So much to say...so little time...

News From the Class: The word in third grade is STAY CALM and BE CONFIDENT! Third grade student prepared for the CMT testing (which takes place in March) on the two school days following our February vacation. On the 20^th and 21^st each student traveled with his/her class to all of the third grade teachers’ classrooms. All of the third grade teachers taught the skills and strategies needed for taking this type of test. Each teacher focused on a different test preparation lesson. Our hope was that this novel approach to review would add to students’ overall confidence and ability to remain calm during the testing days. After the "Going for the GOLD" CMT review was complete, students reported that "this was a more interesting/fun way to practice" Please remember a little additional down-time, a good night’s sleep and a good breakfast can’t be underestimated in overall feelings of well being. 
New Learning: Our Biography genre study is going beautifully! Our first read aloud was a biography of Milton Hershey. Perfect for the month of February! As I read, I modeled and discussed the important thinking that readers should engage in while they read a biography. We found Milton Hershey's life to be an example of perseverance and stamina combined with his true passion. Our big take away from our reading was that Milton Hershey was a true illustration of the way to live life. He knew himself. He cared about his community and generously gave to help other's in need. 
We notice that an inquisitive biography reader will find many other topics to consider researching. For instance, the class decided that we wanted to know how chocolate is made. This led us to investigating the Hershey website. There are fantastic videos that took us from jungle to candy bar. As a class we took notes on the videos and used our knowledge of Milton Hershey and his practices as a candy maker and the newly found knowledge of the process we use today to decide if chocolate making is really a science.  Reading biographies is not just studying old people from long ago, it encourages curiosity about life! 
On Monday, we start partner reading on a new biography subject. Here students will practice the strategies we learned as a whole class with the support of a partner.  Please see the poster's that we used to guide our thinking. When you discuss the biography your child is reading with him/her, you can use the language we use in class.
Upcoming Events: While we are working our way through the seven days of CMT testing for the first time, we will begin our Read to Feed Program. During the CMT tests the students’ only homework is to spend time reading each night, so we decided that this would be the perfect time for a reading challenge! Soon you will receive information to explain the Read to Feed Reading Challenge. It is a wonderful opportunity for the third grade students to make a difference in their own community, much like many of the characters and real people we’ve been reading about in class lately.

 Possible topics for partners to discuss when they get together for "talk-time".

Biography Facts--Thinking a biography reader should experience while reading.

This Week In Room 21!

While the beginning of the week is off to a slow start with the surprise snow day and more bad weather pending , we have plenty to keep us busy once we arrive at school. We have completed our six week study of the Mystery genre. We will begin our next genre study, Biographies this week. This is an exciting unit that has something for everyone! Whatever a student's interests are, there is a biography for him/her to read.
For our mentor text, (A text that we read, discuss, analyze then constantly refer back to throughout the unit.) I have chosen Milton Hershey's biography. I've chosen this biography for many reasons. First, I'm sure you've heard of my love of chocolate! (I said there was a biography for every interest! haha!) Seriously, Milton Hershey was born into a farm family. He wanted something different for his life. The biography tells about this man's ability to hang in and steadily move toward his goals while overcoming adversity. His steadfast approach is inspirational. I think the timing is perfect with CMT's just about a month away! Additionally, he truly believed in "paying-it-forward" which teaches a valuable lesson in and of its self.
Stay tuned for biography anchor charts. As we progress through the unit, I will post my classroom anchor charts discussing "What Good Biography Readers Do" as they read. Hopefully, this is one more way to promote conversation about what your child is currently reading.
I mentioned CMTs and the fact that they are about a month away. I'd like to remind everyone of what I tell the students: CMTs assess everything that students have worked on since kindergarten. We do some  test prep that centers on test taking strategies and unique formats that the students may need to understand in order to take the test. In the weeks to come it is not a time to "cram" for the test, but rather relax and rest so that our mind is in a comfortable, confident place. All that is expected is that students give their personal best each day for the hour-plus that we test.
In math, we will review perimeter with some fun lessons called "Walking Around Shapes." These lessons encourage students to discover patterns while realizing the perimeter formula of regular shapes. Here is a website to practice finding perimeter of regular and irregular shapes while reinforcing mental addition. Have Fun!