Weekly Updates 12/15-12/19

NEWS/EVENTS

• 3-509 is running the winter farm stand this Wednesday from 8:00-8:50. Students should arrive as close to 8:00 as possible to maximize their experience!
• Family Friday is this Friday! We will do an interactive read aloud about China, and will have an opportunity to grow some ideas in mini-accountable circle groups.
• Winter recess is approaching. We will be on break from 12/24 to 1/5 (Returning to school the 5th).
• Our class is going to Circle in the Square on January 20th to see student scripts performed.

Homework:

Monday- Read for 30 minutes and jot, math homework, sort words in notebook. If applying to lead a review seminar, applications are due tomorrow.

Tuesday- Read for 30 minutes and jot, math homework.

Wednesday- Read for 30 minutes and jot, , math homework, word study menu option.

Thursday- Read for 30 minutes and jot, complete review for post unit assessment, study for spelling test.

Over the weekend: Read each day for 30 minutes and jot.

CURRICULUM

Reading- This week we are using questioning and context clues as strategies to dig deeper and find more information about our nonfiction topics. Students will be switching to a new interest bin with their partners, and will eventually decide on a topics they would like to teach others about.

Writing: This week we have shifted into drafting our first persuasive speech, and today we categorized reasons and wrote long about those reasons. Our goal is to publish one persuasive speech before the vacation, and then let the kids have an opportunity to go back into their notebooks and select a second topic worth speaking about. We are exploring the idea of turning these speeches into kid "TED Talks," so that they can be shared and viewed by others.

Math: This is our last week in Multiplication and Division 1-9 Facts. This week we are reviewing word problem strategies such as bar models and other property work, and we are also working with the class to develop goal setting center work to ensure understanding and practice of all topics covered. The post assessment will take place Friday.

Social Studies: This week we are launching China! We are visiting flash centers (quick 3-5 minute experiences) involving quick samples of treats, the study of some real artifacts, and some images of parts of China. This will help us get a taste of all the great things we will learn more about in the weeks to come! 

Weekly Updates 12/8-12/12

NEWS/EVENTS

• On Wednesday December 17th 3-509 will have the opportunity to run the first farm market of winter! Students should plan to arrive at 8:00 for a full farm stand experience. Dress in layers on this day!
• The next Family Friday is December 19th!
• On Tuesday January 20th 3-509 is visiting Circle in the Square to see their scripts performed by real actors. Our performances will take place between 12-2. All parents are welcome to join us at the theater.
• Next Monday December 15th will be Ms. Steinberg's last day with our class! We are working on a special class project for her that will be presented on this day.
• Our December Newsletter will be posted on the PS 11 Website by tomorrow. Please visit http://ps11chelsea.org/3-509-ms-aimee-bouchard/  to view monthly newsletters.
• We will be launching China as our next Social Studies unit this week! We are looking to plan a day of flash centers, to give the kids an opportunity to immerse themselves in Chinese culture. If any family have ideas for flash centers ( a traditional treat, a fairy tale, a video clip) please email me! These flash centers will most likely take place on Friday.

This week's homework:

Monday: Read for 30 minutes from just right book baggie and jot in reading notebook. Distributive math practice. Sort words (write not glue) in word study notebook.

Tuesday: Read for 30 minutes from just right book baggie and jot in reading notebook. Finish section for Ms. Steinberg project. Math- one step multiplication problems.

Wednesday: Read for 30 minutes from just right book baggie and jot in reading notebook. Math- Multiplication 2 step problems. Word Study- menu option.

Thursday: Read for 30 minutes from just right book baggie and jot in reading notebook. Math-Division 1-step word problems. Glue words in purple book, study for spelling test.

Friday: Read for 30 minutes from just right book baggie and jot in reading notebook. Math- Division 2-step problems.

CURRICULUM

Reading: This week students are continuing to read nonfiction books in interest groups, and are pushing their thinking by working with partners to ask follow-up questions. Later in the week we are learning other strategies to identify the main idea of a passage- like chunking texts, looking at key details, and looking back and asking ourselves, "Does this information fit together?"

Writing: This week we are working on persuasive flash drafts and working on addressing the needs of our audiences. 

Math: For the past few days students have been learning how to use the distributive property as a means to make challenging facts easier. Over the next week we will learn how to use bar models to solve one and two part multiplication and division problems.

Social Studies: We are launching China this week! 

Weekly Updates December 1-5

NEWS/EVENTS

• Family Friday will take place Friday December 19th!
• Homework this week will consist of the following:

• Monday: Nightly reading and jotting, sort words in word study notebook
• Tuesday: Nightly reading and jotting, math homework
• Wednesday: Nightly reading and jotting, math homework, word study menu option
• Thursday: Nightly reading and jotting, glue works in Word Study book (purple), study for spelling test, math
• Friday: Nightly reading and jotting, math

CURRICULUM

• Reading: Last week we launched our nonfiction reading unit! Students are now sorted by nonfiction interest topics, and during the independent reading time will read with group members of similar interests! This week we are examining strategies required during nonfiction reading, and looking for ways to pinpoint the main idea of a section.

• Writing: This week we are launching our third writing unit- Opinion Writing! During this unit students will learn how to make a claim and support it with reasons, evidence, facts and details. This week we are starting with topics that are dear to our hearts, and are drafting a persuasive piece to present to Mrs. Mueller!

• Math: This week students are using patterns to help solve multiplication and division problems with multiples of 10 and 100. We are also taking a closer look at the distributive property, and how breaking down facts can be an excellent strategy for multiplying and dividing.

• Social Studies: As we wrap our study of the United States, we look ahead to our next unit of study- China!

Quick Reminders 11/24

Dear Parents and Families,

We have a quick but exciting week ahead of us! Here are a few quick notes to help plan for the week:

*3-509 was asked to wear orange shirts and denim bottoms for Wednesday's performances!

*The shows will take place at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. Parents are welcome to either of these shows!

*The kids will have swim first period on Wednesday!

*Next Monday, December 1st we are going to Circle in the Square to see a performance. Please return these trip slips before Wednesday so we can determine who can come before the break.

Homework- I am going to start posting a weekly breakdown of what parents should expect each night of the week for homework on blog so we can all help the kids stay organized. 

For this week:

-No word work this week

Monday- Regular fiction reading (30 minutes in a just right book) and nightly jotting. Return permission slip. Remember to wear orange and denim on Wednesday.

Tuesday: Regular fiction reading (30 minutes in a just right book) and nightly jotting. Return permission slip. Remember to wear orange and denim on Wednesday. Math HW to support array chair setup activity in class.

Wednesday: Over break, each night regular fiction reading (30 minutes in a just right book) and nightly jotting. Some practice work with multiplication and division will be sent home.

See you Wednesday!

Aimee

Homework Assignment for Parents to Prepare for Family Friday

Hi Everyone!

We are looking forward to seeing you tomorrow! We are reviewing and sharing our information writing, and would love for you to bring in a piece of your own. Please see the attached link for directions. We will have materials in class as well to help with this work.

Ms. Bouchard

Weekly Updates 11/17-11/21

News/Events

• It was so lovely to see you during parent teacher conferences last week! Once you are done reviewing portfolios please return them, preferably by this upcoming Friday. Thank you.
• This Friday is Family Friday! Our focus is going to be on writing, and all of the hard work our students have put into their informational books. 
• Next Monday (11/24) our class is walking to the Hudson Guild to perform some of the third grade play songs to our local senior citizens. Keep your eyes out for a permission slip!
• We are visiting Circle in the Square on December 1st, the Monday after Thanksgiving. Keep an eye out for this trip slip as well.
• The third grade Thanksgiving play is finally upon us! Performances will take place at 10:30 and 1:30 the Wednesday before Thanksgiving break.

Curriculum

• Reading: This week we are launching our next reading unit- Nonfiction Reading! This week we will take a look at our own nonfiction reading identities, and the different types of nonfiction texts we are drawn to.

• Writing: This week we are publishing our Information Books! Students have been working hard to edit and revise their pieces, and will select the necessary tools to create a clear book layout. We will focus on final touches such as adding illustrations and diagrams to lift the level of their descriptions.

• Math: This week during math groups are starting to examine the relationship between multiplication and division, as well as important division vocabulary.

• Social Studies: Students will learn how to rotate through different centers during the Social Studies period, and will continue to take notes about information learned.

Have a great week, and see you Friday!

Ms. Bouchard

Weekly Updates 11/3-11/7

News/Events

• Parent Teacher Conferences are upon us! Conferences are taking place throughout the week next week, and Monday I sent out an email to all parents about sign ups. We are using the Sign Up Genius system to schedule conferences. Please visit the link below to schedule your 15 minute slot!

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0f4babab2aa6fa7-parent1

• Next week there is no school on Tuesday due to the observance of Veteran's day.
• Next Thursday is a half day. Dismissal will be at 11:50 sharp.

Curriculum

Reading: This week we are wrapping up our character in a series book club unit. Thanks so much to all that families that joined us for part of our daily book club meeting last Family Friday! Your participation and ideas meant a lot to our students! This week we are examining ways to synthesize our jots, and take away themes and lessons learned.

Writing: This week we are studying the introductions and conclusions of mentor authors to help craft conclusions for our own informational writing. Later in the week we are revisiting various text features to bring our nonfiction books to life.

Math: This week both math groups are learning how to use arrays as a means to identify the number of groups vs. the number in each group as well as designing different open array models to represent a product. We are engaging in several  real world investigations studying the way farmers prepare to plant crops within fields using arrays.

See you soon,

Aimee Bouchard

Parent Homework for Friday's Book Club!

Hi Parents!

Friday is Family Friday, and this week we are asking you to prepare for a book club conversation about the short story, "The Pet," by Cynthia Rylant. Today students brought home a copy of this passage for you to read. Please read the story, and consider preparing for the book club by:

1. Jotting thoughts, questions, and wonderings. 
2. Underlining sentences, words, or phrases that evoked a powerful reaction and left you with a lasting impression.
3. Noting parts that you strongly agreed/disagreed with.
4. Considering the purpose of this text. What was the author's intent?
5. Highlight themes and lessons learned.

We look forward to having some powerful discussions together in class on Friday!

Take care,

Ms. Bouchard

Weekly Updates 10/27-10/31

News/Events

• Tomorrow we are visiting the Scholastic book fair from 2:00-2:30!
• This week we are officially starting play rehearsals for the Third Grade Play!
• Circle in the Square will continue to visit our classrooms on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• This Friday is Family Friday! We are inviting parents to come in and participate in book club conversations. I will be sending home a text for parents to review in preparation for their club's conversation. We will ask you to read Cynthia Rylant's short story "The Pet."
• Next week there is no school for students on Election Day (Tuesday).
• Later this week I will be sending out a parent teacher sign-up link for conferences. They will take place the week of November 10-14th.

Curriculum

Reading: This week during reading our book clubs are continuing to lift the levels of their conversations by examining themes, lessons learned, and how our characters show grit and perseverance to tackle problems.

Writing: This week we are studying how to use transitional phrases to piece together the different parts of our Informational Writing chapters. Later in the week we will study how different text structures best convey information.

Math: Today we officially launched Unit 2: Multiplication and Division. For the first time Mrs. Rosevear and I decided to create math groups to meet the needs of different mathematicians based on what we observed in their preassessment data. These groups will be flexible, and although the same topics will be taught the activities students participate in will focus on the individual needs of each student. This week we are revisiting multiplication strategies, studying arrays and the commutative property, and starting multiplication centers.

Social Studies: We are continuing to learn about the United States by visiting different centers. This week we are learning how to use the map and video centers to learn new information.

Have a great week, and see you soon!

Aimee

Weekly Updates 10/20-10/24

News/Events

• Today was our first day of Circle in the Square! Actors worked with students to create characters and character profiles for a potential script. The kids are so creative, and had a blast. We will continue to meet with Circle in the Square on Tuesdays and Thursdays through the holidays.
• Tomorrow is the last scheduled fall farm stand date for 3-509! Students interested in participating should report to school around 8 am to maximize their experience. They will run the stand until 8:50 am.
• Next Tuesday (10/28) 3-509 is attending the Scholastic Book Fair from 2:00-2:30.
• Family Friday is October 31st!

Curriculum

Reading: This week students are diving into the second or third books in their club series. As they do this, they examine characters/events/setting changing, and are starting to take simple ideas and grow them into more complex thoughts. Later in the week we will revisit some different discussion structures within our book clubs, such as taking on roles and finding ways to include all members in thoughtful conversation.

Writing: This week we officially launched our second writing unit of the year- Information Writing. Students developed a list of topics they consider themselves to be experts on, and selected the topic they are most passionate about to create an informational book. This week we are exploring layouts for a table of contents, experimenting with different structures for sharing information (pros and cons, cause and effect, problem and solution), and writing long within sub-sections.

Math: This Thursday we are taking the end of unit one assessment on Addition and Subtraction up to 10,000. Over the next two days students are revisiting goals and making individualized review "action plans" to help pace their preparation and study. For example, if a student is still working on rounding to the nearest ten and hundred, he/she might make a plan to spend time playing the game "Round that Number." Students will also have the opportunity to lead and attend other student led seminars covering topics from the unit. Our next unit, Multiplication and Division will launch next week.

Social Studies: This week students will explore the artifact and map centers highlighting The United States. They will learn how to read a task card and work in groups to find new information.

Have a great week,

Aimee Bouchard

Weekly Updates 10/14- 10/17

News/Events

• The annual Fall Festival is taking place this Saturday, October 18th! I will be painting faces from 10:00 am- 12:00pm! All students will receive their fall festival bracelet this Friday. Do not let the kids take these off as it will give them access to activities.
• Next Tuesday we officially start our residency with Circle in the Square.
• Next Wednesday 10/22 3-509 once again runs the farm market from 8:00-8:50 am.
• Family Friday is October 31st.
• Our monthly newsletter is posted on our PS 11 class page at http://ps11chelsea.org/storage/October%20Newsletter%203-509%202014.pdf

Curriculum

Reading: This week book clubs are studying characters in depth and are analyzing how characters respond to problems, how they behave in different relationships, and how they change over time. We are continue to grow ideas based on jots and evidence we record in our reading notebooks.

Writing: We have officially wrapped up our first narrative unit! On Thursday we will have a small celebration, reviewing and highlighting all of the amazing narrative work the students engaged in over the past month. Several students are still publishing their work, and will be asked to completely finish their publishing by Thursday in time for our celebration. At the end of the week we our launching our next unit- Information Writing. Students will create lists of topics they are experts on, and will commit to a topic that will turn into an informational book.

Math: This is our last week week in our Addition and Subtraction to 10,000 unit. This week we are focusing on word problem types, and will use a variety of bar model types to create diagrams that represent our mathematical thinking and help us determine what steps are required to solve.

Social Studies: This week we are officially starting a case study of our own country, the United States of America. We will start with a mini-lecture on Wednesday highlighting many of the significant facts about our country, and will continue to practice note-taking strategies to record new information.

Have a great week, and see you soon!

Ms. Bouchard

Weekly Updates 10/6-10/10

News/Events

• This Thursday 3-509 is having their pictures taken at 9:15 am.
• Tomorrow from 6-7:30 Math Night is taking place! Please come by to learn more about math strategies and problem solving in third grade.
• The Fall Festival is taking place Saturday October 18th!
• The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to P.S. 11. Our class will visit the fair from 2-2:30 on Tuesday October 28th.
• We start our Circle in the Square Residency the week of October 20th.
• Our final farm stand date is Wednesday October 22nd.

Homework:

This week students will have nightly assignments in math, reading, and word study.

• Reading- Read for 30 minutes in your just write books and jot.
• Math- Regrouping work
• Word Study
• Monday- write your sort in your word study notebook
• Tuesday-complete a word study menu option (found in the cover of the word study notebook).
• Wednesday- complete a word study menu option
• Thursday- glue words into their "Words Their Way" book and study for spelling test

Curriculum Updates

Reading: This week we officially launched our second reading unit of the year, Characters in a Series! Throughout this unit students will study character development across a series of books, and will meet daily with book clubs to discuss ideas. This week we are establishing book club routines, goal setting, and are exploring character behaviors, key setting details, and various jotting structures.

Writing: This is our last week in our current Narrative Writing Unit (Crafting True Stories). This is an important week of revision. Students are studying how to correctly punctuate dialogue, how to develop an ending that leaves a last impression, and tomorrow several students are leading seminars about different topics discussed throughout the unit. We will publish on Friday, and any student that does not finish will be asked to finish over the weekend.

Math: This week we are exploring strategies to subtract with regrouping across the ones, tens, hundreds, thousands, as well as across zeroes. Next week we will wrap up our first math unit by studying different types of word problems using addition, subtraction, and bar modeling methods (a form of diagramming).

Social Studies: This week we are using what we know about maps (continents, oceans, lines of longitude and latitude, as well as keys and legend) to grow and develop ideas about maps and use them in a real world setting.

Have a great week!

Ms. Bouchard

Math Night!

Weekly Updates 9/29-10/3

Dear Families of 3-509,

I hope that you had a nice long weekend! This is a very busy week, so please read below for more important information.

News/Events:

• Tomorrow night (9/30) from 6-7:30 it is Literacy night! Several third grade teachers are leading workshops about the reading and writing process, and what this looks like in third grade. 
• Wednesday is 3-509's first day in the pool! Please be sure that your child is sent to school with necessary materials.
• Friday is family Friday! From 8:50-9:30 parents are invited to join us for a special class activity. This week students will select a math game learned from our recent unit, teach it to his/her parent, and play. I look forward to seeing you!
• If you haven't had a chance to fill out our important information survey please do so. I am in the process of collecting all parent emails, and it will be incredibly helpful if you could assist by inputting this information. Thanks!

Homework Routines

Each night students from 3-509 will be assigned nightly homework. Now that we have introduced word study, all students will be focusing on words assigned each Monday. Typically each night students will be asked to:

1. Read for 30 minutes, and jot about their reading in their reading notebook as they read. Tomorrow jots will be discussed at Literacy Night.
2. Complete a math assignment.
3. Complete a word study exercise.

Each day I will check student work to see if homework has been completed. Please look for my initials (or Ms. Steinberg's) in student planners, and please also initial to indicate that you have seen your child's completed work. Some days I will collect assignments, and some days we will go over work as a group (and at this point the kids will check their work).

Curriculum

Reading: This week marks the last week of our "Building a Reading Life" unit. Students are learning strategies to discuss and develop ideas about their stories with partners this week, and we will wrap up the unit with a celebration on Friday. Next week we will start our next unit, "Characters in a Series."

Writing: Now that students are in the drafting process, this week we are focusing on revision techniques such as revisiting mentor texts, finding the heart of a moment and elaborating, as well as using paragraphing as a means of sequencing. Towards the end of the week students will repeat the drafting process, but this time with more independence. Next week we are selecting one of the drafts and moving through the publishing process.

Math: This week we are exploring different strategies to add four digit numbers with and without regrouping. 

Social Studies: This week we are continuing to study lines of longitude and latitude, as well as how a key/legend can help provide information about places.

Have a great week,

Ms. Bouchard

Meet Julie Steinberg

Hello Parents!

I am a graduate student at Teachers College, Columbia University in the Literacy Specialist program. This semester I will be interning in Ms. Bouchard’s 3^rd grade classroom. I studied elementary education at University of Maryland and have been a classroom teacher for three years since then. I spent two years teaching in Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia, and one year teaching in a private school in my hometown of Baltimore. Throughout my teaching and professional development experiences, my interest in and passion for teaching literacy grew immensely. I knew I wanted to learn at Teachers College and get involved with the work of the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project. I am so excited to be in New York City, teach and learn alongside Ms. Bouchard, and most of all, get to know your children as readers and writers. 

Best Regards, 
Julie Steinberg

Weekly Updates September 15th- 19th

Weekly Updates September 15th- September 19th

Dear Parents and Guardians of 3-509,

It was such a pleasure meeting many of you at our class orientation last week! I look forward to getting to know our community, and look forward to working with you this year!

Each week I will post an update on Mondays. This update will share important news pertaining to our class as well as curricular news.

News/Events

• This Wednesday our class is running the P.S. 11 Farm Market! All students are invited to help Miss Debbie at the Farm Stand from 8:00-8:50. The earlier students arrive, the more time they will have to experience the stand.
• We have a fantastic addition to our class! Ms. Julie Steinberg is joining our class as an intern from the Literacy Specialist program at Teachers College, Columbia University. Julie brings experience and great enthusiasm to our room, and we are thrilled to have her join our team. I will shortly be posting an introductory blurb from her.
• If you haven't done so, please complete the 3-509 Important information Survey (see post below). I know many parents are waiting for specifics about the P.S. 11 after school program, so as soon as you know your child's pick-up schedule please fill out this brief survey. Once I have emails I can create a 3-509 list serve.
• Hans and Harriet (Caroline and Daniel H.'s parents) have generously offered to be our class parents. We will be meeting in the upcoming weeks to discuss volunteer opportunities in 3-509. 

Curriculum

Reading: This month we are focusing on building a life of literacy. This week students are learning about different ways that jotting (writing about reading) can organize information, help grow ideas, and keep track of text-based evidence.

Writing: We have been generating ideas to help craft true stories. This week we are starting to focus on our storytelling craft, checking in and setting goals to lift the level of our writing, and rehearsing stories as a way to incorporate details, emotion, and feeling.

Math: After reviewing place value and number representations this week students will use number bonds as well as other strategies to add and subtract mentally. Later in the week we will learn how to round numbers to the nearest 10 and 100.

Social Studies: This week we are launching out first Social Studies unit- maps around the world. We will start by examining continents, oceans, and landforms, and then look at lines of longitude and latitude to learn more about different locations.

Have a great week!

Ms. Bouchard

Important Information!!!

Hi Everyone! Please complete the "Important Information" survey listed below. This will help me organize contact information, as well as important medical information. Thanks in advance!

3-509 Important Information Survey

Customized Search Engine

Hello Everyone! This week I designed a customized search engine for our students to further explore maps around the world. Our first Social Studies Unit of the year is geared towards map reading skills, and my hope is that students will be so enthusiastic that they will investigate different maps at home and at school.

World Map Search

Bridge Figures

I believe that our students will grow up to be "bridge figures," in that they will help connect us to all parts of the world, not just what we are familiar with within our own networks. What do you think? Watch this amazing TED talk by Ethan Zuckerman for more detailed description of this concept.

Boldness, Genius, Power, Magic

These are characteristics that perfectly describe our students. One of my favorite quotes of all time involves the brilliant words of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a thoughtful German writer and statesman. His words perfectly sum up how I feel about taking risks, and it this exact sentiment that I try to share with my students.

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back-- Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now." 

I am thrilled to embark on a new journey, starting another school year with a curious, adventurous group of amazing kids. As I started designing this blog I spent a lot of time thinking and reflecting on the name, as well as the purpose of this space. It is meant to be collaborative, and an innovative space for us to gather together. I want this blog to be a space where we can share, brainstorm, and invent. I want it to be a space that supports a green friendly New York City, and cuts down on paper and waste. My hope is that by posting ideas, links, and tools in this space our communication will become more organized and efficient. Most importantly, I want this blog to belong to our students. Their ideas and input will drive its very being, as well as the content that we decide to post. Welcome- I am thrilled to work with you this year.

Our class email address is ms.bouchard3509@gmail.com. Please bookmark this page and use this address for the majority of our communication!