Wise News and Notes
Jan. 4, 2016
Happy New Year!
I hope you had a great break. It was great to relax and play with my family. As a teacher I enjoy the third quarter. It is a time where we are use to each other and our routines. We have developed a foundation for learning that allows us to sit back and enjoy learning together. We have some neat learning coming up.
This month we have the great kindness challenge happening. I would like to focus on a month long kindness challenge. You will find a calendar at the bottom of the page. My wish is that we use that to guide us on implementing an act of kindness daily. It doesn't have to be what the calendar says or on the day the calendar says to do it. Change it up, be creative, and enjoy daily acts of kindness. We will have a place in our class and a place in the school to share what types of kindness acts our kiddos are doing. Thanks for encouraging and helping with this.
****Snacks****
We have a working snack daily. This happens usually about 10:00. It is very important that items be things that can be eaten while reading or writing. If it is messy or sticky your child will not be able to work and eat. Thanks for helping by monitoring the items and sending in a healthy snack daily for your child.
Donations of a box of gold fish, crackers, cereal are always great appreciated for days that we forget our snack. Thanks!
****Remember that our morning message is a great place for us to share any pictures you have from our break. Just email them in when you get a chance.
Curriculum Overview
Reading- We will continue to read The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. Our focus is on character traits. I would like to also start developing a deeper understanding of summaries.
We will start new reading groups this week.
Writing- Writing about our goals and how we will work towards achieving them.
Social Studies- National Monuments
Word Work- New Words - Homework to follow.
No Excuse Words - -Test on Friday
Week 3 No Excuse Words ... bring, hot, seven, got, together, much, today, have
Important Dates
January 4: First Day of Second Semester
January 14: CIA Meeting: We will discuss state testing!
January 18: Martin Luther KIng Jr. Day: NO SCHOOL (unless we have snow)
January 25-29: The Great Kindness Challenge Week
January 29: Birthday Celebrations in Classrooms
Monthly Focus
I am also focusing on just right books for our reading. We will be asked to check out one book from the library in our just right level. I will start weekly reading conferences with students to assess what they are reading for enjoyment reading. It is important to me that all third graders have at least one book they are currently reading for enjoyment reading. My wish for all students is that they see that reading is more than an assignment in the classroom.
Chromebooks and Headphones
Our classroom just received an amazing gift - Chromebooks! We will be using them almost daily to complete classwork and research different topics. Google Classroom will help to enhance our learning.
In order for all students to be successful they will need headphones/earbuds. We ask that these be inexpensive ones - NOT BEATS or any other costly brand (they are the student’s responsibility). The students will be asked to leave them here at school for the rest of the school year. Should your child need to borrow a classroom pair of headphones they are more than welcome, but we know some kids have a preference and would prefer their own personal set.
Shawna Wise - Third Grade Teacher
Email: shawna.wise@cps.k12.ar.us
Location: 36 Pond Street, Cabot, AR, United States
Phone: 501-743-3564
Twitter: @wiseowls4ever