Note Taking

 This week we started a new writing unit - writing to inform.  This involves writing to provide information: describe, explain, give the reader facts, tell what something looks like, and summarize.  I will be linking reading and writing through science  to show the children how these skills are interconnected.

We read an informational text about Jupiter, then analyzed it.  We talked about the features of a great description: strong lead, well-organized factual information, powerful verbs, illustrations and supporting visuals, and a strong conclusion.  We also talked about selecting and noting facts from multiple sources!  We practiced taking notes using words and pictures.  Taking notes involves writing down only the most important information that you want to remember, not copying whole sentences and paragraphs.  Students took notes using multiple sources on the solar system -- they then took their notes and made the notes into a picture.  Kids found that picture note-taking is more fun but not always as easy!  Students were able to share their note-taking skills with their classmates!

Analyzing the text on "Jupiter," & continuing to learn highlighting skills & using our highlighted notes for note-taking!

Writing binders are getting filled to the max with each unit we study!

Elliot is always willing to share his work! 

Max gets to display his work on the ELMO for the class to see his note-taking skills ... and guess what his notes said based on his note-taking picture!

Can you guess what these notes are based on the picture?

You can see how Sophia has quickly grasped the concept of different forms of note-taking!  Informational writing should be a breeze for her!

Hmm ... Jack is showing the class his picture notes -- do you know what he is showing? 

LOVE THIS CLASS!

There is no better feeling than the feeling of being appreciated!  The kids made this during indoor recess and was quite the surprise when Miss Keeler and I arrived back to the classroom after lunch!  Your children are so incredibly thoughtful and wonderful ... it's amazing how much we have grown together since September!  You can also see how quickly they have come to welcome Miss Keeler with open arms as if she has been here since September as well!  They are the best! 

MISS KEELER!

Miss Keeler is already a whiz at using the ELMO!

It has been such a joy to have Miss Keeler join our classroom!  She has settled nicely into the routine and has gotten to know your children so quickly ... She is hands-on, speaks clearly and hold your children to the same expectations as I do!  She has truly immersed herself into the world of 3M flawlessly!  Please make sure to introduce yourself when you come by for a visit! 

PERFECTION!

In math we have been working hard at explaining the answers using words, numbers and examples to prove their answer.  Here, Ella Traynor gave a perfect mathematical explanation where she restated the question, proved her answer with words, numbers and an example.  Bravo Ella! 

HELP!

We have had lengthy discussions in 3M about their belongings and how to keep them safe!  Please help me in discussing with your child the importance of putting away their winter gear neatly so that they don't lose anything!  Above, you can see that they are still working on this task!  Hopefully what I teach them here about putting away their belongings neatly will carry over at home :)

BUDDIES!

The kids LOVE meeting with their BUDDIES!   The past few weeks, the 3rd graders have been helping the kindergartners to learn as well as practice writing & spelling their sight words and numbers!  

Weekly Reflections!

I hope you have enjoyed the weekly reflections that have been coming home!  I am amazed at how honest and thoughtful the reflections have been, especially with how many stars they give themselves!  It is such a great conversations piece between parent & child and another great way for us to communicate!  make sure the reflections are signed each weekend and sent back to school on Mondays with your child to put into their binder!