Tuesday, December 21, 2010
By: Isabel and Alan
Monday, December 20, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Why we LOVE technology!!!
I like the iPad because you can work on your math facts-Ben
The computers help you type faster-Cylie
I like the computer because you can do math facts and it is more fun than writing-Bella
I think technology is helpful for when I'm older-Erin
I like technology because it helps us learn-Logan
Being online is fun because it has games on it-Grant
It is awesome!!!-Matthew
The blog helps me type-Isabel
I like the internet cause it helps us learn and it usually has the answers to all of our questions-Justin
I like the computer because you can play great, fun games-Joey
I like the computer because it has math games-Liliana
I like technology because I think that it teaches the students and the teachers some stuff that they never knew-Tori
I like all of the technology because it's fun, creative and it makes us smart-Oyunzaya
I like technology because instead of looking in the dictionary, we can just go on the internet-Carson
I like the computer because it helps me do better on my math facts-Colin
I like the iPad because it's fun to read books on there-MaiChi
I like technology because I can look stuff up on google-Adam
I like the smartboard because you can play games on it-Alan
I like computers because you can go on the blog and the internet-Jack
I like to play games on the computer-Carmen
We all think....
-technology is cool
-touch screens are cool
-the pond app on the iPad is relaxing
-chatting on the webcam is fun to do and we can see people
-cell phones are better than telagraphs or mailing
-we love the iPad!
-we like the smartboard because it really helps us with our math and showing us examples rather than a white board
-we think it's fun because you can do projects :)
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
By:Tori and Bella
Monday, December 6, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
Ben and Bella's Blog
By: Bella and Ben
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Marvelous Monday
Ben and Justin
Friday, November 19, 2010
*21 smiling faces entering my classroom each day
*consistent parent communication and support
*a very talented and outgoing high school helper
*hardworking 3rd graders that give me their best effort each day
*enthusiastic readers and writers
*driven mathematicians
*proud narrative authors
*excited and willing students, taking on technology
*caring friendships that grow stronger daily
*wonderful and efficient classroom volunteers
*and on and on and on....
Heading into Thanksgiving week I do reflect on all the blessings in my life, especially at school. Thank you for all you do at home to help your children grow academically and socially. I am enjoying each and every child and getting to know your families. Have a restful and relaxing weekend!
Mrs. Luehmann
P.S. I may regret writing this, but I have to stick to my Michigan roots......GO BLUE!!! :)
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Thoughtful Thursday
Cylie and Justin
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Willy Willy Wensday
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Talented Teusday
by Cylie and Justin!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Marvelous Monday
by cylie and Justin
Friday, November 5, 2010
Reading:
We began the comprehension strategy of Questioning. We watched an Into the Book video and created question prompts for when we read. On Monday we will begin talking about Thick and Thin questions and how they help us to better understand our story. Some students were sent home today with a book to read over the weekend. These are book room books and should be returned to school when completed.
Writing:
Most students are illustrating their published piece or creating a cover page. We are moving onto another narrative next week, this time really focusing on the elements within writing and modeling through different mentor texts. I am excited to work with your child on expanding their writing skills. Does your child keep a journal at home? If not, please consider starting this. Expressing thoughts and ideas is a harder skill for 3rd graders. Daily journaling will help strengthen this skill.
Math:
We are moving through chapter 3 which focuses primarily on measurement and probability. It is a harder chapter and can sometimes take more practice. The plan is to take our unit 3 assessment next Friday.
Science and Social Studies:
Your children will spend 2 more weeks (3 days/week) with Mrs. Amlong learning about the human body. We have also started learning about different continents and bodies of water on our world.
We have WKCE testing scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of next week. Please make sure to get your child to bed early and come to school with a solid breakfast. Snacks and water will be provided during the testing and THANK YOU to the families that have donated snacks so far!
Thanks for all you do at home! Have a great weekend!
Mrs. Luehmann :)
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Reading:
We started the comprehension strategy of activating our prior knowledge. We are using what we already know about the book or topic to help better understand the story. Keep reading at home!
Writing:
We talked about how to write a good lead on a story, what a published piece in our classroom will look like and started creating our published narratives! I am very excited for you to see all the hard work put into these pieces!
Math:
We finished chapter 2 and began unit 3 on measurement. Practice with your child measuring the to nearest inch, half inch and quarter inch. Check your child's homework folder on Monday for their Chapter 2 math IPP.
Science:
We learned the names of our bones during the human body in Mrs. Amlong's classroom!
We also had a great conversation with Rachael, our UW Student in the Czech Republic. She will be skyping with us 3 more times and also sending emails before heading back to Wisconsin in December. She is hoping to come into school in January and meet the kids!
We have also started writing letters to 3rd graders in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan at Birchview Elementary School in Ispheming. We received our first set of letters from them earlier in the week so we have been talking about what a letter looks and sounds like.
Thank you for all of your hard work at home and for sending such respectful and happy children to my classroom each day! Have a relaxing weekend!
Mrs. Luehmann
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
Here's an overview:
Reading:
We worked really hard this week on picking "Good Fit" books for ourselves as readers. The only way your child will become a stronger, independent reader is by self selecting books that are appropriate for their reading level. This is a harder skill, and we'll continually work at it! We also started talking about how to expand our vocabulary through reading. Some students were disecting their books to find words that were hard to understand. We used context clues or the dictionary to try and figure out the meaning to a word. For next week, we will start another comprehension strategy called Activating Prior Knowledge.
Writing:
For writing we focused more on peer conferencing for the editing and revision portion of the writing process. We also started one on one editing and revision conferences with Mrs. Luehmann! We are starting to publish our personal narratives next week!!!
Word Study:
We had our first official word study test today! I will grade the tests over the weekend and get them back to your child on Monday. Please let me know if you have any questions about word study!
Math:We are approaching the end of chapter 2. Your children worked this week on 3 digit addition and subtraction. There were a few new techniques taught for both addition and subtraction. I have been telling your children to choose the best technique for them and go with it! If your child wants some math review please check out the following link:
www.oregonsd.org/webpages/jamlong
then "Math Chats"
and then unit 2
You can choose any math chat from unit 2 for review. These are tutorials created by Mrs. Amlong to help review the math strategies taught in class. They are a GREAT way to review with your child!
Science:
We began our Human Body unit and are switching with Mrs. Amlong's class. Your child will be learning about the organs and their function in our body for the next 3 weeks!
We also had a great Physics presentation on Thursday, sponsored by the PTO. The kids loved it and learned a lot about physics while seeing some entertaining experiments. It was also the kick off to the science fair in November. Notes went home with your child yesterday about the science fair on November 13th.
I am very excited to meet with most of you next Thursday for parent teacher conferences. I have some great things to share and can't wait to tell you how hard your son or daughter has been working. Pat yourselves on the back, Mom and Dad, because you have all done fantastic jobs raising some wonderful kids! Have a great weekend! Hopefully the Badgers can pull off an upset this weekend!
Mrs. Luehmann :)
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
Reading:
We worked on a new strategy called cross checking. When you read and cross check, you go back, reread the sentence and make sure the words make sense. Sometimes we read words in 3rd grade and keep going on in the text, even though the word is wrong. We are working really hard on slowing ourselves down and making sure we are improving our comprehension by rereading.
Writing:
We moved into revision and editing in the writing process with our personal narratives. Most students started their 2nd drafts and are working on adding more details to their pieces. We have been discussing how long the writing process really takes. It is very typical in 3rd grade to want to write something once and be done! I have been telling the kids that great writers take several months and even years to write all of the fantastic books we all love to read!!!
Word Study:
We had our first "trial" week of word study. It was an easy transition this year, as your kids have had Words Their Way in the past. Make sure to check your child's homework folder on Tuesday for their weekly words.
Math:
Chapter 2 is going very well as we are working heavily on basic facts and fact extensions. It is so important for your child to know their basic facts. If you need fact triangles or flash cards, or a great website idea, please let me know! Ask your son or daugher about www.freerice.com
We also had a guidance class this week where we talked a lot about being a good friend and always telling the truth about others. In computer class we are working on basic computer skills in microsoft word.
I hope you all had a great week and have started enjoying this beautiful weather!!! Read a great book with your child this weekend and enjoy the Monday off!
Mrs. Luehmann :)
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010
Friday, October 1, 2010
Reading:
We began our mini lessons on the Daily Café Menu, starting with comprehension. We learned a great comprehension strategy of Checking for Understanding. We would stop every couple pages to CHECK for understanding by asking, who and what? We will continue to learn new strategies in the next few days.
Writing:
We are working away at our personal narratives. We talked a lot about using details in our writing this week. We began using our senses to draw more details into our writing. I gave examples from my writing using my sight and smell senses to come up with more ideas within my writing. You children are building up their writing stamina and telling me some great stories about trips you’ve been on, places you have visited or favorite birthday parties!
Math:
We finished the oral portion to our Chapter 1 math test on Monday, had MAP testing on Tuesday and began Chapter 2 on Wednesday. Chapter two is really focusing on basic and extended facts. We cut up our addition and subtraction fact triangles and began practicing our basic math facts in 3 seconds or less. Please check your child’s homework folder tonight for their chapter 1 IPP. This will give you an idea as to how your child is doing on the skills taught so far this school year. Chapter 1 is a lot of second grade review, so overall the whole class did a great job!!! Basic facts are always a rough area to start the school year, so please start including fact practice into your nightly routine.
Social Studies:
We wrapped up our rights and responsibilities unit and will be starting to learn about the human body in the next few days. Science and social studies unfortunately will be interrupted next week with a guidance class, two computer classes and a library class! Not all weeks will be laid out like this, but due to MAP testing we had to rearrange our schedule a bit.
Overall, we had a very busy week! Back to school night was a lot of fun and I enjoyed having conversations with you and your families. We had a very spirited homecoming Friday reading some new books from the book fair, writing school spirit poems for the football team, making posters with our reading buddies and attending the parade! Please enjoy your weekend and time with your family! Happy Homecoming and GO PANTHERS!!!
Mrs. Luehmann :)
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Reading:
We started guided reading groups and continued working on our reading stamina. I told your children that they ARE allowed to take home books that I give to them, but should come back and forth on a daily basis. Your children did a GREAT job on their first week of logging their reading. I sent home a clean reading log today and it is due back the following Friday.
Writing:
We continued working in our writer’s notebooks and learned a few new strategies for developing ideas. Your child also chose a topic to start writing for their personal narrative. I am very excited to see the stories they write!
Math:
We took our Chapter 1 math test today and it went very well! After each chapter math test I will send home an IPP (Individual Progress Plan) sheet with the chapter broken down and how your child did. I can’t send home the actual test but will have them available at parent teacher conferences for you to see.
Social Studies:
We finished writing our Class Pledge and are learning more about our rights and responsibilities as citizens, students and kids at home! Check our our class pledge:
Our classroom pinkie promises
that we will not hurt others
we will have fun, be safe and
and work our hardest
and we will show respect to everyone!
Please make sure your 3rd grader gets their REST this weekend! We have MAP testing starting on Monday and all week. I want them to do their best and by being rested and having a healthy breakfast every morning they will be set up to do just that.
Don’t forget:
Thursday-5:30-6:30-Back to School Night-Sign up for parent teacher conferences, volunteering and classroom parties will be here!
Thursday night-5:30-7:30-Book Fair
I hope you all have a relaxing weekend! If the weather holds out, my husband and I will be bringing our son Henry to his first badger game! Have a great weekend!
Mrs. Luehmann :)
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Thanks for being such a huge part in a successful start to the school year! We are off and running here in 3rd grade and your children are VERY hard workers! Here is a run down of what we've been doing:
Reading:
I was able to complete the beginning of the year reading assessments today and am very excited to get started with guided reading groups on Monday. We have been working on picking out Just Right books using the IPICK model and also building up our reading stamina. The goal for this semester it to be able to read for 30 minutes or longer! Keep your eyes open for your child's first reading homework log, coming home with them on Monday!
I=I choose
P=What is my Purpose?
I=Is it interesting?
C=am I Comprehending?
K=Do I Know the words? (we shouldn't be missing more than 3 per page)
Writing:
We created our writer's notebooks this week and have started to free write, while building up our writing stamina. We have been talking a lot about how writers choose ideas and know what to write about. I have been giving your children a lot of examples of things that I enjoy writing about. It would be great if you could do the same at home!
Math:
We are working our way through Chapter 1! You may be asking yourself, why are my child's homework sheets so random? The reason for this is that Chapter 1 is some review from 2nd grade concepts and some new information. The Everyday Math program is a spiraling program, which means we will come back to concepts again and again this year. If your child had some issues with a homework assignment these past 2 weeks, do not worry! We will cover the concepts again. :)
Science and Social Studies:
We are working on learning what our rights and responsibilities are at home, school and in our community. Please talk with your child about their rights and responsibilities in all three places. We also have been working hard on our power points all about us! We are going to be presenting these to one another and continually build a stronger community in our classroom by getting to know one another!
We also finished reading the book Donovan's Word Jar and shared some of our collections. I will have classroom volunteer sign up sheets at Back to School Night. If you are unable to make that night, and would like to volunteer, please email me with a few time slots that work for you.
Have a great weekend!
Mrs. Luehmann :)
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Our first cupll days of school.
Have a great Thursday!
By: Logan and Joey
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Hope you had a great weekend!!!
By: Logan and Joey
Friday, September 3, 2010
what we do iin in class .
By: logan and Joey.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
What a fun 2 days!!!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Luehmann's Class Bloggers