Welcome Rockstar Parents of 2014-2015!
This week our spelling words for word study are listed below:
Group 1--endings -ing, -ong & -og
Ring Song Fog
king gong clog
sing long hog
string strong jog
swing wrong log
thing smog
Sight words for group one are put, white, jump, tell and must.
Group 2--endings -ack, -ock & -ank
Black Dock Rank
lack block bank
pack lock crank
quack mock drank
rack rock Hank
sack sock sank
snack shock thank
stock
Sight words for group two are want, will, let, very and soon.
Group 3--Short I and Long I
dish hike
chip fine
dime life
give live
grin ride
price ripe
twig whip
twine white
Sight words for group three are never, pick, right, full and together.
Reminder: On Thursday is our school's Books Alive Day! Your student can come dressed as a book character, but please no scary costumes or real/pretend weapons. There are tons of book character costumes that will not require you to purchase one little thing! This a Rosa Parks tradition that I just love!
Here's a link of homemade costumes:
https://seeker-of-happiness.squarespace.com/blog/2014/8/29/book-character-halloween-costume-fern-from-charlottes-web
And here's another:
http://www.netmums.com/activities/g/top-world-book-day-costume-ideas/96262
Please join us for our school carnival on Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. There is no charge! I hope to see you there!
Monday, October 20, 2014
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
It's Official---I'm Back
I'm back! I have been teaching Pre-K for the last year in a Reggio Inspired School. If you'd like to learn more about that, check out my other blog at Cowan's Pre-K Caterpillars. I loved Reggio, but I'm VERY interested in applying some of the philosophies to a higher grade level.
Call me crazy, it won't be the first time, but the whole year my heart called out for the older kiddos! I missed teaching multiplication, division and reading strategies. My heart actually ACHED. I know, I know, I'm a teacher freak or something. But I just love everything about 3rd grade!
So, it's official, I am back in an elementary school building and with my favorite grade of all time. At Rosa, we do a teaching loop, so I'm in a 2nd/3rd grade loop. I'll be finishing up one loop and then my next class will be with me for 2 years! I'm so excited, I literally cannot sleep!
Here's some pics of my new classroom. Just observe the before, keeping in mind that the old teacher is winding down the year (we have just 7 more days of school).
The first picture is standing at the classroom door, it's just a partial view so I can start processing how I'm going to change things up and try to make it a little softer and homey.
I wonder if my principal will allow me to paint the purple wall, something softer and neutral?
This is some of the rooms in my current building...
Call me crazy, it won't be the first time, but the whole year my heart called out for the older kiddos! I missed teaching multiplication, division and reading strategies. My heart actually ACHED. I know, I know, I'm a teacher freak or something. But I just love everything about 3rd grade!
So, it's official, I am back in an elementary school building and with my favorite grade of all time. At Rosa, we do a teaching loop, so I'm in a 2nd/3rd grade loop. I'll be finishing up one loop and then my next class will be with me for 2 years! I'm so excited, I literally cannot sleep!
Here's some pics of my new classroom. Just observe the before, keeping in mind that the old teacher is winding down the year (we have just 7 more days of school).
The first picture is standing at the classroom door, it's just a partial view so I can start processing how I'm going to change things up and try to make it a little softer and homey.
I wonder if my principal will allow me to paint the purple wall, something softer and neutral?
This is some of the rooms in my current building...
These last three are from my classroom...
How will this translate for 3rd grade? What are your thoughts?
Keep Rockin' Rock Stars!
Christina
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Great Summer Opportunity
This summer, your future 4th grade can attend a summer camp at the University of Tulsa for free. This camp is provided by the Oklahoma Higher Regents. It is for the week of June 25th.
For more information, please see the link below:
http://orgs.utulsa.edu/ttec/index.htm
Our testing meeting is this Friday, March 29th in Room 8 from 4-5 p.m. I hope to see you all here! I will have information for you and packets of information to take home. I will answer all your questions about the TEST. :)
Have a great week!
For more information, please see the link below:
http://orgs.utulsa.edu/ttec/index.htm
Our testing meeting is this Friday, March 29th in Room 8 from 4-5 p.m. I hope to see you all here! I will have information for you and packets of information to take home. I will answer all your questions about the TEST. :)
Have a great week!
Friday, March 15, 2013
Hello Families!
I hope you all have a great Spring Break. Tomorrow, I will post the answers for the Spring Break packet. I know many of you are using some of Spring Break time to work with your students! I hope you find the items in the packet helpful. If you have any questions, please call me. I may not answer immediately, but if you send me a text or voice mail I will contact you when I get in range. Update, Mr. Danny was waxing the floors so I don't have access to the classroom over break. :( But if you have any questions, please contact me.
Ask your student for your copy of the conference form, on the Monday following Spring Break. If you weren't able to attend conferences, I will meet with you over the phone or in person.
Speaking of conferences, many families were asking about the big test in April. A big thing you can do is download the released test items from the Oklahoma State Department of Education. When you download the items, you will find sample test questions from last year's test along with answers. {see more at http://ok.gov/sde/test-support-teachers-and-administrators#OCCT-Rel-Items } Third grade items are listed under OCCT Released Items.
Our class will be having a "Rock the Test" meeting, Friday, March 29th from 4-5 p.m. It will be a lot of fun and should be very informative!
Remember to make a stop by the Tulsa City-County Library during Spring Break. The more you read, the more your child will achieve! Many of you have asked how to tell if a book from the library is on your child's reading level. First, have your child open a page in the middle of the book. Then have your child read a couple of pages. If your child makes five or more mistakes, the book is too hard for him/her to understand. On the other hand, if your child picks up a book where they know all the words...the book is too easy.
When a book is too easy or too hard, I always ask a student, "What's your purpose in reading this book?" If your child wants to check out a book for you to read to them at bedtime, then a difficult book is okay because you will be reading it! If your student wants to check out an easier book, but they want to read it to a little brother/sister then that would be okay too!
I hope I answered some of your questions! Have a great spring break!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Cowan
I hope you all have a great Spring Break. Tomorrow, I will post the answers for the Spring Break packet. I know many of you are using some of Spring Break time to work with your students! I hope you find the items in the packet helpful. If you have any questions, please call me. I may not answer immediately, but if you send me a text or voice mail I will contact you when I get in range. Update, Mr. Danny was waxing the floors so I don't have access to the classroom over break. :( But if you have any questions, please contact me.
Ask your student for your copy of the conference form, on the Monday following Spring Break. If you weren't able to attend conferences, I will meet with you over the phone or in person.
Speaking of conferences, many families were asking about the big test in April. A big thing you can do is download the released test items from the Oklahoma State Department of Education. When you download the items, you will find sample test questions from last year's test along with answers. {see more at http://ok.gov/sde/test-support-teachers-and-administrators#OCCT-Rel-Items } Third grade items are listed under OCCT Released Items.
Our class will be having a "Rock the Test" meeting, Friday, March 29th from 4-5 p.m. It will be a lot of fun and should be very informative!
When a book is too easy or too hard, I always ask a student, "What's your purpose in reading this book?" If your child wants to check out a book for you to read to them at bedtime, then a difficult book is okay because you will be reading it! If your student wants to check out an easier book, but they want to read it to a little brother/sister then that would be okay too!
I hope I answered some of your questions! Have a great spring break!
Sincerely,Mrs. Cowan
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Paper Shortage
We currently have a paper shortage at our school. So, I've been trying to conserve paper in the classroom and with homework. Every week our homework packet alone creates 208 copies (front and back count as 2) and our class only receives 500 copies for the semester.
I have talked to Mrs. Wilbur about the paper sitch. She has assured me that our class will be able to make the needed copies every week. I appreciate all our parent advocates who have been vocal for our school to have access to more paper, thank you.
If you know of a business that is willing to donate copy paper to our school, please let me know. Unfortunately paper does cost money and our students need paper to complete work. We also need paper to communicate with you, our parents.
So tomorrow, you will receive your child's new reading log and their new homework packet. Thank you for your patience while this was all worked out.
1. fast 1. same 1. clip 1. gloom
2. sand 2. whale 2. mine 2. dew
3. tax 3. flake 3. try 3. who
4. dig 4. mail 4. win 4. school
5. lick 5. pain 5. trick 5. bloom
6. lip 6. train 6. price 6. grew
7. pop 7. day 7. spine 7. crew
8. rock 8. say 8. fly 8. to
9. spot 9. play 9. shy 9. too
10. mom 10. said 10. why 10. two
11. important
12. until
13. children
14. side
15. feet
16. car
17. miles
18. night
19. walked
20. white
21. October
22. prince
23. princess
24. there
25. their
Writing
This past month your student has been carefully constructing their own original fairy tale. We have learned that our story must have a beginning, middle and an end. We have learned how and when to indent (most of the Rock Stars are still working on indenting) and how to spice up their writing with splendid words and adjectives.
At the end of October, we will have a small writing celebration where your student will share their story with important adults. All parents are invited to attend. I know you will be so excited to see your child's creations! During parent teacher conferences, you will get a handmade invitation to join us.
Reading
Your student is working hard at proving their answers by underlining supporting evidence in the story text. Most students are still struggling with this concept. Over the course of next week, we will discuss this in detail during our guided reading time. Please support their proving endeavors during their homework time at home. We have practiced this skill now for 7 weeks.
We will have a blind reading selection test on Tuesday of next week. A portion of the test will ask students to be able to tell the difference between a fairy tale, folk tale, myth, fable or tall tale. A study sheet will go home on Friday.
Math
On Monday, we will have a test over fractions. A review sheet will go home on Friday. Please review and quiz your student on the definitions and concepts.
The remainder of the week will kick off our multiplication/division unit. Your student will need your help to practice their 1's and 2's test Friday.
Social Studies
Your student will be learning about the branches of Oklahoma government. This unit will take about 4 weeks.
However, we will have a recitation test over the Declaration of Independence. This information will be on the review that will go home on Friday.
Science
Your student will be learning about non-fiction text features. This will be of great help when reading non-fiction books!
As you can see, your little Rock Star will be quite busy next week. If you have any questions, please e-mail me at onealch@tulsaschools.org or call me on my school or cell phone.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Cowan
I have talked to Mrs. Wilbur about the paper sitch. She has assured me that our class will be able to make the needed copies every week. I appreciate all our parent advocates who have been vocal for our school to have access to more paper, thank you.
If you know of a business that is willing to donate copy paper to our school, please let me know. Unfortunately paper does cost money and our students need paper to complete work. We also need paper to communicate with you, our parents.
So tomorrow, you will receive your child's new reading log and their new homework packet. Thank you for your patience while this was all worked out.
Spelling Words for the week of October 3rd
Group 1&2 Group 3 Group 4 Group 51. fast 1. same 1. clip 1. gloom
2. sand 2. whale 2. mine 2. dew
3. tax 3. flake 3. try 3. who
4. dig 4. mail 4. win 4. school
5. lick 5. pain 5. trick 5. bloom
6. lip 6. train 6. price 6. grew
7. pop 7. day 7. spine 7. crew
8. rock 8. say 8. fly 8. to
9. spot 9. play 9. shy 9. too
10. mom 10. said 10. why 10. two
11. important
12. until
13. children
14. side
15. feet
16. car
17. miles
18. night
19. walked
20. white
21. October
22. prince
23. princess
24. there
25. their
Writing
This past month your student has been carefully constructing their own original fairy tale. We have learned that our story must have a beginning, middle and an end. We have learned how and when to indent (most of the Rock Stars are still working on indenting) and how to spice up their writing with splendid words and adjectives.
At the end of October, we will have a small writing celebration where your student will share their story with important adults. All parents are invited to attend. I know you will be so excited to see your child's creations! During parent teacher conferences, you will get a handmade invitation to join us.
Reading
Your student is working hard at proving their answers by underlining supporting evidence in the story text. Most students are still struggling with this concept. Over the course of next week, we will discuss this in detail during our guided reading time. Please support their proving endeavors during their homework time at home. We have practiced this skill now for 7 weeks.
We will have a blind reading selection test on Tuesday of next week. A portion of the test will ask students to be able to tell the difference between a fairy tale, folk tale, myth, fable or tall tale. A study sheet will go home on Friday.
Math
On Monday, we will have a test over fractions. A review sheet will go home on Friday. Please review and quiz your student on the definitions and concepts.
The remainder of the week will kick off our multiplication/division unit. Your student will need your help to practice their 1's and 2's test Friday.
Social Studies
Your student will be learning about the branches of Oklahoma government. This unit will take about 4 weeks.
However, we will have a recitation test over the Declaration of Independence. This information will be on the review that will go home on Friday.
Science
Your student will be learning about non-fiction text features. This will be of great help when reading non-fiction books!
As you can see, your little Rock Star will be quite busy next week. If you have any questions, please e-mail me at onealch@tulsaschools.org or call me on my school or cell phone.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Cowan
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Chess Update :)
Today was our first lesson for First Move. The lesson was so engaging and the Rock Stars LOVED the Chess Lady. We learned how to find cordinates on the chess board. We learned what the words rank, file, diagonal, vertical and horizontal mean. Additionally, we learned how these words apply in the game of chess.
Please check a little later and I will post pictures from today!
Reminders:
1. Spelling pre-test tomorrow.
2. Math unit 1 test (the pre-test came home today).
3. Recitation and "Where am I?" test tomorrow.
4. Progress Reports will come home Friday.
Rock on,
Mrs. Cowan
Please check a little later and I will post pictures from today!
Reminders:
1. Spelling pre-test tomorrow.
2. Math unit 1 test (the pre-test came home today).
3. Recitation and "Where am I?" test tomorrow.
4. Progress Reports will come home Friday.
Rock on,
Mrs. Cowan
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
First Move Chess!
After our pre-test tomorrow, your students will be learning chess! We are very fortunate to have the First Move chess program here at Mitchell. This a wonderful program, to find out more information about First Move check out their website at: http://www.af4c.org/
Hopefully by next Thursday, your students will receive their log on i.d. cards so they can play chess online. That website is: Play Chess Online link. Your students password will be
What's wonderful about the online play feature is that it won't let your student make an illegal move. Also, First Move has multiple contests throughout the year which center around online play.
I hope you check out the website
Have a great evening!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Cowan
Updated 9/19/2012 1631
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)