enjoying some much needed sunshine
I am working on prefixes and suffixes with students. While there are many prefixes, the following represent 97 percent of prefixed words in printed school English: dis- (e.g., disagree), re- (e.g., return), un- (e.g., unfriend), and in-, im-, il-, ir- (e.g., injustice) . While re- means again, all of the others mean not.
The same thing occurs in suffixes where a handful of suffixes represent 97 percent of all suffixed words in printed school English: -ed (hopped), -ing (running), -ly (e.g., quickly), and -s, -es (e.g., books). These are largely verb tenses that students know, but need to focus on through practice.
We wrapped up -oi and -oy diphthongs. Students should know -oi comes in the middle of a syllable and -oy appears at the end of a syllable. There are exceptions.
Reading Workshop
We are focusing on informational texts. Students are learning how to read columned text, text boxes, bold and italicized words, table of contents, glossaries, text boxes, charts and graphs.
We are also beginning our African American research projects. Students are learning the importance of choosing just-right source material, how to take notes and what is note-worthy, how to write a research draft and finally, how to share the most important element of their topic, be it a biography or a research paper on dinosaurs, economics, historical events, etc.
busy researchers
Students took the STAR Reading Test last week. I sent student scores and progress monitoring home on Wednesday. I'm very pleased with student progress.
Writing Workshop
We are focusing on production and research skills.
Math Workshop
We wrapped up perimeter and are digging deep into area. I'm really proud of students' mastery of these two important concepts. They should recognize area as a model of multiplication and should be able to represent multiplication expressions as area models (which are also very similar to arrays).
Students took the STAR Math Test this week. I sent student scores and progress monitoring home on Thursday. I'm likewise very pleased with student progress. Please note that the highest performing students will have difficulty improving their scores (and may flatline somewhat) as they are already performing at the extreme limits of the test.
We had a fantastic science exchange with our friends from Livingston Elementary. Students studied soil, life science, and water cycles as we built terrariums. Thank you UA Rotary - this project would not have been possible without your generous support!
UA High School Rotary Club members helped us as well!
Invention Convention
This post provides you with a time table for the Invention Convention and some helpful advice for those of you who are new to it.
We will try to do the majority of "think" work at school, but there will be some work to do at home, primarily presentation boards and prototypes. I have intentionally built in some extra time for students who may fall behind or have exceptionally busy extracurricular lives.
My sincere hope is that students will do a little at a time so they can really think and reflect on the process, rather than having a stressful, "just get it done" experience. This is also an early introduction to time management.
If I had to sum up this project I would say it's all about process, not product.
We will try to do the majority of "think" work at school, but there will be some work to do at home, primarily presentation boards and prototypes. I have intentionally built in some extra time for students who may fall behind or have exceptionally busy extracurricular lives.
My sincere hope is that students will do a little at a time so they can really think and reflect on the process, rather than having a stressful, "just get it done" experience. This is also an early introduction to time management.
If I had to sum up this project I would say it's all about process, not product.
List of Problems - Due January 29
Identify three common, everyday problems. I am looking for problems third graders can solve, not robots or time machines;) They will inevitably think of inventions first, instead of first focusing on the problems. I suggest students focus on common problems they observe others having. Starting at home is a great idea. What kinds of challenges do they face daily? If it is helpful, please remind them of the slide show I shared with them that was all about problems.
Presentation Board Plans - Due February 20
Students will have a worksheet they can use to plan the content, layout and design of their presentation boards. I will model this well in advance. I also have models from previous years to share with students. Please do not let your student make their design board until we have completed this important step.
Presentation Boards - Due February 27
Presentation boards and headers can be purchased at United Art & Education (located just over the Fishinger Bridge in Hilliard) or most office supply stores. The headers are a great way to highlight the name of your young inventor's solution and they help steady the display boards. If you have financial hardship, please contact me and I will look into providing a display board and header for your student.
Creativity, neatness and organization are the keys to a successful presentation board. Encourage your student to take a few photos as they go through the process of testing and building prototypes and even of their problem. These can help their presentation board come alive!
The display board is intended as an aid for presenting. Please do not use poster board.
Here are several display board and prototype examples to give you and your student some idea of where we are headed.
Students will build a representative (does not have to be a fully operational) prototype. If the technology already exists for part of their prototype, they can simply mock it up (e.g., a garage door opener can be replicated from cardboard). Prototypes must be no larger than a paper box (approximately 20" x 12" x 12") and may not use chord dependent electricity. They may use batteries.
Invention Convention - March 9 Students will present their inventions to families in the Windermere Multi-Purpose Room/Cafeteria from 10:00 till 10:30. Families are encouraged to help us celebrate student inventions and interview students on their invention process. In the past, many families have opted to take their student (and their materials) to lunch after the presentations. This is a great way to celebrate and to make sure display boards and prototypes go home before spring break.
The most common question I receive is, "How much should parents help?" It is important to note that while we may have some inspiring outliers, these should be student directed problems and solutions. As much as we want to help them (and you can), the ideas and solutions should be theirs. You can ask questions and let them arrive at their own conclusions. The Invention Convention is all about the process, rather than the end product.
Most importantly, this project should be student led and adult supported.
This is NOT parent work. You may help your student by encouraging them to think about their invention. You can even help them assemble their boards and prototypes, but students must be able to explain their work and demonstrate understanding of every step of the process. We are not looking for robots or technologically bound solutions, but simple and achievable solutions to problems that impact many people. The real benefit of this project is the student learning. We want our future leaders to see they can identify and solve others' problems.
You can probably help most by having them plan and do a little work daily so they don't have to cram the night before their materials are due.
Ohio Wildlife Center Donations
Instead of having a Valentine's Day party, 3rd grade has a long tradition of sharing our love for animals. We have invited the Ohio Wildlife Center (OWC) to visit us again this year. They will bring several rehabilitated animals native to Ohio and will teach our students about habitat, defense mechanisms, food cycle, etc.
In lieu of the fee they normally charge, we donate items the OWC needs. Your student brought home a blue paper with a wish list of items you can donate to the OWC. Please consider choosing a few items from the list to bring to school on February 12th. Your donations help ensure we can continue this unique up-close experience. You can also click on the following link: Ohio Wildlife Center Wishlist
February 2018
5 State of the Schools at UAHS 5-8 p.m.
5-9 Collection Days for “Box Tops for Education”
8 Third Grade Musical 7pm Wear GREEN!
11-14 Ohio Wildlife Center donation drive
12 Ohio Wildlife Center Donations due
14 Ohio Wildlife Center visits for Valentine's Day
8 Third Grade Musical 7pm Wear GREEN!
11-14 Ohio Wildlife Center donation drive
12 Ohio Wildlife Center Donations due
14 Ohio Wildlife Center visits for Valentine's Day
19 No School Staff or Students: Presidents’ Day
28 Early Release 1:00 (NO LIFT)
March 2018
March 2018
5 Spring Pictures
9 End of Second Trimester
9 Invention Convention 10-10:30am in the Multipurpose Room/Cafeteria. Families are invited to help us celebrate student inventions and then take your student (and their materials) to lunch.
12-16 Spring Break
9 Invention Convention 10-10:30am in the Multipurpose Room/Cafeteria. Families are invited to help us celebrate student inventions and then take your student (and their materials) to lunch.
12-16 Spring Break
19 No School for Students: Teacher Grading Day
27 Progress Reports available online
30 Good Friday: No School for Students or Staff
April 2018
April 2018
4 Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at Windermere 11-12 in lounge
May 2018
May 2018
April 30-May 4 Scholastic Book Fair
4 KidFest, 5-8 p.m.
8 NO School for students or certified staff - Ohio Primary Elections
11 Science field trip to Livingston Elementary
11 Science field trip to Livingston Elementary
21 Field Day
28 No School Staff: Memorial Day
30 Last Day for Students
30 End of third trimester
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