On Friday, we did an experiment where we stacked cold and hot water. As you can see, the two colors stayed relatively separate because cold water is more dense than hot. We watched a cool video too.
We have been having a blast in the 3/4 classroom! This week we looked at videos of the ocean organisms we will be studying. Students were challenged to record their observations and write further questions they would like to investigate in their research.
On Friday, we did an experiment where we stacked cold and hot water. As you can see, the two colors stayed relatively separate because cold water is more dense than hot. We watched a cool video too.
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On Monday our students will engage in the SBAC testing. It is a computerized assessment that helps the school gauge the efficacy of its academic programs. Below are some tips and the schedule:
We of course want students to do their best, but also have some tips for kids to hopefully relieve some stress: 1. As a class, we've looked at practice materials so there is familiarity with the format and style of questions. 2. The test is not timed. Students can take the time they need to complete the task. 3. Testing will be half a day. The other half of the day will be spent on PBL activities. 4. Kids get gum/peppermints during testing! It is a calming flavor that helps with concentration. TESTING SCHEDULE ELA (English Language Arts) Monday March 21st: 12:30-2:30 PM Thursday March 24th 8:30-10:00 AM Friday March 25th 12:30-2:30 PM Math Monday April 4th 12:30-2:30 PM Wednesday April 6th 12:30-2:30 PM Friday April 8th 12:30-2:30 PM * There will be make-up opportunities for students who may be absent during testing days* We have been busy bees in the 3rd/4th grade classroom! Last week we looked at children's books. Our students were finding book patterns and finding inspiration for their own writing. In science, we did two experiments that explored the scientific method. In one experiment, students were asked to make an aluminum foil boat (two different sizes), and fill the boats with 3D cubes. It got a little messy when the boats sank, but thankfully it was just water to clean up. Finally, in reading, students have been learning about the Atlantic Ocean and the way in which ocean water moves. Students have been using the strategy "stop and jot" in which they read a paragraph, then write a sticky note to describe their thinking. They have been challenged to find the main idea of their readings. Our schedule lists this Wednesday as a Winter Wellness Day. The weather looks like it will be safe for us to go outside (although it may be a little warm).
The Craftsbury group will go on a different outdoor excursion, like a walk or hike. We'll let you know as soon as we set a schedule. All students will be updated as soon as we get more information. For now, please recognize that your student will probably need to bring materials to be outside for the day (i.e. layers of clothes, water bottles, bagged lunch, etc). Thank you! Our class has been spending lots of time learning and exploring the Magic School Bus ocean book and TV episode. We have compared the two materials and are almost done writing paragraphs to support our thinking. As you can see, our students are practicing cooperative partner work, as well as individual responsibility. It has been a successful process for all! This week we will be grouping the students and moving through content rotations. Students will be learning about the scientific process, elements of the Atlantic Ocean, and elements of successful children's literature. Welcome back to school! Yesterday we had our PBL kick-off. We will be learning about the Atlantic Ocean and the biology within it. Students will rotate through stations (reading, writing, and science inquiry) during the day. Even with a two-hour delay, we accomplished a lot! We read "The Magic School Bus On the Ocean Floor" individually and with a partner. The class identified things we think we know about oceans in a K-W-L chart. We also explored author's purpose and craft and asked ourselves "Why did the author write this?" Students will be logging their daily work in notebooks and binders. It'll be a great way to combine literacy and scientific research skills. At our presentation, our students will have a great way to show all of their learning. We'll let you know the official presentation date soon! Today in math, the third grade class brainstormed some ways to learn our multiplication facts. We thought worksheets, flashcards, writing them, saying them, or typing them would be good strategies.
As unofficial homework, students are asked to review their x1,x2,x5,x9, and x10 facts over February vacation. It doesn't have to be long; ten minutes is enough to practice each time. We even discussed muting the TV and practicing during commercial breaks. Parents, Common Core Sheets has worksheet resources under their Drills sub-heading, if you would like to use paper and pencil as a resource. Happy studying! -Ms. Gallagher Our winter field trips are finally here! Our first outing is on Wednesday January 27th. Ms. Gallagher will be chaperoning the trip to the Craftsbury Outdoor Center, and Ms. Daye will be chaperoning the trip to Q Burke Mountain.
Some things to keep in mind: CLOTHING All students need to bring snow jackets and snow pants. We highly recommend gloves/mittens, neck/face warmers and hats. Underneath their coats, it is important for students to wear clothes that will keep them warm (thermals, long sleeves, sweaters, thick socks, etc). FOOD We suggest that students bring water bottles for the day. They will be moving most of the day and will probably need to stay hydrated. Students will be asked if they're bringing a school lunch or home lunch. Scott will pack lunches for students that would like a lunch from the school. There is a food court at Q Burke if students would like to purchase food. We recommend checking their website for pricing information. GENERAL RULES Students are required to be in site of a chaperone. We use the buddy system to ensure that kids are safe. Students should notify an adult when they need to move to a different area (bathroom, lodge, etc). We will have chaperones stationed at the lodge for these transitions. We can't wait to explore the outdoors! Claire and Sarah typed report card comments and sent them via email. Then there was an email issue during the day on Thursday. Our understanding is that a comment section will be available for report cards in the future.
We are under the impression that when the email problem was fixed, our report card comments were sent out. Please let us know if you did not receive teacher comments. Thanks! HAPPY NEW YEAR! We have had a marvelous week back to school. Our students have been working diligently on math facts, reading comprehension, and finishing our opinion papers.
Two things we wanted to relay to families: 1. Tomorrow (Friday January 7th, 2016) will be an early release day. Students will be released from school at 12: 50 PM. A phone and email message was sent home, but please contact us if you would like more information or did not receive the message. On Friday students will come to the music classroom. The 3/4 rooms will be influenced by the heating work, so we have been moved over to the neighboring building. 2. Scholastic book orders catalogs were passed out yesterday. Book orders are due Friday January 22, 2016 |
AuthorWe are your 3rd/4th grade teachers! Here you will find class info for the year. Enjoy! Archives
March 2016
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