Winter Break

It's so exciting! Winter break is near! What are your plans? What are you looking forward to most? Are you traveling or staying in Houston? If you celebrate Christmas, what are some of your family's traditions you look forward to every year? If you celebrate Hanukkah, what are some of your traditions? I can't wait to hear what each of you have planned!

Big Nate

I'm Reading Big Nate double trouble. It is an awesome book because he is hilarious and it is a two in one book.   Big Nate gets detention everyday.  In "Strikes Again," Genia is on Nate's Ben Franklin report and S.P.O.F.F ( Sports played only for fun ).

Time to Check In on Independent Reading

We have not blogged about what we are reading for fun in a long time, and we all know that books can really add a lot of joy to your life! I always like to have a good fiction book around...like a good friend. Lately, I have been reading a book called At the Water's Edge. This book is historical fiction, and it is for enjoyment. Historical fiction is based on historical events and people that are true but the story is fiction. Books can be entertaining and POWERFUL! Please write 4 to 5 sentence about the book you are reading right now. Be sure to the correct capitalization and punctuation. 

Young Bull

Young Bull was treated unfairly, because he was forced to leave his family.  He was forced to build houses all by himself.  He was forced to learn a new language, which was English.  He tried to run away, but the guards caught hims and placed a metal ball and chain on his ankle.  Hi ankle became bruised and damaged.  Luckily, a kind teacher cared for him and helped him remember that he would always be an Indian on the inside.

Today, we discussed the difference between plot and theme. We focused on the different themes, messages or big ideas from our book Cheyenne Again.  Please write about some of the themes you discovered in your reading with your partners or what we read-aloud and give examples.  For example,  one theme was  treating the Indians unfairly in school when they taught them lies or left out important facts about their culture and some of the battles they had won.  Please write four to five sentences with the correct punctuation. 

Math Stations

We are really enjoying our math rotations/math groups! Please share what you like about them so far. Do you have a favorite station? Do you have a favorite game? WHY do you like it?  What are some great strategies you like to use during problem solving? Share with me your favorite parts of math groups!  Please write four to five complete sentences. Make sure you use the correct capitalization and punctuation. 

Panda Path

Last Wednesday we had the most rewarding experience. We visited the Panda Path Pre-K students at the Spring Branch Family Development Center. We brought books to read and donate. Please describe your experience. You may write about what you enjoyed most and what was challenging. How did it feel to give away the gift of a book? Did you learn anything about your buddy? Would you like to return? Please write four to five complete sentences using the correct punctuation. 

Feature Article

This week and last week we have explored a variety of feature articles and found that each of them engage and inform the reader, have catchy titles, and include quotes from experts. We have started brainstorming topic choices and discussed categories, which will organize our articles even more. Share with us your topic choice and information about your topic. You may include your categories with information as well. Be sure to write four to five complete sentences with the correct spelling, capitalization, and punctuation. 

Math is Everywhere!!!

Look around...we see and use math everywhere and every day!!!  We see and use math at the grocery store, on TV, looking out the window of a car, or at home. We use math adding scores when playing sports, paying money when  shopping, telling time, measuring for cooking, and doing so many other things! Write four or more sentences sharing how YOU see and  use math in your real life. Remember - use complete sentences and proper punctuation!  I am excited to see how you see and use math every day!!!

As good readers we all use reading strategies to improve our reading skills and our reading comprehension. The most important part of reading is to understand what you are reading, and that is why we use reading strategies. It makes reading more enjoyable and a lot more fun when you connect to what you are reading and give a shout out to others about the great book you are reading. Please tell us about your favorite reading strategy or strategies that you use when you are reading and why you like them. Be sure to write four to five complete sentences with the correct punctuation and capitalization. 

Shockingly, Searchlight's heart burst and she dropped dead just ten feet before the finish line!  Did Stone Fox's actions make you change your mind about his character? What mindset did Stone Fox show? Please write four or more sentences about Stone Fox's reaction to the situation. Be sure to use the correct punctuation and capitalization. 

Friends,

Today we viewed a video and did some brain tracking. We are filling our brains with new learning on these Native American tribes! 

We have also had the opportunity to explore some books on specific tribes. 

Please share with us 4-5 brain tracks of new learning on Native Americans! Write in complete sentences with capital letters and periods.

Here is the video we watched earlier if you would like to see it again. 

Great Books and Reading!!!

Hi Girls and Boys,

We have talked about finding "just right" books that interest us in a wide variety of genres.  

· What are you reading now?  

· What is "on deck" in your book bin? 

· Do you have a favorite book or series of books? 

Please write at least four sentences.  Check for capitalization and punctuation. You may find a great book recommendation by reading your classmates' responses! Happy Reading!

Do you Have Grit?

This week we have been talking about having GRIT when you read and in life. Grit is when you work hard even if you struggle and you keep trying. Grit is when you stick to something no matter how challenging it can be. I had to have grit when I learned how to slalom on water skis. That is when you ski on one ski. Watch a little video on GRIT here. Tell us about a time that you had to have GRIT in your life. Write 4 to 5 complete sentences with the correct punctuation and capitalization.

Weekend Plans!!!

What are you looking forward to doing this weekend? What fun plans do you have? Do you have any sports games? Please write 3 to 4 sentences in complete sentences with the correct capitalization and end marks.

Persistence

Today we read the book The Girl Who Ran by Bobbi Gibb, and we talked about the stance persistence.  Persistence means to never give up, to stick it out and to keep trying. Persistence is when you stick with something even when it is hard. 
Bobbi knew in her gut that she wanted to run. It was a part of her, and she listened to that voice, even though many other voices told her she couldn't and shouldn't. Even though her dad did not support her, she persisted. She didn't have friends who shared her interest, she didn't have the right shoes and clothes, and she didn't have any races to join. But she went on anyway. 
Please write about a time when you showed persistence in something that you did. Please write 4 to 5 sentences in complete sentences with the correct capitalization and end marks.

Third Grade Rocks!!!

You are now four weeks into school!  We have already learned a lot in these few short weeks!!!  We are off to a great start!  We have a lot to look forward to this year!  We are going to be busy this year learning, reading, playing with numbers, creating, computing and lots of other fun learning activities!  Please write four to five sentences of what you have enjoyed so far this year, what you are looking forward to, and what you like best about third grade.  Write with complete sentences and check your periods and capital letters.  

Sizzling Summer

I am so excited about this summer! I hope that you are too. Please share some books titles that you plan to read for your summer reading pleasure. Also please share any fun plans that you have. Are you going to camp, on a vacation, or just chilling at the pool? Tell us about what you like to do on a lazy day too!  Please write four to five sentences with the correct grammar and punctuation.

Living History

I had a wonderful time listening to the fourth graders give their Living History speeches! As I was listening, my brain was surfing for new learning and fun facts. Also, I noticed that many of the famous people featured demonstrated many of the stances such as flexibility, persistence, empathy, resilience, and optimism that lead to their successes.

Please share your new learning, fun facts and/or thoughts about the important mindset stances of these famous people. Please write four to five complete sentences using correct capitalization and punctuation. 

Ending Strong

This year has flown by. In a few short weeks it will be summer! We have had a great and fun year, and we have learned a lot.  Many new friendships have blossomed along the way. What can you do to end the school year on a strong note? What can you do to be the best you can be these next few weeks?  How can you help yourself from making choices that will end up getting you in trouble? How should you treat your classmates even when you feel annoyed? Please write five complete sentences using the correct grammar and punctuation. 

Field Day

Field Day is a wonderful day! Students and teachers from all three divisions of the school come together to have fun, participate in the events and enjoy the fair.  Let's share! What was and is your favorite part of Field Day? What is your favorite Field Day memory? Why do you think that this is an important day for our school community? Write in 4 to 5 complete sentences with the correct grammar and punctuation. 
                                    

                               GO PURPLE! GO GOLD!

Reflections on Pioneer Hour

We had wonderful time sharing our Westward Expansion projects and work today! I am curious. What was your favorite activity that we did during this unit? Was is the journal, QRcode with audio, reading Joshua and Hattie's journals, the treasure chest, making butter or brain tracking?

Please give a detailed explanation about what you liked most. Maybe you'll influence how we explore pioneer life next year!  Write five to six complete sentences. Check your punctuation.  Have fun!!!

Art Car

This Friday we have our fun Art Car Parade! It is always so exciting to see the cars you have made! Please describe your art car and the process that you went through to make it.  How did you get the idea? How did you plan it out? Was any part of it surprisingly difficult or easy.  Please write in 4 to 5 complete sentences using the correct grammar and punctuation. 

Visiting Author Candace Fleming

Candace Fleming IS HERE!  Today is the day! Candace Fleming shared a wonderful 

presentation with us! Please share your wow's, new learning and thoughts about her writing process.  I can't wait to hear what your thoughts are about our fantastic visiting author! Write 4 to 5 sentences using the correct grammar and punctuation. 

Candace Fleming

I am so excited that visiting author Candace Fleming is coming to Kinkaid next week.  (Hit her name, Candace Fleming. It is hot and will take you to the video.)

Please watch this short video clip of Candace Fleming. Then share with us your thoughts about her journey to becoming a professional author. Please make any connections...to yourself, others...any wow facts, etc.  Be sure to write in 4 complete sentences and make sure you use the correct punctuation. 

Spring Break

Spring Break is around the corner!!! I know we are all excited to relax, sleep in, read and maybe even go on a trip. What are your plans for Spring Break? What are you most looking forward to?  Is there any particular book you can't wait to read? In four to five well-written sentences, please share with us your Spring Break plans and hopes.  Have a wonderful Spring Break and be safe!!!