New Resource: PebbleGo!

We have a new digital resource for kids interested in nonfiction topics. Chapman now has a membership to PebbleGo! Students can read about animals, Earth science topics or biographies about important people who changed the world.  Enjoy!

PebbleGo! 
log in:  chapman1
password:  student

September 28: News From IMA

Reading OAA Test for 3^rd Graders on October 2:

On Tuesday, the third graders will take the Fall OAA Reading Test.  We will begin testing at 9:30 and finish at 12:00.   Please be sure that your child arrives on time that day or he/she will not be admitted to our room and will need to make up the test on Wednesday, October 3^rd.  The third graders will test with Mrs. Smith.  Fourth graders will spend the morning with Mrs. Marlatt since they are not taking the reading test until May.  Thank you in advance to all of the families who volunteered to send in water, cheese sticks and hard candies to have as snacks during testing.  The reminders of home are very uplifting!

Third grade students will receive their Fall test scores in December or January. If students do not pass the test in the fall, they have another chance to take the test and pass in the spring.  All third graders will take another, more difficult version of the OAA Reading test in May. 

Math Homework:  Due Every Thursday

Student will add math homework to their weekly homework routine.  We started keeping our reading logs last week and will now add individualized math packets.  Each child’s packet includes work that he/she needs to correct and practice work based on the current unit of study.  If your child completes his/her work, they can use the resources on our Math Resource Pages:

IMA Symbaloo Math Resources

Students have used the math resources on our Symbaloo pages and they should be able to explain how to access the resources.  The activities have been carefully selected to match the current unit of study.  They may look fun, but they are important practice resources. 

At this time, the on-line Pearson Math resources are experiencing technical difficulties so we will not assign any work on that site until the company corrects the problems.  You will see plenty of math activities on our Symbaloo site!  Students should also continue to study their math facts if they are still working to pass their weekly fact tests.  Math homework is due every Thursday.  Please let us know if you have any questions.

Reading Log:  Due Every Thursday

Independent reading is critical to a child’s reading development.  Time to read, selecting books of interest, and enthusiasm make a tremendous difference in a child’s learning.  Please help your child set aside time throughout the week to read and discuss his/her reading and learning.  Your child is expected to keep a reading log that shows 120 minutes of reading time.  They are asked to record the titles so we can help them find materials of interest.  Please visit our website (http://www.dublinschools.net/andreasmith.aspx) or blog if you need to make paper copies of our reading log.  Students can also submit reading logs through our class blog or email.  During the first week, 85% of our kids submitted their homework electronically!  Please let us know if you have any questions.

Cursive Homework:

Parents received a cursive writing packet at Curriculum Night for home practice.  If you did not attend the meeting, your child is bringing home a yellow packet today.  Students are asked to complete 3 pages a week to practice cursive letter formation.  The basic letter skills are then used to write cursive words.  Please return the packet when it is completed.  Your child will receive the next packet for home practice.  Work should be completed in pencil.

Sample Reading Log

Name: _________________________________________________________________

IMA Reading Log

Date	Title Website (List chapter numbers if you are reading a chapter book)	Fiction Nonfiction Poetry	Who Read?

Homework: Busy as Bees!

Thank you to all of our families for supporting our  IMA students as they develop their homework routines.  Keep us posted on your child's reactions to math assignments and their reading selections.  Work with your child to figure out a homework schedule so that homework time is an easy part of your week, rather than a dramatic rush.  PLEASE contact us if you are having technical issues with the Pearson website so we can help as soon as possible.  Send an email if your child needs assistance in selecting books for independent reading at home.

Remember:  homework time can be a window into your child's learning life, so enjoy the time together, talk about books he or she is reading, and encourage your child to build those math skills and strategies one step at a time.  You are key in developing your child's positive attitude toward learning and we really appreciate your support.

Homework Starts This Week!

Don't forget that home learning journals came home this week and will be due on Thursday, September 18th.  Students will find their math homework on the EnVision website and should record their quiz in the journal.  Students are asked to read and record 4 or more reading entries in their home learning journal too.  We look forward to hearing your feedback regarding homework.

Please contact us if you have questions.