September 6 - September 9, 2016
A warm week for all! Kudos to Ms. Yvonne for purchasing a NEW FAN for our classroom! Talk about a HUGE difference! The children were troopers; I am very proud of them for focusing as well as they did! Thank you, Ms. Yvonne!
We still are working on procedures; this week more on classroom procedures.
Reading:
We are learning what a "Just Right" book is for ALL readers...adults included!
Here is what we will be expecting for FICTION reading:
- Easy= 0 tricky words on 1 page
- Just Right= 2-4 tricky words on 1 page ( to be "upped" shortly, when I know all scholars are accurate with this)
- Challenging= 5 fingers on 1 page.
In two weeks I will begin to ask the third grade scholars to read 100 minutes per week and record their readings. We will practice recording it this week, then have a sample for you to use for reference. For some, they will read beyond the 100 minutes; others, I recognize it will possibly be a battle of the wills. I've had both types of readers under our roof! That is why it is spread out over 1 week; some days you don't get to it. This averages out to 20 minutes for 5 days. The scholars will be charting their weekly reading once they bring the reading log back to school.
Math:
We are learning the format of Saxon math lesson: the "Meeting" then the "Problem of the Day" are 2 of the sections of the lesson. One scholar will present how to solve the problem of the day to the class. Same as last year, your scholar has completed the "A" side of the sheet in class. The "B" side is the homework. I am asking that your child chooses 3 problems from the "B" side to explain to you. Please take a moment to initial just once that you have had that conversation with your scholar. Thanks!
Guidelines for math homework:
Some scholars will need to have you limit the amount of time they focus on their homework. Ten minutes should be enough time for them to complete the "B" side of the sheet. If you need to set a timer, that may be what keeps them focused.
All homework:
Once we have the homework assgnment notebooks, I will have your scholar prioritize which assignment they will be doing first, second, etc. It worked well for my sons; 1 in particular still uses it to date; a junior in college! (Shameless plug.)
I am trying to sensitize them to their schedule after school and match it to their energy level. Looking back, I remember the schedules for sports, music lessons and times just to play and be a 7 to 9 year old.
The assignment that requires the most focused energy should be a #1 by a subject. The second highest level of focus needed on a task, a #2, and so on.Hopefully it opens up an opportunity for several different descussions for you and your son/daughter through out the week. Look for it soon!
