iPad Update

We have started to utilize our iPads more regularly as a learning tool in the classroom. Some ways certain apps have been integrated into daily life are:

• Numbers: for a Reading Log 
• Skitch: as our whiteboard for mental math 
• Socrative: take quizzes 
• Doodle Buddy: participate in a Dot Art Project Around the World
• Dictionary: to find word origins and synonyms for ordinary words in our writing

Capitalization Quiz

REMINDER

Monday is Picture Day!

Students may wear free dress, but they have to bring their P.E. clothes and shoes to change into for PE.

Week of Sept 3-7

We Are Learning To (W.A.L.T.):

Word Study:

• recognize that english is a melting pot of languages
• look up words to find their origins

Reading:

• look for patterns in our reading logs
• set reading goals based on the patterns we notice in our logs
• record our thinking on sticky notes
• write quality stickies and strive to write 'four star post-its'

Writing:

• study authors and read their writing and ask, ‘What did this author do that I could also use to make my own writing more powerful?  
• use Chrysanthemum as a mentor text to model the power of repetition
• use Fireflies to show the power of strong word choice. 

Math:

• review concepts taught throughout unit 1 as we are nearing the end of this unit

Science:

• Use two kinds of sprouting devices to find out what effect water has on seeds

Buzz about Books

Sometimes looking for a good book can be overwhelming. Last week the students learned how to 'Buzz about Books' with classmates in order to pique their interest in a new book.

Back to School Night

Thank you for attending Back to School Night. I have included the Power Point Presentation for your reference.

Week of August 21-24

This week We Are Learning To (W.A.L.T.):

Reading

• conference with a teacher about our books and set goals
• be an expressive reader in our minds
• read faster, stronger, and longer
• 'buzz' about books

Writing

• brainstorm important people for a personal narrative
• think of small moments with those people
• brainstorm important places for a personal narrative
• think of small moments at those places
• conference with a teacher about our writing
• be in charge of our own writing

Math 

• use mathematical tools
• compare two sets of data
• complete name collection boxes
• use the language of probability to predict chance events

Science

• go on a seed search in order to accurately describe the properties of seeds
• make a line plot of our seed hunt results 

Our 1st Day of School

Welcome to 3rd Grade!  
My name is Mrs. Buxton and I am very excited to have you in class.  Don't forget about our Open House on Saturday, August 11th.  The first day of school is Monday, August 13th.  I look forward to meeting you!

Please join us for our assembly on Friday, May 18th from 8:15-9:00 in the Elementary Theatre.  We will be presenting along with Mr. Kennedy's class. 

Reading Aloud with Expression

Practicing for our Assembly

Today, the boys and girls made 'hats' on words that needed to be emphasized when reading their script.  In addition, they put slashes where pauses should be when speaking.  Lastly, they recorded themselves on http://www.vocaroo.com/.  Here are a few samples of their work.


Voice Recorder >>
Voice Recorder >>
Voice Recorder >>
Voice Recorder >>
Voice Recorder >>

Week of April 16-20

W.A.L.T.:

• Think about who an author is as a person in our new 'Author Study' unit. 
• Notice the common features in books by the same author.
• Choose a style of writing to mimic for the Independent Writing Project.  Students will sift through baskets of books and options to come up with several ideas of what they could write. 
• Notice interesting things about books and then ask “how could I do this type of writing?”
• Complete a proposal to remember what and why they are writing. 
• Observe mineral properties
• Test minerals for hardness by using a Scratch Test