Rm. 240's Wise Owls
June 13
The last full week of the school year has come to a close. I must say that this year brought a lot of new learning for myself, as well as the children. I'm going to miss all these beautiful faces and sunny personalities, but the memories we made together will last for always. I'm happy to see them move on to be fourth graders, and I know they will have an even better year! Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time, energy, patience, and gas. We could not have had the amazing experiences we had without you. You each play such an important role in your child's education, and it inspires them to be their best when they see their parents care about their education. As for myself, I am looking to teach at another district next year. However, if that does not come to fruition, I will see you around HTe again. Thank you to those who helped and supported me through my surgery. You'll never know how humbled and touched I am to be part of such a caring community. Here's to a lovely summer filled with more laughs, adventures, and cuddles. Thank you!
The last full week of the school year has come to a close. I must say that this year brought a lot of new learning for myself, as well as the children. I'm going to miss all these beautiful faces and sunny personalities, but the memories we made together will last for always. I'm happy to see them move on to be fourth graders, and I know they will have an even better year! Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time, energy, patience, and gas. We could not have had the amazing experiences we had without you. You each play such an important role in your child's education, and it inspires them to be their best when they see their parents care about their education. As for myself, I am looking to teach at another district next year. However, if that does not come to fruition, I will see you around HTe again. Thank you to those who helped and supported me through my surgery. You'll never know how humbled and touched I am to be part of such a caring community. Here's to a lovely summer filled with more laughs, adventures, and cuddles. Thank you!
June 6
This week marked the end of our last project together. The children exhibited their Spread the Word Project by presenting beautiful and creative poetry, and unveiling the Little Free Library they built. I am so thankful to all of you who came to hear their poetry, brought in refreshments, and/or helped us carpool to and from the LFL site. We have such amazing parents here at HTe! I was very proud of the students as they presented their learning with confidence and poise. The rest of the week was spent learning cursive, reinforcing math, and watching a thrilling soccer game of 5th graders vs. Teahers - Teachers remain undefeated!
Below, I have attached a couple summer reading program sheets. One is for free entrance to the San Diego County Fair, the other is for a free book from Barnes & Noble. Hard copies were sent home today.
This week marked the end of our last project together. The children exhibited their Spread the Word Project by presenting beautiful and creative poetry, and unveiling the Little Free Library they built. I am so thankful to all of you who came to hear their poetry, brought in refreshments, and/or helped us carpool to and from the LFL site. We have such amazing parents here at HTe! I was very proud of the students as they presented their learning with confidence and poise. The rest of the week was spent learning cursive, reinforcing math, and watching a thrilling soccer game of 5th graders vs. Teahers - Teachers remain undefeated!
Below, I have attached a couple summer reading program sheets. One is for free entrance to the San Diego County Fair, the other is for a free book from Barnes & Noble. Hard copies were sent home today.
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May 30
We've been putting on the finishing touches to our presenation in preparation for exhibition next week. Learning how to speak in front of an audience with confidence is something we are concentrating on, although I know it can be stressful. Please speak to you little one about how important it is to speak clearly, try to make eye contact, and to shine as they always do!
We went to MakerPlace to build our own mini LFLs. The kids did a wonderful job and worked so hard on their creations!
There was a break from the work to enjoy a waterballoon fight put on by the student council. Congrats to the 3rd grade winners, Ayden and Jeremy!!
We've been putting on the finishing touches to our presenation in preparation for exhibition next week. Learning how to speak in front of an audience with confidence is something we are concentrating on, although I know it can be stressful. Please speak to you little one about how important it is to speak clearly, try to make eye contact, and to shine as they always do!
We went to MakerPlace to build our own mini LFLs. The kids did a wonderful job and worked so hard on their creations!
There was a break from the work to enjoy a waterballoon fight put on by the student council. Congrats to the 3rd grade winners, Ayden and Jeremy!!
May 23
Congratulations to the 9 kids who finished ST Math!! They had a wonderful time at In-N-Out.
The students went to Warwicks Books on a fieldwork assignment to speak with Mr. Peter Lerangis. He is one of the authors of the beloved 39 Clues series, and Seven Worders series. He was an awesome speaker and the kids were enchanted by him.
This week the students also built the Little Free Library that will be installed in the Chula Vista community. Thank you to Mr. Pedro and Mrs. Valmidiano for helping our kiddos with the construction and staining. A very special thank you to Mr. Quintanar for designing our LFL and Mr. Cartwright for cutting all the materials and also helping us build. Our parents rock!
Congratulations to the 9 kids who finished ST Math!! They had a wonderful time at In-N-Out.
The students went to Warwicks Books on a fieldwork assignment to speak with Mr. Peter Lerangis. He is one of the authors of the beloved 39 Clues series, and Seven Worders series. He was an awesome speaker and the kids were enchanted by him.
This week the students also built the Little Free Library that will be installed in the Chula Vista community. Thank you to Mr. Pedro and Mrs. Valmidiano for helping our kiddos with the construction and staining. A very special thank you to Mr. Quintanar for designing our LFL and Mr. Cartwright for cutting all the materials and also helping us build. Our parents rock!
May 9
This week we had a guest speaker, Mr. Nava. He is Natalia's dad and is an architect. He explained the architect's process of how something goes from an idea to reality.
We learned about 3-D shapes.
We wrote Haikus.
This week we had a guest speaker, Mr. Nava. He is Natalia's dad and is an architect. He explained the architect's process of how something goes from an idea to reality.
We learned about 3-D shapes.
We wrote Haikus.
April 2014
- Learned about fractions
- Launched final project: Little Free Libraries!
- Walking field trip to the Otay Ranch Library
- Discussed: Why do people tell stories? How do people share stories?
- Learned about measurement
- Discussed: What can poems be about? and learned about Cinquains and Lanterns
- Had a guest storyteller share 2 stories. We created storyboards and retold those stories.
- We learned about Area and Perimeter
March 2014
- Final touches to invertebrate watercolor diagram
- Finished novel study of The Butterfly Lion - kids were shocked by surprise ending!
- Learned about division
- Students recorded a video reflection and created a power point to present at Exhibition
- Performing Arts Exhibition rocked!
- Fiesta del Sol was a success and we raised over $400 for Wild Coast!
Feb. 18-28
So much has gone on in class recently! The students had a lesson on watercoloring given by Avery's grandmother to help them create beautiful invertebrate diagrams. We also got to go to the Cabrillo Tide Pools to meet the invertebrates face to face. It was a gorgeous day! When we came back, Ocean Discoveries led us through the dissection of a sea star. It was very interesting! Our Read-a-Thon was a success! Thank you to those of you who came to lead activities, and thank you to those of you collecting sponsorships!
So much has gone on in class recently! The students had a lesson on watercoloring given by Avery's grandmother to help them create beautiful invertebrate diagrams. We also got to go to the Cabrillo Tide Pools to meet the invertebrates face to face. It was a gorgeous day! When we came back, Ocean Discoveries led us through the dissection of a sea star. It was very interesting! Our Read-a-Thon was a success! Thank you to those of you who came to lead activities, and thank you to those of you collecting sponsorships!
Feb. 13
The children have been in the thick of the project researching an invertebrate of their choice and learning about the adaptations that help it survive. They also sketched an anatomical diagram of their invert and will create a beautiful watercolor painting of it next week. We have also been really invested in our novel study book, The Butterfly Lion. The students have written creative stories from the point of views of the main characters, and we also began to work on creative writing. I have been so impressed with their creativity! We even got into a little "drama" as the students acted out a scene in the story by freeze frame. Our small Valentine's celebration was very sweet! Thank you to all who shared the love with our children. They had a great time! Below are some pictures from this week and last.
The children have been in the thick of the project researching an invertebrate of their choice and learning about the adaptations that help it survive. They also sketched an anatomical diagram of their invert and will create a beautiful watercolor painting of it next week. We have also been really invested in our novel study book, The Butterfly Lion. The students have written creative stories from the point of views of the main characters, and we also began to work on creative writing. I have been so impressed with their creativity! We even got into a little "drama" as the students acted out a scene in the story by freeze frame. Our small Valentine's celebration was very sweet! Thank you to all who shared the love with our children. They had a great time! Below are some pictures from this week and last.
Jan.31
This week, students learned about the 4 tidal zones: Splash Zone, High Tide, Middle Tide, Low Tide. They learned that the invertebrates that live in these tidal zones have adaptations that help them survive this harsh environment. We got to lessen human impact on the ocean by adopting Imperial Beach and picking up litter. We found massive amounts of cigarette butts and random plastic bits! We also went to Birch Aquarium and saw many animals that live in our oceans. Our expert guest this week was Ms. Nikki from Outside the Lens who taught us some basic photography so that our photos would come out beautifully!
This week, students learned about the 4 tidal zones: Splash Zone, High Tide, Middle Tide, Low Tide. They learned that the invertebrates that live in these tidal zones have adaptations that help them survive this harsh environment. We got to lessen human impact on the ocean by adopting Imperial Beach and picking up litter. We found massive amounts of cigarette butts and random plastic bits! We also went to Birch Aquarium and saw many animals that live in our oceans. Our expert guest this week was Ms. Nikki from Outside the Lens who taught us some basic photography so that our photos would come out beautifully!
Jan. 24, 2014
"Is it safe to go into the water?" This is the question we are asking our students to ponder as they learn about the ocean and how humans impact this precious natural resource. The children have taken to this project like ducks to water! We began with a hike into the canyon to observe the condition of the storm drain near the school. Many students were saddened to see it so dry, and polluted. They also learned about the invertebrates that live in our backyard, and also the invertebrates that live in the ocean. Today was a clincher as the students reflected on their thoughts and feelings in response to images of animals being affected by human pollution. Some students got so inspired, that they gave up their recess to help collect trash near our lunch area! During math, we learned how to multiply 2 digits by 1 digit. We learned how to break the problems apart, and put them back together to get the final product. We also began a novel study. This is a new way to learn how to be a great reader! This was introduced to us by Ms. Amy, our visiting teacher from England. The kids are totally engrossed in the story and are having amazing conversations regarding the characters and the storyline. Ask them about it!
Jan. 17, 2014
This week was Engineering Week 2014! The students worked collaboratively to solve problems and be creative. Collaboration was surprisingly a challenge for a lot of our kiddos. We learned about the term, "Step Up, Step Back" to help open up the lines of communication within the various groups. Their first task was to build a support strong enough to prevent an egg from cracking when dropped from above. Two teams were successful! Then, they had to work together to find a solution for the characters in the book, Strega Nona. Their inventions were unique and well-made.
This week was Engineering Week 2014! The students worked collaboratively to solve problems and be creative. Collaboration was surprisingly a challenge for a lot of our kiddos. We learned about the term, "Step Up, Step Back" to help open up the lines of communication within the various groups. Their first task was to build a support strong enough to prevent an egg from cracking when dropped from above. Two teams were successful! Then, they had to work together to find a solution for the characters in the book, Strega Nona. Their inventions were unique and well-made.
Jan. 10, 2014
It has been a wonderful first week back! We've taken the time to familiarize ourselves with our routines and expectations. This week we focused on multiplication. The students practiced 4 ways to solve the equations (commutative property, repeated addition, equal groups, and arrays). Please continue to practice those multiplication facts at home, along with reading every day, and ST Math. We have also started reading new books in guided reading. Next week is Engineering Week where they will get to be creative, empathetic, problem solvers, critical thinkers, and collaborators. They have also begun performing arts with Ms. Latanya. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, and GO CHARGERS!
It has been a wonderful first week back! We've taken the time to familiarize ourselves with our routines and expectations. This week we focused on multiplication. The students practiced 4 ways to solve the equations (commutative property, repeated addition, equal groups, and arrays). Please continue to practice those multiplication facts at home, along with reading every day, and ST Math. We have also started reading new books in guided reading. Next week is Engineering Week where they will get to be creative, empathetic, problem solvers, critical thinkers, and collaborators. They have also begun performing arts with Ms. Latanya. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, and GO CHARGERS!
Oct. 11, 2013
We launched our 3rd grade project on Oct. 3rd. The kids are very excited about being San Diego historians and seeing history come alive through our field trips and interviews. Amparo Romo, a former teacher and my mother-in-law, came in to give the students some insight as to what life was like in San Diego when she was growing up in the 1960's. They were fascinated to learn that girls were not allowed to wear pants, and that candy bars only cost 5 cents! Here are some of the awesome questions our kids were prepared to ask:
What was your school like when you were a little girl? - Mia M.
How did typewriters work? - Athrun
What was your favorite thing to do when you were a little kid? - Ayden
What kind of clothes did you wear? - Erick
What did cars look like when you were little? - Nico
For our Dia de los Muertos project, the students learned about what an ofrenda is and how to make one. They learned that there are certain traditional elements that go on an ofrenda, and their significance. We will be co-constructing one together to display at our Exhibition on October 30th.
The first annual HTe Rock & Roll Jog-a-Thon was a success! It was so endearing to see all our kiddos running their hearts out for HTe. I joined in on the fun and ran a few laps myself!
We launched our 3rd grade project on Oct. 3rd. The kids are very excited about being San Diego historians and seeing history come alive through our field trips and interviews. Amparo Romo, a former teacher and my mother-in-law, came in to give the students some insight as to what life was like in San Diego when she was growing up in the 1960's. They were fascinated to learn that girls were not allowed to wear pants, and that candy bars only cost 5 cents! Here are some of the awesome questions our kids were prepared to ask:
What was your school like when you were a little girl? - Mia M.
How did typewriters work? - Athrun
What was your favorite thing to do when you were a little kid? - Ayden
What kind of clothes did you wear? - Erick
What did cars look like when you were little? - Nico
For our Dia de los Muertos project, the students learned about what an ofrenda is and how to make one. They learned that there are certain traditional elements that go on an ofrenda, and their significance. We will be co-constructing one together to display at our Exhibition on October 30th.
The first annual HTe Rock & Roll Jog-a-Thon was a success! It was so endearing to see all our kiddos running their hearts out for HTe. I joined in on the fun and ran a few laps myself!
Sept. 27, 2013
Our birdhouses came out wonderfully! After discussing what qualities we each bring to the classroom, our "nest", we were able to co-create our class norms. Here is the kind of classroom we strive to be everyday:
Our birdhouses came out wonderfully! After discussing what qualities we each bring to the classroom, our "nest", we were able to co-create our class norms. Here is the kind of classroom we strive to be everyday:
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The students presented their birdhouses to each other and explained what each item represented about them.
A special thank you to Haydee, Zeamora, Edgar, and Daniel for helping us curate the birdhouses. Our tree is phenomenal! Take a look!
We learned about the writing process and wrote thank you notes to all who helped us with our project.
During math, we learned how to add and subtract multi-digit numbers. The students played math games to reinforce the concepts.
Sept. 13, 2013
This week, we finished constructing, painting, and collaging the birdhouses before Back to School Night. They look amazing! They were able to present their houses to their table mates and talk about what personal qualities they were bringing to the class and how they represented that on the birdhouse. The students reviewed place value and learned a new game: 100 or Bust. Mr. Paul even took over the lesson for a while, and the kids were excited to participate! We also learned how to write numbers in different ways such as standard, expanded, written, and base ten form. They were definitely geared up to get ST Math going. Everyone should be able to log in at home tonight. The students that get to 100% in June, get an In-n-Out meal!
**Please excuse the sideways pictures :)
This week, we finished constructing, painting, and collaging the birdhouses before Back to School Night. They look amazing! They were able to present their houses to their table mates and talk about what personal qualities they were bringing to the class and how they represented that on the birdhouse. The students reviewed place value and learned a new game: 100 or Bust. Mr. Paul even took over the lesson for a while, and the kids were excited to participate! We also learned how to write numbers in different ways such as standard, expanded, written, and base ten form. They were definitely geared up to get ST Math going. Everyone should be able to log in at home tonight. The students that get to 100% in June, get an In-n-Out meal!
**Please excuse the sideways pictures :)
Sept. 6, 2013
During the second week, our class started to really get into our Collective Culture project. We've had discussions, gotten creative, critiqued our birdhouse designs, and begun building birdhouses. We have also discussed probability in terms of comparing ourselves to a classmate. The students learned the mathematical terms certain, likely, unlikely, and impossible.
Aug. 30, 2013
We had a fantastic first week of 3rd grade! We set the norms for our routines, and spent some time getting to know each other. We also played some fun team building games with Ms. Georgia and Ms. Christine's class.
During the second week, our class started to really get into our Collective Culture project. We've had discussions, gotten creative, critiqued our birdhouse designs, and begun building birdhouses. We have also discussed probability in terms of comparing ourselves to a classmate. The students learned the mathematical terms certain, likely, unlikely, and impossible.
Aug. 30, 2013
We had a fantastic first week of 3rd grade! We set the norms for our routines, and spent some time getting to know each other. We also played some fun team building games with Ms. Georgia and Ms. Christine's class.
Our new third graders also wrote acrostic poems about all the fun they had this summer.
It was a fantastic start to our year and can't wait to see what happens next!