Weeks in Review December 3, 2018

Dear Families,

Happy Holidays!  Unbelievable how fast time flies!  I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving!  I survived Black Friday shopping at Bronners in Frankenmuth!  It was CRAZY busy, but so much festive fun!  On the Wednesday before our short break, we had a fun day of jammies and games.  The kids peeled and cut apples for our homemade applesauce.  It smelled and tasted delicious!  

The students are working towards their next goal line in their "gem jar" and I'm looking forward to another celebration!

Curriculum Update:
Math- Unit 3 focused on practicing different addition, subtraction, and multiplication strategies.  Our Unit test will be on Tuesday.  Your child has his/her review completed and at home for practice.  
Social Studies: We learned about natural and human resources in MI and how people use these resources.  Adapting and modifying environments was our last lesson in this unit.  We will complete a review Monday to send home and there will be a test on Thursday.
Reading:  The kids are reading a book from a series. They are analyzing the characters and problem of the book and they will compare and contrast it to another book in the same series.
Writing:  We edited, revised and published our first big writing unit of personal narratives.  I will share part of them with you at conferences.  :-)  Our next unit is writing persuasive essays. 

Our class partnered up with Mrs. Gauthier's Kindergartners last week and we went to the Media Center to use Dash Bots!  It was so fun and our third graders did a great job showing their little buddy how to use the Ipad app to control their Dash Bot robot.  :-)  Persevering and practicing a mindset of patience and persistence never entered their minds as they worked to make their Dash Bot move in ways they entered on the Ipad.  It was a fun learning experience and I'm looking forward to using the next week!

If you haven't signed up for a parent teacher conference yet, please login to your Skyward account and choose an available time.  Thank you!  


Have  wonderful week!  As always, please email me anytime with your questions and concerns.

Weeks in Review - November 11, 2018

Dear Families,

BBBRRRR!!!! Winter weather has struck!  I hope you are all ready for the season!  The first snowfall is always an exciting day in school.  As the big flakes fell outside our classroom window, we were moved to the spirit of the holidays.  Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer seemed appropriate for our morning work time.  Enjoy the short video!  :-)

  https://share.icloud.com/photos/0JHSqgeiQVD08vsSTPxGZcY-A#Commerce_Elementary_School

Ms. Carlin added school requirements for playing outdoors during recess to the Commerce Connection. Thank you for providing your child with the necessary clothing to keep them warm and dry outside.  

Lots of helping hands to bundle up!

We had an amazing assembly with Mr. Schu last week!  Mr. Schu is an ambassador for Scholastic.  His energy and love for books is contagious!  I'm sure that we all were just a little more excited to read good books than before we walked in to the assembly.  Mr. Schu shared some of his favorites and your child wrote down some titles he/she couldn't wait to read!  Maybe they will let you know and add them to that holiday wish list!   

Mr. Schu signed their books!

Gabby and Austin were given books!

Curriculum Update:

Math: Unit 2 Tests were sent home last week for your review.  The kids had a chance to review their own test during class.  We started Unit 3 which began with estimating/rounding numbers to get answers and addition strategies for multi-digit numbers.
Reading: Our unit analyzing characters concluded by recognizing traits of main and supporting characters, noticing when/if a character changes, and learning the lessons of life (theme) that characters teach each other and us!

Writing: We learned how to write a good ol fashioned letter!  :-)  We used that knowledge to write letters to a veteran, thanking them for their service. 

Social Studies: We learned about the location of ourselves in different regions in our state.  As part of this unit, student will be quizzed on their mailing address and one parent's cell phone number.  Please help your child learn this very important safety information!  

Multiplication Facts: We have been practicing the 2's, 5's, and 10's, "easy" multiplication facts in class.  Extra practice learning the facts from home will be very beneficial for your child.  Flash cards, on line games, oral practice, dice to roll and multiply the number by 2,5, or 10 are just a few examples of how your child can practice at home.  Math Magician is website the kids are familiar with from class.  It allows them to focus on the numbers they want. 

Social Studies Project:  I will be sending home a separate letter about a Pure MI scrapbook page that the kids will be making in class.  Be on the lookout for both an email and hard copy asking for photos from a favorite place in MI.  :-)  

Have a wonderful week! 

Weeks in Review October 28, 2018

Dear Families,
It's almost time for one of the most exciting days of the year in the life of an elementary student.....HALLOWEEN!!! I sent you a separate email with some information about the day.  Please see the commerce connection for more details from Ms. Carlin.  Commerce Connection

I am collection money to use for our class parties all year long.  Thank you to those who have already contributed.  I am asking for $15.oo to cover the year.

PTA is looking for some more members!  If you have not yet signed up to be a member of our awesome PTA, please use this link to join.  PTA

The classes that reach 70% membership earn a pizza party!  :)

Curriculum Update:

Making Area Models to show multiplication facts

Math:  We have been working through Unit 2 and learning more about solving number stories involving multiplication and division. 
Reading:  We have been analyzing characters to think more deeply about a story.  
Writing: Our personal narratives are in the finishing touches.  Drafts have been completed and the kids have added strong leads, precise words, the heart of the story (authors message), dialogue and more!

Austin found a skull in his owl pellet!

Science:  We finished our first unit on Life Structures.  The kids did great on the test! A highlight last week was dissecting owl pellets and testing out life without opposable thumbs!  
Social Studies:  We start our first unit on the geography of our regions that we live in on Monday.

Lots of teeth were found in this owl pellet

Testing out life without opposable thumbs!

This happy group assembled Mr./Mrs. Bones by working together 

Elana and Nixon are dissecting their owl pellet

*****Cold and Flu season has already hit Room 23.  Please remind your child to wash his/her hands frequently and stay home if they are sick!  Germs spread so quickly at school.  If you are able to donate hand sanitizer, I would appreciate it!  The refill bottles are great!  

Have a great week!

October 15: Weeks in Review

Hello Families,

Fall is finally here!  I hope you are all enjoying our beautiful MI weather!  Long's Farm has been making doughnuts non-stop, so hurry and get yours before they're gone!  😜

We have been busy as always in Room 23.  They Color Run was a huge success this year, raising a lot of money for our school and providing a ton of fun for our kiddos!  

Dylan is brave!

       

Elana isn't afraid!  

  Crayfish are ready to go to a loving    home!! I sent a separate email with information if you are interested in coming to get one to take home.  Please email me with any questions.  

Curriculum Update:

Math: The Unit 1 math test went great!  Your child took his/her home last week and we have started unit 2.  We have covered solving story problems and subtraction strategies in addition to the 2's, 5's, and 10's in multiplication facts.  

Serious Scientist!

Science: We learned about animal adaptations and  studied various animals in different environments.  This week we will cover bones and joints and their functions.  

Claire is working hard!

A beautiful day for snack outdoors!

Reading: We are learning about analyzing characters to better understand a story.  Also, reading groups have started for students to practice skills in a small group at their reading level. 

Book Buzz Update:  Keep encouraging the At Home Reading!  :-)  A Buzz should be filled out after your child finishes a good book.  One buzz every 2 weeks needs to be turned in UNLESS your child is reading a big, huge, book!  :-)  Most kids will need to finish a book this week and do a buzz.  

Writing: Our small moment writing continues to grow.  The students' chose one of their favorite drafts to take to publication. 


If your child doesn't have a box of crayons to have in class, please send one is at your earliest convenience.  :-)  

Have a wonderful week!  

Sincerely,
Kathy Knapp

Weeks in Review, September 30, 2018

Hello Families,

Thank you to those who have already turned in money collected for our Color Run!  Remember the run is this Friday!  We are are keeping our fingers and toes crossed for good weather!  It's always a highlight of the year for our school family.  :-)  

Book Buzz Update:  Several students have already brought in a Book Buzz that they wrote from a book read at home.  This is awesome!  Your child should be able to finish a book they enjoyed and turn in a Book Buzz at least once every two weeks.  Reading each night for 20 minutes is the only regularly scheduled homework.  Please help your child find time each day/night to enjoy some good books. :-)  

Supplies Needed:  Please send in a box of crayons for your child to have if they don't already have some.  Thank you!  

Unit 1 Math Test:  Our first math test covering Unit 1 will be this week on Thursday.  We will be completing a review in class, checking it, and your child will bring it home to study before the test.  I typically send home the review 2 days before the test.  I will also email my copy of the review as well as a blank copy for families that would like to print one out for extra practice. 

Curriculum Update:
Reading: We continued to build our reading life in third grade by learning about how to read with a mental movie in our minds and to read with a positive attitude! 
Writing: we continued to generate ideas and write short drafts of various memories in our lives
Math: We reviewed telling time to the nearest minute, rounding numbers, multiplication being equal groups, and the "easy" groups of 2 (times 2) being doubles. 
Science: Our crayfish have arrived!!! These fascinating (and sometimes creepy) creatures will allow us to learn more about structures and their functions as well as how they have adapted for survival in their environment. 

A list of logins and passwords will be in your child's planner this week.  To access our google classroom and your child google drive, he/she can use their school login in followed by @students.wlcsd.org

Have a wonderful week!     

Weeks in Review September 14, 2018

Hello Families,

It was so wonderful meeting so many of you on Thursday at Third Grade Curriculum night!  I know it is a quick glimpse into our year.  Please email me anytime with questions as we move forward together.

Our biggest fundraiser of the year is up and running!  The Color Run packets were sent home last week and as your child gets sponsors, the money can be sent in anytime. He/she will earn prize rewards based on the amount of money they bring in.  Thank you for supporting our fabulous PTA and Commerce Elementary!

Curriculum Update:

Reading:  We began learning about what makes a strong reader and set reading goals.

Writing:  Our first unit in writing is a person narrative.  We began generating ideas through listing special moments in our lives.

Math:  We have done the first four lessons in our unit 1.  They were a review of telling time, finding differences on a number grid, and rounding numbers.  

Science:  Our seeds are germinating!  We learned about the structures and their function of the seeds.  

ConnectEd:  We logged onto the ConnectEd math website and have begun to use this fantastic resource.  Your child can access the login site through my google classroom site, which they have visited as well. Both are listed in in my classroom links through this blog.  :-)  

Reminder:  There is a 1/2 day of school on Tuesday this week due to teacher professional development and no school on Wednesday due to Yom Kippur.  

Supply Request:  If your child doesn't have crayons at school, it would be great if you could send some in. I have a bin for the class, but it's not always convenient and missing a lot of key colors.  :-)  

Have a wonderful week and as always, please email me anytime with questions/concerns you have as we work together to make this the best year for your child yet!  :-)

Sincerely,
Kathy  

  

First Week in Review

Hello Families,

Thank you for sending in all the school supplies for your children!  We have a great supply of kleenex and clorox wipes for our classroom to get us started for the year as well!  :-)  

Updated Class Picture with Jamo 

Playdough Creation with flower

Can you make the numbers 1-20 using only 4's?

Writing words of kindness

Writing words of kindness

Silly Class Picture

The kids and I spent last week getting to know each other through a variety of community building activities.  We will continue to build our classroom family this week while adding some more of the "nitty gritty" curriculum!  Below is a bit of what we will be starting:



Math:  Pre-Test and Unit Lessons 1.1-1.4:  Number Grids, Telling Time and math tools, and Rounding on a number line.
Science: Life Structures Unit:  We will be opening, observing and classifiying various fruits and vegetables.  
Reading:  Building a Reading Life - making reading fun, recognizing "just right" books and how to choose them, and strategies to help read at an appropriate pace.
Writing: Personal Narratives:  Begin to generate story ideas 

When we start our science unit, it will be helpful to have a variety of fruits and vegetables for the kids to dissect.  If possible, please send in one fruit or vegetable with your child on Wednesday the 5th.  Good examples are apples, pears, oranges, kiwi, small tomatoes, green peppers, etc.  We will be cutting them open and examining the properties and seeds within.  

Thank you for the welcoming emails and friendly hello's during our first week!  The BEST way to reach me is through email.  I check it often and will reply ASAP:  katherineknapp@wlcsd.org

Have a great week!  

Sincerely,
Kathy Knapp

Action Needed Please

Dear Families,
If you are receiving this message and your child is NOT in my class anymore, please "unsubscribe" to my site by scrolling to the bottom of your email message and clicking on "unsubscribe now".  I am sorry for any confusion.  I'm sure you are looking forward to your child's fourth grade teacher sending updates, not me.  :-)  

Have a great day,
Kathy 

Weeks in Review April 14, 2018

Hello Families,

I hope this update finds you well and you are staying safe in our crazy MI weather!  I am more than ready to see some sunshine instead of this rain and ice!  Yuck!

The students have settled back in to our classroom routine since returning from break, and we are busier than ever!  We have learned many strategies for solving multiplication problems.  At this stage, your child should automatically know many facts and have strategies in place to quickly solve unknowns.  Extra practice at home using online games, flash cards, oral practice, etc. would be beneficial.  I have added links to the blog as suggestions for online practice.  

Curriculum Update:

Reading: We completed a unit on reading non-fiction text as a researcher.  The students learned strategies for finding information they need, and that it is not always easy!  Persevering and learning to "skim and scan" for information were just a couple of the lessons learned.  The unit will prepare them for an upcoming research report they will be doing in the future. :-)

Writing: We completed a unit on writing literary essays.  The students completed reading a book and took notes on traits of the main character.  They made a claim about him/her and supported it with different types of evidence from the text.  It included an introduction, 2 body paragraphs, and a conclusion stating the life lesson the character taught the readers.  Big work!  We will be reading and writing a Native American legend next.  This goes along well with our Social Studies unit!

Social Studies: We are learning more and more about MI's history.  As of last week, the students learned about the first people of MI, the Hopewell people, and the tribes of the Three Fires.  We learned about the French fur traders and what happened when the British learned about the trade in MI and took over control of the territory.  Next week we will learn about life as a pioneer and what happened in order for MI to become a state.

Math: We began our 7th math unit this week.  It covered measuring in mL and L, steps to problem solving word problems and equivalent fractions.  

Word Study: The students learned more about prefixes, suffixes, synonyms and antonyms.  

Reminder:  Spring Picture Day is Friday, April 20.  We are scheduled to get ours taken at 11:30.

Have a wonderful week!

Room 23 Updates

Hello Room 23 Families,

I hope this post finds you well!  I am enjoying this sunshine! It remind us all that spring really is "around the corner"!  Life in Room 23 has been going great!  We are busy as always with our fast paced curriculum, and were able to mix in a Valentine Party, Read a Thon, and Mid Winter Break as well.  :-)  

This Friday is an exciting day!  Third graders will have a visit from a Native American expert.  He will give us all some great insight into our next Social Studies Unit, which covers Native American Tribes of MI.  Also, all Commerce students will be learning from a visiting author in the Media Center.  :-)

Curriculum Update:
Math: We are wrapping up Unit 5 this week.  A completed review will go home with your child on Wednesday.  We will continue to review in class and the test will be this Friday, March 2.
Reading:  We have been learning about fiction "Signposts" and how they are included for readers to stop and think more deeply about stories.  Our Read A Thon was super fun!   A few students read out loud to the class and both the readers and audience were excellent!
Writing:  Native American research is done and the students have started to write paragraphs from their research.
Science: We continue to learn about climate and weather.  We have done experiments to investigate the mass and volume of water and ice.  Also, we drew conclusions about evaporation and where the water goes.  This week we are learning about what effects the speed of which water evaporates.
Word Study: We have added a vocabulary study to our week.  This is a systematic approach to learning new words, their meanings and parts of speech.  We are continuing to practice spelling patterns of word as well.  

Week in Review January 29, 2018

Dear Room 23 Families,

It was great meeting with you all for a parent-teacher conference!  I am so happy with the progress all of your children are making this year, and I hope you are too!  Thank you for being such a great supporter of your child's education and keeping lines of communication open between us.  As your child's first teacher, you are crucial to their success in school! Thank you for all you do! 

Congratulations!!!  Our class had some super spellers brave enough to enter the third grade spelling bee.  They all did GREAT!!  Way to go Ashlyn, Sasha, Ellery, Leslie and Ingrid! 

Way to go, girls!

Curriculum Update:

Math:  We finished Unit 4 and are testing Tuesday.  Watch for the Unit 5 Family Letter and Homelinks to arrive this week.  The unit begins with fractions.  Remember the packet is for your information only.  The homelinks are NOT required homework, but extra practice should your child want/need it.  
Reading:  We have concluded studying the different structures of non fiction text and will shift our focus to fiction. We will be learning strategies to think more deeply about events in a story as they lead the reader to the resolution and themes of stories.  
Writing:  We finished the persuasive writing unit and will be spending time writing support for a claim from a text.  This includes writing paragraphs with a main idea, details, and conclusions.  
Science: Our unit on Water and Climate begins this week as we learn about what happens when water moves downhill and how it effects the ever changing Earth. 
Social Studies:  We concluded our unit on MI economy.  The benchmark assessment for the unit is an in class project that we will complete this week. 





Reminder:  Our student council is still collecting canned goods and would appreciate any donations you are able to contribute.  





We had a beautiful day for some fresh air around our track and to strike pose on the rock. :-)

Have a great week!

   

Weeks in Review January 15, 2018

Dear Families,

What a beautiful, cold, snowy start to 2018!  I hope you are all staying safe and are trying to find a way to embrace our MI January weather!

Today is MLK Day, and as I write this update, I am thankful for how far our society has come in terms of kindness, acceptance, and appreciation for diversity.  While learning about the life of MLK Jr, students could NOT believe the inequalities that were part of life not so long ago!  :-)  They were intrigued by the unjust ways of life during the civil rights movement and seem to recognize and appreciate their lives as they know them!  :-)

**Please remember to visit your skyward account and sign up for a time to meet for conferences.  If I have already met with you, there is no need to sign up again.  :-)  This Thursday is an early release day for students, with conferences beginning at 12-8pm.

Curriculum Update:

Reading: We are working towards finishing our unit of strategies to read non fiction text.  The students also took the iReady reading assessment and score well!  Please keep reading at home with your child.  This extra practice supports what we do in class and helps build a lifetime enjoyment of reading!

Writing: The kids wrote a New Year's resolution on what they plan to do to make the world better for others.  :-)  We are adding specific details to the persuasive essays started before the holiday break.  The writing is written with a lead, body paragraphs, and closing.  It is 5 paragraphs and shows a lot of hard work on your child's part.  :-)  In addition to the essays, the kids have been working on cursive.  I have now been asking them to write their first and last name in cursive on all papers.  Hopefully this will allow them to grow up and know how to sign for their drivers license one day!  :-)

Social Studies: They kids have learned about natural, human and capital resources needed for a business.  They learned about incentives offered by businesses to consumers and about the importance of location when building a business.

Math: We covered polygons, quadrilaterals, comparing masses, and measuring around an object.  Homelinks and a Family Letter were sent home for OPTIONAL extra practice.  They are copied on yellow paper.  :-) Also, remember your child has an account to ConnectED.  This is our math program on line and is a great resource.

What is the distance around Bella's head???

Measuring around heads!

Measuring around heads!

Yoga to relax and energize the brain!

Have a wonderful week! I'm looking forward to our conference this Thursday!