Newsletter for February 2, 2018

What We Learned This Week 

Word Study

I introduced the oo vowel team. Students should know this team can make two distinct sounds: e.g., book and tool. We memorized the three common exceptions: should, would, and could, where the pattern sounds the same as book, but is spelled with an ou. Learning these exceptions should eliminate much confusion.

We are continuing to study common prefixes. I challenge students to find our word study patterns and prefixes in their reading material.

Click to enlarge word ladder.

I also continued word ladders. I like word ladders because they show students just how effective it is to use words they do know to spell and read unfamiliar words by thinking of rhyming patterns and recognizing patterns in words.

Reading & Writing Workshop

We started responding to multiple passages. This is a big jump and we are taking small steps in order to not overwhelm students. I started by having students highlight words and phrases that were confusing. I find this is really helpful for increasing focus for the first read. We then reread our articles for important ideas and evidence to support our opinions. This led to a lesson on highlighting only key terms and phrases instead of the entire page.

How many of these famous African Americans can you name?

Students are continuing their African American research and making great progress. Students are reading picture book biographies and slowly adding additional materials. They are recording note-worthy facts on index cards and categorizing them. We are also adding additional books, but using the elements of non-fiction/informational texts to help us be efficient in adding to our research, rather than necessarily reading the entire new book. Students are also writing down questions they will research online later. We continue to have inspiring conversations about marginalized groups and how they have contributed to our country's culture.

picture book about the peaceful integration of schools in Huntsville, Alabama

We are focusing on Point of View, an important 3rd grade reading standard, using picture books with multiple characters to look for characters'  feelings and emotions.

Math Workshop

We concluded perimeter and area (including rectilinear area - modeled above with larger numbers than we use, but just to give you an idea).

We also started our study of angles including right (90 degrees), acute (less than 90 degrees), and obtuse (greater than 90 degrees). I introduced adjacent and opposite sides and vertex/vertices.

Science

Invention Convention

We shared our first attempts at identifying problems. Many students already have their problem squared away, but I am giving everyone time to think about additional options till Mondya. 

3 Problems - Due February 5
3 Solutions - Due February 12
Presentation Board Plans - Due February 20 (See last week's post for more details.)
Presentation Boards - Due February 27 
Prototypes - Due March 6 

Invention Convention - March 9  

Ohio Wildlife Center Donations

In lieu of the fee they normally charge, we donate items the OWC needs. Your student brought home 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

New Resource
Mrs. Hemmelgarn, our librarian, shared the following link with me and I wanted to pass it on to you as well. It is a collection of websites organized by Scholastic that are great for young internet explorers. They are organized by subject.

Important Dates & Reminders

Mrs. Nolan challenged us to choose a word that will guide our work for the rest of the year. My word is "grateful." I am so grateful for the opportunity to partner with you this year to do this important work.

February 2018

5  State of the Schools at UAHS 5-8 p.m. Mr. Imhoff, Superintendent, will present at 6pm. The Windermere Ukulele Orchestra will perform shortly after that.

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

19 No School Staff or Students:  Presidents’ Day

28 Early Release 1:00 (NO LIFT)

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

19 No School for Students:  Teacher Grading Day

27 Progress Reports available online

30  Good Friday:  No School for Students or Staff

April 2018

4  Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at Windermere 11-12 in lounge

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

21  Field Day

28 No School Staff:  Memorial Day

30  Last Day for Students

30 End of third trimester