MATH - SORTING QUADRILATERALS

In our geometry unit, we have been studying the attributes (properties) of quadrilaterals such as parallelograms, rectangles, rhombuses, and squares.  We are classifying these various quadrilaterals based upon their attributes. Quadrilaterals can be placed in more than one category.  The link below contains important information that is presented in a fun way to help your child understand the classification process.


http://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/math/geometry/cla
ssify-quadrilaterals.htm


Here are some more good links on sorting quadrilaterals:

https://learnzillion.com/lessons/3513-classify-quadrilaterals-in-a-hierarchy

https://learnzillion.com/lessons/1710-classify-quadrilaterals-by-looking-at-multiple-attributes

PASTA SKELETONS

Students in Ms. Underwood's class extended their knowledge of the major bones and joints in the human body by creating a skeleton made out of various shapes of pasta.  They also labelled the bones and joints after gluing down their pasta shapes.  They really loved this hands-on and creative activity.

INTERACTIVE SKELETAL SYSTEM WEBSITE

Students have thoroughly enjoyed the hands-on activities in our Human Body unit. They have learned important ideas about our skeletal and muscular systems, as well as the skin. Listed below is an interactive website that students may want to use at home to reinforce their classroom learning. 

On Wednesday, October 1, Ms. Underwood's students will begin their social studies unit with Mr. Otto while Ms. Underwood teaches Mr. Otto's students science.


http://www.abcya.com/skeletal_system.htm

SCHOLASTIC BOOK ORDERS

Thank you for the Scholastic book orders you have submitted online.  Our classroom code for ordering online is J64DG.  If you prefer, please feel free to send your order and check (made payable to Scholastic Reading Clubs) to me, and I will place the order for our classroom.  Your book orders earn our classroom bonus points which can be redeemed for electronic books, classroom books, and other educational resources.  Thank you again for your support!  

SCIENCE - Investigating Thumb and Finger Joints

In our study of the joints of the human body, we have been exploring the characteristics of our amazing opposable thumbs.  Partners used two different methods to immobilize their thumb and finger joints using dowel rods, craft sticks, and masking tape.  Then they performed tasks such as making a paper clip bracelet, taping small beads to an index card, among others to experience what life would be like without thumbs or limited use of the fingers.  It was a blast watching them complete their tasks with immobilized joints. 

OPEN HOUSE

Thursday, September 18th is Douglas Elementary School's Open House! Please plan to attend at 6:00pm for an overview of our curriculum in third grade.  Another session begins at 6:30 which will provide information and answer questions regarding Read to Achieve, the state legislation that affects third graders based on their reading proficiency. 

 

*Please note that most grade levels offer 2 sessions of the same information.  However, third grade will only have 1 session that addresses third grade curriculum and that session will begin at 6:00. 

There will be a General PTA meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m.

 

Hope to see you next Thursday!

MATH - MR. BONES PUZZLE

In science today, students worked with a partner to identify some of the major bones of the human skeletal system as they assembled Mr. Bones.  Our class has been enjoying the Human Body unit as we have incorporated fun songs and movement to enhance our study of the skeletal system.  Enjoy the pictures of your children hard at work.  (Single click on the photograph to enlarge it.)

  

MATH - COMPARISON BARS STRATEGY

Parents:

This morning in math we worked on using comparison bars to solve multi-digit comparison problems.  This math concept is tricky and requires practice because students must distinguish the known information in the word problem from what is unknown.  I am including two links to youtube videos that give an explanation of the comparison bars.  I thought these might be helpful to you in helping your child with homework.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-hCpRJriBw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGfwCLPLF5U

IMPORTANT DATES

Thursday, September 11 - BEGINNING OF GRADE ASSESSMENT

Thursday, September 18 - OPEN HOUSE  5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Monday, September 22 - Interim Reports sent home

Thursday, September 25 - TEACHER WORKDAY - (Conferences to be scheduled)

Wednesday, October 1 - FALL PICTURE DAY

Thursday, October 2 - SCHOOL SKATE PARTY - 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. 

                                         United Skates of America
Friday, October 17 - EARLY RELEASE - 1:15 p.m.
Wednesday, October 29 - TEACHER WORKDAY
                                                                

September 2, 2014                                                                                         

Dear Parents:

The start of the new school year has been a successful one.  I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know your child through activities we have done in the classroom to establish a sense of community.  I am very excited about the learning experiences your child will participate in and look forward to a productive school year.

CURRICULUM

Last week we learned the procedures and expectations of our “Daily 5” program for literacy.  Students are doing a wonderful job practicing read to self while at the same time building their stamina for reading.  They have been asking questions before, during, and after reading to set a purpose for reading, stay engaged during reading, and check for understanding.  During Writer’s Workshop, students have been learning how to write a well-organized paragraph with a topic sentence and supporting details.  This week we will begin writing focused, small moment personal narratives.  Our focus in math has been on reviewing various methods to fluently add and subtract.  These methods include place value drawings, show all totals, and expanded form.  We have also been working on “math talk” in the classroom because it is important that students be able to explain the process of their problem solving rather than just give an answer.  We began our first unit of study in Science today which is the human body.  There are many fun, hands-on activities planned in this unit to help students understand various systems within the human body.

HOMEWORK

Students are writing their homework assignments in their agendas.  Your child should be bringing home his/her math and homework binder nightly.  This binder contains his/her agenda, the green Douglas folder which will contain homework papers, and the math focus lessons for the quarter.  There is also a reading log inside the green homework folder which needs to be signed nightly (Monday – Thursday), acknowledging that your child read 20 minutes and checked for comprehension that evening. 

COMMUNICATION

 I am always happy to talk to you about any questions or concerns you may have about your child.  Please do not hesitate to send a letter, write a note in the agenda, call the school (919-881-4894), or email me at dunderwood@wcpss.net.  I think it is very important to keep the lines of communication open between home and school in order to create a positive learning environment for your child.  Folders will be sent home every Monday to inform you of your child’s progress, important events, and upcoming dates.  I am sending these home today since Monday was a holiday.  Please take the time to review the information/class work/homework with your child.  Please feel free to keep the papers in the folder other than those that specify to be returned.  I am also in the process of updating our class website.  This classroom blog will serve as another means of communication between home and school.

BOOK ORDERS

Included in today’s Monday folder is a book order from Scholastic.  These orders will be sent home often.  If you would like to order any books, please send back the order form and check by September 15.  Make checks payable to Scholastic, and please do not send cash.  We will receive classroom points redeemable for free books for orders made online using our classroom code J64DG.

HIGHLIGHTS MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION

I am also including a special school offer to subscribe to Highlights magazine.  Highlights is a fun magazine that offers activities to make children think, crafts that spark creativity, fiction and nonfiction reading, as well as games and puzzles to build learning skills.  By checking yes or no on the white form, you can help our classroom earn a free gift.

          

UPCOMING DATES

9/11 – Beginning of Grade Assessment, 9/18 – Open House (5:30 – 7:00 p.m.), 9/25 - Workday

Thank you for the classroom donations of tissues, wipes, copy paper, expo markers, etc.  These supplies are definitely needed, and I appreciate your generosity.  I am very grateful for the opportunity to teach your child.  I look forward to helping your child grow academically and develop the skills needed to function effectively in our global society.

Sincerely,

Donna H. Underwood