Field trip to the Chicago Botanic GardensWe had a wonderful time at the Chicago Botanic Gardens! We were very lucky with the weather: although it was hot, I think we went on the last summer-y day of the year. The students participated in a flower dissection lab where we learned all about the different parts of a flower and its purpose. After, we were able to walk through the gorgeous gardens to investigate plants and animals. On Tuesday, we returned to the question we asked last week: Do you think plant and animal traits can be influenced by the environment? The students chose something from our field trip they noticed was influenced by the conditions where it lives, and began demonstrating what they learned via writing and diagram. We will continue to think about this question and finish our work next week. A VERY big thank you to our incredible chaperones: Mrs. Auvinen, Mrs. O'Brien, Mrs. Roginski, and Mrs, Tamm! The Chat with Mrs. Burns's Third Grade: |
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We finished publishing our narrative writing texts (see some book covers above), and are moving into informational writing next week. This informational unit is a lot of fun, and I think the kids are ready to move on. We will start with a 'cold write': students will have 45 minutes to produce an infromational text as a pre-unit assessment. It is used to compare to the post-unit 'cold write' to measure growth.
Upcoming events
| Wednesday, October 31, 2018 Thursday, November 7, 2018 Friday, November 8, 2018 Friday, November 9, 2018 Wednesday, November 21 - Friday, November 23, 2018 | Halloween parade and party Evening Parent/Teacher Conferences (Student-led) Parent/Teacher Conferences (Student-led)- NO SCHOOL Non-attendance Day- NO SCHOOL Thanksgiving Break- NO SCHOOL |
Contact
Mrs. Karrin Burns
Third Grade Teacher
Lincoln School
511 Park Avenue
River Forest, Illinois 60305
burnsk@district90.org
(708) 366 - 7340 x 8026
@MrsBurnsD90
Third Grade Teacher
Lincoln School
511 Park Avenue
River Forest, Illinois 60305
burnsk@district90.org
(708) 366 - 7340 x 8026
@MrsBurnsD90
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Reminder:
Order Mrs. Burns's Class tee-shirts
before October 12!
The Logo Team came up with a short-sleeved, less expensive version. Please order a tee-shirt for your child before October 12 via our CustomInk online form! If we do not have 91% participation (20 kids), we will not be able to order, and parents will be refunded their money. Thank you!
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Field trip to the Botanic Garden on Tuesday!
The Third Grade clesses are taking our first trip to the Chicago Botanic Garden on Tuesday, October 9! The busses will leave Lincoln around 8:30AM, and we will return around 2:00PM. Please pack a completely disposable or recyclable lunch and drink for your child (no lunchboxes). Although we will participate in the flower lab, we will probably spend some time outdoors, so please make sure your child dresses appropriately.
Plants, animals, and environment
In addition to our visit to the Chicago Botanic Garden, we've also started a unit focused on answering the following questions about plants and animals:
Do you think plant and animal traits can be influenced by the environment?
When the environment changes, do the types of plants and animals that live there change?
In the Native Garden, are there plants and animals that are surviving well? Are there any that are not surviving as well? Are there any plants and animals that could not survive in the Native Garden? Why are some surviving well when others can not?
I asked students to answer the first question to identify what they already know about animal traits and the environment before we embark on our study. See below for some of their responses.
Do you think plant and animal traits can be influenced by the environment?
When the environment changes, do the types of plants and animals that live there change?
In the Native Garden, are there plants and animals that are surviving well? Are there any that are not surviving as well? Are there any plants and animals that could not survive in the Native Garden? Why are some surviving well when others can not?
I asked students to answer the first question to identify what they already know about animal traits and the environment before we embark on our study. See below for some of their responses.
Math Investigation 4: Understanding division
The students were introduced to the relationship between multiplication and division. The focus points for this investigation, the last in Unit 1, are:
We found that division is a 'missing factor' problem. Students practiced multiplication and division by playing math games like Count and Compare and Missing Factor. A great way to practice math without homework is to play these games at home, too!
- Understanding division as the splitting of a quantity into equal groups
- Using the inverse relationship between multiplication and division to solve problems
We found that division is a 'missing factor' problem. Students practiced multiplication and division by playing math games like Count and Compare and Missing Factor. A great way to practice math without homework is to play these games at home, too!
Writer's workshop: revising and editing
our final narrative writing piece
Students spent the last two days writing the rough drafts of their final narrative writing piece. We also worked on using quotation marks and commas for dialogue and creating a strong ending this week. We will spend the beginning of next week revising and editing the work, then publish on Thursday and Friday. Our next unit on informational writing will begin on Tuesday, October 16. The students are looking forward to sharing their hard work with you at student-led parent/teacher conferences in November.
Reader's workshop: asking higher level questions to make sense of the text
In addition to asking general questions about plot- like who are the characters and what happened- students are learning to ask higher-level questions like, 'Why did the author include that?' We are trying to determine author's purpose to make better sense of our reading. We also talked about the progression of character problems and wants. The kids really enjoy our read aloud, Wild Robot. It is a terrific book for developing skills like analyzing character traits, modeling descriptive language, and demonstrating the writer/reader connection.
We will finish this unit within the next week, and we will start another unit called Mystery: Foundational Skills in Disguise. It uses mysteries to teach skills like identifying cause and effect relationships, reading closely to catch key details, and work on developing predictions. I am looking forward to reading mysteries!
We will finish this unit within the next week, and we will start another unit called Mystery: Foundational Skills in Disguise. It uses mysteries to teach skills like identifying cause and effect relationships, reading closely to catch key details, and work on developing predictions. I am looking forward to reading mysteries!
Check out our recommendations!
Books We Recommend: October 2018
Upcoming events
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Monday, October 8, 2018
Tuesday, October 9, 2018 Thursday, November 7, 2018 Friday, November 8, 2018 Friday, November 9, 2018 |
Columbus Day- NO SCHOOL
Third Grade Field Trip- Botanic Garden Evening Parent/Teacher Conferences (Student-led) Parent/Teacher Conferences (Student-led)- NO SCHOOL Non-attendance Day- NO SCHOOL |
Contact
Mrs. Karrin Burns
Third Grade Teacher
Lincoln School
511 Park Avenue
River Forest, Illinois 60305
burnsk@district90.org
(708) 366 - 7340 x 8026
@MrsBurnsD90
Third Grade Teacher
Lincoln School
511 Park Avenue
River Forest, Illinois 60305
burnsk@district90.org
(708) 366 - 7340 x 8026
@MrsBurnsD90
Order the NEW and IMPROVED
Mrs. Burns's Class tee-shirts before October 12!
The Logo Team went back to the drawing board, since we some parents expressed concern over the price and design. They came up with a short-sleeved, less expensive version. Please order a tee-shirt for your child before October 12 via our CustomInk online form!
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Bird migration and banding via Google Hangout
We were lucky to be part of an group Google Hangout with the Boise State University's Intermountain Bird Observatory (IBO). We'll watched the scientists study songbirds up close at their Lucky Peak Research Station. We got to observe as the ornithologists captured, banded, measured, and weighed songbirds and learned how, why, and when they study birds. We were able to ask the scientists a few questions about how and why birds migrate. It was very cool! (Photo copyright Crystal Lovato)
Our class theme song is finished and released!
We had so much fun making this song on Garage Band, I think more songs are in our future. Congratulations to the Class Song Group for perservering through difficult times to create this awesome piece of music! Listen to 'We're in Mrs. Burns's Class' on Soundcloud.
Introducing the App Development Team!
The App Dev team will be thinking of a problem we can solve through coding. We hope to develop an app to submit to the App Store by the end of the school year!
Introducing the new team for Season 3 of
The Chat with Mrs. Burns's Third Grade!
The Chat Team will be creating and producing a podcast every week that centers around an essential question. We hope to produce our first episode in two weeks!
Reader's workshop
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The students are working on using textual clues to better comprehend unknown words. We thought about identifying unknown words as climbing a hurdle, and also looked for clues authors leave to help solve tricky words.
Every day, we practice the skills and strategies we are learning as a group during the read-aloud, then students read idependently and apply the skills and strategies to help them better comprehend the text they have chosen.
Every day, we practice the skills and strategies we are learning as a group during the read-aloud, then students read idependently and apply the skills and strategies to help them better comprehend the text they have chosen.
Writer's workshop
This week the students became their own job captain by choosing a focused small moment, and then following all the skills we've learned during this unit to write a new narrative text. We have a few more things to work on next week before we begin the final narrative piece. After narrative writing, we will move into informational writing and research clubs.
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Understanding area
We are learning the concept of area. Students worked this week with arrays to determine the area of a rectangle. Students can practice multiplication at home with games like Factor Pairs, Missing Factor, and Count and Compare. Click the links to play; the students know their student log-in information for Pearson Realize..
Next week, we will finish this investigation and begin Investigation 4 of our Unit 1: Understanding Division. Students will continue to work on understanding the meaning of multiplication and learning multiplication facts, and they will also begin to develop strategies for division based on understanding the inverse relationship between multiplication and division.
Next week, we will finish this investigation and begin Investigation 4 of our Unit 1: Understanding Division. Students will continue to work on understanding the meaning of multiplication and learning multiplication facts, and they will also begin to develop strategies for division based on understanding the inverse relationship between multiplication and division.
Upcoming events
| Tuesday, October 2, 2018 Monday, October 8, 2018 Tuesday, October 9, 2018 Thursday, November 7, 2018 Friday, November 8, 2018 Friday, November 9, 2018 | School Picture Day Columbus Day- NO SCHOOL Third Grade Field Trip- Botanic Garden Evening Parent/Teacher Conferences (Student-led) Parent/Teacher Conferences (Student-led)- NO SCHOOL Non-attendance Day- NO SCHOOL |
Contact
Mrs. Karrin Burns
Third Grade Teacher
Lincoln School
511 Park Avenue
River Forest, Illinois 60305
burnsk@district90.org
(708) 366 - 7340 x 8026
@MrsBurnsD90
Third Grade Teacher
Lincoln School
511 Park Avenue
River Forest, Illinois 60305
burnsk@district90.org
(708) 366 - 7340 x 8026
@MrsBurnsD90
Our first projects are ready to be shared:
Mrs. Burns's Class Creations website, our class tee-shirts, and our class song*
Our class media store is complete, and just waiting for all of the books, apps, movies, and podcasts we will create! As we create content, it we be available for free download on our store.
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Finally, our class logo group has decided that to show our class unity, we should have tee-shirts with our class logo. They have designed the shirt, and have figured out the cost. Over the week-end, I will send an anonymous poll via email to gauge parent interest in this...I think the cost is around $30/each. The shirts they've chosen are Sport-tek Competitor Quarter-zip Performance shirts.
I've told the kids that this will not be viable if we don't have parental support. Please let me know via the poll if this is something you would be willing to purchase for your child or not. Please read their letter to you below:
I've told the kids that this will not be viable if we don't have parental support. Please let me know via the poll if this is something you would be willing to purchase for your child or not. Please read their letter to you below:
*Our class song group worked so hard this week to record their lyrics via Garage Band, but we are still trying to add the music. I hope it will be ready by next week.
Writer's workshop:
learning to write for our readers
Sometimes writers are so excited to write, they forget that their readers need very explicit details. Students worked this week on writing a 'flash draft', developing the heart of their story by adding descriptive details, and also telling the 'internal story' by writing about feelings and thoughts of the narrator. Writing partners are helping to keep each other on track and edit as we go.
Reader's workshop:
Using predicting, retelling, and reading with 'grit' to become better readers
This week, we learned to use prediction strategies to imagine how the story will go, based on what has already happened, as well as knowledge of how stories tend to go. Then, as the story unrolls, they say, ‘Yes, I was right, or ‘Oh, I was wrong-that’s surprising.’ Also, we learned how readers often retell books (up to the part where they’re reading) as a way to lay the story out for themselves, so they can read on, thinking about how the new part fits with the old.
When students read with 'grit', they are reading with resolve. Students discussed what that looks like: setting reading goals, reading a lot every day, choosing challenging books, etc. Good readers need to practice and read with purpose (a skill or strategy in mind) to become great readers!
Practice these strategies at home with your child, and encourage reading for at least 30 minutes a night.
When students read with 'grit', they are reading with resolve. Students discussed what that looks like: setting reading goals, reading a lot every day, choosing challenging books, etc. Good readers need to practice and read with purpose (a skill or strategy in mind) to become great readers!
Practice these strategies at home with your child, and encourage reading for at least 30 minutes a night.
Math: Arrays
Our math focus this week and next is arrays. The main ideas of this investigation are understanding the meaning of multiplication, learning multiplication facts, and understanding and working with an array/area model of multiplication. An array is an arrangement of objects in columns and rows like this:
The dimensions of this array are 3 by 4. There are three rows and four columns. The equation would be 3 x 4 = 12.
Students were introduced to arrays to represent multiplication; then used arrays to find factors and products. Students used arrays to find features of numbers and find products for the array by skip counting or using known facts.
Students were introduced to arrays to represent multiplication; then used arrays to find factors and products. Students used arrays to find features of numbers and find products for the array by skip counting or using known facts.
Coming up next week: project-based learning
Beginning next week, we will start to think about creating Season 3 of our class podcast, The Chat with Mrs. Burns's Third Grade, as well as ideas for creating an iOS app. Like much of what we do, these projects will be student-driven. I will facilitate, align with the standards, and assess. We will be addressing many Social Studies, Science, English Language Arts, and Math standards through these projects during the school year. We are learning to collaborate, and we are ready to start creating incredible and innovative things!
Identifying landforms due next Friday, 9/28
Students are finishing up the projects on identifing landforms and bodies of water on maps. They are preparing presentations to demonstrate their learning. Students chose the region they wanted to look at, the landform/body of water type, and the mode of presentation. Please see the project description and directions here. I am excited to share what they've created!
Upcoming events
| Wednesday, September 26, 2018 Thursday, September 27, 2018 Friday, September 28, 2018 Tuesday, October 2, 2018 Monday, October 8, 2018 Tuesday, October 9, 2018 Thursday, November 7, 2018 Friday, November 8, 2018 Friday, November 9, 2018 | Fall MAP testing (Math) Fall MAP testing (Reading) EarlyDismissal (11:25AM)- School Improvement School Picture Day Columbus Day- NO SCHOOL Third Grade Field Trip- Botanic Garden Evening Parent/Teacher Conferences (Student-led) Parent/Teacher Conferences (Student-led)- NO SCHOOL Non-attendance Day- NO SCHOOL |
Contact
Mrs. Karrin Burns
Third Grade Teacher
Lincoln School
511 Park Avenue
River Forest, Illinois 60305
burnsk@district90.org
(708) 366 - 7340 x 8026
@MrsBurnsD90
Third Grade Teacher
Lincoln School
511 Park Avenue
River Forest, Illinois 60305
burnsk@district90.org
(708) 366 - 7340 x 8026
@MrsBurnsD90
Thank you for joining me at Open House!
It was so nice to see you all and spend the evening together. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments. I loved doing the BreakoutEDU, and next year I'll know to make it harder. You are too smart! We will have a terrific year, and I'm so glad we are all together this year.
Spelling
Spelling words are here! After we assessed all of the students in early September, the students were sorted into groups depending on the spelling skills that need to be developed. I send a spelling sheet home for the kids to work on, and they will keep a copy at school. Students should choose activities from the list below in order to bulid spelling knowledge. New lists will go home on Monday, and we will have a short assessment on Fridays, but students will receive words every week. There is nothing to hand in at school...these are just activities in order to practice spelling at home. For those of you that have forgotten or did not have a child in 2nd grade at Lincoln, here is what the kids could be doing a few times a week at home:
Spelling activities for home
1. Re-write all the spelling words on cards. Sort them into categories (for example, CVC, CVVC, CVCe). Can you sort them more than one way?
2. Write a sentence using each spelling word.
3. Write a letter to a friend. See how many spelling words can you include in the letter.
4. Can you find other words that fit the pattern of your spelling words?
Spelling activities for home
1. Re-write all the spelling words on cards. Sort them into categories (for example, CVC, CVVC, CVCe). Can you sort them more than one way?
2. Write a sentence using each spelling word.
3. Write a letter to a friend. See how many spelling words can you include in the letter.
4. Can you find other words that fit the pattern of your spelling words?
Student-led Conferences
Our class will participate in student-led conferences this year (in lieu of traditional parent/teacher conferences! Student-led conferences are a great step for your child on the path to take ownership of learning; and share his or her successes, struggles, and goals with both parents and teacher in a supportive environment.
Since this is the first experience with student-led conferences for most, we will keep it simple and relaxed: students will share and discuss work, set goals, and talk about his or her learning experiences so far in Third Grade. We (the adults) should be open and supportive, and discuss ways we can assist and or facilitate learning. It will be a very positive experience! Bringing your child is not mandatory, but it is very much encouraged. Please know that there is very little I would say to you that your child and I have not discussed: it is important to me and part of our classroom culture to give honest and frequent feedback.
Last year was the first year I implemented student-led conferences after seeing the success of the Third Grade team at Willard School and our 4th Grade team here at Lincoln. Both parents and students overwhelming agreed it was a successful and positive experience last year in our classroom, as well.
Since this is the first experience with student-led conferences for most, we will keep it simple and relaxed: students will share and discuss work, set goals, and talk about his or her learning experiences so far in Third Grade. We (the adults) should be open and supportive, and discuss ways we can assist and or facilitate learning. It will be a very positive experience! Bringing your child is not mandatory, but it is very much encouraged. Please know that there is very little I would say to you that your child and I have not discussed: it is important to me and part of our classroom culture to give honest and frequent feedback.
Last year was the first year I implemented student-led conferences after seeing the success of the Third Grade team at Willard School and our 4th Grade team here at Lincoln. Both parents and students overwhelming agreed it was a successful and positive experience last year in our classroom, as well.
Inquiry and exploration:
a team update
The Class Creations Team has been putting together a website that will showcase our creations and share them with the world.
The Logo Team has been working on a logo in Keynote to show our classroom unity.
Our proposed class logo.
The Class Song Team has written lyrics and created music to share the story of our classroom through music.
Reader's Workshop
As we continue with our Building a Reading Life unit, students focused on checking themselves for comprehension by asking themselves the following questions when they read:
We finished our first read aloud (Fake Mustache- very good!) and have moved on to The Wild Robot.
- Who is in this part?
- What just happened?
- Is this something that is connected to something that has already happened or is it something new?
We finished our first read aloud (Fake Mustache- very good!) and have moved on to The Wild Robot.
Writer's Workshop
At the biginning of the week, students chose their seed idea to grow into a whole story. They practiced rehearing the story aloud with his/her writing partner, then began to write a 'flash draft'. Students used the mentor text, 'Come on, Rain' by Karen Hesse, which is rich in descriptive details, to understand ways to add storyteller's voice to their own work (see below). When students use a storyteller's voice, their work instantly becomes more enjoyable to the reader.
Math
We are studying patterns and relationships between numbers, which can be a little tricky at first! Using 3 and 6 and 5 and 10, students are asked to describe ways soliving one multiplication problem can help solve a related problem. Finding patterns in mathematics is an excellent way to develop critical thinking skills and mathematical depth. To do this, we are using methods such as counting around the class, as well as finding visual patterns on 100 charts.
This week, your child recieved his or her Pearson Realize (Investigations) sign in information. The Investigations website has numerous resources to use for practice at home, but especially good are the math games. Please let me know if your child forgets his/her password, and I am happy to resend.
This week, your child recieved his or her Pearson Realize (Investigations) sign in information. The Investigations website has numerous resources to use for practice at home, but especially good are the math games. Please let me know if your child forgets his/her password, and I am happy to resend.
Resources:
Learn more about our classroom and literacy at home
Over the summer, I had the opportunity to collaborate with a group of global educators to co-author a book on K-3 literacy. The book focuses on activities and lessons that are easily implemented at home or school using iPad. The book is free, and available on iTunes (Apple Books). If you are looking for activities to boost literacy at home, please download Literacy: The K-3 Literacy Project and take a look.
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Also, if you are interested in learning more about the culture of our classroom, I wrote another book this summer called Cultivating a Culture of Creativity and Collaboration in the Classroom (it was a busy summer for me!). It is also free and available on iTunes (Apple Books). I am happy to answer any questions you have about either of these books!
Botanic Gardens Field Trip Permission Slip
| botanicpermission18.pdf |
Upcoming events
|
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Friday, September 28, 2018 Tuesday, October 2, 2018 Monday, October 8, 2018 Tuesday, October 9, 2018 Thursday, November 7, 2018 Friday, November 8, 2018 Friday, November 9, 2018 |
Non-attendance Day- NO SCHOOL
EarlyDismissal (11:25AM)- School Improvement School Picture Day Columbus Day- NO SCHOOL Third Grade Field Trip- Botanic Garden Evening Parent/Teacher Conferences (Student-led) Parent/Teacher Conferences (Student-led)- NO SCHOOL Non-attendance Day- NO SCHOOL |
Contact
Mrs. Karrin Burns
Third Grade Teacher
Lincoln School
511 Park Avenue
River Forest, Illinois 60305
burnsk@district90.org
(708) 366 - 7340 x 8026
@MrsBurnsD90
Third Grade Teacher
Lincoln School
511 Park Avenue
River Forest, Illinois 60305
burnsk@district90.org
(708) 366 - 7340 x 8026
@MrsBurnsD90
Mrs. Burns's Third Grade 2018 - 2019
Official Class Portrait
These kids will do incredible things this year!
Lincoln School Open House
Thursday, September 13!
The Lincoln Elementary School Open House is scheduled for Thursday, September 13th. This evening meeting is for parents to learn more about the curriculum and activities in Third Grade. I hope to see you there! The schedule is as follows:
6:30-6:55PM- K-2nd Grade classroom presentations
7:00-7:25PM -PTO and Principal presentation- In Auditorium
7:30-7:55PM - 3rd and 4th Grade classroom presentations
To make the most of our 25 minutes together, I will send need-to-know information by Monday. Our time will be spent learning about Third Grade in a creative way...come prepared to collaborate! Please be on the look-out for pre-Open House information from me.
6:30-6:55PM- K-2nd Grade classroom presentations
7:00-7:25PM -PTO and Principal presentation- In Auditorium
7:30-7:55PM - 3rd and 4th Grade classroom presentations
To make the most of our 25 minutes together, I will send need-to-know information by Monday. Our time will be spent learning about Third Grade in a creative way...come prepared to collaborate! Please be on the look-out for pre-Open House information from me.
Our first field trip:
Chicago Botanic Garden, October 9
Our first field trip of the year is coming up on Tuesday, October 9! The Third Grade classes will be going to the Chicago Botanic Garden to experience the guided program, Flower Lab. We will be learning why plants make flowers. Students will dissect flowers to examine their external structures and gather evidence for how certain flower characteristics help attract pollinators so the plant can make seeds. We will use models to describe the life cycle of a flowering plant.
If you'd like to volunteer to accompany us on this field trip, please contact me at burnsk@district90.org. Each class is allowed 4 parent volunteers. I will send field trip permission forms home next week...please return them by September 30.
If you'd like to volunteer to accompany us on this field trip, please contact me at burnsk@district90.org. Each class is allowed 4 parent volunteers. I will send field trip permission forms home next week...please return them by September 30.
Identifying Landforms
Students are working to identify landforms and bodies of water on maps, and they will soon prepare presentations to demonstrate their learning. We started out by learning about different landforms, like oceans, continents, islands, mountains, valleys, etc. Below, see a very nice example of my favorite landform, the peninsula (I am a Michigander). During this project, students will chose a region they want to explore, the landforms to identify, and the mode of presentation. Please see the project description and directions here.
Writer's Workshop
We've been working this week on using a storyteller's voice, editing our work as we go, and using a narrative writing checklist to help us set goals and improve writing. Next week, students will pick a seed idea and begin to write their best narrative story using all they've learned. Students were excited to use a thesaurus to enrich their writing with synonyms.
Reader's Workshop
We spent the last two weeks learning how to use our reading logs to look for patterns in our reading, and working with reading partners to help each other set goals and discuss our reading. We discussed ways to read longer and stronger, and I encourage the kids to increase both reading time and pages read daily. Please encourage your child to read at least 30 minutes each evening. Our class also devised a way to share good books with each other and the world each month: we will use a video format called Flipgrid to share our favorite books.
The kids continue to learn about developing a powerful reading life by using all the tools they've learned to enhance their reading. This week's focus was on fluency and comprehension, and students learned that readers understand a story by giving themselves comprehension checks, thinking about the mind-work the text is asking the reader to do (envisioning, gathering information), and predicting what will happen next based on several factors. This class LOVES to read!
The kids continue to learn about developing a powerful reading life by using all the tools they've learned to enhance their reading. This week's focus was on fluency and comprehension, and students learned that readers understand a story by giving themselves comprehension checks, thinking about the mind-work the text is asking the reader to do (envisioning, gathering information), and predicting what will happen next based on several factors. This class LOVES to read!
Math: Finding multiples of 5, 10, 3, & 6
The main concepts in Investigation 2 are understanding the meaning of multiplication, learning multiplication facts, and finding and understanding patterns and relationships between numbers. Using a 100 chart, students discovered patterns between multiples of 5 and 10, 3 and 6. We will continue with skip counting and 100 charts at the beginning of next week to find multiples of 2 and 4 before we move into learning multiplication through arrays.
Inquiry and exploration
This week, we worked on some beginning ideas for developing essential questions, collaboration, and community building. Three teams chose to work on composing a class song, designing a class graphic logo, or creating a class media store. Team leaders were chosen to lead the group, and the whole team then updated the rest of the class on the group's progress and received feedback on their projects. Next week, the students will post a video update.
Upcoming events
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Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Friday, September 28, 2018 Tuesday, October 2, 2018 Monday, October 8, 2018 Tuesday, October 9, 2018 Thursday, November 7, 2018 Friday, November 8, 2018 Friday, November 9, 2018 |
Non-attendance Day- NO SCHOOL
EarlyDismissal (11:25AM)- School Improvement School Picture Day Columbus Day- NO SCHOOL Third Grade Field Trip- Botanic Garden Evening Parent/Teacher Conferences (Student-led) Parent/Teacher Conferences (Student-led)- NO SCHOOL Non-attendance Day- NO SCHOOL |
Fun with drones!
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Follow Mrs. Burns's Third Grade on Twitter
Contact
Mrs. Karrin Burns
Third Grade Teacher
Lincoln School
511 Park Avenue
River Forest, Illinois 60305
burnsk@district90.org
(708) 366 - 7340 x 8026
@MrsBurnsD90
Third Grade Teacher
Lincoln School
511 Park Avenue
River Forest, Illinois 60305
burnsk@district90.org
(708) 366 - 7340 x 8026
@MrsBurnsD90
Lincoln School Open House:
Thursday, September 13, 2018
The Lincoln Elementary School Open House is scheduled for Thursday, September 13th. This evening meeting is for parents to learn more about the curriculum and activities in Third Grade. I hope to see you there! The schedule is as follows:
6:30-6:55PM- K-2nd Grade classroom presentations
7:00-7:25PM -PTO and Principal presentation- In Auditorium
7:30-7:55PM - 3rd and 4th Grade classroom presentations
6:30-6:55PM- K-2nd Grade classroom presentations
7:00-7:25PM -PTO and Principal presentation- In Auditorium
7:30-7:55PM - 3rd and 4th Grade classroom presentations
And we're off!
This week, we started instruction in our core academic areas. *See the end of this week's newsletter for some fine print to tell you more about what we are learning!
Writer's Workshop: Narrative writing
Our first writing task included a 'cold write' (writing pre-assessment) to enable me to get to know your children as writers. We also began to learn strategies for finding ideas for true stories, and our first was 'Think of a person who matters to you, list small moments, choose one, and write the whole story.' Students also established their writing goals, and met with their writing partners. I am excited to see the works this bright class of writers produces!
Math Investigation 1: Things that come in groups
Our first investigation this week was to understand that multiplication involves repeated addition of equal groups. Students examined and identified mathematical information in multiplication such as the number of groups, the number in each group, and the number of objects in all.
We will begin our second investigation Tuesday, and students will define and compare sets of multiples. Students found multiples of 2, 5, and 10; and worked on noticing patterns in the multiplication. We will continue with investigation 2 next week,
We will begin our second investigation Tuesday, and students will define and compare sets of multiples. Students found multiples of 2, 5, and 10; and worked on noticing patterns in the multiplication. We will continue with investigation 2 next week,
Reader's Workshop
Each afternoon, our class will have Readers' Workshop for 90 minutes. Reader's Workshop consists of a short whole-group lesson, independent or small-group work, and finally an opportunity to share our learning. Each lesson will have a purpose, and students will apply that purpose to their independent work.
This week, we learned the importance of building a powerful reading life by finding good-fit books within reach and reading books like they are gold. We shared examples of our texts with each other, and started a reading log to keep track and see patterns in our reading.
In September, I will assess each student individually on reading fluency and comprehension. I am looking forward to learning more about your child as a reader!
This week, we learned the importance of building a powerful reading life by finding good-fit books within reach and reading books like they are gold. We shared examples of our texts with each other, and started a reading log to keep track and see patterns in our reading.
In September, I will assess each student individually on reading fluency and comprehension. I am looking forward to learning more about your child as a reader!
Inquiry and exploration
Inquiry and exploration is a time in our classroom where student have opportunities to become immersed in a special project. Inquiry and exploration is cross-curricular project-based learning based upon student choice, and addresses many Social Science, Science, ELA, Writing, and Math Standards.
Students have been exploring our classroom, beginning to develop questions and do some groundwork for inquiry-based learning. During the year, students will have the opportunity to explore areas of interest, which I will facilitate and align with our Illinois Learning Standards. This week, students had an opportunity to 'begin thinking about how they will define our classroom community. Students will be guided to develop essential questions, evaluate sources and use evidence, communicate conclusions, and take action.
I am very, very excited to see what this year's students will do to make the world a better place!
Students have been exploring our classroom, beginning to develop questions and do some groundwork for inquiry-based learning. During the year, students will have the opportunity to explore areas of interest, which I will facilitate and align with our Illinois Learning Standards. This week, students had an opportunity to 'begin thinking about how they will define our classroom community. Students will be guided to develop essential questions, evaluate sources and use evidence, communicate conclusions, and take action.
I am very, very excited to see what this year's students will do to make the world a better place!
Snacks
The safety of all students in D90 is always our top priority. This includes ensuring our students with various food and other allergies are kept safe when at Lincoln. To support this effort, The D90 Allergy Committee comprised of school nurses, parents, community members and administrators have worked to compile an inclusive recommended list of student classroom snacks and treats to be served at parties. Should you have any specific questions please feel free to contact Mr. Godfrey or Mrs. Godellas.
Student handbooks
If your child is the youngest in the family, he/she brought home the student handbook last week, All family members must sign and return the acknowledgement page. If you have not returned that page, please do so soon.
Sign up for your student's digital portfolio
Please sign up to view your child's portfolio via Seesaw with the link I sent via email. Very little paperwork will be sent home this year; you will need to download the Seesaw Parent App in order to view your child's work.
*The Fine Print
Writer's workshop: Crafting True Stories
This unit focuses on composing true stories independently, and covers the following several Common Core Standards in 3rd Grade writing, Speaking and Listening, and Language (click here to see the list of standards covered).
Reader's Workshop: Building a Reading Life
This unit focuses on helping students fashion their own identities as people who care about, seek to comprehend, and make meaning from reading. This unit covers Common Core Standards in 3rd Grade Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening, and Language (click here to see the list of standards covered).
To start this reading unit, the students took a pre-assessment. They listened to and read and story called Abby Takes Her Shot, then answered some questions. The students today self-assessed their work as a group. We will take the assessment again at the end of the year to see how much reading comprehension has improved. Students are bringing home a copy of the self-assessment and their work today to share with you. Please be aware that students are NOT EXPECTED to meet the objectives at this point; the rubric shows what they should know at the end of their 3rd grade year.
To start this reading unit, the students took a pre-assessment. They listened to and read and story called Abby Takes Her Shot, then answered some questions. The students today self-assessed their work as a group. We will take the assessment again at the end of the year to see how much reading comprehension has improved. Students are bringing home a copy of the self-assessment and their work today to share with you. Please be aware that students are NOT EXPECTED to meet the objectives at this point; the rubric shows what they should know at the end of their 3rd grade year.
Mathematics: Understanding Equal Groups
This unit focuses on understanding the meaning of multiplication, modeling multiplication using arrays, and understanding the inverse relationship between multiplication and division. These are the benchmarks we will be working on for this unit:
Benchmark 1: Demonstrate an understanding of multiplication and division as involving equal groups.
Benchmark 2: Solve multiplication and related division problems by using skip counting or known multiplication facts.
Benchmark 3: Interpret and use multiplication and division notation.
Benchmark 4: Demonstrate fluency with multiplication facts ×𝟣, ×𝟤, ×𝟧, and ×𝟣𝟢.
Mathematical Practices
MP1, Makesense of problems and persevere in solving them.
Family letters are sent home at the beginning of each investigation, and explain the big math ideas, and give some ideas for families to work on at home. Next week, I will also give your child his/her password to the online portal of our math curriculum, Investigations. Students can work on math games at home to reinforce what we are learning in the classroom.
Benchmark 1: Demonstrate an understanding of multiplication and division as involving equal groups.
Benchmark 2: Solve multiplication and related division problems by using skip counting or known multiplication facts.
Benchmark 3: Interpret and use multiplication and division notation.
Benchmark 4: Demonstrate fluency with multiplication facts ×𝟣, ×𝟤, ×𝟧, and ×𝟣𝟢.
Mathematical Practices
MP1, Makesense of problems and persevere in solving them.
Family letters are sent home at the beginning of each investigation, and explain the big math ideas, and give some ideas for families to work on at home. Next week, I will also give your child his/her password to the online portal of our math curriculum, Investigations. Students can work on math games at home to reinforce what we are learning in the classroom.
Dear Third Grade Parent(s),
My name is Mrs. Karrin Burns and I will be your child’s Third Grade teacher for the 2018 – 2019 school year. I am looking forward to an exciting year of positive and rewarding learning experiences. I am excited to help your child learn and grow during this important year.
The first day of school is Thursday, August 23!
The Lincoln Elementary School Open House is scheduled for Thursday, September 13th. This evening meeting is for parents to learn more about the curriculum and activities pertaining to Third Grade. Please take a look at the Learning page on our website to learn more about our curriculum, and the About Our Classroom page to learn more about the ideas behind our classroom community. Further, please check out our Calendar page to stay up-to-date with what is occurring in our classroom on a daily basis.
At the end of this message, there is a link to a brief Google Form to fill out in order for me to get to know you and your child better. Your feedback is very important, so please take a few moments to answer the short questionnaire. I will send a Welcome Message to your child (via your email address), as well.
Here is a brief run-down of some need-to-know information:
SUPPLIES
If you pre- ordered your child’s supplies, they will already be in the classroom. If you did not order in advance, please send all of your child’s supplies on the first day of school.
Earbuds or headphones are required for each student, and these must be supplied by you. Personally, I think headphones are a better choice, as most kids find these to be more comfortable, but it is up to you and your child. Because each child has his/her own iPad, it is imperative that your child have these on the first day of school.
iPADS
Our Third Grade students are each issued an iPad for their work at school. At this time, iPads can not be taken home. In our classroom, we will use Google Classroom, a private blended learning platform to assign, distribute, and manage our workflow. To share work privately with parents, students will use Seesaw. Viewing your child's work is simple, but will require the download of the Seesaw Parent app on your device. We will attempt to be as paperless as possible, with the exception of some math and writing work.
SNACKS and WATER
Your child should bring a refillable water bottle to school. We are so lucky to have a bottle refilling station right outside of our classroom! Third Grade students are encouraged to bring a healthy snack to school to eat mid-morning every day. Some good choices might include fruit, veggies, yogurt, Goldfish crackers, pretzels, or string cheese. Please check the list of ingredients on all food items you send to school, Please do not send ANY classroom snacks with peanut or tree nut ingredients. There are students in our classroom who suffer from severe food allergies. Exposure to even a small amount of an allergen is serious and potentially life-threatening. Your assistance is needed to ensure a safe classroom environment,
COMMUNICATION
For daily updates on what's happening in our classroom, please follow Mrs. Burn's Third Grade on Twitter (@MrsBurnsD90) and check your child's Seesaw account. I will send a newsletter in blog form via email every Friday. Gradually, the students will take responsibility for producing the content to communicate to parents and the world what we are learning in our classroom.
The Mrs. Burns's Third Grade website is a central hub for all news, resources for you and your child, school information, newsletters, and anything else about our classroom and program. Please visit the website to familiarize yourself with our Third Grade program!
We will not use Friday Folders. If there are items from the office to be sent home, I will send them electronically whenever possible. If they can't be sent electronically, your child will put the item in his/her back pack.
Feel free to contact me at school (366-7340 ext. 8026) or by e-mail (burnsk@district90.org) if you have any questions or concerns. Email is preferred because I have quicker access, but I am always happy to answer any questions however you choose to reach me.
HOMEWORK
I strongly encourage daily reading, spending time with family and friends, interest-based and extra-curricular activities. Encourage your child's curiosity! We have very little homework; if we do, it is for reinforcement and practice only, and is not graded.
Reading: 20 - 30 minutes daily.
Please encourage daily reading at home, both independent reading and listening to reading (read alouds).
Spelling: Students will have weekly word lists.
Math: In general, homework will consist of a short math activity. The assignment will be either an reflection/application of that day's work, or preparation for the introduction of an upcoming concept.
Your involvement (both in the classroom and at home) is important to me and your child. Much of what your child will be working on in school will be available for you to view daily on Seesaw. Seesaw allows your child's work to be visible daily; please view your child's work, comment on it, and discuss the work at home.
Please remember that beginnings are sometime difficult. It may take us a few weeks to work the kinks out. Please be patient! The beginning of the school year is a time to learn about new people, places, and routines. In a few short weeks, your child will be very comfortable in our classroom community.
This will be a great year! I am excited about working together this year and look forward to seeing your child on Thursday, August 23!
Please take a few moments to complete this questionnaire.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Karrin Burns
My name is Mrs. Karrin Burns and I will be your child’s Third Grade teacher for the 2018 – 2019 school year. I am looking forward to an exciting year of positive and rewarding learning experiences. I am excited to help your child learn and grow during this important year.
The first day of school is Thursday, August 23!
The Lincoln Elementary School Open House is scheduled for Thursday, September 13th. This evening meeting is for parents to learn more about the curriculum and activities pertaining to Third Grade. Please take a look at the Learning page on our website to learn more about our curriculum, and the About Our Classroom page to learn more about the ideas behind our classroom community. Further, please check out our Calendar page to stay up-to-date with what is occurring in our classroom on a daily basis.
At the end of this message, there is a link to a brief Google Form to fill out in order for me to get to know you and your child better. Your feedback is very important, so please take a few moments to answer the short questionnaire. I will send a Welcome Message to your child (via your email address), as well.
Here is a brief run-down of some need-to-know information:
SUPPLIES
If you pre- ordered your child’s supplies, they will already be in the classroom. If you did not order in advance, please send all of your child’s supplies on the first day of school.
Earbuds or headphones are required for each student, and these must be supplied by you. Personally, I think headphones are a better choice, as most kids find these to be more comfortable, but it is up to you and your child. Because each child has his/her own iPad, it is imperative that your child have these on the first day of school.
iPADS
Our Third Grade students are each issued an iPad for their work at school. At this time, iPads can not be taken home. In our classroom, we will use Google Classroom, a private blended learning platform to assign, distribute, and manage our workflow. To share work privately with parents, students will use Seesaw. Viewing your child's work is simple, but will require the download of the Seesaw Parent app on your device. We will attempt to be as paperless as possible, with the exception of some math and writing work.
SNACKS and WATER
Your child should bring a refillable water bottle to school. We are so lucky to have a bottle refilling station right outside of our classroom! Third Grade students are encouraged to bring a healthy snack to school to eat mid-morning every day. Some good choices might include fruit, veggies, yogurt, Goldfish crackers, pretzels, or string cheese. Please check the list of ingredients on all food items you send to school, Please do not send ANY classroom snacks with peanut or tree nut ingredients. There are students in our classroom who suffer from severe food allergies. Exposure to even a small amount of an allergen is serious and potentially life-threatening. Your assistance is needed to ensure a safe classroom environment,
COMMUNICATION
For daily updates on what's happening in our classroom, please follow Mrs. Burn's Third Grade on Twitter (@MrsBurnsD90) and check your child's Seesaw account. I will send a newsletter in blog form via email every Friday. Gradually, the students will take responsibility for producing the content to communicate to parents and the world what we are learning in our classroom.
The Mrs. Burns's Third Grade website is a central hub for all news, resources for you and your child, school information, newsletters, and anything else about our classroom and program. Please visit the website to familiarize yourself with our Third Grade program!
We will not use Friday Folders. If there are items from the office to be sent home, I will send them electronically whenever possible. If they can't be sent electronically, your child will put the item in his/her back pack.
Feel free to contact me at school (366-7340 ext. 8026) or by e-mail (burnsk@district90.org) if you have any questions or concerns. Email is preferred because I have quicker access, but I am always happy to answer any questions however you choose to reach me.
HOMEWORK
I strongly encourage daily reading, spending time with family and friends, interest-based and extra-curricular activities. Encourage your child's curiosity! We have very little homework; if we do, it is for reinforcement and practice only, and is not graded.
Reading: 20 - 30 minutes daily.
Please encourage daily reading at home, both independent reading and listening to reading (read alouds).
Spelling: Students will have weekly word lists.
Math: In general, homework will consist of a short math activity. The assignment will be either an reflection/application of that day's work, or preparation for the introduction of an upcoming concept.
Your involvement (both in the classroom and at home) is important to me and your child. Much of what your child will be working on in school will be available for you to view daily on Seesaw. Seesaw allows your child's work to be visible daily; please view your child's work, comment on it, and discuss the work at home.
Please remember that beginnings are sometime difficult. It may take us a few weeks to work the kinks out. Please be patient! The beginning of the school year is a time to learn about new people, places, and routines. In a few short weeks, your child will be very comfortable in our classroom community.
This will be a great year! I am excited about working together this year and look forward to seeing your child on Thursday, August 23!
Please take a few moments to complete this questionnaire.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Karrin Burns
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