As I'm sure you've already heard, our classroom desk are set up in communities (Rural, Suburban, Urban).  The idea was to tie in our Social Studies standards, which focus on communities, the citizens that live in the communities, and laws/government/jobs/etc for the community.  

Two weeks ago, your child started working on becoming experts about the community the sit at. We began with a simple video explaining the three types of communities and features/characteristics of each.  From there, students read about a community that was the same as theirs.  Using that knowledge, they set up a community diorama, named it, and wrote down features that make their community unique.  

The students had a lot of fun learning about their community and using their artistic abilities to create and name their own!

Division

Last week we finished up division, using the book, The Doorbell Rang.  I love this book and how much fun it is to teach my kiddos how to divide using repeated subtraction.  The kiddos love being able to eat their manipulatives!  LOL Most off all, it was fun watching them realize that they could write and solve a division problem, using only repeated subtraction and not having to use the cookies.  They were very proud of themselves for being able to solve simple division equations abstractly.  

Parent Teacher Conference Day - November 6

We are about a month away from Parent/Teacher Conferences!  I cannot believe how quickly this school year is moving.  In case you are new to CLDS, this first conference is mandatory for all students.  You will receive your child's report card at this conference.  You must attend to receive the report card.  

I want to get a jump on the times, so I've created a link in the top, right-hand, side bar, that says "VolunteerSpot" for you to sign up for a conference time.  

• When you click on the link, you DO NOT have to register for an account.  Simply type in your email address and click "Next".  It will take you to the available time slots for you to chose from.  
• To select a time slot,  look through the available times and then click the orange "Sign Up" button to select that time.  In the speech bubble, that is located under the time slot, please tell me the names of your children that are in other classrooms and their teacher's name.  I will work with their teacher to set up their times along with your desired time for me. This way, you do not have to hang around the school all day or leave and come back that day.
• When you select your time slot, I will need to know your Name and Phone number.  Be sure you uncheck the two buttons below the phone number, unless you want to receive Updates or emails from Lands End.  LOL  
• Lastly, click Save at the bottom to save your desired time.  If the times do not work for you, please email me at my school email and we can work out a time that will work for you.  

We only have 20 minutes for each conference. That is not a lot of time to hear how amazing your child is.  I will send home a pre-conference form for you to use, so that we can make sure all of your questions are answered.  

If you have any problems signing up, please let me know.  

October Calendar & Newsletter

I posted the October specials calendar on the Calendar page and finally posted a newsletter on the Newsletter page.  I apologize for not posting a September newsletter.  Time definitely got away from me, but I promise to not let it happen again! :)  Enjoy!

Learning to Multiply

Last week we moved from learning to identify the area of a shape with repeated addition into making arrays to learn how to multiply.  Using skip counting on a number line, students worked in pairs to identify all the multiples in a number (3.OA.1) and placing them on a 100's chart.  By digging deep into multiples, students are able to process multiplication without having to rely on memorization.

 

Working on Area

We continued to work on area today, but using much larger shapes and focusing on avoiding gaps and overlaps.  I am so proud of each student for "persevering"!  That's our big word from SMP #1.   Not only did they have fun learning, but they practiced patience with working with a partner and counting up to large numbers, without losing their place!  LOL  These pictures show just how awesome they are doing learning Area! 

Learning "Area"

We have had so much fun learning area (CCRSM 3.MD.5)!  Students are spending a lot of time working with tiles, aka square units!  It is a lot of fun watching them apply what they have been learning!

1st Day of 2015/2016

What a great first day of school!  I absolutely loved getting to know my kiddos.  We had a busy day, full of routines and expectations, but we managed to squeeze in some All About Me time.  I loved sitting at the tables reading their information and talking with them.  Their enthusiasm and excitement was contagious.  I look forward to a great year, packed full of fun, adventure, and loads of learning!

I forgot to upload my classroom reveal pictures before today, so here they are.  I'm super excited how great the room turned out.  Enjoy!

Classroom library/writing stations