A Look Ahead

Math Workbooks and PTO Treat

Please pick up your child's math workbook and PTO Winter treat on Monday or Tuesday if you haven't done so already. The office is open from 7:30-3:30. If these times do not work for you, please let me know. 

Festive Headwear

Holiday Sweaters/Shirts

 Reading Counts

Congrats to Laiken for earning 50 Reading Counts points! She was recognized on the morning show this week along with other students in the school who meant different levels for prizes. 

Curriculum

Math-  We are starting Chapter 7: Round and Estimate Numbers. Please encourage your child to practice their multiplication facts over the break so they can become fluent. They can use the following website: Math Trainer. 

ELA-  We will wrap up our focus on Main Idea after break and then move into the skill of summarizing nonfiction texts. We will wrap up our opinion writing unit. We will work on a small persuasive writing unit after break. 

Science- We will focus on Rocks and Minerals. If you child could start collecting rocks they find, they can observe them during during our science lessons. I will be talking to the students about this next week.  

Social Studies- We will not be focusing on social studies. 

*Please check out your child's Week at A Glance for graded assignments.

A Look Ahead

Upper Campus Holiday Spirit Week

What's In A Name? 

Students did a great job drawing out their name on grid paper and then finding the area of their name. 

Reading Counts 

All information about Reading Counts tests/prizes is located on the LCE Media Center Webpage. 

Curriculum

Math-  We will wrap up Chapter 6 on Area next week with a test on Wednesday. We will move into Chapter 7: Rounding and Estimate Numbers. Please encourage your child to practice their multiplication facts so they can become fluent.

ELA-  We will focus on finding the main idea in texts. We continue our unit on opinion writing.

Science- We will not focus on science this week. 

Social Studies- We will continue to focus on Human Features and Human Environmental Interactions. 

*Please check out your child's Week at A Glance for graded assignments.

A Look Ahead

MAP Testing

As most of you are already aware, we will be winter MAP testing next week on December 9th and 10th. For those of you that will be bringing your child to school, you will be receiving communication about next week from administration. Your child will not be testing with me since I will be administering the test to students who are staying at home. For students testing virtually, we will start at 9:00 am, like normal. For ALL students, we will pick up with instruction in the afternoon at 1:00 pm. Your child will not have related arts on MAP testing days. I will have a choice board with asynchronous work that can be done when your child is done testing (virtually or at school). I will discuss this with the class on Tuesday. 

Reading Counts Tests

Your child is able to take Reading Counts Tests from home. I know several students have been anxiously awaiting to start testing. Mrs. Medlock went over Reading Counts with the class on Wednesday during their media related arts time. 

Checking Out Books

On Tuesdays third graders are able to request a book(s) from the media center. They should know how the process works since Mrs. Medlock went over it with them. When the book your child requested is ready he/she will receive an email that it will be in the front office pick up area. 

Curriculum

Math-  We started Chapter 6 and will continue next week. We are focusing on relating area to multiplication. I also shared a website with the students that will allow them to practice their multiplication facts and focus on the facts they need to work on memorizing. Math Trainer Link The students will have a graded assignment on area towards the middle of the week. 

ELA-  We will continue with Text Features (ex. Appendices, Charts, Timelines). The students will have a quiz over this focus next week. We will continue our unit on opinion writing and have been focusing on writing complete sentences including complete thoughts, punctuation and capital letters. 

Science- We will not focus on science this week. 

Social Studies- We will focus on Human Features and Human Environmental Interactions. 

*Please check out your child's Week at A Glance for graded assignments. 

A Look Ahead

It is so hard to believe that it is already Thanksgiving! The nice thing for our class is that we will continue our routine virtually while face to face students have to switch back to virtual for two days. I will not post again next week due to the short week so this is my "Look Ahead" for the next two weeks. Safe travels for those that are traveling away for Thanksgiving!

 

Please check out the Comminigator (link) for tips on caring for your child's chromebook.

Curriculum

Math-  We will start Chapter 5: Patterns and Fluency (Multiplication).  

ELA-  We will move into Text Features (ex. Appendices, Charts, Timelines) We will continue our unit on opinion writing. 

Science- We will focus on Fossils and then move back to social studies. Your child will have a graded assignment on Fossils the week after break. 

Social Studies- We will focus on Human Features and Human Environmental Interactions after Fossils.

*Please check out your child's Week at A Glance for graded assignments. 

A Look Ahead

Small Groups- 8:30am

Next week I will be meeting individually with students at 8:30 and 8:45am. I hope to have a regular schedule for small groups starting the following week. 

Flat Mrs. Rataiczak

 Your child should have received mail from me with a Flat Mrs. Rataiczak inside. I told them to let me know if they didn't receive one. As your child does activities with "me" please email them to me. Your child can take a picture with his/her chromebook and email it to me too, if he/she knows how. Adventures with Flat Mrs. Ratiaczak is not mandatory...just a fun activity to share with the class. 

Curriculum

Math-  We continue in Chapter 4: Division Facts and Strategies. The students will have a test on Friday. They will also have a graded assignment on Tuesday. 

ELA-  We continue to focus on determining the theme of a story using key details in texts. The students will have a test on Thursday. The students will use the reading textbook that was sent home with them next week. We will continue our unit on opinion writing. 

Science- We will not focus on science this week. 

Social Studies- We will continue to focus on Physical Characteristics/Features in Geography. (oceans, continents, hemispheres, prime meridian, equator etc.) The students will have a quiz to wrap up this unit next week on Friday. 

A Look Ahead

I was so grateful to see everyone on the Meet today. The last last couple days I have not been able to see them and websites/videos were not working for me, but (fingers crossed) I think the district changed/fixed something because today was fabulous!! 

Pumpkin Character Decorating Contest

Congrats to Kaden and Ava on their pumpkin decorating skills!! Kaden won first place for his Fly Guy pumpkin and Ava tied for second place with Harry Potter! So creative! 

Boosterthon Prizes

I still have a lot of Boosterthon prizes in my mailbox in the front office. When you have a moment, please stop by and pick them up. You can pick them up anytime between 8 am and 4 pm.  If you are not sure if you child has a prize he/she can ask me or you can email me. 

Curriculum

Math-  We continue in Chapter 4: Division Facts and Strategies. 

ELA-  We continue to focus on determining the theme of a story using key details in texts. We will start our unit on opinion writing. 

Science- We will not focus on science this week. 

Social Studies- We will focus on Physical Characteristics/Features in Geography. (oceans, continents, hemispheres, prime meridian, equator etc.) Your child will have a quiz over this material towards the end of the week. 

*I will include the Week At A Glance in your child's Google Classroom on Monday that will include when graded assignments for the week will take place.

A Look Ahead

Half Day Fridays

All elementary schools in the district will have half days every Friday starting November 13th. What this means for virtual students is that on Fridays your child will be done at 11:30, when we break for lunch. Half days on Fridays will give teachers a chance to collaborate and plan. 

Silly Monsters

The students did a great job of creating their silly monsters! Soooo creative! I cannot wait to listen to their stories on Flipgrid! 

Big Ideas Tutorial 

Your child has been completing math assignments virtually on Big Ideas. These assignments have been independent practice. Below is a video going over how you can check your child's assignments to see what he/she missed. I have showed the students how to do this as well. 

Curriculum

Math-  We will start Chapter 4: Division Facts and Strategies. 

ELA-  We will focus on determining the theme of a story using key details in texts. We will connect our writing to our 7 Mindset Focus: Attitude of Gratitude. 

Science- We will not focus on science this week. 

Social Studies- We will focus on Physical Characteristics/Features in Geography. (oceans, continents, hemispheres, prime meridian, equator etc.)

*I will include the Week At A Glance in your child's Google Classroom on Monday that will include when graded assignments for the week will take place.

A Look Ahead

 Boosterthon Fun

The students seemed to really enjoy Boosterthon this year even though it was virtual. We had Lightning Lydia as a mystery reader on Wednesday, enjoyed crazy hair day, hat day and sunglass day. Check out the pictures below...

Principal Appreciation Week 

Next week we will honor Mr. Williams...see below or click Communigator to read it on the school blog. 

Curriculum

Math-  We will wrap up our work in Chapter 3: More Multiplication Facts and Strategies with a test on Thursday. 

ELA-  In writing we will focus on using adjectives and vivid verbs in our writing with our Silly Monster writing. We will also wrap up our unit on personal narratives. We will dive deeper into analyzing character change next week too. 

Science- We continue to look at how humans, animals and nature can change environments. the students will have a graded assignment mid to late week. 

Social Studies- We will not focus on social studies this week. 

*I will include the Week At A Glance in your child's Google Classroom on Monday that will include when graded assignments for the week will take place.

A Look Ahead

I know some of the students were excited to get their prizes today at lunch. It was nice to see some of them in their car! Your child will have another opportunity to pick up their prizes on Monday from 11:30-12:15. I'm sure there will be other days announced soon. We will have our virtual dance on Wednesday at 2:00pm. Our class earned hat day and I enjoyed seeing everyone wearing their hats. Monday we will wear crazy socks. Please remind your child! 

Hard to get a good picture of everyone with their hat on...

Multiplication Flash Cards

I have been talking to the students about flash cards. It would be great if you are able to purchase your child some flash cards so they can practice memorizing their facts. One of my students shared the set she has which is great because you can categorize the facts into don't know yet, sort of know and mastered.  Her mom found them on Amazon. (Link, if you are interested.) I also told the students they could easily make their own with some index cards or by cutting paper into rectangles....write the fact on one side and the answer on the back. 

Curriculum

Math-  We continue working in Chapter 3: More Multiplication Facts and Strategies. The students will have a graded assignment on Tuesday. 

ELA- In writing, we will continue to focus on personal narratives, writing good beginnings, and using a checklist with our writing. In reading, we will focus on how characters change the plot as well as character traits. 

Science- We will move back into science midweek and focus on how humans and animals change their environments. 

Social Studies-We will wrap up our discussion on the 5 Themes of Geography with a graded assignment on Tuesday or Wednesday. 

*I will include the Week At A Glance in your child's Google Classroom on Monday that will include when graded assignments for the week will take place.

A Look Ahead

Another great week in third grade! They have kept me laughing this week! I hope you enjoy the long weekend with your family! 

Array Hunt

Students went on array hunts this week and found arrays located in their homes. Below are some of the creative arrays they located. They learned how to use their Chromebook camera and insert the picture. 

Math Help Feature

If your child is working on the Homework and Practice section in their math workbook you will notice a QR code in a house at the top. If your child needs help or you need help explaining something to your child you can scan the code for help. 

Curriculum

Math- We will wrap up Chapter 2 with a test on Wednesday. We will move into Chapter 3: More Multiplication Facts and Strategies. 

ELA- In writing, we will continue to focus on personal narratives, writing good beginnings, and using a checklist with our writing. In reading, we will focus on drawing conclusions and character traits. The students will have a graded assignment on drawing conclusions on either Wednesday or Thursday.  

Science- We will take a break from science for about a week.

Social Studies-We will focus on the Five Themes of Geography, Lines of Longitude and Latitude. 

*I will include the Week At A Glance in your child's Google Classroom on Monday that will include when graded assignments for the week will take place.

A Look Ahead

 It is hard to believe it is the beginning of October! We continue to get into a groove with virtual learning. I'm sure some days are harder for others with your child. I have my moments too. If you ever listen to me teach you probably hear me say "look on your pathway" quite a lot. I am continually trying to get the students to look at their pathway slides and not rely on me for information...all part of becoming responsible and accountable students.  :) 

Curriculum

Math- We moved into Chapter 2 this week: Multiplication Facts and Strategies. We will focus on 2's, 5's, 10's, the distributive property and problem solving skills. We will have a graded assignment on Wednesday. 

ELA- In writing, we will continue to focus on personal narratives. In reading, we will focus on questioning, drawing conclusions and making predictions. We will have a graded assignment covering questioning on Monday. 

Science- We are focusing on food chains including producers, consumers and decomposers. We will have a graded assignment covering food chains on Wednesday or Thursday. 

Social Studies-We will take a break from social studies. 

*I will include the Week At A Glance in your child's Google Classroom on Monday that will include when graded assignments for the week will take place.

A Look Ahead

 I feel like we are really starting to get into the swing of things with virtual learning. I think we (the students and myself) have finally figured out Big Ideas, the math app. We have been fortunate enough to have Jacob's mom, Ms. Waters, jump on our Meet a few times to help since she works with elementary math teachers at the district office. 

Dry Erase Boards

If you child did not get a dry erase board from me, I still have some. I also have markers. We use the dry erase boards a lot and it is so much easier to see their answers on the boards than with paper and pencil. 

Communigator

Please check out the Communigator (school blog- click Communigator for link) with information about caring for Chromebooks and Troubleshooting Google Meets. 

Thanks again for all of your support at home! 

 Curriculum

Math- We will wrap up Chapter 1 in Big Ideas: Understanding Multiplication and Division with a test on Tuesday. Students are welcome to practice any problems in their math workbook that we didn't do in chapter 1 to review. We will also review on Monday. We will move to Chapter 2: Multiplication Facts and Strategies. 

ELA- In writing, we will continue to focus on personal narratives. In reading, we will wrap up using context clues with a graded assignment towards the beginning/middle of the week. We will also discuss questioning before, during and after our reading, making predictions and drawing conclusions. 

Science- We will jump back into science midweek focusing on food chains including producers, consumers and decomposers. 

Social Studies-We continue focusing on maps and the students will have a quiz on Wednesday.  

*I will include the Week At A Glance in your child's Google Classroom on Monday that will include when graded assignments for the week will take place.

A Look Ahead

Dry Erase Markers

If you child has a whiteboard from me and their marker dries out, let me know and I can put one in the office for you to pick up. I have a few left from last year. 

LCE Spirit Wear

Check out the Communigator (click for post) for the new spirit wear shirt for this year. 

 Curriculum

Math- We will continue with Chapter 1 in Big Ideas: Understanding Multiplication and Division. We will focus on lesson 4-7. 

ELA- In writing, we will focus on personal narratives and capitalization. We will also continue with Context Clues, synonyms and antonyms.  

Science- We will take a break with science to focus on social studies. 

Social Studies-We will start social studies for the first time this year. Our focus will be on using an alphanumeric grid to locate continents and oceans on a map. 

*I will include the Week At A Glance in your child's Google Classroom on Monday that will include when graded assignments for the week will take place. 

A Look Ahead

Communigator- LCE Blog

If you haven't had a chance to check out the Communigator or subscribe to follow it and receive emails when the school posts information, please check it out. Communigator Link 

A few things...

Absent Students- If your child is late or misses an afternoon or morning they need to go to the pathway for that day and complete the slides, work, and links. The pathways I use allow for students to complete missed work easily. I will also have my Google Meet recordings under that day in Google Classroom. At least we will be back on our normal schedule next week.  :)

Navigating Google Classroom Video

Book Fair

We will have a virtual Book Fair starting Monday, September 14th- September 27th. You can use the link to order, but the link will not be active until Monday. Book Fair Link

Curriculum

Math- We will start Chapter 1 in Big Ideas: Understanding Multiplication and Division. The students will have a graded assignment on Friday. 

ELA- We wrap up our focus on suffixes and prefixes. The students will have a graded assignment this week on Tuesday. In writing, we will focus on personal narratives and capitalization.  

Science- We will wrap up our discussion on habitats with a graded assignment on land habitats. The students will either have a graded assignment on Thursday or Friday depending on our week. 

Social Studies- We will move in to social studies towards the end of the week. Our focus will be on using an alphanumeric grid to locate continents and oceans on a map. 

*I will include the Week At A Glance in your child's Google Classroom on Monday. 

A Look Ahead

Our first week of virtual school went well with a few hiccups, but I appreciate everyone being patient and supportive at home. 

(I wish I was able to see everyone the screen.)

A Few Things...

Class Notes- We are taking notes and in a virtual classroom it is hard to know how slow or fast to go. I started taking pictures of the notes in my notebooks and will be attaching them to the day we took them in your child's Google Classroom. They will be responsible for making sure the notes are completed. They will need these notes for assignments in class. 

Grades- I plan on grading some assignments next week. I will make note in the Week At A Glance when your child can expect a graded assignment and will tell them too.  

To Do- I am including a video on how your child (or parents) can tell if he/she has completed and turned in work or if he/she needs to complete work. This video is also under the Topic: How To Videos in your child's Google Classroom. 

Curriculum

Math- We will start Chapter 1 in Big Ideas: Understanding Multiplication and Division. 

ELA- We will focus on suffixes and prefixes. In writing, we will focus on personal narratives. 

Science- We will continue discussing the characteristics of water habitats and then move into land habitats. 

Social Studies- None Next Week

*Due to MAP testing this plan could change a little. 

Welcome to Third Grade!!

 Welcome to LCEUC! We are going to have a fantastic year in third grade! 

A Look Ahead

Gator Games T-Shirts
Gator Games is coming soon! Order a shirt for this year's event by Friday, March 20th. Check out the Communigator for more information on the design, price and how to order.
http://thecommunigator.blogspot.com

Curriculum

Math- We are in Module 7 and focusing on finding perimeter. The students will have a quiz on Friday to wrap up Module 7. Please encourage your child to continue to practice their multiplication facts and division facts. Students can practice their fluency (addition, subtraction, multiplication division) on the following website.  https://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/math-trainer-multiply.html

Language Arts-  We will move into Figurative Language (idioms, similes, metaphors etc) and Poetry.  We will continue our writing unit on Literary Analysis. 

Social Studies- We will wrap up our unit on the American Revolution with a test on Thursday. We will then move into Government.  
Links to help study: https://quizlet.com/268095181/3rd-grade-american-revolution-flash-cards/
https://www.studystack.com/flashcard-2462596

Science- We will continue our unit on Matter. 

A Look Ahead

Spreading A Little Joy and Kindness
The students wrote some inspirational quotes and drew pictures on coffee sleeves today for the locally owned coffee shop, Lighthouse, in Lake Carolina Town Center. I will drop them off today so the Lighthouse can give them to their customers when they grab a cup of coffee. I know the sleeves would put a smile on my face, if I recieved one.

Read Across America Pictures...

R2i2 Art Display

Congrats to the following students who have their art displayed at R2i2 until March 13th. 

Brooklyn, London, Sam, Jordan, Khloe' R., Dezmond

Teacher Cadet Scholarships

Next week we will be hosting a fundraiser for Richland Two's Teacher Cadet program. This program assists seniors in High School who are pursuing the field of education by providing scholarships. For our fundraiser students will be participating in a competition. There will be three jars full of jelly beans, legos and pens. Students can bring in one dollar to guess how many of that object are in the jar. The three winners will win a pizza lunch and get to invite a friend to enjoy with them! We look forward to this fundraiser! It will be going all week from Monday, March 9 to Thursday, March 12 from 7:30-7:55 am.

Curriculum

Math- We are in Module 7 and focusing on finding perimeter. The students will have a quiz on Thursday. Please encourage your child to continue to practice their multiplication facts and division facts. Students can practice their fluency (addition, subtraction, multiplication division) on the following website.  https://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/math-trainer-multiply.html

Language Arts-  We will wrap up reading Revolutionary War on Wednesday. Instead of having a test, like I originally mentioned, the studnets will have a choice board that will allow them to choose three different assignments from nine choices. We will continue our writing unit on Literary Analysis. 

Social Studies- We continue learning about the American Revolution. 

Science- We will continue our unit on Matter. 

First Week of March

Mother/Son Surge Event

Just a reminder that the Mother/Son Event at Surge is on Monday from 5:30-7:30pm. The cost is $25 or $35 for 2 or more children. It should be a fun time! I will be there with my first grader. Hope to see some of you there! 

Read Across America

The school will celebrate Read Across America with spirit week next week. The scheule is as follows:

Monday- Wear a Fun Hat

Tuesday- Wear a College Jersey of T-shirt

Wednesday- Wear Crazy Socks

Thursday- Wear a Red or Blue Shirt

Friday- Wear Mismatched Clothes

Curriculum

Math- We will wrap up Module 4 with a test on Monday. We will move into Module 7 with the focus being on finding perimeter. Please encourage your child to continue to practice their multiplication facts and division facts. Students can practice their fluency (addition, subtraction, multiplication division) on the following website.  https://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/math-trainer-multiply.html

Language Arts-  We continue reading Revolutionary War on Wednesday. The students will have a test over this book on Tuesday, March 10th. We will focus on several skills while reading. (character analysis, predicting, character traits, author's purpose etc.) We will continue our writing unit on Literary Analysis. 

Social Studies- We continue learning about the American Revolution. The students will have a quiz over the first part of this unit on Tuesday. They can use their notes in their notebook to study. 

Science- We will start our unit on Matter. 

Last Week in February

Friday Folders

I will not be sending home Friday folders because I do not have anything to send home at this time. I did send home a class picture with your child, if you ordered one. It should be in their bookbag. 

Mindset Focus: Live to Give: Receive Gracefully
The students played Compliment Tag as part of our Receive Gracefully lesson. The students seemed to enjoy this activity and they did a great job giving and receiving compliments from their peers. 

Curriculum

Math- We will wrap up Module 4 with a test on Friday. Please encourage your child to continue to practice their multiplication facts and division facts. Students can practice their fluency (addition, subtraction, multiplication division) on the following website.  https://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/math-trainer-multiply.html

Language Arts-  We will start reading Revolutionary War on Wednesday. We will focus on several skills while reading. (character analysis, predicting, character traits, author's purpose etc.) We will continue our writing unit on Literary Analysis. 

Social Studies- We continue learning about the American Revolution.

Science- We continue discussing natural events (landslides, floods, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes etc.). The students will have a quiz over this information on Thursday. 

A Look Ahead

Landform Presentations

The students started presenting their presentations on the different landforms they researched. 

Khloe and Jason presented information on Volcanoes.

Math- We continue working in Module 4, Multiplication and Area. Please encourage your child to continue to practice their multiplication facts and division facts. Students can practice their fluency (addition, subtraction, multiplication division) on the following website.  https://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/math-trainer-multiply.html

Language Arts-  We will continue to focus on Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions. The studnets will have a quiz on making inferences on Friday. will continue our writing unit on Literary Analysis. 

Social Studies- We continue learning about the American Revolution.

Science- We are discussing natural events (landslides, floods, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes etc.). 

A Look Ahead

Island Gal

Island Gal came to talk the 3rd graders about Gullah. She told stories, taught the students Gullah words and sang songs with the students. 

Father/Daughter Dance

If you daughter is attending the dance, please email me a picture. I would love to see the girls all dressed up! 

Book Fair
The book fair is next week. The students previewed the fair today and we will visit the book fair as a class on Tuesday. 

Pet Rock Videos

Students learned how to use a green screen to create a video staring their pet rock. I will email your child's video to you once we are all done. 

Math- We started Module 4, Multiplication and Area. The students will have a quiz over lessons 5-8 on Wednesday. Please encourage your child to continue to practice their multiplication facts and division facts. Students can practice their fluency (addition, subtraction, multiplication division) on the following website.  https://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/math-trainer-multiply.html

Language Arts-  We will continue to focus on Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions. We will continue our writing unit on Literary Analysis. 

Social Studies- We continue learning about the American Revolution.

Science- The students will present their research on land forms and then we will move into natural events (landslides, floods, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes etc.).