Moon Landing Project

This is the last weekend to work on your moon landing project!

The Moon Landing Project is due Tuesday September 27.


Here is what I will be looking for on the presentation portion.

“Where Were You?” Project

Oral Report                        Poster

Body Language              ____                      Organization      ____

Eye Contact                   ____                      Neatness           ____

Pacing                           ____                      Timeliness         ____

Voice                             ____                                 

Quality of Information    ____                       GRADE             ____

Math Fact Practice

It is very important that students know their math facts! So, for math fact practice with no tears I have set up a Reflex Math account. Students log in and I can track their math fluency.
The games are fun and they love it!


Go to reflexmath.com 
click on the launch button on the top right corner of the screen.
the login is a.pustejovsky
click on their homeroom teacher
click on their name  
and type in the password


You will have to email me for their password. 


Log on,
Log in, 
And practice those facts friends!

Sentence Types and 1st/3rd Person Anchor Charts- Tests Tomorrow!

Addition Test this Wednesday

Includes:


Adding 3 addends 


Addition with regrouping


Estimation 


Adding 3 digit numbers 


Adding 2 digit numbers  


Be Ready!

Writing Grades

Understanding the Writing Grades

I hope this will help any confusion regarding writing grades.

On the "Fun in the Sun" paper, I took two grades.


1. Notebook- Students worked on this paper for 3 weeks. I graded them on the writing process and the steps we did together as a class. There was a specific rubric for the notebook that enabled me to see that students had completed the writing process. 

2. The actual paper- I used the TAKS writing rubric to grade the paper. TAKS scores writing with a 1-4. Here's the scale in grade form.
1- 65
2-75
3-85
4-95 

As always, shoot me an email if you have questions. :)

Texas Reader's Club and Accelerated Reader

Texas Reader's Club and Accelerated Reader

I would say this is the most popular question topic from parents that I receive. Just wanted to post frequently asked questions.  I posted to the right all of the assignments and dates.  Texas Reader's Club is a state wide program; therefore, there are requirements about the different genres kids read.

Ultimately, it is the child's responsibility to take care of AR tests and Texas Reader's Club assignments. When an assignment or test is completed, the child should turn them into my orange basket at school or notify me.  For assignments that require an oral report, students should arrange a time with me the day before to present to the class. They may work on assignments in class when they have time, and I try to allot time on Fridays for this purpose.

We are having great success with our reading programs! So happy to see all the blooming readers out there! :)

What is Accelerated Reading? 

-          Accelerated Reading is a program that uses reading levels and quizzes to track reading progress. 

How does it work?

-          Students will read a book and then take a test on the book. Based on the percentage of questions they got right, they will receive points that will accumulate throughout the year.

How do I know what level my child is on?

-          Earlier this year, your child took an assessment called the “STAR test” when they went to library for outclass.  I transferred the results on the top of your child’s AR reading log that should be in their binder.

What is an AR goal?

-          Based on your child’s STAR test results, I created a reasonable point value goal for them to work toward.  Typically, we will set a new goal each nine weeks; however, because there are only a few weeks left in the current grading period, we will extend this goal until December 17^th.  I have explained to the kids that for every point that earn OVER their AR goal, they will receive an extra sticker on their Great Kid Sheet. :)

Are all AR goals the same for third graders?

-          No. I made the goals based on how the students tested on the STAR test. The point values are on a scale that matches their reading level.

How do I know what an AR book is?

-          There are so many quizzes! Here is a link to search for AR books:  http://www.arbookfind.com/default.aspx

Where does my child take AR tests?

-          Your child may take an AR test in the library after 7:30 in the morning, or in my classroom during workshop time. They may not take AR tests at home.

Can we use AR books for Texas Reader’s Club?

-          YES! I would even encourage your child to pick a book that would earn AR points. Why not double dip the reward? :) Most Bluebonnet books should be AR books as well.

Why should my child participate?

-          Accelerated Reading is a great reading program. It allows your child to read for a purpose, and monitor their progress. It also checks for comprehension and encourages reading for meaning.  It’s fun! The kids enjoy earning more and more points! The more your child reads, the more he or she will grow.

 

Bluebonnet Reading Program:

Bluebonnet books are selected each year. Your child has an updated list in their Wild About Reading Folder.  They must read all books by January in order to attend the party.

Rounding and Adding with a Hundreds Chart

We will be having a math quiz this Friday 9/9 over rounding to the 10's and 100's and adding using a hundreds chart. 


Be Ready!

Order of the Planets

We will be having a quiz on Friday 9/9 over the order of the planets.


Mercury
Venus
Earth
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus
Neptune


My Very Excellent Mother Just Served Us Nachos!


Be Ready!

Scientific Method Quiz

Scientific Method Quiz Tuesday 9/6

Addition Fact Practice

Dear Parents,

I have received several questions regarding the daily math facts on the Homework Helper.  In 3^rd grade we are asking that your child practice math facts for 5-10 minutes each evening along with homework.  We will be starting with addition math facts.  I will notify you when we are ready to move on to subtraction, multiplication, division, etc.    

It is up to you how you decide for you child to practice math facts (flashcards, websites, worksheets, etc.).  You may consider getting addition flash cards and quizzing your child (these can sometimes be found at the dollar store or dollar section at larger stores).  There is also a website where you can print your own flashcards (http://www.apples4theteacher.com/math/addition/flashcards/). You may also consider getting addition games or workbooks from a teacher supply store.  There are also some websites which have pages you can print for your child to complete (http://www.superkids.com/aweb/tools/math/add/plus1.shtml, http://mathfactcafe.com/view/default.aspx?t=P).   

Websites:        

http://www.gamequarium.com/addition.html  (this website has many fun ways to practice your basic addition facts!)

http://www.ixl.com/math/grade-3 (several skills are found here, choose the skill we are currently working on and solve the problems)

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.