Mrs. Minier's 3rd Grade Class

September was a month to get to know one another, learn the rules, routines and procedures and get all of our testing out of the way.  Now that October is here, we are ready to move!  I am now expecting the kids to know what to do in the morning.  We have had plenty of time to practice.

Most of the color changes we have experienced have been from talking, lack of focus, not following directions or just doing what they want to do – not what they are asked to do.  Please talk to your child about expectations.  We are wasting instructional time because students are just doing their own thing and the class has to wait on them. It is a new month…a chance to being fresh.

As far as curriculum goes…

Spelling – continue to see the lists come home on Monday.  The words should be written in their planners for homework (many are not doing this simple task).  That way they have a list at home, a list in their planner, and a list at school…no excused for not knowing their words.

Language Arts – We have been practicing Daily 4.  I will be introducing/reviewing the 5th this week.  Soon we will be starting literacy groups.  Slowly we will be moving into narrative writing.  Last year, I started this much sooner.  I feel I need to slow down a bit this year.

Math – Unit 1 Math test will be Tuesday covering elapsed time and graphing/data.  They will be given a practice test to study.  The next unit primarily reviews addition and subtraction.  PLEASE review regrouping with your child.  Many children do not know how to do it.  They should enter 3rd grade know that strategy.

Science – This week we will study Forces and Motion.

Social Studies – We continue to look at the natural characteristics of Michigan.  Thank you for all of the Playdoh.

Thank you so much for classroom donations.  I had 2 bags of beanbag filler brought in.  2 more would be great.  I haven’t had a chance to fill them yet -it is a messy job.  LOL.  Playdoh was also donated. And, of course, our birds, Romeo and Juliet, are here because of donations.  Because parents keep saying “let me know if you need anything…” I will continue to post things that our classroom needs.  If you are out and about and see cute little things you think the students would like…it would be great to add to our prize box.  I buy most of it myself.  At the end of every month, students that remain on green the whole month get to choose a prize.  It helps when parents bring in donations here and there…it keeps the prizes interesting and keeps the box full.  Thank you so much!

I want every parent to know that I believe I am a very fair teacher.  I have given the children 2 weeks to practice our rules/routines/procedures before changing their colors this week.  I was even giving them examples last week of when I would have changed a color (hoping that they would be ready to go this week).  I was surprised on Monday when I was correcting behaviors as much as I was but I continued to “give them a chance”.  YES, it is true, Tuesday I began to change colors.  I always give the kids a warning.  If they choose to continue those behaviors, I change their color.  There is a lot of talking, a lot of students having difficulty listening and following directions (I am repeating myself many times…soon I won’t be), some kids cannot remained focused and there are some silly behaviors.  All of this leads to distraction.  It either distracts the kids from doing their work or it distracts them when I am trying to teach.  This is the time I have to “train” my class so that in the upcoming months I won’t have to think about it.  Our class will run like a smooth oiled machine.  Right now, we are a little like a Model T…working out the kinks. The kids know that just because you get a card flip, that doesn’t mean you are a “bad” kid.  It means they made a mistake and mistakes are something we can learn from.  Repeated card flips are a concern.  That tells me a student is not learning from previous mistakes.

All I ask is that you, as parents, be supportive.  In the past, I have had many students go home to tell their parents one thing, parents get very upset, parents come to the school only to find out something completely different.  I would not change a color unless I felt it was necessary.  We are here to work together as a team.  I have high expectations for academics and behavior…I wouldn’t think you would want otherwise!

This week, we conquered the NWEA Reading and Math tests.  Next week, we will take the Language Arts and Science (new to Third Grade).  Slowly but surely curriculum is being introduced.

Spelling will begin on Monday.  Each list will have a particular rule/pattern. We will begin by reviewing short vowels.

We have been working on Daily Writing every day (hence, the title “Daily” lol).  We will begin discussing the components of a Narrative piece and students will begin making a blueprint for their writing.

In Daily 5, we have been working on Read to Self and building stamina (I will come back to stamina later :(. ) Next week, we will introduce Read to Someone and practice.

In Math we are spending time Telling Time.  We seem to be at all different levels. With digital clocks everywhere we look, please work with your child on Analog clocks – hour and minute hands. In third grade, we are supposed to be learning elapsed time right now but need to go back and practice telling time first.

This year our unit of study in social studies is MICHIGAN!  I really enjoy teaching it and I believe the kids learn a lot about this wonderful state we live in.

Scientists observe, hypothesis, experiment, communicate, record data….hey, wait a minute…we do those things too!  We are learning that we, too, can be scientists.

Parents have been asking “what can we do to help?”.  I have had to think about things that are needed for the classroom.  The bird donations are going great.  I have enough to buy the birds for sure.  If the donations keep coming, I can get the cage and use the rest for food (for the rest of the year).  It would also be nice to get beanbag chair “filler”.  I have bought it at Meijer before.  It is a big bag of little styrofoam balls.  Our beanbag chairs are a bit flat.  We use these everyday to Read to Self/Someone.

Ok…back to stamina.  I am noticing the lack of focus and being able to stay on task.  Please encourage your children to build stamina in all they do.  They should be able to read for at least 25 minutes without being distracted.  They should be able to write, clean the house, complete homework for at least 25 minutes.  I know we just got back to school, but so far, this is a concern of mine.

Thank you for all you do.  I cannot do my job without you.

I promise not all of my BLOGS will be this long.  Just checking to see how much stamina you have.  LOL!

Ms. Minier

Oh my goodness…can you believe your child is in 3rd grade already?  Didn’t they just start kindergarten?

So, this is it!  I am your child’s teacher for the next 170+ days.  I want you to know that besides my own children, your child is the most important part of my day.  I assure you (even though I am nowhere near perfect) I will do my very best.  This is my 23rd year teaching in Dearborn.  1 year at Henry Ford, 16 years at Maples and the rest is history!  I have taught every grade 1st-5th.  I also work part-time at a nature center because I have a Masters Degree in Environmental Education.  Nature is my passion.  I have 2 sons.  Mason is 15 (soon to be 16) at Salem High School and Mitchell is 12 at West Middle School in Plymouth.  As you can imagine, I am busy, busy, busy…soccer, violin, ping pong club, cross country, baseball, piano and saxophone…never a moment’s rest. LOL!

A few things about the school year you may want to know.

I have provided most of the supplies.  A pencil box with pencils, colored pencils and crayons would be great.  Replenish pencils from time to time please.  Believe it or not our little pencil ghost comes daily and somehow takes our pencils.  Our classroom is always in need of tissues.  Outdoor play equipment would be wonderful as well.

I would like to get a pet bird for our classroom.  If anyone is willing to donate a few dollars for the cause, it would be appreciated.  I need to buy a cage, food and a Zebra Finch.  They have a very peaceful song.

Healthy snacks and water bottles are allowed.  Healthy means – crackers, granola, cheese, vegetables, fruit, cereal…no nuts please!

Our specials schedule is as follows:

Monday:  Art and Music, Tuesday:  Media, Wednesday:  Music, Thursday: Gym and Friday:  Gym, Library Book Check Out and Book Buddies

We follow PBIS in our school.  Colors will be changes if students are not safe, responsible and respectful.  I would appreciate your support in the decisions I make at school.  I always try to be fair.

There are 3 steps to homework.  First, they must take it home.  Next, they must complete it. Last, (most important) they must bring it back.

Grading follows the report card. 1- 95%-100%  2- 80%-94%  3- 70%-79%  4- below 69%  Students are encourage to turn in their best effort.  Effort is always considered in their grade…even if their answers may not be correct.

Spelling words will be given every Monday.  Words will be written in their planners.  A list will be inside their desk for practice at school.  I WILL NOT post them on my BLOG.  Third grade is a year for our children to become more independent.

They best way to contact me is via email:  minerj@dearbornschools.org

Please remember that we are a part of a team.  I hope to work with you and your child.  Matters can always be settled peacefully.

I look forward to teaching your children.  Thank you for the opportunity.

Grades are being entered for Report Cards as I type.  Conferences are coming up on the 10th, 16th and 17th.  Can you believe it?  It seems like our babies were born yesterday.  Here is what we are working on in our classroom.

Math – We are just beginning Unit 3 which focuses mainly on measurement.  Your child will continue to get Homelinks almost every night.  Please check to see that they are understanding the concepts being taught.

Daily 5 – We have spent a lot of time building stamina and independence for this program.  If does not work effectively if everyone is not on task.  We have spent many weeks going over rules and activities for Read to Self, Read to Someone, Listen to Reading, Work on Writing and Word Work.  Our reading groups are formed and new chapter books are about to begin.

Science – We are finishing our unit on Forces and Motion.  The next subject we will study is light.

Social Studies – MICHIGAN!  We have been looking at landforms, bodies of water, vegetation, climate, and precipitation.  This week we focused on our state symbols.

Writing – The students are learning how to write an Opinion paper.

Our classroom is in need of tissue and soap.  I know you keep reading this, but with the colder temperatures upon us, we have a lot of little runny noses and hands that need to be washed.

Thank you for your support.

Mrs. Minier

Dear Parents,

If you are an AOL email user, please be aware that you may not receive email notifications due to AOL policies. We are working to resolve this issue with AOL.

Thank you for your patience while we work with AOL to make sure you get classroom notifications from your teacher.

Sincerely,

Technology Department

Thank you for being patient as I get my blog up and running. I have to say after 22 years of teaching I am still adjusting to using it. Some parents check it faithfully and others do not utilize it. Either is fine.
A brief overview of my classroom routines and procedures-as I am sure you have had questions.
Every morning the kids are expected to come in, take everything they need from their backpacks, turn in their homework, leave their planner open on the desk for me to check, record what they are doing for lunch and begin their Daily Writing. Now that we are a month into school, these behaviors are expected.
I expect the children to follow the Core Values – just as we are to do in our adult life. Isn’t that what we are supposed to be preparing them for? I do change colors (PBIS) for children not displaying Core Values.
I tell the children that the teacher, the parent and the student form a triangle. Many architects design with triangles in mind because it is a strong structure, however, if one of the sides of that triangle is missing…all falls apart. I promise to my job to the best of my ability. I remind the kids I wish I was God and could handle it all, but I’m not. It is essential that the children also put the effort into school work and their behavior. The last piece of that triangle is critical – you. Although we would love to believe that 8/9 year olds can raise themselves…they need support. Please check their planners each night and hold them accountable for their work/behaviors just as they will be in the real world.
Now that testing is done, I will begin to add grades into Gradebook. Please understand in the first month of school there are not a lot of grades that have been collected due to testing and teaching routines and procedures.

Our Specials are as follows:
Monday 9:50 Media and 12:50 Gym
Tuesday 2:30 Music
Wednesday 2:30 Music
Thursday 10:40 Gym and 2:40 Book Check Out
Friday 10:40 Art and 1:30 Book Buddies

I am always available to talk to and offer support. I would appreciate your support. Again, after 22 years, it is discouraging when parents are angry/upset and don’t take the time to try and find a solution with the teacher. I am here for your child. Let’s work together and be that perfect triangle.

Mrs. Minier