Have a wonderful summer!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Last Day!
Well, we made it- summer is here! As the year comes to a close I want to say thank you for all of your help and support that made this year great. Without your help third grade activities such as Field Day, Math Night, and the ShopRite trip would not have been such a success. Thank you to those of you who donated supplies to the classroom and for our class parties. Most of all, thank you for sharing your children with me for a year. It has been so much fun getting to know them and working with them everyday.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Weekly Update- 6/10
This week we finished chapter 12 in math, which means we have completed the entire book! The students learned about probability this week. We used some probability websites to practice this concept. We also did an experiment in which we tossed a quarter 50 times to see how many times it landed on heads and tails. It landed on tails 51 times and heads 49 times. We discussed these results as a class. Next week we will play some math games to review the concepts we have learned this year.
In science we finished learning about Food Chains and Webs. We learned about how ecosystems change and we played a review game before our test. The students took turns having a vocabulary word taped to their back and then another student had to try to get them to guess the word. The students did a good job giving each other clues during this game. We took our unit test yesterday.
The students are still reading their Andrew Clements books. Some of the students have finished and have started working on questions related to the book. As more students complete their books, they will be meeting in groups to discuss the books and to complete extension activities related to their book.
As students complete their cereal box stories, they are working on writing letters to next year's third grade students. In these letters the students are writing about what they did this year, their favorite activities, and they are also offering advice for next year's class so that they "survive" third grade.
Today we watched an awesome assembly! Mr. Lenosky, a Sparta parent, demonstrated his talent at doing stunt mountain biking. He talked about the importance of following your dreams and never giving up. The students enjoyed watching all his stunts!
Next week we have many things planned. Monday we are having an assembly and our end of the year party. On Tuesday we are planning to Skype with Evalyn's old class from Watchung. On Wednesday we will be having board game day. Thursday we will be ordering pizza, and Friday is our last day!! Don't forget that Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday will be early dismissal days for the students. Please send in a lunch with your child on these days. Also, if your child would like pizza on Thursday, please send in money by Tuesday.
Enjoy the last weekend before summer vacation!
In science we finished learning about Food Chains and Webs. We learned about how ecosystems change and we played a review game before our test. The students took turns having a vocabulary word taped to their back and then another student had to try to get them to guess the word. The students did a good job giving each other clues during this game. We took our unit test yesterday.
The students are still reading their Andrew Clements books. Some of the students have finished and have started working on questions related to the book. As more students complete their books, they will be meeting in groups to discuss the books and to complete extension activities related to their book.
The students' cereal box stories are coming along nicely! We will be sharing them with each other next week.
As students complete their cereal box stories, they are working on writing letters to next year's third grade students. In these letters the students are writing about what they did this year, their favorite activities, and they are also offering advice for next year's class so that they "survive" third grade.
Today we watched an awesome assembly! Mr. Lenosky, a Sparta parent, demonstrated his talent at doing stunt mountain biking. He talked about the importance of following your dreams and never giving up. The students enjoyed watching all his stunts!
Next week we have many things planned. Monday we are having an assembly and our end of the year party. On Tuesday we are planning to Skype with Evalyn's old class from Watchung. On Wednesday we will be having board game day. Thursday we will be ordering pizza, and Friday is our last day!! Don't forget that Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday will be early dismissal days for the students. Please send in a lunch with your child on these days. Also, if your child would like pizza on Thursday, please send in money by Tuesday.
Enjoy the last weekend before summer vacation!
Friday, June 3, 2011
Weekly Update- 6/3
In science, we continued our unit on Food Chains and Webs. This week we took a trip to the computer lab and the students used the computer program, Kidspiration to create food chains. We also learned about energy pyramids and food webs. The students then created their own food web. We will be having a test on this unit next Thursday 6/9.
In reading we talked about the author, Andrew Clements, where he was born, and how he became a writer. The students are all reading one of three books by Andrew Clements; Frindle, Janitor's Boy, or A Week in the Woods. The students are reading independently, but will be working with the other students who read the same book as them next week.
The students are continuing to work on their cereal box stories. Many of the students are still working on their rough drafts, but some have moved onto creating their final drafts with illustrations. They are having a fun time coming up with creative stories! The students will be sharing these stories with the class when they are complete.
In math we have been working with measurement. This week we learned about milliliters and liters, ounces and pounds, and grams and kilograms. The students find it interesting how much easier it is to convert units in the metric system because all of their measurements are based on the number 10. The students also practiced working backwards to solve problems. We will continue with this chapter next week and we will be learning about probability. Though we will complete all of the lessons, we will not be having a test on this chapter in math.
In Fundations we are still working on unit 13. We have learned about ch making the /k/ sound and ph making the /f/ sound. This week focused on words that have silent letters.
In Spanish the students learned about some of the Spanish speaking countries in the world. They learned the names of the countries and some information about each. We will talk more about this concept next week.
We have a number of assemblies next week that we are looking forward to. One of which is the instrument demo from The Music Shop. The students will get a chance to see and hear the instruments that they will have a choice of playing next year. Be on the lookout for paperwork to be coming home regarding choosing an instrument for next year.
Only 10 days of school left! Have a great weekend!
In reading we talked about the author, Andrew Clements, where he was born, and how he became a writer. The students are all reading one of three books by Andrew Clements; Frindle, Janitor's Boy, or A Week in the Woods. The students are reading independently, but will be working with the other students who read the same book as them next week.
The students are continuing to work on their cereal box stories. Many of the students are still working on their rough drafts, but some have moved onto creating their final drafts with illustrations. They are having a fun time coming up with creative stories! The students will be sharing these stories with the class when they are complete.
In math we have been working with measurement. This week we learned about milliliters and liters, ounces and pounds, and grams and kilograms. The students find it interesting how much easier it is to convert units in the metric system because all of their measurements are based on the number 10. The students also practiced working backwards to solve problems. We will continue with this chapter next week and we will be learning about probability. Though we will complete all of the lessons, we will not be having a test on this chapter in math.
In Fundations we are still working on unit 13. We have learned about ch making the /k/ sound and ph making the /f/ sound. This week focused on words that have silent letters.
In Spanish the students learned about some of the Spanish speaking countries in the world. They learned the names of the countries and some information about each. We will talk more about this concept next week.
We have a number of assemblies next week that we are looking forward to. One of which is the instrument demo from The Music Shop. The students will get a chance to see and hear the instruments that they will have a choice of playing next year. Be on the lookout for paperwork to be coming home regarding choosing an instrument for next year.
Only 10 days of school left! Have a great weekend!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Weekly Update- 5/27
Wow! Summer is almost here and now it is starting to feel like it with this heat. The highlight of our week was definitely our field day! Everyone planning this event did a great job and "Team Sullivan" had a blast!
While the year is winding down with only 14 school days left (yikes!), we are still working away in order to be prepared for 4th grade. This week in math we completed chapter 11. For our practice test we tried something new. The students each used a clicker to "buzz" in their answers. After each student buzzed in I could see how many students got the problem right/ wrong, and then went over the problem accordingly. This is a great new piece of technology!
Today we began chapter 12 which focuses on probability and measurement. Lesson 1 focused on capacity: gallons, quarts, pints, and cups. The students made Gallon People to help them with this concept.
In reading we finished reading the book, Skylark and we watched the movie today. Next week we will begin an author study about Andrew Clements and the students will be reading different books by this author and completing activities to go with the books.
In writing we finished typing pen pal letters and they are on their way to south Jersey! I also introduced the students to their next writing task which will be cereal box stories. They will take the cereal boxes that they brought in and write short stories using the characters on the box. The students have already started brainstorming the characters, setting, problem and solution for their stories. We will begin our rough drafts next week.
In Fundations the students learned about the digraphs of ph and ch. We learned about how the ph makes the /f/ sound and the ch can make the /k/ sound in some words. We were only able to brainstorm a few words that began with ch and made the /k/ sound, so we broke out the dictionaries and looked for some examples. We found a ton! The students used their knowledge from our reading lesson on using a pronunciation key and quickly realized that when they saw a /k/ in the pronunciation key, that the word started with that sound. We will be continuing with this unit next week.
The students are having a lot of fun with our Food Chains and Webs unit in science. We have looked at many websites and watched some videos demonstrating the concepts we have been focusing on. This unit is full of vocabulary and I am impressed with the students' ability to remember all the words so far! We have learned about habitats, ecosystems, camouflage and mimicry, adaptations, predators, prey, and the food chain. To practice the concept of the food chain we played the Food Chain Game, which is similar to tag. The students were each given one of 3 animals: a cricket, an anole (lizard), or an owl. The owls had to tag the anoles, the anoles had to tag the crickets, and the crickets were trying to collect popcorn and avoid being tagged. When someone was tagged they were out of that round of the game and they had to give their nametag to their predator. The owls were always left at the end which demonstrated how the animals at the top of the food chain survived on the energy from their prey. The students had a lot of fun chasing each other around.
While the year is winding down with only 14 school days left (yikes!), we are still working away in order to be prepared for 4th grade. This week in math we completed chapter 11. For our practice test we tried something new. The students each used a clicker to "buzz" in their answers. After each student buzzed in I could see how many students got the problem right/ wrong, and then went over the problem accordingly. This is a great new piece of technology!
Today we began chapter 12 which focuses on probability and measurement. Lesson 1 focused on capacity: gallons, quarts, pints, and cups. The students made Gallon People to help them with this concept.
In reading we finished reading the book, Skylark and we watched the movie today. Next week we will begin an author study about Andrew Clements and the students will be reading different books by this author and completing activities to go with the books.
In writing we finished typing pen pal letters and they are on their way to south Jersey! I also introduced the students to their next writing task which will be cereal box stories. They will take the cereal boxes that they brought in and write short stories using the characters on the box. The students have already started brainstorming the characters, setting, problem and solution for their stories. We will begin our rough drafts next week.
In Fundations the students learned about the digraphs of ph and ch. We learned about how the ph makes the /f/ sound and the ch can make the /k/ sound in some words. We were only able to brainstorm a few words that began with ch and made the /k/ sound, so we broke out the dictionaries and looked for some examples. We found a ton! The students used their knowledge from our reading lesson on using a pronunciation key and quickly realized that when they saw a /k/ in the pronunciation key, that the word started with that sound. We will be continuing with this unit next week.
The students are having a lot of fun with our Food Chains and Webs unit in science. We have looked at many websites and watched some videos demonstrating the concepts we have been focusing on. This unit is full of vocabulary and I am impressed with the students' ability to remember all the words so far! We have learned about habitats, ecosystems, camouflage and mimicry, adaptations, predators, prey, and the food chain. To practice the concept of the food chain we played the Food Chain Game, which is similar to tag. The students were each given one of 3 animals: a cricket, an anole (lizard), or an owl. The owls had to tag the anoles, the anoles had to tag the crickets, and the crickets were trying to collect popcorn and avoid being tagged. When someone was tagged they were out of that round of the game and they had to give their nametag to their predator. The owls were always left at the end which demonstrated how the animals at the top of the food chain survived on the energy from their prey. The students had a lot of fun chasing each other around.
Have a great Memorial Day weekend!!!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Weekly Update- 5/20
This week in math we worked on a few different concepts. We learned about using logical reasoning and did a "super challenge" problem at the end of the lesson. The students did a great job using their logical reasoning skills to get through the challenge. We also started practicing long division. The students learned a few different methods including; using place value blocks/ drawing, breaking numbers apart, and finally we learned the typical method of long division. After doing some practice and following the steps (divide, multiply, subtract, bring down), the students are really starting to get the hang of it. We will be having the chapter 11 test next Thursday 5/26. After that we only have 1 chapter left!
In social studies, we spent the week practicing our map skills. The students learned about how National Parks were created protect land and wildlife and how to read the map of Denali National Park in Alaska. They also learned a little about the 13 colonies and we compared and contrasted the 13 original colonies to the current states in that region. Finally, the students learned about westward expansion and read maps that showed some of the trails that settlers followed to move west. Next week we will be beginning our final science unit of the year, Food Chains and Webs.
The students are really enjoying the Sarah, Plain and Tall series. We started reading the book, Skylark this week, which is a continuation of Sarah, Plain and Tall. The students have become very good at making reasonable predictions that are related to the story and revising them as we go along and the story changes. We will continue to read this book next week..
For some more practice with our writing, the students have been working on writing friendly letters. The students wrote rough drafts and then we went to the computer lab a few times this week for them to type out their final drafts. Today the students drew pictures to go along with their letters. We will go back to the computer lab next week for students to finish typing their final drafts. When they are completed, we will be sending them to a third grade class in southern New Jersey. Their teacher is one of my college roommates!
In Fundations we are completing unit 12 and we will begin unit 13 next week. Unit 13 focuses on words in which ch makes the /k/ sound, ph makes the /f/ sound, and words with silent letters. Unit 13 will take 2 weeks to complete.
In social studies, we spent the week practicing our map skills. The students learned about how National Parks were created protect land and wildlife and how to read the map of Denali National Park in Alaska. They also learned a little about the 13 colonies and we compared and contrasted the 13 original colonies to the current states in that region. Finally, the students learned about westward expansion and read maps that showed some of the trails that settlers followed to move west. Next week we will be beginning our final science unit of the year, Food Chains and Webs.
The students are really enjoying the Sarah, Plain and Tall series. We started reading the book, Skylark this week, which is a continuation of Sarah, Plain and Tall. The students have become very good at making reasonable predictions that are related to the story and revising them as we go along and the story changes. We will continue to read this book next week..
For some more practice with our writing, the students have been working on writing friendly letters. The students wrote rough drafts and then we went to the computer lab a few times this week for them to type out their final drafts. Today the students drew pictures to go along with their letters. We will go back to the computer lab next week for students to finish typing their final drafts. When they are completed, we will be sending them to a third grade class in southern New Jersey. Their teacher is one of my college roommates!
In Fundations we are completing unit 12 and we will begin unit 13 next week. Unit 13 focuses on words in which ch makes the /k/ sound, ph makes the /f/ sound, and words with silent letters. Unit 13 will take 2 weeks to complete.
In Spanish we did more practice with the seasons (las estaciones). We played the game, Quatro Estaciones, Quatro Esquinas (Four Seaons, Four Corners). This is the game Four Corners, but instead of numbers, each corner is a different season. The students had a good time practicing their vocabulary this way. Our first round came down to our two newest students: Eric M. and Evalyn. Evalyn triumphed in the end!
Thank you to everyone who has sent in a white t-shirt for field day. We are really looking forward to this event next week! Also, if you haven't done so already, please send in a cereal box with your child for a writing project we will be doing.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Weekly Update- 5/13
Well, we spent the majority of the week taking the NJ ASK. The students did a great job coming to school and staying focused on the test. While we took it easy after the testing, we still did get some work done this week!
In math we continued to multiply larger numbers. We reviewed the method of using place value blocks and drawings to solve the problems. I also introduced students to the break-apart method and finally, they learned how to multiply the "regular" way. We played some games in order to practice multiplying 2 and 3 digit numbers. On Thursday, we enjoyed the beautiful weather and took our math work outside!
We read the book, Sarah, Plain and Tall this week. In the story we discussed the characters and their traits. We also looked for similes which the author, Patricia MacLachlan uses often in her books. Today we watched the movie and the students worked together to create Venn Diagrams comparing and contrasting the book and the movie. Next week, we will be reading the sequel to this book, Skylark.
Our seeds sprouted so much in our class sprouter that we had to transplant them! The students each chose one of the seeds to plant and take home.
We had some extra free centers this week and we also created an awesome project that Mrs. DiMatteo shared with us! The students wrote their names in cursive, went over it with crayon, folded the paper in half and rubbed the crayon onto the other side of the paper to create a mirror image of their name. They then turned their name into an insect, created a leaf, and glued their name-insect onto it. Though it was tough to get the crayon to transfer at first, the students had a fun time creating this project!
Some extra reminders: Field Day is May 24th- please send in a plain white t-shirt with your child. We will be starting a writing project in class soon. For this project, each student will need a cereal box. Please send those in by the 23rd. This Wednesday, May 18th is Rita's Scoop Night! 20% of all sales will benefit Miss Telischak's 1/2 marathon in honor of Carol Wink for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I will be scooping from 5-6 PM. Hope to see you there!
In math we continued to multiply larger numbers. We reviewed the method of using place value blocks and drawings to solve the problems. I also introduced students to the break-apart method and finally, they learned how to multiply the "regular" way. We played some games in order to practice multiplying 2 and 3 digit numbers. On Thursday, we enjoyed the beautiful weather and took our math work outside!
We read the book, Sarah, Plain and Tall this week. In the story we discussed the characters and their traits. We also looked for similes which the author, Patricia MacLachlan uses often in her books. Today we watched the movie and the students worked together to create Venn Diagrams comparing and contrasting the book and the movie. Next week, we will be reading the sequel to this book, Skylark.
Our seeds sprouted so much in our class sprouter that we had to transplant them! The students each chose one of the seeds to plant and take home.
We had some extra free centers this week and we also created an awesome project that Mrs. DiMatteo shared with us! The students wrote their names in cursive, went over it with crayon, folded the paper in half and rubbed the crayon onto the other side of the paper to create a mirror image of their name. They then turned their name into an insect, created a leaf, and glued their name-insect onto it. Though it was tough to get the crayon to transfer at first, the students had a fun time creating this project!
Some extra reminders: Field Day is May 24th- please send in a plain white t-shirt with your child. We will be starting a writing project in class soon. For this project, each student will need a cereal box. Please send those in by the 23rd. This Wednesday, May 18th is Rita's Scoop Night! 20% of all sales will benefit Miss Telischak's 1/2 marathon in honor of Carol Wink for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I will be scooping from 5-6 PM. Hope to see you there!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Weekly Update- 5/6
In math this week we finished chapter 10 and started chapter 11. This chapter focuses on multiplying and dividing greater numbers. The students will be learning a number of different strategies for how to solve these problems. We started by using estimation and also learned how to draw arrays and use place value blocks to help solve a problem.
We will learn more strategies next week. Please continue to practice facts at home!
In science we started an experiment. Since we have been learning about seeds we wanted to find out if seeds would be able to sprout without soil. The students were split into groups and each group made a mini sprouter with 1 sunflower seed, 1 pea seed, 1 corn seed, and 1 bush bean seed. Each student in the group was responsible for observing one of the types of seeds and recording their observations.
In Fundations we began unit 12, which focuses on the soft and hard sounds of the letters c and g. The soft sound of c makes the /s/ sound like the beginning of the word, circus. The soft sound of g makes the /j/ sound like in gymnasium. We also learned the sound alike words, peace and piece.
In reading we read the book, Be A Perfect Person in Just Three Days. We practiced identifying important vocabulary in the story. The students also answered comprehension questions for each chapter. In addition, we talked about the theme and the author's purpose in writing the story.
In writing we learned about different types of poems. We talked about rhythm and rhyme and wrote a few class poems which are posted below. We learned about couplets, acrostic poems, cinquains, and limericks.
Next week, we will be taking the NJ ASK. Please make sure students are on time for school on these days. Have a great weekend!
We will learn more strategies next week. Please continue to practice facts at home!
In science we started an experiment. Since we have been learning about seeds we wanted to find out if seeds would be able to sprout without soil. The students were split into groups and each group made a mini sprouter with 1 sunflower seed, 1 pea seed, 1 corn seed, and 1 bush bean seed. Each student in the group was responsible for observing one of the types of seeds and recording their observations.
We also setup a class sprouter in which we put a larger number of these same seeds together to see if they would grow. From our observations this week, we did find that the seeds would sprout without soil.
In Fundations we began unit 12, which focuses on the soft and hard sounds of the letters c and g. The soft sound of c makes the /s/ sound like the beginning of the word, circus. The soft sound of g makes the /j/ sound like in gymnasium. We also learned the sound alike words, peace and piece.
In reading we read the book, Be A Perfect Person in Just Three Days. We practiced identifying important vocabulary in the story. The students also answered comprehension questions for each chapter. In addition, we talked about the theme and the author's purpose in writing the story.
In writing we learned about different types of poems. We talked about rhythm and rhyme and wrote a few class poems which are posted below. We learned about couplets, acrostic poems, cinquains, and limericks.
Next week, we will be taking the NJ ASK. Please make sure students are on time for school on these days. Have a great weekend!
OUR CLASS POEMS
The Diggin' Pig
Once upon a time there lived a pig.
This little pig loved to dig.
He rolled and rolled around in the mud.
Once in awhile he made his own flood.
He dug and dug until water he reached.
When the flood appeared he really screeched!
During the flood, he met a fish.
The tasty fish made a perfect dish.
The fish was yummy.
In seconds it was in his tummy!
Then the pig found a dime.
He spent it on a sour lime.
He puckered his lips and his face turned red.
He climbed back up the hole and went to bed!
ALPINE
At Alpine we
Learn alot of things like,
Poetry, Persuasive letters, projects.
In our school we have alot of fun.
No one is sad.
Everyone is happy.
Spanish helps us learn a new language.
Cursive writing makes us neater writers.
Hot weather means extra recess!
Off on holidays.
Our class rocks!
Learning at Alpine is amazing!
Seeds
Colorful, Small
Spreading, Growing, Traveling
Happy, Exciting, Disappointed, Curious
Plants
There once were three very old turtles
Who tried to jump over hurdles
They tripped on a shoe
They all cried boo hoo
Then they called for their Aunt Myrtle
There once was a very loud class
Their voices broke the glass
The teacher got mad
She called all their dads
The teacher ran away through the grass
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