Hope everyone is having a relaxing vacation! Remember...read at least a chapter a day (excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day!) Otherwise enjoy your time off! See ya on January 5, 2009!
Until next time, R. O'Steen
Monday, December 29, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Next Grades
This week again we do not have a focused vocabulary list. Students will be focused on a genre called Trickster Tales. Have fun discussing these stories with your child this week. On Friday they will have their spelling test (on words with the sound and pattern of oi and oy as in boy) and reading test on the trickster tales in the book.
Next week students will not have spelling but will take the Theme 2 test on Monday. Even though it will be a short week, students still need to read and log in over the break. When they return from the holiday, we will start a new theme and we will be back to weekly spelling and vocabulary tests. Students should be studying these words for a Friday test. If I were to say 2 areas most students can improve it would be in vocabulary and their reading logs.
Reading logs are part of their grade and a very important part of their reading practice. Students will not become better readers without practicing reading themselves. We do a lot of shared readings and read alouds in class so it is very important for students to read daily to practice that same reading on their own.
Until next time...Have a great Thanksgiving Holiday!
R. O'Steen
Next week students will not have spelling but will take the Theme 2 test on Monday. Even though it will be a short week, students still need to read and log in over the break. When they return from the holiday, we will start a new theme and we will be back to weekly spelling and vocabulary tests. Students should be studying these words for a Friday test. If I were to say 2 areas most students can improve it would be in vocabulary and their reading logs.
Reading logs are part of their grade and a very important part of their reading practice. Students will not become better readers without practicing reading themselves. We do a lot of shared readings and read alouds in class so it is very important for students to read daily to practice that same reading on their own.
Until next time...Have a great Thanksgiving Holiday!
R. O'Steen
Sunday, November 9, 2008
End of Unit
We are wrapping up the unit starting this week. Students have been focused on Author's Viewpoint, Categorizing and Classifying, Noting Details, and Main Idea with Supporting Details. You can look in their readers notebooks to see classwork on these topics.You should have seen tests coming home on all of these focuses.
This week students will not have vocabulary words assigned, they will keep a list of words they don't know as they read the two stories for this week. I will collect the words on Friday. Their spelling list will be a review of all long vowels.
You should be seeing your child reading and logging in daily. Ask your child what they read and logged in to reinforce comprehension.
Starting this past Friday you should have seen their weekly reading assessment test stapled in their Friday folder. This is the test I shared at Open House. We can now tear them out of the book, so I will be stapling them in the Friday folder for you to see and review with your child. Students are allowed to bring home their reading textbooks any time they need to so feel free to read the story with your child then review the mistakes on the tests. Please leave them however in the folder as I need to file them in their portfolio throughout the year.
Lastly, report cards will be coming home on Friday, November 14 and we are already half way through the 2nd nine weeks, so the new progress report will be coming home shortly.
Thanks for all you do!
Until next time...R. O'Steen
This week students will not have vocabulary words assigned, they will keep a list of words they don't know as they read the two stories for this week. I will collect the words on Friday. Their spelling list will be a review of all long vowels.
You should be seeing your child reading and logging in daily. Ask your child what they read and logged in to reinforce comprehension.
Starting this past Friday you should have seen their weekly reading assessment test stapled in their Friday folder. This is the test I shared at Open House. We can now tear them out of the book, so I will be stapling them in the Friday folder for you to see and review with your child. Students are allowed to bring home their reading textbooks any time they need to so feel free to read the story with your child then review the mistakes on the tests. Please leave them however in the folder as I need to file them in their portfolio throughout the year.
Lastly, report cards will be coming home on Friday, November 14 and we are already half way through the 2nd nine weeks, so the new progress report will be coming home shortly.
Thanks for all you do!
Until next time...R. O'Steen
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
New Reading Theme
We have finished Theme 1 in our reading textbook. I have not finished grading the tests yet. I will write your child's score in their planner by the end of the week. We began Theme 2 on Monday. Students should be defining vocabulary words weekly. There were many in both classes that did not complete that assignment last night. There are vocabulary tests every Friday along with Spelling tests.
This week in Reading students are focusing on Author's Viewpoint. Students will determine how an author feels, thinks or believes (their attitude) about the subject or topic they are writing about. Students can also determine why an author wrote about the topic by the author's viewpoint.
The Spelling focus this week is patterns of long a and long e. We are also working on compound words. Students are also learning the directions for a language practice sheet called Drops in the Bucket. Once we finish 2 in class you will start seeing them coming home for homework.
We are coming up on the end of the first nine weeks. Next week will mark the end of the first grading period with school being closed Friday October 24 for planning day.
Please remember to check your child's planner every night and check their reading logs for their reading practice daily.
Until next time...R. O'Steen :)
This week in Reading students are focusing on Author's Viewpoint. Students will determine how an author feels, thinks or believes (their attitude) about the subject or topic they are writing about. Students can also determine why an author wrote about the topic by the author's viewpoint.
The Spelling focus this week is patterns of long a and long e. We are also working on compound words. Students are also learning the directions for a language practice sheet called Drops in the Bucket. Once we finish 2 in class you will start seeing them coming home for homework.
We are coming up on the end of the first nine weeks. Next week will mark the end of the first grading period with school being closed Friday October 24 for planning day.
Please remember to check your child's planner every night and check their reading logs for their reading practice daily.
Until next time...R. O'Steen :)
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Are You Smarter Than a Third Grader?
Next Thursday, September 25, third grade teachers will host a learning night for parents here at Crystal Springs in the multipurpose room. A flyer went home about it yesterday asking for an RSVP. There will be activities in Reading, Writing, Math, and Science. So come join us for a fun night of learning what it is like to be a third grader!
Ways to Help Your Child with Reading
A very common question in third grade from parents is "How can I help my child in reading?"
The first way is to be sure they are reading every night and logging in on their reading log in their reading folder. This is a grade. There have been 2 collected so far.
Another way is to help them review reading vocabulary words and help them with the questions at the end of the story if they need help. You can look in their reader's notebook and see the focus for each week. Ask your child to explain the focus to you and how they use it in reading.
But really...the way to become a better reader is to read. So read with them, to them, or have them tell you about what they read.
Until next time,
R.O'Steen
The first way is to be sure they are reading every night and logging in on their reading log in their reading folder. This is a grade. There have been 2 collected so far.
Another way is to help them review reading vocabulary words and help them with the questions at the end of the story if they need help. You can look in their reader's notebook and see the focus for each week. Ask your child to explain the focus to you and how they use it in reading.
But really...the way to become a better reader is to read. So read with them, to them, or have them tell you about what they read.
Until next time,
R.O'Steen
Reading Vocabulary
We are now on the story The Ballad of Mulan in the reading textbook. You should have seen vocabulary words in your child's reader's notebook for them to study. They were to define them from the glossary in their textbook and study them for a test on Friday.
This will continue each week with the introduction of the new story. They don't need to know how to spelling them. They need to know what they mean. They could make flash cards or a matching game out of them to study through the week at home. We also do activities with them in class for practice.
Another new assignment this week was for the students to complete the questions at the end of the story. I assigned only number 1,2, and 3 this week.
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
This will continue each week with the introduction of the new story. They don't need to know how to spelling them. They need to know what they mean. They could make flash cards or a matching game out of them to study through the week at home. We also do activities with them in class for practice.
Another new assignment this week was for the students to complete the questions at the end of the story. I assigned only number 1,2, and 3 this week.
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Friday, September 5, 2008
New Weather Make Up Days
Since we had to miss 3 days of school, there is a change to the school calender. Students will come to school November 10 then be off November 11 for Veteran's Day. Students will come to school on October 20 originally planning day and the new planning day will be October 24. Students will still be off the three original days in November for Thanksgiving but miss the first 2 days of Christmas break. They will come to school December 18 and 19th.
Let's all hope that Ike and all of his friends stay away from Northeast Florida! :-)
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
Let's all hope that Ike and all of his friends stay away from Northeast Florida! :-)
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
New Reading Textbooks and Reading Log Grades
Today the reading textbook was issued to the students. You should start seeing them come home on Monday. They will have assignments through the week such as defining vocabulary words, reading the weekly story and answering questions at the end of the story. These assignments should be completed in their readers notebook. They will have a vocabulary test on Fridays along with a weekly test on the reading focus for the week.
Your child should be able to tell you what we are focusing on in reading each week. They should have an anchor lesson in their readers notebook so you can see the focus for the week.
A reminder...students should still be reading one chapter a day and logging it in on their reading log. They received their first grade in their reading folder today. They are graded on a rubric or guide.
Students earn an A by reading everyday and logging in according to the log. For example right now they are making predictions.
Students earn a B by missing 1 or 2 days or not logging in correctly. For example summarizing when they should be making predictions
Students earn a C by missing 3 or 4 days or having vague details when logging in the reading log.
Students earn a D by missing 5 days or only logging in title date but no thinking or details about the book.
Students earn an F by not logging in at all or turning in an illegible log.
Students should be reading a chapter book working toward their 30 book standard.
Hope you have a great weekend! Until next time, R.O'Steen
Your child should be able to tell you what we are focusing on in reading each week. They should have an anchor lesson in their readers notebook so you can see the focus for the week.
A reminder...students should still be reading one chapter a day and logging it in on their reading log. They received their first grade in their reading folder today. They are graded on a rubric or guide.
Students earn an A by reading everyday and logging in according to the log. For example right now they are making predictions.
Students earn a B by missing 1 or 2 days or not logging in correctly. For example summarizing when they should be making predictions
Students earn a C by missing 3 or 4 days or having vague details when logging in the reading log.
Students earn a D by missing 5 days or only logging in title date but no thinking or details about the book.
Students earn an F by not logging in at all or turning in an illegible log.
Students should be reading a chapter book working toward their 30 book standard.
Hope you have a great weekend! Until next time, R.O'Steen
Thursday, September 4, 2008
What's New? Spelling!
First off...glad so many of ya'll made it out to Open House this year. There are lots of new things to learn about third grade. If you were unable to make it please don't hesitate to write any questions you have in the planner. I check them every morning.
Now...
This week we started Spelling! Every Monday (or first day of the school week) students will have a lesson on their spelling focus then take a pretest in their planner. After the pretest they are to check their words and correct any misspelled words in the spelling column beside the pretest. This helps them focus on exactly which words they need to study through out the week.
I also had them write down 5 ways to study spelling during the week. They can choose one way each night or do the same way each night it is up to them as long as they are studying. I told them the proof will be on their test Friday if they studied or not.
One last note...part of the spelling test is the focus for the week. This should be written above the spelling list. Students should know what pattern they are studying so they can use it in Reading and Writing when they need to sound out words.
Until next time :) R. O'Steen
Now...
This week we started Spelling! Every Monday (or first day of the school week) students will have a lesson on their spelling focus then take a pretest in their planner. After the pretest they are to check their words and correct any misspelled words in the spelling column beside the pretest. This helps them focus on exactly which words they need to study through out the week.
I also had them write down 5 ways to study spelling during the week. They can choose one way each night or do the same way each night it is up to them as long as they are studying. I told them the proof will be on their test Friday if they studied or not.
One last note...part of the spelling test is the focus for the week. This should be written above the spelling list. Students should know what pattern they are studying so they can use it in Reading and Writing when they need to sound out words.
Until next time :) R. O'Steen
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Open House
Glad to see everyone made it through the storm. The children came right back like nothing ever happened! That was great! We have accomplished soooo much this week already. The storm has only put us a few days behind.
Tomorrow, August 28, will be our Open House this year. It will begin at 5:30 for grades 3-5. A note went home about it in the student's planner.
Please be sure to check your child's planner every night for notes, homework reminders, and up coming tests.
There will be no Spelling again this week. We will begin formal Spelling lists next week. We have however started putting our reading folders together. You should have already seen your child reading for homework starting Tuesday. This will continue until the end of the year. Ask your child to see their reading book bag. It should contain their reading folder with their logs in it, their readers notebook and a chapter book they chose on their level. This is a very important part of their reading practice.
Until next time!
R. O'Steen
Tomorrow, August 28, will be our Open House this year. It will begin at 5:30 for grades 3-5. A note went home about it in the student's planner.
Please be sure to check your child's planner every night for notes, homework reminders, and up coming tests.
There will be no Spelling again this week. We will begin formal Spelling lists next week. We have however started putting our reading folders together. You should have already seen your child reading for homework starting Tuesday. This will continue until the end of the year. Ask your child to see their reading book bag. It should contain their reading folder with their logs in it, their readers notebook and a chapter book they chose on their level. This is a very important part of their reading practice.
Until next time!
R. O'Steen
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
School Closing
Due to this...
there won't be any school Wednesday or Thursday.
So find a cozy spot, a good book to read and stay safe!
Hopefully school will be able to open Friday!! R.O'Steen
there won't be any school Wednesday or Thursday.
So find a cozy spot, a good book to read and stay safe!
Hopefully school will be able to open Friday!! R.O'Steen
Monday, August 18, 2008
First Day!
Well the first day is past! I was very proud of the class today. They came in ready to learn! They impressed me by how many classroom routines they carried over from last year. Please continue to encourage your child to listen and do their best every day!
Most students had their supplies today and that was great! A BIG thank you to all the parents who sent in supplies on the wish list!!!!
Keep your fingers crossed that the storm will change track so there can be school Wednesday!!! :)
Until next time, R. O'Steen
Most students had their supplies today and that was great! A BIG thank you to all the parents who sent in supplies on the wish list!!!!
Keep your fingers crossed that the storm will change track so there can be school Wednesday!!! :)
Until next time, R. O'Steen
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Welcome to a New Year!
Hello and welcome to my class! I am Mrs. O'Steen your third grade Reading and Language Arts teacher this year. In this blog I will post classroom news, upcoming events, my thoughts or anything else I think will be of need or interest to students and parents. Please check in often!
I can't believe summer is already over and we are about to embark on a new year! I hope everyone had a fun vacation but remembered to read over the summer to keep those reading muscles strong!
Let me talk a little about supplies in my classroom. There aren't many supplies needed in my room but what is requested is very important. Students that don't have the needed supplies have a difficult time staying organized and focused in class. I also ask that if a supply is not on the list please don't let students bring them to school. Save those supplies for homework time.
The following is a list of needed supplies*. Student will be using these on a daily basis:
Wish list supplies for the classroom:
Until next time! R. O'Steen
I can't believe summer is already over and we are about to embark on a new year! I hope everyone had a fun vacation but remembered to read over the summer to keep those reading muscles strong!
Let me talk a little about supplies in my classroom. There aren't many supplies needed in my room but what is requested is very important. Students that don't have the needed supplies have a difficult time staying organized and focused in class. I also ask that if a supply is not on the list please don't let students bring them to school. Save those supplies for homework time.
The following is a list of needed supplies*. Student will be using these on a daily basis:
- a single magazine crate. These can be found at most places like Wal-Mart, Office Depot. They now come in plastic or metal. Please do not buy cardboard or double size crates.
- a composition notebook
- 2 spiral notebooks
- 3 pocket folders with prongs
- notebook paper wide ruled
- pencils or erasable pens blue or black ink only. If papers are turned in otherwise they will be handed back to rewrite.
- zippered pencil bag. No supply boxes please.
- box of 24 crayons
- a package of post it notes
- box of gallon zip lock bags
- box of tissues
- liquid soap, dispenser or refill
- backpack...not rolling
Wish list supplies for the classroom:
- ream of copy paper
- plug in air fresheners
- wet wipes
- playground equipment: basketball, playground ball, jump ropes
- individually wrapped treats for white card days (positive behavior reinforcement)
- stickers
- any of the needed supplies
Until next time! R. O'Steen
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Good bye!
Well the year is over! I can't believe it. Hope everyone has a great summer and remembers to READ! It is so very important to keep reading and practicing over the summer! See you next year in the halls!
Friday, April 4, 2008
Last Nine Weeks!
Wow! I can't believe we are starting the last nine weeks of the year! We will be back in the textbook starting Unit 5 when we return Monday. I have told the students there are two standards I will be looking for achievement of 1) reading 30 chapter books by the end of the year and 2) read a level O book with comprehension. Students will be expected to read and log in nightly for homework.
I will keep you posted as far as receiving the results of the FCAT. There are rumors the scores will be late this year.
We are also anxiously awaiting the return of the book publishing project. The publisher said they should be arriving shortly after Spring Break.
Hope everyone had a fun and relaxing break! See you Monday!
I will keep you posted as far as receiving the results of the FCAT. There are rumors the scores will be late this year.
We are also anxiously awaiting the return of the book publishing project. The publisher said they should be arriving shortly after Spring Break.
Hope everyone had a fun and relaxing break! See you Monday!
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Big CAT Excitement!
Friday the students were pumped up by Jaxson deVille to get ready for the FCAT coming up this week. Jackson's advice to the students was great...it was:
- Dream It
- Do It
- Believe It
- Become It
- Get a good nights sleep (remember time changes Sunday so get to bed a little earlier to make up for that lost hour)
- Eat a good breakfast before school
- Get to school on time. Late students will not be admitted to the classroom once testing has started. They will be sent to the library to test.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
The FCAT is Coming!
We are wrapping up the book project. Just about all students are now working on their kit pages. You should see a paper come home offering an opportunity to order a book. Please either check yes and order or no and sign the bottom of the slip. This is the only way their book will be published.
Next week we will take the FCAT. Reading will begin Tuesday and continue on Wednesday. With the time change on Sunday students may need to get to bed early to catch up on missed sleep. They have been working hard in the classroom. We have been focused on the types of questions that will be on the FCAT but this week we are practicing time limits. The FCAT is a timed test so I am giving them a chance to feel about how much time they will be allowed to complete each session.
On FCAT testing days remind your child they can do it. They are ready! You can never under estimate the power of a positive word!
Next week we will take the FCAT. Reading will begin Tuesday and continue on Wednesday. With the time change on Sunday students may need to get to bed early to catch up on missed sleep. They have been working hard in the classroom. We have been focused on the types of questions that will be on the FCAT but this week we are practicing time limits. The FCAT is a timed test so I am giving them a chance to feel about how much time they will be allowed to complete each session.
On FCAT testing days remind your child they can do it. They are ready! You can never under estimate the power of a positive word!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Book Publishing
We have started our book publishing project. Each student will be given the opportunity to have their writing published in a book to keep. It will be a large part of their Language grade for the third nine weeks. You may see parts of the book being worked on at home. The kit, however will have to be completed in class. In early March you will be given the opportunity to purchase additional copies of their book. If you do not wish to purchase any please check no and sign the form. That is the only way the company will publish the one free copy students can receive. This is an awesome opportunity and I am already starting to see some really good writing! Ask your child about their book they are writing.
Also a quick note: I have not been assigning students to read and log in the past two weeks or this coming week. We have been FCAT focused. We will finish it up this week and be back to reading and logging in as usual next week.
Also a quick note: I have not been assigning students to read and log in the past two weeks or this coming week. We have been FCAT focused. We will finish it up this week and be back to reading and logging in as usual next week.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
New Reading Book and Report Writing News
We have now finished the first of two reading textbooks. Students took the Unit 3 test Friday. We will begin Unit 4 on Monday February 4. You should continue to see your child defining the vocabulary words at the beginning of each story and studying them through the week for a test usually on Friday. Students will also continue to be assigned the questions at the end of the stories. Reading the stories in the textbook and discussing the questions with your child is a great way to see if they are comprehending the story.
I will be working with small groups on FCAT skill review in class. I will be sending home FCAT homework starting next week nightly. Students are to complete the assigned passage and questions, return it to class to check the following day. The FCAT is just around the corner...the beginning of March.
We have also begun a new writing standard-Informational or Report Writing. Each student was to choose a topic they would like to learn more about. Students will need to gather information (details and facts) about their topic either from the school library or public library. I told the students the internet is also a great source of information but they needed parental guidance and or permission first. We will be writing the report in class. If they use their class time correctly and wisely they should have plenty of time however if they don't finish in class I will send it home to complete.
Lastly, report cards will be sent home on Tuesday, February 5.
I will be working with small groups on FCAT skill review in class. I will be sending home FCAT homework starting next week nightly. Students are to complete the assigned passage and questions, return it to class to check the following day. The FCAT is just around the corner...the beginning of March.
We have also begun a new writing standard-Informational or Report Writing. Each student was to choose a topic they would like to learn more about. Students will need to gather information (details and facts) about their topic either from the school library or public library. I told the students the internet is also a great source of information but they needed parental guidance and or permission first. We will be writing the report in class. If they use their class time correctly and wisely they should have plenty of time however if they don't finish in class I will send it home to complete.
Lastly, report cards will be sent home on Tuesday, February 5.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
1/2 Down 1/2 to Go!
Well, I hope everyone had a nice holiday! The students have come back and ready to work!
We have just finalized the grades for the second nine weeks and started collecting grades for the third. This marks the mid year point. We will be finishing up Unit 3 in our reading series with the Unit three test next week. Students will at that time turn in their current reading book and be issued a new reading text with units 4, 5, and 6.
Please be sure your child is still reading and logging in every night for homework. You should also see vocabulary definitions and questions answered at the end of each story being completed for homework throughout the week.
The FCAT is coming soon and I will be preparing students by working with small groups in the classroom and assigning homework practice packets.
In writing we will be moving to the Informational Standard next week. You should see your child reading a book on a topic they have chosen to write a report on. This report will be written and completed in class.
I can't repeat and stress enough...the way to become a better reader is to read! Please ask your child what they are focusing on in class in reading and what their chapter book is about. This lets you know if they are paying attention in class and will make them think about what they are reading.
We have just finalized the grades for the second nine weeks and started collecting grades for the third. This marks the mid year point. We will be finishing up Unit 3 in our reading series with the Unit three test next week. Students will at that time turn in their current reading book and be issued a new reading text with units 4, 5, and 6.
Please be sure your child is still reading and logging in every night for homework. You should also see vocabulary definitions and questions answered at the end of each story being completed for homework throughout the week.
The FCAT is coming soon and I will be preparing students by working with small groups in the classroom and assigning homework practice packets.
In writing we will be moving to the Informational Standard next week. You should see your child reading a book on a topic they have chosen to write a report on. This report will be written and completed in class.
I can't repeat and stress enough...the way to become a better reader is to read! Please ask your child what they are focusing on in class in reading and what their chapter book is about. This lets you know if they are paying attention in class and will make them think about what they are reading.
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