Happy Friday!
Boy, the holiday feel is in the air! Please remind your child that we still have some days left before the holiday break...
Here's what we've been doing:
Language Arts: Wow! I really have some great poets in my class this year! We've been writing couplets, haikus, cinquains, free verse, shape, and acrostic poems. You may even see some of our wonderful poetry in the next "Urbana Elementary Quill"!
Math: We've been working with subtraction of 3 digit numbers while reading word problems. Some students are having difficulty subtracting from 0, so I've been focusing on that.
Social Studies: We've started our unit on Peoples of the World and Nation. We've had some good discussion about immigration. If your family came here from another country, please share that with your child so we can hear about it in class! The project that is due on December 21 goes well with this unit!
Writing: Most of our writing this week has been with poetry.
Next week...
Language Arts: We'll be ending our Poetry unit and starting Reading Social Studies Texts. We'll be covering how to use text features to help us understand what we're reading.
Math: We'll continue with subtraction by comparing how things that can be measured are different.
Social Studies: We'll continue covering different cultures.
We are still in need of large and small baggies, antibacterial wipes, and games/toys for the classroom.
Thanks for all you do!
Have a great weekend!
Mrs. Humerick
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Can you believe it's December already?? Where has the time gone? I sincerely hope everyone had a restful and yummy Thanksgiving. I have to admit I did not want to hear that alarm go off Monday morning! Your kids made me smile though, and that got me through the day!
I sometimes can't believe how hard these kids work! Here are some things we worked on this week:
Language Arts: We've been reading and writing Poetry. Ask your child what a couplet, a haiku, or a cinquain is! Thursday and Friday we listened to some fun Poetry and illustrated the "mood". A favorite was "Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take The Garbage Out!"
Math: We worked hard on subtraction fact cards and how subtraction is the inverse operation of addition. Some kids REALLY need to be practicing addition facts at home - even if it isn't written down for homework! We've also been doing subtraction of three digit numbers from three digit numbers - please practice this with your child.
Science: We finally know what the mystery chemicals were: alum, sugar, cornstarch, baby powder, and baking soda! It was certainly a fun unit!
Word Study: We've done lots of work this week with contractions. Since this is word study and not spelling, the students were responsible for understanding what a contraction is.
Next week:
Language Arts: We'll continue to work with Poetry. Each poem we read will have MSA type questions to answer - we need to get the practice in now!
Math: We'll continue to work with subtraction in different ways - travel stories, distance riddles, and more!
Social Studies: We're starting a new unit - Peoples of the World and Nation. Along with this unit will be a holiday project. Look for it on Monday.
Word Study: Our pattern this week is "final stable syllables".
We have some classroom needs:
If you have any games or lego-type toys that you would like to donate, we are in dire need of stuff to do during indoor recess. The toys/games we have are MANY years old and need to be retired!
We also need baggies - large and small and disinfecting wipes.
Thanks in advance!
Have a wonderful weekend - thanks for all you do to make my life easier!
Mrs. Humerick
I sometimes can't believe how hard these kids work! Here are some things we worked on this week:
Language Arts: We've been reading and writing Poetry. Ask your child what a couplet, a haiku, or a cinquain is! Thursday and Friday we listened to some fun Poetry and illustrated the "mood". A favorite was "Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take The Garbage Out!"
Math: We worked hard on subtraction fact cards and how subtraction is the inverse operation of addition. Some kids REALLY need to be practicing addition facts at home - even if it isn't written down for homework! We've also been doing subtraction of three digit numbers from three digit numbers - please practice this with your child.
Science: We finally know what the mystery chemicals were: alum, sugar, cornstarch, baby powder, and baking soda! It was certainly a fun unit!
Word Study: We've done lots of work this week with contractions. Since this is word study and not spelling, the students were responsible for understanding what a contraction is.
Next week:
Language Arts: We'll continue to work with Poetry. Each poem we read will have MSA type questions to answer - we need to get the practice in now!
Math: We'll continue to work with subtraction in different ways - travel stories, distance riddles, and more!
Social Studies: We're starting a new unit - Peoples of the World and Nation. Along with this unit will be a holiday project. Look for it on Monday.
Word Study: Our pattern this week is "final stable syllables".
We have some classroom needs:
If you have any games or lego-type toys that you would like to donate, we are in dire need of stuff to do during indoor recess. The toys/games we have are MANY years old and need to be retired!
We also need baggies - large and small and disinfecting wipes.
Thanks in advance!
Have a wonderful weekend - thanks for all you do to make my life easier!
Mrs. Humerick
Friday, November 20, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving
This will not be a long blog. I just want to share with you how thankful I am to have your children in my class. Every day they come in smiling and ready to learn!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and break.
Enjoy your family and friends,
Faith Humerick
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and break.
Enjoy your family and friends,
Faith Humerick
Friday, November 13, 2009
Happy Friday!
Can you believe that Thanksgiving is just around the corner??!! We've been really busy this week! Here are a few things we've been working on:
* Our penny collection is GROWING! Thanks for allowing your child to send some in... We are now at 2,341. WOW!! Keep them coming if you can... the collections will be given to a program that makes care packages for Frederick Marines in Afghanistan.
*Speaking of the special people that serve our country, we have written and drawn pictures for "Soldiers Angels". This is a school-wide program Urbana adopted this year. These letters will go to soldiers overseas who don't get any correspondence. The kids did a fantastic job! I told them about when my husband was in the Persian Gulf and received a letter from a 4th grader. It meant so much to him...he still has it! This is also why the school has been asking for envelopes and stamps. Thanks to all who have donated!
NOW... on to next week:
LA: We've finished our Short Story unit and are beginning a Poetry unit on Monday. It's fun to work with poetry around the holidays! We will be reading and writing all types.
Math: We are still working with big numbers. I began testing students today on their addition math facts. Please continue working with your child. They really need to know them within 3 seconds!
Writing: Along with writing poetry, we are still focusing on Organization. Is there a great beginning, a good middle, and an appropriate ending?
Science: We're still experimenting with mixing powders with liquids. Be sure to ask your child what happens when water, vinegar, iodine, and red cabbage juice is added to our mystery powders!
Next week is American Education Week! We're lucky to have Scott Schartner on our third grade team - he's also the Urbana High School Varsity Soccer Coach! He's having some of his players come to our classrooms and read their favorite picture books to our third grade classes! I know they'll LOVE IT! On Friday, we're asking all students to wear their school spirit wear. Staff will be wearing their school wear also! It should bring about some great discussion about education!
Report Cards: Remember that this year's report card will look VERY different... Lots of added information about each subject. Please sign the envelope that it's in and return it for the next term... Thanks! Please get in touch with me if you have any questions!
Thanks for all you do - enjoy your hard-working third graders this weekend!
Mrs. Humerick
Can you believe that Thanksgiving is just around the corner??!! We've been really busy this week! Here are a few things we've been working on:
* Our penny collection is GROWING! Thanks for allowing your child to send some in... We are now at 2,341. WOW!! Keep them coming if you can... the collections will be given to a program that makes care packages for Frederick Marines in Afghanistan.
*Speaking of the special people that serve our country, we have written and drawn pictures for "Soldiers Angels". This is a school-wide program Urbana adopted this year. These letters will go to soldiers overseas who don't get any correspondence. The kids did a fantastic job! I told them about when my husband was in the Persian Gulf and received a letter from a 4th grader. It meant so much to him...he still has it! This is also why the school has been asking for envelopes and stamps. Thanks to all who have donated!
NOW... on to next week:
LA: We've finished our Short Story unit and are beginning a Poetry unit on Monday. It's fun to work with poetry around the holidays! We will be reading and writing all types.
Math: We are still working with big numbers. I began testing students today on their addition math facts. Please continue working with your child. They really need to know them within 3 seconds!
Writing: Along with writing poetry, we are still focusing on Organization. Is there a great beginning, a good middle, and an appropriate ending?
Science: We're still experimenting with mixing powders with liquids. Be sure to ask your child what happens when water, vinegar, iodine, and red cabbage juice is added to our mystery powders!
Next week is American Education Week! We're lucky to have Scott Schartner on our third grade team - he's also the Urbana High School Varsity Soccer Coach! He's having some of his players come to our classrooms and read their favorite picture books to our third grade classes! I know they'll LOVE IT! On Friday, we're asking all students to wear their school spirit wear. Staff will be wearing their school wear also! It should bring about some great discussion about education!
Report Cards: Remember that this year's report card will look VERY different... Lots of added information about each subject. Please sign the envelope that it's in and return it for the next term... Thanks! Please get in touch with me if you have any questions!
Thanks for all you do - enjoy your hard-working third graders this weekend!
Mrs. Humerick
Friday, November 6, 2009
Pajama Read-In
Happy Friday!
What a great day we had today! It all started with our big announcement to the whole school, "Congratulations to Mrs. Humerick's class for earning so many Soaring With Pride stickers! They will be celebrating with a Pajama Read In!
After that we settled right in with blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, donut holes, water, and some books. What a great way to celebrate! Please enjoy our pictures at the end of this post.
Next week: In Language Arts: We'll be starting to read some "Tall Tales". Paul Bunyan is great for exaggeration and hardships. Wednesday we'll end our Short Story unit and begin our Poetry unit.
Math: We're starting on Unit 3 - Collections and Travel Stories. Big numbers and place value are the focus. PLEASE practice those fact cards so we can move on to some others.
Science: We're still observing our chemicals when they're added to different liquids. We still haven't figured out what they are!
Writing: Bold Beginnings is our focus next week. How a writer "hooks" the reader at the beginning of the story.
Well, that's it for now, it doesn't seem like much, but I promise my plan book is FULL!
Be on the lookout for some papers explaining our collections in math and other holiday collections.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Thanks for all you do to make your child's third grade year successful!
Mrs. Humerick
What a great day we had today! It all started with our big announcement to the whole school, "Congratulations to Mrs. Humerick's class for earning so many Soaring With Pride stickers! They will be celebrating with a Pajama Read In!
After that we settled right in with blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, donut holes, water, and some books. What a great way to celebrate! Please enjoy our pictures at the end of this post.
Next week: In Language Arts: We'll be starting to read some "Tall Tales". Paul Bunyan is great for exaggeration and hardships. Wednesday we'll end our Short Story unit and begin our Poetry unit.
Math: We're starting on Unit 3 - Collections and Travel Stories. Big numbers and place value are the focus. PLEASE practice those fact cards so we can move on to some others.
Science: We're still observing our chemicals when they're added to different liquids. We still haven't figured out what they are!
Writing: Bold Beginnings is our focus next week. How a writer "hooks" the reader at the beginning of the story.
Well, that's it for now, it doesn't seem like much, but I promise my plan book is FULL!
Be on the lookout for some papers explaining our collections in math and other holiday collections.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Thanks for all you do to make your child's third grade year successful!
Mrs. Humerick
Friday, October 30, 2009
Fall Festival
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
We had soooo much fun today. From 9 to 10 was our pumpkin math activities. The kids LOVED predicting circumference, diameter, weight, and number of seeds. Then... they got to check their predictions! We had some messy hands, but some VERY accurate amounts of seeds! Big thanks to Mr. McCown for his help with cutting the pumpkins!
After our pumpkin math we celebrated Fall with some yummy treats! Thanks so much to Meena Bassan for pulling everything together. And.. thanks to all who contributed - the kids had a blast (not sure if they ate any of their lunch!).
ENJOY THESE PICTURES!
We had soooo much fun today. From 9 to 10 was our pumpkin math activities. The kids LOVED predicting circumference, diameter, weight, and number of seeds. Then... they got to check their predictions! We had some messy hands, but some VERY accurate amounts of seeds! Big thanks to Mr. McCown for his help with cutting the pumpkins!
After our pumpkin math we celebrated Fall with some yummy treats! Thanks so much to Meena Bassan for pulling everything together. And.. thanks to all who contributed - the kids had a blast (not sure if they ate any of their lunch!).
ENJOY THESE PICTURES!
Now for the serious stuff:
LANGUAGE ARTS: We're continuing our Short Story unit with another week of Folktales. We've been talking about character traits - how characters act and why.
MATH: We just took our Unit 2 assessment and will begin Unit 3 - Collections and Travel Stories - on Tuesday. A big focus in this unit will be larger numbers. I'm also focusing on math facts - addition and subtraction. Look for a letter coming home.
SCIENCE: We've been trying to identify unknown solids (white powders). We've added water and observed each powder. Now we'll start adding other things to see if we can observe differences.
WRITING - Putting our writing in order is our focus.
CURSIVE: over curve letters are next - a's and d's will be next week.
Please remember that there is no school on Monday. Tuesday, November 3rd will be the first day of Term 2. Teachers will be spending Monday entering grades on the computer.
As always, thanks for checking backpacks, agendas, take-home folders, and intialing everything! You're great!
Have a great, long weekend and most of all... BE SAFE!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Happy Friday,
I must apologize for no posting last week. During conferences I got some kind of stomach bug and had to take some time to recuperate. Thanks to all of the parents who had to reschedule!
I got to meet with EVERY parent! I can't tell you how much I enjoy talking to you about your child. I apologize if the conference seemed short, I just didn't have a lot of problems to discuss - that's a GREAT thing!
Our Fall Celebration is quickly approaching! Please get in touch with Mrs. Bassan if you haven't done so already. I have two parents helping out with pumpkin math in the morning. If you can come in to help, please let me know. Also, this is not a day to wear any type of costume.
SCIENCE FAIR - Information packets have already gone home, but if you need to know anything else, just ask! It's such a cool way to learn - but, remember, it is optional.
Here's what's going on next week:
LANGUAGE ARTS: We are finishing up Fairy Tales and starting Folk Tales. The kids will be practicing their before reading strategies, their during reading strategies, and their after reading strategies. We'll also be focusing on character traits and how they affect the story.
MATH: We'll be working with probability. Our new vocabulary includes: certain, equally likely, even, impossible, less/least likely, more/most likely, outcome, possible, and probability. Fun, fun, fun!!! We'll also be taking our Unit 2 assessment this week.
SCIENCE: We are starting our Chemical Tests Science Unit. We will be working with five different chemicals that are safe for the students to touch. We'll have so much fun trying to figure out what they are!
WRITING: Bold Beginnings! Mighty Middles! Excellent Endings! This is what your child will be hearing as we begin working on Organization with our writing.
WORD STUDY: We'll be working with /j/ sounds - using g and j.
That's about it for now! Have a wonderful weekend! Try to stay dry!
Mrs. Humerick
Friday, October 9, 2009
Happy Friday!
The class did such great work while I was gone! When I came back on Wednesday, they had covered so much material - I was impressed!
Here's what we've been doing and what we'll be working on:
LANGUAGE ARTS: We've been working with Fables - it's fun to hear what the kids think about the morals to the stories we've read. Next week we'll begin Fairytales. I hope everyone has a great time with the project that was sent home. Remember that it's due October 19th. The bottom part of the directions is due Monday, October 12th.
MATH: We're finishing up with graphs and will begin measurement next week. We have some fun activities planned!
SOCIAL STUDIES: Next week we'll be finishing up with the Geography part of our unit and will start with Science. Chemical Tests! Fun, fun, fun!
WRITING: Next week we will start talking about Organization in our writing. We're getting really good with Ideas with details.
WORD STUDY: There won't be any word study words next week - the schedule is too crazy!
Speaking of schedules: Please remember: Monday is a regular day. Tuesday and Wednesday start 4 hours late. Thursday dismisses 3-1/2 hours early. Friday schools are closed.
PLEASE be sure you have a conference time to meet with me to talk about your child. I can't wait to see everyone!
FIELD TRIP to the ESSL will be Monday, October 19th... I will be able to take parent chaperones, so mark your calendars if you'd like to attend! You must have participated in one of the volunteer trainings, so if you haven't been to one of those yet, make sure to get to one of them in October...there are three volunteer orientations scheduled during the week of conferences!! We will be leaving the school around 9:10 and returning around 11:15.
October 30 - Fall Festival Day!! We will be participating in activities that have to do with pumpkins all day on this early release Friday! I will need at least four adult volunteers that day...but would love to have as many of you as want to come. Each adult will need to bring a medium sized pumpkin and some other supplies. If you are interested, please send me an email and I will get you the specifics. We will also celebrate our Fall Festival party this day. You'll be hearing more about that in the days to come!
Thanks for initialing or signing your child's work after checking over it. It's so helpful for me AND your child!
Have a great weekend!
Mrs. Humerick
The class did such great work while I was gone! When I came back on Wednesday, they had covered so much material - I was impressed!
Here's what we've been doing and what we'll be working on:
LANGUAGE ARTS: We've been working with Fables - it's fun to hear what the kids think about the morals to the stories we've read. Next week we'll begin Fairytales. I hope everyone has a great time with the project that was sent home. Remember that it's due October 19th. The bottom part of the directions is due Monday, October 12th.
MATH: We're finishing up with graphs and will begin measurement next week. We have some fun activities planned!
SOCIAL STUDIES: Next week we'll be finishing up with the Geography part of our unit and will start with Science. Chemical Tests! Fun, fun, fun!
WRITING: Next week we will start talking about Organization in our writing. We're getting really good with Ideas with details.
WORD STUDY: There won't be any word study words next week - the schedule is too crazy!
Speaking of schedules: Please remember: Monday is a regular day. Tuesday and Wednesday start 4 hours late. Thursday dismisses 3-1/2 hours early. Friday schools are closed.
PLEASE be sure you have a conference time to meet with me to talk about your child. I can't wait to see everyone!
FIELD TRIP to the ESSL will be Monday, October 19th... I will be able to take parent chaperones, so mark your calendars if you'd like to attend! You must have participated in one of the volunteer trainings, so if you haven't been to one of those yet, make sure to get to one of them in October...there are three volunteer orientations scheduled during the week of conferences!! We will be leaving the school around 9:10 and returning around 11:15.
October 30 - Fall Festival Day!! We will be participating in activities that have to do with pumpkins all day on this early release Friday! I will need at least four adult volunteers that day...but would love to have as many of you as want to come. Each adult will need to bring a medium sized pumpkin and some other supplies. If you are interested, please send me an email and I will get you the specifics. We will also celebrate our Fall Festival party this day. You'll be hearing more about that in the days to come!
Thanks for initialing or signing your child's work after checking over it. It's so helpful for me AND your child!
Have a great weekend!
Mrs. Humerick
Friday, October 2, 2009
October 2, 2009
It's a sad weekend for my family - after two long months in the ICU at Hopkins, my father-in-law passed away. I won't be at school today, Monday, or Tuesday. Thank goodness we have Ms. Wilde. Since she has been teaching all subjects anyway, the kids probably won't even know I'm gone!! (I hope that's not true!) Speaking of Ms. Wilde, Friday, Oct. 9, will be her last day with our class. She has truly been a huge help and a wonderful teacher!
Now for what we've been doing!
LANGUAGE ARTS: We've been practicing our Before Reading strategies. Next week we begin a Short Stories unit which will allow the class to really put their reading skills to use! We'll be reading fairy tales, folktales, legends, fables, and tall tales. This is such a fun unit! I'm looking forward to some great writing, too!
MATH: We're continuing with graphing. We even accomplished a double-bar graph. We compared data from Mr. Clutz's class to data from our class. Next week we'll be doing more of that and also talking about line graphs and pictographs. If you find any examples of graphs in the newspaper or anywhere else, please send it in with your child to share!
WRITING: The kids are really getting soooo much better with details! They seem to really understand that an idea won't be interesting to write about unless there are good details. YEAH!!!!
SOCIAL STUDIES: We're still working on our brochure and will continue with maps/globes skills.
Look for information about our Fall Festival Celebration - coming soon!
Thanks to everyone for their support with homework, agendas, take-home folders, and just about everything else you do for your kids!
Have a happy weekend!
Faith Humerick
It's a sad weekend for my family - after two long months in the ICU at Hopkins, my father-in-law passed away. I won't be at school today, Monday, or Tuesday. Thank goodness we have Ms. Wilde. Since she has been teaching all subjects anyway, the kids probably won't even know I'm gone!! (I hope that's not true!) Speaking of Ms. Wilde, Friday, Oct. 9, will be her last day with our class. She has truly been a huge help and a wonderful teacher!
Now for what we've been doing!
LANGUAGE ARTS: We've been practicing our Before Reading strategies. Next week we begin a Short Stories unit which will allow the class to really put their reading skills to use! We'll be reading fairy tales, folktales, legends, fables, and tall tales. This is such a fun unit! I'm looking forward to some great writing, too!
MATH: We're continuing with graphing. We even accomplished a double-bar graph. We compared data from Mr. Clutz's class to data from our class. Next week we'll be doing more of that and also talking about line graphs and pictographs. If you find any examples of graphs in the newspaper or anywhere else, please send it in with your child to share!
WRITING: The kids are really getting soooo much better with details! They seem to really understand that an idea won't be interesting to write about unless there are good details. YEAH!!!!
SOCIAL STUDIES: We're still working on our brochure and will continue with maps/globes skills.
Look for information about our Fall Festival Celebration - coming soon!
Thanks to everyone for their support with homework, agendas, take-home folders, and just about everything else you do for your kids!
Have a happy weekend!
Faith Humerick
Friday, September 25, 2009
Happy Fair Day!
While everyone is off having a good time, we teachers are here in our classrooms planning for another exciting week! I hope everyone has a wonderful, relaxing, l-o-n-g weekend! It'll be fun to hear about everyones adventures on Tuesday when the kids come back to school.
Now, here's what we've been doing... and a little of what we WILL be doing...
LANGUAGE ARTS: We are continuing our focus on the "during reading" strategies. Each child has been practicing with books at his/her reading level. I want the students to read carefully while they're enjoying a book...the more they think WHILE they read, the better they understand what they're reading. They need to slow down and process what they're reading. They need to make connections, ask questions, visualize, infer meaning, synthesize, and use fix up strategies to better understand what they're reading! The kids are getting really good at reading a book and using a post-it to mark a strategy they're using. Next week we'll continue with these skills along with "after reading" strategies. This will entail writing summaries of what has been read. We'll be doing lots of practice with this!
MATH: We had so much fun this week making graphs! I was excited to see that so many of us knew what a graph needed and how to make one! I now know where everyone likes to eat in Urbana!!! We will continue with graphing - bar graphs, pictographs, tally charts, etc. - next week.
WRITING: We are still focusing on the Ideas writing trait. I WANT DETAILS is something I'm sure your child has heard enough of! This will continue next week with Ms. Wilde using the Promethean Board for some writing practice. Ask your child what this great piece of technology is!
WORD STUDY: The /k/ sound is still our focus. We'll be working with different endings that make this sound.
SOCIAL STUDIES: Our brochures of different states are still in the process of being completed. I think one more day in the computer lab using CultureGrams will be enough for everyone to get all of the information they need. This information will then be turned into a brochure of that state. Very cool stuff!
As always, I sooo enjoy this class! They are a group of very unique individuals that make me smile every day!
Thanks to all who check this blog and bookbags and take-home folders and agendas and homework!! Wow! Also, please remember to initial your child's agenda daily and sign your child's checklist and send it back.
Again, have a wonderful weekend!
Faith Humerick
While everyone is off having a good time, we teachers are here in our classrooms planning for another exciting week! I hope everyone has a wonderful, relaxing, l-o-n-g weekend! It'll be fun to hear about everyones adventures on Tuesday when the kids come back to school.
Now, here's what we've been doing... and a little of what we WILL be doing...
LANGUAGE ARTS: We are continuing our focus on the "during reading" strategies. Each child has been practicing with books at his/her reading level. I want the students to read carefully while they're enjoying a book...the more they think WHILE they read, the better they understand what they're reading. They need to slow down and process what they're reading. They need to make connections, ask questions, visualize, infer meaning, synthesize, and use fix up strategies to better understand what they're reading! The kids are getting really good at reading a book and using a post-it to mark a strategy they're using. Next week we'll continue with these skills along with "after reading" strategies. This will entail writing summaries of what has been read. We'll be doing lots of practice with this!
MATH: We had so much fun this week making graphs! I was excited to see that so many of us knew what a graph needed and how to make one! I now know where everyone likes to eat in Urbana!!! We will continue with graphing - bar graphs, pictographs, tally charts, etc. - next week.
WRITING: We are still focusing on the Ideas writing trait. I WANT DETAILS is something I'm sure your child has heard enough of! This will continue next week with Ms. Wilde using the Promethean Board for some writing practice. Ask your child what this great piece of technology is!
WORD STUDY: The /k/ sound is still our focus. We'll be working with different endings that make this sound.
SOCIAL STUDIES: Our brochures of different states are still in the process of being completed. I think one more day in the computer lab using CultureGrams will be enough for everyone to get all of the information they need. This information will then be turned into a brochure of that state. Very cool stuff!
As always, I sooo enjoy this class! They are a group of very unique individuals that make me smile every day!
Thanks to all who check this blog and bookbags and take-home folders and agendas and homework!! Wow! Also, please remember to initial your child's agenda daily and sign your child's checklist and send it back.
Again, have a wonderful weekend!
Faith Humerick
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Happy Weekend!
Please remember that we have a short week coming up! Thursday is a two-hour early dismissal day, Friday the students have no school, and Monday is no school for everyone! Enjoy!!
LANGUAGE ARTS: Ms. Wilde has been reading lots of good books to model Synthesizing for the class. When students synthesize they are changing their minds based on what they have read. We will still be working with this Reading Strategy next week. It flows nicely into writing summaries, which will be our focus soon.
MATH: The class took a Unit Assessment on Thursday. Unit 2 will begin on Monday - Surveys and Line Plots. I'm really looking forward to it! We'll be gathering data and using different ways to represent it. Where is your favorite place to eat in Urbana????
WRITING: Our focus is still on Ideas. One word - DETAILS! The class has been scoring their stories with an Idea Rubric. Higher scores are earned when there are details!
SOCIAL STUDIES: We've been focusing on directions, parts of a map, and states/waterways that border Maryland. Next week students will use what they know to write brochures! Can't wait to see them!
WORD STUDY: Our focus this week and next week are words that have the /k/ sound.
CURSIVE: This week we've worked with u, w, e and l. Next week, we'll be reviewing all letters we've done so far.
I just have to say again how lucky I am to have your child in my class. They are responsible, polite, and respectful. I'm so proud of their behavior and how hard they work!
Again, PLEASE check your child's agenda, take-home folder, and homework daily! You should be initialing the agenda and signing/returning the Friday checklist. Thanks!
Have a great weekend,
Mrs. Humerick
Please remember that we have a short week coming up! Thursday is a two-hour early dismissal day, Friday the students have no school, and Monday is no school for everyone! Enjoy!!
LANGUAGE ARTS: Ms. Wilde has been reading lots of good books to model Synthesizing for the class. When students synthesize they are changing their minds based on what they have read. We will still be working with this Reading Strategy next week. It flows nicely into writing summaries, which will be our focus soon.
MATH: The class took a Unit Assessment on Thursday. Unit 2 will begin on Monday - Surveys and Line Plots. I'm really looking forward to it! We'll be gathering data and using different ways to represent it. Where is your favorite place to eat in Urbana????
WRITING: Our focus is still on Ideas. One word - DETAILS! The class has been scoring their stories with an Idea Rubric. Higher scores are earned when there are details!
SOCIAL STUDIES: We've been focusing on directions, parts of a map, and states/waterways that border Maryland. Next week students will use what they know to write brochures! Can't wait to see them!
WORD STUDY: Our focus this week and next week are words that have the /k/ sound.
CURSIVE: This week we've worked with u, w, e and l. Next week, we'll be reviewing all letters we've done so far.
I just have to say again how lucky I am to have your child in my class. They are responsible, polite, and respectful. I'm so proud of their behavior and how hard they work!
Again, PLEASE check your child's agenda, take-home folder, and homework daily! You should be initialing the agenda and signing/returning the Friday checklist. Thanks!
Have a great weekend,
Mrs. Humerick
Friday, September 11, 2009
September 11
I was excited to see the parents who came to Back To School Night on Thursday! I hope you left the classroom feeling good about your child and his/her third grade experience. If you were unable to attend, your child will be bringing home a folder with important information and a postcard that can be put on your fridge with important contact information.
PBS: We've had an excellent week! We're still earning lots of "Soaring With Pride" stickers - I guess I'll need to find another way to display them since we've filled up my poster! Please speak with your child about respectful cafeteria behavior - they seem to be having difficulty with this.
Language Arts: We're still reviewing Reading Strategies. We've covered making connections, visualizing, asking questions, fixing-up reading, and inferring. Next week we will be working on inferring and synthesizing. Inferring is when a reader takes information that is read, adds what he/she already knows, and comes up with a prediction. I used this to explain it: The road is wet. Cars have their lights on and wipers going. People are carrying umbrellas. What can you infer???? It's raining! We read The Stranger by Chris Allsburg to practice this skill.
Math: The class has been learning some new games from Ms. Wilde using money, estimation, and digits to get to 100. Next week we're using those skills to figure out word problems. We've also been looking at what math facts we know quickly and which ones we really need to practice.
Please check over your child's math homework when it's given.
Social Studies: Ms. Wilde has been talking about Maryland and the states that border it. They've used maps to find major cities and bodies of water. Soon each student will be producing a brochure showing geographic concepts.
Cursive: I try to do at least 4 new letters a week. So far we've done i, t, and u. I can't get over how neatly these kids write!!
Writing: IDEAS is still our focus. Coming up with a big idea and "funneling" it down to an idea that is easy to write about. For example: Dogs - puppies - golden retriever puppies - my puppy - taking care of my golden retriever puppy.
Water Bottles: Because of our proximity to a water fountain, I previously haven't allowed students to bring in water bottles. BUT... to prevent students catching any germs, I've told them they can bring in a labeled bottle of water and use it when they need to.
Book Orders: The first book order of the year has gone home. I love doing these because I earn points that I can use to buy new books for our classroom library! Thanks in advance if you order some!
Mrs. Humerick
PBS: We've had an excellent week! We're still earning lots of "Soaring With Pride" stickers - I guess I'll need to find another way to display them since we've filled up my poster! Please speak with your child about respectful cafeteria behavior - they seem to be having difficulty with this.
Language Arts: We're still reviewing Reading Strategies. We've covered making connections, visualizing, asking questions, fixing-up reading, and inferring. Next week we will be working on inferring and synthesizing. Inferring is when a reader takes information that is read, adds what he/she already knows, and comes up with a prediction. I used this to explain it: The road is wet. Cars have their lights on and wipers going. People are carrying umbrellas. What can you infer???? It's raining! We read The Stranger by Chris Allsburg to practice this skill.
Math: The class has been learning some new games from Ms. Wilde using money, estimation, and digits to get to 100. Next week we're using those skills to figure out word problems. We've also been looking at what math facts we know quickly and which ones we really need to practice.
Please check over your child's math homework when it's given.
Social Studies: Ms. Wilde has been talking about Maryland and the states that border it. They've used maps to find major cities and bodies of water. Soon each student will be producing a brochure showing geographic concepts.
Cursive: I try to do at least 4 new letters a week. So far we've done i, t, and u. I can't get over how neatly these kids write!!
Writing: IDEAS is still our focus. Coming up with a big idea and "funneling" it down to an idea that is easy to write about. For example: Dogs - puppies - golden retriever puppies - my puppy - taking care of my golden retriever puppy.
Water Bottles: Because of our proximity to a water fountain, I previously haven't allowed students to bring in water bottles. BUT... to prevent students catching any germs, I've told them they can bring in a labeled bottle of water and use it when they need to.
Book Orders: The first book order of the year has gone home. I love doing these because I earn points that I can use to buy new books for our classroom library! Thanks in advance if you order some!
THANKS to all who check take home folders and agendas daily. Remember, you need to initial the agenda for your child after you've checked everything!
Have a wonderful weekend - hopefully the sun will shine on all of us!
Mrs. Humerick
Friday, September 4, 2009
It's the end of the SECOND WEEK!!
HAPPY LABOR DAY WEEKEND!!
The weather is supposed to be beautiful! Spend some time outside and enjoy it!
We've been having another great week! We earned 14 "Soaring With Pride" stickers from other staff members last week and we have almost passed that! Hopefully your child will tell you this week that we got more!
Language Arts - we've been discussing and practicing what we should do before we read. The three P's - purpose, preview, and plan - will help your child understand what he/she is about to read. We've also started reviewing "during reading" strategies. We've made connections to ourselves (text to self), to other texts (text to text), and to things going on in the world (text to world). We also had fun on Friday "visualizing" the story, We Eat Dinner In The Bathtub.
Next week we will be continuing to work on "during reading strategies". We'll be asking questions and inferring to help us comprehend/understand what we read.
Math - the class is so awesome using different strategies for adding/subtracting 1-, 2-, and 3- digit numbers. I've seen 100's charts, 200's charts, 100's grids, counters, blocks, adding by place, and other strategies being used! Their number sense and knowledge of place value is really coming along!
Next week we will work on facts that they know quickly and others that they need to work on.
Social Studies - Do you know what a hemisphere is? My class does! Miss Wilde (my Hood intern) has been filling your child with interesting facts about our world. They even got to see Urbana Elementary on GoogleEarth!
Next week we'll be talking about directions and important American places - especially in our community.
Cursive - we started with i's and t's today.
Word Study - most everyone did an excellent job on their tests. Next week the list will be words that contain /f/ sounds.
Type to Learn - we've started type to learn in the computer lab. Expectations are that each student keep their fingers on home row!
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT - Our BTSN is from 7-8 on Thursday, September 10th. It is for parents only and it is where I will have the opportunity to tell you more about what goes on in our classroom and answer any questions you may have. If you know a question you'd like answered, please email me ahead of time so that I can be well prepared...thanks!
Faith.Humerick@fcps.org
This Tuesday, President Obama is giving a speech to America's students. I am not broadcasting this speech. It begins 10 minutes before our lunch and it, unfortunately, does not fit into our day. I am, however, recording it at home to show my own son that evening. If you would like more information about this speech, want to know what channel to record, or would just like some questions to use with your child before and after the speech, please follow this link... http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/academic/bts.html#faqs
PLEASE check your child's homework and initial his/her agenda. This week is also the first week for checklists. I had the students complete theirs in pencil. It was fun to see how they perceived themselves in the classroom. Mine is done in ink so you can see what expectations need to be worked on. PLEASE sign this and return it to me on Tuesday.
I just need to say that I am loving this class!!! They are respectful, responsible, and fun to be around - thanks for having them!
Have a wonderful, LONG, weekend!
Mrs. Humerick
The weather is supposed to be beautiful! Spend some time outside and enjoy it!
We've been having another great week! We earned 14 "Soaring With Pride" stickers from other staff members last week and we have almost passed that! Hopefully your child will tell you this week that we got more!
Language Arts - we've been discussing and practicing what we should do before we read. The three P's - purpose, preview, and plan - will help your child understand what he/she is about to read. We've also started reviewing "during reading" strategies. We've made connections to ourselves (text to self), to other texts (text to text), and to things going on in the world (text to world). We also had fun on Friday "visualizing" the story, We Eat Dinner In The Bathtub.
Next week we will be continuing to work on "during reading strategies". We'll be asking questions and inferring to help us comprehend/understand what we read.
Math - the class is so awesome using different strategies for adding/subtracting 1-, 2-, and 3- digit numbers. I've seen 100's charts, 200's charts, 100's grids, counters, blocks, adding by place, and other strategies being used! Their number sense and knowledge of place value is really coming along!
Next week we will work on facts that they know quickly and others that they need to work on.
Social Studies - Do you know what a hemisphere is? My class does! Miss Wilde (my Hood intern) has been filling your child with interesting facts about our world. They even got to see Urbana Elementary on GoogleEarth!
Next week we'll be talking about directions and important American places - especially in our community.
Cursive - we started with i's and t's today.
Word Study - most everyone did an excellent job on their tests. Next week the list will be words that contain /f/ sounds.
Type to Learn - we've started type to learn in the computer lab. Expectations are that each student keep their fingers on home row!
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT - Our BTSN is from 7-8 on Thursday, September 10th. It is for parents only and it is where I will have the opportunity to tell you more about what goes on in our classroom and answer any questions you may have. If you know a question you'd like answered, please email me ahead of time so that I can be well prepared...thanks!
Faith.Humerick@fcps.org
This Tuesday, President Obama is giving a speech to America's students. I am not broadcasting this speech. It begins 10 minutes before our lunch and it, unfortunately, does not fit into our day. I am, however, recording it at home to show my own son that evening. If you would like more information about this speech, want to know what channel to record, or would just like some questions to use with your child before and after the speech, please follow this link... http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/academic/bts.html#faqs
PLEASE check your child's homework and initial his/her agenda. This week is also the first week for checklists. I had the students complete theirs in pencil. It was fun to see how they perceived themselves in the classroom. Mine is done in ink so you can see what expectations need to be worked on. PLEASE sign this and return it to me on Tuesday.
I just need to say that I am loving this class!!! They are respectful, responsible, and fun to be around - thanks for having them!
Have a wonderful, LONG, weekend!
Mrs. Humerick
Friday, August 28, 2009
WOW!! Can you believe the first week of school is over already!?! We have had a wonderful time so far! Let me tell you a little of what we've done:
* we talked a lot about procedures - morning routine, homework routine, afternoon routine, etc. I'm so proud of how soon they've come to know what I expect - and they do it!
* Character Counts! - we spoke and drew pictures about all of our Character Counts! pillars. If you have forgotten, they are: Caring, Respect, Citizenship, Responsibility, Trustworthiness, and Fairness. I've see A LOT of this going on in my classroom!
* PBS matrix - Positive Behavior Support - Urbana Elementary has started this program, and I love it! The class has earned soooo many "Soaring With Pride" stickers for following the expectations on our matrix. Your child should have his/her matrix inside the front cover of the take-home folder. Ask about it! We've gone over each behavior!
* Independent Reading expectations - reading quietly, reading a "Just Right" book (one that isn't too easy or too hard), and understanding what is read.
* Place value in math. I am so impressed with the strategies the students are using to find the answers to problems I'm giving them! Even word problems!
*All About Me! - Thanks to all of you for helping your child find things to share! Everyone learned so much about everyone else.
*Rules, laws, and good citizenship are what we've discussed during Social Studies time. I'm so happy with all of the good citizens I have in my room!
* For writing we've been discussing where authors find ideas to write about.
*****PLEASE be sure to initial or sign your child's agenda. This helps me know that you've gone over the homework with your child - Thanks!
**remember to mark your calendar for Back To School Night - Sept. 10
Have a great weekend!
Mrs. Humerick
faith.humerick@fcps.org
240-236-2170
* we talked a lot about procedures - morning routine, homework routine, afternoon routine, etc. I'm so proud of how soon they've come to know what I expect - and they do it!
* Character Counts! - we spoke and drew pictures about all of our Character Counts! pillars. If you have forgotten, they are: Caring, Respect, Citizenship, Responsibility, Trustworthiness, and Fairness. I've see A LOT of this going on in my classroom!
* PBS matrix - Positive Behavior Support - Urbana Elementary has started this program, and I love it! The class has earned soooo many "Soaring With Pride" stickers for following the expectations on our matrix. Your child should have his/her matrix inside the front cover of the take-home folder. Ask about it! We've gone over each behavior!
* Independent Reading expectations - reading quietly, reading a "Just Right" book (one that isn't too easy or too hard), and understanding what is read.
* Place value in math. I am so impressed with the strategies the students are using to find the answers to problems I'm giving them! Even word problems!
*All About Me! - Thanks to all of you for helping your child find things to share! Everyone learned so much about everyone else.
*Rules, laws, and good citizenship are what we've discussed during Social Studies time. I'm so happy with all of the good citizens I have in my room!
* For writing we've been discussing where authors find ideas to write about.
*****PLEASE be sure to initial or sign your child's agenda. This helps me know that you've gone over the homework with your child - Thanks!
**remember to mark your calendar for Back To School Night - Sept. 10
Have a great weekend!
Mrs. Humerick
faith.humerick@fcps.org
240-236-2170
Monday, August 17, 2009
Welcome to Third Grade!
August 17, 2009
Welcome to my new students and families!!
WELCOME! This is the place where I will post information every week about the goings on in our classroom. This is something new for me, so bear with me while I get it started.
I am so excited for the upcoming year...we are going to have a great time together while learning soooo many new things!
Hopefully we got to meet on Friday afternoon at the UES Open House and you got to participate in our Scavenger Hunt.
If you would like to get in touch with me for any reason, please feel free to email me at Faith.Humerick@fcps.org. I have a phone in my room, but it is quicker and easier for me to answer my emails. I will, however, always return your phone calls within 24 hours.
Have a relaxing weekend and I'll see you Monday!
Mrs. Humerick
Welcome to my new students and families!!
WELCOME! This is the place where I will post information every week about the goings on in our classroom. This is something new for me, so bear with me while I get it started.
I am so excited for the upcoming year...we are going to have a great time together while learning soooo many new things!
Hopefully we got to meet on Friday afternoon at the UES Open House and you got to participate in our Scavenger Hunt.
If you would like to get in touch with me for any reason, please feel free to email me at Faith.Humerick@fcps.org. I have a phone in my room, but it is quicker and easier for me to answer my emails. I will, however, always return your phone calls within 24 hours.
Have a relaxing weekend and I'll see you Monday!
Mrs. Humerick
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
