Our special Prayer Corner ceremony has become regular routine for us, and we continue to uplift each other in prayer everyday.
Here are more of the most heartfelt "Dear God" notes included in our special intentions (unedited):
"Dear God please let no one forget their homework and let today be wonderful."
"Dear God thank you for every thing you have gave me like my faimily friends and teachers thank you for the food and water you gave me. I pray for the pore sick dead and hungry and i pray for everybody to be good for the rest of the day. Amen."
"Dear God help us be a great class everyday and help my family and cousins and this school year to be a great one."
"Dear God please let every body finish all of there homework this week and please let it rain everyday."
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Parlez-vous français? 3rd Graders Learn French from University of Dallas senior Ellen Wicker
Our 3rd Graders will learn the French language for the next ten weeks, thanks to our partnership with University of Dallas and their Foreign Language Department.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
3rd Grade Peek at the Week News September 25, 2011
Dear 3rd Grade Parents,
Please take a look at this week's highlights:
Vocabulary/Spelling: Finish Unit 7 in the textbook (due tomorrow). Vocabulary Quiz on Thursday. Spelling Test on Friday. We are spending more time in class using multisensory techniques to learn our words and use them in the correct context. We say the word, we see the picture, we use the word in a sentence, and we use graphic organizers on the Smartboard to help us learn and retain the information.
Math: 3rd graders are still in the experimental stages of using the ALEKS, or Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Space. Aleks is a web-based program that uses adaptive questioning to quickly and accurately determine exactly what a student knows and doesn't know in a Math course. ALEKS then instructs the student on the topics he or she is most ready to learn. As a student works through a Math course, ALEKS periodically reassesses the student to ensure that topics learned are also retained. It is important that your child is able to access the program from his or her home computer, as we will regularly use this in class and at home. 3rd graders are currently assigned two ALEKS homework. "Quiz 2" homework is due tomorrow. "Quick Tables" Math facts practice is due on Thursday, September 29th. Instructions for tonight's ALEKS homework are sent home today.
English: We are currently reviewing our previous learning such as: Sentences, Kinds of Sentences, Punctuating Sentences, Complete and Simple Subjects, Nouns in Subjects, Combining Sentences, Complete and Simple Predicates, Verbs in Predicates, and Compound Predicates.
Notes/Reminder:
Our first guest speaker last Friday was a success! Special thanks to Mr. Michael Medina for speaking to the class on time management, organization, and healthy habits to become a successful student. Pictures to follow. If you would like to be a guest speaker about a particular topic that might be helpful to our class, please contact Virginia Gonzalez to schedule a session: virginia.gonzalez@tx.rr.com.
Please take a look at this week's highlights:
Vocabulary/Spelling: Finish Unit 7 in the textbook (due tomorrow). Vocabulary Quiz on Thursday. Spelling Test on Friday. We are spending more time in class using multisensory techniques to learn our words and use them in the correct context. We say the word, we see the picture, we use the word in a sentence, and we use graphic organizers on the Smartboard to help us learn and retain the information.
Math: 3rd graders are still in the experimental stages of using the ALEKS, or Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Space. Aleks is a web-based program that uses adaptive questioning to quickly and accurately determine exactly what a student knows and doesn't know in a Math course. ALEKS then instructs the student on the topics he or she is most ready to learn. As a student works through a Math course, ALEKS periodically reassesses the student to ensure that topics learned are also retained. It is important that your child is able to access the program from his or her home computer, as we will regularly use this in class and at home. 3rd graders are currently assigned two ALEKS homework. "Quiz 2" homework is due tomorrow. "Quick Tables" Math facts practice is due on Thursday, September 29th. Instructions for tonight's ALEKS homework are sent home today.
English: We are currently reviewing our previous learning such as: Sentences, Kinds of Sentences, Punctuating Sentences, Complete and Simple Subjects, Nouns in Subjects, Combining Sentences, Complete and Simple Predicates, Verbs in Predicates, and Compound Predicates.
Notes/Reminder:
Our first guest speaker last Friday was a success! Special thanks to Mr. Michael Medina for speaking to the class on time management, organization, and healthy habits to become a successful student. Pictures to follow. If you would like to be a guest speaker about a particular topic that might be helpful to our class, please contact Virginia Gonzalez to schedule a session: virginia.gonzalez@tx.rr.com.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Peek at the Week News September 19, 2011
Dear 3rd Grade Parents,
Please take a look at this week's highlights:
Spelling/Vocabulary: Unit 6 is due tomorrow. Thursday is the vocabulary quiz. Friday is the spelling test. Some classroom activities we do for practice: online touchscreen Smartboard games, Family Feud, and practice quiz.
Reading: We are finishing Ramona Quimby, Age 8 as an ongoing assessment in listening skills. We will begin Reading Skills practice (recalling facts and details, identifying main ideas, identifying sequence, analyzing language and vocabulary) this week. We have just finished our beginning of the year DIBELS testing (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Literary Skills). This reading assessment tool is an individually-administered oral reading test used to measure reading fluency. The beginning of the year benchmark goal is to read 77 words per minute in 3rd grade. Please see the printed report in tonight's Tuesday folder for your child's result.
Math: We have completed the first chapter in the book, and are well into the second chapter, "Addition." Skills in chapter 2 include: more than three addends, regrouping with larger numbers and word problems. We are also using standardized testing practice materials "Strand by Strand" in preparation for the October achievement testing. Last week, our strand focus was on Numbers, Operations, and Quantitative Reasoning. This week our strand focus is on Mathematical Processes and Tools. In addition to our skills practice, 3rd graders are also getting a tutorial in our web-based Math program ALEKS during computer lab time. Whole group instruction for 3rd grade Math is our focus for this quarter. Later on this year, students will have the opportunity to learn via computer and web-based instructions.
English: Using our Thinking Maps learning strategy, we were able to break down every word in a sentence and identify their parts (subject, predicate, helping verb, noun, adverb, adjectives). We used a classification visual aid to do this (similar to diagramming sentences). This week, we will begin Chapter 5 "Complete Sentences."
Religion: This week, our focus is on Chapter 5: "The Holy Family." In this chapter, children learn about the Holy Family, Mary, Joseph and Jesus. The children read about how Mary and Joseph shared their love of God with Jesus. Mary and Joseph are models for all parents.
Social Studies: We just completed a very fun Geography project in class. Students examined the map of the United States and created their own jigsaw puzzles in class. See us in action in the pictures posted below in the blog.
Notes/Reminder:
1. The homework issues/defaults seem to be improving, as predicted. While I am no longer checking their assignment pad/planners daily, each student is still expected to write down their assignments daily. As parents, you might want to periodically check if your child is following through on his/her responsibilities.
2. We are expecting a guest speaker Michael Medina in our classroom on Friday, September 23rd. He is a college student who will speak to my class about the following important life skills:
His short bio is below:
3. Guest Speaker Interest: If you are interested in becoming a guest speaker, please submit a short summary of your area of interest via email ppulido@hfns.com. Scheduling is usually on Fridays from 2pm to 3pm and you may contact one of my homeroom parents (Virginia Gonzalez) to schedule a session.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please email me ppulido@hfns.com
Have a wonderful week!
Blessings,
Mrs. Pia Villanueva-Pulido
Please take a look at this week's highlights:
Spelling/Vocabulary: Unit 6 is due tomorrow. Thursday is the vocabulary quiz. Friday is the spelling test. Some classroom activities we do for practice: online touchscreen Smartboard games, Family Feud, and practice quiz.
Reading: We are finishing Ramona Quimby, Age 8 as an ongoing assessment in listening skills. We will begin Reading Skills practice (recalling facts and details, identifying main ideas, identifying sequence, analyzing language and vocabulary) this week. We have just finished our beginning of the year DIBELS testing (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Literary Skills). This reading assessment tool is an individually-administered oral reading test used to measure reading fluency. The beginning of the year benchmark goal is to read 77 words per minute in 3rd grade. Please see the printed report in tonight's Tuesday folder for your child's result.
Math: We have completed the first chapter in the book, and are well into the second chapter, "Addition." Skills in chapter 2 include: more than three addends, regrouping with larger numbers and word problems. We are also using standardized testing practice materials "Strand by Strand" in preparation for the October achievement testing. Last week, our strand focus was on Numbers, Operations, and Quantitative Reasoning. This week our strand focus is on Mathematical Processes and Tools. In addition to our skills practice, 3rd graders are also getting a tutorial in our web-based Math program ALEKS during computer lab time. Whole group instruction for 3rd grade Math is our focus for this quarter. Later on this year, students will have the opportunity to learn via computer and web-based instructions.
English: Using our Thinking Maps learning strategy, we were able to break down every word in a sentence and identify their parts (subject, predicate, helping verb, noun, adverb, adjectives). We used a classification visual aid to do this (similar to diagramming sentences). This week, we will begin Chapter 5 "Complete Sentences."
Religion: This week, our focus is on Chapter 5: "The Holy Family." In this chapter, children learn about the Holy Family, Mary, Joseph and Jesus. The children read about how Mary and Joseph shared their love of God with Jesus. Mary and Joseph are models for all parents.
Social Studies: We just completed a very fun Geography project in class. Students examined the map of the United States and created their own jigsaw puzzles in class. See us in action in the pictures posted below in the blog.
Notes/Reminder:
1. The homework issues/defaults seem to be improving, as predicted. While I am no longer checking their assignment pad/planners daily, each student is still expected to write down their assignments daily. As parents, you might want to periodically check if your child is following through on his/her responsibilities.
2. We are expecting a guest speaker Michael Medina in our classroom on Friday, September 23rd. He is a college student who will speak to my class about the following important life skills:
- starting assignments early
- set reminders for when assignments are due
- become competitive with friends to turn in good work
- always ask questions
Tips for staying motivated
- take breaks during study and homework session
- stay active and exerting some physical energy
- keep hydrated, water is powerful
Long term tips and college life
- pick good friends with strong faith relationships with God
- join clubs and groups, become an officer
- get to know your professors
His short bio is below:
Here are some links of interest:My name is Michael Medina. I am married to Sandra Medina and we have two children, Adrian is four years old and Eliana is three years old. I work part-time for Allegiance Learning Solutions as a tutor for junior high and high school students, covering all subjects. I am currently attending college at Tyler Junior College in Tyler Texas. I will complete an associates in Surveying and Mapping in May of 2012 and will transfer to the University of Texas at Tyler next fall. I will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology with an emphasis on Surveying and Mapping and have a minor in Business in May of 2013.Once my school is complete I will work for a professional land surveyor. My hopes are to become a Registered Professional Land Surveyor and own and operate a surveying company. A professional land surveyor performs any service or work involving knowledge of the principles of geodesy, mathematics, and relevant laws to the measurement or locations of sites, points, lines, angles and elevations. Professional land surveyors locate real estate property boundaries, layout land and subdivisions of land and prepare maps. Surveying can be done on land, at sea, on the moon and other planets in our solar system.
http://www.tjc.edu/surveying/index.php - Tyler Junior College
http://www.uttyler.edu/cbt/ugadvising/degreeplan/surv_mapplan.php - University of Texas at Tyler
http://www.txls.state.tx.us/ - the Acts & Rules tab details all aspects of land surveying in Texas
http://www.ncees.org/Audience_Landing_Pages/Surveyors.php - surveyors must pass extensive and rigorous exams to become licensed or registered professionals
3. Guest Speaker Interest: If you are interested in becoming a guest speaker, please submit a short summary of your area of interest via email ppulido@hfns.com. Scheduling is usually on Fridays from 2pm to 3pm and you may contact one of my homeroom parents (Virginia Gonzalez) to schedule a session.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please email me ppulido@hfns.com
Have a wonderful week!
Blessings,
Mrs. Pia Villanueva-Pulido
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Geography Project: Making Jigsaw Puzzles using the map of the United States
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| A hard working 3rd grader puts the states together |
 |
| 3rd Graders in action |
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| 3rd graders learning how to work together |
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Peek at the Week News September 12, 2011
Please take a look at this week’s highlights:
Spelling/Vocabulary: Finish Unit 5 pp. 46-55 due on Wednesday. Vocabulary Quiz on Thursday and Spelling Test on Friday.
Reading: We are on Chapters 5 and 6 listening to Ramona Quimby, Age 8. Please remind students to pay close attention to the details of the story as the teacher will ask questions to monitor comprehension.
English: We just finished our Nouns in Subjects unit and will begin our Predicates unit this week. The 3rd graders are enjoying singing to the Grammar Jingles CD.
Math: We began a new unit this week – Addition. We will review addition with more than two addends as well as addition with regrouping.
Religion: As a follow up to our “Mary Mother of God” unit, we will discover other role models in the unit “Women of Faith.” We will share who we think our role models are in our everyday lives.
Social Studies: We will continue with our background information on geography: reviewing (or re-learning) the 7 continents of the world, learning our 50 states through creating our own jigsaw puzzles, etc.
Notes/Reminder:
1. No major tests this week. Only regular weekly tests include Spelling and Vocabulary.
2. Our achievement testing will begin in mid-October. In preparation for the testing, our class will use supplementary reading and math materials to practice. Special thanks to the Downes family for providing the materials.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me: ppulido@hfns.com.
Blessings,
Mrs. Pia Villanueva-Pulido
Spelling/Vocabulary: Finish Unit 5 pp. 46-55 due on Wednesday. Vocabulary Quiz on Thursday and Spelling Test on Friday.
Reading: We are on Chapters 5 and 6 listening to Ramona Quimby, Age 8. Please remind students to pay close attention to the details of the story as the teacher will ask questions to monitor comprehension.
English: We just finished our Nouns in Subjects unit and will begin our Predicates unit this week. The 3rd graders are enjoying singing to the Grammar Jingles CD.
Math: We began a new unit this week – Addition. We will review addition with more than two addends as well as addition with regrouping.
Religion: As a follow up to our “Mary Mother of God” unit, we will discover other role models in the unit “Women of Faith.” We will share who we think our role models are in our everyday lives.
Social Studies: We will continue with our background information on geography: reviewing (or re-learning) the 7 continents of the world, learning our 50 states through creating our own jigsaw puzzles, etc.
Notes/Reminder:
1. No major tests this week. Only regular weekly tests include Spelling and Vocabulary.
2. Our achievement testing will begin in mid-October. In preparation for the testing, our class will use supplementary reading and math materials to practice. Special thanks to the Downes family for providing the materials.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me: ppulido@hfns.com.
Blessings,
Mrs. Pia Villanueva-Pulido
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Peek at the Week News September 6, 2011
Dear Parents,
Please take a look at this week's highlights:
Vocabulary/Spelling: Unit 4 pp. 38-45 due tomorrow. We will do the Practice Quiz worksheet in class, and the quiz will still be on Thursday as normally scheduled. Spelling Test on Unit 4 is on Friday.
Reading: We have finished reading/listening to Chapter 1 of Ramona Quimby, Age 8 novel. We will do some reading response activities in class.
English: Chapter 2 Test on Thursday on Subjects (Simple and Compound) on Thursday. Study pg. 455 for the test.
Math: We are wrapping up our Place Value unit (Chapter 1) this week. Be on the lookout for our "Test Preparation" worksheets (multiple choice format) to come on Thursday night.
Religion: This new unit introduces Mary, Mother of God as our role model of faith and trust. We will discuss the Annunciation and the Incarnation.
Science: Extending our "Tools of Science" unit, we will observe our five-day weather forecast this week. "Invention Convention" project plans are on hold until we get caught up with our core subjects.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please email me ppulido@hfns.com.
Have a blessed week!
Mrs. Pia Villanueva-Pulido
Please take a look at this week's highlights:
Vocabulary/Spelling: Unit 4 pp. 38-45 due tomorrow. We will do the Practice Quiz worksheet in class, and the quiz will still be on Thursday as normally scheduled. Spelling Test on Unit 4 is on Friday.
Reading: We have finished reading/listening to Chapter 1 of Ramona Quimby, Age 8 novel. We will do some reading response activities in class.
English: Chapter 2 Test on Thursday on Subjects (Simple and Compound) on Thursday. Study pg. 455 for the test.
Math: We are wrapping up our Place Value unit (Chapter 1) this week. Be on the lookout for our "Test Preparation" worksheets (multiple choice format) to come on Thursday night.
Religion: This new unit introduces Mary, Mother of God as our role model of faith and trust. We will discuss the Annunciation and the Incarnation.
Science: Extending our "Tools of Science" unit, we will observe our five-day weather forecast this week. "Invention Convention" project plans are on hold until we get caught up with our core subjects.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please email me ppulido@hfns.com.
Have a blessed week!
Mrs. Pia Villanueva-Pulido
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