3-A - DEC 20 - JAN 4, 2010

We hope that you and your family will have a loving and peaceful holiday. Of course, there are no homework assignments over the Christmas Holiday.

However, Mrs. Vega would like the class to become more familiar with division facts since our time tests will begin in February. There are division fact practice games at http://www.fun4thebrain.com/ (click on division on the homepage and the games will come up). The class has already been to the computer lab to familiarize themselves with this site.

Mrs. Paredes would like all the class to continue reading every night. Even though there will be no official reading log entry sheet in the notebook, all students are expected to read every night during the vacation. Enjoy a good book!

When we return in January, there will be a x0 - x9 time test on Friday, January 7th. The following week, on Wednesday, January 12th, we will have a x12 time test.

Enjoy your festivities!

Mrs. Paredes

Mrs. Vega

Mrs. Dougherty

MATH\SOCIAL STUDIES\SCIENCE - DEC 6-10, 2010

MATH: We will be doing subtraction with trading and problem solving (adding & subtraction) will be tested:

*Tuesday - Subtracting 2 digit numbers

*Wednesday - Time test x0-x9

*Thursday - Subtracting 3 and 4 digits word problems (add & subtract).

SCIENCE: We will have a Health and Safety test on Tuesday, Dec. 7th, it will cover part 3 of our Health Unit. There will be questions about the food pyramid, safety rules and safety around strangers. All of the notes will be in the notebook by Friday and the class will take them home for the weekend.

Mrs. Vega

MATH, SOCIAL STUDIES & SCIENCE NOV 29 - Dec 3, 2010

MATH: Next week we will be working with subtracting 2,3 and 4 digits with trading.

Our multiplication time test will be x0-x9 on Thursday.

SCIENCE: Our Health unit continues. The class will be discussing the food pyramid to see if we have a well balanced diet.

Have a great week,

Kathy Vega

Literacy News: Week of November 22-24

Literacy Update: Week of Nov. 22-24

We will continue working with the same words from last week. Students were not tested last Friday. The test will be on Wednesday/Nov. 24.

1. one

2. myself

3. have

4. know

5. new

Reading Goals:

This week we will be reading 2 Thanksgiving stories for the purposes of enjoyment, to review story elements, to review sequence of events and problem and solution. As we read these stories we will also discuss word chioce. For shared reading, we will read the true story of Tahnksgiving, and practice finding the main idea and details in each paragraph.

Language Goals:

Continue practicing and working with past tense verbs. Applying the 4 rules for making past tense verbs.

Writing Goals:

Students will begin working on their Word Choice Writing Assessment. They will get a checklist to use as a guide to make sure they know what is expected from them.

Special Announcements:

1. Please continue sending cold weather clothes and blankets for Navidad Sin Frio.

2. This Thursday and Friday we have our Thanksgiving Holiday! Enjoy and get good rest!

3. On Monday/Nov 22, Ficohsa will visit our school to sell Teleton silly bands (Lps. 100) and Teleton stickers (lps. 25). Please help with this great cause and teach your children to help others.

Thank you,

Mrs. Lila Paredes

MATH, SOCIAL STUDIES & SCIENCE NOV. 22-26 2010

MATH: The assessement for adding two, three and four digit numbers with trading wiill take two class sessions (Monday and Tuesday). When we return from our Thanksgiving break, we will be working on subtracting two, three and four digit numbers with trading.

On Thursday, Dec. 2nd the class will have a multiplication time test x0-x9.

SCIENCE: On Tuesday there will be a test on Part 1 of the Health Unit (germs, brushing teeth and washing hands). All of the information is in the science notebook which will go home on Friday (Nov. 19th). After the holiday we will continue with Health Part 2 (the food pyramid).

Have a great Thanksgiving break,

Kathy Vega

MATH, SOCIAL STUDIES & SCIENCE CLASS NOV. 15-19, 2010

MATH: In math class we will continue addition with trading (2,3 and 4 digits). This Wednesday, our multiplication time test wil be x0-x9 (all the facts) once again.


SCIENCE: This quarter the Science Unit will cover personal well-being. We will begin with things that are good for our bodies. Information will be entered in the Science notebook to be reviewed before testing.

This week the class will take a look at germs. Washing hands, the need to take a bath, and dental health. On Wednesday every student will recieve a Body Homework Journal. Everyday, for one week, everyone will fill out both sides of the journal as a homework assignment. This will be counted as a science grade. We will begin on Monday, Nov. 15th and turn the assignment in on Monday Nov. 22nd.

Have a great week,


Kathy Vega

MATH, SOCIAL STUDIES & SCIENCE CLASS NOV. 8-12, 2010

MATH: We will have a test on how to read the calendar (page82 in the text) on Tuesday. Please use Monday's homework sheet as a review. We will also have the mulitiplication time test (x9) on Wednesday.

We will begin practicing addition with two, three and for digit numbers. The corresponding pages for addition with regrouping in the new text (Math Connects) are pages 67-107.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Next Thursday, Nov। 11th there will be a Social Studies test on Part 2 of Communities. The information will be in the social studies notebook and will be going home this weekend. If you need more review material, the corresponding pages in the text are pages 227- 257.

Have a great week,

Kathy Vega

Literacy News: Week of November 8-12

Literacy News for the Week of November 8-12

The new word wall words are:

1. little

2. impossible

3. this

4. these

5. once

*On this Friday's word wall test, our language focus will be identifying the verbs in each sentence.

Reading Goals:

This week students will be reading stories where they will practice analyzing the character/s. Based on characters' actions, students will decide their traits. This is a higher order thinking skill that will help students understand the characters' actions and events in the story better.

Language Goals:

This week students will start working with verbs. They will start by reviewing what is a verb and identifying action verbs in sentences. Then they will move into learning the rules for present tense verbs for singular subjects and plural subjects. The Language book pages you may use for extra practice are 160-165.

Writing Goals:

Students will be working on their final drafts of their writing piece for VOICE. They will start working on the next writing trait: WORD CHOICE. We will read literature that shows great examples of word choice. Students will also read and improve a 3rd grade writing piece that shows poor word choice. This activity will help them reflect on their own word choices in their writing.

Special News/Announcements:

1. Save the date! On Thursday/Nov. 11, we will have a Family Literacy Worshop: Reading For Meaning. It is from 2:45 to 4:00 p.m. Come learn how to help your child be a better reader! RSVP as soon as you can!

2. Next Wednesday/Nov. 17 students will have an early dismissal at 1:00p.m. Please start planning accordingly.

3. We have started collecting sweaters, jackets, scarves, and blankets that you no longer need or use. These are donated to the people in need for these upcoming cold days. Help them stay warm this winter by donating and sending these items with your child. They will greatly appreciate it!

Thank you,

Mrs. Lila Paredes

MATH, SOCIAL STUDIES & SCIENCE CLASS NOV. 1-5, 2010

MATH: This week our Wednesday multiplication time test will be x8. In class we will continue to study elapsed time. On Thursday November 4th there will be test on elapsed time. Then, the class will move on to adding and subtracting with trading.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We are beginning part 2 of our Community unit. The theme is about technology connecting the world. We will discuss supply and demand, human resources, manufacturing and working products. The corresponding pages in the text are pages 227-257. For review, the classroom Social Studies notebook can be used.

Have a great week,
Kathy Vega

Literacy News: Week of November 1-5

Literacy News: Week of November 1-5

The word wall words for this week are:

1. probably

2. enough

3. either

4. anyone

5. nobody

* The word wall test will be this Friday/Nov. 5

Reading Goals:

This week students will be learning about reading and following written directions. We will read a book called, What do Illustrators Do? Students will identify and tell the different steps illustrators follow as they make pictures for a story. The students will also be exposed to directions on how to do different things to help them identify the steps and what comes before and after a given step. Students will have a quiz on Thursday and a test on Friday to assess this skill.

Language Goals:

This week students will be working with homophones. These are words that sound alike, but that are spelled different and have different meanings. Students will work on a reference chart where they will be able to access the different homophones they often misspell. For example: too, to , and two. Look at the Language Book pgs. 352-353 as a reference. *Some homophones will be on the word wall test this Friday.

Writing Goals:

How To... Students will be writing directions for doing something. These directions need to be step by step, clear, and easy to follow. They will pick to write about things they are good at and give written instuctions. Example: How to Make Your Bed

Students will also get to choose a topic to write about and apply the 3 writing traits they have learned about: IDEAS, ORGANIZATION, and VOICE.

News/Special Announcements

* Remember we have en early dismissal at 11:15 a.m. on Monday/Nov. 1st. We will give report cards and have Parent- Teacher conferences. Conferences will be from 11:30a.m. - 3:00p.m.

*There will be a book sale (books in Spanish) in school during Parent/Teacher Conferences. The books' prices range from Lps. 100-400. Because students are now required to read every day in Spenish too, the school was able to arrange for this book sale to take place next Monday.

Thank you,

Mrs. Lila Paredes

MATH, SOCIAL STUDIES & SCIENCE CLASS OCT. 25-29, 2010

MATH: We will continue our unit on telling time. On Wednesday there will be a test on time to the half hour and quarter hour. The class will then work with elapsed time. This week's time test will be x7 also on Wednesday. Please continue to practice at home.

SOCIAL STUDIES: On Thurdsday we will have a test on our communites unit. This will cover part 1 in our social studies notebook. The notebook will be ready to take home this Friday.

Have a great week,

Mrs. Vega

Literacy News: Week of October 25-29

Literacy News: Week of October 25-29

Oct. 25 is a holiday!!!

Word Wall News

Last week's word wall test is moved to this Thursday/October 28. Last week our students participatesd in AASCA tournament, by cheering for a team we adopted: EIS. They enjoyed this very much!
This week we will have the same word wall words than last week plus 3 more. Please help your child review these words at home before our test on Thursday.

1. went

2. thought

3. your

4. you're

5. were

The 3 new words are:

6. does

7. against

8. tired

All these will be on Thursday's test. The grammar aspect that will be evaluated in this test is: singular and plural possessive nouns. Ex:The boy's test has an A+. (singular possessive noun) Ex. All the boys' backpacks are lined up against the wall. (plural possessive noun) Students will be expected to know where to put the apostrophe.

Reading Goals:

This week we will study different authors' points of view. Sometimes, as authors tell a story, they share their opinion or point of within the writing. We will read 2 different texts and discuss authors' and characters' points of view.

Language Goals:

Students will learn all about contraction words: how to spell them, and where to put the apostrophe. They will learn contractions with not, is, will, am, and have.

Writing Goals:

This week students will finish their writing assessment for VOICE. They have a plan they completed last week, however few students were able to start their stories. This is the week they will write, proofread and improve their stories for VOICE. If time allows, students will begin to write Halloween stories, or stories of any other topic, where they will practice applying all the traits learned so far in writing (ideas, organization, and voice). Most students' writing is really good!

News/Announcements

* Special thanks to Isabel Futch for decorating our classroom for Halloween and sharing Halloween erasers with the students! We send a BIG THANK YOU!

* On Friday, students will come to school dressed up in their Halloween costumes.

* The Halloween Parade is at 1:10pm, followed by the class party around 2:00p.m.

Thank you,

Lila Paredes

MATH, SOCIAL STUDIES & SCIENCE OCT. 18-22, 2010

MATH: In math class we will continue working with time using the classroom clocks. On Thursday, Oct. 21st there will be a test on time to the nearest minute and 5 minutes. Please practice at home.

Please see the new multiplication time test schedule posted on the right side of the blog. Weekly tests will be on Wednesdays. We will begin this Wednesday, Oct. 2oth with x6 time test. Continue practicing daily at www.multiplication.com

SOCIAL STUDIES: In social studies we will continue with our unit on people working together. We will review services, natural resources (removeable and non-removeable) and learn about the Amish life style.

Have a great weekend,

Kathy Vega

Literacy News: October 18-22

Literacy News: Week of October 18-22

The new word wall words are:
1. went
2. thought
3. your
4. you're
5. were

These words will be tested this Friday/Oct. 22. Please review all words on a regular basis because they keep reappearing in Word Wall tests and students' writing. Third graders must master the spelling of all these words.

Reading Goals:
Students will continue working on identifying the author's purpose in different books and other short texts. They are doing very well so far. There will be a reading comprehension test, focusing on author's purpose on Friday.

Language Goals:
Students will learn all about possessive nouns. They will learn the rules for singular and plural possessive nouns. As a reference, you may look at pgs. 92-95 in the Language Book. Students will review and re-learn that an apostrohe is used for possessive nouns and for contraction words only.

Writing Goals:
This week, students will be working on their final piece for VOICE. This is the writing test. Students will be carefully guided through the process of creating and publishing a piece that shows VOICE. They will get a checklist that will tell them what their piece needs to have. It will be a one-week writing project.

Special News/ Announcements:
*Please take note of the Late Start: Tuesday/Oct. 19. Students will start class at 9:30 a.m. sharp. Please make the necessary arrangements.
*Friday will be a color's day for Lps. 5.00

Thank you,
Mrs. Lila Paredes

Week of Nov. 29 - Dec. 3

Literacy News: Week of Nov. 29- Dec. 3

The new word wall words this week are:
1. tomorrow

2. use
3. going
4. alone
5. how
*Please make sure your child is reviewing these at home. All the other words need to be reviewed on a regular basis.

Reading Goals:
This week we will continue working on identifying the main idea and the details in books and individual paragraphs. Students will have a test on this skill on Friday. It's important for students to pay attention in class to be able to do well in the test.

Language Goals:
Students will learn irregular past tense verbs. These are the verbs that do not end in ed. They will learn the verb in the present, past and past with have, has or had. For example: eat (verb in the present), ate (verb in the past), has eaten (verb with have, has, or had). Students will writie a list of these verbs during interactive writing. It will be a good chart for students to look at for reference.

Writing Goals:
Students will finish their WORD CHOICE writing assessment. They will be writing about what they are learning in Science: How to Say No, and Peer Preasure. They will be applying the 4 writing traits studied so far: ideas, organization, voice, and word choice. We will also write together a paragraph with a main idea and details from the readings.
Special Announcements/News:
1.Please take note that there is a late start on Thursday/Dec. 2. Students will start class at 9:30 a.m.
2. Please continue sending in items for Navidad Sin Frio!
3. Please come to the Parent Conference: Internet Security. It will take place on Wednesday/Dec 1st at 11:30 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room.
4. As a tradition, the school puts together food baskets for the mainenance workers, bus drivers, and nannies. Our grade level is contributing with 1 bag of sugar. Please help with this good cause and send this before Dec. 10. This will be greatly appreciated!
5. For your child to have a picture taken with Santa, please send Lps. 200 and fill out the form. These will be taken this Friday/Dec. 3, and children who pay for this picture may come to school wearing their special Christmas clothes.

Thank you,
Mrs. Lila Paredes

MATH , SOCIAL STUTIES & SCIENCE - OCT 11-15, 2010

MATH: We are beginning a unit on time using classic clocks for practice. The students are responsible for time to the nearest hour, half hour, quarter hour and nearest five minutes. The corresponding pages in the text are pages 73-79.


This week our multiplication time test will be x0-x5. A new time test schedule will be posted to the left of our blog page. Please remind your child to practice at http://www.multiplication.com/


SOCIAL STUDIES: Our new social studies unit will begin with people working together in a global community. Although we will have review notes in our social studies notebooks, there are corresponding pages in the text pages for more information (pages 209-265).


SCIENCE: The class will renew their studies in science in approximately one month. We will be investigating personal health and conducting several related scientific investigations.



Have a great weekend,

Kathy Vega

MATH, SCIENCE & SOCIAL STUDIES CLASS - OCT 4 -8, 2010

MATH: Our multiplication time test for next week will be

x0-x5.

We are looking at rounding off numbers to the nearest ten and the nearest hundred. On Monday, October 4, the class will have a test on rounding off to the nearest ten. On Thursday, October 7, there will be a test on rounding of to the nearest hundred. Corresponding pages in the text are pages 61 through 71.

SCIENCE: We are working on seed dispersal. We will have a test on this Tuesday, Oct. 5th. The science notebook will be labeled Botany Part 4. This is the section that needs to be reviewed.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Thanks to the students in 3A for creating an informative and attractive display on Choluteca for Fiesta Catracha. The food sampling will be tasty and appropriate so thanks to Erica Simon for orgainzing this.

Have a great weekend,

Kathy Vega

Literacy News: Week of October 4-8

The word wall words for the week are:

1. when
2. where

3. for
4. family
5. sure

Students are expected to learn these words and spell them correctly all the time. It's important to review all word wall words on a regular basis for students to master the spelling of these words.

Reading Goals:
This week our focus will be making and confirming predictions as we read different stories. Students know that good readers are always thinking and predicting. As good readers, students should also confirm the predictions they make. This will be our focus all week, and an assessment on making and confirming predictions will be on Friday/Oct. 8.

Language Goals:
This week we are going to review what are plural and singular nouns, and students will learn the rules for spelling different plural nouns. These rules are found in the language book pgs. 80-83.

*You add s to most nouns: books, pencils, markers, etc...

*Add es if the noun ends with ss, sh, ch, or x: foxes, benches, dresses, etc...

*Drop the y and add ies if the noun ends with a consonant and y: baby= babies, candy= candies, etc...

See the Language Book for extra practice.

Writing Goals:
Following our 6+1 Writing Model, the next trait we will introduce and teach to the students is: VOICE.

Please look at the 6+1 Voice Rubric below that will be used to assess this trait in your child's writing at the end of this month.

Click on image to view\print.

This week we will start to explore what is voice, by reading books that clearly show this trait. Students will begin to understand and explain what is VOICE in writing. They will work on activities to practice writing with voice.

News/Special Announcements:
* Next Monday/October 11 is a holiday! Rest and enjoy!!

Thank you,
Mrs. Lila Paredes

MATH & SCIENCE CLASS - SEPT 27 - OCT 1, 2010

MATH: On Wednesday, Sept. 29th, the class will be tested on ordering numbers. The corresponding pages in the math text book are pages 64-67. The class will then take a look at rounding off numbers to the nearest ten and nearest hundred. Next weeks time test will be x5.

SCIENCE: On Wednesday, Sept. 29th, the class will be given a test on the pollination of flowers. All of the information to study is in the science notebook. The pages have been marked with an x (Part 3 Botany).

3A is organizing for Fiesta Catracha which will be celebrated on Friday, October 1st. Our department is Choluteca and the class already has plenty of information about it. We will need, however, any products or traditional art forms you may have at home for our display table. Please send in any items you may have at home. We will also have a sampling of foods from Choluteca from 2:00-2:30. Traditional Honduran clothes may be worn that day, however, this is optional.

Have a great weekend,

Kathy Vega

Literacy News: Week of Sept. 27-Oct. 1

Literacy News: Sept. 27-Oct. 1

The new word wall words are:
1. great
2. before
3. pretty
4. which
5. who

The Word wall test will be this Friday/October 1st. The Language Skills that will be evaluated in this test are common and proper nouns and the capitalization rules studied throughout the week.
*Please review all word wall words on a regular basis. These are words students must know how to spell.

Reading Goals:
This week we will focus on: Problem and Solution/Decision Making. Students will practice finding the problem/s in the story and their solutions. Students will also discuss the solution and think of other possible ways to solve the problem in the story. There will be a short reading quiz on problem and solution this Friday/Oct. 1st.

Language Goals:
Last week students learned to identify nouns in sentences. This week our focus will be common and proper nouns. This fits in perfectly with capitalization rules. Students will learn that you need to capitalize names of particular persons and places, and we will work on a list of things that we capitalize: brand names, days of the week, months of the year, titles, holidays, etc...
Use language book pages 86-89 as a reference.

Writing Goals:
Last week we started our writing assessment for ORGANIZATION.
This week students will finish their writing piece that shows the 2 writing traits they have studied and learned about so far: IDEAS and ORGANIZATION. I'm so happy and proud of the excellent stories students are writing! Their pieces show good organization and great ideas!
For Character Education: We will be discussing and writing about how to be respectful with others. This is an excellent opportunity to reinforce this very important trait at home.

Thank you,
Lila Paredes

Literacy Update: Week of September 20-24

Thank you,

Literacy News: Week of September 20-24

The new word wall words for this week are:
1. their
2. there
3. our
4. laugh
5. exciting
* The test will be on Friday/Sept. 24.


Reading Goals:
We will continue working with sequence of events and using transition words and phrases to help us tell events in the order in which they happened in a story. This week, students will also focus on practicing what good readers do. We have talked about and practiced choosing "just right books". This is the first step to being a good reader. However, while reading, there is a lot of thinking taking place. Students will be using context clues, making predictions, visualizing, and making connections as we read different types of text. They will learn that all these are good readers' behaviors.


Language Goals:
This week students will review what are nouns (words that stand for a person, place, or thing). They will practice identifying nouns in sentences.


Writing Goals:
Continue practicing how to write a piece showing excellent organization. A good organized piece should have a title, good lead, beginning, middle, and ending with a good conclusion. As students write, they will be expected to use transition words and/or phrases. This week they will be writing the piece that will be used to assess organization. They will use a checklist as a guide to follow and keep focused. The read alouds this week are good models of books that have good organization.


News/ Announcements
*Please take note of the early dismissal on Monday/Sept. 20. Dismissal is at 1:00p.m.



Lila Paredes

MATH & SCIENCE CLASS - SEPT 20 - 24, 2010

MATH: When we return from the September holiday, there will be a multiplication time test on Wednesday (Sept 22nd). It will be the x4 table. The class will be working on graphs and ordering numbers from least to greatest and greatest to least.

SCIENCE: We will continue working on Fiesta Catracha on Monday and Tuesday. We will then return to our Botany unit and discuss the pollination of flowers.

Have a great holiday,

Kathy Vega

***Upcoming Early Dismissal****

Please take note: Upcoming Early Dismissal
On Monday/ September 20, students will be dismissed at 1:00p.m.
Please make the necessary arrangements.

Literacy Update

Literacy News for Sept. 6-10

and Sept. 13-14

This week we will be introducing 8 word wall words. The students will be tested on these words on September 14, before the Independence Day holiday.

Word Wall Words:

1. really

2. says

3. favorite

4. until

5. want

6. feel

7. fill

8. beautiful

Please check your child's portable word wall to make sure he/she has added all the words, and practice all words with your child on a weekly basis.

Reading Goals:

• We will continue working on identifying story elements (title, characters, setting, plot, problem, and solution). Students will have a story elements test this Thursday/Sept. 9


• We are practicing this in class, but a way to practice at home is by reading a short book and asking your child to tell you all the story elements and 1-2 important events in the beginning, middle, and end of the story (plot).
  

Language Goals:

• Students will learn what are run-on sentences, how to fix them, and work on avoiding writing run-on sentences. As a reference: Use Language Book Pgs: 18-19.


• They will also learn what are compound sentences and the rules for writing these. As a reference, use the Language Book Pgs: 16-17.

Writing Goals:

The Writing trait we will be focusing on the month of September is :Organization.

• Next week, we will begin by using a graphic organizer or a "plan" (similar to a story elements map) to organize ideas before writing a story.


• Then, students will learn what are excellent story leads (beginnings), and they will practice writing interesting leads that go with their plan.


• We will also be listing transition words and phrases that help us organize our writing. Students will be using some of these as they write their stories.

Announcements:

1. Progress reports go out this Friday, Sept. 10. Please sign and return them by Monday/Sept. 13.
2. Children's Day is on Friday/September 10. It will be a FREE color's day!!!

3. Have a wonderful Independence Day holiday (Sept 15-17)!! Rest and enjoy!!

Thank you,
Mrs. Lila Paredes

MATH & SCIENCE CLASS - SEPT 6 - 10, 2010

MATH: Next week we will continue to explore place values through the hundred thousands. Students are expected to use place value blocks, expanded form, standard form and word name. They should also know the value of a digit. A place value test will be given next Thursday, Sept. 9th. The corresponding pages in the math text book are pages 51-62.

Our time test for next week will be x3. Please remember to practice at http://www.multiplication.com/

SCIENCE: Next week we will concentrate on food chains and photosynthesis in our Botany Unit. There will be a test next Wednesday, Sept, 8th. Students will need to study Botany, Part 2, in their science notebooks.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Kathy Vega

School Wide Parent Presentation

Please click on the pages for more information

Left page is in English

Right page is in Spanish

Thank You

Literacy News: Week of August 30-Sept.3

Literacy News: Week of August 30-Sept.3

The new word wall words are:

1. a lot (these are two separate words)

2. they

3. people

4. into

5. could

Tip: Review all the words on a weekly basis or as needed.



Reading Goals:
This week students will be learning and and identifying story elements. They will recognize that stories have a title, character/s, and setting. They will also learn that the plot is part of the story elements. We are going to work on identifying important events in the beginning, middle, and end of a story.



Language Goals:
Students have learned about the different types of sentences. What we will be focusing on this week is on the 2 parts of a statement: the subject and the predicates of sentences. They need to understand what makes a sentence complete and clear. As a reference, use Language book pgs 12-15.


Writing Goal:
We have worked all month on writing excellent IDEAS. Students will practice writing a formal piece showing their ability to express clear, focused, interesting, and descriptive ideas. They will use a checklist with the expectations, and it will help them through their writing. This will be the IDEAS assessment. It will be done in class throughout the week.


Announcements:
1. I want to thank the parents who have sent donations for our class: prizes, candy, pens, and crayons. We greatly appreciate your effort!!
2. Please do not forget to make the Lps. 700 deposit for the class parties. They are to be deposited in Banco Ficohsa/Account # 057-101-00001017. It is in the name of Isabel Corzo Mury, room mother helper. Send the deposit slip to school in the homework folder by no later than Sept. 3.


Thank you,

Mrs. Lila Paredes

MULTIPLICATION.COM INSTRUCTIONS

To practice and master the multiplication tables in less than 3 minutes, please go to: http://www.multiplication.com/

1. Click on Resources

2. Click on Self Correcting Quizzes, select either the blue Fact Family sheet or the green Review Quizzes

3. Scroll down and Click on a a sheet - this will depend on what times table we are working on in class (for example TWOS)

4. Click on Start and then Finished when done

Note: It is recommended that your child use the Number Pad on the right of the key board hitting enter quickly to move to the next problem. This is the easiest and fastest way.

Kathy Vega

MATH & SCIENCE CLASS - AUG 30 - SEPT 3, 2010

MATH: 3-A will have their first Plato Math test during computer class on Tuesday, Aug. 31st and Wednesday Sept. 1st. Attendance is very important on these days so all students can take this assessment together.

On Wednesday, Sept. 1st. the multiplication time test will be x2.

On Thursday, Sept. 2nd, we will have a multiplication concept test. It will involve writing and solving word problems, addition and multiplication sentences, working with arrays and equal groups and vocabulary (factor product). The corresponding pages in the math text are pages 205-210.

SCIENCE: Wednesday, Sept 1st we will have a test on Botany. It will cover all of the information in your child's science notebook. In the notebook you will also find a study guide. The notebooks will be ready to take home this Friday, Aug 27th. for any review necessary.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Kathy Vega

MATH & SCIENCE CLASS - AUGUST 23 - 27, 2010

MATH: Time tests in multiplication will begin this week: The class will practice every day with a 10 problem mini-time test. On Wednesday, there will be a 36 problem time test to be completed in 3 1/2 minutes. The time test schedule has been posted on the right hand side of this blog.

This week we will continue concentrating on the meanings of multiplication. The class will also practice creating and solving multiplication word problems.

SCIENCE: As we continue with our botany unit, the class will complete an experiment based on the scientific method. We will need two weeks to complete the observation involved.

Enjoy your weekend,

Kathy Vega

Literacy News: Week of August 23-27

Literacy News: Week of August 23-27

This week we will add the following words to our word wall:

1. friend

2. said

3. because

4. very

5. again

The students will be responsible for spelling these words correctly all the time (after we add them to our word wall). These will be dictated in sentences on Friday, Aug. 27.

Academic Goals for this Week

Reading: Students will continue practicing how to choose "just right" books. We will be meeting individually with the students to check for fluency and comprehension.

The books and shared reading pieces we will work with this week will help the students understand what good writing ideas are and will provide them with examples of the different types of sentences.

Writing: Students will write a friendly letter that includes its 5 parts and many descriptive details in order to invite the reader into the writing. This will allow students to practice developing their ideas with details that enables the reader to visualize what is being told.

Students will practice "funneling", a strategy to help them narrow a broad idea and turn it into a specific and clear idea.

Language: Last week we introduced the 4 types of sentences and the correct punctuation mark to use with each. This week, students will identify and label the different types of sentences. In this week's word wall test, students will be asked to label each sentence that is dictated to them, in addition to using correct punctuation and capitalization.

News/Announcements

• This Friday, August 27 will be a color's day!

Thank you,

Mrs. Lila Paredes

MATH & SCIENCE CLASS - AUGUST 16 - 20, 2010

Welcome to 3-A! An exciting new school year is beginning.

In Math class, we will start the year off with the concept of multiplication. Time tests will begin in two weeks. A multiplication time test schedule will be posted here. Our first time test will be x0-x1.

Math homework will be assigned Mondays through Thursdays. Students should be able to complete the assignment on their own. Parents should check it to make sure it was completed correctly.


In Science Class, this quarter we will complete a rather extensive unit, Botany. We will investigate the world of plants. All information will be in the science notebook. This will also include a study guide for assessments.

We will see you at the open house after school on Monday, August 16th.

Kathy Vega

3A's Literacy News: Week of August 16-20

Literacy News: Aug. 16-20

We have a word wall in our class that will gradually include all the high frequency words or frequently misspelled words. Once we add them to our word wall, students are going to be responsible of spelling them correctly all the time.

The first word wall words are:
1. I
2. you
3. about
4. me
5. my
6. the
Students have a portable word wall stapled in their homework folders. Our first test will be on Friday, Aug. 20. Sentences will be dictated to the students. Word wall tests will also assess the language skills taught during that week. This week we will check for types of sentences, capitalization, and punctuation.

This week's academic goals are:

WRITING: Introduce how writers develop excellent ideas and how to have great ideas in their own writing. We will also be practicing cursive handwriting.

LANGUAGE:

• Review/Teach students how to write a friendly letter (including the 5 parts of a letter). You can use the Language book pgs. 146, and 166-167 as a reference.
• Review the 4 types of sentences (statement, command, question, and exclamation). Language book pgs: 2-9 can be used as a reference in order to reteach or practice.

READING: Teach students what good reader's do and how to choose "just right" books.

NOTE: All our academic goals are delivered to the students through a literacy framework that includes: Read alouds(the teacher reads and the students participate in discussions throughout the reading), Shared Readings (students read the text together following the teacher's guiding voice), Interactive Writing (we write together, sharing the pen), Independent Reading and Writing (students work and apply their knowledge independently). The students will learn about these strategies and their procedures in the first few weeks of school. Later on, we will be start using Interactive Editing, Literacy Centers, and Small Group Instruction.

Special Announcements:

1. This week students will start working on homework from Monday-Thursday. We will start with their daily Reading Logs and Math. Every night students must read for 20 minutes, record the title of the book they read, the author, and page numbers. This will be part of the daily homework. They will have a Math assignment from Monday-Thursday too. Please check that the homework is completed and sign the assignment book every day. It is school policy this school year that a missing signature in the Assignment Book will be considered missing homework.

2. REMINDER: 3-A's Open House is Monday, August 16 from 2:45-4:00p.m. Please be here to visit your child's class, meet the teachers, and learn ways to help your child have a successful year in 3rd grade.

3. Make sure your child wears the proper American School uniform every day.

Have a great week!

Mrs. Lila Paredes

It was a great first day of school!

I just want to add a few announcements to keep you more informed:

1. There will be no homework this week. Please take the next few days to read the student handbook and sign the form we sent home. Please fill out the Personal Information card and White Card as soon as you can.
2. Next week, starting Monday, students will take their homework folders home. Homework will be given from Monday- Thursday. Please check that they complete the homework and sign the assignment book every day.
3. Parents who pick up their children in the back parking lot need to wait in the green area behind the Middle School Building. Waiting in the Middle school hallway makes it too crowded.
4. Students have P.E. tomorrow too. Please send them with the proper uniform.

Thanks,
Mrs. Lila Paredes

3A NEWS

WELCOME TO 3A!!

We hope you had a restful and fun summer!

We will be updating the blog on a weekly basis, and here's where you'll find all the important information such as academic news, special dates, and announcements.

To make it easy for you, we have added the rotating specials onto our blog. See the top right hand corner and click on them to view or print these calendars.

We look forward to a great year!!

Mrs. Paredes
Mrs. Vega
Mrs. Dougherty

Dear Parents Letter - August 11, 2010

August 11, 2010


Dear Parents,

Welcome to a wonderful school year 2010-2011! We are happy to be back and look forward to making this an academically rich and exciting year. Let’s work together to make it fantastic!

3-A’s Open House will be next Monday August 16 from 2:45 - 4:00. It is an excellent opportunity for us to meet and share important information needed to help your child succeed in 3rd grade. We look forward to seeing you there!

The calendar showing the rotation of the special classes can be found in the American School website: http://www.amschool.org/. It’s important that you print it and put it in a safe and accessible place to check for P.E., Computer, Library, Music, Estudios Sociales, Art, and Character Education classes during the week. In the school’s website, you will also find the student handbook. Please go over it with your child. Then, sign and return the page in this packet no later than Friday, August 20. It indicates that you have read and understood the student handbook. Attached, you will find the White Card and a personal information sheet for you to fill out.

Meeting our students’ needs is important. Every student is encouraged to bring a water bottle or thermos every day to keep in class to drink as needed. Please plan whether your child will bring a snack from home to eat during the morning recess (9:50-10:10a.m.) or if he/she will buy a snack in the cafeteria at this time. Plan accordingly so your child has enough food to eat during recess and lunch (12:30-1:10p.m.), and please make sure it’s something he/she will enjoy.

An assignment book and homework folder will be sent home daily. It will contain information about homework assignments, letters to parents, or any other important notes. Please check them every day and initial/sign the assignment book after checking that your child has completed his/her homework. We’ll start assigning homework next week! It will be the best time to encourage homework responsibility and good study habits.

Communication is very important. We recommend you hove good communication with your child about school related activities. Also, feel free to send us a note to schedule an appointment if there is something you would like to discuss with us. You can also call the office to schedule one as needed. Teachers, students, and parents working together will make this year very successful! Let’s make the best of it!

Best Wishes,

Mrs. Lila Paredes
Mrs. Kathy Vega
Mrs. Elsa Dougherty