Busy Week Last Week! Short Week Ahead!

Wow!  What a super week we had in 3B last week!  I am so impressed with the students!  Their behavior, respect, and laughter is wonderful!!! We are in a great routine, working out some kinks, and moving forward.

I hope you enjoyed your three day weekend.  It is always nice to spend time with family and friends to revive for the weekend.

Here is a snapshot of some of the great things we did last week:
1.  The students launch "Read to Self" for the Daily 5.  After 2 days of practicing, they reached 11 minutes with their Read to Self stamina!!!!  With this, we discussed what stamina means, how we "turn to neighbors" to share thoughts, what reading is, and how we select a spot to sit and read in the classroom.  All of these are important lessons to lay the groundwork for a successful school year.

2.  We have jumped right into our science unit titled Plant and Animal Populations.  Last week we dissected seeds and learned about what a "seed coat" is and does.  Students also ventured outside to the butterfly garden using their eyes and ears to locate different examples of plants and animals.  On Friday we planted a variety of seeds that will be needed for some important "visitors" we have coming in a  few weeks.  Everyone is very curious about what/who these "visitors" will be.

3.  Because of the success of the Daily 5 for literacy instruction. I am using a similar format for our math period titled "Daily 3".  With this structure, there are 4 components, Math with Someone, Math Alone, Technology in Math, and then Math with the Teacher.  It is called the Daily 3 because the students select what they are going to work on when they are not working with the teacher.  "Math with Teacher" is done in small groups between mini lessons done as a large group.  Last week we spent some time practicing building our math stamina and getting the foundations for the Daily 3.  The students are very excited about this idea in math and their "choice" being part of it.  Stay tuned for more information.

4.  Along with building routines the first few weeks of school, we are working hard on building our Cadet Pride in the hallways, restrooms, and cafeteria.  So far, the students are doing a great job! We have received many compliments from others while walking in the hallways - GREAT JOB 3B!

Administration has asked that we remind parents to establish a "pick up" spot outside the school for the end of the day.  We have a lot of parents and older siblings coming down the halls of the school to pick their child up, which causes a lot of congestion with so many bodies trying to exit the building.  Please be sure to establish a "meeting spot" to pick up your child outside the front doors or the exit doors located down by our classroom.  If you have an older sibling picking up your 3rd grader or the 3rd grader is picking up a younger sibling, they should establish a "meeting spot" as well by the front doors as the hallways are very congested at the end of the day.

I also received an email last week stating that iPads will be rolled out this week to the elementary students.  Please remember that if you have not created an Apple ID and password for your 3rd grade student, he/she will not be given an iPad to use until that is done.  If you have questions or concerns, feel free to call the office and Linda will transfer you to the correct support person.

Stay tuned for more exciting learning from 3B!