Winter Weather is Here!

Though we've enjoyed a warm fall season, we are now experiencing wintery weather - and students NEED TO WEAR WINTER COATS to school for recess. The temperature has been very chilly, and it has been windy - making it feel even colder outdoors.  A sweatshirt is not warm enough for 30 minute outdoor recesses.  PLEASE take a moment each day to be sure your child has their coat, hat, gloves, etc. so that he or she is equipped for outdoor recess.  Thanks!

Science

We were being great electricians in science this week as we figured out how to light our bulbs.  We then talked about the difference between the incandescent bulb (originally invent by Thomas Edison) and the compact fluorescent bulb.  Even though the compact fluorescent bulb is more expensive, it does save you money as it lasts a lot longer than the incandescent bulb.

Next week the kids will be trying to recreate Thomas Edison's experiment and get a homemade light bulb to light.  The have drawn their plans in their science journals and some students have shared their ideas with the class.

Math

In Math this week we continued working on the multiplication facts.  In this chapter we work on 0-5, but feel free to study all of the basic facts at home.  We learned a new game this week called "Baseball Multiplication" which the kids really enjoyed.  You can plan the same game at home using a deck of cards and the chart below.  If you are using Ace-6 (Ace being one) use the top chart.  If you are using Ace - 10, use the bottom chart.  A scratch piece of paper can be used to make the ball field.

Baseball Multiplication (1-6)
If the product (answer) is:
5 or less = out
6-15 = a single
16-24 = a double
25-35 = a triple
36 = A home run!

Baseball Multiplication  (1-10)
If the product (answer) is
20 or less = out
21-50 = a single
51-75 = a double
76-90 = a triple
91 or more = A home run!

Challenge: Use all the cards, Jack can 11, Queen can be 12, and King can be 13.  You may need to adjust the scoring chart.

*Sometimes the kids use the "Joker" for the zero.

Scenes from Stations

 On Fridays 3rd graders look forward to Stations - a time when we rotate through several activities such as a craft, Smart board use, computer games, math catch-up/games, and independent or buddy reading time.  Here's a look at some of today's stations!

Craft

Smart board activities

 
Using computers to play games 

 Reading

Math catch up

Language Skills

Our spelling words this week included words with the oi or oy spelling pattern. Many of these words were "brain words," meaning that you can't always sound them out.  Students also worked on shortening "stringy" sentences (sentences that are too long and have several "ands"), as well as finding synonyms.

We also continued our review of cursive handwriting, and practiced writing letters of thanks to teachers/associates that help us learn at KE in honor of American Education Week.  Students did a great job writing heartfelt letters to staff!

* A note regarding our spelling lists - I don't send home a weekly list, but you're welcome to practice at home too.  Our spelling words are all entered on the website spellingcity.com .  Simply click on the title of our current reading story to find the list of words we are studying.  Students use the spelling city website frequently at school, and are encouraged to play the games at home too.

Reading

This week students read "Trickster Tales" from our anthologies during whole group reading time.  Students identified the "trickster(s)" in these stories, as well as character traits of the trickster.  They also analyzed the trick, and the result/end of the story.  Sometimes the tricks worked as planned, though in one story the trickster ended up getting tricked back!  These were fun stories to read - ask your child to summarize one of them for you.

Also - a reminder that we'd like each student to spend time reading at home every night.  Help your child record minutes read on his/her reading log, and return the log to school to earn reading rewards.

Social Studies

We wrapped up our unit Exploring the United States with a look at some of our country's national parks.  We discovered that many national parks are located in areas where there are mountains, forests, or bodies of water.  Many of us wish that we could visit the places that we read about - especially the Grand Canyon!  Only a few of our classmates have seen the Grand Canyon in person.  Next up in Social Studies will be a unit on Government.

New Sidebar Feature: What Cycle Day IS it?

If you've ever wondered what day it is (cycle day, that is) to play for PE shoes or library fines - look no further!  In our sidebar (at right) is now a list of what cycle day is week day is for the current week (just after the "mark your calendar" section).

Thanks to a parent for suggesting we add this to our blog! If there is something you'd like to see added or would find helpful, please let us know - this blog is for you.

This 'N That

• Need a good gift idea?  Books are GREAT gifts/incentives for kids! The Scholastic Book Fair is currently open at KE.  Students may purchase books at the book fair through Thursday, and parents are invited to browse the book fair during the Pasta for the Playground supper/fundraiser on Tuesday the 16th, or during P/T conferences on the 18th.


• Many thanks to all who provided snacks during ITBS!  Students loved the "brain food" and appreciated having that extra fuel these past two weeks.


• Report cards - if you have not already returned your child's report card envelope, we'd like them back to use for the remaining quarter reports.  You can keep the actual report card if you wish, as we'll print new ones each quarter.


• We hope to see you at the Pasta for the Playground Fundraiser on Tuesday evening. The

pasta chain, Zio Johno’s, is catering the meal which includes spaghetti, choice of 2 sauces, salad, bread, dessert and drink.  Tickets for the meal, which can be purchased at the door, will be $6.50 for 12 and up, $5.00 for children 4-11 and kids 3 and under are free.  Seconds are free if you useyour original plate. Carryouts are welcomed.

And to close,  a peek at ITBS:

Enjoying some brain food!

 Working carefully on tests

Math

We finished up our measurement chapter on Monday.  Several students could still need practice on measuring items to the nearest 1/2", 1/4" and 1/8" inch.  They have a pretty good understanding of perimeter and area.  Our next chapter will focus on multiplication and division so now would be a good time to get those flash cards out.  The first part of the chapter will focus on facts 0-5, the second part of the chapter will focus on the 6-9 facts.

Science

Yesterday the kids finally got to experiment with the batteries and bulbs from our Electricity kit.  They had several ideas to try and some were successful, some were not.  They did figure out that they needed to use both the positive and negative side of the battery.  Now we just have to figure out how many wires they need...  We'll try again next week!

Guidance

Mrs. Kehoe, elementary guidance counselor for the M-P, wrapped up a 10 week unit in our classrooms today.  She has been working with students on friendship skills as well as how to stay "drug free."  Mrs. Kehoe uses "Auto" the robot to help her teach lessons.  Today Auto came to class with Mrs. Kehoe.

Reading

Students reviewed reading strategies and compared/contrasted two stories, Miss Rumphius and Celebrating  Chinese New Year as we wrap up theme 2, celebrating traditions.  We're also taking (or have taken) the Theme 2 skills test, and will be reading "Trickster Tales" next week.

Language Skills

This week we've spent time reviewing spelling and grammar skills in preparation for our Theme 2 test.  Students also wrote letters to the troops in Afghanistan to recognize Veteran's Day as part of a project coordinated by the Richmond Amvets Auxilary.  They did a great job writing meaningful, caring letters that will certainly brighten a soldier's day!

Letters to the troops

 Practicing cursive

Social Studies

We continue to work with map grids using lines of latitude and longitude as we near the end of our map unit, Exploring the United States.  We have also discussed and identified natural features (forests, plains, mountains, bodies of water) found in the US, as well as the natural resources (crops, water, wood, etc.) that we are able to use that we get from natural features.

About Our Week

Much of our focus this week has been on taking the Iowa Test of Basic Skills.  Most students are doing a great job working carefully and doing their best on the tests.  Third graders are getting the "hang" of taking the tests, and some have commented that the tests are not as difficult as they thought ITBS would be! Thanks so much to third grade families who have provided our snacks/brain food each day.  Students really look forward to the extra fuel during testing.

We'll be back next week with updates for each subject - enjoy the long weekend with your child.  Please remember that we're still testing next week, so a good night's rest and a healthy breakfast are needed.

Reminders:
• The first round of P/T conferences is on Wednesday, /November 10 - we look forward to meeting with you!
• On Friday, November 12, we will celebrate the completion of ITBS!  Students can bring a snack (for themselves or to share) and a drink to enjoy as we watch The BFG on Friday afternoon.
• We've added reading homework folders for third graders (Red or Purple, depending on if your child is in Mrs. B or Mrs. H.'s reading group) - please help your student record his/her reading each night, and return the folder the next school day.

November Naturalist Notes

(a monthly feature from Washington County Naturalist, Pam Holz)


Here’s a good family project:  Enjoy fall by feeding the birds with your children.  Set up feeders near windows where you can easily watch them.  Feeders do not have to be fancy and homemade works fine (another great project for you and your child).  Buy black oil sunflower seed for the best mix of birds (most cheap mixed seed bags contain a lot of uneaten filler).  Purchase a basic field guide and learn along with your child how to identify your common visitors.  Any questions, contact me at Marr Park.  I’d be glad to help you.
Upcoming: Saturday, Dec. 4.  Drop off the kids for some fun learning about Tooth and Claws while you get some shopping done.  Program runs from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Conservation Center at Marr Park.

By Pamela Holz, Naturalist
319/657-2400; wccbnaturalist@iowatelecom.net