Weekly Update

Dear Families,

It feels strange writing this letter today because I was out of the classroom the whole week. My son is sick with the flu and I had to care for him at home. He is doing much better now and hopes to return back to normal within the next few days. Thanks for all your support throughout this week. Even though I did not spend time inside the classroom this past week, I stayed in close contact with the other teachers and know that the students had a very productive week, filled with learning and discoveries.
In Reader’s Workshop, the students continued to read as writers and fine-tuned their reading responses and critical thinking skills. They had opportunities to write postcards to the authors recommend books to our friends using our classroom “Hooked on Reading” section as well as explore elements of non-fiction books.
In Writer’s Workshop the students finished their Native American paragraphs and I heard they did an amazing job. I cannot wait to read them all. They also had time to explore new writing topics by choosing topics, or “seeds”, from their previously constructed ideas inside their Writer’s Notebooks. I am anxious to read these stories too. I know they all had wonderful ideas and I look forward to seeing them develop as we explore the writing process together.
In math, 3rd graders started math problem solving this week (4th graders started earlier this year). In math problem solving, as many of you already know, students are encouraged to seek a deeper, conceptual understanding of mathematics. They work with word problems and show their understanding in many different ways, utilizing various math tools and representations. I also encourage students to view these problems as “everyday situations”, situations that arise all the time which require different thinking skills and solutions. Therefore, we work collaboratively, sometimes in small groups, sometimes in partnerships. We share ideas and discuss possible solutions to these problems. Students are encouraged to feel comfortable with numbers using oral language, writing, reading, and traditional math representations, such as equations, number sentences, and patterns.
I have many new and exciting technology news to share with this week. First of all, I have added many new interactive widgets onto my classroom blog. I have added the phases of the Moon to the sidebar. Please check it out, but nothing beats viewing the REAL MOON outside!! Perhaps your child can compare. I know 4th graders kept a Moon Journal last year! I have also added an interactive Dictionary and Thesaurus. Simply put in the word you wonder about and it will automatically bring you to Merriam-Webster’s definition. No more reaching for that dusty dictionary in the back of your bookcase! I also made a Native American Scrapbook movie for the blog. I would like to make another one, with pictures from the assembly. If anyone has any pictures (or sound files), please e-mail them to me. Thank you!
On the topics of pictures…I would like to create a Classroom Photo Sharing Group on snapfish.com. It is an internet-based photo-storage site, but I have created a private group for us in the classroom. This site, under our group name, would hold/store pictures from the school year that we all can share. In other words, I can upload pictures from my camera, and so can you. All of the members of the group have access to all the pictures within the group. Any the member can order pictures, create special booklets, slide-shows, etc for private use. If you simply wish to log on and view the pictures in the group, you can. This group is private and only for school-related pictures! If you are interested in having access (or even contribute) to this Classroom Photo Sharing Group, please fill out the form below and return to me on Monday. Thank you!
I have also updated our classroom Wiki. Please browse around as I have updated almost every folder. I have attached some wonderful Native American music videos to our Native American folder, and I have created a brand new Ecology folder. I am very excited to share some interactive art sites with you as well. Click on “Art” on the front page of the Wiki. It will bring you to two links. The first link brings you to an interactive on-line whiteboard. Your child can draw with many different colors, create effects and designs. The second link brings you to an interactive on-line art canvas. Your child can paint with “brushes,” “splash” colors, and finish off by selecting a frame that fits his/her art-work!
Lastly, I understand the students did an amazing job at the Native American Assembly. I am very sorry I missed it. You have to tell me all about it next week.
Have a happy and healthy weekend!

Regards,

Maria McCormack