Multiplying on a Number Line

Today I'm sending home some homework that shows kids how to multiply on a Number Line.  The Math Learning Center (Bridges- our math curriculum)  has a great app for using number lines.  It's free and the kids and I used it today. 
Here's the link: http://www.mathlearningcenter.org/resources/families
Just go to the free apps, it'll lead you to the app store.
There's a web version also.

I know that many of you don't have tablets, but I'm throwing this out, just in case.
Have fun!
Valerie

Meeting Reminder

Just a reminder that Mr. Nelson will be on hand this afternoon to talk about volunteering for the third grade play.  He'll be in room 21 after school.  We'll need help setting up and taking down chairs and props on show days, running lines with kids, creating a program, etc.
Thanks and see you this afternoon.
Valerie McKenzie

Informational Meeting with Mr. Nelson re: The Third Grade Play

Hi all,
Happy New Year!!  It has been a fun week of teaching after a rest at home.  I've really enjoyed catching up with the kids.
Thanks for the generous gifts from all of you.  Carol Wynn brought the gift cards in on Monday and I was surprised and caught off guard.  I'll have a personal thank you for the kids by Friday or Monday.
Mr. Nelson will have a parent meeting about volunteering to help with the play on Tuesday, January 14 at 3:00 in Room 21 (McKenzie).  This is for all third grade classes.  Come in and sign up to help with setting up chairs, running lines, teaching a dance, etc.  So much fun!
Thanks,
Valerie McKenzie

School Closed Today, Wednesday, December 11.

We just heard and wanted to warn you as soon as possible that school is closed for today.  Stay warm, take your time and we'll see you tomorrow.
Mrs. McKenzie

Science in Room 21

Science in Room 21

This week and next we will be learning about the scientific process through our unit “Changes”.  Kids will explore the states of matter; liquids, solids and gases.  In preparation for the unit I asked kids to draw and to write about what a scientist is and what a scientist does.  Kids have some pretty good ideas, especially with parents who work in a wide variety of science based professions.  The drawings are great and an interesting assessment of the way kids see themselves and the possibilities they imagine for their future.  When I started teaching, all of the kids would draw scientists as men.  Then one or two of the scientists were women.  Now, all the girls are depicting their scientists as women.  The boys are still drawing a variety of “mad” scientists and several marine biologists as well.  It’s interesting.

We’re busy in our Reading Workshop with our novel studies.  Kids have enjoyed reading Because of Winn-Dixie and The Tale of Desperaux by Kate DiCamilla.  They are reading at a pretty fast clip so that we can be finished by Winter Break.  Thanks to the parents who have been leading their groups.   Kids are very enthusiastic and we are learning about comprehension, vocabulary development and a love of good books.

We’ve been studying about geometric shapes in our math classes.  Kids are acquiring vocabulary about angles, types of triangles, attributes of various quadrilaterals and much more.  Math really is a second language.

It’s been very cold and some kids are bringing pretty light outer wear to school.  Please see that they have layers of clothing to wear.  The halls are cold and they have a 30 minute lunch recess outside. 

At the end of next week we’ll start our Winter Break.  I am looking forward to spending some time with my family.  Our son is coming up from southern California and our daughter is close by.  Life is good.  Enjoy the time you have with your family.  

Thank you for the wonderful children you are sharing with me.  I am so fortunate to work with them. 

Happy Break and Happy New Year!!!

Valerie McKenzie

PE this afternoon

This afternoon we have an extra PE!!  Kids will be released from the gym at 3:00.  They will have all their belongings with them.  If you are planning to pick them up, they will be in the gym.
Thanks,
Valerie

Volunteer Opportunity

Dear Parents,
I'm still looking for a couple of volunteers to work with small groups of kids in the Reading Workshop.  Thursday OR Friday from 11:00 -12:00 would be the time commitment.   Let me know if you can work this into your schedule.
Thanks,
Valerie McKenzie