Studying Allen Say

In Readers and Writers Workshop, we have been studying the author Allen Say. During an author study, students learn all about the author's craft and style of writing. This type of unit allows students the chance to compare and contrast themes, characters, and plots more deeply.

During each reading, we fill out an attribute chart to monitor his books. This chart includes: theme, setting, plot, genre, noticing, and characters.

Then, students have been completing writings responses on his stories.

They have really started to notice many similarities in his books such as how many characters chase their dreams, believe in themselves, cultural differences and struggles, and the bonds of family. Ask your child about their favorite Allen Say book! Or, visit the website below to view summaries of his books.

Allen Say's Homepage

Can you Comprehend?

What is reading comprehension,why is it important, and why do we have weekly test on this?

The purpose of reading is to connect the ideas on the page to what you already know. You have a framework in your mind for reading, understanding and storing information. Learners must be able to make use of what they read to expand their knowledge in subjects at school in social studies, math, and science. They must be able to understand and make use of the information that they read for a variety of purposes. Skilled readers don't just read, they interact with the text.

Skilled readers:
-Predict what will happen next in a story using clues

-Create questions about the main idea, message, or plot of the text
-Monitor understanding of the sequence, context, or characters
-Clarify parts of the text which have confused them
-Connect the events in the text to prior knowledge or experience

Here are some extra practice tests to build your child's reading comprehension. Print one off and your child can receive a 2 tickets for each test!

Keys to Successful Reading Comprehension

Practice Reading Comprehension Tests

More Fiction Practice Tests

Tree Hill Field Trip

Enthusiasm and energy were exploding after our latest field trip to Tree Hill. Check out the pictures below. We had such an amazing time learning about animal and plant adaptations. This was such a wonderful experience for all the students to witness the types of things they are currently learning about in Science.

Having 'hands-on' learning experiences are priceless in a child's education. Do you want to visit yourself? Having strong jealously pains from not being able to spend a few hours learning and exploring nature? DON'T BE! Here is their website and traveling information so you can visit yourself. :)

Tree Hill

Open House

Thank you so much for all the parents who came to Open House. It is always so wonderful to talk with each of you and get reacquainted. Having a close parent/teacher relationship is key to me and I love having a chance to talk with each of you. Remember, I am always an email, or phone call away if you ever have any questions. :)

The students were very excited to take you around the room and show off their classroom. They really have been working extremely hard and I am so proud of them. I hope they all enjoyed the experience of teaching you a few things about school.

Here are a few reminders:

-Weekly Reader sponsors are still needed as about half of the class has submitted their $4.00.

-Progress Reports will be sent Monday

-There are no longer + or - signs used on Report Cards

-You can order Scholastic Books online and earn a free book for our class. Refer to the handout that was sent for our class password or let me know if you need it again. Scholastic Books

-Volunteers are needed for the Fall Carnival. The carnival is from 6-9 and we need parents to help run our class booth. Please send in a note in your child's planner if you would be willing to help run it for 30 minutes/hour. We really appreciate your help and support with this event!

-Tree Hill Field Trip is next Thursday, Oct. 1. I recommend putting bug spray on your child before they come to school. Also, pack a brown bagged lunch for your child.

If you missed Open House tonight, or want to review something covered, the Powerpoint that was shown is on the left side of my blog under "Class Updates."

Cheers to another great week in the Caribbean!

Spelling Test Practice

Looking for ways to become a better speller? In our classroom the students are given an option to select for their weekly spelling homework. I felt that students would enjoy having a choice in which method of studying and practicing their weekly words. They were given a handout on the choices and have to turn them in each Friday before our test.

Here are the options again.

1. Write them 3 times each


2. Write them in alphabetical or reverse alphabetical order


3. Illustrate the words


4. Write each in a sentence


5. Write them in a paragraph


6. Divide the words into syllables


7. Write them in cursive


8. Write them in a pyramid


9. Rainbow write your words with colored pencils
   

Rainbow Writing was very popular this week!

It sure made me smile seeing how excited they were to show each other which way they picked to complete their homework.

Also, make sure to visit http://www.spellingcity.com/ to view the weekly words. I post them so you don't have to enter them. Your child can take practice tests and play games with our words.

Steps to Follow:
Go to "Find a list". Click "Teacher". Type EVANKO. Pick the correct week to see the words.

Great job on your first spelling test this week spellers. Keep up the superb work!

Book of the Month: 14 Cows for America

“…there is no nation so powerful it cannot be wounded, nor a people so small they cannot offer might comfort.”

When was the last time you did a selfless act? Each month Mrs. Phillips shares a book with us that she selects to represent the book of the month. For September, she has chosen 14 Cows for America. This true story shows the generosity and compassion one tribe in Africa has for America after hearing about the events that took place on 9/11.

As I read the story to the students, they were deeply moved by the kindness this tribe had for Americans. We discussed the symbolism of the cows and why the tribe was willing to give them to Americans to show life and hope. Then, we pointed out how sometimes objects can stand for a certain feeling or emotion. I challenged to students to create their own personal similes and metaphors for common emotions. Below are their responses to what stands for these emotions to them.

"Sadness is letting a puppy go." Cynthia
"Happiness is like a big house full of frozen yogurt." Adam
"Disgust is old eggs." Alexandra
"Happiness is like a walk in the park." Caitlyn
"Happiness is my dog Hershy." Zachariah
"Happiness is like new presents and flowers." Katie R
"Grumpiness is like being the second kid in line." Veronica
"Happiness is like a big bowl of ice cream." James
"Happiness is puppies." Maritza
"Laziness is a bed sleeping with nothing to do." Rex
"Sadness is a cut in the leg." Katie S
"Happiness is a water park." Garrett
"Happiness is a new Game Cube." Mario
"Disgust is a meat loaf." Ian
"Sadness is like looking at the moon with nobody to talk with." Yatzaret
"Sadness is getting rid of dogs." Alyssia
"Rage is my brother annoying me." Baylee

"To me, rage is homework." Alex
"My monkey is life." Brendan
"A tight warm blanket is happiness." Maryssa
"Hope is a play date waiting." Anne
"Rage is a lady driving. " Danny
"Security is a bed." Parker
"Laziness is a early morning." Brenna
"Sun is hope." Evelyn
"Happiness is a trip to North Carolina." Roberto
"Disgust is my sister's diapers." Affan
"Rage is a F on a test." Monique
"A skateboard is life." Victor
"Hope is getting inside a rainbow." Emily
"Happiness is a Wii remote." Luke
"Sadness is a snakebite." Anasia
"Grumpiness is taking out the trash." Vincent

To learn more about this book you can view the homepage below.
14 Cows for America

What a FABULOUS orientation!

WOW! It was such a wonderful day seeing old and new faces at orientation. I am so excited to start the new year in the Caribbean. I loved seeing so many smiling and eager faces. Thank you for already sending in all the items on the supply list. We are really stepping it up in 3rd Grade and organization is key!

A few reminders, please make sure to fill out all of the paperwork that was sent home in the folders. They will also be given a Code of Conduct booklet on Monday that has pages at the end that need to be signed and returned.

Also, please have your child wear their NEW Chets Creek shirt given to them for FREE from the PTA on Tuesday. This t-shirt is just one of the many ways PTA gives back to your child. Remember you can sign up for the PTA by filling out the envelope in your folder and giving $5.00 for the entire year.

I can't wait to work with you and your child this school year. Remember if you have any questions to email me (evankod@duvalschools.org) or leave a post on the blog. With your help and support we will make this year the best year ever!

If you check the Class Information tab to the left you can view the ABC's of 3rd grade that we discussed. I also posted the Daily Schedule. Enjoy! :)