Wish List

From time to time parents ask if there is anything I would like for our classroom. Here is a current list of our "wishes." Of course, please do not feel that you are obligated to donate anything at any time! 

Books:

Link to Mrs. Parkin's Amazon Wish List 

(Of course you may purchase these titles from any source, not just Amazon.)

Supplies:

- pencil top erasers

Thank you for thinking of us!

Multiplication Practice Using Timez Attack

As you know, we have started exploring concepts of multiplication as part of our current Everyday Math unit. Although students aren't expected to be secure with knowing their multiplication facts until fourth grade, we do spend time developing that skill in third grade.

One fun way to learn and practice multiplication is using the computer application Timez Attack. We used this program for the first time in Computer Lab yesterday, and the kids loved it! Timez Attack has the look of a video game, which is highly engaging to many children, but it also helps them to understand the concepts behind multiplication, rather than simply drilling them on facts. 

If you would like, you can install Timez Attack on your home computer (Mac or PC). Click on the link below for step-by-step directions:

Setting up Timez Attack at home

Have fun!

Sound Unit Wrap-Up: Jam Session!

We had a great day today! Each student presented his or her homemade instrument and used our sound vocabulary words (for example, pitch, volume, tension, vibrations) to explain how it worked. It was a fun way for the children to apply what they have learned. 

At the end of the day we had a "jam session" in which students played their instruments and sang the song, "What Can I Hear With My Ears?" The video is in the post below-- enjoy! (If you're having trouble viewing the embedded videos, click on the "YES Videos on School Tube" link under the "Helpful Links" sidebar. You can then scroll down to see all of our class videos, which are posted on the School Tube website.)

Jam Session Video

Sound Projects

As our study of sound draws to a close, the students are sharing what they’ve learned in several different ways. One way is with a homemade sound maker/instrument. Students will bring in their homemade sound makers on Friday, November 18^th. We will first share our creations with our classmates using vocabulary that we’ve learned (such as pitch, volume, vibration, tension, and amplify) and then join in a class jam session, which will be posted to the class blog.

Students should be working on their sound makers at home. I sent home a description of various homemade instruments last Thursday and we have also brainstormed ideas as a class. One easy project is a banjo made of a cardboard box and rubber bands. Please let me know if your child is having trouble completing this project.

I look forward to seeing—and hearing—the students’ creations!

Happy Halloween!

We had a very busy but fun day today! For our math lesson this morning we did a pumpkin investigation. Students worked in teams to measure their pumpkin's height and circumference, weigh the pumpkin, count its creases, and make predictions about the number of seeds inside. We then opened up the pumpkins and counted the seeds, sorting them into groups of 10 on sorting mats. Students also made predictions about the number of seeds in Mrs. Parkin's pumpkin. This was a fun, seasonally-appropriate introduction to our measurement unit (which we will start tomorrow) and a nice reminder of estimation and counting by 10s.

Pumpkin Investigtion: Orange Team

Click on the photo above to view a video of the Orange Team as they discuss their estimation of the number of seeds in their pumpkin.

In the afternoon, students performed their readers' theater scary stories for Mrs. Colfer's class. Everyone did an amazing job of using expression and volume to get the message of the stories across to the audience. They are on the road to becoming truly fluent readers! I've embedded the videos of their performances in a separate post. Enjoy!

Readers' Theater Performances: Videos

Math Homework Tonight 10/24

Today in math class we worked with subtracting two and three digit numbers. We reviewed the "counting up" method which was introduced in second grade. Tomorrow we will continue to work on subtracting using the "trade first" algorithm. 

In the future, students will be able to choose any method that works for them to solve subtraction problems. However, for homework tonight, I would like them to use the counting up method to answer questions #1-3 on their Homelinks 2.8. 

Here is a link to a video on the Everyday Math website which explains the counting up method. There are also a few YouTube videos which your child may find helpful. You can find those videos by Googling "counting up subtraction."

Everyday Math- Counting Up 

For tomorrow night's homework, students will answer #4-6 using the trade first algorithm. An explanation of this algorithm can be found on Rachel Clark's website. Here is a link to that explanation:

Trade First Algorithm

If your child seems lost, never fear! We will review this method several more times this week and into the future. If you could write me a short note on the homework or shoot me an email, that will help me to know that your child would benefit from some further practice with these methods.

No Math Homework Tonight!

The children do not have a Math Homelink due tomorrow (Friday).

Just a reminder: reading logs, spelling, Discovery Math, and optional vocabulary are all due tomorrow!

Update: Math Homework 10/18

Today in our math lesson we worked with two complicated concepts: adding using the partial sums algorithm and rounding to the nearest 10 or 100. We will continue to explore these concepts tomorrow and we will be practicing them all year.

I am adjusting the homework schedule to reflect the challenge of this lesson. For tonight, students should do *only* numbers 1, 2, and 3 on Homelink 2-6. Tomorrow we will go over it in class and then they will complete Homelink 2.6 for homework tomorrow (Wednesday) night. 

Also, because the partial sums algorithm is different from the traditional method of solving addition problems, it can be challenging for parents to help with. If you need an explanation of the Partial Sums algorithm, please click the link below:

Partial Sums Algorithm

On another note, thanks so much to those of you who brought in pencil pouches! We are all set for now. Thank you for your support.

Pencil pouches?

We are in need of about 8 new pencil pouches in our classroom. Each child was given a pencil pouch to hold their Everyday Math toolkits, which contains small math manipulatives that we use on a daily basis. However, some of these pencil pouches have seen better days! The zippers no longer zip and so materials fall out into desks. Unfortunately, the school does not have the budget to replaces these items this year.

Would you like to donate a pencil pouch or two to our classroom? They don't need to be new-- as long as they are in relatively good condition, we'll take them! They should be the cloth-style pouch (the kind that usually goes into a 3-ring binder) with a durable zipper. I have added a picture below in case my description is unclear.

 

Thanks in advance for your help! Let me know if you have any questions. 

(And in unrelated news, we're done with our NECAP testing! We are all very relieved and are excited to move back to our regular third-grade routine.)

Online Spelling Word Practice

Are you running out of ways to practice weekly spelling words with your child? Check out this link: Sitton Spelling- 3rd Grade

This site, creating by the East Lansing, MI, school department, features puzzles and activities for each of our Sitton spelling units. As a reminder, we are currently working with Unit 4. Enjoy!

(Thanks to those of you who have signed up for a parent/teacher conference. If you haven't already, please go to http://www.ptcfast.reg1 at your earliest convenience to sign up for a time slot. Our class entry code is ZTV110541 . Feel free to contact me with any questions. Thanks!)

Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences

You should have received an invitation to sign up for fall parent/teacher conferences in your child's Friday Folder today, 10/7. I am trying something new this year and have decided to have you sign up for conferences electronically.  This way you can see the times that are available and know the date and time for your conference right away.  I will be hosting these conferences on:

            DATE:  October 19 and October 27
            PLACE:  Room 306 (Mrs. Parkin's classroom) 
            REGISTRATION DEADLINE:  End of day October 18^th

To pick a time slot, click on this link:  www.ptcfast.com/reg1   
At that link, you will be asked for your Entry Code, where you should enter ZTV110541
 
If you do not have internet access, please let me know by sending in a note with your child. I look forward to discussing your child's progress thus far in 3rd grade.


* If the dates/times listed do not work for you, please let me know via email or note and I will do my best to schedule a more convenient time for you.  

Friday Notes

Happy Friday! The children have definitely earned a three-day weekend after three looooong mornings of NECAP (New England Common Assessment Program) testing! However, they made it through like champs. I was incredibly impressed with their positive attitudes and stellar work ethics. 

A few notes as the week draws to a close...

•  Please be sure to initial your child's Friday Folder so that I can be sure you've seen it. That is where I will make any notes regarding behavior, missing homework (written on the day it was missing), upcoming events, etc.
• On a related note, some children are having a difficult time remembering to bring in their homework, especially reading logs on Fridays. Today we spent a little time talking about routines that help us to remember things. Please talk to your child about how he or she can be responsible for things like homework and papers needing to be signed.
• NECAP testing continues next week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11:00-12:30. All three of those sessions will be on math, which typically students find somewhat less exhausting than reading. If students are absent and miss a testing session, they will make it up starting 10/14. Make up sessions come out of regular class time.
• You'll find information in your child's Friday Folder about parent/teacher conferences. I will also post details about those in a separate blog post.

As always, please feel free to email or call with any questions, concerns, or comments. I welcome your feedback and appreciate your support! Enjoy the holiday weekend!

Resources for Telling Time

If your child has struggled with tonight's homework on telling time, please know that he or she is not alone! It's a tough concept (especially in our digital world!) and it is definitely something we'll be working on throughout the whole year.  

The YES website has the links to some great educational games and activities. I have also included the link to the third grade educational resources on the "Helpful Links" menu to the left on this page. For resources on telling time, click on Math Units, then scroll down to Telling Time (within Unit 1). I would especially recommend the "Stop the Clock" games and "Bang on Time." 

Oops! No spelling homelink tonight!

I forgot to pass out the spelling homelink today, so there will be no spelling homework tonight! I will hand it out tomorrow instead, and it will be due Friday. Sorry for the confusion!


Also, if you haven't done so already, enter your email address in the box to the left where it says "Follow by Email." That way you will receive an email message on days that I post new content.


New pictures and a weekly review will be posted on Friday!

Fabulous Friday!

Thanks to our Photographer of the Week, Chase!

Our first week together flew by! We have a truly wonderful group of children-- I am so excited to get to know each of them!

Many of our activities this week focused on community building. We created our class constitution (pictures to come!), played some games where we had to work as a team, and talked about our expectations for the year. Students also visited the library and began their independent reading, a key element of our Reading Workshop, which we will launch next week. We reviewed parts of speech and played a game called "Nouns Around the World." In addition, we started our math curriculum with a look at numbers in our classroom and our homes, as well as a review of number grids and patterns in addition and subtraction. The children also took a spelling assessment, which is very useful as I gather information about them as learners. Overall, it was a great week!

Next week we will begin Reading Workshop, spelling, and our sound unit. We also will have MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) testing on Monday for Reading and Wednesday for Math. As always, please feel free to contact me by phone (846-3391) or email (kate_parkin@yarmouthschools.org) should you have any questions, concerns, or comments.

Enjoy the weekend!

Happy Second Day of School!

Things are off to a great start! We are getting to know each other and starting to get into the routine of being third graders.

Please be sure to check your child's Take Home Folder every night. Yesterday some paperwork was sent home and today you will receive information about our first math unit. Please sign and return the forms from yesterday (thanks to those of you who already did so!). 

The Unit 1 Family Letter, sent home today, describes our first math unit and also gives you the answers to the first unit's Home Links worksheets. This will be a valuable resource as we move along in the unit!

Your child also received his or her first homework assignment today! It is a math Home Links worksheet, due on Friday. They will also receive a Home Links worksheet tomorrow, also due Friday. On Friday I will hand out the homework packets for next week.

Please feel free to contact me by phone or email (kate_parkin@yarmouthschools.org) at any time if you have any questions or concerns. Please also continue to check the blog for updates-- we will have photos coming soon!

See you tomorrow!

I am so excited to see you all tomorrow! I can't wait to start our year together.

As a reminder, there are a few things I would like you to bring in on the first and second days of school. Tomorrow (Tuesday), please bring in a photograph of yourself as a baby (two years old or younger) and also an object (photograph, drawing, or small trinket) that reminds you of a favorite memory from this summer. On Wednesday, please bring in your favorite book of all time.

- Mrs. Parkin

Drop-In Visits: Thursday, September 1st

Just a reminder that you and your child are invited to stop by our classroom and say hello this Thursday, September 1st, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Our classroom is Room 306, in the Blue Wing.

I look forward to meeting you!

Welcome students and families!

Welcome! Thank you for visiting our class blog. I am so excited to begin our year together.

I will be updating this blog as we get closer to the first day of school, so please come back soon for more information.

See you soon!