has nothing but wonderful things to share with Santa about each and every one of us!

Bubble Bonanza!

STEM stands for "science, technology, engineering and math".  If you have not heard of it before, you will now and continue to hear about STEM as it is a big push in schools right now.  While we use technology, science, and math in class, not always to we recognize that many professions use STEM skills as well.  Our goal is to expose students to various skills needed to enter professions that utilize STEM.

Last year, the 3rd grade teachers were awarded a STEM grant in which students explored bubbles as well as engineered various wants for different tasks.  This year, we continued the Bubble Bonanza with a full day of bubbles.  Students were asked to complete many challenges such as make a wand to make the largest bubble, make a want to make the smallest bubbles, the most bubbles, etc.  Various materials were provided and lots of discussion happened throughout the day.  A big question students first needed to determine was what shape was the bubble if the wand was not a circle.  We found that no matter what shape of the wand, the bubble always turned to a circle when it came out.  Interesting!

We will continue with the STEM activities, as well as many others, throughout the year.  Here are some pictures of the beginnings of our Bubble Bonanza.

Thank You Mrs Johnson!

Toni Johnson, Avery's mom, visited us in 3B last week and shared information with the students about eating healthy.  She shared facts about good sugar and bad sugar as well as how to make our own flavored water.  It was very interesting, and we appreciated her coming in to teach us about eating healthy.  Everyone needs a reminder once and a while.  We loved the flavored water!

Door War! Game On!

Mrs. Jurgenson and Mrs. Grimm challenged the teachers and students to a "Door War!" Each classroom was to decorate their door around the theme of "Thankfulness".  While our door is simple in nature, it has a wonderful message.   Check it out (be sure to read what each letter of "Turkey" stands for ).    Wish us luck!

What Else is Going on?

Here are some snapshots of various activities happening in 3B:

We have been working hard on publishing our first official stories with the use of the app "Book Creator".  We spent a lot of time in the classroom applying the writing process and learning about editing, revising, peer conferencing, and publishing.  We hope to have all our books done and ready to share by next week.

Mrs. Shekelton set up a Skype with an author Eric James from London, and he was amazing!  He read his book to us and then allowed time for students to ask questions.  He was hilarious and students really enjoyed this time with him.  Thanks Mrs. Shekelton!

We are currently working hard on adding and subtracting large numbers up to the thousands.  Students have been shown various methods to solve the problems and have the opportunity to select the one that they understand best.  We will have an assessment over chapter 2 with these concepts next Tuesday before fall break.

Addalyn solving her math problem using Doodle Buddy

Always busy in 3B!

Great Conferences!

I want to thank all the parents and students who attended conferences this week!  It was wonderful to have the time to sit and chat with each and everyone of you.  I value communication between home and school so having this chance was very appreciative as well as important.

Please pay attention to the reminder sheet that was sent home as well:
1.  Your child needs to be responsible for taking home and returning their Important Papers Folder each day. This helps prepare the students for their planners next year.
2.  Reading takes practice!  The most important homework in 3rd grade is to read for 15-20 minutes each night if possible.  Students can read aloud to someone or read silently in a "Good Fit" book.  Our class will be participating in Pizza Hut's Book It program (those that would like to ) through next spring as added incentive.
3.  We complete most of our math at school and periodically we send home Home Link activities or math boxes to finish.  Students also need to be practicing their basic addition and subtraction facts regularly for both accuracy and speed.
4.  The weather is changing, and winter is quickly approaching.  Be sure that students are ready with warm clothing including boots, hats, and mittens.
5.  Be sure to check this blog....yep this one......for updated classroom photos, videos, etc.  Remember to also follow our class Facebook page as well.

Thanks for your help and cooperation.  The next conferences will be in February and are student-led conferences.

Veterans Day and Skyping from Washington DC!

Seems like I have not made a post on this blog page for a while, which is true.  Sorry about that.  I was gone a few days to a friend's wedding out of state and the time slipped by me.  No excuse though. So here is what has been going on:

Mr. Carver had the pleasure of having lunch with the President in Washington DC this week.  What an honor!  He had the privilege of sharing all the great things going on at Howard Winn with a group of fellow superintendents from around the United States. While in DC, he took some time to Skype back with the students showing them some of Washington DC and answering questions.  The students thought it was pretty cool!  Thanks Mr. Carver!

In honor of Veterans Day last week, the students and I had a powerful discussion after reading the book titled America's White Table.   It is a story about a girl and her family who set a small white table in honor of all veterans, especially her uncle. The table is set with symbolic things to recognize their sacrifices:

A small table to show one soldier's lonely battle,
White tablecloths to honor a soldier's pure heart,
Lemon slice to show a captive soldier's bitter fate,
Grains of salt for tears of the families waiting,
Empty chair for the missing soldiers,
Black napkin for the sorrow of captivity,
Turned over glass for the meal not eaten,
White candle for peace,
Red rose with red ribbon for hope.

We also wrote "hero" in the salt just like the character did in the book.

It was an emotional story for many of us, including myself. The students and I had a very heartfelt discussion about Veterans Day. We then discussed adding our own pictures and things on the table to honor our veterans, in our families, friends, or any veteran. I started by adding a collage picture of my brother who served as well as an official letter to our family. The following day, students then brought in pictures or items to show and share about family and friends who are veterans.  Here is what the table looked like:

I hope the students always remember this story and the items/memories we shared with one another about veterans in our lives.

Fundraiser Pick Up and Cadet Nation

Just a reminder that tonight is pick up night for the Chip Shoppe Fundraiser pick up.  Please remember to come and pick up your orders between 3-6.  You do not need any paperwork as everything will be in the cafeteria ready for you.

Also, tomorrow is the first Friday of the month so remember to wear your Cadet Nation t-shirts or a cadet blue t-shirt.

Never a dull moment at Crestwood!  Thanks so much!

Another Fun Skype and TACKK Discussion for the Global Read Aloud

Tomorrow we will finish up our read aloud titled The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.  I think all of us, including myself, are sad to see this wonderful story come to an end.  There is magic in enjoying books through read-alouds, and this is one story we all have loved!  What makes it even better is that we have discussed and shared our thoughts with other schools around the US as well who are reading the same book.

Here are some pictures from our Skype last week with Mrs. Abbott's class.  We have Skyped with them before, and I feel like we are one happy family!  It was great to see their faces again and share our thoughts about what we are reading.   They shared ideas that we had not thought about and vice versa.

Even though we are near the end of the Global Read Aloud story,  I know we will continue to connect and share thoughts about our learning with others throughout the year.

We have been having great virtual discussions with a class from Wisconsin as well!  The students chat and share thoughts with each other using the online program of TACKK.  Their faces light up when someone replies to what they have posted or has a conversation with them without even being in the classroom.  We are global learners in 3B!

Field Trip to UNI = Success!

We had a wonderful day last week at UNI!  Students, of course, loved riding down on the Hawkeye Stages buses.  Who wouldn't?  It was also fun to have lunch sitting in the DOME at UNI!  The 3rd grade teachers were pleased with the behavior shown from the Crestwood students.  They represented our school very well!

After lunch, we ventured over to the Gallagher-Bluedorn Theatre and watched a wonderful play about the Wright Brothers!  Hopefully the students told you all about it and everything they learned.

This field trip was paid for by all the funding the students do every year with the Chippe Shop Fundraising.  Thanks so much for giving the students this opportunity!

Parent Teacher Conference Sign Up

Just a friendly reminder to sign up for your child's parent-teacher conferences.  They are coming up soon.  I checked recently and see that 3-4 parents have signed up.  Thanks!  It would be nice to have everyone signed up for a time by next Tuesday.

Directions on how to sign up for your child's conferences were sent home last week.  If you need assistance, please call the office and Linda will be glad to help you.  You can also shoot me an email and I can help out as well.

Thanks and can't wait to see each of you at conferences.

Questions about Halloween in 3B

Here are some quick comments in reference to our fall celebration in 3B:

1.  Students do not wear or bring their costumes to school in 3B on Halloween. Usually that is just something  Crestwood kindergarten and first graders do but I am not even sure they are doing that this year.  So save the costumes for trick or treating at night.
2.  We will be having some fun activities throughout the day on Halloween:  various stations with all of 3rd grade as well as a movie in the afternoon.
3.  Students may bring some treats to hand out to their classmates at the end of the day, but it is not required or necessary.

Stay safe and happy Halloween!!!

Book It ....Better Late than Never!

I am sure many people are familiar with Book It, the reading incentive program sponsored by Pizza Hut. Sadly our local Pizza Hut shut down recently so there was a lot of question on whether to participate in Book It or not.  The school decided to have the students participate if they would like, knowing that the coupons for pizzas could be used nearby at the Pizza Hut in Decorah or even Rochester.    So here is the information.  Please read carefully.

October is the kick off month for the reading incentive program of "Book - It". Because the school's decision to participate was made after October 1st, we will be starting this reading incentive program November 1st.  While I am not requiring all students to participate in "Book-It", sponsored by Pizza Hut, I am encouraging everyone to do it.  Why not get a free pizza out of reading at home?  Seems silly to pass it up.  I will a calendar home today with each 3rd grade student asking them to record his/her reading each night working towards or past the goal written on the calendar.  At the end of the month, please return the calendar, with a parent's signature, and your child will be given his/her coupon for a free pizza.  A new calendar will be sent home at the beginning of every month with the "goal" increasing each time. 

In the past, those students who participated in the Book-It program every month and met their goal were treated to a pizza lunch with me, Mrs. Kerian, at the end of the reading incentive designated time (usually March or April).   With the Healthy Kids Act in place in schools, we are not able to do that any more.  Third grade teachers will meet soon to come up with something just as fun and yummy.  So, stay tuned for information for those students who participate, meet their goal or pass it, and turn in their calendar every month.  Last year the students who read every month returned their reading calendar celebrated by having "dinner and a movie" with Mrs. Kerian over lunch period, with some extra snacks provided by me as well.   

So for now.....GET READING! :)

What's going On in 3B?

Hopefully everyone saw the great article that was in the newspaper about Crestwood Elementary's 3rd graders!  Mrs. Jurgensen and Mrs. Grimm are encouraging all staff to submit articles for the newspaper to show the great things happening in our school so 3rd grade teachers jumped right in.  Together, the 3rd grade teachers wrote the article and submitted it to the newspaper.  Even though many people already knew about the activities that were included in the article, it is nice to share information with the community about the fun learning in 3rd grade!

As usual, we continue to be very busy in 3B. Here is a quick update:
1.  We finished unit 1 in math and took the unit assessment.  I will be sending home information tomorrow or Wednesday about how each child did and suggestions of what to continue working on.  Please look for that information in the coming days.  We have started unit 2 which focuses on addition and subtraction.  Just a reminder that there are many activities on my blog page (students know) to work on at home to build addition and subtraction facts as well as working through Moby Max, which students have been working through already.    Keep working on those addition and subtraction facts!!!!
2.  We are also wrapping up our unit in science on Plant and Animals.  Students will be starting a project based assessment this week to show what they have learned within our science unit and applying it.

3.  Our focus strategies in literacy currently are determining important information, main ideas, recognizing prefixes of "not",  synonyms, and making words plural.  We will also be moving into making inferences this week as well.   Guided reading is going well, and we will be starting "Cadet Time" this week.  This is a time where students are grouped across the classrooms and focus on areas of need in literacy.
4.  Much of our writing time has focused on getting ideas.  Now we are ready to take one of our stories and publish it through the writing process.  I will be walking students through the writing process this week, giving them time to apply it to one of their pieces of writing, and then publishing their stories via an online app.  Along with this, students will be finishing up their "time travel" stories for Mrs. P's writing contest as well.

We also have more Skype sessions schedule for the Global Read Aloud, which we are loving!  So far we have made connections with Wisconsin, an "unknown state" the students still need to figure out, and more to come!  We are learning from each other across the US!

Great Stories for Mrs. P's Time Travel Competition

Everyone has been working hard and writing some great stories hoping to enter them into Mrs. P's Writing Challenge.  We had the pleasure of skyping with Mrs. P a while ago and now everyone is drafting up their perfect "time travel" story!  It is great for me, as the teacher, to see that they don't want to stop writing when it is time to move on to something else.  From what I have read of their stories so far, they are all wonderful!!!!

Stay tuned for some great stories of traveling to the past to the land of dinosaurs, Egyptians, and cowboys or the future in space.  Exciting!!!  Here are some pictures of my little writers.....