Wow! It will feel very unusual to be back at school for a full week, but we will all be patient with each other as we get our brains back up to speed!
Class Happenings: This week will be full with finishing our non-fiction reading unit. Mrs. Crawford's class and my class combined to create digital "posters" of non-fiction text features. In order to investigate and learn more about the text features we studied (caption, close-up view, map, sub-heading, diagram, comparison, graph, cut-away, textbox). Each group of three students worked to find 5 examples of their text feature in books. They photographed the text feature using the iPad camera and imported the photo onto a blank page in the Notability app. Then students added type to explain what the text feature is used for and how it helps readers of non-fiction understand. Finally, the group used the voice record feature on the app to read a portion of their presentation. The students loved the ability to add their voice. They found out what we already know....You never sound like you think you do! Due to the successive snowstorms we haven't been able to present yet. Barring any other weather challenges, we should be sharing our technology projects first thing Monday!
Classroom News: During conferences, I mentioned the need for third grade students to improve their typing skills. I also mentioned briefly, that I would look into setting up our Reading Response Homework on our classroom blog that students could access at home. This would allow practice with reading an article online, composing, and typing a response at the same time. The long winter vacation allowed me to scan the articles and set up the questions for the next several weeks. Tomorrow, I will send home a letter giving the web address of the classroom blog and the details on how to log on and create the response. I anticipate students being very excited and wanting to complete their homework on line. Please know that all Reading Response Homework will be given out in paper form and is available online. Students may work online one week and the next week turn in a paper copy. The only important thing to be consistent with is the due date of Thursday morning. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about homework blogging.
Finally, I'd like to draw your attention to 2 new "Places to Go" on the links list on my blog page. I've added our English/Language Arts Coordinator, Darlene Brown's and our Math Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator, Paige Weaver's webpages. Each of these pages has several links that provide fact practice, reading, games, and other great practice opportunities for each grade level. All of the links have been previewed and deemed excellent learning choices! If you are interested in supporting the learning we do in class and providing your child with some educational fun, check these links out!
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