Math Facts Challenges

Sorry, I know it's been awhile since I posted on here! Things certainly have been crazy with ISTEP and IREAD! And to think that things won't really slow down in the classroom until the end of May!

I'll be updating the blog with some pictures of activities we completed during the third 9-weeks. To start with... Our math facts!

Hot Chocolate Party:  Mixed Multiplication
*11 kids reached their 90 and 100 facts! Fantastic :-)

A great way to fight off the cold of winter!

Cookie Party:  Division Facts
*13 kids made it through their /9
*10 of those kids also passed their mixed division! Wow!

******************

Be on the lookout for a new Math Facts Challenge coming soon! 

We'll be reviewing all addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts.

Practice Website

Mrs. Gentry found a great new website that allows the kids to practice ISTEP multiple choice questions. It will tell you if the answer is incorrect and doesn't allow you to move on until the correct answer is chosen. I especially like the practice since it's online--IREAD and ISTEP multiple choice are all the computer, so it's a great way to get the kids used to it! Enjoy!

Ms. Todd's Website

Prepping for the Test

It seems like everything we're doing right now circulates around preparing for ISTEP and IREAD. Test taking strategies, constructed response formats, working in a time frame, reading longer passages, taking tests on a computer, writing math procedures... So much goes into getting the kids comfortable to sit down and take a lengthy, high stakes test. And no matter how we feel about the testing itself, we want them to feel as though they can tackle whatever "The Test Lady" throws at them.

The good news is, even with all this test preparation, it's not sacrificing quality instruction and the learning of skills to be successful next year. We'll still do reading, writing, and math--there will just be time set aside to show how test questions could be asked about what we're doing! (PS--Science and Social Studies will be taught too! But since we don't test over them, I won't tie it into test taking prep).

Things We're Doing In Class To Prepare:
*IREAD practice test (coming soon)
*ISTEP practice reading test (closer to the multiple choice test in May)
*Daily Reading Review
*Reading lessons:  reading longer passages, finding the answer in the text, constructed responses, multiple choice questions
*Reading small groups:  targeted practice on skills that need support
*Online reading tests
*IREAD practice packets
*Writing prompts:  how to answer a prompt, prewriting, organizing into paragraphs, editing, grading
*Daily Math Review
*Math problem solving:  multi-step problems, explain how you solved, key words
*Math work stations:  leveled activities to brush up on difficult skills based on the Math AYP
*Multiple Choice practice:  how to read, 50/50 strategy, go back to the text
*Reading/Math/Grammar practice book:  worksheets and games to be completed every two weeks

Things You Can Do At Home:
*Homework
*Moby Max:  both reading and math (Login information:  Username--96 number, Password--last name in all capital letters)
*Optional practice packets
*Open ended question practice:  criteria, ideas, and procedures will be coming home in the next two weeks
*Word games
*Read and ask questions
*ISTEP questions from previous years

**************************

Keep checking out the blog for ideas for how to prepare!

IREAD Parent Meeting Thursday, January 23rd at 8:45 and 6:00. Please plan to attend.

ISTEP/IREAD Practice

A whole extra week of Winter Break! As much as I LOVED the extra time with Emily, we were going pretty stir crazy. It's amazing what a trip to Target can do when you've been stuck inside for three days!

But with this week off, I've done lots of planning, creating, and Pinterest-ing for ideas to make practicing for our upcoming standardized tests meaningful, targeted, and fun. It's going to be an intense couple of months! Our third grade team has already collaborated on some practice packets, which you'll see coming home soon.

We're really targeting the open ended questions:
*Reading Response:  Read a lengthy passage and answer a question using evidence from the text (length:  approximately 8-10 sentences)
*Writing:  Write a story from your life with a focus on organization and word choice
*Math:  multi-step problems solving and explaining how to solve the problem

For in-class practice, I'll be creating binders that will change each week (Reading will change every other week).
*4 Reading Activities
*1 Reading Game
*4 Grammar/Phonics Activities
*4 Math Activities
*1 Math Game

But this is where I'll need your help! Putting these binders together is a pretty laborious project, and while I think it's HUGELY important, any help you can provide would be much appreciated!
--Run copies
--Change out the activities (These will be switched out of the plastic page protectors each week)

Send me a note or email to let me know if you're interested in helping out. The binders will change every Friday, but whenever you're available will be great!

Multiplication Ice Cream Party

After 12 weeks of practicing multiplication facts, the 3rd grade got to celebrate with a Sundae Party!

Be on the lookout in the first party of January for the new multiplication challenge. And get ready to start division facts too!

Math Review

Our next math test is tomorrow! It will cover drawing fractions, naming fractions, showing fractions on a number line, measuring to the nearest ¼ inch, creating line plots, and reading circle graphs.

Here's a copy of our review sheet. You'll have to write your own fractions in for the first part of the review. :-)

Units 3 and 4 Review Sheet

Welcome Back!

I hope you had a fantastic Fall Break. I have to admit, it was great not being at school and getting to spend time with Emily! But I did plenty of planning and grading while I was away too!

 

So far, this has been a great and busy week. We've covered lots of information and have worked hard!

Just a reminder that we'll be covering the following topics in the next nine weeks. Not surprising, there's a lot here!

Reading:  cause and effect, main idea and details, shades of meaning, sequencing, theme, compare and contrast, author’s purpose, character traits, story structure, drawing conclusions

Math:  unit fractions, equal area, fractions on a number line, adding and subtracting fractions, fractions in measurement, line segments and lines, telling time, elapsed time, volume, mass, adding units of length, counting money, measurement conversions, multiplication facts through x10

Don't forget to check out Math Facts Pro and Moby Max for extra practice. I've added them to our Math Links too (you need to sign in so the work is recorded).

Math Test Tomorrow

Tomorrow is our Quarter 1 Math Test. For homework, the students need to finish their review sheets. We completed part of it together in class. If you want a blank copy to practice at home, click on the link below to download it!

Quarter 1 Review Sheet

Math Test Tomorrow

This first math unit has been a big one! Lots of new concepts, lots of big numbers, lots of hard work!

The test will cover the following topics:

*Rounding

*Subtracting across Zeroes

*Checking with Addition

*Comparing Numbers

*Even and Odd Numbers

*Place Value Models

*Ways to Write Numbers (standard, word, and expanded forms)

*Right Angles

*Perimeter

Today in class we completed a review packet. I've attached it here if you want a fresh copy. Otherwise, just make up your own examples! And keep in mind, the kids will have to read the whole test by themselves.

Unit 1 Review Packet