Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Sentence Dictation

1. My older cousin got engaged last summer.
2. They are planning a huge wedding, and their guest list seems endless!
3. My aunt let her borrow a pair of diamond earrings to wear for their special day.
4. The happy couple will embark on a very special journey on their wedding day.

Peek at the Week News February 27th, 2012

Dear 3rd Grade Parents,

Please take a look at this week's highlights:

Vocabulary/Spelling: PSIA Words #121-140 definitions due on Wednesday. Spelling/Vocabulary/Dictation test on Friday.

Reading/Social Studies: We finished learning about musical influences of the Harlem Renaissance this week. We learned about different types of jazz and blues music. After this unit, we will go back in time to discover the influences of the Renaissance period in Europe. We will also have an opportunity to learn about Shakespeare's works (dramas and sonnets).

English: Last week, some of the 3rd grader brought pompoms and megaphones to class! Many of you may wonder if we really needed them, and the answer is YES! We learned the "Pronouns Cheer" by memorizing a chant to distinguish the difference between subject and object pronouns. We will continue the grammar drills so that we can take tests confidently and pass with flying colors. We also learned a new Grammar Jingles song, "Misused Blues," in reference to commonly misused irregular verbs (lay/lie, raise/rise, teach/learn, etc).

Math: We finally finished our Geometry unit in our textbook. We will begin a new chapter (Multiplication with Regrouping, Chapter 10) this week. In the next few days, expect to have your child complete at least 4 topics per assignment in the ALEKS MyPie. We will then move on to more multiplication and division drills as a refresher.

Religion: These past two days, we have discussed the importance of the sacrament of Reconciliation, especially during the time of Lent. We examined our conscience by discussing the 10 Commandments and how they apply to our daily lives. As a school, we all went to confession this morning. I provided a copy of "Examination of Conscience for Children" by Fr. Edward Filardi, Gaithersburg, Maryland for each student as a guide. This has been very useful in the classroom when talking about making choices in our lives, and connecting those choices to our faith. You may find it in the Tuesday folder.

Have a blessed week!
~Mrs. Pulido

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Sentence Dictation

1. Last night, I had the most incredible dream!
2. I wish that my brother did not wake and disturb me, though.
3. When I woke up, I was still drowsy and tired.
4. All kinds of drama arose when I decided to argue with him.
5. "You displease me so much!" I shouted.
6. So I had to drench him with cold water. 

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Lots of Love in 3rd Grade!

3rd Graders celebrated Valentine's Day with lots of goodies and treats!

Guest Speaker Michael Pulido offered his talents to conduct a songwriter's workshop for 3rd graders. Students used instruments and recorded their song. They also listened to the fundamentals of using creativity and imagination to put together a song!

3rd Grade Peek at the Week News February 22, 2012

Dear 3rd Grade Parents,

Please take a look at this week's highlights:

Spelling/Vocabulary: PSIA Words #101-120 definitions due on Thursday (because of the long weekend). Test and dictation on Friday.

Reading/Social Studies: We just finished our Middle Ages Unit, which the kids thoroughly enjoyed! This week, we will begin another wonderful unit using our cross curricular studies in literature and Social Studies. Exploring the vibrant literary techniques of Harlem Renaissance writers (Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, Anne Spencer, Zora Neale Hurston, Paul Laurence Dunbar, etc) participants will discover the purpose of poetry and prose to convey the prevalent social themes of this particular time period. Understanding that poetry comes in many forms (narrative, lyrical, sonnets, ballads), students will write poems and short narratives to help them deliver in-class lyrical reading performances, articulate poetry interpretation, and participate in group discussions. Harlem Renaissance artists, musicians, and writers will give participants the visual/auditory imagery and inspiration to compare and contrast the present social issues within their own experiences in their communities.

Math: Using a hybrid of whole group/small group/individualized instruction, students will learn the difference between measuring the perimeter and area of a figure. They will also begin multiplying with regrouping, so if time permits at home, continue drilling them with their multiplication facts. They are doing very well with their Math assignments, and they respond well to different types of activities. If time permits, continue filling ALEKS pie.

Religion: Yesterday, students in Grades 1-5 celebrated Mardi Gras by parading their masks they designed in Mrs. Parchman's Art Class in the gym. Prior to this wonderful parade, we learned about the history of Mardi Gras and its significance to our Catholic traditions. This week, we will discover and reflect on Lenten resolutions, and we will also take some time to discuss the meaning of a "cheerful giver" in terms of making those resolutions.

Science/Math: This week, we will use our estudiesweekly.com newspaper to learn about movement/motion. The students will discover that forces that act on objects and know that the effect of forces can be predicted, described, and measured using similar concepts in Math.

Notes/Reminder:
1. Congratulations to the 3rd graders who participated in the Private Schools Interscholastic Association (PSIA) District Competition last Saturday. We had a wonderful time, and many thanks to our parent volunteers who made this all possible.
2. We have welcomed two wonderful guest speakers this past month: Dr. Robert Tinajero, English professor and writer (Want more info? www.blueletters.com),  and Michael Pulido, singer/songwriter/musician (Thinking of music lessons or other creative projects? www.studio2am.blog.com). Pictures to follow.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Sentence Dictation

1. For breakfast, I had some crispy cornflakes cereal.
2. For snack time, I had another dairy product to eat: yummy cheese strings.
3. My friend also shared a piece of her custard pie.

3rd Grade Peek at the Week News February 13th, 2012

Dear 3rd Grade Parents,
Please take a look at this week's highlights:

Spelling/Vocabulary: PSIA Words #81-100. Definitions due Wednesday. Test on Friday.

Reading: We are wrapping up our children's literature version of the legendary old English tale about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. This literature unit is a cross-curricular study that combines lessons in Reading, Religion (The Power of the Catholic Church in the Middle Ages), Social Studies (social classes, code of conduct, citizenship, etc), and History. One of our many activities include researching our family's heritage by studying the design of our crest in our coat of arms. In the Middle Ages, the knights used coat of arms as a way to identify themselves, and the design was placed on shields, tapestries, and stones. People in medieval times used personal family banners and shields to express their identity and status in society. As 3rd graders learned a bit of history in the Middle Ages, they also discovered something about their heritage and themselves.

English: We are doing a cumulative review on VERBS: main verbs vs. helping verbs, choosing the correct tense: past, present, future, and irregular verbs. We will learn a song called "Misused Blues" to differentiate usage on verbs such as lay/lie, sit/set, raise/rise, teach/learn.

Math: We are wrapping up our Geometry unit and will begin an introduction to measurement (conversion and elapsed time) this week. We are doing ALEKS worksheets in class and I am pleased to say that 3rd graders are doing very well retaining the information. Good job, 3rd graders!

Note/Reminder:
1. Happy Valentine's Day! The party starts at 2pm this afternoon.

Enjoy the Random Photos!

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Spelling Dictation

1.   Picking cherries is a cheerful family activity.
2.   My mom brought her camera to capture our special moments.
3.   It was a wonderful chance for the family to be together.
4.   Although it was a bit chilly outside, we still enjoyed ourselves.

Peek at the Week News February 6th, 2012

Dear 3rd Grade Parents,

Please take a look at this week's highlights:

Vocabulary/Spelling: Definitions from dictionary for PSIA Words #61-80 due on Wednesday. Crossword puzzle format with dictation test on Friday.

Reading: We finished our chapter book Knights of the Round Table. We continue to discuss life in the Middle Ages. This week, we will learn about our family coat of arms. The kids have been "knighted" in class after we discussed the code of conduct and the influence of Middle Age chivalry in our society.

English: Grammar Jingles song activities to learn most commonly misused irregular verbs such as: sit/set, lay/lie, raise/rise, etc.

Math: We continue to review Geometry using worksheets, art activities, and ALEKS worksheets. Stay tuned for important developments regarding our Math program in the coming weeks.

Science: Students are introduced to hurricanes using our Discovery streaming website as a pre-lesson for this week's field trip to the Ft. Worth Museum of Science and History.

Social Studies: Using cross-curricular studies in Reading/Literature, we will continue compare and contrast Middle Age society vs. modern day society.

Religion: We are reading a wonderful children's book from the Scholastic Book Fair called Favorite Bible Stories and Amazing Facts published by the American Bible Society. This book contains full color graphics as well as trivia tidbits, fascinating facts, and 27 of the best-loved Bible stories so that students can experience its life-changing messages.

Notes/Reminder:
1. You will find the results of our middle of the year DIBELS assessment in the Tuesday folder. Please take some time to review your child's reading progress.
2. You will also find a permission slip for Friday's field trip to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. Please sign and return ASAP. If you would like to chaperone, please contact Shelly Griffin for cost and details.

Best regards,
Mrs. Pulido