Dear Parents,
How Tuesday! Lots of update for the upcoming week and what's going on in our classroom! I hope this message finds you well!
First of all, we started equivalent fractions this week. Our kids struggled with fractions greater than one. I showed them using a ruler and a number line how we "keep going" when it's past the whole number and the equivalency of 1 1/4, 1 2/4, 1/ 3/4 and etc. How they represent each other. I introduced the vocabulary math term "improper fraction" and why it's "improper" as well as "mixed number" (having a whole and a fraction), etc. They will dive deeper into this concept in 4th, and certainly in 5th grade. They finally understood it. Unit 8 is currently scheduled possibly next week. I am finalizing the study guide and answer sheet for it. My original math schedule is delayed due to needing extra help for our kids with fractions greater than 1.
For reading, we are wrapping up on the final lesson in Unit 5 comparing 2 nonfiction texts and using RACE to answer the questions. They will be taking the "final unit test" sometime next week. Please support me by reminding our children that they need to focus in class and save the chat time during recess. I would appreciate your follow up from home. As for history, we are diving into "Colonial Times" and then Rocks and Minerals as the last unit for science this quarter.
Interim results. The data varies with each of our children. I am happy to announce that we only had three students that resulted in the red zone for ELA and a few exceeding. Although, math was our biggest struggle according to our FALL interim data. Slightly over half of the class made improvement. I was a bit disappointed, but this also gives me an idea how much I need to review and go back for certain math concepts. I will continue to focus on bringing more math practice into the classroom as well as academic terms and differentiated homework for those who are struggling. I am in the process of figuring out how to print a sample of their errors from School City and following it up with extra practice problems that they can work at home, please allow me some time to individualize these homework assignments for you. In the meantime, prodigy, Education Galaxy are great websites for your child to practice their math facts.
Parent conference is just around the corner. If you wish to sign up, please do so. Here's the link. I will be emailing you privately for a conference on behavior or other classroom issues if needed. But please know, I am always here for you to answer any questions that you may have.
Reading logs for February are due tomorrow (3/1). Remember that 60 minutes are the minimum requirement and 100 minutes for each week. We will provide extra recess next Monday and popsicle for students who met their goals. Six Flags reading log is due tomorrow as well. Thank you to students who have already turned them in. You can receive a free ticket to 6 Flags if you meet the requirement of 6 hours or 360 minutes!
3rd Grade is hosting a GEORGIA MILESTONE PARENT NIGHT on Thursday, March 8th from 6pm to 7pm in the cafeteria. Remember that I have posted resources on my "itslearning" page in regards to the GA Milestone. Please have your children start practicing this at home as well, to familiarize what the test is all about as I continue to guide and teach them how to answer varies writing responses and concepts.
"Jump Rope" for heart has officially begun. The event is going on ALL of March until Friday, March 23rd! Get your pledges in and let's give back to the community!
Don't forget to put on your calendar "Synergy Family Fest" on 3/22 and the next Galactic Game is 3/30. I'll remind you as we get closer toward the end of March.
Have an awesome week! Sorry for the extended email. Let me know if you have any questions! As always, thank you for your partnership in education. I really can't do it without you.
Sincerely yours,
Mrs. Tsai
How Tuesday! Lots of update for the upcoming week and what's going on in our classroom! I hope this message finds you well!
First of all, we started equivalent fractions this week. Our kids struggled with fractions greater than one. I showed them using a ruler and a number line how we "keep going" when it's past the whole number and the equivalency of 1 1/4, 1 2/4, 1/ 3/4 and etc. How they represent each other. I introduced the vocabulary math term "improper fraction" and why it's "improper" as well as "mixed number" (having a whole and a fraction), etc. They will dive deeper into this concept in 4th, and certainly in 5th grade. They finally understood it. Unit 8 is currently scheduled possibly next week. I am finalizing the study guide and answer sheet for it. My original math schedule is delayed due to needing extra help for our kids with fractions greater than 1.
For reading, we are wrapping up on the final lesson in Unit 5 comparing 2 nonfiction texts and using RACE to answer the questions. They will be taking the "final unit test" sometime next week. Please support me by reminding our children that they need to focus in class and save the chat time during recess. I would appreciate your follow up from home. As for history, we are diving into "Colonial Times" and then Rocks and Minerals as the last unit for science this quarter.
Interim results. The data varies with each of our children. I am happy to announce that we only had three students that resulted in the red zone for ELA and a few exceeding. Although, math was our biggest struggle according to our FALL interim data. Slightly over half of the class made improvement. I was a bit disappointed, but this also gives me an idea how much I need to review and go back for certain math concepts. I will continue to focus on bringing more math practice into the classroom as well as academic terms and differentiated homework for those who are struggling. I am in the process of figuring out how to print a sample of their errors from School City and following it up with extra practice problems that they can work at home, please allow me some time to individualize these homework assignments for you. In the meantime, prodigy, Education Galaxy are great websites for your child to practice their math facts.
Parent conference is just around the corner. If you wish to sign up, please do so. Here's the link. I will be emailing you privately for a conference on behavior or other classroom issues if needed. But please know, I am always here for you to answer any questions that you may have.
Reading logs for February are due tomorrow (3/1). Remember that 60 minutes are the minimum requirement and 100 minutes for each week. We will provide extra recess next Monday and popsicle for students who met their goals. Six Flags reading log is due tomorrow as well. Thank you to students who have already turned them in. You can receive a free ticket to 6 Flags if you meet the requirement of 6 hours or 360 minutes!
3rd Grade is hosting a GEORGIA MILESTONE PARENT NIGHT on Thursday, March 8th from 6pm to 7pm in the cafeteria. Remember that I have posted resources on my "itslearning" page in regards to the GA Milestone. Please have your children start practicing this at home as well, to familiarize what the test is all about as I continue to guide and teach them how to answer varies writing responses and concepts.
"Jump Rope" for heart has officially begun. The event is going on ALL of March until Friday, March 23rd! Get your pledges in and let's give back to the community!
Don't forget to put on your calendar "Synergy Family Fest" on 3/22 and the next Galactic Game is 3/30. I'll remind you as we get closer toward the end of March.
Have an awesome week! Sorry for the extended email. Let me know if you have any questions! As always, thank you for your partnership in education. I really can't do it without you.
Sincerely yours,
Mrs. Tsai