Weekly Update- 10/28

In math we completed Topic 3.  On Monday we will be starting Topic 4: Meanings of Multiplication.  This is a very short topic (only 5 lessons) so another test will be on the way soon!

This week in reading we learned about the author, Paul Goble.  The students looked at and read a number of books by this author.  Based on what they read and observed, they made inferences about the author.  The students then read a fake biography about Goble and they had to find the information that they thought was incorrect.  Afterwards, they compared the fake biography and the real biography to check their information.  Later in the week, the students were assigned popular third grade authors (Beverly Cleary, Judy Blume, Louis Sachar, Andrew Clements, Roald Dahl).  In groups, the students looked at books by these authors and made inferences about them.  They then used the netbooks to research their author to find out if their inferences were correct.  The students did a great job working together to complete their assignments this week!

In writing, the students and I conferenced about their work and we discussed areas in which they could improve.  After our discussions, the students responded to a prompt.  They also filled out self-evaluation forms, which the students placed in their writing portfolios.  Yesterday, the students wrote spooky Halloween stories.  We turned off the lights, used a flashlight, and the students shared their stories with the class during snack time!

The students practiced identifying continents and oceans using the netbooks for social studies. 

As a reinforcement to our lessons on continents and oceans, the students worked in groups to create their own world maps.  We also talked about the hemispheres, Equator, and Prime Meridian.  We will be having a quiz next Friday.  A study guide will  be going home on Monday.

In grammar we learned about compound sentences and the students have been working on using them in their writing.  They have learned a few more letters in cursive and are doing well forming their words.  In Fundations, we started unit 4 today.  Unit 3 focused on v-e (vowel-consonant-e) words.  This unit focuses on v-e exceptions.  The students received a few more trick words to memorize.  Those went home yesterday. 

In Spanish, the students learned greetings.  They learned how to say, "Good Morning" (Buenos Dias), "Good Afternoon" (Buenos Tardes), "Good Night" (Buenos Noches), and "I am good" (Estoy bien), "I am okay" (Estoy mas o menos), "I am bad" (Estoy mal).  The students practiced having conversations with each other using the phrases and vocabulary they have learned.

Trooper Bambara stopped by to talk to the students on Tuesday.  He spoke to them about the importance of respect and the students were able to ask him questions about his job.  We also got the chance to see his squad car!

We will be having our Halloween party on Monday!  Halloween costumes should be sent to school in a bag and we will change into them during the day. Please remember to leave masks and weapons at home! The students will not need a snack on Monday.