December 21, 2018

Ms. Zurales' 3rd Grade News

December 21, 2018

ELA  We will continue our study of cultures and traditions. We will be reading What If I Had Animal Teeth. Students will be choosing animal teeth and then writing an argumentative piece on why they think the animal teeth they chose are the best to have. We will also be writing about a New Year's Resolution.  

Make sure to read for 20 days (20 min each day) and record it in the December Reading Log. Logs are due January 7.

SPELLING  Menus will go home when we return on January 7th. 

SOCIAL SCIENCE  We will continue our unit on Balancing Forces. We will continue Chapter 2. Students will read a short fictional story about 2 sisters discussing and investigating magnets. This lesson reinforces concepts about magnets and provides the opportunity to make sense of a data table.

MATH  Ms. Zurales' Math class will begin Unit 4, Measurement & Fractions.

Our next Multiplication facts will be the 10s. This quiz will be after the break. It's never too early to start practicing. Flash cards are a great resource!

XTRA Math:

Teacher email: szurales@ccsd66.org.

Pin: Is written in their assignment notebook. 

If your child should forget their Student Book or their Home Connections workbook at school, they can go into my google math classroom from a home computer and print the page they will need to complete for homework.

IMPORTANT DATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

1/7 - Return from Winter Break
1/9 - Ms. Zurales' Math Class - x10 Facts Quiz is Wednesday

December 14, 2018

Ms. Zurales' 3rd Grade News

December 14, 2018

ELA  We will read Twas the Night Before Christmas and illustrate what the author wants his readers to visualize in their heads.

December Reading Logs went home this week. Make sure to read for 20 days (20 min each day) and record it in the December Reading Log. Logs are due January 7.

SPELLING  Three items on the menu, 1 from each column, are due on Thursday, Dec 20th, the day of the test. 

SOCIAL SCIENCE  We will continue our unit on Balancing Forces. We will continue Chapter 2. Students will be reading a reference book about how magnets attract and repel and write a reflection. 

MATH  A study guide for Unit 2 is due on Monday, December 17. Please review it with your child. The Unit Assessment is Wednesday, December 19.

Our next Multiplication facts will be the 10s. This quiz will be after the break. It's never too early to start practicing. Flash cards are a great resource!

XTRA Math:

Teacher email: szurales@ccsd66.org.

Pin: Is written in their assignment notebook. 

If your child should forget their Student Book or their Home Connections workbook at school, they can go into my google math classroom from a home computer and print the page they will need to complete for homework.

IMPORTANT DATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

12/17 - Ms. Zurales' Math Class - Unit 2 Study Guide Due

12/18 - All school trip to Tivoli to see Elf

12/19 - Ms. Zurales' Math Class - Unit 2 Assessment

12/20 - Spelling Menu due and Test

12/21 - Bowling Field Trip in a.m. and in-class Christmas movie in the p.m.

1/7 - Return from Winter Break

December 7, 2018

Ms. Zurales' 3rd Grade News

December 7, 2018

ELA  We will begin a new unit on Cultures and Traditions. Students will be answering the question:  How does learning about other cultures impact our thinking? We will be reading the book Hello. This book identifies different languages and ways to say hello. We will also read The Keeping Quilt. This is a story about the importance of keeping family history and traditions through time. We will be designing a quilt next week describing our own family tradition. Students should be thinking about a family tradition they celebrate and be able to elaborate on it for Thursday. 

December Reading Logs went home this week. Make sure to read for 20 days (20 min each day) and record it in the December Reading Log.

SPELLING  New sorts went home on Monday.  Three items on the menu, 1 from each column, are due on Thursday, Dec 20th, the day of the test. 

SOCIAL SCIENCE  We will continue our unit on Balancing Forces. We will continue Chapter 2:  Why  does the train rise without anything touching it? Students will predict and test what objects magnetic forces act on.

MATH  Students will be identifying and labeling types of multiplication facts in a multiplication table. A study guide for Unit 2 will go home on Wednesday. It will be due on Monday, December 17. The Unit Assessment is scheduled for Wednesday, December 19.

We will also be working to master our multiplication facts.  We will begin with the 2's.  A practice sheet will go home on Monday and a fact test will be given on Wednesday. Students are responsible for mastering the multiplication facts up to 12. The quiz will have 26 math problems. It's never too early to start practicing. Flash cards are a great resource!

XTRA Math:

Teacher email: szurales@ccsd66.org.

Pin: Is written in their assignment notebook. 

If your child should forget their Student Book or their Home Connections workbook at school, they can go into my google math classroom from a home computer and print the page they will need to complete for homework.

IMPORTANT DATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

12/12 - Ms. Zurales' Math Class - Times 3 Facts Quiz
12/17 - Ms. Zurales' Math Class - Unit 2 Study Guide Due
12/18 - All school trip to Tivoli to see Elf
12/19 - Ms. Zurales' Math Class - Unit 2 Assessment
12/20 - Spelling Menu due and Test
12/21 - Bowling Field Trip in a.m. and in class Christmas movie in the p.m.

November 30, 2018

Ms. Zurales' 3rd Grade News

November 30, 2018

ELA  Students will revisit character traits next week. They will also be writing a narrative about the time they were trapped in a snow globe.

Our grammar focus will continue with plural nouns.

November Reading Logs are due on Monday.

SPELLING  New sorts went home on Tuesday.  Three items on the menu, 1 from each column, are due on Friday, Dec 7th, the day of the test. 

SOCIAL SCIENCE  We will continue our unit on Balancing Forces. We will begin Chapter 2:  Why  does the train rise without anything touching it? Students will discover that some forces can act without objects touching.

MATH  We will continue the unit on multiplication. Students will identify and label types of multiplication facts in a Multiplication Table. There will be a short work sample assessment on Thursday.

We will also be working to master our multiplication facts.  We will begin with the 2's.  A practice sheet will go home on Monday and a fact test will be given on Wednesday. Students are responsible for mastering the multiplication facts up to 12. The quiz will have 26 math problems. It's never too early to start practicing. Flash cards are a great resource!

XTRA Math:

Teacher email: szurales@ccsd66.org.

Pin: Is written in their assignment notebook. 

If your child should forget their Student Book or their Home Connections workbook at school, they can go into my google math classroom from a home computer and print the page they will need to complete for homework.

IMPORTANT DATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

12/4 - SIP Day - Early Dismissal
12/5 - Ms. Zurales' Math Class - Times 2 Facts quiz
12/6 - Ms. Zurales' Math Class - Multiplication work sample assessment

November 16, 2018

Ms. Zurales' 3rd Grade News

November 16, 2018

ELA   Students will focus on the reading skill cause and effect, while we finish our study of myths. They will also be practicing their fluency in Reader's theater as they read myths.

Our grammar focus will be on plural nouns.

Make sure to read for 20 days (20 min each day) and record it in the November Reading Log.

SPELLING  New sorts will go home on the Monday after Thanksgiving break.  

SOCIAL SCIENCE  We will continue our unit on Balancing Forces. When we return from Thanksgiving break, we will begin the lesson Explaining Forces and the Train. Students will be observing forces in chain reactions.

MATH  We began Unit 2, An Introduction to Multiplication. Students are working with the addition strategies of repeated addition and skip counting, and the multiplication strategies of doubling, doubling and halving. They will learn to multiply with arrays and number lines. There will be a multiplication checkpoint quiz on Tuesday, November 27.

XTRA Math:

Teacher email: szurales@ccsd66.org.

Pin: Is written in their assignment notebook. 

If your child should forget their Student Book or their Home Connections workbook at school, they can go into my google math classroom from a home computer and print the page they will need to complete for homework.

IMPORTANT DATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Reminder:  Our Downers Grove field trip is Monday. Please make sure your child is dressed for the weather as we will be outside walking for some of our tour. Also, if your child did NOT order pizza, make sure you send a throw away lunch with them.

11/19 - Downers Grove Field Trip - Dress for the weather
11/21 - 11/25 - Thanksgiving Break
11/27 - Ms. Zurales' Math Class - Multiplication Checkpoint Quiz

November 9, 2018

Ms. Zurales' 3rd Grade News

November 9, 2018

ELA  Don't forget to help your child disguise their turkey. It is due on Monday. In class on Monday, we will complete a persuasive writing piece. Students will write a letter to a farmer explaining two reasons he should ship the turkey they disguised off his farm. They do not want to be eaten on Thanksgiving.

In Reading, students will focus on the reading skill sequencing, while studying myths. We will be reading The 12 Gods of Olympus, Pandora's Box, and King Midas. 

Our grammar focus will be on nouns.

Make sure to read for 20 days (20 min each day) and record it in the November Reading Log.

SPELLING  New sorts went home on Monday. Homework (3 items on the menu, 1 from each column) is due on 11/16, which is also the day of the test.  

SOCIAL SCIENCE  

On Monday we began our new science curriculum, Amplify.  Students are enjoying Balancing Forces. During this unit, students investigate the question how it is possible for a train to float? This week, your scientist investigated making an object move. Next week, our activity will focus on what makes an object start to move.

MATH  Students took the Unit 3 Assessment today. Next week, we will begin Unit 2, An Introduction to Multiplication.

XTRA Math:

Teacher email: szurales@ccsd66.org.

Pin: Is written in their assignment notebook. 

If your child should forget their Student Book or their Home Connections workbook at school, they can go into my google math classroom from a home computer and print the page they will need to complete for homework.

IMPORTANT DATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

11/12 - Disguised turkey due
11/16 - Spelling Menu due & Test 
11/19 - Downers Grove Field Trip
11/21 - 11/25 - Thanksgiving Break

November 2, 2018

Ms. Zurales' 3rd Grade News

November 2, 2018

ELA  In writer's work shop, students are editing, and writing their final draft of their haunted house paper. If your child did not finish their rough draft, it is due on Monday. Please check Google Classroom for directions for the closing argument. 

Don't forget to read for 20 days (20 min each day) and record it in the November Reading Log.

SPELLING  An assessment was given today. New sorts will go home on Monday. 

SOCIAL SCIENCE  We took an assessment on Downers Grove today. We have our field trip scheduled for November 19th. If you have not yet sent in your DG trip form, please send in as soon as you can.

On Monday we will begin Science. Our first unit is Balancing Forces. During this unit, students will be investigating how it is possible for a train to float.

MATH Students will be exploring algorithms for addition and subtraction. The Unit 3 Assessment will be Friday, Nov. 9. A study guide will go home on Monday. It is due on Thursday. Please review the study guide with your child before the test.

XTRA Math:

Teacher email: szurales@ccsd66.org.

Pin: Is written in their assignment notebook. 

If your child should forget their Student Book or their Home Connections workbook at school, they can go into my google math classroom from a home computer and print the page they will need to complete for homework.

IMPORTANT DATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Thank you to Mrs. Wimp for organizing an wonderful Halloween party. Thank you to Mrs. David and Mrs. Rinaldi for helping during the party. Also, thank you to the Chastain, Morbiwala, Fletcher, and Wimp families for sending in treats and drinks. We had so much fun!!

11/5 - Haunted House rough draft is due
11/8 - Ms. Zurlaes' Math Class - Study Guide due
11/9 - Ms. Zurlaes' Math Class - Unit 3 Assessment
11/19 - Downers Grove Field Trip

October 25, 2018

Ms. Zurales' 3rd Grade News

October 25, 2018

ELA  In writer's work shop, students will continue writing their persuasive paper  in which they are persuading their audience to buy their haunted house.

Don't forget to read for 20 days (20 min each day) and record it in the October Reading Log. They are due on or before November 1.

SPELLING New sorts went home on Monday. Homework (3 items on the menu, 1 from each column) is due on 11/2, which is also the day of the test.  

SOCIAL SCIENCE  We will finish studying Downers Grove early next week. There will be an assessment on Friday, Nov. 2. A study guide went home today. Please make sure your child reviews the study guide and learning log. Please send in DG Field trip form as soon as you can.

MATH We will be reading a table to determine distances. Students will practice rounding, subtraction and addition. The Unit 3 Assessment is scheduled for Nov. 9.

XTRA Math:

Teacher email: szurales@ccsd66.org.

Pin: Is written in their assignment notebook. 

If your child should forget their Student Book or their Home Connections workbook at school, they can go into my google math classroom from a home computer and print the page they will need to complete for homework.

IMPORTANT DATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Halloween Costumes:  On Halloween Day, please send your child's costume in a bag, clearly marked with their name. No weapons are allowed. Make sure it is easy to get on and off. Students will be changing in the classroom (boys in one room, girls in another). If you have any question, please email me.

10/26 - No School
10/29 - Institute Day - No School
10/31 - Halloween Party and Parade (1:55)
11/1 - October Reading Log is due
11/2 - Downers Grove Quiz
11/2 - Spelling Menu due and Test
11/9 - Ms. Zurlaes' Math Class - Unit 3 Assessment
11/19 - Downers Grove Field Trip

October 19, 2018

Ms. Zurales' 3rd Grade News

October 19, 2018

ELA  In writer's work shop students will be writing their argumentative piece in which they are persuading their audience to buy their haunted house.

Don't forget to read for 20 days (20 min each day) and record it in the October Reading Log. They are due on or before November 1.

SPELLING An assessment was given today. New sorts will go home on Monday. 

SOCIAL SCIENCE  We are studying the history of Downers Grove. Next week, we will learn about the Underground Railroad. 

MATH We will have a quiz on Tuesday covering 3-digit addition and subtraction. Please review your child's homework to prepare for the quiz. Additional notes can be found on Ms. Zurales' google classroom. Next week, we will continue with subtraction strategies and expanded form.

XTRA Math:

Teacher email: szurales@ccsd66.org.

Pin: Is written in their assignment notebook. 

If your child should forget their Student Book or their Home Connections workbook at school, they can go into my google math classroom from a home computer and print the page they will need to complete for homework.

IMPORTANT DATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Conferences for home room students’ parents will be held this coming Monday -
Wednesday.  I look forward to sitting down with all of you and having a great
conversation about your child!

Halloween Costumes:  On Halloween Day, please send your child's costume in a bag, clearly marked with their name. No weapons are allowed. Make sure it is easy to get on and off. Students will be changing in the classroom (boys in one room, girls in another). If you have any question, please email me.

10/22-10/24 - Conferences
10/23 - Ms. Zurales' Math Class - 3-Digit Addition and Subtraction Quiz
10/26 - No School
10/29 - No School
10/31 - Halloween Party and Parade
11/1 - October Reading Log is due

October 12, 2018

Ms. Zurales' 3rd Grade News

October 12, 2018

ELA  In writer's work shop students will continue the argumentative writing unit. Our activities will continue to focus on descriptive writing. Students are learning the importance of word choice in making an argument more descriptive, powerful, and persuasive to their audience. At the end of the week, students will begin writing an argumentative piece in which they are persuading their audience to buy their haunted house.

Don't forget to read for 20 days (20 min each day) and record it in the October Reading Log.

SPELLING Homework (3 items on the menu, 1 from each column) is due on 10/19, which is also the day of the test.  

SOCIAL SCIENCE  We are studying the history of Downers Grove. Next week, we will learn about Pierce Downers and the Potowatomi Indians.

MATH We will have a checkpoint quiz on Monday that will focus on rounding to the nearest 10 and 100 and solving multi-digit addition story problems. Please review rounding with your child this weekend. The remainder of the week will focus on three-digit subtraction strategies. A graded work sample will be completed in class on Thursday.

XTRA Math:

Teacher email: szurales@ccsd66.org.

Pin: Is written in their assignment notebook. 

If your child should forget their Student Book or their Home Connections workbook at school, they can go into my google math classroom from a home computer and print the page they will need to complete for homework.

IMPORTANT DATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Fall conferences for my Homeroom will be held October 22, 23, and 24. Math conferences will be held in the Spring. If you have not signed up, there are still slots available. Click the link below:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4aa4af22a5f85-october22

10/15 - Ms. Zurales' Math Class - Checkpoint Quiz on Rounding
10/18 - Ms. Zurales' Math Class - Graded work sample
10/19 - Spelling Homework Menu is due and Test
10/31 - Halloween Parade and Party
11/1 - October Reading Log is due

October 5, 2018

Ms. Zurales' 3rd Grade News

October 5, 2018

ELA In writer's work shop we will begin the argumentative writing unit. Our activities will focus on descriptive writing. 

Don't forget to read for 20 days (20 min each day) and record it in the October Reading Log.

SPELLING A new sort will go home Tuesday. Homework (3 items on the menu, 1 from each column) is due on 10/19, which is also the day of the test.  

SOCIAL SCIENCE  We will begin studying the history of Downers Grove.

MATH We began the unit on Multi-digit Addition and Subtraction. Students will be introduced to the concepts of rounding 2 and 3 digit numbers to nearest ten and the nearest hundred. They will develop new strategies and adjust some of the strategies they learned to solve 3 digit story problems.

Today I assigned students a pin so they can practice their facts on their chromebook through the app:  xtra math.  The pin was written in their assignment notebook. If they did not save the login info, they may need it. The teacher email is szurales@ccsd66.org.

If your child should forget their Student Book or their Home Connections workbook at school, they can go into my google math classroom from a home computer and print the page they will need to complete for homework.

IMPORTANT DATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

We are halfway through the 1st trimester of third grade!  Can you believe it?
Hopefully, grades are being monitored online.  If you are having problems doing so,
please call the office. We had our first monthly Pride awards
presentation today. Ask your child about it.

10/8 - Columbus Day - No School
10/19 - Spelling Homework Menu is due and Test
10/31 - Halloween Parade and Party