Mrs. Pulido's Second Book Launch: Terrible Trevor

I am excited and pleased to announce that I am planning the release of my second children's book, Terrible Trevor from The River of Imagination Series soon.

Some of you may remember the launch of my first children's book, Blue Dragonfly back in 2009. The full-color illustrated book kit includes two original songs and a voice over narration which inspired the Progressive Integration of Abilities (P.I.A.) Sessions. The P.I.A. Sessions became writing workshops as well as creative and social development classes that enriched the learning experience for young children. These classes have been offered to Irving Arts Center during the multi-arts kids' camps as well as homeschoolers and other individuals in the community.

The release of my first book was by far the most exciting thing I've ever done as a writer, and I can't wait to do it again. Please stay tuned for the unveiling of the new book trailer, music video, interactive multimedia tutorial, original songs, and of course - the story. In the meantime, please view the Blue Dragonfly book trailer for old times' sake. This gives me pure joy.  I hope you can support me as a teacher, writer, and friend as I continue to be inspired by your children.

Our Hard Work on Display!

Students worked together to analyze and make inferences in a Dr. Seuss favorite, The Lorax, which teaches about taking care of the environment.

Inspired by Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, students learned that the choices we make influence others. Students examined their conscience by reflecting upon the daily choices they make. In a graphic organizer, students separated their choices by asking themselves, "Was this a wise choice?" Answers: Absolutely, Maybe, No Way! Some Absolutely wise choices: "Went to confession," "Helped do the dishes," etc. Some maybe choices: "Made a bet with my brother," and "Played video games." Some No Way choices: "Stayed up until 11PM on a school night," "Fought with my brother," and "Got a homework default." 

Fractions Fun! Students used the Smartboard, the Elmo, and Fractions tiles in Math class to demonstrate their understanding of equivalent fractions and measurement. 

Peek at the Week News April 23rd, 2012

Dear 3rd Grade Parents,

Please take a look at this week's highlights:

Vocabulary/Spelling: PSIA Words #261 to 280 definitions due on Wednesday. Test on Friday.

English: All About Adjectives: Adjectives That Compare, Adjectives That Tell What Kind/How Many and Articles

Reading/Social Studies/Science/Character Building: Last week, we enjoyed a very meaningful lesson from the wisdom of classic children's books such as The Giving Tree and The Lorax. By analyzing the narrative elements and fictional characters' decisions from simple children's stories from Shel Silverstein and Dr. Seuss, students became aware of how the choices they make affect others and their communities. In celebration of Earth Day, we learned a little about environmental Science. Students became aware of the importance of sustainability, economy, and technology to their environment. They also learned that making wise choices about these things will help make a positive impact for their future. All these great lessons stem from the simplicity of widely popular children's books. What a great reminder that we are never too old to learn from the wisdom of children's literature!

As we continue to celebrate April's National Poetry Month, students are working on carefully selecting their poems to perform on stage for the Spoken Word open mic show on April 30th in the Parish Hall (parents are invited - more details such as time, props, etc to follow). Many of the 3rd graders have already shown me at least two or three poems that they are considering, and I will help each student make a final selection to practice. Ask your child if he/she has already shown me at least two poems for consideration. A good performance consists of the following:

• Preparedness
• Enthusiasm
• Posture and Eye Contact
• Pitch (Voice/Volume to convey appropriate emotions)
• Speaks Clearly
• Listens to Other Presentations

Consider practicing with your child at home every night. I will have the winners of the PSIA Poetry Interpretation district contests from 5th grade to perform in front of my 3rd graders  as examples for their performances in my class.

Math: Outside of computer lab time filling up our pies in ALEKS, we have done some fun, hands-on lessons using our Elmo and Smartboard to review lessons in Fractions and Measurements. Students made and used their own fraction strips to represent the length model, discover fraction relationships, and work with equivalent fractions. At this stage of the unit, students have been able to demonstrate understanding that a fraction can be represented as part of a whole. Continue to work on the ALEKS MyPie for practice. Focus on Fractions. 

Religion: This week, we will make connections with the Last Supper to our First Holy Mass and understand the Bread of Life. In celebration of the 3rd week of Easter, we will discuss what the word MINISTRY means in our faith. 

Notes/Reminder:

1. Mark April 30th in your calendar: Spoken Word Open Mic Show. Details such as time and other necessary props to follow. You are more than welcome (but not obligated) to attend.

2. May Crowning is first week of May. More details to follow as well. 

Holy Week Guest Speaker: Mr. Michael Marquez

3rd Graders Get Up Close as They Listen to Mr. Marquez share his faith and reminds them that God has a special plan for us. What a great way to end our Holy Week and begin our Easter season with renewed faith!

Peek at the Week News April 11, 2012

Dear 3rd Grade Parents,

Please take a look at this week's highlights:

Spelling/Vocabulary: PSIA Defintions #221-240 due on Thursday. Vocabulary and Spelling Test in crossword puzzle format on Friday.

Reading: In celebration of April's National Poetry Month, we will dedicate an extended unit on poetry. As we learn and discover poets, we will begin to select some of our favorite poems that have personal meanings to perform at our "Annual Open Mic Show"at the end of the month. Please discuss and help your child select a poem in the coming weeks. Details to follow.

English:  We began our 4th and final quarter of 3rd grade, and this is the time of the year for review. This week, we will focus on cumulative review and revisit the grammar rules we have learned since the beginning of the year. We will review Chapters 1-25 covering units on:

• Sentences
• Subjects and Predicates
• Complete Sentences
• Common and Proper Nouns
• Singular and Plural Nouns
• Verbs
• Main Verbs and Helping Verbs
• Verb Tenses
• Irregular Verbs
• Subject and Object Pronouns
• Possessive Pronouns
• Adjectives

Math: Once again, I will continue to assess benchmark goals in the core subjects to prepare them for 4th grade. As we align our learning mode with the ALEKS program, we continue to revisit our textbook and cross check Math topics in our 3rd grade benchmark goals. This week, we will do a cumulative review over Chapters 1-12 covering units on:

• Place Value
• Addition (with Regrouping)
• Subtraction (with Borrowing)
• Multiplication Concepts and Facts
• Division Concepts and Facts
• Statistics and Probability
• Measurement and Time
• Geometry
• Multiplication with Regrouping
• Division (with Remainders)
• Fractions

Practice on ALEKS will help with any or all of these topics covered in the textbook.

Religion: We had a very eventful Holy Week last week, taking time to reflect on our lives with campus-wide events, including the Living Stations of the Cross. We also had a special guest speaker Mr. Michael Marquez who shared his faith with us. He told a wonderful story to the kids and showed them a neat paper trick using only one sheet of paper to make a cross. His reminder about how God has a special plan for us really resonated in our hearts during this Holy Week. Our 3rd graders this year as so blessed with the gift of having such faith-filled parents and role models in their lives.

We continue to celebrate the season of Easter by discussing how we proclaim the Resurrection. For reflection, we discussed how singing or rejoicing in "Alleluia" move us to share the good news of Resurrection with others. We will brainstorm some practical, age-appropriate ways that we can share in the mission of the Church by examining our faith focus through journal reflection: What did the first witnesses of the Resurrection tell us about Jesus? How can we be a witness to the Risen Lord?

Science: Using last week's tornado warning experience, we will review and create together a learning unit on tornadoes. We have learned how tornadoes are formed, and we also learned basic tornado safety tips last week. This week, we will review the United States geography to locate the "tornado alley," look at video clips of recent tornadoes in our surrounding area, and discuss ways we can help our community.

Notes/Reminder:

I just have to say that I am so proud of all of our 3rd graders who were so brave during the tornado warning. They acted quickly and behaved so well. We evacuated the school and the rectory in a few minutes and quickly gathered everyone in the basement under the cafeteria. The 3rd graders stood still when we told them, they sat down when we asked them, and the entire school recited the rosary in unison. I was so moved by how well we all came together as a school and church community. Good job, everyone! :)