Boy – the buzzword in third grade is MCAS. To ease anxiety and to help prepare Room 309 students, we have been doing a number of things.
During Morning Meeting, we now allow 3 questions from students about MCAS (sometimes more, sometimes less). They are asking WONDERFUL questions, which hopefully clarify their view of the upcoming tests.
We have done oh-so-many practice selections, and we are using the Falmouth method of answering Open Response Questions. Developed by the folks at Keys to Literacy, The A.N.S.W.E.R. acronym helps all students in grades 2-6 organize answers when responding to an Open Response Question… As teachers, we are already excited about the improvement we are seeing in all students’ capabilities when they use this new strategy implemented last year.
You are probably seeing some T-Charts coming home, which reflect the hard work the kids have been doing.
Tomorrow I will attend an all-day workshop with the folks from Keys to Literacy. I’m looking forward to seeing how I can better support my students in the area of
I am always teasing students, saying they need to use the BOOK, not their brain. They understand that I’m not completely serious – that using their brain is still important. But, when responding to literature, they need to physically GO BACK into the reading and find evidence that supports their answers.
Next week I’ll write about ideas for preparing your child for the MCAS at home. Other than that, these kids have been preparing for a long time before 3rd grade. They are totally ready!!
What’s to Come:
🙂 Welcome to Term Three! Your kids should be able to tell you what it means to them… I’ve told them they officially have one foot planted in 4th grade! We should start to see glimpses of what they will be like as 4th graders, now… Keep your eyes peeled for hard work, responsible behavior, and self-motivation!
🙂 Round One of book talks has finished – all student presentations are on the Voice Thread site. Now that everyone has the hang of it, these next few book talks will be graded according to the rubric. Can’t wait to see the improvements!
Stand Tall,
Mrs. Brooks
After the colonists had enough of the King and his taxes, they started the American Revolution, which led to the Declaration of Independence…. Another historical Schoolhouse Rock! this week!
http://youtu.be/fg5P6higKAE