We do spelling  a little differently this year!  Basically here's how it works:  On Wednesdays we get a spelling contract.  Each child can chose up to (and beyond) 4 activities to practice our weekly words.  They are differentiated, so there is something for all abilities.  Four activities, completed neatly and correctly, will earn an A, three activities a B, and so on.  We have practiced choosing wisely, and each child has a quick conference with me to make sure their choices are doable!  Each morning, we have about 15 minutes or so to work on the contract. I reminded them each day to work on it, but soon they won't need the reminder!  Most kiddos like to start on it as soon as they get here in the morning.  We keep the contract in our green homework folders...1. so we know where it is and hopefully won't lose it and 2. if we chose to work on it at home, we can!  I find that this approach gives the kids numerous benefits... accountability, time management skills, empowerment in choice, not having lots of Friday tests, and not all pencil/paper/worksheets!
The contract is due on Tuesday of the following week, so the kids have an entire week to work on it.  We test on Tuesdays...hopefully that is written in our student agenda books each week.  Whew!

Well, I had a BLAST at our Open House!  I really love meeting the kiddos before the first "official" day...gets some of those jitters out. (Mostly mine!)  Thank you, parents and grandparents, for taking a positive step towards what I know will be a great relationship this year.  I'll see everyone tomorrow...third grade ROCKS!

Just a couple of quick notes...

• This week is Right to Read week and the kiddos can dress as their favorite book character  on Thursday.
• Friday is field day.  Third grade will be participating in the afternoon.
• Wednesday is Worthington's Leadership Day!  We get to showcase all of our hard work and shine with the Seven Habits!!  So proud of my students...photos will be posted on the school website.
• Our fieldtrip was a huge success!  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Well, we are in the home stretch!  Testing is done, but we continue to learn new things and gain new experiences.
Don't forget...our Magic Tree House cereal box projects are due on Friday.  I can't wait to see how creative your kiddos are!
Magic Tree House
  We also have out field trip this Friday.  Be sure to return the permission slip and send a disposable lunch.
Lots of exciting things to come this year...stay tuned!

We're gonna rock this test, it's the OAA!  Tuesday is the reading OAA and Thursday is the math OAA.  We are SOOOO ready!  We have practiced and reviewed, continued with new learning, and had a fabulous pep rally!  If you didn't get a chance to watch the video we made...check it out!
Worthington Elementary Hall of Fame
We should have some photos and video on the library website this week.
If you haven't returned the "envelope" for your child yet, you can do so tomorrow...just a letter of encouragement to get them relaxed and excited for Tuesday!  PTO is providing lots of treats this week.. Make sure everyone is getting lots of sleep, eating a hearty breakfast, getting to school on time, and ready to use our strategies.  Here we go!!

Well, it is the last week until we show what we know!  These kiddos have been working SO hard.  I couldn't be more proud of them.  Between new knowledge and review, they have been real troopers.  Their work ethic remains strong...this week will fly by!
I will be sending home an envelope with your child.  Please write a letter of encouragement to your child and seal it in the envelope.  I'll have it on their desk the morning of our first test, Tuesday, April 23rd.  PTO has some encouraging goodies planned as well, and of course the teachers have an OAA assembly planned just for the kids.
I'll have some tips next weekend to get them relaxed and ready for test week. Strategies work for reading and math! It's so important to keep them on their schedule, getting lots of sleep, keeping hydrated and eating well, and most importantly-keep reading!  They cannot have enough exposure to new vocabulary.