Week of January 19-23, 2009

Friday 1/23/09

• Math 3: Today we took a math test and timed fact assessment. We used the remaining class time to udpate our temperature graphs and play problem solving games. NO HOMEWORK!!
• Language Arts 3/4: Today we held our third class spelling bee! Congratulations to Kevin, the third grade champ and Craig, the fourth grade champ. Craig defeated Kevin in the final round to become grand champion. Everyone did an excellent job!
• Religion 3/4: We continued in our study of Job and talked about why bad things happen and how we can respond when we are faced with suffering. There are a few people who still haven't finished their books of the Bible memory work so keep practicing!
• Science 3/4: Today we wrapped up our astronomy unit with a chapter test and a fun crossword puzzle. Next week we will begin a new study on motion and force - lots of fun experiments are in the near future!
• Art 3/4: We used materials like paper, glitter, bottle caps, and other odds and ends to create a piece of artwork reflecting what we've just finished studying in science. Some people made "space junk," others made galaxies...everyone had fun!

Thursday 1/22/09

• Math 3: We continued using pattern blocks to help us compare fractions with a denominator of 2, 3, and 6. We added and subtracted them, and we also used the blocks to represent different fractions. Everyone finished 74A in class. Homework: 74B and oral facts 74.
• Language Arts 3: Third graders reviewed singular and plural nouns as well as the plural spelling changes. They also learned how to make a noun possessive. Homework: Study for spelling test tomorrow.
• Language Arts 4: Today we had a literature circle on "Island of the Blue Dolphins" and talked about how the story related to survival. Miss Bertschi shared pictures and stories from a week-long backpacking and canoeing trip she took two summers ago in Northern Minnesota. Homework: Be ready for the next literature circle on Monday.
• Religion 3/4: Mrs. Hoffmann had to attend a meeting today so we watched a video on Joshua and the battle of Jericho then had some Bible races to improve our speed and keep getting more familiar with our Bibles.
• Social Studies 3/4: We continued our work with route maps this afternoon.
• PE: Volleyball with Mr. Bretscher! =)

Wednesday 1/21/09

• Math 3: Today we used pattern blocks to compare fractions with a denominator of 2, 3, and 6. We also began learning how to add and subtract fractions with a denominator of 2, 3, and 6. Most completed 73A in class. Homework: 73B.
• Language Arts 3: We read a story written in poetic form called "Heartland" and practiced our expressive reading. Some did VERY well and others are still working on their confident voices. Everyone tried their hardest and I'm proud of them! Homework: Spelling sentences.
• Language Arts 4: We read "McBroom and the Big Wind" and prepared for a literature circle on this story, which will take place on Friday.
• Science 3/4: We played Astronomy Jeopardy today to review our unit on Stars and Constellations. The "astronomers" blew the "comets" out of the water but both teams played a good game. We also shared our famous astronomer reports today. Homework: Chapter packet is due FRIDAY - the chapter review as well as any skipped pages in the packet should be completed.
• Spanish 3/4: This afternoon we reviewed emotions with "estoy" and practiced conversing with several different partners. To end the lesson we partnered up and played a game on the computer testing our knowledge of Spanish emotions...Ashton and Alizza scored 100% on the first try! Excellente!

Tuesday 1/20/09

• Math 3: Today we learned how to round three-digit numbers to the nearest hundred as well as how to estimate the sum or difference of two three-digit numbers. We continue to practice multiplying by 2, 5, 7, and 10. Most students completed 72A in class. Homework: 72B and oral facts 72.
• Language Arts 3: Third graders read with a partner about some aspects of the industrial revolution in "A Revolution Comes to the Country." This week is a review week for spelling so all spelling words are words that were previously missed over the last six weeks. Homework: Spelling words 5x.
• Language Arts 4: Today we had our literature circle on "Nachito's Teachings" and had a great discussion about desert life and how we would survive in that setting. Homework: Prepare for the next literature circle, which will be Thursday over "Island of the Blue Dolphins." This includes reading the story all the way through TWO times. Vocab: Alina, Questioner: Craig, Passage Master: Laurie, Connector: Ashton.
• We did not have religion today because we watched the live Inauguration Ceremony of President Barack Obama.
• Social Studies 3/4: Today we went back to our map skills book and learned how to read route maps. Some of the highways we saw on our maps included interstates, US highways, state highways, and scenic highways.