What's Happening In Third Grade?

Tuesday

2012-01-31T14:00:00.000-08:00

Another busy day!

Work on some board math...reducing fractions and changing improper fractions to mixed fractions. ( and drew pictures of them also)
Work on a few at home:
4/24 =
2/6=
6/5 =
This is all multiplication and division, so once they learned the concept...they were ready to roll!

Finishing up our hats and aprons.

Monday

2012-01-30T13:23:00.000-08:00

Happy Catholic Schools Week!

Our week is focused on prayer, giving, and service to others. We have a great start on the Penny Wars, thanks to the students who brought their money in!!

We wrote essays on Catholic Schools and completed a project for our grandparents.
We're hoping to win a Bingo game this week also.

Collected a variety of items that were due! Ask your child what they are missing!

We're going to focus on being great listeners tomorrow!
The afternoon was filled with guest speakers talking about careers.

No Daily this week. We are tallying warnings. This week is less structured, so I would expect fewer tallies than normal.

Thursday

2012-01-26T09:17:00.000-08:00

Bring: misc. materials to make instruments for a special project for Catholic Schools week (buckets, tp rolls, ribbon, etc...)

Math: we will not be having math pages assigned for next week

Puppet
Symmetry bug
Peek box
saint report
My Life In Numbers
Rainbow Words
Letter to Congresswoman

Material for Cursive Writing Box...cereal box or what ever

Measurement Books were handed in today and did not fair very well on the rubric guidelines that had been explained many times. We worked on this in class for hours, and even areas that I stated "Write down what I'm writing." These were the areas graded with students receiving 0-4 points for each category. (two extra days were given to improve these areas ...and complete it if you didn't have it done)

6 topics were included
Neat....(lettering, coloring, spacing)
Spelling and Grammar
Pictures and Words Include A “Variety” of facts and Details to Display how much you’ve learned (all areas covered)

Students were given the opportunity to add/fix and redo if necessary for Monday.

Penny War next week

The students have requested that we make rain sticks. We would need to have long wrapping paper tubes (one per student) in order to do this project. Please let your child know if this is something you could assist your child by providing this.

Reviewed algebra problems.

Took a quiz on subject/predicate and noun and verbs. (the quiz also includes words to increase our vocabulary) Please express the importance to review this. Quizzes came home.

Worked in collaborative teams on writing a mini-essay on bridges using sentence starters.

I tested the students on their reading fluency and to assess whether they are using expression, pausing for punctuation, and fluency (speed). I also assessed if their reading of words with multiple syllables was fluent or read in pieces. Keep reading with your child to assure that they are the best they can be. Discuss "who, what, where, when, why" of the story. Talk about what happened first, next, last. Who are the characters? What is the plot about? Discuss vocabulary words or incorporate your own to strengthen their vocabulary.
Today's English quiz had a sentence that had words like: despicable and vile...assist your child to increase their vocabulary.

Wednesday

2012-01-25T13:46:00.000-08:00

Did your child sign up to bring an ingredient for our Love Potion? We will be using our candy hearts as early as next week for our Bingo markers in math.

Religion: Who is St. Paul? How was he converted? Where was he killed? Who else was killed in Rome also? Peter and Paul were killed how?
Is your saint report ready for Monday?
Name the physical parts of the mass. There will be a quiz next week.
altar
priest
sacramentary candle
chalice
lector
lectionary
prayer basket
tabernacle
lectern
Easter candle
sanctuary
credence table
cruets
communion dish

Worked on projects that have been assigned.(puppets, symmetry bug, My Life in Numbers, etc...) Measuring booklets: put in in-box today or tomorrow.

Math: 221 and algebra: time was allowed in class to finish both...names in the bucket 3 times for those who did it ahead of times! Hooray for you!
Preparing for Math Bingo next week!

Continents and oceans quiz...label and color! Have your child show you their score.

Save a cereal box or whatever for Cursive Mailbox to practice reading cursive notes.

Science: Bugs...we'll teach the little people our songs for Catholic Schools Week...are you done with your alliteration bug?

I corrected the 2nd draft...letter with decorations is due Monday.

Rainbow words: due Monday

We're making an artistic project as a baby gift for Mr. Kotrba's new baby.

Fluency Test for those who choose to take it. Starting next week, noon recess sessions for those in addition and subtraction. Then, after 2 tries, students will be required to practice during their noon hour until they pass out of each section. Therefore, your choice is to practice at home, or add the time in school during recess.

Tuesday

2012-01-24T14:12:00.000-08:00

Day 1 on gluing our writing projects on to the aprons we made today.

Second draft of letter to Congresswoman Gabby. We edited and added a bible verse. We discussed the meaning of additional negative adjectives as we also practiced how to say them. The 4 words need to be underlined in color on this draft. Students were asked not to select words they already knew the meaning of coming into third grade. (penny words...we need dollar words)

Practiced reading our "puppet show" lines on Three Billy Goats Gruff for those who are making their puppets for kindergarten. We reviewed our songs which include a lot of vocab. words.

Math: see daily assignment.

Also: drew and discussed fractions. We drew fractions with wholes and parts of a whole. We learned how to add fractions (and drew them to see what they look like) with the same denominator. 2/6 + 3/6 ...ask your child to sing their song for you as to how to figure out how to add this. We also sang about how to add or subtract decimals. Check out the binder and do some of these problems with your child. We reviewed factors and prime numbers. The third graders are doing a great job with understanding these and reviewing them as often as possible to assist them to retain the information.
Mr. Bryce from the Civil Engineering dept. at NDSU came to teach us about engineering and about bridges. He reinforced all the wonderful things we're learning and gave us some advice on our bridges.

Rainbow words...handed them out be haven't gone through them in class yet. Due Friday!

Monday

2012-01-23T13:58:00.000-08:00

Math for the week was posted Friday.

We discussed arrays, factors, and products. Ask your child to explain what they are to you. We also worked on our factor chart. A great way to factor a number, that will come in handy in their years ahead!

Behavior was better today. Thank you for assisting your child to be on task and on track!!!

Apron making with our 8 items tomorrow.
Measurement books are due tomorrow.

Spelling: 18

Literacy: letter to Congresswoman Gabby: we will be telling her about how we use music therapy as she does also (draft due tom.)
Puppet: templates are available with paper for those wanting to do the play with the kindergarten class

Science: we are also collaborating with the little people as they learn about bugs...we are designing a "bug" ...(science) ...making it symmetrical (math) and naming it with an alliteration (literacy) "Beautiful Betty" ...due Jan. 30

Students done with their work were allowed to work on their bridges. Review the bridge song before our guest speaker tomorrow. (civil engineering)

Peek Boxes are due in the distant future...collect items for your simple machines

1 page saint report is due next week. (1 per month) 1 page

My Life in Numbers is due next week also. The students are really having fun collecting all their personal numbers to add to their presentation. (15-20 ...or more...do it in marker and be neat and creative! Beauty counts!!

Review the States! Read over the Social Studies songs for greater retention. Have your child explain to you what they learned. There is figurative language and vocabulary that needs to be broken down to understand their meaning...this is a great way to connect with your child.

2012-01-20T14:38:00.000-08:00

Today was a "work" day. Students were given all day to work on their projects/assignments. We corrected yesterday's math and learned "factoring" and prime numbers, and the rest was given to complete assignments.
Challenge algebra was given (binder: back of bridges) Optional...due Tues. or Wed. if you plan on doing it. The students loved factoring and prime numbers. Ask them how we do it!

FYI: I have a handful of students that are neglecting to record resets (numerous) and not marking the correct color on their DAILY! This is an honor system and students are asked to mark it immediately (so they don't forget...as they say) This gives you as parents a false sense of whether or not your child is on-task and/or following rules like do not interrupt, voices off during work time, etc... This is also a tool to tell you whether or not your child is wasting valuable work time...thus adding to the homework at night. When time is calculated for class work time, I do not calculate in extra time for students to be off-task.

Went through additional examples of how to do:
*"My Life In Numbers" (paper was provided)...birthday, address, phone, weight, height, etc...Photo in the center and the title of the project on it! (example was done in school....creative methods are ALWAYS welcome and you can veer off and do it your own way!
*Measurement Booklet (6 two inch rectangles on the front and inside both...example with pictures, definitions, charts, calculations were discussed and on the board)

Study STATES!

Continue collecting trinkets and ideas (and a box) for the "Simple Machines" peek box. (info. was given out on How To Do This)
7 Stations required...6 simple machines and simple machines in general. Numbers have to be strategically placed for each station (with an explanation and details about each station...3-6 sentences)

Valentine's Day is coming. Student names were on the information provided at the beginning of the year. Students are asked to sign up to bring an ingredient for our activities. Have your child volunteer 3 possible things for our Chex Mix Love Potion, 3 different kinds of cereal, Cheez-its, peanuts, etc.. (The extras ...candy, etc... can be red and pink M & M's, heart candy, etc...nothing gooey... as it will stick to the chex mix, pretzels, etc...) Then I will assign "1" item for you to bring. We will be combining this with math and measurement, and Science, as mixtures and solutions, and area with the Cheez-its. We will also need some different types of liquids to drink for our solution.

Am I done with???
Saint report for the month?
Puppet for Three Billy Goats Gruff (template in school or use your own...optional ...we'll be sharing these with the kindergarteners)
Are the 8 writing types done for my apron?

List 18 spelling

Math for Next Week: Challenge Math
M: 216-217
T: 218-219
W: 221
Th: 223
no school Friday
M: 225-226

The students are busy building bridges for our competition. Our Civil Engineer will be here Tuesday! I love how they are busy completing their work to jump onto their teams to complete and compete...and research ways to make the strongest bridge!

Thursday

2012-01-19T13:24:00.000-08:00

Math: check Monday's blog.
over an hour was given for today's math assignment

Literacy: Three Billy Goats Gruff (puppet ...templates and paper are provided...these are optional for our time we spend with our Kindergarten friends reading the story) Have your child sing their songs to you! This is "reading"!
Songs and ordinals numbers...lots of fun to learn about bridges!

Spelling: 17

Literacy: apron

Math:
My Life In Numbers project Due Jan. 30th;...over 20 examples were given out today (ask them to see this, send me a note if they don't have it) of things to include. Students will need a photo. I will give them paper to begin tomorrow. Tonight they are writing down "numbers" that are meaningful in their lives. (age, zip code, phone number, number in sports, etc...This should be great fun!

Measurement booklet: Due: Jan. 24 (an example is on the board and students were to take notes of the 6 areas that are required... draw pictures, definitions, graphs or chart of the measurement, and details are necessary) page numbers were also written on the board to assist them to know where to look for the details. Paper was given out and students should have folded and measured books to be ready to add their details!

Religion: Saint report due end of the month (time management...don't leave it until the end...1 page)

Peek Boxes: be collecting trinkets that you can use for your Simple Machines Project (due in Feb. after conferences)

A lot of work/free time and students ask ...what can I do? Students need to use time allotted in class to free up time at home.

Wednesday

2012-01-18T14:08:00.000-08:00

Check old blogs for previous assignments. No additional or new assignments.

http://www.tpt.org/newtons/video.php?id=1286 More on Bridge Building. We're watching Newton's Apple Bridges...watch again at home to learn more or get ideas for your bridge your building. Students are working on teams to plan and prepare their ideas for their bridges. Ask your child what the 3 most common types of bridges are? We have a Civil Engineer that will be guest speaking on Tuesday also.

We'll be putting our aprons together next Tuesday in art class. Our writing pieces will be on display to show our different methods of our Language Arts class.

Tuesday

2012-01-17T11:29:00.000-08:00

See past blogs for assignments posted previously.

NDSCS and our Magic Sand...STEAM experiences (this will be
found on the STEM4kids @ http://stem4kids.blogspot.com/site after this entry is deleted)

No new assignments were given out.

Sciences:
*notes on "bridges" ...we have started our bridge building
*fossils (ask your child what amber is...resin from a tree)
*oceans and water cycle review

Literacy:
read through your new negative adjectives list (binder)
* abbreviations...practice

Monday

2012-01-16T12:58:00.000-08:00

Math
M:: 195-196
T: 197-198
W: 199-200
Th: 201-202
F: 203-204
Handwriting Sheet: Capital letters/word sheet

Martin Luther King video, art project, and write essay: Due tomorrow! Students collected between 30-40 facts to incorporate into their essay. (we'll draw his picture tomorrow)
http://www.brainpop.com/socialstudies/famoushistoricalfigures/martinlutherkingjr/ Watch here to go over the facts that we learned about in school today!

2-2-2 Literacy: Graded each week

Writing topics for the week: 1 card each (you may not do them ahead of time, but can study ahead of time)
M: Titanic and Dust Bowl
T: oceans and measurement
W: animal kingdom and food chain
Th: water and rainforests
F: bridges and fossils

Have you picked your "Saint of the Month" that you'll do your essay on???

NDSCS: Nano-science this afternoon
Ask your child what the following words mean:
hypro:water
hydrophobic: water fearing
hydrophillic:water loving
pipett: tool used to add water to designated substance
We engaged in many experiments today that assisted us to learn a variety of scientific aspects regarding water. Predicting was a huge part of our scientific discoveries.
The Animoto that goes with our afternoon of experimenting will soon be on the STEM site for you to enjoy!

Friday

2012-01-13T13:38:00.000-08:00

Ask your child their score on 2-2-2: 8 pts. A lot of direction is still being shared with the students as to puntuation, what summarizing is, paraphrasing, capitalization, underlining the name of the book, check to see if you're spelling words correctly (right from the story or the dictionary), handwriting, spacing between words, underlining in color the vocab. words, and using the word appropriately in the sentence they write. I always suggest they use the sentence in the book or to shorten it, as many students are not writing the word correctly when they think of their own sentence. The 5 entries should be in the "Literacy" notebook, not around math problems, or religion notes...many students have all subjects mixed together. The 5 entries should take two and a half pages only, and follow last week's two and a half pages. When I speak to the students about their understanding of the word, it is important that they know what the word means.

Review "letter writing" dos and don'ts! (see song)

Ask your child their score on the 9pt. geography test. This was on 9 of the easiest states. We added 10 more states plus Hawaii and Alaska, that we already studied. Colored pencils are needed. Washington, Oregon, Idaho Nevada, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

There will be a quiz coming up on temperature and measurement. (highlighted on song)

There was homework from Mrs. Filipi: this is very important information on Bullying. Your assistance is required.

Fluency tests.

Math for all of next week was on the board and suggested to write it in the planners. Work on Xtra Math!

Next week: daily writing: topics were on the board.

SS: Dirty Thirties and the Titanic

If you have craft glue, send it along, we start bridge building next week.

Thursday

2012-01-12T16:46:00.000-08:00

Rainbow Words for list 17: due Monday (this is phonics, strategies to remember the spelling, rules...Monday is capitalized because it's a name, and handwriting - how to form letters; we practiced writing all the days of the week also)

This was the only thing new today! (see past entries)

Took 9 pt. U.S. states assessment

Started new computer projects. (ask your child how much progress they made) Some students are completing science, social studies, or math projects.

Took fluency test...they had EXTRA time today, as the egg timer didn't start right away ...so everyone should of passed out...about 20 extra seconds.

Students done with their work were allowed to play math games and create visual art pieces representing the multiplication/division problem, and then write the problems. We also discussed what "multiples" are, and that two multiples of every number are the number itself and 1. Students could also play "Shake It Up" and multiply the die in a transparent container.

Students are assigned a math assignment to be done at recess if DAILY sheets are not signed.

Students have ONE day to turn in late work for a LATE grade. After that it turns into a ZERO! Students have missed 5, 10, and 15 point assignments this week that will really affect their grade at the end of the quarter.

Wednesday

2012-01-11T14:09:00.000-08:00

Nothing new on the homework board today that hasn't already been posted and explained.

I did tell the students about a project we will start AFTER the apron project is done. This will be a "peek box" and they saw 2 examples today. They will see 3 more tomorrow, and then need to be collecting ideas in their heads for a week or two, along with a shoe box. This is to be done at home, parents can help, but students need to be listening well to understand the instructions.

Tuesday

2012-01-10T15:37:00.000-08:00

No new assignments that were not either on the web yesterday or collected today! (check back if the need be)

.....

Started collecting vocabulary definitions.

Letter: ask your child their score out of 12...capitalization, punctuation, spelling (following rules or copy correctly off the board is required) sentence structure, letter setup, etc... are all a part of the grade

Guided Writing: we wrote the first paragraph of The Corps of Discovery... if you'd like to use this as your story for your apron, continue with additional facts, telling the story in sequence, and a strong conclusion (students received "sentence starter" suggestions to put in their binder today) Two songs about this expedition with lots of facts are in the binder.

We learned about similes and metaphors. (She's as cute as a button. She is such a button.) Ask your child if they know what they are...comparisons using like or as, comparison without like or as.

Daily math multiplication and division practice skills sheets were in school. (ask to see the last couple that came home....these are not timed)

We talked about the excitement coming up for Catholic Schools Week down the road.

Monday

2012-01-09T14:05:00.000-08:00

Math for the week:
Monday: 177-179

Tuesday: p.180-181

Wednesday: 183,185

Thursday: 187,189

Friday: 191,193

Daily Sheets need to be signed (consequences will start to be provided for those who neglect this daily)

Math packets are coming home with students. Please jot me a note on your child's daily that you have seen the packet. If you are still in addition and subtraction, feel free to make copies of these and have your child do these over and over again for mastery. The addition and subtraction do not need to be handed in. A remedial group will need to be started if your child does not improve in these areas over the noon hour. Multiplication packets do need to be handed in.

We need to be mastering multiplication and division at this time. If your child is still in addition and subtraction, this is not 3rd grade work. The state standards suggest that they have addition and subtraction mastered at the end of 2nd grade. They also started multiplication in 2nd grade.

Handwriting sheet: we also used this to review phonics; teach letter formation in cursive, and spelling (due Wed.)

Religion: today is the Baptism of our Lord: the second epiphany
Students also heard the stories (write paragraph) about St. John Basco and St. Ann
(one report a month on the saint that may be your conformation name will be due: one page)

I took grades on last week's 2-2-2. Ask your child how they did. This is calculated with their report card grade!!!

Continue on "apron projects"! Assist your child is rewriting their drafts if necessary to hand in top notch work. Students reviewed "fancy" notepad paper if they needed it today for their 8 projects. Due about Jan, 20, as we will be making the apron the next week.

Vocabulary words (from snowman) definitions (due Tues. or Wed. assigned last Wed.)

Practice your states!

SS: Lewis and Clark story and songs...history, geography, map reading, critical thinking (read over tonight and ask your child details to see if they comprehended the story...also, we discussed the terrific vocabulary words that are part of our learning in the song)

Xtra Math

2011-12-23T16:58:00.000-08:00

We will be using a web-based program called XtraMath to increase speed and accuracy in arithmetic. Your child is encouraged to practice their math daily on this site.

Go to:XtraMath and watch a short "overview" and "getting started" video!

Each student will be given a "pin number" that was assigned by the XTRAMATH site for the students.
You will find your pin number on their student blog account for privacy purposes. (under comments)

Everyone's sign in code is XGBTJ3...and then use ... your own pin #!

Students pin numbers are on their student blog under the comment section (where I commented privately)

Use your own email, or sign your child up for an email account.

The site requires that you pass out of addition with a great score BEFORE moving on, as it is necessary to add before we subtract, multiply, etc...

The site sends me your child's scores and identifies who has been practicing.

Students on Our First Day

2011-08-24T15:54:00.000-07:00

Welcome Class of 2025

2011-08-23T05:01:00.000-07:00

Helping Hands

2011-06-29T14:22:00.000-07:00

"Be the Change you wish to see in this World"

Gandhi

Way to go girls! Thanks for helping those in need!

Good job, Hope! Your experience on Students Do The News this spring in school was a step in your journalism journey, or on your path to greatness!

Click here: Collecting Food and Selling Lemonade to Help Minot Citizens!

Cheers, to acts of kindness!

3rd Grade Girls Sing At Redhawks Game!

2011-06-20T16:03:00.000-07:00

Take Me Out To The Ball Game

Go Girls (and Thomas)! You sang like professionals! Take a look and listen!

Hope Your Summer Is Great

2011-06-15T19:32:00.000-07:00

I enjoy going back to the www.aginmyclassroom.blogspot.com to listen to our third grade class sing. There are also nine letters posted on this site for thank the farmers for all they do. Is yours on there? Check out God Bless the Farmer if you'd like to hear the third graders sing.

Sharpen The Saw

2011-06-03T06:52:00.000-07:00

Don't let your brain get dull over the summer. Spelling City has many new games to practice to keep sharp. Here's our list, but I'm SURE you know them all. You can always try other teachers' list. Challenge yourself. Spelling City Click on the hundreds of site to your right to practice your Spanish, learn new math, and be brilliant. Half an hour reading minimum to just stay sharpened. Head to the Fargo Public Library. We had an awesome time there, with so many books to choose!

Keep Your Eyes on this Site

2011-05-31T18:33:00.000-07:00

Singers and Gardeners....check this site daily to see if there's any new dates and/or locations of where and when to come. I will get you the information as soon as possible. The garden needs to dry out before we can get in. Plan on bringing shoes that can get dirty, garden gloves, tools, sun visor, sunscreen, and bug spray.

Make Summer Fun and Educational

2011-05-31T16:00:00.000-07:00

Summer Math Fun ...check out: Summer Algebra Institute

Summer STEM Fun ...check out: NDSU STEM KIDS

College for Kids ...check out: College For Kids

Algebra is Awesome

2011-05-20T14:05:00.000-07:00

Algebra: we are getting so good! Students are learning inverse orders of operations and using their addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division skills, along with a variety of strategies to compute problems like...
5q – 29 = 21
7r – 26 = 114
3 t + 5 = 44
4 q + 1 = 81
7r -20 = 43
4b + 13 = 61
8b - 66 = 62
6v- 11 = 97
10j + 19 = 129
8h + 18 = 42

The students are wonderful at this ...have them show you how to do these at home.

Memories from 2010-2011

2011-05-14T18:01:00.001-07:00

Creations for Engineering Competition

Engineers and Scientists of the Future

Fun in the Sun

Learning About Lewis and Clark

Tom Gibson of the ND Soil Conservation portrays "Private George Gibson". Gibson was one of the nine men from Kentucky enlisted in the US Army to join the Corps of Volunteers for the North Western Discovery. The program took the students back to March 1805 as they were ready to leave Fort Mandan. Jefferson began planning this expedition in 1803. It was complete in 1806.

The Greenhouse Gang
Grades PK-5

Oh Little Town of Bethlehem Projects

Engineering in 3rd Grade

Celebrating St. Lucy Day

There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Cheeseburger

Making Lefse With our Class....Cultures and Cooking

Grandparents' Day

Career Day

Texas Roadhouse Day!

2011-05-13T14:00:00.000-07:00

WDAY

2011-05-11T13:14:00.003-07:00

It Was A Wonderful Wednesday at Mexican Village

2011-05-11T13:12:00.000-07:00

Sacramental Graces: May 4, 2011

2011-05-06T19:50:00.000-07:00

Math Field Day

2011-03-31T17:20:00.000-07:00

NDSU/VCSU Students and Holy Spirit Students on Math Day!

Christmas Cheer 365 Days A Year!

2010-12-16T18:46:00.000-08:00

I'm leaving this entry up because of the fun links that the students enjoy, even if they're a little out of season! It also has wonderful snow filled links that can keep you engaged and having fun!

http://gpsinformation.info/main/merryxmas.swf
http://knowledge.alleni.com/MerryChristmas09/launch.html
http://www.sundog.net/carolofthechins/flash/card.swf
http://www.happydaric.com/lite-brite/index.html
http://snowflakes.barkleyus.com/
http://snowdays.popularfront.com/
http://www.snowflakedesigner.com/
http://www.kidsknowit.com/interactive-educational-movies/free-online-movies.php?movie=Snowflakes
http://www.northpole.com/stories/storyframes.asp?title=Where*s$Raymond&story=WheresRaymond&loc=ReindeerBarn&flash=yes&craft=

US Map Fun

2009-12-27T15:40:00.000-08:00

http://www.pibmug.com/files/map_test.swf

Educational Games

2009-12-27T15:25:00.000-08:00

http://www.playkidsgames.com/

Fun educational games to improve your knowledge.

Reading Planet

2009-12-16T17:58:00.000-08:00

http://www.rif.org/kids/readingplanet.htm

Berenstain Bears Fun!

2009-12-16T17:55:00.000-08:00

http://pbskids.org/berenstainbears/

Great reading game!

Make Your Own Comic

2009-12-16T17:45:00.001-08:00

http://www.scholastic.com/captainunderpants/comic.htm

Make your own Captain Underpants Comic!

Sea World

2009-12-16T17:43:00.001-08:00

http://www.seaworld.com/sitepage.aspx?PageID=375
Sea World...check it out!

50 States....In The U. S. A.

2009-12-16T17:42:00.000-08:00

http://www.kidsgeo.com/geography-games/usa-capitals-map-game.php
States and geography fun!!!

PBS Kids

2009-12-16T17:40:00.001-08:00

http://pbskids.org/

Sun And Earth

2009-12-16T17:38:00.000-08:00

http://stargazers.gsfc.nasa.gov/pdf/products/books/Sun_booklet_English.htm

This is a great site to learn about the sun and the earth!

History In Your Pocket-- Coins

2009-12-03T11:15:00.000-08:00

http://www.usmint.gov/kids//

Great fun and learning about coins!

National Gallery of Art

2009-12-03T11:09:00.000-08:00

http://www.nga.gov/kids/

Happy Veteran's Day

2009-11-09T18:10:00.003-08:00

Math Help Is Here

2009-10-17T17:15:00.000-07:00

As we progress in the area of Math, the following site may be very helpful to you. I will soon be putting students on tracks to meet their needs.

Studies show that "time and practice" are the best predictors of success in any and everything you do to achieve greater heights. This means doing homework...putting in the time and practicing the concepts over and over again. When students think of "homework" as something evil, they are blocking their own ability to grow and succeed. Math should be challenging.

Just like in Reading, we use the Goldilock's Method. If it is too easy, they will learn nothing new. If it's too hard, the student will not be able to understand and therefore retain the information. Therefore, it has to be just right. That means, challenging, but with "TIME AND PRACTICE" they achieve success. Please discuss this with your child as we soon divide and level our students' work according to their needs. This is something as a parent you need to think about also, as to where you'd like your child to be within their foundation in math.

Throughout my teaching career and my role as a parent, even the best and the brightest students often ask for help from their parents to assist them to keep striving to improve. Therefore, students who really struggle simply can't do less work because they are frustrated. In order to succeed, time and practice must occur nightly. Most students who are able to stay on task in class get their work done in school. It would be beneficial to take them to the next level. Let me know what you're thinking about and where you want your child's math progress to go during conferences.

http://mathatube.com/

Geography Games

2009-10-14T18:38:00.000-07:00

http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/country_europe_GL_click.html    Europe
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/world_geography/world_GL_1280_800.html   Continents
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/country_Asia_GL_Click.html   Asia
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/South_America/SouthAmerica_GL_1280_800.html   South America
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/USA_Geography/USA_GL_1280_800.html States of US
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/USA_Geography/USA_GL_Caps_1280_800.html   Capitals
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/USA-georegion.html   Regions of the US

"Counting By" Song

2009-10-10T10:28:00.000-07:00

We'll use "number bracelets" to be worn for a quick check to assist us when we practice while lining up, or waiting for our specials. This is how the pro-football players do it!   (...per teachers request from when I presented at the State Special Ed./ Title Conference in Bismarck. Go Teachers!!)

2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14
16, 18, 20 STOP!
When you count by 2's you know
Even numbers are sure to show
       2,4,6,8,10,12,14,
   To the Top!
(tune: Jesus Loves The Little Children)

3, 6, 9     ....12, 15, 18
21, 24, 27....
27 then right to heaven!
Count by 3, then count by 4
See who's knocking at the door
3, 6, 9
12, 15, 18!
     (tune: Three Blind Mice)

     4, 8, 12, 16, and 20
     Counting by 4 is not too funny
      24, 28, 32, 36
      Keep on counting
      Get your fix!
4, 8, 12, 16,
      Count by 4's
      Get on the scene!
(tune: Army Chant)

5....10.....15, 20

....25, 30, 35, 40

....45, 50, 55, 60 ....

Count by 5's, then start again!

(tune:10 Little Fingers

...the politically correct version of 10 Little Ind.)

6, 12, 18.....24, 30

Counting by 6, can get a little dirty

36 (snap, snap, snap)

42 (snap, snap, snap)

48, 54 then comes 60

Counting by 6

That's what we do!

(tune: One For The Money)

7, 14, and 21

Count by 7, it's lots of fun

28 then 35...7 more keeps me alive!

42 and 49, 56 and 63

Count by 7 ...all day long

Count by 7 for me!

(tune: Army Chant)

8, 16, 24, 32

40!

Count by 8

Not hard to do

8 Hip-Hip Hooray!

48!

56!

64! 72!

                                                       8, 16,   24,   32
                                                       Counting by 8
                                                      Not hard to do!
                                         ( tune: Camptown Races)

9, 18

and 27

36....45....54

72 and 81

Count by 9s

And shut the door!

(tune: If I Were A Rich Man)

Times 4

2009-09-29T18:26:00.000-07:00

Mozart Effect with "Multiplication x 4".

I explained to the students how to watch these videos....
"Focus and talk yourself through the video: "4 x1 is 4, 4 x 1, 4 x 1, 4 x 1 is 4. 4 x 2 is 8....2 groups of 4 is 8....4 groups of 2 is 8....4 x 2 is 8. Focus, talk ONLY math facts, enjoy the music, and let the neuro-pathways connect as your brain stores the information for future recall. Watch and do worksheets with the same problems. Talk through the problems over, and over again. State the problem and go over the answer. Add your own version: 4 groups with 2 apples in each group....or 4 nickels at 5 cents each...5,10, 15, 20 ~ 4 groups of 5 is 20."
For every time you do the Mozart Effect, get a note signed to have your name put in the bucket.

Multiply Times 3

2009-09-28T19:58:00.000-07:00

http://www.mozarteffect.com/News.html
Check out these sites and watch a video about the effect music can have on us.
http://www.mozarteffect.com/RandR/index.html
Music can have a lifelong effect on health, learning, and behavior. Studies show how music can be used to use to stimulate learning and memory; to strengthen listening abilities; how to use imagery to enhance The Mozart Effect in learning.
Free math worksheets:
http://www.tlsbooks.com/mathworksheets.htm
Create your own worksheets. Pick the number and the level.
http://www.superkids.com/aweb/tools/math/multiply/times1.shtml

Times 2

2009-09-28T17:56:00.000-07:00

In early 1992, researchers from the University of California, Irvine discovered that college students performed much better in math testing while a Mozart Sonata was being played. This was a phenomenal discovery. Although these findings pertained only to college students, this gave rise to a curiousity to see if playing Mozart might have a positive effect on the early developing baby brain. Since then, studies have concluded that a baby's brain CAN be hardwired better if the baby receives the right kind of stimulus and nurture.Increased test scores after listening to music would be the established theory of sensory stimulation. Stimulation excites the brain. It propagates more synapses between brain cells, ultimately creating more and more efficient conduits of brain function.
Have your student engage in this video and reinforce the "times two problems" . Then play the video again as you complete a worksheet with these same problems. This will allow your child's brain to pull the answers out with the audio stimulation, along with a visual support if necessary.

Read and Listen To A Story On Line

2009-09-22T16:06:00.000-07:00

http://www.storylineonline.net/

Listen and read. Hear the beautiful words as they are read to you.

http://www.mightybook.com/story_books.html
More great stories...check on the ones on the right side also.

http://us.penguingroup.com/static/packages/us/yreaders/aesop/index.html
Fables

http://www.inklesstales.com/stories/dolch/pp.shtml
The Pig and The Porcupine

Check out the stories on the right side for more exciting stories.

http://www.inklesstales.com/poems/
Great poems to read and listen to.

http://www.inklesstales.com/alphabet/b.shtml
The Alphabet...see and hear for little friends.

http://www.starfall.com/n/level-c/greek-myths/load.htm?f
Greek Myths ..read and listen

http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/tikkabilla/stories/index.shtml
Fun Stories

http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/balamory/stories/
Fun stories...pick one

http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/charlieandlola/stories/
If you love to read and listen.

http://www.starfall.com/n/level-c/folk-tales/load.htm?f
Folktales

http://www.tosiproductions.com/_amazingadventure/index_fl.asp
The Amazing Adventure Series

http://www.tosiproductions.com/_amazingadventure/adventures/poems/lazy/lazy1.asp Lazy Circle Poem: read and listen

Keyboarding Skills To Practice At Home

2009-09-09T11:15:00.000-07:00

http://www.northcanton.sparcc.org/~technology/keyboarding/freeware.html
Many to choose from.

Our class spends time in and out of the computer lab working on keyboarding skills. Please reinforce with your child the need to stay on the homerow keys and wrists up. Remind your child to reach up, down, and sideways to hit your keys. The only way to improve at anything, including keyboarding, is to practice.

Ready to go...try this link:

http://www.davis.k12.ut.us/cjh/appliedtech/Business/Keyboarding/Index.html

Interactive Games

2009-09-07T18:07:00.000-07:00

Have fun with these interactive games in math. (along with other academic areas for your child to improve their academic skills...there are numerous choices)

They can work alone, or you could sit by them and discuss the concept with your child if your child is not quite sure of the answer.

http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/maths/

Post Card Fun

2009-09-07T17:48:00.000-07:00

Try this fun activity and enjoy a reading adventure. It's not an American site, so they speak of money in pounds, not dollars. It will also help our listening and spelling skills.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/wordsandpictures/phonics/postcard/flash/fsgame.shtml

Math...Make It Exciting, Make It Fun

2009-09-01T14:52:00.000-07:00

Great Games To Strengthen Your Math Skills:
http://mrsbogucki.com/cgi-bin/quiz.pl
http://www.teachers.ash.org.au/jeather/maths/dictionary.html Math Dictionary
http://www.multiplication.com/flashgames/AntsMarching.htm
http://www.scholastic.com/kids/homework/flashcards.htm Flash Card Maker (math and reading)
http://www.multiplication.com/flashgames/ConeCrazyLevels.htm
http://www.multiplication.com/flashgames/CarWash.htm

http://www.multiplication.com/flashgames/PattyPaints.htm
http://www.fun4thebrain.com/SuperStars/superStars_division.html
http://www.fun4thebrain.com/Division/snowballDiv.html
http://www.fun4thebrain.com/Division/pizzaDiv.html
http://www.kathimitchell.com/pi.html pi
http://www.studyzone.org/testprep/math4/d/circumferencel.cfm   circumference
http://www.aplusmath.com/cgi-bin/flashcards/money Money flash card
http://math.usask.ca/emr/menu_arith.html     exercise in math readiness
http://www.beaconlearningcenter.com/WebLessons/TradingGame/default.htm    word problems
Make your own flashcards:http://www.aplusmath.com/Flashcards/Flashcard_Creator.html
http://www.dositey.com/2008/index.php?page=free_activities&sub=34&subsub=m math practice
http://www.oswego.org/ocsd-web/games/Mathmagician/cathymath.html

Suggestions to assist your child at home that we engage in during school.

Counting by 2s, 5s... we have a song to make it easy.
Your child received a counting book to practice counting by all the numbers at home.
2 x 3 = we sing "There's 2 groups of 3. two groups of 3. Put 2 groups together in any kind of weather, there's 2 groups of 3.
6 divided by 3 = sing: "How many groups of 3 in 6, 3 in 6, 3 in 6. How many groups of 3 in 6? There's 2 groups of 3.
We also draw each of these concepts out when we sing and circle our answer.
Fact families 2x3=6 3x2=6 6 divided by 2 = 3 6 divided by 3 = 2 (This is the best one! Put these four flash cards together.)
I suggest they do the first two lines and use them to copy all their answers. Sometimes we do the first two lines in class.
I also suggest to write the problems students find difficulty with on the top,(with answers of coarse) so they can just look up to copy the answer.
I suggest to make a number line to add and subtract at the top of their page for addition and subtraction. They can also count by that number on the number line to multiply.
On their desks, they do have a multiplication grid to give them the answer at a glance.
(I also handed one out.)
Calculators are welcome.
Students have received a grid with the multiplication problem and answer.
Check your child's math section in their song binder. Each week they will receive new songs that teach and/or reinforce a math concept. Have your child explain the song to you to see if they understand the concept.
Students will often receive a song with a journal page to write in words what the concept means to them. They may use the song to assist them write their sentences, include correct spelling, and include examples of the problems.

Most of all, I suggest that you do flash cards, or worksheets, or computer games, over and over again ....MEMORIZE...there are no short cuts to memorizing.
It's fun to hear the kids' response when I hand out the math homework. Many of them get very excited because they see their own growth and learning.

Here We Go!

2009-08-28T18:33:00.001-07:00

Here we go! Watch us play!

Fact Monster

2009-08-23T18:50:00.000-07:00

Polish up on your knowledge!
http://www.factmonster.com/

www.aginmyclassroom.blogspot.com has more news and links, including the "freerice" site that allows students to save the word and learn at the same time. When students go on this site, sign a note so they can get their name in the bucket for the weekly drawing.

Holy Spirit Third Grade 2008-2009

2009-08-04T17:23:00.001-07:00

Music In The Math Classroom

2009-07-29T16:45:00.000-07:00

Math is such an important focus in third grade. Students need to practice their addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division flash cards so they can answer immediately. This will allow them to excel in the area of math.
(Students who turned in their "use permission to use photo" slips are the stars of these shows.)