Category Archives: News from Ms Van Arkel

3rd Grade Update

Hi Families,
We are having a great time in third grade! Here’s an update of our learning:

Writing: We continue with persuasive writing. This week we are developing our reasons into paragraphs and we will work on putting together all of our ideas into a speech.

Math: We are moving through unit two and we will learn the 8s multiplication facts as well as practice with word problems. It is very important that your third grader keeps consistent with practicing multiplication facts at home.

Reading: Our mystery unit has us reading like detectives! We are collecting clues in our reading to determine suspects and solve the mystery. We are learning new reading strategies to use while we read mystery books.

Word Work: Our third graders our working on word study and using activities to learn spelling and word patterns. We are also becoming more familiar with parts of speech such as noun, adjective, and verb.

Homework: Right now, third grade homework consists of the reading and math fact log. This should be turned in every Monday. Thank you for helping build responsibility in your child’s learning.

Parent/Teacher Conferences: Conferences will be held virtually on Monday, Nov. 16 and Wednesday, Nov. 18. Please look for an email to sign up for a 15 minute time slot.

Picture Retakes: Tuesday Nov. 3
If your child was not here for picture day, retake day is set for Tuesday, Nov 3.  We have extra picture forms in the office if you need one for retakes. If you didn’t like your child’s picture when they came home and you would like them to have retakes, simply send in the picture packet with your child on the day of retakes.  Your child will bring it to the ladies taking the pictures and they will be all set. Thank you!!

A QR code was sent home with your child for them to access CLEVER at home. Your child will be able to use this to practice math facts on MobyMax or read on EPIC.

Ms Van Arkel 🙂

3rd Grade Update

Third Grade Families,
Here is a quick update of our learning:

Writing: This week we kickoff our persuasive writing unit. Our third graders will learn how to form an opinion statement (thesis) and write reasons with detail to form a persuasive speech.

Math: We begin unit 2 this week and will learn the 6, 7, and 8 facts for multiplication. We will be working on applying all the multiplication facts to word problems and other multiplication and division math problems. You should see a multiplication practice page coming home today with a ‘Not Yet’ or a ‘Got It’ page attached to it. This will let your child know what specific facts to practice to prepare for the practice page on Friday.

Reading: We are nearly done with our first writing unit. We have been learning all about how readers understand a story by retelling the story, using a comprehension check , and using strategies for tricky words. We will move on to our mystery reading unit next week.

Homework:
Third grade homework consists of a reading and math fact log. This should be turned in every Monday. Your child should come home with a new one today. I accidentally copied the wrong one to send home so the turn in date should say Monday, Oct. 26 (not the 19th), but since we don’t have school that day, it should be turned in on Tuesday, Oct. 27. Thank you!

Early Release and No School: 
This Friday, Oct. 23 is an early release. Dismissal is at 12:15. We do not have school on Monday, Oct. 26. 

Fall Celebration:
We will have our Fall classroom celebration on Friday, Oct. 30. I plan to do multiple activities throughout the day as it relates to our content. I have several Fall related word work and math games as well as books for the students to enjoy. While we will not be able to have parent volunteers, I will be sending out a link for parents to donate items for our snack that day. Please let me know if your child has an allergy. Thanks!

If your child chooses to wear a costume to school, please help your child choose a simple costume that can be worn the whole day.  The intent behind this is to limit children gathering in the restrooms to change, and limit the number of children needing assistance from teachers and staff to get into their costumes.  We invite you to send your children in a costume that includes no weapons or gore, and easily allows your child to participate in regular school routines and procedures.  Can they take it off themselves to use the bathroom?  Can they fit in their seat at their desk? Can they go down the slide or sit in the swings?  Can they wear a mask under their “mask”?  Please save bulky, or extravagant costumes for home use, and dress in a fun and simple costume for the school day.  Fall or pumpkin t-shirts are a great alternative as well. Thank you for your understanding with this!

Ms Van Arkel 🙂

3rd Grade Update

Hi Families
Here is an update of our learning in third grade:

Writing: This week we are finishing up our narrative writing. We will finish the week learning how to write a written response to a text. Next week, we begin learning about persuasive writing.

Math: We continue to practice multiplication and division facts with word problems and using lots of different strategies. We plan to review  on Wednesday or Thursday and take our test on Friday. 

Reading: We have been learning all about making predictions and using details when we make a prediction.  We will also be practicing giving a retell of the books we read.

A few more things to know………

FOR YOUR INFORMATION
As you see school work coming home there may be  a number grade (3,2,1) on some of them.
Use this as a guide:
3- proficient
2- progressing
1- beginning

HOMEWORK:
Third grade homework consists of reading 20 minutes, five nights a week and multiplication fact practice for 5 minutes, five nights a week. We have been talking a lot about goal setting to help us get better at reading and math facts. Lots of our third graders have made action steps to practice facts and read at home as a way to reach their goal. The reading and math fact log should be returned to school every Monday. 

Math Fact Cards: You will see your child’s blue fact folder filling up. As your third grader works on their math fact log, please help them choose one set of count bys (one color) flash cards to work on each night.  We have learned the 5s, 2s, 10s, 9s, 3s, 4s, so far. It is starting to become apparent which kids are regularly practicing their math facts and which kids are not. Please help your child gain confidence with their math work by practicing these at home.

Math Practice Page:
Each Friday, the third graders complete a math fact practice page. Last week they did the 5s fact page. When your child completes all the problems correctly, they will move on to the next practice page. This Friday, your third grader will either try the 5s page again or will try the 2s page for the first time. Please look for this practice page to come home so you will know what facts to practice with your child.

The next early release Friday is October 23. Dismissal is at 12:15.

3rd Grade Update

Here’s an update of our learning in third grade:
Writing: The third graders have started drafting their personal narratives. They have carefully looked at mentor texts to notice what other authors do to make their writing powerful. They will work to try a lot of these strategies as they finish drafting this week. We will move on to revising and editing.

Math: So far we have learned the 5s, 2s, 10s, 9s, and 3s multiplication facts!! We have been learning lots of strategies for solving multiplication and division problems and word problems. The best way to support your child with multiplication right now is to help them practice their math facts. It is so crucial that they know their facts as we move in to new math concepts. Thanks!

Reading: We are learning the importance of building a reading life! We are learning how to choose good-fit books, how to read as if our books are like GOLD, and we are learning to keep track of progress with a reading log.

Growth Mindset: We continue to talk about how our mindset can make a difference in our learning and in our daily lives. This week, we talked all about facing challenges and I was able to challenge the class with the Coin Flip Challenge! We definitely needed to use a growth mindset with this! We also started talking abut choices and how each choice we make impacts our day and it can also impact ourselves and those around us. We read the book What Should Danny Do? and it reminded our class that each of us has the power to choose!

*Other important things to know*

Homework: Reading/Math Fact log: A Reading/Math Fact log was sent home with your third grader today (Monday 9/28) This will serve as third grade homework and is meant to support your child in gaining accountability and responsibility as a learner. Last week, your third grader started using a reading log in class and now they will be responsible for keeping track of their reading at home. This reading log will be turned in every Monday. Thank you for your support with this!

Walk a thon!!:
Thank you for supporting our school! Final donation date is Wed, Sept. 30. There’s still time to donate!

  •       Register your Child using School Identifier 5f3d669d605c9, please visit www.getmovinfundhub.com 
  •       Event Date: Thursday, September 24, 2020
  •       Final Donation due date: September 30, 2020
  •         Donations can be online through your child’s webpage.  Otherwise, donations in the form of cash & checks (in-school donations), should be turned in to the school.

  •         Please make checks payable to: Georgetown Elementary PTC

•           Visit this page for more details!!

Picture Day is this Thursday, October 1
Forms were sent home last week, but we do have some extra in the office if needed! If your child is not at school on Thursday, picture retake day will be Tuesday, Nov 3. If you would like to order your pictures online, you would go to geskusphoto.com/fallorders and you will need this webcode. 264BFISDGVNHA

The next Early Release is Friday, Oct. 23. Dismissal is at 12;15pm. If your child is a car rider, please be at school between 12:10 and 12:15 for pick up.  Food Service will be offering a sack lunch on early release days. Children can order a lunch with their teacher in the morning and will have them to take to their destination.

Thanks!
Ms Van Arkel 🙂

Reminders for the week!

We are doing a spirit week this week for the walk a thon.

Monday – PJ Day

Tuesday – Crazy Socks Day

Wednesday– Crazy Hair Day

Thursday– Walk a thon Day and Hat Day

Friday– Maize and Blue Day

Walk a thon Event details: 
Support our school and help our class win!!!
Thank you to all who have donated so far!

  •       Register your Child using School Identifier 5f3d669d605c9, please visit www.getmovinfundhub.com 
  •       Event Date: Thursday, September 24, 2020
  •       Final Donation due date: September 30, 2020
  •         Donations can be online through your child’s webpage.  Otherwise, donations in the form of cash & checks (in-school donations), should be      turned in to the school.

  •         Please make checks payable to: Georgetown Elementary PTC

•           Visit this page for more details!!

 

*Be sure to subscribe to our school blog if you have not done so already. 

 

Our class enjoyed the sunshine last week by doing some reading outside. Here’s a photo of just some of our class getting lost in their books.  🙂

 

I’m looking forward to another great week in third grade!
– Ms Van Arkel

 

 

 

3rd Grade Update

Hi Families,

Our class has been doing a wonderful job at getting back into the school routine! We have taken time to get to know each other and learn our new procedures.
Here is an update of our learning:

Writing:
We are learning strategies for personal narrative writing. We are learning how to make goals and how to use strategies when we get stuck. We have been working on writing like a storyteller and not a reporter.

Growth Mindset:
We have been learning all about different character traits such as kindness, acceptance, friendship, courage, and bravery. With each trait, we read a book to help us understand what that character trait can look like. We will continue to learn about using a growth mindset as a learner and we will work on making goals for our learning. We will also be learning about how the parts of our brain help us learn.

Math:
We have started learning and understanding the concept of multiplication. We have learned to use drawings as a strategy. We will be using flashcards to learn and have started with the 5s facts. It will be important for your child to build a habit of practicing multiplication facts for at least 5 minutes, at least 5 days a week.

Reading:
We are working on building our reading life and choosing good-fit books. Our class is practicing building stamina as a reader.

A few more reminders:
• Scholastic Book order is due today (Mon. 9/14). If you are still planning to order ( Follow the directions on the flyer that went home), please do so by 10pm tonight.

• Occasionally we use headphones during computer time. If your child would like to use their own earbuds or headphones, please send them into school for your child to keep in their desk.

• EARLY RELEASE is this Friday, September, 18. Dismissal is at 12:15. Your child may order a sack lunch to take home from food service.

 

 

Important Information from the Office and a Peek of Our Classroom!

Hi Third Grade Families,

NEWS FROM THE OFFICE:
PLEASE be sure to read this post from the office. It includes important information about drop off and pick up as well as letting you know about some forms to be looking for in your child’s daily folder. Some of these forms will need to be returned to school. Thank you for your cooperation with some new school procedures this year!
* If you have not done so already, please fill out the survey posted on a previous blog post to let me know your child’s transportation plans (or just send me an email). It’s important to me that I know exactly where to send your child at the end of the day. Thanks*

The way we talk with our students about these new routines (masks, social distancing, hallway walking, bus routines, etc) will make all the difference in how we transition back to learning. Please help your child process these changes and remind them that although this feels different, we are all in this together, and we can do hard things. This will be one of our first GROWTH MINDSET lessons!  🙂    Your support is so helpful.

OUR CLASSROOM
Here is a peek at our classroom. I can’t wait to see it filled with some AMAZING third graders!

Our Classroom!

 

 

Welcome to Third Grade!

Hello Families,

I am so excited to meet a great group of third graders! I am glad to have the opportunity to be your child’s teacher! I will be sharing lots of information on our class blog over the next few weeks so please make sure you SUBSCRIBE so you won’t miss a post! You can do this by typing your email in the box on the right side of the blog and clicking subscribe.
As we enter a school year with lots of changes, I want you to know that I am committed to making a safe and comfortable learning environment for each of my third graders. We will work together to take care of each other and build up our growth mindset as we learn new routines.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES:
I have created a School Supply page at the top of the blog. You can find it HERE. We will not be sharing supplies this year so it will be important for your child to have their own individual items labeled with their name. Some of the items you send in will also be used in specials classes.

It will be important to send in one healthy snack each day for our morning snack break.

SURVEY
I look forward to getting to know your third grader this year. If you could, please fill out this survey to share any other information that would be helpful. Thank you!

OUR NEW PRINCIPAL:
If you have not done so already, please read the blog post from Mr. Waldie! We are excited to welcome him to our Georgetown family! Make sure you SUBSCRIBE to the school blog so you won’t miss announcements from the office or information from Mr. Waldie.

CLASSROOM DONATIONS:
If you are looking for another way to help out our classroom, please take a look at my Amazon Wishlist. Thank you for your support!!

Summer Learning 2020

Dear Parents,

Studies have shown that students can lose up to 50% of learning during the summer vacation.   Georgetown is challenging you and your child to “KEEP ON LEARNING” this summer to prevent summer slide.  There are a few ways your child can continue learning throughout the summer.

  1. MATH PRACTICE:
    • MOBYMAX via CLEVER:      https://clever.com/in/hpseagles
    This is a great way to practice multiplication and division facts, but it would be great for your child to practice the other subjects on there as well.
    Login will be username@hpsstudents.net   
    • Flashcards are always a great way to practice math facts, too.

2. READING:

• Chapter book reading for 20 minutes (or more!). Help your child maintain their reading progress by keeping a reading routine. With the unusual way our school year ended, maintaining reading skills will be very crucial through the summer and into 4th grade in the fall.

• EPIC : If your child enjoys using this site for reading and they’d like to use this throughout the Summer months, please let me know as I will need to send you a link for access.

• Challenge your child to read fiction and nonfiction texts.

3. Writing:

• Have your child keep a journal and write abut their summer adventures and activities. Remind them to think of a small moment and include details, thoughts, and feelings as they write.
• Write about reading: As your child reads, have them write about the text.
– Describe the main character.
– Describe the setting of the story
– Make a prediction
– How would you feel if you were the main character? Would you do anything differently?
– Why do you think the author wrote this story?
– What is the lesson of this story?

4. Workbooks
• You may find 3rd/4th grade workbooks at bookstores that would have some great skill practice.