Dear 3rd grade Parents,
Please take a look at this week's highlights:
Vocabulary/Spelling: Unit 3 pp. 27-33 due on Wednesday. Vocabulary Review Game on Wednesday. Practice quiz for homework on Wednesday. Unit 3 Vocabulary Quiz (multiple choice with reading passage) on Thursday. Study for Friday's Spelling Unit 3 Test.
Reading: We are practicing listening and comprehension skills when the teacher reads a novel aloud. Our first classroom novel is Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary. We are learning the three narrative elements in fiction (plot, characters, setting), and we are monitoring our comprehension.
English: We finished our first unit on Punctuating Sentences (statement, command, exclamation, question). This week, we will begin a new unit to help us learn how to identify the two parts of a complete sentence (subject and predicate) on Chapter 2.
Math: We are learning Place Value in larger numbers (up to millions) and completed a fun activity using our tech gadgets in the classroom (Smartboard and Elmo). Some of us have completed our initial assessment test using the ALEKS web-based Math program in computer lab. The rest of us will complete them this week, as we schedule our new lab time. After everyone has been assessed, then they will learn the steps on how to log in online and learn this tool.
Religion: In Chapter 2, we will explore the meaning of Divine Providence as God's caring love for all His creation. We will discuss the Scripture passage based on Matthew 6:25-32: "Do not worry about what you will eat or drink. Do not worry about what you will wear...Do not worry. Your heavenly Father knows what you need." Then we will share what we think is most powerful in that message.
Science: Our second unit, "The Tools of Science" shows us different kinds of tools we use in everyday life. We used our Thinking Maps to describe everyday Science tools that are helpful and useful in our lives. As soon as we finish our unit and discussion, we will begin our fun project called "Invention Convention" and the kids will have a chance to work on their projects in class.
Notes/Reminder:
1. Thursday, Sept. 1st: Spirit Day. Students may wear their Spirit Day shirts with blue jeans and tennis shoes/sneakers.
2. Friday, Sept. 2nd: Early Dismissal at noon. Teacher In-service
3. Monday, Sept. 5th: Labor Day All School Holiday
4. Wednesday, Sept. 7th: Magazine Drive Ends
5. Class work issues: It takes some time to adjust to the new routine in a new teacher's classroom. I do give the students the benefit of the doubt, but the work that is not finished in class must be completed and turned in the next day, on top of their regular homework. We will work diligently in developing good work habits both in class and at home. I am confident that we will see results at least by the end of 1st quarter. I thank all of the parents for their patience and cooperation.
As always, if there are any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me: ppulido@hfns.com.
Have a blessed week!
Love,
Mrs. Pia Villanueva-Pulido
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Attentive Students Engaged in Learning: Smartboards Rock!!!
These kids can get real attentive and engaged in the classroom! Check out their facial expressions as they play games on the touchscreen digital and interactive Smartboard (but really, we're reviewing for our Vocabulary quiz).
Monday, August 22, 2011
Celebrating our Prayers: Dear God
After recess, we return to our classroom for quiet reflection. We keep the room dim and write prayers to God. Then we share them with each other during our Prayer Corner Ceremony. Here are some of the special intentions written (unedited versions) by our kids:
"Dear God help us be responceible at school and at home."
"Dear God Thank you for this wonderful day and for my two cousins that are far away. Thank you for this school. For me, and for this whole class. And for my aunt in Africa. Amen."
"Dear God I hope that today we will all have a fun, terrific, awesome day. I hope that we'll all do good if we have a test. I want my family to be kind to one onother. Please bless my friend and family."
"God you are the life that leve inside ov us."
"Dear God thank you for another great day, for letting us be healthy having fun"
"Dear god thank you for every thang that you have done for the world and thank you for everyone and for my teacher"
Peek at the Week News August 22nd, 2011
Dear 3rd grade Parents,
Please take a look at this week's highlights:
Vocabulary and Spelling:
Unit 2 pp. 16-25 in Vocabulary Workshop book is due Wednesday. Students are given class time to get started and do the rest for homework on Monday and Tuesday evenings (this is the weekly routine). All of the unit pages (Unit 2 this week) due on Wednesday. Vocabulary Quiz Unit 2 on Thursday (multiple choice format, 10 questions). Spelling Test (words are taken from the Vocabulary Workshop book, total of 20 words, including the synonyms and antonyms page) is on Friday.
Math:
Your child now has a username and password to log on to the ALEKS web-based Math program. While we are waiting on computer lab scheduling, we are reviewing Place Value and Ordering Numbers in our textbooks. This week, we will learn and review counting patterns and understanding place value in larger numbers, such as ten thousands and hundred thousands.
English/Grammar:
Chapter 1 Unit Test on Thursday (Sentences: 4 Different Types, Punctuation, Capitalization). Study for test by taking your hardcover book home and do pg. 454 for test.
Religion:
As we wrap up our Chapter 1 Unit, "God Speaks To Us," we are also getting more comfortable speaking to God during our prayers. Our afternoon prayer routine (The Prayer Corner Ceremony) allows us to speak to God in our natural way. This week, we will begin Chapter 2 "God the Creator of Heaven and Earth."
Science:
This week's unit introduces the tools of science, how they are used,and the concepts of scientific inquiry, scientific method, measurement, and scientific problem solving. We will discover how everyday tools at home and at school are scientific tools to help us. Next week, we will begin our first project called, "Invention Convention."
Social Studies:
This week's unit focus is "Changes to the Land Bring Changes for People." Class activities include reading, discussion, review, and group work in class.
Notes/Reminder:
1. August 24th is Back to School Night! Please join us. You will have a chance to visit my classroom as I discuss policies and procedures, classroom activities, and many more.
2. Weekly Routine to note: Vocabulary Units are assigned weekly on Mondays. Students have two nights (Monday and Tuesday) to finish all of the pages in the unit as they are due on Wednesday. We will play a review game on Wednesday and take a practice quiz (either in class or at home). Vocabulary Quiz is on Thursday. Spelling Test is Friday (words are taken from the Vocabulary Workshop book). Later on this quarter, we will also have weekly or biweekly quizzes in Science, Social Studies, and Religion. Most of the quizzes are "open book" as I am testing for comprehension. Students will need to keep their weekly newspapers in the home folders so that they can use them as reference when taking a quiz.
3. Thinking Maps: Last week, we learned how to use a Circle Map (used when defining words or topics in context). This week, we will learn how to use a Bubble Map (used for describing topics or context, mainly using adjectives). These Thinking Maps are helpful visual learning tools for many students. They help retain information and organize thoughts.
4. Assignment Pads/Student Planners: We are using the school-issued student planners to help us remember our assignments. 3rd graders are required to write down every assignment written on the board in class (word for word). In the first few weeks (possibly even in the first two months), I will regularly check if they are writing down the correct information. You as parents can verify by signing your name in the planner each day. This will tell me that your child is bringing home the appropriate materials for homework. It will also help us identify organizational problems, listening skills, or any other issues that may arise at the very beginning of the year. It is normal for a 3rd grader to forget assignments or write down the wrong information in the student planner for the first few weeks. By the end of the first month, however, it should be routine for all students.
5. Thank you for your cooperation! I realize that the classroom policies and procedures may seem like a lot, but very soon, we will get used to how our classroom operates. We will have a great year, and we will learn so much.
Have a blessed week! I hope you enjoyed the first day of school classroom picture posted on the blog.
Love,
Mrs. Pia Villanueva-Pulido
Please take a look at this week's highlights:
Vocabulary and Spelling:
Unit 2 pp. 16-25 in Vocabulary Workshop book is due Wednesday. Students are given class time to get started and do the rest for homework on Monday and Tuesday evenings (this is the weekly routine). All of the unit pages (Unit 2 this week) due on Wednesday. Vocabulary Quiz Unit 2 on Thursday (multiple choice format, 10 questions). Spelling Test (words are taken from the Vocabulary Workshop book, total of 20 words, including the synonyms and antonyms page) is on Friday.
Math:
Your child now has a username and password to log on to the ALEKS web-based Math program. While we are waiting on computer lab scheduling, we are reviewing Place Value and Ordering Numbers in our textbooks. This week, we will learn and review counting patterns and understanding place value in larger numbers, such as ten thousands and hundred thousands.
English/Grammar:
Chapter 1 Unit Test on Thursday (Sentences: 4 Different Types, Punctuation, Capitalization). Study for test by taking your hardcover book home and do pg. 454 for test.
Religion:
As we wrap up our Chapter 1 Unit, "God Speaks To Us," we are also getting more comfortable speaking to God during our prayers. Our afternoon prayer routine (The Prayer Corner Ceremony) allows us to speak to God in our natural way. This week, we will begin Chapter 2 "God the Creator of Heaven and Earth."
Science:
This week's unit introduces the tools of science, how they are used,and the concepts of scientific inquiry, scientific method, measurement, and scientific problem solving. We will discover how everyday tools at home and at school are scientific tools to help us. Next week, we will begin our first project called, "Invention Convention."
Social Studies:
This week's unit focus is "Changes to the Land Bring Changes for People." Class activities include reading, discussion, review, and group work in class.
Notes/Reminder:
1. August 24th is Back to School Night! Please join us. You will have a chance to visit my classroom as I discuss policies and procedures, classroom activities, and many more.
2. Weekly Routine to note: Vocabulary Units are assigned weekly on Mondays. Students have two nights (Monday and Tuesday) to finish all of the pages in the unit as they are due on Wednesday. We will play a review game on Wednesday and take a practice quiz (either in class or at home). Vocabulary Quiz is on Thursday. Spelling Test is Friday (words are taken from the Vocabulary Workshop book). Later on this quarter, we will also have weekly or biweekly quizzes in Science, Social Studies, and Religion. Most of the quizzes are "open book" as I am testing for comprehension. Students will need to keep their weekly newspapers in the home folders so that they can use them as reference when taking a quiz.
3. Thinking Maps: Last week, we learned how to use a Circle Map (used when defining words or topics in context). This week, we will learn how to use a Bubble Map (used for describing topics or context, mainly using adjectives). These Thinking Maps are helpful visual learning tools for many students. They help retain information and organize thoughts.
4. Assignment Pads/Student Planners: We are using the school-issued student planners to help us remember our assignments. 3rd graders are required to write down every assignment written on the board in class (word for word). In the first few weeks (possibly even in the first two months), I will regularly check if they are writing down the correct information. You as parents can verify by signing your name in the planner each day. This will tell me that your child is bringing home the appropriate materials for homework. It will also help us identify organizational problems, listening skills, or any other issues that may arise at the very beginning of the year. It is normal for a 3rd grader to forget assignments or write down the wrong information in the student planner for the first few weeks. By the end of the first month, however, it should be routine for all students.
5. Thank you for your cooperation! I realize that the classroom policies and procedures may seem like a lot, but very soon, we will get used to how our classroom operates. We will have a great year, and we will learn so much.
Have a blessed week! I hope you enjoyed the first day of school classroom picture posted on the blog.
Love,
Mrs. Pia Villanueva-Pulido
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Peek at the Week News August 16, 2011
Dear Parents,
We had a great first day back to school! Please take a look at this week's highlights:
Reading/Vocabulary: Please finish Unit 1 pp. 6-15 by tomorrow. We will have a practice test in Vocabulary on Thursday. Practice test in Spelling on Friday. No need to study this week. I will instruct the students on step by step ways to study and help them get into the habit of their weekly tests.
Math: Each student will have a username and password for our ALEKS Math program. We will go to the computer lab today and learn how to use these web-based, interactive Math lessons. Continue practicing Math facts (addition, subtraction, and multiplication).
English: We learned the parts of a sentence, punctuation, and capitalization.
Science: We discussed the three branches of science and different ways to conduct experiments.
Religion: We have a special Prayer Corner just outside our classroom where we accept and invite others to drop a prayer request. Each day, after lunch and recess, we return to our classroom as a class to quietly reflect and write a personal prayer to God. We then share it with each other as we pray for special intentions.
Notes/Reminder:
1. Tuesday Folders: You will receive your Tuesday Folders beginning next week, along with this weekly update in my blog. I have set this blog to private, so please make sure to respond to my invitation request and sign up as a reader to get the latest news and updates in 3rd grade.
2. Daily Schedule Revision: You will also receive a revised daily schedule of our classes. P.E. is twice weekly (Mondays and Fridays).
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to work with your children this year! I look forward to wonderful experiences with them.
We had a great first day back to school! Please take a look at this week's highlights:
Reading/Vocabulary: Please finish Unit 1 pp. 6-15 by tomorrow. We will have a practice test in Vocabulary on Thursday. Practice test in Spelling on Friday. No need to study this week. I will instruct the students on step by step ways to study and help them get into the habit of their weekly tests.
Math: Each student will have a username and password for our ALEKS Math program. We will go to the computer lab today and learn how to use these web-based, interactive Math lessons. Continue practicing Math facts (addition, subtraction, and multiplication).
English: We learned the parts of a sentence, punctuation, and capitalization.
Science: We discussed the three branches of science and different ways to conduct experiments.
Religion: We have a special Prayer Corner just outside our classroom where we accept and invite others to drop a prayer request. Each day, after lunch and recess, we return to our classroom as a class to quietly reflect and write a personal prayer to God. We then share it with each other as we pray for special intentions.
Notes/Reminder:
1. Tuesday Folders: You will receive your Tuesday Folders beginning next week, along with this weekly update in my blog. I have set this blog to private, so please make sure to respond to my invitation request and sign up as a reader to get the latest news and updates in 3rd grade.
2. Daily Schedule Revision: You will also receive a revised daily schedule of our classes. P.E. is twice weekly (Mondays and Fridays).
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to work with your children this year! I look forward to wonderful experiences with them.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Mrs. Pulido's 3rd Grade Back to School Newsletter
ALREADY THE BEST, UPLIFT THE REST!
When we begin each day with the best of ourselves, we can uplift others and proudly celebrate our accomplishments.
Dear 3rd Grade Parents,
This year's Celebration classroom theme reflects an important component in 21st century skills focusing on character building and development. Building character requires creating opportunities for our young children to make well-informed and reasonable choices. By empowering our children to realize their potential to create positive change, we will consistently celebrate the best of ourselves in 3rd grade!
What do we hope to accomplish this year?
By integrating content and subject areas (using lessons that infuse a variety of subjects such as Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science, Religion, etc.), we will challenge our children’s minds, empower their senses of well-being, and ignite a spark in their hearts with a commitment to our faith and values essential to becoming whole individuals. Project-based, hands-on assignments and oral presentations will become regular routine this year.
We will use plenty of visual learning tools to organize and retain information such as Thinking Maps.
8 ESSENTIAL THINKING MAPS CAN BE APPLIED TO ALL LEVELS IN ALL SUBJECTS:
Reading/Language Arts: There are Two Sides to Every Story!
As we learn about key narrative elements in fiction, we will also promote an understanding of different points of view. For example, two characters in a story can experience the same incident but will have different ideas or viewpoints about it. It depends on how one “sees” things based on their experiences and beliefs. Analyzing characters’ actions and choices promotes the development of higher-order thinking skills necessary for success in the real world. Later on this year, we will encourage our young readers to develop an interest in nonfiction works such as biographies of historical figures. They will learn how to answer the 5 W's and H (Who/What/Where/When/How/Why) in nonfiction works.
Real World Math
As we focus on memorizing Math facts this year, we will also take some time to remember that math and numbers affect our everyday decisions. When we buy a car, follow a recipe, or decorate our homes, we use Math principles. We will remind each other that we use Math to get things done, whether we're sailing off the coast of Japan or building a house in Peru!
Another important Math feature we added this year is the ALEKS (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Space) Web-based learning and assessment program. ALEKS uses adaptive questioning to quickly and accurately determine exactly what a student knows and doesn't know in a course. ALEKS then instructs the student on the topics she is most ready to learn. ALEKS also provides the advantages of one-on-one instruction, 24/7, from virtually any Web-based computer for a fraction of the cost of a human tutor.
Classroom Incentives
3rd Graders will earn a variety of privileges through our classroom incentives program.
1. Student of the Week: Selected based on behavior and performance, a student gets to be the "Party Planner" who will choose a reason for celebration for the week. We will then use the special occasion as a springboard for our learning weekly.
2. Sticker Sheets: Stickers or stamps are given based on good behavior, good deeds, and overall performance for a variety of privileges.
I am so excited to work with your children and get to know your families this year. We will celebrate the best of ourselves everyday through learning. I wish everyone the best in 3rd grade, and I want everyone to have the most wonderful and memorable experience in this journey.
Love,
Mrs. Pulido
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