Welcome to 3-A - 2010-2011

MATH\SOCIAL STUDIES\SCIENCE APRIL11-15, 2011

2011-04-08T12:36:00.002-06:00

MATH: We will be doing a spiral review this week. This is a review of all the concepts we have seen this year and we will focus on any area that the class needs to re-enforce.

Our time test will be a multiplication review of x0 - x9. The test will be on Thursday, April 14th.

SCIENCE: The class will continue with pollution, Part II, Saving our Rainforessts. There will be a test on Wednesday, April 13th. All the information will be in the Science notebook which the class
may take home over the weekend.

Have a great week,

Kathy Vega

Literacy News for Week of April 11-15

2011-04-08T11:32:00.000-06:00

Literacy News: April 11-15

Word wall words:
1. gross
2. quiet
3.quit
4. answer
5. decided

The test will be on Friday. The Language skill we will be testing is prefixes and suffixes. Students will be identifying these words in the sentences. They should also follow the language rules taught so far.

READING GOALS:
We will be reading two very interesting texts related to the Science unit on Protecting the Earth. These are non-fiction readings, and our focus will be on summarizing by giving the main idea and supporting details.

LANGUAGE GOALS:
This week student will learn about suffixes. They will identify words with suffixed and learn how they change the meanings of the root words.

WRITING:
Students will start working on a personal narrative. This is going to be an assessment of the 6 traits of writing. They will be expected to write a narrative that shows appropriate: VOICE, ORGANIZATION, IDEAS, SENTENCE FLUENCY, CONVENTIONS, and WORD CHOICE.

NEWS/ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. Progress reports for the 4th quarter go out this Friday, April 15. Please check folders.
2. We wish everybody a happy Easter break! We come back to school on the 26th. Enjoy!!

Thank you,
Mrs Paredes

Literacy News: Week of April 4-8

2011-04-04T08:36:00.002-06:00

Literacy News: Week of April 4-8

Word Wall Words for the Week: 1. delicious 2. upon 3. since 4. during 5. through

Reading Goals: This week we will continue summarizing non-fiction text. We will do this by finding main idea and important supporting details. We will read a fiction text related to protecting the Earth, and students will work on summarizing this too. Fortunately, students are getting better at summarizing.

Language Goals: We will continue with adjectives that compare. Students will learn the rules for adding er or est to adjectives. See pgs. 404-405 as a reference. In addition, this week students will be learning about prefixes. These are word parts that are added to the beginning of a word in order to change its meaning. As a reference, you may see pages 190-191.

Writing: After working on publishing their fables, students will practice writing summaries using non-fiction text.

News/ Announcements:
1. Character Ed. Presentation: "Pornography, Drug of the New Millennium" is on Thursday from 5:00-6:00 p.m.
2. A note from Mrs. Maduro, our Elementary Art Teacher:

Dear Parents,

Earth day is coming up, and we will be making art with recyclable materials! Please send us your unwanted egg cartons, cardboard toilet paper rolls, and old CDs. We will be collecting these materials with your child or bring them to the Elementary Art Room (in front of the Elementary Principal's office). Thank you in advance for your help!

MATH\SOCIAL STUDIES\SCIENCE APRIL 4-8, 2011

2011-04-01T13:40:00.006-06:00

MATH: This week we are going to focus on word problems, choose a process: add, subtract, multiply, divide. This is a week long unit that will include two assessments (Thursday and Friday). Our weekly time test for Wednesday, April 6, will be divide by 9.

SCIENCE: Our air pollution test will be on Tuesday, April 5th. The science notebooks will go home on Friday. Please review Protect Our Earth, Part 1, Air Pollution. We will begin a new unit on saving Rain Forrests.

Have a good week,

Mrs. Vega

MATH\SOCIAL STUDIES\SCIENCE MAR. 28 - APR. 1, 2011

2011-03-25T13:14:00.008-06:00

MATH: We will complete a one week unit on capacity. This will include customary units (cups, pints, quarts & gallons) and metric units (milliliter and liter). The corresponding pages in Math Connects text are pages 423-434. There will be a test on Friday covering both customary and metric units. Our weekly time test will be divide by 8 on Wednesday.

SCIENCE: Our unit on air pollution will continue with all pertinent information in our science notebooks. The class is discussing Earth's atmosphere, air as a mixture of gasses, the causes of our pollution, the ozone layer, smog, the effects of air pollution on humans and solutions to this problem. The test will not be until Tuesday, April 5th. This will give the class a chance to take home their notebooks over the coming weekend (Protect our Earth, Part 1, Air Pollution).

Have a good week,

Kathy Vega

Literacy News for Week of March 28-April 1

2011-03-25T09:14:00.003-06:00

Literacy News

March 28-April 1

Word Wall Words:
1. picture
2. several
3. learn
4. being
5. heard
*The test will be on Friday/April 1, and the grammar skill we will assess is identifying nouns.

Reading Goals:
This week students will continue working on summarizing fiction text. We will read a non-fiction book and start working on creating a summary. First, I will model how to do it, while asking students to help. Then, we will do it together (I will help and guide students). Finally, students will work on doing their own summaries of non-fiction text.

Language Goals:
This week students will learn about adjectives (words that describe nouns). We will be looking at adjectives that tell what kind and how many. They will learn to identify adjectives in sentences. To reinforce this skill at home, look at Language book pages: 398-401

Writing:
Students are very excited about writing their own fables. As we do, we are going over the 6 Writing traits. This week they will proofread and publish the fables they have been working on.

Thank you,
Mrs. Lila Paredes

Literacy News for Week of March 21-25

2011-03-17T10:37:00.011-06:00

Literacy News for the

Week of March 21-25

The new word wall words for this week are:
1. down
2. been
3. find
4. necessary
5. possible

Reading Goals:
This week students will learn what is a summary, and how to make a summary of fiction stories. We will start by modeling, then we will do it together, and finally, students will write a short summary on their own. We will be using fables to make summaries. A good way to teach how to summarize fiction stories is by using the 4 W + 1H. Who is in the story? Where did it take place? What happened (problem)? Why? How is the problem solved? On Friday/March 25, students will have a test to show their summarizing skills. They will be expected to write a 3-4 sentence summary of a fiction text.

Writing and Language:
This week and the next, students will be working on writing a fable. We will be reviewing the 6 Traits of writing that students have learned throughout the year. They will write a fable, completing and revising and editing one step at a time. They will create their plan, they will create a great lead, and they will organize the story before they write it. The story will be written in steps: beginning, middle, and end. After each step, we will revise and edit. Our goal is to have a final writing piece with an excellent performance in all the 6 Writing Traits: organization, ideas, voice, sentence structure, word choice, and conventions.

News and Announcements:

1. Parent- Teacher Conferences are on Friday/March 25, from 11:30-3:00. The signup sheet is already outside our door. Please come sign up. Students will be dismissed at 11:15 am.
2. Color's day will be on Thursday/March 24. Again, Moto Minutas will be here on this day selling snow cones for Lps.15. Students may pay Lps. 5 for colors day only, or they can pay Lps.20 for both the color's day and a snow cone ticket. In this hot weather, children enjoy the snow cones so much!
3. This Friday, during Parent -Teacher conferences, there will be a Scholastic Book sale taking place. It's a great opportunity to buy books for your children at very good prices. Make sure you stop by!
4. Earth Hour is coming up soon: Saturday/March 26 from 8:30-9:30. It is a time to turn off the lights to save electricity. It is a world wide event. Join in and help our planet!

Thank you,
Mrs. Lila Paredes

MATH\SOCIAL STUDIES\SCIENCE MAR. 21-25, 2011

2011-03-17T10:00:00.003-06:00

MATH: This week we will continue our unit on fractions. Our focus will be equivalent fractions, ordering and comparing fractions and mixed numbers. There will be a test on Thursday, March 24th. Our time test will be on Wednesday, dividing by 7.

SCIENCE: Our new science unit will be on protecting the Earth. We will begin with pollution. All information for this unit will be entered in their science notebook.

I look forward to speaking with you at parent conferences on Friday.

Have a great week,

Kathy Vega

MATH\SOCIAL STUDIES\SCIENCE MAR. 14-18, 2011

2011-03-10T13:58:00.006-06:00

MATH: Next week the class will begin a unit on fractions, The corresponding pages for our two week unit are in the old green math book; pages 411-431.

The first test will be to identify fractions, and divide a whole into equal parts, and equivalent fractions on Thursday, March 17th. Our division test will be / 6 on Wednesday, March 16th.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We will continue organizing data with a week unit on probability. The corresponding pages in the old green math book are pages 499-507. A basic test will be given on Friday, March 18th.

Happy Fathers Day,

Mrs. Vega

Literacy News for Week of March 14-18

2011-03-09T15:18:00.004-06:00

Literacy News: March 14-18

The new word wall words for this week are:

1. nothing

2. anything

3. someone

4. however

5. ready

The word wall test will be on Friday, March 18. The grammar grade will come from applying language rules learned so far (conventions).

Reading Goals:

This week students will continue working on reading with fluency and expression in their reader's theaters. They will also be exposed to different types of Literature including folk tales, fables, fairy tales, myths, legends, and poetry.

Language Goals:

Students will continue practicing writing, applying the rules for using commas and quotation marks.

Writing Goals:

Students have already learned about the 6 traits of writing. The next writing project is very exciting! Students will be writing a fable of their own, applying what they have learned in class. We will be checking for good and clear ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions.

News/Announcements:

1. The Miles for Smiles' final mile will be after school on Thursday!! Many students have signed up to help with this good cause. After the students complete the final mile, there will be refreshments and treats waiting for them. Please see the announcement on the right. The donations for Operation Smile (given by the sponsors) is due on Wednesday, March 16, the day before the race. See you there!

2. Father's Day celebration is this Friday, March 18. It will be from 10:30 to 11:20a.m. Do not miss it, dads! Your children have a special surprise planned for you!

Thank you,

Mrs. Lila Paredes

Lit. News: Week of March 7-11, 2011

2011-03-06T20:45:00.000-06:00

Literacy News: March 7-11

The new word wall words are:

1. between

2. practice

3. lonely

4. each

5. turn

Please continue practicing these and all other words on a regular basis. The test will be on Friday, and we will be focusing on following all grammar rules taught this year (conventions). Use of capitals, puntuation marks, commas, quotation marks, etc...)

Reading Goals:

This week students are going to be working on reading with fluency and expression. We will be share reading two different plays, to practice this skill. Then, a part will be assigned to each student. They will be participating the Readers' Theater in class. They will get an oral language grade in the final presentation of their part, which will be next week.

Language and Writing Goals:

As part of the last writing trait: CONVENTIONS, we will be reviewing different language rules students must master before 4th grade. This review will be helpful for them to write their final writing piece for CONVENTIONS. They will be working on this piece throughout the week.

News/Announcements:

1. March 10 is the last day of the 3rd quarter.

2. Mark your calendar: Spring break is on Friday/March 11. Enjoy the long weekend.

3. Mark your calendar: Father's Day Celebration will be Friday/March 18 from 10:30-11:20a.m.

Thank you,

Mrs. Lila Paredes

MATH\SOCIAL STUDIES\SCIENCE MAR. 7-11, 2011

2011-03-03T11:57:00.003-06:00

MATH: In math we will continue to review area and volume. Our division test will be divide by 0 to 5 on Wednesday, March 9th.

SOCIAL STUDIES: We will be looking at coordinate grids and completing activities that will be graded in class. The reference pages in the new Math Connect text book are 494-496. We will also be working with input and output tables. The reference pages for input and output tables are 348-351.

Please keep in mind that Friday, March 11th is a school holiday.

Have a great week,

Kathy Vega

Literacy News for Week of Feb. 28-March 4

2011-02-25T11:50:00.000-06:00

Literacy News:

Week of February 28-March 4

The new word wall words for this week are:
1. than
2. keep
3. listen
4. shirt
5. awesome

Reading Goals:
We will continue discussing how characters' actions and what they say help us learn more about them. We will be ending our unit on analyzing characters this week.
We will also start a unit on identifying facts from opinions. We will be reading and discussing what are facts and opinions as we read several fiction and non-fiction books and short passages.

Language Goals:
This week students will continue practicing the use of quotation marks. As part of our Writing Unit: Conventions, students will also review their knowledge of the use of commas, and they'll learn and list where commas are needed in their writing.

Writing Goals:
This week students will put together what they know about writing conventions. They will be writing a story: using commas and quotation marks correctly, clear and complete sentences with correct capitalization and punctuation. This writing piece ties up wonderfully with our reading focus: analyzing character traits. Students will show how their main character is by how he/she acts and says, giving a clear picture of the character's traits throughout their story.

News/Announcements:
* We are close the end of the 3rd quarter. This quarter ends on March 10. Please make sure your child is completing all the homework and encourage him/her to continue working hard. The last quarter is as important as any other. They need to hang in there and show their best!

Thank you,
Lila Paredes

MATH\SOCIAL STUDIES\SCIENCE FEB 28 - MAR 4, 2011

2011-02-25T11:46:00.001-06:00

MATH: This week the class will be working with area and volume. On Thursday, March 3rd there will be a test covering both areas. Corresponding pages in the old green math text are pages 343-347. On Wednesday, March 2nd our weekly math test will be dividing by 5.

SOCIAL STUDIES: The class will concentrate on organizing data: pictographs, tally marks and bar graphs. On Friday, March 4th, the class will be tested. For review, this information is in the old green math text pages 26-31. In the new Math Concepts text the pages are 515-539. Either text can be used.

Have a great week,

Kathy Vega

LITERACY NEWS: WEEK OF FEB. 21-25

2011-02-20T08:46:00.002-06:00

Literacy News: February 21-25

The new word wall words are:
1. type
2. piece
3. peace
4. just
5. crazy
The test will be on Friday, Feb. 25. Please remember to review all word wall words on a regular basis. The Language focus on this test will be the use of quotations.

Language Goals:
This week we will work on practicing how to use quotations in their writing. As a reference, they will use a poster with a list of rules or tips for using quotations that students have written. As a reference you may see the Language book pgs: 420-421.

Reading Goals:
This week we will continue working on analyzing the character/s in a story based on how they act, what they do, say, and by looking at the illustrations. Students will have a test on analyzing characters this Thursday, Feb. 24.

Writing Goals:
We are focusing on the 6th writing trait: Conventions. We are reviewing different Language rules that we apply in our writing such as writing complete and clear sentences and avoiding run on sentences in our writing. Students will also be practicing writing dialogues between characters in a story showing correct use of quotation marks. Also, students will pick a character trait and write a short story where they (the authors) will show the reader what the character is like by what he/she says and does in the story. This ties very nicely with analyzing the characters.

News/Announcements:
*This Friday/Feb 25 will be a color's day for Lps. 5. If your child would like to buy an ice cone from Moto Minutas, please send an additional Lps. 15 so he/she can receive their snow cone on Friday.

Thank you,
Mrs. Lila Paredes

MATH\SOCIAL STUDIES\SCIENCE FEB 21-25, 2011

2011-02-18T13:17:00.005-06:00

MATH: This week we will continue the geometry unit: 2 dimensional figures, congruency, slides, flips and turns. The class will be tested on Thursday, February 24th. This test will also include perimeter. To review, in the new Math Concepts see pages 472, 484, 392. In the old green Math book: pages 330, 331, 340, 341.

On Wednesday, February 23rd our time test will be divide by 4.

SOCIAL STUDIES: To finish our map unit, the students will be creating an original map this week which includes a map key with 5 to 7 symbols, a compass rose and 5 direction statements.

Have a great week,

Kathy Vega

Literacy News: Week of Feb. 14-18, 2011

2011-02-10T11:15:00.006-06:00

Literacy News: Week of February 14-18

The new word wall words are:
1. surprise
2. better
3. speak
4. spread
5. whose
The word wall test will be on Friday/Feb. 18. The language focus will be the correct usage and spelling of pronoun-verb contractions and possessive pronouns: you're, they're, it's, and your, their and its.

Language Goals:
This week we will be working on distinguishing between the pronoun-verb contractions: you're, they're, and it's, and the possessive pronouns: your, their, and its. Students often have mistaken their use because of the similarities between the words. You may use the Language book pgs: 338-339 as a review and reference.
Students will also be learning how to use quotation marks. They will read and observe how authors use them, and then they will list the rules for using quotation marks in their writing. This list will become a class chart for them to refer to when they use quotation marks in their writing.

Reading Goals:
We will be reading several stories where students will be analyzing the characters. They will tell what they are like by what they say and do in the story and by how the author and illustrator portrays them.

Writing Goals:
We are beginning the 6th (and last) writing trait: Conventions. Students review language rules taught so far ( types of sentences, punctuation, capitalization rules, etc...) and they will learn how to use quotation marks and commas correctly in their writing. We will spend the rest of the month reviewing and teaching language conventions, before the final assessment of this trait.

News/Announcements
1. Valentine's Day is a free colors day! Students may come to school wearing Valentine's Day colors: red, white, pink, purple. Remember to bring a card and treat to share with all the classmates.
2. Yearbook pictures will be taken this Thursday, Feb. 17. Please make sure your children look good and that they wear the correct uniform.
3. Progress reports go home on Monday/Feb. 14 Please send them back signed the following day.

Thank you,
Lila Paredes

MATH\SOCIAL STUDIES\SCIENCE FEB 14-18, 2011

2011-02-10T09:00:00.006-06:00

MATH: This week we will continue to concentrate on our Geometry unit: solids (cube, rectanglar prism, cone, pyramid, cylinder, sphere), faces, edges, vertex, symmetry, right angles, per pendicular and parallel lines. There will be a test on Thursday. Correspond text pages are Scott Foresman Math pages 321-338 and Math Connects pages 467-491.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Next week we will work with using a scale to measure distance on a map. We will also be looking at different types of maps (population, physical and product). On Friday, there will be a maps test covering this area.

PLATO RESULTS: On Monday, Feb. 14th your child's Plato scores will be sent home. To help you understand the results we have posted the information letter below. It will be necessary to read this letter which explains the scoring for your child.

Have a great week

Kathy Vega

2011-02-07T14:54:00.003-06:00

Valentine's Day News:

Next Monday, Feb 14 we will be celebrating love and friendship in school. This week, all students must work on decorating a Valentine's Day box (shoe box or similar box) with Valentine's pictures and/or colors: red, purple, pink , or/ and white). Please bring the box on Monday/Feb. 14. On this special day, everyone should bring a candy/treat with a card to share with each classmate. Cards may be bought, hand-made or computer made! It's a great time to get creative!

Literacy News: Week of Feb.7-11, 2011

2011-02-04T10:41:00.000-06:00

Literacy News: Feb 7-11

This week we will only have 4 new word wall words:

1. receive

2. believe

3. might

4. tiny

Students will learn the rule that i goes before e, except after c: Examples: receive and believe

The word wall test will be given on Thursday, Feb 10 because we have Friday off.

Reading Goals:

We will continue working very hard finding cause-effect relationships in stories and real life situations. The students will have a test on cause and effect this Thursday/Feb 10.

Language Goals:

This week students will learn what are pronoun-verb contractions. A contraction is a shorter way of writing 2 words, so a pronoun-verb contraction is made up by a pronoun and a verb: Example: they are = they're

As a reference you may see the Language Book pgs. 336-337

Writing Goals:

Students will be creating a cause and effect table where they will be adding at least 4 cause-effect relationships from the read aloud story.

They will also be learning about the 6 magic words/phrases: please, thank-you, good morning, good afternoon, good evening, and excuse me. We will introduce the use of quotation marks as students learn about these.

Announcements/News

1. This Friday is a holiday! (Winter Break) Enjoy the long weekend!!

2. Cookie Grams will be sold all week. This is an activity where students may send a Valentine Cookie to a friend or cousin in the Elementary. The cost is Lps: 20 This Valentine's Day activity is sponsored by the 5th graders in order to raise funds to help Casitas Kennedy.

3. Progress reports will go home next Monday/February 14.

Thank you,

Mrs. Lila Paredes

MATH\SOCIAL STUDIES\SCIENCE FEB 7-11, 2011

2011-02-04T09:45:00.000-06:00

MATH: This week the class will be counting Honduran coins. We will have a division test on Wednesday, February 9th on /2. Remember, you can practice at http://www.fun4thebrain.com/

SOCIAL STUDIES: The class is concentrating on reading a variety of maps. On Tuesday and Thursday tests will be given on maps of Honduras. On Tuesday, the class will read and interpret the symbols in a map key and locate the compass rose. On Thursday, the class will work on cardinal and intermediate directions (north, northeast, northwest, south, southeast, southwest) and distance scale. The class may look in their notebooks to refresh their memories.

Have a great week,

Kathy Vegga

Literacy News: Week of Jan 31-Feb.4, 2011

2011-01-28T09:38:00.012-06:00

Literacy News: Week of Jan. 31-Feb. 4
This week's new word wall words are:
1. please
2. famous
3. knew
4. would
5. should
The test will be on Friday/February 4. Remember, students should master all the word wall words, therefore they need to be reviewed frequently.

Reading Goals:
This week students will be reading different stories and learning to identify the cause and effect relationships. This is a sometimes a confusing skill for students, so we will spend the next two weeks practicing this. For you to be able to help your child, ask them to find cause/effect relationships in their daily reading.
Mini-Lesson:
A cause is why something happened, and an effect is what happened. For example:
The baby left a banana peel on the floor. (cause)
The father slipped and fell. (effect)

Grammar Goals:
Students have been working on identifying pronouns. This week they will learn when to use the pronouns I and me in sentences.
Mini-lesson:
I is always used before the verb: My cousin and I will go fishing.
The pronoun me is used after the verb in a sentence: My teacher gave a surprise to my friend and me.
As a reference: See Language book pages 328-329

Writing Goals:
This week we will continue working on the SENTENCE FLUENCY final drafts. Students have been writing paragraphs to practice sentence fluency. They have almost completed their graphic organizer for their final piece and assessment. This week they will put the information together in 3 paragraphs, and they will proofread, edit, and write final drafts.

News and Announcements:
1. I want to thank Daniele Nembrini, Reggina Massad, Jose Rafael Rivera and Mariana Zepeda for donating candy for class prizes!
2. Please come to the 3rd Grade Values Conference: Emotional Intelligence and Our Kids (See the flyer on the left handside of this screen)
The presentation is this Thursday/February 3 in the Multipurpose Room, from 11:30-1:00pm. Do not miss this great opportunity to learn more ways to help your child be a better person!

Thank you,
Mrs. Lila Paredes

MATH\SOCIAL STUDIES\SCIENCE JAN 31 - FEB 4, 2011

2011-01-28T09:16:00.001-06:00

MATH: The class continues to work with counting money. There will be a U.S. coin test on Thursday, Feb 3rd. This week we will begin counting Honduran coins. The class will get bags of Honduran coins on Thursday or Friday and will need to count the coins for a grade.

Also on Thursday, Feb 3rd we wil have our first division fact time test; /0-/1. A great place to practice is at fun4thebrain.com - click on division and find the games.

SOCIAL STUDIES: This week we will concentrate on maps: symbols, map keys, and compass directions. The class should be able to read information from a map and create a map of their own.

Have a great week,

Kathy Vega

Literacy News: Week of Jan 24-28, 2011

2011-01-21T11:15:00.006-06:00

Literacy News: January 24-28

This week we will add 6 more word wall words:
1. mine
2. instead
3. belongs
4. also
5. except
6. together
These words will be in the word wall test on Friday. The Language skill we will be focusing on is: Identifying pronouns. Students will circle the pronouns in the sentences.

Reading Focus:
Part of building vocabulary, students will be reviewing and learning more about synonyms and antonyms. Our read aloud books this week will teach students new words that will enrich their vocabulary. As a class, students will be writing what are synonyms and antonyms and including these new words to our lists of examples.
Language Focus:
To introduce pronouns, students will listen to a funny story about a planet without pronouns. We will also be share reading pieces where students will practice identifying pronouns. As they learn about this part of speech, we will discuss singular and plural pronouns. They will have a Language book homework on Tuesday to help them practice.
Writing Focus:
Students will be starting their Sentence Fluency (writing trait) assessment piece. They will use a graphic organizer to jot down their ideas. Then they will use it to compose a 3 paragraph composition and revise it. A checklist with the expectations will be given to each student before they work on their writing piece.
News/Announcements:
1. We recently gave awards to students as part on an in-class activity. Students feel great to receive praise for their hard work. Please help us continue giving prizes by donating a bag of candy or chocolate. We all greatly appreciate this!
2. On Monday, we celebrate the 100th day of school. Please refer to the previous post to participate in the optional activities (students may wear a decorated t-shirt with 100 items and bringing 100 items to show and share with classmates on Monday).
3. This Friday/Jan 28 is a color's day for Lps. 5.

Thank you very much,
Mrs Lila Paredes

MATH\SOCIAL STUDIES\SCIENCE JAN 24-28, 2011

2011-01-21T09:03:00.000-06:00

MATH: This week the class will be working on counting U.S. coins and an introduction to two dimensional figures for our geometry unit.

On Thursday we will have another times test x0-x12. Division tests will be coming soon!

SOCIAL STUDIES: We are working together on Time Lines (page 61), Flow Charts (pages 332, 333) and Cutaway Diagrams (pages 258, 259). Much of the work is being done in the S.S. notebook after discussion, and will be graded.

Have a great week,

Mrs. Vega

2011-01-19T14:50:00.002-06:00

Dear Parents and Students:

Next Monday, January 24 is the 100th day of school! This means more than half of the year has passed!!
Optional Activities:
On this day, students will be allowed to wear a t-shirt with 100 items on it (instead of their uniform shirt). They may also bring 100 objects to show and share with the class (candy, stickers, pencils, erasers, etc...).
We will be reading a fun 100th day of school book and the sharing of treats/gifts.

Thank you,
Mrs Lila Paredes

Math and Social Studies January 17 - 21

2011-01-14T11:48:00.003-06:00

Math: The class has already begun measuring in inches ( to the nearest inch, half inch and quarter inch) and understanding feet, yards, and miles. On Tuesday, Jan. 18, there will be an assessment to see how well the class can measure in inches with a ruler.
We will than work with measuring in centimeters and understand millimeters, meters and kilometers. On Friday the class will be tested on measuring in centimeters.

Our multiplication time test will be X0 _ X12 on Thursday, Jan. 20

Social Studies: Notebooks with information about landforms went home today. The class is expected to identify these landforms. The test will be on Tuesday, Jan.18. We will then work on timelines and flowcharts.

Enjoy your weekned,
Mrs. Vega

Literacy News: Week of January 17-21, 2011

2011-01-14T11:30:00.000-06:00

Literacy News for Week of January 17-21

The word wall words for this week are:

1. trying

2. special

3. easy

4. difficult

5. happened

Note: Remember to study these and all the other word wall words on a regular basis. The dictation will be this Friday/Jan 21. Our grammar focus for this week's test will be to find and circle the future tense verbs in the sentences.

Reading Goals:
We will continue working on: making inferences. This is like "reading between the lines" or using the clues in stories to figure out information that the author doesn't tell the reader. We will continue reading several books and shared reading pieces to practice this skill together. Students will be assessed on Thursday.

Language Goals:
Wwe have 2 short and simple Language goals this week. The first one

is to teach students that the helping verb will is all you need to write in the future tense. You just need to put it before the verb. Ex: I will ride my bike tomorrow. The second goal is to introduce students to pronouns.

Writing Goals:
Students are doing a good job learning about SENTENCE FLUENCY. This week we will continue working on this. Students will be improving a short choppy paragraph together. They will start practicing writing with sentence fluency independently.

News/ Announcements:
1. Please send report cards back signed as soon as you can.

2. You are cordially invited to attend the Values Conference on bullying this Thursday/Jan 20 from 11:30-1:00. See invitation on the right hand column.

Thank you,

Mrs. Lila Paredes

MATH\SOCIAL STUDIES\SCIENCE - JAN 10 - 14, 2010

2011-01-07T09:02:00.004-06:00

Welcome back and Happy New Year to everyone!

MATH: This week the class will be working on mulitplying 2 and 3 digits by one digit. There will be a test on Thursday, Jan 13th. We will also have a x12 time test on Wednesday, January 12th.

Plato math testing will take place during computer class this week. Please make sure your child makes every effort to attend school in order to take the test with their homeroom class.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Our new unit is about landforms, maps timelines, flow charts and tables. At the moment we are working on ten types of landforms. The information the class is gathering in their notebooks will be compled on Thursday, Jan 13th. The notbebook will go home for additional review over the weekend.

Thank You,

Mrs. Vega

3-A News: January 5-7

2011-01-05T13:46:00.002-06:00

Welcome Back and Happy New Year!
We hope you had a great and restful vacation!

NEWS:
We are beginning the 3rd quarter of the school year. Time sure goes by fast!

Because this is a short week, the only homework assignments will be reading log and multiplication 0-9 sheets. There will only be a 0-9 timed test this Friday, Jan 7.

The new word wall words for this and next week are:
1. yesterday
2. another
3. different
4. out
5. off
*These words will be tested next Friday/January 14

Thank you,
Mrs. Lila Paredes & Mrs. Kathy Vega

3-A - DEC 20 - JAN 4, 2010

2010-12-16T09:51:00.005-06:00

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

2010-12-03T13:03:00.015-06:00

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

2010-11-24T09:03:00.001-06:00

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

2010-11-22T08:19:00.001-06:00

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

2010-11-19T13:29:00.006-06:00

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

2010-11-12T13:29:00.004-06:00

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

2010-11-05T09:40:00.005-06:00

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

2010-11-04T10:50:00.008-06:00

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

2010-10-29T09:29:00.004-06:00

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

2010-10-28T11:46:00.012-06:00

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

2010-10-22T09:20:00.003-06:00

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

2010-10-21T12:53:00.007-06:00

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

2010-10-18T19:07:00.002-06:00

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

2010-10-15T11:20:00.002-06:00

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

2010-10-08T09:48:00.015-06:00

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

2010-10-08T08:55:00.007-06:00

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

2010-09-30T14:19:00.011-06:00

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

2010-09-30T10:43:00.024-06:00

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

2010-09-24T13:36:00.002-06:00

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

2010-09-24T09:30:00.002-06:00

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

2010-09-18T20:40:00.005-06:00

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

2010-09-17T15:00:00.002-06:00

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**

2010-09-13T15:17:00.003-06:00

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

2010-09-03T10:09:00.007-06:00

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

2010-09-02T13:50:00.012-06:00

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

2010-09-01T08:26:00.003-06:00

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

2010-08-26T11:22:00.006-06:00

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

2010-08-26T11:02:00.008-06:00

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

2010-08-26T10:50:00.003-06:00

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

2010-08-20T12:58:00.005-06:00

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

2010-08-17T13:58:00.004-06:00

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

2010-08-15T09:35:00.000-06:00

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

2010-08-13T10:43:00.002-06:00

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

2010-08-11T15:56:00.002-06:00

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

2010-08-10T15:11:00.003-06:00

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

2010-08-10T13:50:00.012-06:00

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

Welcome to 3-A - 2010-2011

MATH\SOCIAL STUDIES\SCIENCE APRIL11-15, 2011

Literacy News for Week of April 11-15

Literacy News: Week of April 4-8

MATH\SOCIAL STUDIES\SCIENCE APRIL 4-8, 2011

MATH\SOCIAL STUDIES\SCIENCE MAR. 28 - APR. 1, 2011

Literacy News for Week of March 28-April 1

Literacy News for Week of March 21-25

MATH\SOCIAL STUDIES\SCIENCE MAR. 21-25, 2011

MATH\SOCIAL STUDIES\SCIENCE MAR. 14-18, 2011

Literacy News for Week of March 14-18

Lit. News: Week of March 7-11, 2011

MATH\SOCIAL STUDIES\SCIENCE MAR. 7-11, 2011

Literacy News for Week of Feb. 28-March 4

MATH\SOCIAL STUDIES\SCIENCE FEB 28 - MAR 4, 2011

LITERACY NEWS: WEEK OF FEB. 21-25

MATH\SOCIAL STUDIES\SCIENCE FEB 21-25, 2011

Literacy News: Week of Feb. 14-18, 2011

MATH\SOCIAL STUDIES\SCIENCE FEB 14-18, 2011

Literacy News: Week of Feb.7-11, 2011

MATH\SOCIAL STUDIES\SCIENCE FEB 7-11, 2011

Literacy News: Week of Jan 31-Feb.4, 2011

MATH\SOCIAL STUDIES\SCIENCE JAN 31 - FEB 4, 2011

Literacy News: Week of Jan 24-28, 2011

MATH\SOCIAL STUDIES\SCIENCE JAN 24-28, 2011

Math and Social Studies January 17 - 21

Literacy News: Week of January 17-21, 2011

MATH\SOCIAL STUDIES\SCIENCE - JAN 10 - 14, 2010

3-A News: January 5-7

3-A - DEC 20 - JAN 4, 2010

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

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

Literacy News: Week of November 22-24

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

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

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

Literacy News: Week of November 8-12

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

Literacy News: Week of November 1-5

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

Literacy News: Week of October 25-29

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

Literacy News: October 18-22

Week of Nov. 29 - Dec. 3

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

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

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

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

Literacy Update: Week of September 20-24

MATH & SCIENCE CLASS - SEPT 20 - 24, 2010

***Upcoming Early Dismissal****

Literacy Update

MATH & SCIENCE CLASS - SEPT 6 - 10, 2010

School Wide Parent Presentation

Literacy News: Week of August 30-Sept.3

MULTIPLICATION.COM INSTRUCTIONS

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

MATH & SCIENCE CLASS - AUGUST 23 - 27, 2010

Literacy News: Week of August 23-27

MATH & SCIENCE CLASS - AUGUST 16 - 20, 2010

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

3A NEWS

Dear Parents Letter - August 11, 2010

*Upcoming Early Dismissal**