Thursday, November 17, 2011

Pulling Out Hair!

Dearest Caring Parents,

I want you to understand how horribly frustrating it is for me some days! Today the class took  a test on multiplication arrays. They know this concept so well! But today, they did not listen to the instructions, they did not READ the instructions and some had failing grades because of this.

The progress reports will reflect the grade taken today. I may allow a re-take of the test after the Thanksgiving Holiday, but there has to be a lesson learned!

Please check your child's grade on Parent Portal for the  test today and have that conversation with your child about following directions and Listening!

Thank you!

Signed,

Harried in Houston

Friday, October 14, 2011

Busy, Busy, Busy

These next few weeks are super busy for 3rd graders! So break out the calendars and get ready to visit the school for many activities!

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held from Wednesday afternoon (10/19)through Friday afternoon (10/21). The Family Library/Pot Luck/Conference night is Wednesday!  Be here between 4:00 - 7:00.  I have scheduled some conferences, but if I have no-shows and I see YOU, I may just scoot you in!

The students get out of school early (11:30) on Thursday and Friday.  Those afternoons are reserved for conferences, so PLEASE keep your appointment or get with me before to reschedule. I am available for PHONE conferences if necessary.

Every 3rd grader will receive a dictionary (to keep) on Friday, October 28th!  That day is also the Fall Festival at 5:00.  I am very excited and it is one of my favorite days!  I will be there and I can't wait to see all the kids in their costumes and street clothes.

So, keep the next two weeks clear and I look forward to seeing all of you!

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Technology

Ok...I give! Books are put inside thin metal sheets, games are put on 3x5 phones. Children can play games and be entertained WHEREVER a smart phone or device is present.

At my school, I am now the liason for Web 2.0 Tools. Basically, I'm the person who finds new, useful, and cool technology and brings it to the teachers and staff. In my technology travels, I do come upon some great sites for parents and loved ones of my students.

So, I will start posting about and adding to my Website list if I find something new...I found something new just for families...

http://www.famigo.com/ is a site to find FAMILY FRIENDLY apps for "smart" devices that use Apple or Android apps and how to find the ones without violence and maybe some learning.  Check it out!

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Newsflash!

IF NOT DONE SO, PLEASE CONTACT ME TO SCHEDULE A CONFERENCE ON OCTOBER 20 OR OCTOBER 21!


We took our class pictures today and the kids did a GREAT job!  I can't wait to see them.  I will keep you posted and deliver them as soon as they come back to us.

I have found a new web resource for the class called http://www.tenmarks.com/ I have registered the class only using initials to protect identities.  This site may be accessed from home.  If you want your child to use it at home, let me know and I'll send the ID/password to you - they are the same.

Our lunch schedule has changed and I will post the final (for now) schedule as a separate section on this blog.

Thanks for all you do!

Friday, September 16, 2011

Progress Reports and Benchmarks

We survived the first math benchmark of the year!  It was the EXACT same test as last spring. We can definitely say that we need HELP with math facts.

Please create or invest in a set of addition/subtraction flashcards and spend about five (yes, only 5) a day.  The goal is to get away from fingers and just make it automatic. When my boy was younger, I would just write out 20 easy basic problems and we would race each other and the clock.  He didn't like losing to me, so he had a great incentive.

http://www.aplusmath.com/ has flashcards that are free and your child can race against a clock.

Progress Reports will be sent out Monday, September 26th.  Please call me if you have any concerns or wish to discuss your child's progress.

See you at Back to School Night!  Thursday, September 22nd is the big day...we have the field trip and Back to School Night...Please come!